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1 [1] (November 14, 2025)

handle is hein.crs/govessu0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Con re &on I Research S informing I leqi I ive de a ~ in e 191 Updated November 14, 2025 Bureau of Land Management: FY2026 Appropriations The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in the Department of the Interior (DOI), manages 244 million acres of federal land, nearly all in the West. Under its multiple-use mission, BLM manages lands for diverse purposes, including livestock grazing, energy development, recreation, and conservation. The agency also administers onshore federal energy and mineral resources generally. BLM discretionary appropriations typically are provided in Title I of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations acts. For FY2025, the enacted level in P.L. 119-4, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, was $1,412.0 million. BLM also receives a portion of the discretionary appropriations to DOI for wildland fire management. In addition, BLM receives mandatory (permanent) appropriations under various statutes. The Interior Budget in Brief estimated FY2025 mandatory appropriations at $507.2 million, excluding $95.0 million for BLM deferred maintenance. FY2O26 Dscretionary Appropriations Action For FY2026, BLM is receiving appropriations at FY2025 levels under a continuing resolution (CR)-P.L. 119-137, Division A. The CR is in effect through January 30, 2026, unless other appropriations for BLM are enacted earlier. From October 1, 2025, until November 12, 2025, BLM experienced a lapse in appropriations because no FY2026 appropriations had been enacted. A BLM Contingency Plan (September 2025) addressing operations during a lapse in appropriations stated that many agency activities would cease while setting out exceptions (e.g., emergency response). It also stated that most BLM lands would be publicly accessible but not all services would be available. For FY2026, President Trump requested $936.1 million for BLM-$475.9 million (34%) less than the FY2025 enacted level of $1,412.0 million. (See Table 1.) Among other changes, the President proposed decreases for BLM's two largest accounts-Management of Lands and Resources (MLR) and Oregon and California Grant Lands (O&C). On July 24, 2025, the House Appropriations Committee reported H.R. 4754 (H.Rept. 119-215), with $1,301.6 million for BLM for FY2026. This would be a decrease of $110.4 million (8%) from the FY2025 level. H.R. 4754 contained decreases for the MLR and O&C accounts, among other changes. Also on July 24, 2025, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported S. 2431 (S.Rept. 119- 46), with $1,374.6 million for BLM for FY2026. This would be a decrease of $37.3 million (3%) from the FY2025 level. (See Table 1.) S. 2431 would decrease funding for the MLR account and maintain level funding for the O&C account, among other provisions. Discretionary Appropriatons Accounts Management of Lands and Resources (MLR). This account, BLM's largest, funds diverse activities and subactivities. For instance, the land resources activity includes subactivities such as rangelands and cultural resources. Table 1 shows amounts for the account's nine main activities (and mining law administration, with offsetting collections). Relative to the FY2025 level of $1,260.5 million, the President sought a $433.1 million decrease for FY2026. Details are not available on how the decrease would be reflected in the accounts' activities. Relative to FY2025 enacted, the House committee-reported bill would be a $99.9 million decrease for the MLR account. Of the nine main activities (excluding mining law administration), H.R. 4754 would provide decreased funding for five activities, increases for two activities, and level funding for two activities. The Senate committee- reported bill would be a $36.8 million decrease for the MLR account. Of the nine main activities, S. 2431 would provide funding decreases for six activities, funding increases for two activities, and level funding for one activity. Despite its overall lower account total, H.R. 4754 contained higher funding than S. 2431 for some activities. Oregon and California Grant Lands. This account funds management of more than 2 million acres of forested lands in Western Oregon, primarily for timber production. The FY2025 appropriation was $115.5 million for this account. Relative to the FY2025 level, the President sought a $46.2 million decrease, H.R. 4754 would be a $10.6 million decrease, and S. 2431 would provide level funding. Range Improvements. The Range Improvements account funds rehabilitation, protection, and improvement of BLM rangelands. By law, 50% of grazing fees collected on BLM lands or $10.0 million-whichever is greater-is credited to a Range Improvements Fund. In recent years, BLM grazing receipts typically were less than $20.0 million annually and BLM received $10.0 million through this account, as in FY2025. For FY2026, H.R. 4754 contained $10.0 million; the President's request and S. 2431 contained $9.4 million. Service Charges, Deposits, and Forfeitures. This account allows BLM to use monies paid to the agency for activities such as rights-of-way processing and energy and minerals authorizations. The FY2025 estimate was $30.0 million, offset by collections, the same as in the FY2026 House and Senate committee-reported bills. For FY2026, the President estimated $35.0 million, offset by collections. Miscellaneous Trust Funds. This account appropriates contributions made to BLM (e.g., from individuals, states, and businesses). The FY2025 enacted amount was $26.0 million, the same as contained in H.R. 4754 and S. 2431. The President's request estimated $30.0 million.