Chiricahua National Park Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6380
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Chiricahua National Park Act (H.R. 6380) aims to redesignate the existing Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona as Chiricahua National Park. This change elevates the site's status within the U.S. National Park System while maintaining its core protections and ensuring respect for cultural and religious sites important to Native American tribes.
Key Provisions
- Designation and Boundaries: The Chiricahua National Monument, established by presidential proclamations in 1938 and 1938 (Proclamations 1692 and 2288), is renamed "Chiricahua National Park." Its boundaries remain the same as the current monument, as shown on a specific map dated March 2021.
- References and Funding: All U.S. laws, maps, regulations, and documents referring to the monument will now refer to the national park. Any funds previously allocated to the monument can be used for the park.
- Administration: The Secretary of the Interior (head of the Department of the Interior) will manage the park following the original proclamations and general laws for National Park System units. These laws cover preservation, public use, and resource management (e.g., sections of Title 54 of the U.S. Code, which outline federal protections for parks).
- Protection of Cultural and Religious Sites:
- The Secretary must protect traditional cultural and religious sites within the park, consulting with affected Indian Tribes (federally recognized Native American groups) as required by applicable laws.
- Access for tribal members to these sites is guaranteed for traditional cultural and customary uses, in line with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (Public Law 95-341), which protects Native American religious practices.
- The Secretary may temporarily close specific park areas to the general public upon a tribe's request to allow private traditional activities, but only for the smallest area and shortest time needed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is the redesignation from "national monument" to "national park," which does not alter boundaries or core management but integrates the site more formally into the National Park System. National monuments are typically created by presidential action for specific features, while national parks require congressional approval and often signify broader natural, historical, or cultural significance.
- No major shifts in authority or funding occur; administration continues under existing proclamations and park laws. The bill explicitly updates references to avoid confusion in legal and administrative contexts.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (NPS), under the Department of the Interior, will handle ongoing operations with no new funding mandates, potentially simplifying administration by aligning it fully with park system standards. This could enhance resource allocation for preservation and visitor services.
- Citizens: Arizona residents and park visitors may see increased tourism and recognition of the area's unique landscapes (e.g., rock formations and biodiversity), promoting education and recreation. Temporary closures for tribal uses might occasionally limit public access to small areas but are designed to be minimal.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic land management issue focused on U.S. public lands.
- Overall, the redesignation could boost conservation efforts and public appreciation without disrupting current uses.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service and Department of the Interior: Responsible for day-to-day management, protection, and consultations.
- Indian Tribes: Groups with historical ties to the area (e.g., those consulting on cultural sites) gain formalized access rights and influence over sensitive areas.
- Local Communities and Visitors: Arizona residents, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts benefit from elevated park status, potentially increasing economic opportunities through tourism.
- Congress and Federal Government: Ensures compliance with cultural preservation laws while expanding the National Park System.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing federal obligations under laws like the National Park Service Organic Act (Title 54 U.S. Code) for resource protection and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act for tribal rights. The bill avoids conflicts by limiting closures to protect religious freedoms without infringing on public access.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to manage federal lands, promoting the general welfare through conservation. It respects tribal sovereignty by mandating consultations, echoing treaty and trust responsibilities to Native Americans.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan effort to honor natural and cultural heritage, potentially setting a precedent for redesignating other monuments amid debates over public lands. No major controversies are introduced, as it builds on established protections rather than expanding or restricting land use.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-03-16: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-03-16: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-03-16: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2525)
- 2026-03-16: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2525)
- 2026-03-16: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6380.
- 2026-03-16: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2525-2527)
- 2026-03-16: Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-03-12: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 467.
- 2026-03-12: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-543.
- 2026-03-12: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-543.
- 2026-02-11: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-11: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- 2025-12-11: Subcommittee Hearings Held
Bill Versions
- Chiricahua National Park Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (6 pages)
- Chiricahua National Park Act — issued 2025-12-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- Chiricahua National Park Act — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (5 pages)
- Chiricahua National Park Act — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (8 pages)