Public land sale blocked by Senate rules

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A proposal in the Senate to sell off certain federal lands in 11 western states is facing hurdles in Congress, but some say it’s needed for more housing. 

“In the western states west of the Rockies, that is dominated as federal controlled land,” Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) said Monday, pointing to a map on the House floor. 

California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa says some of that land should be for sale. He says the government has done a poor job of maintaining it. 

“Northern California, my area. We’re tired of it. we’re tired of the lands not being managed, going up in smoke,” LaMalfa said. 

The proposal from Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee aims to make room for more housing. Lee posted on X, “Americans deserve the chance to buy a home. Many need land to do so. The U.S. government has some.”

His initial plan directed the federal government to sell up to three million acres in 11 western states. After the Senate Parliamentarian blocked that from going in the GOP tax bill, Lee said he’s revising the bill to limit what land is for sale. 

He says it’s less than 1% of public land. Lee’s proposal excludes national parks, monuments, land leased for energy production and more. 

“It’s dangerous. It’s terrible. It’s not good public policy,” Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) said. 

California Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson says he’s worked to protect the same land that could be up for grabs. 

“Selling off the public’s property and the public’s access to wild and beautiful places to someone who’s got a bunch of money troubles me, because you don’t get that back,” Thompson said. 

Others are concerned about a lack of local input on the issue. 

“When you look at just the beautiful areas in my district, places like Tahoe, this absolutely needs to be protected like the national treasure that it is,” Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) said. 

California Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley says if senators approve the proposal and send it back to the House, “They will be imperiling the entire legislative package.”