Senate GOP Plan Seeks Sale of Millions Acres Western Public Land

Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Mike Lee, have proposed legislation requiring the sale of between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service across 11 Western states, intended to support affordable housing and community development. This proposal is part of a broader GOP budget reconciliation package aimed at easing housing shortages but has sparked strong opposition from Democrats, conservationists, and some House Republicans who argue it threatens public lands, clean energy jobs, and programs that lower energy costs. Critics warn that the broad language of the bill could lead to the sale of valuable public lands not necessarily used for affordable housing, likening the move to a fire sale benefiting corporate interests and the wealthy. The legislation excludes national parks and other protected areas but allows Trump administration officials discretion in defining eligible land and uses. Opponents, including Sen. Martin Heinrich and environmental groups, emphasize the potential loss of public access and environmental investments, while supporters claim the bill would unlock underused lands and promote local growth. This debate highlights a deep partisan divide over federal land management and the best approach to addressing the nation’s housing crisis.