Public Lands Integrity Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]
- Committees
- Budget Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 4, 2026
Bottom line
The Public Lands Integrity Act aims to prevent the sale or transfer of federal lands through the expedited budget reconciliation process by making such provisions subject to the Byrd Rule.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, specifically section 313(b)(1), also known as the Byrd Rule. It adds a new criterion to define what constitutes an 'extraneous' provision in a budget reconciliation bill. Under this amendment, any provision that results in the sale, disposal, or transfer of Federal lands would be considered extraneous and thus subject to a point of order in the Senate, requiring a 60-vote threshold to waive.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for protecting public lands from being treated as mere assets to be sold off to offset budget costs or generate revenue in reconciliation bills. They contend that the sale or transfer of federal lands often has significant long-term environmental, recreational, and economic impacts that should not be decided through a simple majority vote, but rather through a more deliberative process that requires broader consensus.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that this bill unnecessarily restricts Congress's ability to manage federal assets efficiently and to use all available tools to address budgetary challenges. They may contend that there are legitimate reasons for the sale or transfer of federal lands, such as optimizing land use, consolidating holdings, or generating revenue for conservation efforts, and that the Byrd Rule should not be expanded to limit these options in reconciliation.
The bill text is extremely short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation of its implications.
Section 2
Designation of Federal Land Sales, Disposals, or Transfers as Extraneous Under the Byrd Rule
This provision amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by adding a new clause (G) to section 313(b)(1). This clause specifies that any provision within a budget reconciliation measure that leads to the sale, disposal, or transfer of Federal lands will be considered 'extraneous.' The Byrd Rule allows a Senator to raise a point of order against extraneous provisions in reconciliation bills, which can only be overcome by a three-fifths vote (60 votes) of the Senate, effectively preventing such provisions from passing with a simple majority.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this amendment safeguards public lands by preventing their use as easy budgetary offsets in reconciliation, which is designed for deficit reduction, not significant land policy changes. They believe it ensures that any decision regarding the sale or transfer of federal lands receives broader, bipartisan support, reflecting their importance as national assets.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that this change unduly restricts Congress's legislative tools and could hinder legitimate land management strategies that involve sales or transfers. They may argue that it politicizes the Byrd Rule by expanding its scope beyond purely fiscal considerations, potentially making it harder to achieve consensus on budget-related legislation.
Tradeoffs
The bill navigates the tension between maintaining congressional flexibility in budget reconciliation and protecting federal lands from potentially rapid or politically driven sales. It trades some legislative efficiency for increased procedural hurdles, aiming to ensure more deliberate consideration for public land policy.