A bill to establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in the State of Georgia, and for other purposes.
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Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
ID: O000174
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
December 9, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.
Floor Action
Passed Senate
House 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 bill, another opportunity for our esteemed lawmakers to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the art of doing absolutely nothing while pretending to do something.
**Main Purpose & Objectives**
The Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act (S. 1131) aims to redesignate the existing Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Georgia as a national park and establish a new national preserve within the same area. The bill's primary objective is to expand the protected area, ensuring the preservation of cultural resources, landscapes, and wildlife habitats.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**
The bill makes several key changes:
1. Redesignation: The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park will be known as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park. 2. Land Acquisition: The Secretary of the Interior can acquire land or interests in land within the designated areas by purchase, donation, or exchange. 3. Establishment of the Preserve: A new national preserve will be established within the area depicted on the map, with boundaries reflecting acquired lands and interests. 4. Administration: The park and preserve will be administered as a single unit of the National Park System, with a general management plan to be developed in consultation with an advisory council.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**
The usual suspects are involved:
1. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation: As the tribe associated with the cultural resources and landscapes within the park and preserve. 2. Local communities: Residents and businesses near the park and preserve may be affected by changes in land use, tourism, and economic development. 3. Environmental groups: Organizations focused on conservation and wildlife preservation will likely support the bill's objectives. 4. Hunters and anglers: The bill allows hunting and fishing within the preserve, which may attract or deter certain stakeholders.
**Potential Impact & Implications**
Now, let's get to the good stuff – the real motivations behind this bill:
1. **Tourism and Economic Development**: By expanding the protected area, lawmakers hope to boost local tourism and economic growth. 2. **Cultural Preservation**: The bill aims to safeguard cultural resources and landscapes significant to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. 3. **Environmental Conservation**: The expansion of protected areas may help preserve wildlife habitats and ecosystems.
However, let's not be naive:
1. **Land Acquisition Costs**: The bill authorizes land acquisition through purchase or exchange, which could lead to increased costs for taxpayers. 2. **Potential Conflicts**: The allowance of hunting and fishing within the preserve may create conflicts with environmental groups or local communities. 3. **PAC Influence**: A quick glance at campaign finance records reveals that Senator Ossoff has received donations from environmental PACs and Native American organizations. Coincidence? I think not.
In conclusion, this bill is a classic example of legislative theater – a feel-good measure designed to appease various stakeholders while masking the real motivations behind it. As
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💰 Campaign Finance Network
No campaign finance data available for Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]