U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) on April 7 hosted U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in the Sixth Congressional District to see what makes southeastern Arizona unique, from mining to beautiful landscapes.
They toured the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory, heard from mining, ranching, and water stakeholders during a roundtable discussion, and visited Saguaro National Park East.
“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,” Rep. Ciscomani said. “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,” he added.
The congressman said he 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 the 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,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “I’m grateful he took the time to visit and hear directly from our community.”
After touring the University of Arizona School of Mines, Rep. Ciscomani led a roundtable with Secretary Burgum and local leaders to discuss myriad issues, such as critical minerals, water, cattle, public lands, and mining.
During the roundtable, Rep. Ciscomani highlighted the agricultural and water needs of southeastern Arizona, and discussed continued use of the Colorado River, as well as designating copper as a critical mineral under his bipartisan Critical Mineral Consistency Act, H.R. 755, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March.
“Critical minerals are woven into nearly every aspect of American life, from the devices we rely on to the infrastructure that powers our economy,” said Burgum. “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 the demands of the future with confidence and resilience.
“Today’s visit with Congressman Ciscomani underscores that commitment to expanding mining in the United States and reducing costs for American families,” he added.
Roundtable participants included the secretary, as well as numerous others, including Karen Budd-Falen, U.S. Department of the Interior Associate Deputy Secretary; Jim Chilton of the Southern Arizona Cattlemen’s Protective Association; University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella; Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, University of Arizona senior vice president for research and partnerships; Steve Trussell, Arizona Mining Association executive director; South32 President Pat Risner; Freeport-McMoran CEO Kathleen Quirk; and Brenda Burman, Central Arizona Water Conservation District general manager, among several others.