119-SJRES-61 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — 119-SJRES-61

Headline Summary: A measure to nullify the BLM’s Miles City land-use plan that stopped future federal coal leasing, sending the issue to a final up-or-down vote in the Senate. [3]Congress.gov — S.J.Res.61 — Bill Text and latest Senate action (placed on calen…[1]Congress.gov — H.J.Res.104 — All Information: CRS summary and acreage details

What It Does: S.J.Res. 61 uses the Congressional Review Act to overturn BLM’s “Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment,” signed on November 20, 2024. That amendment made no acres available for coal leasing and closed about 1,745,040 acres from further consideration; GAO has confirmed the plan counts as a “rule” that Congress can disapprove under the CRA. If enacted, the RMPA would have no force or effect. [3]Congress.gov — S.J.Res.61 — Bill Text and latest Senate action (placed on calen…[4]FWS.gov (links to Federal Register) — Federal Register notice of BLM Miles City…[1]Congress.gov — H.J.Res.104 — All Information: CRS summary and acreage details[5]U.S. Government Accountability Office — GAO Decision: CRA applies to BLM Miles…

Who’s For It:

• Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Tim Sheehy (R–Montana): argue the plan is a “ban” on future coal leasing that harms jobs and energy security. [6]Office of Sen. Steve Daines — Daines press release announcing bicameral CRA res…
• Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and state/local officials (e.g., counties in coal regions): say overturning the plan protects local tax revenue and communities. [9]State of Montana — Montana Governor Gianforte letter backing S.J.Res.61/H.J.Res…
• Electric and coal interests (NorthWestern Energy, Montana Electric Cooperatives, Westmoreland Mining, Navajo Transitional Energy Co.): cite grid reliability and fuel supply as reasons to back the resolution. [7]Office of Sen. Steve Daines — “What They Are Saying” — supporter statements for…
• House sponsors Rep. Troy Downing and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R–Montana): backing the identical House resolution, framing it as restoring “energy dominance.” [6]Office of Sen. Steve Daines — Daines press release announcing bicameral CRA res…

Who’s Against It:

• Environmental and public-lands groups (e.g., The Wilderness Society): say using the CRA to void Resource Management Plans is unprecedented and could create legal and planning chaos on public lands. [8]The Wilderness Society — The Wilderness Society statement opposing use of CRA o…
• Regional conservation groups (e.g., Powder River Basin Resource Council): supported BLM’s choice to end new federal coal leasing, citing climate and health impacts. [10]Powder River Basin Resource Council — Powder River Basin Resource Council: BLM…

What’s Next: The House passed the identical H.J.Res. 104 on September 3, 2025, and the Senate placed S.J.Res. 61 on its legislative calendar on October 7, 2025. Next step: a Senate floor vote; if both chambers pass a version and it’s signed, the BLM plan is overturned. [2]Congress.gov — H.J.Res.104 — Bill Text (noting House passage on Sept. 3, 2025)[3]Congress.gov — S.J.Res.61 — Bill Text and latest Senate action (placed on calen…