In the News.
Ciscomani underscores proper federal management of Arizona’s wild horses
The Ripon Advance
"U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) joined a fellow Arizona Republican colleague in requesting coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the proper management of the state’s Salt River and Heber wild horse herds. 'Wild horses embody the spirit and heritage of the West and are beloved by Arizonans. These animals deserve to be protected and treated humanely,' Rep. Ciscomani said on June 12. 'For too long, the Salt River and Heber horses have faced cruel and improper removal, and we must ensure they receive the protections they deserve.' The congressman, who is co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, and his colleague requested that the USDA’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) ensures the herds are properly managed and that the USFS is fully complying with all applicable federal and state protections. In a June 8 letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers wrote that the Salt River horses hold a special place in Arizona’s history and identity, a fact reflected in a dedicated state statute protecting their right to remain in the wild."
Ciscomani, Schweikert Urge for Protection of Arizona’s Wild Horses
Arizona Daily Independent
"Arizona Congressmen Juan Ciscomani and David Schweikert are urging the U.S. Forest Service to ensure the management of Arizona’s iconic Salt River and Heber wild horse herds reflects their historic, cultural, and economic significance to the state while fully complying with all applicable federal and state protections. In a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the lawmakers reiterated their longstanding commitment to protecting Arizona’s wild horses and ensuring future management decisions are guided by transparency, science, and the law. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: 'The Salt River horses hold a special place in Arizona’s history and identity, a fact reflected in a dedicated state statute protecting their right to remain in the wild. We were therefore surprised when, in August 2024, the Forest Service transmitted a request to the Arizona Department of Agriculture seeking revisions to its management plan that would remove these horses from their habitat particularly given the agency’s position in May 2024 litigation, where it disclaimed authority over the management of these very horses. We also have concerns that the Forest Service’s participation in the planning process may not have complied with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, and we hope to work together to ensure that the process is on a solid legal footing going forward.'"
Local Leaders, Conservationists Applaud Ciscomani’s Bipartisan Push to Protect Arizona Public Lands
The Gila Herald
"Local elected officials and conservation stakeholders across the state are praising U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) for his bipartisan leadership in safeguarding Arizona’s public lands and preserving the outdoor spaces that define the American West. Recently, Ciscomani joined forces with Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) to introduce the Public Lands Integrity Act. The proposed legislation aims to shield America’s public lands from being sold or otherwise disposed of through fast-tracked federal budget reconciliation processes, ensuring that any such actions instead face strict transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny. The core objective of the Public Lands Integrity Act is to keep federal land management decisions in the open, requiring regular legislative oversight and direct public input rather than allowing treasured spaces to be used as leverage in rushed budget negotiations. 'Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations,' Ciscomani said. 'Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act, which ensures decisions about these treasured spaces are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input.'"
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