Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, representing Arizona's 6th Congressional District and serving as Vice Chair of Member Services for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has called on House leadership to address wasteful spending while safeguarding essential programs such as Medicaid, Pell Grants, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Ciscomani emphasized the importance of fully funding border security initiatives that ensure community safety. In a letter addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson, Ciscomani and his colleagues from the Congressional Hispanic Conference expressed their concerns about potential funding decisions linked to the House Budget Resolution’s committee instructions advanced on February 13, 2025.

The letter stated: “While we fully support efforts to rein in wasteful spending and deliver on President Trump’s agenda, it is imperative that we do not slash programs that support American communities across our nation, nor underfund critical programs necessary to secure the border and keep our communities safe.”

Founded in 2003, the Congressional Hispanic Conference is dedicated to welcoming all who believe in faith, family, and the American Dream within the Republican party. The conference highlighted its role in securing a Republican majority in 2025 through key district wins and historic gains in border communities.

The letter also advocated for robust funding for border security measures aligned with President Trump's agenda. These include completing the border wall, increasing ICE detention capacity, ending catch-and-release policies, enforcing immigration law, improving communication systems among law enforcement agencies affected by the border crisis.

In addition to border security priorities, Ciscomani stressed reauthorizing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to protect tax credits for families and small businesses while preventing reckless taxation.

Concerns were raised about proposed budget cuts affecting Medicaid under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Nearly 30% of Medicaid enrollees are Hispanic Americans who rely on this program for healthcare access. Cuts could have severe impacts on rural hospitals serving low-income patients.

The House Committee on Education and Workforce was tasked with cutting $330 billion potentially affecting federal aid like Pell Grants which many Hispanic students depend upon for higher education opportunities.

Furthermore, cuts directed at SNAP by the House Committee on Agriculture could affect nearly 22% of Hispanic families relying on this assistance during tough times.

Ciscomani concluded by emphasizing collaboration with colleagues towards responsible budget discussions that eliminate government waste without undermining vital programs supporting working-class Americans. He noted: "Hispanic Americans are watching closely" as they anticipate governance reflecting their values delivering tangible results.