Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act

Key Points

• This bill stops the federal government from taking land at Mount Cristo Rey in New Mexico through a process called eminent domain. The mountain is a holy site owned by the Catholic Church and is home to a famous 29-foot statue of Jesus Christ.
• The proposal specifically blocks federal money from being used for a current lawsuit aimed at seizing over 14 acres of the land. It also bans the government from building border walls, fences, or security lights on or near the mountain.
• Supporters say this is necessary to protect religious freedom and cultural traditions. Every year, about 40,000 people from Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico visit the site for religious pilgrimages.
• If passed, this law would prevent the government from installing cameras, sensors, or roads on the property. This would stop planned border security projects that the bill's sponsor says interfere with the site's sacred nature.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.