Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.841 - To amend title 54, United States Code, to prohibit the acquisition of land, water, or an interest in land or water from a private landowner using amounts made available under the Land and Water Conservation Fund. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 841 seeks to amend Title 54 of the United States Code, specifically targeting the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The proposed amendment would prohibit the use of LWCF funds for acquiring land, water, or interests therein from private landowners. This restriction aims to limit the federal government's ability to expand public lands through purchases from private entities.

Expected Effects

If enacted, H.R. 841 would significantly alter how states can utilize LWCF financial assistance. States would be barred from using these funds to purchase land or water rights from private landowners. This could lead to fewer land acquisitions for conservation and recreation purposes, potentially impacting public access and environmental protection efforts.

Potential Benefits

  • Potentially reduces the federal government's role in land acquisition, aligning with some views on property rights.
  • Could lead to more innovative conservation strategies that do not rely on direct land purchase.
  • May decrease potential conflicts between the government and private landowners regarding land use.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Limits the ability of states to expand public lands for recreation and conservation using LWCF funds.
  • May hinder efforts to protect critical habitats or ecosystems that are privately owned.
  • Could reduce public access to land and water resources.
  • Potentially decreases the effectiveness of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in achieving its original goals.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's constitutionality is primarily related to the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) and the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1). Congress has broad authority to manage federal property and to appropriate funds for the general welfare. H.R. 841, by restricting how appropriated funds can be used, falls within Congress's power to set conditions on federal spending. However, arguments could be made regarding the potential impact on states' rights if the restrictions are deemed overly coercive.

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).