WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R.9167, with Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01) to prevent future efforts to sell off public lands through the Congressional reconciliation process.

“Our precious public lands should never be used as revenue raisers for partisan issues,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Last year, I spearheaded the effort to stop the proposed sale of 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada without our consent. Now I am joining Representatives Vasquez, Ciscomani, Neguse, and Zinke to introduce legislation that would prevent similar proposals from advancing in the future.”

Under the Congressional Budget Act, Congress can pass legislation affecting revenue and spending through both chambers with a simple majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would designate any reconciliation provision to sell or dispose of public lands as “extraneous” under this process, preventing land grabs from advancing in the U.S. Senate under the so-called “Byrd rule.” This will help ensure that land sales in Nevada are not conducted outside of the SNPLMA process, and that proceeds are not diverted back to Washington to pay for initiatives that do not directly benefit the residents of the Silver State.

"Public lands belong to the American people, not the highest bidder," said Congressman Vasquez. "Last year, we saw serious attempts to sell off millions of acres of public land through a fast-tracked process that limited public input and debate. This bipartisan bill makes sure future Congresses cannot use reconciliation as a backdoor to sell lands that belong to hunters, anglers, ranchers, Tribes, outdoor businesses, and families across the country.”

“Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations. Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act. Southern Arizona is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful and treasured public lands, including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. The Public Lands Integrity Act ensures decisions about our public lands are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input. This legislation protects these treasured spaces and helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy the same natural beauty that makes Arizona and our country so special.”

“Our nation's public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or special interests, and I'm proud to partner with my colleagues to ensure that remains true,” said Congressman Neguse. “Last summer we fought off efforts to sell-off millions of acres across the Rocky Mountain West—and we must continue to fight to ensure the reconciliation process cannot be used as a vehicle to force the sale of these treasured spaces. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: our public lands are not for sale.”

Senators Bennet, Wyden, and Heinrich have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Background:

Congresswoman Titus is a founding member of the Public Lands Caucus and a staunch defender of Southern Nevada’s public lands.

• In September 2025, Congresswoman Titus introduced the first ever Congressional resolution recognizing National Public Lands Day.
• Last year, after House Republicans added provisions to the reconciliation bill to sell off 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, Congresswoman Titus successfully removed those provisions through an amendment.
• Congresswoman Titus has championed efforts to establish National Monuments throughout Nevada, including Avi Kwa Ame in 2023, Gold Butte in 2016, and Basin and Range in 2015.
• On January 7, 2026, Congresswoman Titus sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee urging them to oppose  Stevan Pearce’s nomination to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management over concerns about his record on public lands and National Monuments.
• On February 14, 2025, Congresswoman Titus led Nevada’s Congressional Democratic Delegation in a letter to Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum urging him not to roll back designations of national monuments. 
• Congresswoman Titus leads an annual appropriations letter calling for robust funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s National Conservation Lands account.
  
  

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