Us Congress House Bill HB2157

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Construction for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The implications of HB2157 center on how federal funding is allocated to wildlife conservation and related construction projects. By capping the funding, proponents argue that it reflects a necessary step in ensuring that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and responsibly. This limitation may impact various ongoing and future infrastructure projects that support wildlife habitats or other environmental initiatives under the Department of the Interior. Consequently, a restriction on available funds could delay or downscale important conservation efforts that depend on federal support.

Summary

House Bill 2157 aims to impose a limitation on the availability of funds for the U.S. Department of the Interior, specifically targeting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's construction activities for the fiscal year 2024. This legislation sets a cap of $12,847,000 for the Department's construction projects, which marks a significant discussion point among lawmakers about the fiscal priorities of the federal budget. The bill was introduced by a coalition of Republican members who have consistently advocated for reduced government spending in agencies they perceive as regulatory overreach in environmental matters.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB2157, particularly regarding its effects on environmental protections and federal responsibilities. Critics of the bill, including some Democratic legislators and advocates for wildlife conservation, argue that limiting funding could hinder crucial projects that protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity. They suggest that such fiscal constraints reflect a broader agenda to undermine environmental protections and prioritize short-term budget savings over long-term ecological sustainability. This framing of the debate highlights the tension between fiscal conservatism and environmental stewardship, suggesting that the outcomes of this bill could resonate beyond the immediate budgetary concerns.