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H.R. 803 117th Congress House

Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act

Official title: To designate certain lands in the State of Colorado as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 4, 2021 Introduced by: Diana DeGette Democratic · Colorado See on congress.gov
Public Lands and Natural Resources Advisory bodiesAir qualityAlternative and renewable resourcesAquatic ecology
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Archaeology and anthropologyArizonaAviation and airportsCaliforniaCaribbean areaClimate change and greenhouse gasesCoalColoradoCongressional oversightDrug trafficking and controlled substancesEcologyEconomic developmentElectric power generation and transmissionEndangered and threatened speciesEnergy researchEnergy storage, supplies, demandEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchFiresFloods and storm protectionForests, forestry, treesGovernment studies and investigationsHistoric sites and heritage areasHistorical and cultural resourcesHorticulture and plantsHybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehiclesIndian lands and resources rightsLakes and riversLand transfersLand use and conservationLicensing and registrationsLivestockMaineMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMassachusettsMilitary education and trainingMilitary facilities and propertyMilitary historyMilitary personnel and dependentsMilitary readinessMiningMonuments and memorialsNational Guard and reservesNorth CarolinaOregonOutdoor recreationParks, recreation areas, trailsPedestrians and bicyclingPest managementProduct development and innovationPublic contracts and procurementPublic utilities and utility ratesPublic-private cooperationResearch and developmentSeashores and lakeshoresU.S. territories and protectoratesVirgin IslandsVirginiaWashington StateWater qualityWater use and supplyWatershedsWilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitatsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
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This bill died when the 117th Congress ended
It never became law before the 117th Congress (2021–2022) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 25 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 2, 2021
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Feb 26, 2021
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 227 - 200 (Roll no. 45).
Feb 26, 2021
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Neguse amendment en bloc No.2, the Chair put the question on the adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Westerman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Feb 26, 2021
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H757-761)
Feb 26, 2021
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Feb 26, 2021
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 221 (Roll no. 44).
Feb 26, 2021
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Feb 26, 2021
Mr. Westerman moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H760)
Feb 26, 2021
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Feb 26, 2021
Motion to reconsider laid on the table. Agreed to without objection.
Feb 26, 2021
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule XIX, further consideration of H.R. 803 is postponed.
Feb 26, 2021
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 147, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Neguse en bloc amendment No. 2.
Feb 26, 2021
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Curtis amendment, the Chair put the question on the adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Curtis demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Feb 26, 2021
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 147, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Curtis amendment No. 3.
Feb 26, 2021
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Neguse amendment en bloc No.1, the Chair put the question on the adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Westerman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Feb 26, 2021
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 147, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Neguse en bloc amendment No. 1.
Feb 26, 2021
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H737-757)
Feb 25, 2021
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule 19, further consideration of H.R.803 is postponed.
Feb 25, 2021
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 803.
Feb 25, 2021
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 and H.R. 5. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 803 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 5 and one motion to recommit.
Feb 25, 2021
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 147. (consideration: CR H661-702; text: CR H661-693)
Feb 23, 2021
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 147 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 and H.R. 5. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 803 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 5 and one motion to recommit.
Feb 19, 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
Feb 4, 2021
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 4, 2021
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 2
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Feb 26, 2021 House · vote #45 On Passage Passed 227–200 See who voted →
Feb 26, 2021 House · vote #44 On Motion to Recommit Failed 204–221 See who voted →
 Amendments to this bill 4

Amendments propose changes to this bill. Members vote on amendments separately before the final bill vote. An agreed amendment becomes part of the bill; a failed amendment does not.

3 agreed to 1 failed

AmendmentSponsorPurposeStatusLatest action
HAMDT 13 Neguse, Joe Amendments en bloc No. 2 comprised of amendments numbered 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27, and 29, printe… Failed Feb 26, 2021
HAMDT 12 Curtis, John R. Amendment requires a study to determine if any land withdrawn by the legislation contains geothermal resource… Agreed to Feb 26, 2021
HAMDT 11 Neguse, Joe Amendments en bloc No. 1 comprised of amendments numbered 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, … Agreed to Feb 26, 2021
HAMDT 10 – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 147 the amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text … Agreed to Feb 25, 2021
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 Latest action March 2, 2021

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act

This bill provides for the preservation, conservation, and recreational use of public lands, including in Arizona, California, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In Colorado, the bill designates wilderness, potential wilderness, a recreation management area, wildlife conservation areas, a national historic landscape, and special management areas and establishes the Greater Thompson Divide Fugitive Coal Mine Methane Use Pilot Program, the Fugitive Methane Emission Leasing Program, and a recreation area.

In California, the bill

  • establishes a recreation area, partnerships, and a special management area;
  • designates a trail, wilderness, potential wilderness, and wild, scenic, and recreational rivers;
  • establishes a special conservation management area;
  • establishes the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council and the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Partnership; and
  • adds specified areas to the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park.

In Washington, the bill designates wilderness and wild, scenic, and recreational rivers.

In Arizona and Oregon, the bill withdraws specified federal lands.

In North Carolina and Virginia, the bill requires a study of designating an area as the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area.

In Maine, the bill designates a recreational river.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the bill establishes a heritage area.

In Virginia, the bill adds certain lands to Rough Mountain and Rich Hole Wildernesses.

The bill extends the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission until September 26, 2028.

The bill establishes an outdoor recreation legacy partnership grant program.

The bill establishes a National Heritage Area System.

 Related & companion bills 18
  • HRES 147 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 803) to designate certain lands in the State of Colorado as components of…
  • HR 817 To extend the authorization for the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission.
  • HR 973 Central Coast Heritage Protection Act
  • HR 980 Southwestern Oregon Watershed and Salmon Protection Act of 2021
  • HR 999 Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
  • HR 1154 Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Act
  • HR 1230 To adjust the boundary of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.
  • HR 1316 National Heritage Area Act of 2021
  • S 455 Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
  • S 470 Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Act
Show all 18 related billsShow fewer related bills
  • HR 1354 Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Study Act
  • HR 1424 St. Croix National Heritage Area Act
  • HR 1469 York River Wild and Scenic River Act of 2021
  • S 1000 Virginia Wilderness Additions Act of 2021
  • S 1317 Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act
  • S 1321 Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Boundary Modification Act of 2021
  • S 2158 Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission Reauthorization Act
  • HR 7168 Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act
 Bill text 3 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
 Cosponsors 3
All 3 Democratic 2
D
Crow, Jason
Colorado · Feb 4, 2021
 D
Neguse, Joe
Colorado · Feb 4, 2021
Perlmutter, Ed
· Feb 4, 2021
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 803: Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act. 117th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-803/
MLA
"H.R. 803: Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act." 117th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-803/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 803, 117th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-803/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 803: Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-803/)
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