Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act

# Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act (HR 2645) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would change how the president can use the Antiquities Act, a 1906 law that allows presidents to protect certain lands and objects as national monuments without needing approval from Congress. Currently, presidents have broad authority to designate new monuments. HR 2645 would require congressional approval before the president can create new national monuments, effectively giving Congress more control over these decisions. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would impact the president's executive powers, Congress's legislative role, states, environmental groups, and the public.

Key effects would include: requiring Congress to vote on any new monument designations, potentially making it harder to protect new areas quickly, and shifting decision-making power from the executive to the legislative branch. This is a significant change from current practice, where presidents can act unilaterally. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been passed.