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HR 5393119th CongressIn Committee
Southern Arizona Protection Act
Introduced: Sep 16, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9] (R-Arizona)
Immigration
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
The Southern Arizona Protection Act would roll back a prior federal action and dramatically restrict future designations of national monuments in a specific portion of southern Arizona. Specifically, it nullifies Presidential Proclamation 7320, which established the Ironwood Forest National Monument in 2000, and bars any extension or new national monuments within the mapped area of the Ironwood Forest National Monument unless Congress explicitly authorizes it. In short, the bill shifts authority over this area from the executive branch (the President) to Congress, effectively preventing automatic monument designations there unless Congress agrees.
Key Points
- 1Nullification of Presidential Proclamation 7320: The act states that Proclamation 7320 establishing the Ironwood Forest National Monument “shall have no force of effect.”
- 2Prohibition on new or extended monuments in the Ironwood area: No extension or establishment of national monuments within the area generally depicted as the Ironwood Forest National Monument on the June 12, 2000 map may proceed except with express authorization by Congress.
- 3Scope limited to a defined area: The restriction applies specifically to the area shown on the map titled “Ironwood Forest National Monument” dated June 12, 2000.
- 4Congressional authorization required for changes: Any future monument designation or boundary extension in that area must be approved by Congress, rather than by presidential proclamation alone.
- 5Short title and formal designation: The bill is named the “Southern Arizona Protection Act” and would become law if enacted by Congress and signed by the President.
Impact Areas
Primary group/area affected: Residents, land users, and stakeholders in southern Arizona who interact with or rely on federal land within the Ironwood Forest National Monument area (e.g., local communities, outdoor recreation users, businesses tied to the land).Secondary group/area affected: Environmental groups and conservation advocates (who may oppose loss of existing protections) as well as groups with interests in land use, mining, grazing, or development activities in the mapped area.Additional impacts: The change would recalibrate land management authority in this portion of Arizona from presidential action under the Antiquities Act to congressional action, potentially affecting conservation timelines, permitting processes, and economic activities tied to federal lands (tourism, recreation, resource extraction, and development). It may also invite political debate over how public lands should be protected in southern Arizona.
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