Congressman Juan Ciscomani hosted Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District on Apr. 7, touring the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory and meeting with local leaders to discuss key regional issues. The visit included a roundtable focused on mining, ranching, water resources, and public lands, with participation from university officials, industry executives, and area ranchers.
The event highlighted southeastern Arizona’s role in innovation and natural resource management. Issues discussed included the importance of critical minerals to the economy and efforts to ensure sustainable water use for future growth.
“Arizona’s Sixth District is one of the most unique and important regions in the country, and I was proud to welcome Secretary Burgum to Southern Arizona to see that firsthand. Our district is home to world-class innovation at the University of Arizona, a strong and growing mining and agriculture economy, and some of the most beautiful and significant natural landscapes in the West. We also understand better than most that in Arizona, water is not just a policy issue — it is foundational to our future.
I appreciated the opportunity to share directly with Secretary Burgum the work being done by local leaders, stakeholders, and institutions like the University of Arizona to advance water conservation, strengthen resource management, and support long-term growth in our region. We had a productive conversation about the importance of protecting our natural resources while making sure Southern Arizona has the tools and federal partnership needed to meet our water challenges and continue thriving. I’m grateful he took the time to visit and hear directly from our community,” Ciscomani said.
Secretary Burgum addressed national priorities during his remarks: “Critical minerals are woven into nearly every aspect of American life, from the devices we rely on to the infrastructure that powers our economy. Under President Donald J. Trump, we are unleashing our critical mineral resources to put the American people first – strengthening national security, securing supply chain independence and ensuring we can meet demands of future with confidence… Today’s visit with Congressman Ciscomani underscores that commitment…”
University leadership also commented on partnerships between academia and industry: “It was an honor to host Secretary Doug Burgum … at … San Xavier Mine,” said University President Suresh Garimella. “The University … is proud … [to] advance research … needed to strengthen America’s leadership in critical minerals…”
Ciscomani emphasized regional needs such as designating copper as a critical mineral under proposed legislation—a point he previously raised with Secretary Burgum—and continued access for southeastern Arizonans using Colorado River water.
According to Ballotpedia, Ciscomani defeated Kirsten Engel both in 2022 (winning 50.7%–49.2%) and again in 2024 (50%–47.5%). He has represented Arizona’s 6th district since replacing Ann Kirkpatrick after his election victory according to AZCentral. Born in Hermosillo, Mexico in 1982 before moving permanently into Tucson where he now lives according to legislative records, Ciscomani graduated from University of Arizona with a BA degree in 2005.
The discussion reflected ongoing efforts by local leaders—across government agencies as well as academic institutions—to secure federal support for economic development while preserving vital resources.
