PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 115-175.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · May 25, 2018
Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act
(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) complete environmental, cultural resource, and other due diligence activities on certain federal land to confirm its suitability for inclusion in the Black Hills National Cemetery, South Dakota; and (2) notify, and coordinate with, the Department of the Interior regarding such activities.
After completion of such activities and upon receipt by Interior of written confirmation of suitability from the VA, the land shall: (1) be withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining laws, the mineral leasing laws, and the geothermal leasing laws, for as long as it remains under VA administrative jurisdiction; (2) be treated as property; and (3) be transferred, except for the land within 100 feet of the center of the Centennial Trail, from Interior to the VA for use as a national cemetery.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Interior shall publish a notice containing the legal descriptions of such transferred land.
The VA shall reimburse Interior for reasonable transfer costs, including survey costs.
The cemetery's boundary is modified to include such federal land.
People & committees
Sen. Thune, John [R-SD] · R–SD
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 115-175.
Became Public Law No: 115-175.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 407 - 0 (Roll no. 187). (text: CR 5/16/2018 H3951-3952)
House roll call 187 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 407 - 0 (Roll no. 187).(text: CR 5/16/2018 H3951-3952)
House roll call 187 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (CR H4008)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 35.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3951-3953)
Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 479.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 115-626, Part I.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 115-626, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S8267-8269; text: CR S8267-8268)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S8267-8269; text: CR S8267-8268)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 49.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-35.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-35.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
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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Analyze S.35 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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