House Advances Legislation to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday, Promote Commonsense Land Management

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation to authorize a patriotic tribute in Utah, raise revenue for North Dakota's public schools, and more. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:

"Members of the House Committee on Natural Resources are committed to ensuring responsible stewardship of our public lands. The bills passed by the House today will help America celebrate her 250^th birthday, ease the process for commonsense land transfers and celebrate the legacy of one of our nation's most storied statesmen. I look forward to seeing these bills advance in the Senate."

Background

H.R. 2252, the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2026, introduced by U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.), allows North Dakota to relinquish state trust lands located within tribal reservations to the federal government and select equal-value federal lands elsewhere in the state.

H.R. 4684, the Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2026, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-Utah), restores a local patriotic tradition by authorizing the seasonal placement of an American flag at a prominent summit in Utah in time for the celebration of the 250^th anniversary of American independence.