Washington • Democrats have introduced legislation to expand the former Bears Ears National Monument beyond the boundaries that President Barack Obama established — and President Donald Trump slashed — in a move that could see traction in the Democratic-led House but may be dead on arrival in the GOP-controlled Senate.
The Democratic proposal soon may align more closely with the wishes of San Juan County’s newly seated leadership, now with a Navajo majority on its County Commission. The previous commission had opposed Obama’s proclamation that designated the initial 1.3 million-acre monument spanning Cedar Mesa and other areas rich in Native American artifacts, sacred sites and geologic wonders.