Bill > HR65

This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide significant protections and exemptions for military operations and installations. Specifically, the bill prevents the Secretary of the Interior from designating military installations, National Guard installations, or other lands used by the Department of Defense as critical habitat for endangered species. The bill also creates broad exemptions that allow military personnel to take, damage, or even cause mortality to endangered or threatened species during "national defense-related operations" without legal penalty. These operations are defined expansively to include military training, weapons testing, research and development, general military preparedness, and any action the Secretary of Defense deems necessary to support the Department of Defense's mission. The term "military personnel" is also broadly defined to include not just active military members, but also civilian employees, contractors, and subcontractors working for the Department of Defense or supporting its overseas missions. By creating these exemptions, the bill significantly reduces potential environmental and wildlife protections in areas designated for military use.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/65/all-info