During the 2025 Big “I" Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Arizona) sat down with Nathan Riedel, Big “I" senior vice president of federal government affairs, for a fireside chat during the Emerging Leaders Luncheon.

Rep. Ciscomani spoke about the importance of civil discourse within Congress, engaging younger generations in public service and the American Dream.

As he introduced Rep. Ciscomani, Riedel said, “we're honoring young, diverse, politically active emerging leaders and you are emblematic of many of those things. I love your story about how you're living the American Dream—from being born in Mexico to becoming a member of Congress."

Rep. Ciscomani was first elected to Congress in 2022, representing Arizona's 6th Congressional District, and became the first naturalized American citizen from Mexico to represent Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I moved to the U.S. when I was 11 years old with my family and my younger sisters and I became a U.S. citizen in 2006," Rep. Ciscomani said. “Then, 16 years later, I became a U.S. congressman."

Rep. Ciscomani is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Agencies.

In January, he was selected to serve as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Rep. Ciscomani also serves on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, where he serves on two subcommittees: Oversight and Investigations, and Economic Opportunity.

Rep. Ciscomani is a member of the Main Street Caucus and the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. Additionally, Ciscomani has been named the most bipartisan member of the Arizona delegation by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. He is focused on working across the aisle on pragmatic legislation.

“If you focus on the solution that can bring both sides together, one that makes sense, then, naturally, bipartisanship is going to be achieved," Rep. Ciscomani said. “My thought is always, 'we either agree on 9% or 90%—or whatever that percentage is—that's where I want to work.'"

In his position on the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Ciscomani has begun work on the reconciliation package, where tax certainty for small businesses and preserving funding for important services remain a priority.

“I've met with Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) [from the House Ways and Means Committee] on this and a lot is happening at the same time," he said. “We've got things that need to be funded, like the Homeland Security aspect of things, and we've got the tax cuts that need to be extended—I'm committed to helping with that. It's a big goal but the president's leadership is key here in helping guide this." 

Speaking to the hundreds of agents gathered for lunch before they headed to Capitol Hill to meet with their congressional representatives, Rep. Ciscomani thanked attendees for their willingness to represent their communities and clients and offered some valuable advice. 

“Do what you do best, you're professionals at this," Rep. Ciscomani said. “Be informed, know your stuff, be passionate about it and be direct on what the ask is."

Independent insurance agents play a key role in advocacy, Rep. Ciscomani noted. “You represent Main Street America. Members will want to talk to you because you represent the majority of our constituents, the people that are out there creating jobs, making things happen. You have a lot of value just by what you do, who you are and what you represent."

Olivia Overman is IA content editor.