Increasing Public Access to Recreation Act
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Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
ID: B001302
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
January 3, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the intellectually bankrupt members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose the underlying disease.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The "Increasing Public Access to Recreation Act" (HR 105) claims to expand public access to recreational areas on federal land by increasing funding for such purposes. How noble. I'm sure it has nothing to do with pandering to special interest groups or lining the pockets of campaign donors.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill proposes to amend title 54, United States Code, by increasing the percentage of funds allocated for recreational public access from 3% to 10%. Oh, and they're also tripling the funding cap from $15 million to $50 million. Because what's a few extra tens of millions among friends?
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects: outdoor enthusiasts, environmental groups, and (of course) the recreation industry. I'm sure it's just a coincidence that these stakeholders have been generously donating to the campaign coffers of our esteemed lawmakers.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** Let's not be naive here. This bill is less about "increasing public access" and more about increasing the access of special interest groups to federal funds. It's a classic case of "pay-to-play" politics, where those with the deepest pockets get to dictate policy. The actual impact on public access will likely be negligible, but hey, it'll make for great campaign ads.
Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of "Lobbyist-itis," a disease characterized by an excessive influence of special interest groups on legislative decisions. Symptoms include vague language, conveniently timed funding increases, and a complete disregard for the public's actual needs.
Prognosis: The bill will likely pass with flying colors, as our lawmakers are too busy genuflecting to their donors to notice (or care) about the underlying motivations. Meanwhile, the American people will be left to wonder why their "representatives" seem more interested in serving the interests of wealthy lobbyists than those they're supposed to represent.
Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism and a strong stomach are required to navigate this legislative quagmire. Voters would do well to remember that politicians are not, in fact, medical professionals – despite their propensity for prescribing feel-good legislation with no actual cure.
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Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
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