This is Kirkpatrick's first piece of legislation that has been signed into law.
     Arizona's newest congresswoman and senior senator have led the fight to ensure that the federal government will not stop development in greater Arizona. They introduced companion bills that would repeal the "Freeze" and worked across party lines to guarantee the swift passage and signing of that legislation.
     "Far too many people in tribal areas lack basic necessities like running water and electricity, and they deserve to know that their government will not stop them from pulling themselves out of poverty," Kirkpatrick said.
     "President Obama joined with members of Congress from both parties to make sure Washington bureaucrats won't stand in the way of folks trying to improve their homes and their lives again."
     The "Freeze" was instituted in 1966 to block home and property improvements on 1.5 million acres of land disputed between the Navajo and the Hopi. The deep-seated dispute remained unresolved for years and the "Freeze" remained in place, making it nearly impossible for businesses to grow and leaving the 8,000 people living in the region impoverished.
     Though the "Freeze" was lifted by judicial ruling in 2006, tribal leaders have been concerned that the law that allowed it remained in effect. Kirkpatrick and McCain, along with Sen. Jon Kyl and Reps. Trent Franks and Gabrielle Giffords, have been working together to end that risk for good.
     "With the 'Bennett Freeze' law off the books, the Arizona delegation can now focus on working with tribal leaders and local communities to help our people help themselves. We're going to work to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, improve our schools, and provide health care for everyone on tribal lands, so that people in greater Arizona have the same opportunities as everyone else," Kirkpatrick said.
     The measure introduced by McCain passed the Senate unanimously on March 12, and Kirkpatrick introduced an identical bill on March 26.
     The repeal bill that was signed into law was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives on April 21. President Barack Obama signed into law May 8.