HR 4412119th CongressIn Committee

Joint Chiefs Reauthorization Act of 2025

Introduced: Jul 15, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (D-Colorado)

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Joint Chiefs Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize and broaden the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership (JCLRP), a collaborative program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that involves the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Forest Service (FS). The bill extends the program’s authorization through 2031 and expands its purposes to include recovering from wildfires and enhancing soil, water, and related natural resources. It requires formal interagency coordination between NRCS and FS, emphasizing forestry science and the use of best available science, and it directs consideration of state forest action plans (or similar priority plans) in program activities. The measure also adds a focus on post-wildfire impacts and clarifies compliance with roadless-area protections, aligning project eligibility with applicable roadless rules. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen wildfire resilience, landscape restoration, and resource management through closer agency collaboration and updated priorities.

Key Points

1Expands eligible purposes of the program to include recovery from wildfires and enhancement of soil, water, and related natural resources.
2Requires agency coordination between NRCS and the Forest Service, including consideration of each other’s management plans and joint use of forestry science and best available science.
3Adds emphasis on post-wildfire impacts and requires alignment with state forest action plans or similar priority plans (e.g., state wildlife or water plans) in project planning.
4Introduces regulatory alignment by referencing roadless-area protections (Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation rule and related 36 CFR provisions) to ensure consistency with prohibitions that apply to certain areas.
5Extends the authorization and program window through 2031 (replacing any prior end date limited to 2023).

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Forest Service (federal partner agencies), and states/tribal/local partners implementing landscape restoration projects under the JCLRP.- Communities in fire-prone areas and landowners who benefit from wildfire risk reduction, soil and water resource improvements, and landscape restoration efforts.Secondary group/area affected- State foresters, wildlife and water planning programs, and local governments coordinating with NRCS/FS on restoration projects.- Environmental groups, conservation organizations, and contractors involved in restoration and reforestation activities.Additional impacts- Potentially broader project initiation in roadless areas due to expanded program purposes, but with explicit compliance requirements to adhere to roadless-area protections and related regulations.- Fiscal implications: The bill reauthorizes the program but does not itself specify new appropriations; funding would continue under existing IIJA authorities and annual appropriations.- Regulatory and planning alignment: Projects would need to align with state action plans and the Forest Service’s roadless protections, potentially affecting project scope and site eligibility.

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