6 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Feb 5, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v2 and v3 reflect the bill's procedural movement from the House to the Senate, including updated legislative status and the clerk's name. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.

H.R. 837119th CongressIntroduced Jan 31, 2025

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.

Became Public LawPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Oct 20, 2026

Bottom line

H.R. 837 facilitates the transfer of federal land to Gila County, Arizona, for the exclusive use of supporting military veterans, with the county bearing all associated conveyance costs.

What it actually does

This bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to convey approximately 232.9 acres of National Forest System land, known as the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site, in the Tonto National Forest, Arizona, to Gila County, Arizona. This conveyance is without monetary consideration and is specifically for the purpose of serving and supporting veterans of the Armed Forces, with the county bearing all associated conveyance costs.

Proponents argue

Proponents would argue that this bill provides a valuable resource to Gila County to directly support veterans, fulfilling a local need by utilizing federal land that may be underutilized for its current purpose. They would emphasize the benefit to the veteran community and the efficiency of transferring land to local control for specific community-oriented uses.

Opponents contend

Opponents might raise concerns about the precedent of conveying federal land without consideration, potentially diminishing the National Forest System. They might also question the specific need for this particular parcel for veteran services or argue that other mechanisms for supporting veterans exist without divesting federal assets. Some might also express concern about the potential for future misuse if the reversion clause is not strictly enforced.

The bill is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for comprehensive understanding.

Section 1(b) and 1(c)

Mandatory Conveyance of Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision requires the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer all rights, title, and interest of the United States in approximately 232.9 acres of National Forest System land in the Tonto National Forest to Gila County, Arizona. The transfer is contingent on the County submitting a written request within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The exact boundaries will be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupGila County, ArizonaImpactGains ownership of federal land for specific public use.MechanismScale

GroupU.S. Forest Service / Department of AgricultureImpactDivests federal land as mandated by Congress.MechanismScale

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision directly addresses a local need by providing Gila County with land to develop services for veterans, leveraging federal assets for community benefit.

Critics contend

Critics might argue against the precedent of transferring federal land without compensation, potentially reducing the public land base and setting a precedent for similar requests.

Tradeoffs

The tension lies between local community needs and the preservation of federal land holdings. It balances the desire to support veterans locally with the broader principle of maintaining national forest lands.

Section 1(d) and 1(e)

Conveyance Terms, Conditions, and Cost Allocation

prominently featuredstraightforward

The conveyance will be made without monetary consideration, by quitclaim deed, and subject to existing rights and other appropriate terms set by the Secretary. Crucially, Gila County is responsible for all costs associated with the conveyance, including surveys, environmental analyses, and compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act.

Section 1(g) and 1(h)

Exclusive Use for Veterans and Reversion Mechanism

prominently featuredstraightforward

The land conveyed to Gila County must be used exclusively for serving and supporting veterans of the Armed Forces. If the land is used inconsistently with this requirement, all rights, title, and interest in the land will revert to the United States, at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Feb 5, 2025)

H.R. 837119th CongressIntroduced Jan 31, 2025

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.

Became Public LawPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Oct 20, 2026

Bottom line

H.R. 837 facilitates the transfer of federal land to Gila County, Arizona, for the exclusive use of supporting military veterans, with the county bearing all associated conveyance costs.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for comprehensive understanding.

Section 1(b) and 1(c)

Mandatory Conveyance of Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupGila County, ArizonaImpactGains ownership of federal land for specific public use.MechanismScale

GroupU.S. Forest Service / Department of AgricultureImpactDivests federal land as mandated by Congress.MechanismScale

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision directly addresses a local need by providing Gila County with land to develop services for veterans, leveraging federal assets for community benefit.

Critics contend

Critics might argue against the precedent of transferring federal land without compensation, potentially reducing the public land base and setting a precedent for similar requests.

Tradeoffs

Section 1(d) and 1(e)

Conveyance Terms, Conditions, and Cost Allocation

prominently featuredstraightforward

Section 1(g) and 1(h)

Exclusive Use for Veterans and Reversion Mechanism

prominently featuredstraightforward