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Congress·Passed House·H.R. 677

Expedited Appeals Review Act

Land Use Appeals: Faster Review Process

EARA

The House of Representatives has passed this bill, and it is now being reviewed by a Senate committee. The Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining recently held a hearing to discuss the proposal. The bill is actively moving through the legislative process.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law
Could go either way

The bill has already passed the House and moved to the Senate. While it addresses common complaints about government delays, it still needs to clear the Senate committee process.

Key Points

  • This bill creates a faster way for people and companies to challenge decisions made by the Department of the Interior. It focuses on cases handled by the Board of Land Appeals, which deals with things like mining, grazing, and energy projects on public land.
  • If a person asks for a fast review, the government must finish the case within six months of that request. However, the total time spent on the appeal must be at least 18 months. This gives the agency a clear deadline to finish its work.
  • If the government misses the deadline, the person can take their case directly to a federal court. The court will then look at the case from scratch instead of just reviewing what the agency already did. This prevents cases from getting stuck in government paperwork for years.
  • The new rules would apply to cases that are already waiting for a decision and any new ones filed in the future. It is meant to help businesses and individuals get final answers on their land use permits more quickly.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

5 milestones14 actions
Feb 12, 2026Senate

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.

May 14, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

May 13, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

May 13, 2025House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1973)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

May 13, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1973)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

News

No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

EARA

Bill NumberHR 677
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.