Legis Daily

Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act

USA119th CongressHR-9739| House 
| Updated: 7/16/2026
Veronica Escobar

Veronica Escobar

Democratic Representative

Texas

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act aims to safeguard Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico, a site recognized for its profound religious and cultural significance and as a major pilgrimage destination. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of federal funds for any eminent domain actions concerning this mountain, including a specific ongoing lawsuit related to land seizure for border wall construction. Congress finds that federal attempts to seize land around Mount Cristo Rey infringe upon the religious liberty of the Catholic Church and its numerous visitors. To further protect the site, the legislation also bans the use of federal funds for constructing, installing, operating, or maintaining various security measures such as roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, security lighting, cameras, or sensors on or near Mount Cristo Rey.
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Timeline
Jul 16, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 16, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • July 16, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 16, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Government Operations and Politics

Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act

USA119th CongressHR-9739| House 
| Updated: 7/16/2026
The Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act aims to safeguard Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico, a site recognized for its profound religious and cultural significance and as a major pilgrimage destination. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of federal funds for any eminent domain actions concerning this mountain, including a specific ongoing lawsuit related to land seizure for border wall construction. Congress finds that federal attempts to seize land around Mount Cristo Rey infringe upon the religious liberty of the Catholic Church and its numerous visitors. To further protect the site, the legislation also bans the use of federal funds for constructing, installing, operating, or maintaining various security measures such as roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, security lighting, cameras, or sensors on or near Mount Cristo Rey.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 16, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 16, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • July 16, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 16, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Veronica Escobar

Veronica Escobar

Democratic Representative

Texas

Judiciary Committee

Government Operations and Politics

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted