119-HR-504 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A small, targeted bill to add the Miccosukee Tribe’s Osceola Camp to the Miccosukee Reserved Area in Everglades National Park and require the Interior Department to take steps—within two years and in consultation with the Tribe—to protect camp buildings from flooding. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.504 (119th): Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act

What It Does

- Expands the existing Miccosukee Reserved Area to include “Osceola Camp,” a village inside Everglades National Park, as shown on an NPS map on file. - Tells the Secretary of the Interior to work with the Miccosukee Tribe and take appropriate actions within two years to prevent flooding damage to structures in the camp. In short, it formally recognizes the area as part of the Tribe’s reserved area and puts the federal government on the hook to help safeguard homes and infrastructure from rising water. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.504 (119th): Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act

Why this location matters: Osceola Camp is a longstanding Miccosukee residential village. Park planners have already studied flood‐protection options—like elevating ground surfaces, roads, utilities, and select buildings—and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact after public review. [4]U.S. National Park Service — Osceola Camp project background (EA notice)[5]U.S. National Park Service — NPS Finding of No Significant Impact: Osceola Camp…

Who’s For It

• Sponsor: Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R‑FL) says incorporating Osceola Camp strengthens tribal governance and protects residents while allowing Everglades restoration water flows to proceed. [6]House of Representatives — Press release: Rep. Gimenez introduces Miccosukee Re…
• Cosponsors: Reps. Mario Díaz‑Balart (R‑FL), Maria Elvira Salazar (R‑FL), and Darren Soto (D‑FL) joined; the measure passed the House by voice vote under suspension, indicating broad support. [2]Congress.gov — All Info for H.R.504 (cosponsors, actions)[2]Congress.gov — All Info for H.R.504 (cosponsors, actions)
• Miccosukee Tribe: Tribal leadership publicly backs the bill as a modest expansion that lets the Tribe raise the camp to prevent flooding and maintain traditions at a culturally important site. [6]House of Representatives — Press release: Rep. Gimenez introduces Miccosukee Re…
• House Natural Resources Committee: Reported the bill favorably, citing the need to include Osceola Camp in the Reserved Area and coordinate flood protection. [7]U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) — House Report 119-189 (Part 1): Miccos…

Who’s Against It

• No organized opposition is recorded in the House report or the chamber’s proceedings; the bill cleared the House by voice vote under suspension of the rules. [7]U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) — House Report 119-189 (Part 1): Miccos…[2]Congress.gov — All Info for H.R.504 (cosponsors, actions)
• Environmental review notes: Because work would occur inside a national park, NPS evaluated potential impacts and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for elevating the camp and related infrastructure. (That doesn’t preclude future concerns, but it indicates the agency found no significant effects.) [5]U.S. National Park Service — NPS Finding of No Significant Impact: Osceola Camp…

What’s Next

Status as of December 9, 2025: The bill was read twice in the Senate and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar (Calendar No. 291). Senators could take it up for debate or pass it by unanimous consent. An identical Senate companion (S. 673) is also on the calendar (Calendar No. 220). [3]Congress.gov — H.R.504 overview page (latest action shows Senate calendar statu…[8]Congress.gov — Text - S.673 (119th): Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act (S…