June 15, 2026
Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Barrasso, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Scott of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
To expedite resolution of certain administrative proceedings at the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Free to Exit Administrative Tribunals Act
or the FEAT Act
.
Sec. 2. Removal of administrative proceedings
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered action
The term covered action means an agency proceeding that is adjudicated in the Departmental Cases Hearings Division or the Interior Board of Land Appeals of the Office of Hearings and Appeals of the Department of the Interior.
(2) Covered party
The term covered party means a party to a covered action that—
(A)
initiated the covered action seeking Department approval to engage in conduct for which Department approval is required; or
(B)
seeks relief from any sanction or civil penalty imposed on that party by the Department.
(3) Department
The term Department means the Department of the Interior.
(b) Right of removal
In accordance with section 1446 of title 28, United States Code, a covered party may remove to a district court of the United States of competent jurisdiction a covered action not later than 60 days after that covered action is initiated with the Department.
(c) Review
A covered action removed to a district court of the United States under subsection (b) shall be reviewed de novo.