119-hr4791

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4791 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

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119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
 H. R. 4791

 To exempt the United States Geological Survey from hiring freezes or 
 reductions in force, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 July 29, 2025

Mrs. Dingell (for herself, Ms. DelBene, and Ms. Strickland) introduced 
 the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural 
 Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

 A BILL

 To exempt the United States Geological Survey from hiring freezes or 
 reductions in force, and for other purposes.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

 This Act may be cited as the ``Keep USGS Strong Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

 The Congress finds the following:

    (1) United States Geological Survey

    (USGS) plays a critical 
 role in advancing our understanding of the natural environment 
 through its extensive research and data collection efforts.

    (2) The USGS plays a vital role in studying the Great 
 Lakes, which contain 20 percent of the world's freshwater. 
 Through monitoring water quality, invasive species, and 
 ecosystem health, USGS research informs efforts to protect and 
 restore these critical resources. Their work supports fisheries 
 management, pollution control, and the mitigation of threats 
 such as harmful algal blooms, ensuring the long-term 
 sustainability of the Great Lakes for millions of residents.

    (3) The USGS operates a comprehensive nationwide seismic 
 network that continuously monitors earthquake activity. This 
 data is essential for assessing seismic hazards, informing 
 building codes, and enhancing public safety through early 
 warning systems.

    (4) Through detailed monitoring of surface water and 
 groundwater resources, the USGS provides vital information on 
 water availability, quality, and trends. This supports water 
 resource planning and sustainable management across diverse 
 regions, especially in drought-prone and rapidly urbanizing 
 areas.

    (5) The USGS's topographic and thematic maps, along with 
 its geospatial datasets, are fundamental tools used by 
 government agencies, researchers, and the public. These 
 resources support land use planning, environmental 
 conservation, and disaster response.

    (6) Beyond earthquakes, the USGS conducts extensive 
 research on other natural hazards such as volcanoes, 
 landslides, and floods. Their work helps predict and mitigate 
 the impacts of these events, thereby reducing risks to 
 communities.

    (7) The USGS leads long-term monitoring of ecosystems, 
 wildlife habitats, and environmental health. This research 
 informs conservation efforts and policies aimed at protecting 
 biodiversity and natural resources.

    (8) The USGS assesses the availability and environmental 
 impact of mineral and energy resources, contributing to the 
 sustainable development of these critical materials.

    (9) The USGS serves everyday Americans by providing 
 essential scientific information that directly impacts their 
 safety, health, and quality of life. From monitoring 
 earthquakes and floods to ensure timely warnings and disaster 
 preparedness, to tracking water quality and availability that 
 affects drinking water and agriculture, the USGS's work touches 
 many aspects of daily life.

    (10) Their mapping and geospatial data help communities 
 plan infrastructure and manage natural resources effectively, 
 while their research on ecosystems supports conservation 
 efforts that preserve recreational areas and wildlife. By 
 making this data openly accessible, the USGS empowers 
 individuals, local governments, and businesses to make informed 
 decisions that promote resilience and sustainability across the 
 country.

    (11) The USGS's multidisciplinary approach and commitment 
 to open data ensure that policymakers, scientists, and the 
 public have access to reliable, up-to-date information crucial 
 for informed decision-making and risk management.

SEC. 3. EXEMPTING USGS FROM HIRING FREEZE OR REDUCTION IN FORCE.

 Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States 
Geological Survey (in this section referred to as ``USGS'') shall not 
be subject to--

    (1) the Presidential Memorandum issued on January 20, 2025, 
 titled ``Hiring Freeze'' or any extension of such Memorandum;

    (2) any reduction in force of employees of USGS, or any 
 other significant reduction of such employees, if Congress has 
 enacted a law appropriating funds for the salary and expenses 
 of such employees; or

    (3) any cancellation, without approval of the Director of 
 USGS, of a lease of real property entered into by USGS.
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