Maggie Goodlander (D-NH)
To prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from closing any research and development facility of the Forest Service.
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
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 stops the Secretary of Agriculture from shutting down any research and development facility belonging to the Forest Service. It applies to closures that might happen through a reorganization plan as well. The only way a facility can be closed is if an Act of Congress specifically allows it after this bill is enacted. Representatives Ms. Goodlander and Mr. Pappas introduced the bill in the House on June 25, 2026. It was then sent to the Committee on Agriculture.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
By protecting Forest Service research and development facilities from closure, the bill supports continued environmental and forestry research.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
Ensuring the continuity of Forest Service research facilities aids in long-term public land management and conservation strategies.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill directly safeguards federal scientific research infrastructure by prohibiting the closure of Forest Service research and development facilities without congressional approval.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill restricts executive branch authority by requiring specific acts of Congress to close any Forest Service research facility.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 1 protects research and development facilities of the Forest Service from being closed by the Secretary of Agriculture. This ensures that these facilities remain open unless Congress explicitly passes a law to allow a closure, which keeps elected officials accountable for these decisions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions outlining potential negative impacts or burdens for individuals or groups.
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? — By protecting Forest Service research and development facilities from closure, the bill supports continued environmental and forestry research. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Ensuring the continuity of Forest Service research facilities aids in long-term public land management and conservation strategies. Does this invest in rural communities? — Keeping Forest Service research stations open often benefits rural communities that host these facilities and rely on their local economic and scientific presence.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Many Forest Service research stations are located in rural areas, and keeping them open helps maintain local employment and community stability. Would union members be better off under this? — Federal employees and unionized researchers working at Forest Service facilities benefit from the job security provided by preventing facility closures. Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers and agricultural stakeholders often benefit from the ongoing agricultural and forestry research conducted by the Forest Service.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directly safeguards federal scientific research infrastructure by prohibiting the closure of Forest Service research and development facilities without congressional approval.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — By preventing the closure of Forest Service research and development facilities, the bill helps protect existing scientific and administrative jobs at these locations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — By requiring explicit congressional authorization for facility closures, the legislation ensures greater public oversight and accountability for institutional changes. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill restricts executive branch authority by requiring specific acts of Congress to close any Forest Service research facility.
- 6/25/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Chris PappasDemocrat · New Hampshire