THE DON-ument Act
THE DON-ument Act would create a new federal national monument called the Southern Border Wall National Monument, spanning portions of the southern border wall in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The purpose stated is to protect the border wall from alteration. The monument would cover about 289,920 acres and be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Administration would involve memoranda of understanding with other federal agencies and with tribal governments whose lands lie within the monument. A general management plan for the monument would be developed within three years after funds are first made available for this purpose and then submitted to Congress (House Natural Resources Committee and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee). The bill defines key terms such as “National Monument,” “Secretary,” and “southern border wall” to clarify scope.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and purpose: Creates the Southern Border Wall National Monument spanning portions of the border wall in CA, AZ, NM, and TX to protect the wall from alteration.
- 2Area and map: The monument would encompass approximately 289,920 acres, with the specific boundaries shown on a map filed and available for public inspection.
- 3Administration and jurisdiction: The Secretary of the Interior, via the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, would administer the monument and establish administrative jurisdiction through memoranda of understanding with federal agencies and with tribal governments within the monument.
- 4Management planning: A general management plan must be completed no later than three years after funds are first made available for preparing the plan, and then submitted to Congress (House Natural Resources and Senate Energy and Natural Resources).
- 5Definitions: Clarifies terms—National Monument, Secretary, and southern border wall (any wall built as a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border under federal law or executive action).