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Congressional resolution voids rule protecting underwater archaeological sites

Signed into lawS.J.Res. 11Latest action

Sponsor: John Kennedy · Senator · LA

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

119th Congress

Topics: Environment & energy

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

Congress killed BOEM's rule protecting underwater shipwrecks and artifacts from offshore energy projects.

40-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This resolution cancels a BOEM regulation finalized in September 2024 called "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources," which set rules for identifying and protecting historically significant underwater sites like shipwrecks from offshore energy projects. It was passed using the , which lets Congress overturn recent agency rules with a vote. The rule is now treated as if it never took effect.

Who does it affect?

Offshore oil, gas, and wind energy companies that would have followed the rule's protection procedures; also historians, archaeologists, and preservation groups relying on it.

Why does it matter?

BOEM can no longer enforce the specific protections for underwater archaeological sites during offshore energy projects. The agency is also generally barred from creating a substantially similar rule unless Congress passes new legislation allowing it.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

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No call to make

This is law.

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedFeb 4, 2025
  2. Senate committee
  3. Senate vote
  4. House
  5. The president's desk

Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law

Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-3.

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 61

    As recorded

    Question
    On Passage
    Result:
    Passed
    221
    Nay
    202
    1
    8

    Republicans 212 yes, 1 no, 1 present, 4 not voting · Democrats 9 yes, 201 no, 4 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. Senate · · Roll call 92

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S.J.Res. 11
    Result:
    Joint Resolution Passed
    54
    Nay
    44
    0
    2

    Republicans 51 yes, 2 not voting · Democrats 3 yes, 42 no · Independents 2 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  3. Senate · · Roll call 91

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S.J.Res. 11
    Result:
    Motion to Proceed Agreed to
    54
    Nay
    42
    0
    4

    Republicans 51 yes, 2 not voting · Democrats 3 yes, 40 no, 2 not voting · Independents 2 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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