Summary
This joint resolution proposes to use the Congressional Review Act to nullify a 2024 decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding land use in northeast Wyoming. The current BLM rule prevents any federal coal from being made available for future leasing within the Buffalo Field Office planning area. If this resolution were enacted, it would effectively cancel that restriction and require the federal government to return to a 2015 management plan that allows for coal leasing in the region.
The BLM originally implemented the leasing ban following a court ruling that required the agency to more thoroughly investigate the climate impacts of coal production. By overturning the agency's response to that court order, this resolution aims to reopen federal lands to energy development. For citizens, the bill's passage would likely lead to renewed opportunities for coal mining companies to bid on federal contracts, potentially impacting local employment and energy production in the Powder River Basin.
Because this is a joint resolution, it would have the force of law if passed by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President. However, the legislation has been indefinitely postponed in the Senate, meaning it is unlikely to move forward at this time.
AI-generated summary
Lifecycle of the Bill
Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8395)
Nov 20, 2025
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 47. Record Vote Number: 621.
Nov 19, 2025
Measure laid before Senate by motion.
Nov 19, 2025
Nov 19, 2025, 2:23 PM ET
SenateAgreed To
On the Motion to Proceed
On the Motion to Proceed
51 Yes
47 No
VoteProceduralSenate
The Senate voted 51-47 on November 19, 2025, to agree to a motion to proceed on S.J.Res. 89, a joint resolution of congressional disapproval under the Congressional Review Act targeting a Bureau of Land Management rule. The rule concerns the Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment. This procedural motion to proceed allows the Senate to begin debate and consideration of the disapproval resolution. By voting to proceed, the Senate agreed to move forward with floor action on this measure. Rejecting the motion would have blocked the resolution from receiving further consideration. The vote was strictly partisan, with all 51 Republicans voting yes and all 47 Democrats voting no. No Democrats supported proceeding with the resolution. With the motion agreed to, the Senate will now debate and vote on whether to pass the underlying disapproval resolution, which if enacted would nullify the BLM rule.
Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8395)
Nov 20, 2025
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 47. Record Vote Number: 621.
Nov 19, 2025
Measure laid before Senate by motion.
Nov 19, 2025
Nov 19, 2025, 2:23 PM ET
SenateAgreed To
On the Motion to Proceed
On the Motion to Proceed
51 Yes
47 No
VoteProceduralSenate
The Senate voted 51-47 on November 19, 2025, to agree to a motion to proceed on S.J.Res. 89, a joint resolution of congressional disapproval under the Congressional Review Act targeting a Bureau of Land Management rule. The rule concerns the Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment. This procedural motion to proceed allows the Senate to begin debate and consideration of the disapproval resolution. By voting to proceed, the Senate agreed to move forward with floor action on this measure. Rejecting the motion would have blocked the resolution from receiving further consideration. The vote was strictly partisan, with all 51 Republicans voting yes and all 47 Democrats voting no. No Democrats supported proceeding with the resolution. With the motion agreed to, the Senate will now debate and vote on whether to pass the underlying disapproval resolution, which if enacted would nullify the BLM rule.
Congress
119th Congress
Introduced
Oct 8, 2025
