Congressman Arrington Fights For West Texas Landownership Rights

Here in West Texas, we don’t take kindly to folks messing with our land—and apparently, neither does Congressman Jodey Arrington.

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No FED

This week, Arrington’s “No Federal Expansion Designation (No FED) in West Texas Act” took a big step forward in D.C. as it officially passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee. That means it’s one step closer to becoming law—and folks in Muleshoe, Lubbock, and all across the South Plains are watching closely.

So, What’s the Deal?

The bill, introduced back in January, is aimed squarely at stopping a massive federal land grab that’s been brewing. Specifically, it would block a plan to expand the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge by over 10,000% (yep, you read that right). That means up to 700,000 acres of land in Texas and New Mexico could be scooped up by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for conservation efforts.

Now, we’re all for taking care of the land—but this kind of government expansion doesn’t sit well with West Texans. “It’s like a hole in our head,” Arrington said during a House hearing in April, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone around here who disagrees.

The bill is designed to protect private property rights and prevent what Arrington and others have called government overreach. It’s a message that’s resonating deeply across Lubbock and rural West Texas, where land isn’t just property—it’s heritage.

READ MORE: ‘Like A Hole In Our Head’ – Arrington Opposes WTX Federal Land Expansion

Arrington’s not alone in the fight. Fellow Texas Reps. Ronny Jackson and Wesley Hunt have joined him in pushing back, even sending letters to the House Appropriations Committee demanding answers and defending landowners.

And if you’ve been following this story, you know Arrington’s been pounding the pavement on this for a while—writing op-eds, doing interviews with KAMC, and even grilling federal officials in D.C. to get clarity and transparency on the plan.

So, What’s Next?

The full House of Representatives will now consider the bill. It’s not a done deal yet—but momentum is definitely building. And here in Lubbock, where we take pride in our wide-open spaces and tight-knit communities, this fight feels personal.

READ MORE: Chairman Jodey Arrington Welcomes U.S. Ag Secretary Rollins to West Texas

Stay tuned, folks. The battle for West Texas land is far from over.