W. Steube (R-FL)
Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 10 cosponsors
Last activity — Subcommittee Hearings Held
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025," seeks to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It proposes to designate a 34-mile segment of the Myakka River within Sarasota County, Florida, as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The river segments will be classified as scenic, wild, or recreational depending on their specific location. Administration of these segments will be handled by the Secretary of the Interior in partnership with the Myakan River Management Coordinating Council. The Act also allows for cooperative agreements with various state, local, and non-profit entities.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
Designates 34 miles of the Myakka River for long-term protection and preservation within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
Establishes a federal partnership for the administration and management of the river segments.
- Scored +5
Would farmers be better off under this?
Ensures agricultural interests are represented on the Management Coordinating Council and protects private property.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Long-term Protection: The Act aims to provide for the "long-term protection, preservation, and enhancement of the Myakka River" through the administration of the river segments (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Technical and Financial Support: The Secretary of the Interior has the authority to provide "technical assistance, staff support, and funding" to help update and implement the river's management plan (Section 4(b)(4)).
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Collaborative Management: The bill establishes a partnership between the Secretary of the Interior and the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, which includes various state and local agencies, agricultural interests, landowners, and environmental organizations (Section 2(5), Section 5(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Land Acquisition Limitations: While the Secretary has the authority to acquire land for the river segments, this is strictly limited to "acquisition by donation or acquisition with the consent of the owner" and explicitly prohibits the use of "condemnation" (Section 4(b)(5)-(6)).
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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Designates 34 miles of the Myakka River for long-term protection and preservation within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Establishes a federal partnership for the administration and management of the river segments.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — Ensures agricultural interests are represented on the Management Coordinating Council and protects private property. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Protects local natural resources and prohibits the condemnation of rural land.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Emphasizes partnership with state agencies and local coordinating councils. Does this give the federal government more power? — Grants the Secretary of the Interior administrative responsibility for the river segments.
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/2/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 8/26/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 6/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Vern BuchananRepublican · Florida
Kat CammackRepublican · Florida
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Laurel LeeRepublican · Florida
Jimmy PatronisRepublican · Florida
John RutherfordRepublican · Florida
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
Darren SotoDemocrat · Florida
Daniel WebsterRepublican · Florida