Federal · 119th Congress
EARA
Policy areaGovernment Operations and Politics
Summary
Expedited Appeals Review Act or the EARA
This bill authorizes a party that files an appeal of a Department of the Interior decision with the Interior Board of Land Appeals to submit a written request for expedited review of the appeal. (The mission of the board is to provide an impartial forum within Interior for the resolution of disputes involving public lands and natural resources under Interior's jurisdiction.)
If a party submits such a request, the board must issue a final decision on the appeal not later than six months after the date on which the request for expedited review was received. However, the deadline may not be earlier than 18 months after the date on which the appeal was initially filed with the board.
If the deadline for expedited review is not met, Interior's decision is deemed a final agency action and is subject to de novo judicial review (i.e., without deference to the agency's decision).
This bill applies to appeals pending as of the date of enactment of this bill and appeals filed after the date of enactment.
Sponsor
Other titles3
To establish a process to expedite the review of appeals of certain decisions by the Department of the Interior.Official Title as IntroducedOfficial Title from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text
EARAShort Title(s) as IntroducedShort Title(s) as Reported to HouseShort Title(s) as Passed HouseShort Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
Expedited Appeals Review ActShort Title(s) as IntroducedShort Title(s) as Reported to HouseShort Title(s) as Passed HouseShort Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
Legislative history14
Sep 30, 2026
Senate · CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Feb 12, 2026
Senate · CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-305.
May 14, 2025
SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
May 13, 2025
House · FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 13, 2025
House · FloorOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1973)
May 13, 2025
House · FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 677.
May 13, 2025
House · FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1973-1974)
May 13, 2025
House · FloorMr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
May 5, 2025
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
May 5, 2025
House · CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-88.
Apr 9, 2025
House · CommitteeOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
Apr 9, 2025
House · CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
12 of 14
Documents5
Texts
As referred to a Senate committeeLatestReferred in SenateU.S. Government Publishing OfficeMay 14, 2025As passed by the HouseEngrossed in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeMay 13, 2025As reported by the House committeeReported in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeMay 5, 2025As introduced in the HouseIntroduced in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeJan 23, 2025