Charles Fleischmann (R-TN)
Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 426.
Waiting for a floor vote in the other chamber
Passed one chamber and is on the other chamber's calendar.
The calendar is a queue, not a date. The majority leadership decides what comes to the floor and when; much of what is placed on it is never called, and a bill that is never called simply expires with the Congress.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- Awaiting Senate
- On Senate calendar
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study whether it makes sense to designate the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail. The trail covers about 287 miles through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina as a scenic, nonmotorized path. The Secretary of Agriculture must work with interested groups, including the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, to finish this study. The final report and study must be submitted to Congress no later than two years after the law is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 19
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The feasibility study itself could lead to improved environmental protections for the area surrounding the trail.
- Scored +2
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The trail provides outdoor recreational activities for young adults.
- Scored +2
Would people in middle age be better off under this?
The trail provides outdoor recreational activities for middle-aged adults.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2 adds a provision to the National Trails System Act requiring a study on the Benton MacKaye Trail within two years of enactment. This is positive because it brings people and organizations together, such as the Secretary of Agriculture and the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, to look into officially recognizing a 287-mile trail across Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Local business owners might see increased revenue from tourism. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — The trail provides outdoor recreational activities for middle-aged adults. Would retired people be better off under this? — The trail provides recreational activities and access to nature for retirees. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Could stimulate economic activity in rural communities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The trail provides outdoor recreational activities for young adults. Would children be better off under this? — Increased recreational opportunities for families and children. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Increased access to recreational activities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased access to low-cost recreational activities. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Increased access to recreational activities. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The trail offers easily accessible hikes for seniors. Would students be better off under this? — Provides affordable outdoor recreational opportunities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Provides access to nature and outdoor activities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The feasibility study itself could lead to improved environmental protections for the area surrounding the trail. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill directly deals with public land management by studying a trail running through federal lands. Does this invest in rural communities? — Designating the trail could improve rural development through tourism and recreation. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Increased preservation and maintenance of natural areas can help reduce carbon emissions.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Designating the trail as a National Scenic Trail could improve local economic growth. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Local businesses could benefit from increased tourism if the trail receives national designation. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill could lead to increased tourism and thus, job creation in the areas surrounding the trail.
- 6/3/2026
- Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 426.
- 6/2/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3749-3750)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3749-3750)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2768.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3749-3751)
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 4/2/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-582.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 502.
- 3/5/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 4/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Chuck EdwardsRepublican · North Carolina
Lucy McBathDemocrat · Georgia