Rep. Mike Simpson, other House GOP say they will kill Big Beautiful Bill if it includes land sell-off provision

Five Republican congressmen, including Mike Simpson of Idaho and Dan Newhouse of Washington, declared Thursday they will oppose President Trump's budget bill if it includes a public land sell-off provision proposed by Senator Mike Lee of Utah. They labeled the proposal a "grave mistake" and an "unforced error" in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, stating, "we cannot accept the sale of federal lands. " The bill's future in the Senate remains uncertain as lawmakers await a ruling from the parliamentarian regarding its compliance with legislative rules. Reports indicate that Senator Steve Daines believes he has enough votes to eliminate the provision from the budget reconciliation bill. Public land advocates, including a diverse coalition of outdoor enthusiasts, continue to rally against the measure under the slogan "Not One Acre.

" They argue that selling federal lands is not the solution to mismanagement issues. The parliamentarian previously ruled that Lee's earlier proposal did not align with the Byrd Rule, which governs reconciliation bills. The congressmen emphasized that advancing the legislative agenda on public lands is the correct path forward.