Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

To amend the Sikes Act to increase flexibility with respect to cooperative and interagency agreements for land management off of installations.

Summary

H.R. 4293 aims to amend the Sikes Act to enhance flexibility in cooperative and interagency agreements for land management activities occurring off of military installations. The bill specifically targets Section 103A(a)(2) of the Sikes Act, seeking to broaden the scope of permissible agreements. This expansion includes considerations for the operations of military installations or State-owned National Guard installations.

Expected Effects

The amendment will likely result in increased collaboration between military entities and other agencies in managing land near military installations. This could lead to more efficient resource management and better alignment of land use practices. It also allows for greater consideration of military operational needs in land management decisions.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved coordination between military and civilian agencies.
  • Enhanced land management practices around military installations.
  • Greater consideration of military operational needs in land use planning.
  • Potential for cost savings through shared resources and expertise.
  • Increased flexibility in addressing land management challenges.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for conflicts between military and civilian land use priorities.
  • Risk of environmental damage if land management practices are not carefully considered.
  • Possible negative impacts on local communities if their interests are not adequately addressed.
  • Increased administrative burden in managing cooperative agreements.
  • Potential for misuse of funds or resources.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the Constitution's provision for the common defense (Preamble). Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers. This bill facilitates land management practices that support military operations, falling under the umbrella of national defense.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).