Contact Congress about H.R. 2645: Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act

New national monuments would expire unless Congress approves or changes them. If Congress does nothing or rejects one, the same land could be blocked from another Antiquities Act monument for 25 years.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Latest action on H.R. 2645: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people and groups tied to future national monument decisions on federal land. That includes nearby communities, tribes, conservation groups, recreation users, local governments, and industries such as energy, mining, grazing, or logging. They could face a shorter first protection period and more pressure to win support in Congress.

Why this matters: The bill matters because it changes how long new federal land protections can last without Congress. New monuments could disappear within months if Congress does not pass a law. That could make protection harder for places with historic, cultural, scientific, or natural value. It could also give Congress and local interests more control over long-term land-use decisions.

Key provisions in H.R. 2645

• The bill adds a new limits section to the Antiquities Act. That law appears at 54 U.S.C. 320301.
• New national monuments would not last automatically. Congress would have to pass a law to extend or change any new Antiquities Act monument or land reservation.
• The deadline would be the earlier of two dates. It would end six months after creation or on the last day of the Congress then in session.
• The same land could be blocked from another Antiquities Act monument for 25 years. This would happen if Congress does not extend or change the designation in time, or if Congress rejects it by law.
• The new limits apply only to the Antiquities Act powers named in 54 U.S.C. 320301(a) and (b). Those parts cover creating monuments and reserving federal land for them.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 2645

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 2645

What is H.R. 2645?

New national monuments would expire unless Congress approves or changes them. If Congress does nothing or rejects one, the same land could be blocked from another Antiquities Act monument for 25 years.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 2645?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 2645?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 2645 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.