Arizona tribes testified against legislation that would allow mining near sacred Apache sites at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

S.3157 authorizes a swap between the federal government and Resolution Copper Co. Resolution would be able to open a copper mine on the land it receives.

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona testified against the bill, citing concerns by the San Carlos Apache Tribe. The copper mine would be located near a sacred site called Apache Leap.

The Fort Mojave Tribe said the bill would give foreign entities access to public resources. Resolution Copper is owned by two foreign companies.

The circumstances surrounding the swap led to the indictment of Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona). The bill is now being pushed by Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona).

Get the Story:
Kyl speaks before Senate panel on land swap (The Arizona Republic 7/10)

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Editorial: Land swap bill protects Apache sites (7/7)
Opinion: Renzi and McCain trample Apache sites
Editorial: Rep. Renzi, under indictment, must resign (2/25)
Rep. Renzi indicted on 35 counts for land deal (2/22)