Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce issued this statement announcing the introduction of H.R. 2467, legislation that will help protect New Mexico's local communities, secure its southern border and strengthen national security.

"It has been one year since the President misused the Antiquities Act to unilaterally seize 500,000 acres in southern New Mexico," said Pearce. "Not only did this monument designation disregard the concerns of the people in southern New Mexico, it also has prevented proper border security measures from being carried out. We have seen this issue play out in Arizona at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, which has become a human and drug smuggling corridor."

"We cannot afford for this to happen in New Mexico and we must not restrict the access of border patrol agents who work to ensure our safety. This bill does not change the size of, or, the monument. It simply ensures that the United States Border Patrol has unfettered access to the monument to serve the people of southern New Mexico and safeguard our nation. I call on my colleagues in the House to move this important legislation as soon as possible," Pearce added.

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Corrections Act (H.R. 2467) guarantees that federal, state and local law enforcement including the U.S. Border Patrol, have unfettered access to the national monument - an area that covers 500,000 acres.

H. R. 2467 has strong support from the local community and law enforcement, as evidenced by endorsements from the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Luna County, and the National Border Patrol Council.

"The National Border Patrol Council supports efforts like H.R. 2467 to clarify that our agents have the unfettered access required to do our jobs in federally controlled areas like the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Monument area." Said Brandon Judd, the Council's President.