# Legislative challenges to Bears Ears National Monument

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/legislative-challenges-to-bears-ears-national-monument
> Updated: 2026-09-29T15:13:36.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Senator Mike Lee has initiated legislative efforts to prevent the restoration of the Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah. Following a presidential decision to reduce the monument’s size by 91 percent, Lee submitted a Government Accountability Office opinion to the Congressional Record to support a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act.

Conservation groups argue this maneuver is intended to make the reduction of protections permanent, preventing future administrations from restoring the monument and keeping the area open to mining, drilling, and increased off-road vehicle use.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Senator Mike Lee blocks bipartisan bill to protect Kennedy Center

Senator Mike Lee blocked a bipartisan Senate bill intended to prevent the demolition of presidential memorials, including the Kennedy Center, without congressional approval.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-mike-lee-blocks-bill-to-protect-presidential-memorials

### 2026-09-17: Senator Mike Lee moves to block Bears Ears National Monument restoration

Senator Mike Lee is using the Congressional Review Act to attempt to permanently prevent the restoration of the Bears Ears National Monument following its recent 91 percent reduction.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-mike-lee-moves-to-block-bears-ears-national-monument-restoration

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Cite as: Legislative challenges to Bears Ears National Monument. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/legislative-challenges-to-bears-ears-national-monument