PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Congressional Research Service
Version 80 · Reported to Senate without amendment · Mar 14, 2005
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Big Horn Bentonite Act - (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (with the consent of the Secretary of the Army) to permit mining and removal of bentonite on certain land previously withdrawn for military purposes in Big Horn County, Wyoming.
Directs the Secretary to enter into a sole-source mining and removal of bentonite contract that provides for payment to the Secretary of $1.00 per ton of bentonite removed from such land.
Sets forth contract terms and conditions.
(Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary, upon notification by the Secretary of the Army that closure of the land is required for purposes of either national emergency, national defense, or national security, to: (1) order the suspension of such authorized mining activity; and (2) close the land until the Secretary of the Army signals that the closure is no longer necessary.
Shields both Secretaries from liability for damages resulting from such closure.
People & committees
Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY] · R–WY
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9018-9052; text as passed Senate: CR S9039)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S9018-9052; text as passed Senate: CR S9039)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 52.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Domenici without amendment. With written report No. 109-37.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Domenici without amendment. With written report No. 109-37.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment 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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