Bills · HR 1762
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1762SenatePresidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Forest Service Accountability Act
INTRO FEB 27· LAST ACTION MAR 28
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
11
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it changes the level of political scrutiny and accountability for a crucial role in managing over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. If this bill becomes law, the Chief of the Forest Service would become a presidential appointee, elevating the position's profile and making it subject to public hearings and Senate votes. This means the person leading the agency responsible for wildfire management, timber sales, recreation, and conservation would face a more rigorous vetting process.
If this bill doesn't become law, the Chief would continue to be an internal appointment within the Department of Agriculture, chosen by the Secretary of Agriculture. Voters should care because a more public confirmation process could ensure that the leader of the Forest Service is well-qualified and aligns with the priorities of the administration, while also allowing for public input and transparency regarding the person responsible for managing vital natural resources.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The President must appoint the Chief of the Forest Service, and this appointment requires approval from the Senate.
This elevates the position to a higher level of political accountability and public scrutiny, similar to cabinet secretaries.
PROVISION 02
The person appointed as Chief must have substantial experience and demonstrated competence in managing forests and natural resources.
This ensures that the leader of the Forest Service has a strong background directly relevant to the agency's mission.
PROVISION 03
Any nomination for Chief of the Forest Service will be sent to both the Senate Agriculture and Energy committees for review.
This procedural change involves more Senate committees in the review process, potentially broadening the scope of inquiry.
PROVISION 04
If a Chief is already serving when this law takes effect, the President must submit a new nomination within 30 days.
This provision ensures that the new appointment process applies immediately to the current leadership, preventing a delay in implementation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 11
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
15
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 11 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSMAR 28
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
FEB 27
Introduced in House
FEB 27
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1762
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
Last actionMar 28, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 27, 2025
House BillHR 1762SenatePresidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Forest Service Accountability Act
INTRODUCED FEB 27, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 28, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
11
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
