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Congressional Research Service
Version 55 · Passed Senate · Dec 22, 2022
Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to issue guidance related to certain community land grants in New Mexico made by Spain or Mexico to individuals, groups, and communities to promote the settlement of the southwestern United States (land grant-mercedes).
The guidance shall set forth the policies and procedures for notice and comment on planning decisions, routine engagement, and major federal actions that could impact historical-traditional uses of a qualified land grant-merced.
In developing, maintaining, and revising land management plans and National Forest System land and resource management plans, as applicable, the USDA or Interior shall consider and, as appropriate, provide for and evaluate impacts to historical-traditional uses by qualified land grant-mercedes.
People & committees
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM] · D–NM
Legislative record
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Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10103-10104; text: CR S10103-10104)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S10103-10104; text: CR S10103-10104)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 619.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin without amendment. With written report No. 117-242.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin without amendment. With written report No. 117-242.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 117-301.
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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