Sen. Mike Lee struggles to revive reeling land sell-off proposal

Sen. Mike Lee's push to sell three million acres of public land struggles amid procedural hurdles and mounting public opposition. The Senate Parliamentarian ruled that Lee's proposed language in President Trump's budget bill violates the Byrd Rule, which could subject the measure to a filibuster. Republican senators, including Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, have publicly opposed the land sale, reflecting a growing backlash from constituents. A coalition of 45 hunting and fishing brands sent a letter to Senate leaders urging them to strip the land sale provision, citing the $1.

2 trillion economic impact of outdoor recreation. In response to criticism, Lee proposed excluding U. S. Forest Service land from sales and limiting Bureau of Land Management sales to areas near communities. He contended that his changes could increase housing supply in western states and minimize land loss.

Lee also claimed the majority of federal public land lacks recreational and conservation value, attributing opposition to left-wing funding. However, business leaders argue that existing authorities already address land management concerns without divesting public lands.