A group of Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives has just come out against the Senate version of President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill." 

The Hill reports that these Republicans have taken issue with a provision in the bill "that would mandate the sale of land owned by the federal government."

The five House Republicans are U.S. Reps. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Cliff Bentz (R-OR), and David Valadao (R-CA).

The great Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says public land sales are not part of the Trump agenda. Let's pass the Big Beautiful Bill without public lands sales!

BIG BEAUTIFUL WINS FOR AMERICA!
-Cuts taxes for every American.
-Ends taxes on tips and overtime.
-Cuts taxes on…

— Ryan Zinke (@RyanZinke) June 27, 2025

The details

These five Republicans are referring to a version of the Senate bill that would include an amendment created by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT).

The amendment would require the sale of public lands for development. According to The Hill, "Text obtained by The Hill indicates that the revised plan would still sell of 1.2 million acres."

Here's is one example of how Lee is selling his amendment:

Housing prices are crushing families and keeping young Americans from living where they grew up. We need to change that. Thanks to YOU—the AMERICAN PEOPLE—here’s what I plan to do: 1. REMOVE ALL Forest Service land. We are NOT selling off our forests. 2. SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE the amount of BLM land in the bill. Only land WITHIN 5 MILES of population centers is eligible. 3. Establish FREEDOM ZONES to ensure these lands benefit AMERICAN FAMILIES. 4. PROTECT our farmers, ranchers, and recreational users. They come first. Yes, the Byrd Rule limits what can go in the reconciliation bill, but I’m doing everything I can to support President Trump and move this forward.

Lee has faced significant pushback for the amendment, including from many of his fellow Senate Republicans.

There are now doubts about whether his amendment will even make it into the bill.

The opposition

As mentioned at the start, the amendment is facing pushing from, among others, a group of five House Republicans.

They have released a statement, saying, "If a provision to sell public lands is in the bill that reaches the House floor, we will be forced to vote no."

These five "no" votes would be enough to sink the bill. But that's not the worst of it for Lee.

Politico reports, "The provision also faces fierce GOP opposition in the Senate. Even if it clears the parliamentarian, Senate Republicans have the votes to block the provision, according to Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT)."

A spokesperson for Lee, however, has, according to Politico, "asked Sen. Daines to reserve judgment until he’s had a full opportunity to review the revised text." The spokesperson added, "Sen. Lee remains committed to working with his colleagues to address the nation’s housing crisis and will continue fighting for Americans who simply want an affordable place to call home."