Ciscomani’s Chiricahua National Park Act Passes House

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani is proud to announce that Arizona is one step closer to getting its fourth national park with today’s passage of Ciscomani’s bipartisan Chiricahua National Park Act (H.R. 6380). The congressman’s legislation will turn Cochise County’s iconic Chiricahua National Monument into a 12,000-acre national park.

"The Chiricahua National Park Act honors one of southeastern Arizona’s most incredible natural treasures by giving Chiricahua National Monument a national park status," said Ciscomani. "This redesignation will protect our public lands while also bringing more tourism to our region boosting economic development. I’m proud to introduce legislation that highlights what’s special about our region and reflects the unique priorities of Arizona."

"The Chiricahua National Monument is an area of immense natural beauty with great cultural and historical significance," said Chairman Westerman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. "It is a fitting choice to become Arizona’s fourth national park, and I look forward to working with Rep. Ciscomani on getting this legislation signed into law."

Under the congressman’s bill, designating the 102-year-old monument a park would put it in the ranks of America’s premier tourist destinations. They include Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona and the Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona.

Giving Chiricahua National Monument a national park status would also boost local tourism and economic growth in southeastern Arizona. This legislation would have immediate positive impacts on Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.

Congressman Ciscomani spoke on the House floor today during debate and prior to the bill’s passage. Watch his remarks HERE.

The Chiricahua National Park Act now goes to the U.S Senate for consideration. Congressman Ciscomani urges his colleagues in the Senate to vote YES.

This legislation is welcomed by local leaders, who commented on how it will improve tourism and the economy in AZ-06.

Greg Hancock, Mayor, City of Willcox, stated:

"As the Mayor of Willcox and a small-business owner, I can tell you firsthand that redesignating the Chiricahuas as a National Park would be transformational. Tourism isn’t just helpful to our community — it’s essential. A National Park designation would bring more visitors, support local jobs, and strengthen the entire economy of rural Arizona."

Matthew Nelson, Executive Director, Arizona Trail Association, responded:

"Arizona is home to so many natural and cultural wonders, and one of my absolute favorites is Chiricahua National Monument. This special place is deserving of National Park status, and we are proud that Congressman Ciscomani's efforts have led to the bill's passage in the House. It gives me great hope to see Congress supporting increased protection of the public lands that mean so much to those of us living in Baja Arizona."

Camilla Simon, Executive Director, HECHO, said:

"HECHO applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Chiricahua National Park Act and recognizes the leadership of Representative Juan Ciscomani, who has worked for years to advance this effort and build momentum for protecting one of Arizona’s most extraordinary landscapes. We are encouraged by the strong bipartisan support behind this legislation in both chambers of Congress, which reflects a shared commitment across parties to protect Chiricahua for future generations. Designating Chiricahua as a national park will strengthen conservation, increase tourism, protect Tribal access, and grow the outdoor recreation economy, while supporting local jobs and small businesses throughout Cochise County. We look forward to the Senate advancing this important legislation and bringing Chiricahua one step closer to becoming Arizona’s next national park."

Orlando Cazarez, Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council member, commented:

"Today’s passage of this bill recognizes the extraordinary value of places like Chiricahua National Monument and the surrounding Coronado National Forest, landscapes that define southeastern Arizona’s character. Protecting this remarkable place helps ensure that future generations can encounter the same sense of awe, memory-making, and connection to land that my own family has experienced."

Melany Edwards-Barton, IOM, CEO of the Sky Islands Regional Partnership, stated:

"This is an exciting and monumental step forward following years of effort by Congressman Ciscomani on the Chiricahua National Park Act,” said Melany Edwards-Barton, IOM, CEO of the Sky Islands Regional Partnership (SIRP), “His leadership, and diligence, on this effort reflects his strong commitment to our region, and we are proud to support it for both the enhancement to conservation and the boost to economic development potential in the region."

You can read the summary and full text of the bill HERE, and my most recent press release on the Chiricahua National Park Act HERE.

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