S. 3715 · On the floor · Public Lands and Natural Resources

Chiricahua National Park Act

Sponsor: Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

What it does

• Redesignates Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona as Chiricahua National Park
• Directs the National Park Service to protect traditional cultural and religious sites in the park and provide access to tribal members for customary uses
• Authorizes the National Park Service to temporarily close specific park areas to the public upon request by Indian tribes for traditional cultural and religious activities, limited to the smallest practicable area and mi

Official summary

Chiricahua National Park Act This bill redesignates the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona as the Chiricahua National Park. The bill directs the National Park Service (NPS) to (1) ensure the protection of traditional cultural and religious sites in the park, and (2) provide access to those sites by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses. Upon the request of an Indian tribe, the NPS may temporarily close to general public use one or more specific areas of the park to protect traditional cultural and customary uses in the area by members of the tribe. The closure must be limited to the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for the traditional cultural and religious activities.

Latest action

Sep 17, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 667.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources