Bill

S.J.Res. 11 (119th): This joint resolution rescinds a requirement for lessees and operators to submit an archaeological report with any oil and gas exploration or development plan they submit to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for approval of activities proposed on the Outer Continental Shelf

This joint resolution rescinds a requirement for lessees and operators to submit an archaeological report with any oil and gas exploration or development plan they submit to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for approval of activities proposed on the Outer Continental Shelf. (An archaeological report identifies material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years old and that are of archaeological interest.) Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies BOEM's final rule titled Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources and published on September 3, 2024. Nullifying this rule requires BOEM to reinstate regulations that were previously in effect and authorized BOEM to require an archaeological report only if a BOEM regional director has reason to believe that an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area.

house · Substantive

Rankings updated October 26, 2026, 11:44 AM ET · Votes through September 30, 2026
Exported candidates: 719 | Filings on file, by office: H: 5838 | P: 1467 | S: 1567. These counts include every filing for that office, so they are larger than the ranked list. One person can have more than one filing. Non-voting delegates are left out.

Recorded summary

This joint resolution nullifies BOEM's September 3, 2024 final rule, Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources. It removes the requirement that oil and gas lessees and operators submit an archaeological report with exploration or development plans for Outer Continental Shelf activities. Restored prior regulations would allow BOEM to require such a report only when a regional director has reason to believe an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area.

archaeological_resourcescongressional_review_actcultural_resourcescultural_stewardshipenergy_policyenvironmental_protectionocean_managementregulatory_disapproval

Theological note: This measure touches stewardship of creation and of humanity's material cultural heritage, which Scripture gives weight as part of faithful care for the world. It also involves the ordinary equity question of how to balance resource development burdens against protection of historical sites. The issue is relevant to prudent stewardship, but the metadata does not show a direct moral wrong either way.

How this bill is scored

Recorded votes

Roll 61 · 6-Mar-2025 10:19 AM · On Passage · Passed

Yea 221 · Nay 202 · Other 9

Yea

Nay

Other

Roll 92 · February 25, 2025, 05:24 PM · On the Joint Resolution S.J.Res. 11 · Joint Resolution Passed (54-44)

Yea 54 · Nay 44 · Other 2

Yea

Nay

Other

Roll 91 · February 25, 2025, 12:11 PM · On the Motion to Proceed S.J.Res. 11 · Motion to Proceed Agreed to (54-42)

Yea 54 · Nay 42 · Other 4

Yea

Nay

Other

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