The House is expected to vote later this month on H.R.1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act.

The bill authorizes a land swap between the federal government and Resolution Copper. The company plans to use the land for a copper mine in the Tonto National Forest.

Nearly every tribe in Arizona opposes the swap. The mine would be located near Apache Leap, a sacred site to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and near other culturally important sites.

"“Some time immemorial, we have found refuge there and gathered precious medicinal herbs and traditional food there. Our goal is to protect those sites from potential ruin. Once they are lost, they can never be regained," Chairwoman Kathy Kitcheyan said in a statement, The Apache Moccasin reported.

The House Natural Resources Committee voted 26-19 to approve the bill in July.

Get the Story:
House vote on Land Swap this month Kathy Kitcheyan first to speak out (The Apache Moccasin 9/7)

Committee Notice:
Full Committee Markup on H.R. 1408, H.R. 1904, H.R. 2150, H.R. 2170, H.R. 2171, H.R. 2172 and H.R. 2173 (July 13, 2011)

Related Stories:
House committee backs land swap opposed by Arizona tribes (7/14)