PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 27, 2023
Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act
This bill establishes the Chesapeake National Recreation Area in Maryland and Virginia as a unit of the National Park System (NPS).
The Department of the Interior may acquire land and land-based resources within the recreation area boundaries by (1) donation, (2) purchase from a willing seller with donated or appropriated funds, (3) exchange, or (4) transfer from another federal agency.
Interior, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, must prepare a management plan for the recreation area as specified by the bill. Interior must also conduct transportation planning, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and state transportation agencies, to minimize traffic in the surrounding community. Additionally, Interior must establish an advisory board for the recreation area.
Finally, the bill directs NPS's Chesapeake Bay office to administer the Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network in coordination with the recreation area.
People & committees
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD] · D–MD
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7151; text: CR S7151-7152)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 588.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 118-336.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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