HECHO Applauds Removal of Backdoor Amendment to Sell-Off Public Lands in the House Reconciliation Bill

Hispanic Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) has strongly opposed the proposal to sell of our nation's public lands as part of a reconciliation bill to meet budgetary goals. We are grateful to Republican members of Congress who stood against these efforts and listened to the voices of the community by removing the last-minute amendment introduced by Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT). 

"Using the reconciliation process to sell public lands is simply wrong and would have set a troubling precedent by sidelining local input and using our lands as a short-term budget fix," said Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO.  

While there are instances where land disposals may be justified, existing processes allow communities to negotiate benefits, such as conservation easements or access protections. This backdoor approach, where public assets are treated as budgetary tools, undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for those most impacted.  

“This shortsighted proposal —strongly opposed by communities across the West— would prioritize quick sales over thoughtful stewardship, which is an integral part of the Western tradition of conserving public lands for hunting and recreation for current and future generations,” added Simon. 

HECHO remains committed to protecting public lands and ensuring that decisions about their future reflect the voices and values of the communities who depend on them.