New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act

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Bill ID: 119/s/1363
Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Sponsored by

Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

ID: L000570

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

December 16, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

📍 Current Status

Next: The full Senate will vote on whether to pass the bill.

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

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1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of bureaucratic doublespeak and legislative legerdemain. Let's dissect this monstrosity, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act (what a mouthful) claims to promote cooperation between the federal government, land grant-merced governing bodies, and community users in New Mexico. Its stated objective is to facilitate historical or traditional uses of certain land grant-mercedes on federal public land.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This bill creates a new framework for permitting and authorizing historical or traditional uses of qualified land grant-mercedes on federal land. It establishes a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Secretary concerned, Indian Tribes, and the New Mexico Land Grant Council to govern these uses. The MOU will outline permit requirements, fee reductions or waivers, and other land use authorizations.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved:

* Land grant-merced governing bodies and community users in New Mexico * Indian Tribes (because we can't have a federal bill without them) * The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior (because they need something to do) * The New Mexico Land Grant Council (a.k.a. the local bureaucracy)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now, let's get to the good stuff. This bill is a classic case of "legislative theater" – all show, no substance. Its real purpose is to:

1. **Perpetuate bureaucratic fiefdoms**: By creating a new MOU and framework for permitting, this bill ensures that federal agencies will continue to exert control over land use decisions in New Mexico. 2. **Line the pockets of special interests**: The fee reductions or waivers will likely benefit select groups, such as ranchers or logging companies, who have "historical or traditional" uses on federal land. 3. **Provide a veneer of legitimacy**: By involving Indian Tribes and the New Mexico Land Grant Council in the MOU process, this bill attempts to create an illusion of cooperation and inclusivity.

In reality, this bill is just another example of Congress's addiction to micromanaging and pandering to special interests. It will do nothing to address the underlying issues of land use management or promote meaningful cooperation between stakeholders. But hey, it'll keep the bureaucrats busy and provide a nice photo op for our esteemed lawmakers.

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