KVOA (June 5, 2026)

A new bipartisan measure aims to prevent federal public lands from being sold through budget negotiations, according to U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani’s office.

U.S. Reps. Ciscomani and Gabe Vasquez introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act on Thursday, according to the release. The legislation would stop public lands like Sabino Canyon Recreation Area from being sold through the budget reconciliation process.

The bill designates any reconciliation provision that results in the sale of federal public lands as “extraneous” under the Byrd Rule, the release states. It would require decisions about federal public lands to go through regular legislative order instead of expedited budget procedures.

“Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations,” Ciscomani said. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act.”

The congressman said the measure ensures decisions about public lands happen openly with full public input, according to the release. He noted Southern Arizona contains treasured public lands including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon and Sabino Canyon.

“Public lands are America’s best idea, and they belong to all of us and must remain in the public trust,” Vasquez said. “Treating public lands as another item on a balance sheet goes against the will of the people, and Americans have made it clear that our public lands are not for sale.”

Ciscomani serves on the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus and previously introduced the Chiricahua National Park Act in December 2025. That legislation passed the House with bipartisan support on March 13 and awaits Senate action.

Multiple organizations expressed support for the Public Lands Integrity Act, according to the release. Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, thanked the bipartisan coalition for working to safeguard public access and protect fish and wildlife habitat.

Matthew Nelson, executive director of the Arizona Trail Association, said public lands make Arizona a wonderful place to live and visit. He said the lands should remain in public hands permanently rather than being sold to reconcile the federal budget.

 

To read the article online, click here.