H.R. 9739: Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act

This bill would block the federal government from using money to pursue eminent-domain action over Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico. In plain terms, it would prevent federal funds from being used in the court case named in the bill or in any other legal action aimed at taking land at or near Mount Cristo Rey for eminent-domain purposes.

The bill is focused on Mount Cristo Rey, a mountain in Sunland Park that Congress describes as having religious and cultural importance. The findings section says the site is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces and is a pilgrimage destination for visitors from New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua, Mexico. It also notes the large statue of Jesus Christ on the mountain and states that the site has significance for Catholic worship and visitation.

The bill would also prohibit the use of federal funds to build, install, operate, or maintain certain security-related infrastructure on or near Mount Cristo Rey. That includes roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, lighting, cameras, sensors, and similar structures.

In effect, if enacted, the bill would limit federal involvement in efforts connected to land acquisition or security construction around Mount Cristo Rey. It does not appear to change private ownership of the mountain itself, but it would restrict how the federal government can spend money on related legal or construction activities.

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