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Public Law116th CongressPublic Lands and Natural Resources
H.R. 1957Became Law

Great American Outdoors Act

This bill became law

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Law

What it doesSummary public law (Aug 4, 2020)

Great American Outdoors Act

This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands.

For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of energy development revenues credited, covered, or deposited as miscellaneous receipts from oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy development on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year.

The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by

  • the National Park Service,
  • the Forest Service,
  • the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
  • the Bureau of Land Management, and
  • the Bureau of Indian Education.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies.

Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.

What just happenedAug 4, 2020

Became Public Law No: 116-152.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Lewis, John [D-GA-5](D-GA)Sponsor
28 cosponsors18 D10 R
Read on Congress.gov
28cosponsors2committees54actions82amendments18related bills63subjects
  1. Aug 4, 2020President

    Became Public Law No: 116-152.

  2. Aug 4, 2020BecameLaw36000

    Became Public Law No: 116-152.

  3. Aug 4, 2020President

    Signed by President.

  4. Aug 4, 2020BecameLaw36000

    Signed by President.

  5. Jul 24, 2020Floor

    Presented to President.

  6. Jul 24, 2020President28000

    Presented to President.

  7. Jul 22, 2020ResolvingDifferencesH41931

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  8. Jul 22, 2020ResolvingDifferencesH41610

    On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 310 - 107 (Roll no. 155). (text: CR H3642-3644)

  9. Jul 22, 2020NotUsed19500

    Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 310 - 107 (Roll no. 155).(text: CR H3642-3644)

  10. Jul 22, 2020FloorH8D000

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Senate amendments to H.R. 1957, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (UT) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing to the Senate amendments until a time to be announced.

  11. Jul 22, 2020ResolvingDifferencesH41400

    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

  12. Jul 22, 2020FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1053 and the order of the House of July 21, 2020, the House proceeded with 80 minutes of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1957.

  13. Jul 22, 2020FloorH8D000

    Pursuant to H. Res. 1053, Mr. Grijalva moved to take H.R. 1957 from the Speaker's table, with the Senate amendments thereto and agree to the Senate amendments. (consideration: CR H3642-3657, H3667-3668)

  14. Jul 21, 2020FloorH8D000

    ORDER OF PROCEDURE - Mr. McGovern asked unanimous consent that, notwithstanding H. Res. 1053, during consideration of the motion to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 1957 pursuant to such resolution, debate on such motion to concur shall not exceed 80 minutes, with one hour equally controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader or their respective designees.

  15. Jul 20, 2020FloorH1L220

    Rule H. Res. 1053 passed House.

  16. Jul 20, 2020FloorH1L210

    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1053 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6395, H.R. 7027, H.R. 7327 and H.R. 1957. Provides for the consideration of H.R. 6395, H.R. 7027, H.R. 7327, and the Senate Amendments to H.R. 1957. Rule also provides that H.Res. 967, as amended by H.Res. 1017, is further amended by inserting a new date.

  17. Jun 18, 2020Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  18. Jun 17, 2020Floor

    Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 73 - 25. Record Vote Number: 121.

  19. Jun 17, 2020Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 73 - 25. Record Vote Number: 121.

  20. Jun 17, 2020Floor

    Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3027, S3031-3038)

  21. Jun 16, 2020Floor

    Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2982, S2994-2996, S3006-3010)

  22. Jun 15, 2020Floor

    Cloture on the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 75 - 23. Record Vote Number: 120. (CR S2972)

  23. Jun 15, 2020Floor

    Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2960, S2963-2972)

  24. Jun 12, 2020Floor

    Motion by Senator McConnell to commit to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 1630) fell when cloture was invoked on SA 1617.

  25. Jun 12, 2020Floor

    Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2949-2956)

  26. Jun 11, 2020Floor

    Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2903, S2911-2920, S2922-2928)

  27. Jun 10, 2020Floor

    Motion by Senator McConnell to commit to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 1630) made in Senate. (CR S2853)

    Energy and Natural Resources Committee
  28. Jun 10, 2020Floor

    Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate. (CR S2853)

  29. Jun 10, 2020Floor

    Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S2852-2853)

  30. Jun 10, 2020Floor

    Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 79 - 18. Record Vote Number: 116.

  31. Jun 10, 2020Floor

    Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S2841)

  32. Jun 9, 2020Floor

    Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S2774)

  33. Jun 8, 2020Floor

    Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 80 - 17. Record Vote Number: 114. (CR S2759)

  34. Jun 8, 2020Floor

    Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S2748)

  35. Jun 4, 2020Floor

    Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S2743)

  36. Jun 4, 2020Floor

    Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.

  37. Apr 29, 2019Calendars

    Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 75.

  38. Apr 11, 2019Calendars

    Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

  39. Apr 10, 2019IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate.

  40. Apr 9, 2019FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  41. Apr 9, 2019FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3151-3162)

  42. Apr 9, 2019Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H3151-3162)

  43. Apr 9, 2019FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1957.

  44. Apr 9, 2019FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3151-3166)

  45. Apr 9, 2019FloorH30300

    Mr. Lewis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  46. Apr 9, 2019CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 19.

  47. Apr 9, 2019DischargeH12300

    Committee on Financial Services discharged.

    Financial Services Committee
  48. Apr 9, 2019Committee5500

    Committee on Financial Services discharged.

    Financial Services Committee
  49. Apr 9, 2019CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 116-39, Part I.

    Ways and Means Committee
  50. Apr 9, 2019Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 116-39, Part I.

    Ways and Means Committee
  51. Mar 28, 2019IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial 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.

    Financial Services Committee
  52. Mar 28, 2019IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial 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.

    Ways and Means Committee
  53. Mar 28, 2019IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  54. Mar 28, 2019IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Public LawAug 4, 202049

Great American Outdoors Act

This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands.

For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of energy development revenues credited, covered, or deposited as miscellaneous receipts from oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy development on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year.

The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by

  • the National Park Service,
  • the Forest Service,
  • the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
  • the Bureau of Land Management, and
  • the Bureau of Indian Education.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies.

Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.

House agreed to Senate amendmentJul 22, 202059

Great American Outdoors Act

This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands.

For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of energy development revenues credited, covered, or deposited as miscellaneous receipts from oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy development on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year.

The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by

  • the National Park Service,
  • the Forest Service,
  • the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
  • the Bureau of Land Management, and
  • the Bureau of Indian Education.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies.

Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.

Passed SenateJun 17, 202055

Great American Outdoors Act

This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands.

For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of energy development revenues credited, covered, or deposited as miscellaneous receipts from oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy development on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year.

The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by

  • the National Park Service,
  • the Forest Service,
  • the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
  • the Bureau of Land Management, and
  • the Bureau of Indian Education.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies.

Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.

Passed HouseApr 9, 201953

Taxpayer First Act of 2019

This bill modifies requirements for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding its organizational structure, customer service, enforcement procedures, management of information technology, and use of electronic systems.

The bill includes provisions that

  • establish the IRS Independent Office of Appeals to resolve federal tax controversies without litigation;
  • require the IRS to develop a comprehensive customer service strategy;
  • continue the IRS Free File Program;
  • exempt certain low-income taxpayers from payments required to submit an offer-in-compromise;
  • modify tax enforcement procedures that address issues such as the seizure of property, issuing a summons, joint liability, referral for private debt collection, and contacting third parties;
  • establish requirements for responding to Taxpayer Advocate Directives;
  • permanently authorize the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program;
  • modify procedures for whistle-blowers;
  • establish requirements for cybersecurity and identify protection;
  • prohibit the rehiring of certain IRS employees who were removed for misconduct;
  • allow the IRS to require additional taxpayers to file returns electronically; and
  • increase the penalty for failing to file a return.

The bill requires the IRS Commissioner to appoint a Chief Information Officer, modifies the requirements for managing information technology, and authorizes streamlined critical pay authority for certain IRS information technology positions.

The bill also requires the IRS to implement

  • an Internet platform for Form 1099 filings,
  • a fully automated program for disclosing taxpayer information for third-party income verification using the Internet, and
  • uniform standards and procedures for the acceptance of electronic signatures.
Introduced in HouseMar 28, 2019

Taxpayer First Act of 2019

This bill modifies requirements for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding its organizational structure, customer service, enforcement procedures, management of information technology, and use of electronic systems.

The bill includes provisions that

  • establish the IRS Independent Office of Appeals to resolve federal tax controversies without litigation;
  • require the IRS to develop a comprehensive customer service strategy;
  • continue the IRS Free File Program;
  • exempt certain low-income taxpayers from payments required to submit an offer-in-compromise;
  • modify tax enforcement procedures that address issues such as the seizure of property, issuing a summons, joint liability, referral for private debt collection, and contacting third parties;
  • establish requirements for responding to Taxpayer Advocate Directives;
  • permanently authorize the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program;
  • modify procedures for whistle-blowers;
  • establish requirements for cybersecurity and identify protection;
  • prohibit the rehiring of certain IRS employees who were removed for misconduct;
  • allow the IRS to require additional taxpayers to file returns electronically; and
  • increase the penalty for failing to file a return.

The bill requires the IRS Commissioner to appoint a Chief Information Officer, modifies the requirements for managing information technology, and authorizes streamlined critical pay authority for certain IRS information technology positions.

The bill also requires the IRS to implement

  • an Internet platform for Form 1099 filings,
  • a fully automated program for disclosing taxpayer information for third-party income verification using the Internet, and
  • uniform standards and procedures for the acceptance of electronic signatures.
Great American Outdoors Act — Informed