[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2525-H2527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL PARK ACT
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 6380) to establish the Chiricahua National Park in the State
of Arizona as a unit of the National Park System, and for other
purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 6380
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 ``Chiricahua National Park
Act''.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA.
(a) Designation.--
(1) In general.--The Chiricahua National Monument in the
State of Arizona established by Presidential Proclamation
1692 (54 U.S.C. 320301 note; 43 Stat. 1946) shall be known
and designated as ``Chiricahua National Park'' (referred to
in this Act as the ``National Park'').
(2) Boundaries.--The boundaries of the National Park shall
be the boundaries of the Chiricahua National Monument as of
the date of enactment of this Act, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Chiricahua National Park Proposed
Boundary'', numbered 145/156,356, and dated March 2021.
(3) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, or other record of the United States to the
Chiricahua National Monument shall be considered to be a
reference to the ``Chiricahua National Park''.
(4) Availability of funds.--Any funds available for the
Chiricahua National Monument shall be available for the
National Park.
(b) Administration.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
administer the National Park in accordance with--
(1) Presidential Proclamation 1692 (54 U.S.C. 320301 note;
43 Stat. 1946);
(2) Presidential Proclamation 2288 (54 U.S.C. 320301 note;
52 Stat. 1551); and
(3) the laws generally applicable to units of the National
Park System, including--
(A) section 100101(a), chapter 1003, and sections
100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of title 54, United
States Code; and
(B) chapter 3201 of title 54, United States Code.
SEC. 3. TRADITIONAL CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS SITES.
(a) Protection of Sites.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure the protection
of traditional cultural and religious sites in the National
Park in accordance with the laws (including regulations)
applicable to the Secretary.
(2) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall consult with Indian Tribes in accordance with
laws applicable to the protection of cultural and religious
sites.
(b) Access.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, in accordance with Public
Law 95-341 (42 U.S.C. 1996 et seq.)--
(A) shall provide access to the sites described in
subsection (a)(1) by members of Indian Tribes for traditional
cultural and customary uses; and
(B) may, on request of an Indian Tribe, temporarily close
to general public use one or more specific areas of the
National Park to protect traditional cultural and customary
uses in the area by members of the Indian Tribe.
(2) Limitation.--In closing a portion of a designated area
under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall limit the closure
to the smallest practicable area for the minimum period
necessary for the traditional cultural and religious
activities.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the
meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Wittman) and the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Elfreth)
each will control 20 minutes.
[[Page H2526]]
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
General Leave
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on H.R. 6380, the bill before us for
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6380, the Chiricahua
National Park Act, introduced by Representative Ciscomani of Arizona.
This simple, bipartisan bill redesignates the Chiricahua National
Monument as Chiricahua National Park.
Located in southeast Arizona, Chiricahua is a remarkable place that
is known as the Land of Standing-Up Rocks. It is a home to unique
volcanic formations, miles of scenic trails, and a landscape shaped by
both natural forces and human history. From its ancient volcanic
hoodoos and pinnacles to historic sites conserving the history of
prehistoric and indigenous people, early pioneers, and ranchers, there
is truly no place in the country like Chiricahua.
Every year, visitors to this area enjoy unique outdoor recreational
activities, including hiking, stargazing, camping, bird-watching, and
horseback riding. Across the country, outdoor recreation contributes
$1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy. Last year, Arizona saw the second
highest growth rate in its outdoor recreation activity amongst all
States.
By creating the Nation's 64th national park and Arizona's fourth
national park, Representative Ciscomani's legislation would further
boost Arizona's outdoor recreation economy, create jobs, and support
small businesses in rural gateway communities.
Importantly, this bipartisan bill does not expand the site's
boundaries or change its management. It simply recognizes the national
significance of Chiricahua by elevating it to full national park
status. The change would place Chiricahua alongside other flagship
parks and help raise its profile and support increased tourism.
The bill has significant local support. Representative Ciscomani has
worked hard with all affected stakeholders to address any potential
concerns. Representative Ciscomani added new language to the bill this
Congress to ensure continued access for traditional uses for Tribes in
a way that respects cultural heritage while maintaining public access
to the park without creating new precedents.
In short, this bill honors a place of exceptional natural,
historical, and cultural value without changing its footprints or
management framework. I commend Representative Ciscomani for the years
of hard work that he has put in to make the dream of Arizona's fourth
national park a reality.
I cannot think of a better time than during America's 250th
anniversary to send this meaningful legislation to the President's
desk, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6380,
offered by my colleague, Representative Ciscomani of Arizona, which
would redesignate the Chiricahua National Monument as the Chiricahua
National Park.
Located in the unique Sky Island ecosystem of southeastern Arizona,
Chiricahua National Monument is known as the Wonderland of Rocks, which
sounds magical. This unique and stunning landscape is filled with
pinnacles, spires, and balancing rocks that inspire a sense of awe and
wonder.
Chiricahua's rock formations are also a biodiversity hotspot that
supports a variety of wildlife amid the flowering desert environment.
This includes Apache foxes, javelinas, black bears, mountain lions,
white-tailed deer, and over 200 bird species.
The monument is truly a special place that protects beautiful and
important ecosystems, but that is only a part of its story. Tribal
communities have deep ties and connections to the landscape.
Justine Jimmie, the deputy attorney general of the San Carlos Apache
Tribe, testified on this proposal during the 2024 hearing before the
House Committee on Natural Resources. Her written statement noted:
``The land that is now Chiricahua National Monument has been our
homeland since time immemorial--long before the formation of the United
States and before the U.S. Cavalry took our land to give to settlers,
pioneers, and miners.''
This history is a history that cannot be ignored, which is why Tribal
engagement has been such a critical component in building support for
this bill, and I thank the bill sponsor for doing that.
The bill ensures Tribes can continue to access important and sacred
sites, even permitting temporary closure of areas of the park for
Tribal ceremonies. That is a key part of upholding our trust
obligations and ensuring Tribal support for this redesignation.
The National Park Service itself has noted that the wealth of
cultural and natural resources across Chiricahua's landscape makes it a
strong candidate for national park status.
I am excited about the prospect of designating our Nation's next
national park, but I also want to be very clear about what comes next.
Our parks and public lands have been short-staffed and underresourced
by the current administration, with nearly a quarter of the National
Park Service staff departing the agency, some voluntarily and many
others involuntarily, since the beginning of last year.
Madam Speaker, after approving the designation of this new national
park, I urge for full resources and full staffing so that it can meet
its mission.
As Congress continues to come together to create new national parks
to protect our Nation's most special places, we must continue to do
everything in our power to make sure our national parks have the
staffing and resources they need for the next 250 years and beyond.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani), the lead sponsor of the bill.
Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman and my
colleague, Representative Wittman, for this time.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the
Chiricahua National Park Act.
I also thank my colleague from Maryland because these were not easy
words to pronounce: Chiricahua, javelinas, and so on. Arizona threw her
a curveball on this one, but she did very well with all of that.
For more than a century, the remarkable landscape of Chiricahua
National Monument in southeastern Arizona has inspired visitors from
across the country. Known as the Wonderland of Rocks, this
extraordinary area protects towering volcanic rock formations, deep
canyons, and one of the most biologically diverse mountain ranges in
the entire Southwest.
For the people of Cochise County and southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua
is more than a beautiful landscape. It is a source of pride, a place
where families enjoy the outdoors, and a very important part of the
region's identity.
This legislation simply redesignates the monument as a national park,
recognizing its national significance without expanding its footprint
or changing existing land management.
Just as important, this bill supports economic opportunity in rural
Arizona. The redesignation would help raise Chiricahua's national
profile, attract more visitors, and strengthen tourism across
southeastern Arizona. That is why this effort is widely supported by
the local business community, along with local leaders and stakeholders
who see the potential for responsible economic growth tied to outdoor
recreation and conservation.
{time} 1750
Arizona is already home to world-renowned parks like Grand Canyon
National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Petrified Forest National
Park. With this legislation, we would add another extraordinary
landscape to this list.
Madam Speaker, this is a commonsense, bipartisan step that protects a
national treasure in my district while supporting rural communities.
[[Page H2527]]
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Chiricahua
National Park Act.
Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I thank the sponsor of the bill, and I
urge my colleagues to support this exciting legislation to create
America's next national park.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6380 recognizes the national
significance of the Chiricahua in southeastern Arizona while helping
unlock more tourism and investment for surrounding communities.
Elevating this site to national park status will raise its profile,
attract more visitors, and support local jobs without expanding its
boundaries or changing its management.
I thank Representative Ciscomani once again for his strong
leadership, his dedication, and his passion for this effort.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 6380, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to
redesignate the Chiricahua National Monument in the State of Arizona as
Chiricahua National Park, and for other purposes.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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