U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Gabe Vasquez Lead Bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act to Protect Public Lands Across the American West

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Gabe Vasquez today introduced bipartisan legislation to block the sale of public lands, like Tucson's beloved Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

The Public Lands Integrity Act (H.R. 9167) would immediately halt efforts to sell off America's publicly owned lands through the budget reconciliation process by preventing these consequential decisions from being tucked into backroom deals or rushed budget packages.

The bill ensures discussions about the future of public lands are transparent and openly debated. Rep. Ciscomani has consistently maintained that reconciliation is entirely the wrong approach for decisions impacting public lands in Arizona and throughout the American West.

"Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations. Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach," said Rep. Ciscomani. "That's why I'm proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act. Southern Arizona is home to some of the nation's most beautiful and treasured public lands, including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. The Public Lands Integrity Act ensures decisions about our public lands are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input. This legislation protects these treasured spaces and helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy the same natural beauty that makes Arizona and our country so special."

Specifically, the Public Lands Integrity Act would:

• Designate any reconciliation provision resulting in the sale or disposal of federal public lands as "extraneous" under the Byrd Rule.
• Ensure decisions regarding the future of federal public lands are considered through regular legislative order rather than expedited budget procedures.

Rep. Ciscomani has long been a strong advocate for Arizona's public lands. He is a member of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus and cosponsored the Promoting Accessibility on Federal Lands Actlast Congress. In December 2025, he introduced the Chiricahua National Park Act and successfully advanced the legislation for consideration on the House floor, where it passed with bipartisan support on March 13, 2026. That bill is now awaiting action in the Senate.

"Public lands are America's best idea, and they belong to all of us and must remain in the public trust," said Rep. Gabe Vasquez. "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. That's why I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure these lands are held in trust for future generations and won't be used in the reconciliation process in last-minute, backdoor deals to sell them off."

A broad coalition of stakeholders is already expressing strong support for the Public Lands Integrity Act.

"America's public lands are the backyard of the little guy, where families hike, float, camp, hunt, and fish for wild trout. Time and time again, Americans from all walks of life have stood up to oppose the sale of our public lands," said Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. "Trout Unlimited thanks the bipartisan coalition led by Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Juan Ciscomani for introducing the Public Lands Integrity Act and working together to safeguard public access, protect sensitive fish and wildlife habitat, and uphold the public trust for future generations."

"Public lands are what make Arizona such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit, and we owe it to future generations to be stewards of these lands - not to sell them to reconcile the mismanaged federal budget," said Matthew Nelson, Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association. "These deserts, mountains, canyons and forests are vital to our way of life and should remain in public hands in perpetuity. We are grateful to Representatives Ciscomani, Vasquez and sponsors for their leadership on this important legislation."

"Only a year ago, Arizonans from diverse backgrounds came together to oppose a proposal that would have authorized the sale of our public lands through a late amendment to a reconciliation bill. While that effort was ultimately defeated, questions about public land disposal remain an ongoing issue in Congress. The Public Lands Integrity Act helps ensure that the lands where Arizonans hunt, fish, hike, and recreate are managed through a transparent and deliberate process, rather than being offered up as part of legislative negotiations. We applaud Representatives Ciscomani, Vasquez, and the bill's sponsors for their leadership," said Michael Cravens, Arizona Wildlife Federation.

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