Representative Eli Crane's (R-AZ) H.R. 837, which would allow Gila County to take ownership of the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to continue operating a veterans center on the property in Young, Arizona, has passed the Senate unanimously and is heading to the President's desk to become law.
A History of the Bill
Rep. Crane originally introduced H.R. 837 in March 2023 as H.R. 1829, and it was his first piece of legislation introduced as a member of Congress, passing the House in April 2024.
If President Donald Trump signs it into law, the 232-acre plot's transfer to Gila County would "protect and maintain the rich history of the property, while providing family housing, meeting and activity spaces, resource rooms, Veteran Ceremonial Grounds, and outdoor recreation."
The bill passed the House a second time in February 2025, but never advanced in the Senate.
Finally, Wednesday night, the Senate passed the new version of the legislation, H.R. 837, by unanimous consent.
Now President Trump just needs to sign it.
What Crane is Saying
"Arizona's veterans deserve a permanent place to recreate, reconnect, and spend time with their families," said Rep. Crane in his press release celebrating the Senate's passage. "With last night's passage in the Senate, this bill is now one signature away from becoming law."
Rep. Crane highlighted the efforts of Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline, saying, "None of this would be possible without the dedication of Supervisor Woody Cline, who spent years building bipartisan support for this project."
He further thanked House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee (R-UT), and Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ), along with "everyone else who worked behind the scenes to get this across the finish line."
"I look forward to seeing what this retreat will mean for Gila County, and I hope our nation's heroes will enjoy it for generations to come," Crane concluded.
