Tuleyome's Policy Corner - Tuleyome is in Washington, DC, Fighting to Protect Molok Luyuk

Sandy Schubert • April 7, 2024

Camping on Molok Luyuk by Bob Fredenburg

This week, Tuleyome is in Washington, DC, with it’s partners, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and California Native Plant Society, working to pass the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act, S 4080 and HR 6366. We are meeting with our champions, Congressional leadership, the relevant committees, the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service and the Council on Environmental Quality.


As the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act passed out of the House as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by unanimous, bipartisan voice vote, it is eligible for inclusion in a package, should one move.


What package? That’s not clear. Right now, there are three options. First, the bill could stay in the NDAA. That would be the first package up. We should hear today or tomorrow whether we are in the NDAA.


If not in the NDAA, it could be attached to the Omnibus Appropriations bill. That’s the bill that funds the government and must pass, eventually. You’ve all heard of continuing resolutions. That’s when Congress extends the current year’s funding, sometimes for days, sometimes for weeks, while they work through the details of the next years funds, and sometimes they just dig in their heals and refuse to move forward. We’re watching the timing on this one closely also.


The third possibility is a public lands package where a variety of bills are merged into one, larger bill or package. While it would be great, there is some skepticism as to whether this will happen. But, its not over until its over.


Thus far, our meetings have been successful and we are receiving positive feedback. Representative Garamendi took time out of his busy schedule to meet with us and strategize about next steps.


I’ll continue to keep you posted from DC!


Cheers, Sandy


Executive Director

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