H.R.3777 - Public Land Search and Rescue Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3777, the Public Land Search and Rescue Act, directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program. This program will allocate resources for remote search and rescue activities conducted on federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for grant recipients and specifies allowable uses for the grant funds.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to improve the effectiveness and availability of search and rescue operations on federal lands. This will be achieved by providing funding to state and local entities responsible for these activities. The Act prioritizes areas with a high ratio of visitors to residents, suggesting a focus on popular outdoor recreation destinations.
Potential Benefits
- Improved search and rescue capabilities on federal lands.
- Increased safety for visitors to remote areas.
- Potential economic benefits to local communities through increased tourism and recreation.
- Support for state and local search and rescue teams.
- Better resource allocation for emergency services in high-traffic areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal spending.
- Administrative burden associated with establishing and managing the grant program.
- Possible competition for funds among eligible recipients.
- The 75% federal share requirement may still strain state and local budgets.
- Limited scope, focusing only on federal lands, potentially neglecting other areas in need.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. By improving search and rescue operations on federal lands, the bill promotes the safety and well-being of citizens and visitors. The Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) grants Congress the power to manage and regulate federal lands, further supporting the bill's constitutionality.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).