HECHO Opposes Proposal to Sell Federal Public Lands for Budget Reconciliation

Hispanic Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) strongly opposes the proposal to sell or dispose of our nation’s public lands as part of a reconciliation package to meet budgetary goals.  

"Westerners cherish and value their public lands. These shared spaces not only hold significant cultural, historical, and ecological importance to them, but these lands also play a vital role in recreation, traditional practices, and local economies. Public lands help our communities thrive. That’s why it is so critical that decisions regarding the future of public lands include the voices of the people who rely on them. Once these lands are sold or given away, there is no way to get them back," said Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO. "Using the reconciliation process to sell or dispose of public lands is simply wrong and sets a dangerous precedent. This approach takes away public lands from the public and excludes local communities from the decision-making process." 

Although it unfortunately did not pass in the U.S. Senate, HECHO supported the proposed amendment related to the FY 2026 Budget, prohibiting the sell-off of federal public lands through the budget reconciliation process introduced by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). HECHO is grateful to the Senators for leading this effort, as well as to all lawmakers —including Republican Senators Tim Sheehy and Steven Daines from Montana—who backed this amendment. 

This bipartisan support underscores the importance of public lands to all Americans regardless of political views. These shared spaces belong to everyone and must be kept public hands for current and future generations. 

HECHO urges lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and the American public to remain vigilant and speak out against any attempts or efforts to sell off or dispose of our public lands.