Recent Federal Bills

Below are summaries of Bills Introduced, Committee Reports, Chamber Actions, and Public Laws reported in the most recent issue of ELR's Weekly Update.

would amend Title 38, U.S. Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish information about conditions and cohorts the Department of Veterans Affairs is considering for purposes of establishing or removing presumptions of service connection regarding toxic exposure.

would amend the CZMA to allow the District of Columbia to receive federal funding under the Act.

would amend the Natural Gas Act to provide for expanded natural gas exports.

would provide for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, of the rule submitted by BLM relating to "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision."

would amend the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to give preference to local contractors in awarding contracts to carry out certain hazardous fuel reduction projects on federal land.

would prohibit oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production in certain areas of the outer continental shelf off the coast of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the city of Ouray, Colorado, certain land managed by the Forest Service, together with a reservoir.

would authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for federally recognized Indian tribes.

would promote innovative practices for soil health through USDA conservation programs.

would require the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in certain land in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin.