SW New Mexico News

On June 15, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) announced a new partnership, a bipartisan caucus to advocate for issues that are critical to Southwest communities, including economic development, international trade and border security and the conservation of public lands. 

“Representative Juan Ciscomani and I share a similar background, and although we’re on different sides of the aisle, we’ve found ways to work together to improve the lives of our constituents. Our districts face many similar challenges and opportunities. Congress is at its best when we can find meaningful ways to work together,” said Vasquez. “By leading this caucus jointly, we will be able to bring together our colleagues and other Southwest lawmakers to advocate for our districts and beautiful Southwest communities.”

“From severe drought to strengthening infrastructure and trade, the issues that Representative Gabe Vasquez and I face in our respective communities do not abide by party or state lines. When we work together, we strengthen our districts, our states, and our region. I am proud to lead this caucus alongside Representative Vasquez and create a platform for bipartisan, commonsense solutions that deliver for Arizona, New Mexico and states across the Southwest,” said Ciscomani. 

Vasquez and Ciscomani have already introduced multiple bipartisan bills together, including the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act, The Farm Workforce Support Act and the Wolf and Livestock Fairness Act.

The Bipartisan Southwest Caucus will advocate for policy to grow international trade and address border security concerns, find ways to bring new jobs to the Southwest and protect federal public lands. 

Both members’ districts border Mexico, and New Mexico’s second congressional district has one of the longest borders along Mexico. As native Spanish speakers who come from immigrant families, Vasquez and Ciscomani know the importance of a thoughtful, humane, and fair approach to immigration and border security, and both bring unique experiences and perspectives that are lacking in Congress’ discussions about the US-Mexico border.

Vasquez and Ciscomani also served as Executive Directors of their respective Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. This experience gave both insight into the power of Hispanic-owned businesses and how important it is to support the Hispanic business community, which has strong economic power in their districts and nationwide. 

Public lands make up large parts of the two members’ districts, and both are committed to advocating for the conservation and protection of those lands and growing the outdoor recreation economy.

Original source can be found here.