Rep. Steube Pushes His Myakka River Bill Before House Natural Resources Committee

WASHINGTON--Last week, Rep. Steube testified before the House Natural Resources subcommittee on Federal Lands in support of his bill H.R. 642, the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025. His legislation would add the 34-mile Sarasota County segment of the Myakka River to the Partnership Wild and Scenic River program, a collaborative federal framework jointly protecting free-flowing rivers that mostly run though private or non-federal land.

"As a Floridian who grew up working cattle along the Myakka River, I know firsthand how important the river is to Southwest Florida," said Rep. Steube. "My legislation would recognize the 34-mile segment of the Myakka River in Sarasota County through the Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers program and help preserve this Florida treasure for generations to come."

"Sarasota County appreciates the continued attention to the Myakka River and its importance to our community, environment and quality of life," said Ron Cutsinger, Chair of the Sarasota County Commission. "We are grateful to Congressman Steube and our federal delegation for recognizing the importance of this treasured natural resource, and we value the ongoing work to support stewardship of the river for future generations."

The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act has the support of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Sarasota County Commission, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Trust for Public Lands, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, City of Venice, Suncoast Builders Association, Hawkins Ranch, Big Waters Land Trust, Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, League of Women Voters of Sarasota County, and the Myakka River Management Coordination Council.

Background: Rep. Steube's bill has rapidly grown statewide support since its introduction, with Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody leading this effort in the Senate. Rep. Steube's bill has also gained the bipartisan support of Representatives Vern Buchanan, Daniel Webster, Darren Soto, Jimmy Patronis, Kat Cammack, John Rutherford, Laurel Lee and Gus Bilirakis.

Clearing a major legislative benchmark, last week's hearing before the House Natural Resources committees brings Rep. Steube's bill one step closer to consideration before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Watch Rep. Steube's remarks here.