Gila Herald Staff Reports
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani’s legislation to designate the Chiricahua National Monument as a national park has reached its final legislative hurdle after passing the full U.S. Senate. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature to officially become law.
“It’s been a long hike, but we’re at the summit. After years of work and persistence, Arizona is one signature away from having its fourth national park,” said Representative Ciscomani. “Chiricahua has long deserved this designation. As the second bill I ever introduced, and in my first 100 days in Congress, I am proud to have worked across the aisle and across both chambers to deliver this victory for our district. This is an Arizona priority and a true team effort. I’m grateful to our local partners, including the City of Willcox, public lands advocates, and everyone who has worked alongside us to make this happen. I’m incredibly proud that we are now one signature away from making Chiricahua Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District’s second national park during our nation’s 250th birthday.”
Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego also commented on the passage.
“Chiricahua is one of Arizona’s most extraordinary places. Designating it as our state’s fourth national park will protect this remarkable landscape for generations and bring new visitors and economic opportunities to southeastern Arizona,” said Sen. Kelly. “I’m grateful to everyone involved for working together to get this across the finish line.”
“The unique landscape of Chiricahua National Park will unite people from around the world while opening economic and tourism opportunities for Arizona. The passing of this bill is a win for huge win for Arizona and honors the culture and preservation of the land,” said Sen. Gallego. “Thank you to the Senate and the House for passing this bill, and I look forward to the president signing this into law.”
The bipartisan Chiricahua National Park Act (H.R. 6380) seeks to reclassify the iconic 12,000-acre site in Cochise County into Arizona’s fourth official national park, joining the Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest national parks. The legislation previously passed the House of Representatives in March before clearing the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and earning full Senate approval.
What the Act Does
Often called the “Wonderland of Rocks,” the 102-year-old monument features dramatic rhyolite rock pinnacles, rich biodiversity, and deep historical significance as the ancestral homeland of the Chiricahua Apache.
Once signed into law, the bill will:
- Elevate National Profile: Formally rebrand the monument as Chiricahua National Park, raising its visibility among national and international travelers.
- Boost Rural Economies: Expand tourism and outdoor recreation across southeastern Arizona, supporting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants in Cochise and Graham counties.
- Preserve Cultural Access: Protect traditional cultural and religious sites within the park while guaranteeing access for Native American tribes for customary uses.
- Maintain Land Management: Transition designation without disrupting existing land management practices or public access rules.
Final Step to Become Law
With both chambers of Congress having approved the identical text of the legislation, the bill now awaits President Trump’s signature to formally establish Chiricahua National Park.
