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H.R. 986: Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act

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H.R. 986: Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act

110th Congress · introduced 2007-02-12 · Public Lands and Natural Resources · Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2007-02-12 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 3 recorded votes in our records. Latest: House roll call 766 (2007): On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, HR986 (2007-07-31), Failed. See all
  4. Where it stands now: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act

Plain summary

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 31, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system (the system) certain segments of the main stem and specified tributaries of the Eightmile River, Connecticut. Declares that such segments shall be managed in accordance with the Eightmile River Watershed Management Plan and such amendments as the Secretary of the Interior determines are consistent with this Act. Deems the Plan to satisfy the requirements for a comprehensive management plan required under the Act. Instructs the Secretary to coordinate management responsibilities regarding the Eightmile River with the Eightmile Coordinating Committee, as specified in the Plan. Allows the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements for administration and for assistance, advice, and cooperation to plan, protect, and manage river resources with the state of Connecticut, the towns of Salem, Lyme, and East Haddam, and appropriate local planning and environmental organizations. Requires the agreements to be consistent with the Plan and allows provisions for federal assistance. Prohibits the Eightmile River from being administered as part of the National Park System or being subject to related regulations. Deems: (1) the zoning ordinances adopted by the towns, in effect as of December 8, 2005, to satisfy the standards and requirements under the Act regarding the prohibition on federal acquisition of lands by condemnation for inclusion in any wild, scenic, or recreational river area; and (2) such towns to be "villages" for such purposes. Limits the authority of the Secretary to acquire lands for purposes of the Act to acquisition by donation or acquisition with the owner's consent and subjects it to the additional criteria set forth in the Plan. Recognizes specified tributaries of the Eightmile River watershed as integral to the protection and enhancement of the river and watershed. Authorizes appropriations.

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House amended), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House amended)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2] · 4 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: H.R. 986, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act (2007-05-11); CBO cost estimate: H.R. 986, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act (2007-05-11)

Cosponsors on this site

Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT), John B. Larson (D-CT), Christopher Murphy (D-CT)

Sponsor's campaign money: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2] reported raising $966,514 (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

Recorded votes

Words on this page, explained (2)
Appropriation
Money a legislature sets aside by law for a specific purpose. Government agencies may spend public money only as it has been appropriated.
Rulemaking
The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong110-hr986 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong110 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong110