Search people, articles, bills, and more
The House passed H.R. 375 to combat 'Rapid Ohia Death,' a fungal disease killing native trees in Hawaii. The bill, which funds research and forest restoration, passed under a fast-track process requiring a two-thirds majority.
This bill, known as the Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025, directs federal agencies to partner with the State of Hawaii to fight a lethal fungal disease threatening native 'ōhi'a trees. These trees are vital to Hawaii's ecosystems and water supply. The bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to continue research into how the disease spreads, restore damaged forests, and manage wild animals like goats and deer that can aggravate the problem. The vote was conducted under 'suspension of the rules,' a procedure typically used for bills that have broad support. This process allows the House to bypass certain lengthy requirements and move straight to a final vote, but it raises the bar for success: instead of a simple majority, the bill needs two-thirds of those voting to approve it. The measure passed with a comfortable margin, exceeding the required supermajority. While Republicans were nearly unanimous in their support, the Democratic caucus was split on the measure. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, where it has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
The bill has been sent to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. The 'ōhi'a tree is essential to Hawaii's native forests and water management; its loss would threaten the state's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Who’s affected. Hawaii Residents: Protects local watersheds and ecosystems that support the state's environment and economy. · Federal Agencies: Mandates continued resource allocation and inter-agency cooperation between the USDA and Interior Department.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus was divided, with 97 members voting in favor and 113 voting against.
Republicans. Republicans overwhelmingly supported the bill, providing 184 'yea' votes.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Jan 23, 2025
The House passed H.R.
375 to combat 'Rapid Ohia Death,' a fungal disease killing native trees in Hawaii. The bill, which funds research and forest restoration, passed under a fast-track process requiring a two-thirds majority.
A motion to suspend the rules is a fast-track procedure used for bills with broad support. It limits debate to 40 minutes and prohibits any changes (amendments) to the text, but requires a two-thirds supermajority to pass.
The bill has been sent to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
The 'ōhi'a tree is essential to Hawaii's native forests and water management; its loss would threaten the state's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The bill passed with a bipartisan majority, though it caused a notable split within the Democratic caucus.
The Democratic caucus was divided, with 97 members voting in favor and 113 voting against.
Republicans overwhelmingly supported the bill, providing 184 'yea' votes.
The lone independent member voted in favor of the bill.