[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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