EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – House members from border districts continue to weigh in on the 2026 fiscal year budget.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico, has been sending letters to House appropriators urging funding for upgrades to inspection technology at border crossings, more autonomous surveillance camera towers and increased U.S. Customs and Border Protection staffing.
“We need to make smart, targeted investments that stop fentanyl before it reaches our neighborhoods and ensure that our ports of entry have the staffing and technology to keep people safe,” Vasquez said in a statement to Border Report. “This funding supports the officers working on the frontlines and helps move goods and people efficiently through places like Santa Teresa.”
The letters call for $849 million for non-intrusive inspection technology, such as X-ray and gamma ray scanners to detect illicit cargo; $239 million to hire 1,000 additional CBP officers; and $60 million to expand the deployment of AI-assisted surveillance camera deployment in remote stretches of border.
Vasquez represents southern New Mexico including all of the state’s border with Mexico.
Meantime, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Arizona, continues to lobby for extending federal tax cuts to businesses.
Democrats fear the GOP-backed proposed extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will add to the federal deficit and lead to massive cuts in social services. Others say taxes will go up for many Americans if Congress fails to extend the cuts. Ciscomani said they are critical for job creation and a strong economy.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion with business leaders last week, Ciscomani advocated for pro-growth policies he said are driving the U.S. economy and creating business and job opportunities locally.
“The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered taxes and delivered real relief for families, workers, and small businesses in southeastern Arizona, and across the U.S.,” Ciscomani said in a statement released by his office. “Letting these tax cuts expire at the end of the year would raise taxes and hit families and businesses where it hurts the most – their pocketbook.”
Ciscomani represents southeastern Arizona in the House of Representatives.
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