Senate Appropriations bill

The House has passed the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2025 (H.R. 8998), which aims to protect public lands grazing permittees and challenge overreaching regulations. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council praised the bill for supporting ranchers and rural economies. In contrast, the Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced a more generous bipartisan spending bill totaling $44.6 billion for the Interior and Environment, which includes $15.8 billion for the Interior and a slight increase for the EPA. The Senate bill contrasts sharply with the House's proposed cuts, which have drawn criticism from the White House, indicating that President Biden would veto it if presented. The Office of Management and Budget warns that the House bill would undermine conservation efforts and diminish the EPA's capacity to protect public health and the environment. As negotiations continue, the fate of appropriations remains uncertain amidst partisan divisions.