A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generatedPlain-English Summary
This resolution is a formal action by Congress to cancel a federal rule that had been created by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an agency within the Department of the Interior that oversees energy development in U.S. ocean waters. The rule that Congress is canceling was called "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources," and it was designed to establish guidelines for identifying and protecting underwater archaeological sites — such as shipwrecks and other historically significant objects — that might be disturbed by offshore energy projects like oil drilling or wind farm construction.
By passing this "joint resolution of disapproval," Congress used a tool called the Congressional Review Act, which allows lawmakers to overturn recently issued federal agency rules with a simple majority vote. Once signed by the President and enacted into law (Public Law No. 119-3), the BOEM rule is effectively nullified, meaning it cannot be enforced. Additionally, under the Congressional Review Act, the agency is generally prohibited from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future without new authorization from Congress.
This action primarily affects offshore energy companies, federal regulators, and potentially historians, archaeologists, and preservationists who have an interest in protecting underwater cultural heritage. Energy developers may face fewer regulatory requirements related to archaeological review when planning offshore projects, while those who supported the original rule may be concerned that underwater historical sites have less formal federal protection going forward.
This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-3.
March 14, 2025
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Legislative History
Became Public Law No: 119-3.
Mar 14, 2025Signed by President.
Mar 14, 2025Signed by President.
Mar 14, 2025Became Public Law No: 119-3.
Mar 14, 2025Presented to President.
Mar 10, 2025Presented to President.
Mar 10, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 6, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 177. (consideration: CR H1014-1019)
Mar 6, 2025Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 42, H.J. Res. 61 and S.J. Res. 11. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 42, H.J. Res. 61, and S.J. Res. 11 under a closed rule with one of general debate on each measure. The resolution also provides for one motion to recommit on H.J. Res. 42 and H.J. Res. 61 and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 11.
Mar 6, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S.J. Res. 11.
Mar 6, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mar 6, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 202, 1 Present (Roll no. 61). (text: CR H1014-1015)
Mar 6, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 202, 1 Present (Roll no. 61). (text: CR H1014-1015)
Mar 6, 2025Rule H. Res. 177 passed House.
Mar 4, 2025Received in the House.
Feb 26, 2025Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Feb 26, 2025Held at the desk.
Feb 26, 2025Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 44. Record Vote Number: 92.
Feb 25, 2025Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 42. Record Vote Number: 91. (CR S1322)
Feb 25, 2025Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1322-1324, S1332-1333)
Feb 25, 2025Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 44. Record Vote Number: 92. (text: CR S1333)
Feb 25, 2025Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 15.
Feb 24, 2025Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
Feb 24, 2025Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
Feb 24, 2025Introduced in Senate
Feb 4, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Feb 4, 2025