Pushing to Make Chiricahua the Newest National Park.
On December 3, I reintroduced my legislation to officially designate Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park. The Chiricahua National Park Act (H.R. 6380) would further support the protection of this natural wonder while also boosting tourism in Southeastern Arizona.
Chiricahua attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and giving it National Park status would elevate its visibility, strengthen funding opportunities, and promote long-term conservation efforts—all while honoring the history of the Chiricahua Apache and the region’s unique landscape.
On December 11, I testified in support of the legislation at a House Natural Resources Legislative Hearing.
You can watch my testimony here.

The legislation has received vast support from local conservation groups and community leaders, including Mayor Greg Hancock of Willcox.
Recently, Mayor Hancock traveled to D.C. to testify before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands in support of the legislation. Mayor Hancock highlighted the benefits of making Chiricahua a National Park, noting that an increase in tourism would support local investment and stable economic growth.
Mayor Hancock 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.”
I continue to urge my fellow lawmakers to support the Chiricahua National Park Act and voice my gratitude to Mayor Hancock for his testimony in support of the legislation.
Read my press release, published on December 11, here. |