Ciscomani: Old Pipeline in Nogales One Step Closer to Being Fixed With Passage of $12.5 Million Appropriation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani announced today that the decades-old problem of untreated wastewater from Mexico overflowing into the streets of Nogales, Arizona is a step closer to being solved.
The House passed legislation – the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 – this afternoon that secures $12.5 million for the maintenance and repair of the International Outfall Interceptor, a nine-mile pipeline that for years has posed serious public health and safety risks to the residents and businesses of Nogales.
“Nogales has had to endure this problem for far too long,” said Ciscomani. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought for a permanent solution so that this border community no longer has to worry about sewage flowing through their streets.”
In addition to repairs and maintenance of the International Outfall Interceptor, known as the IOI, the legislation also transfers ownership of the pipeline from the City of Nogales to the International Boundary and Water Commission, an organization better equipped to operate water infrastructure between Mexico and the United States.
Untreated wastewater has long plagued Nogales and its 20,000 residents. Water escaping from the old and inadequate pipeline can carry raw sewage, trash and industrial contaminants. Heavy rains only add to the problem.
“No community should have to deal with a situation like this,” said Ciscomani. “By investing in repairs to the International Outfall Interceptor and transferring it to the International Boundary and Water Commission, we are finally putting responsibility for this critical infrastructure where it belongs and delivering real relief for the families and businesses of Nogales.”
In addition to the funds for the IOI, other key components of the funding bill include:
- Increased funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission, Salaries and Expenses.
- Full funding for International Boundary and Water Commission, Construction.
- Preservation of only the essential and proven Global Health Funding programs.
- Unwavering support for Israel, with no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
- Fully funds International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement with $1.4B to prioritize funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States to help save American lives.
- $1.8B to continue to prioritize the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s malign initiatives, and $400M in funding for the Countering PRC Influence Fund.
- No funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and reporting requirements on UNRWA employees for their involvement in the October 7th attacks.
- Language targeting PRC linked scam call centers in Asia that target retirees and elderly constituents.
While providing funds for areas which will promote American safety and prosperity, the bill continues to cut red tape and bureaucracy that has hindered and at times corrupted the mission of American tax dollars going to foreign assistance. It accomplishes this through a combined $9 billion reduction in federal spending. These cuts prioritize our government’s ability to function as it should, without the unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that slow it down.
“These funding bills are about restoring common sense and accountability to how Washington spends American taxpayer dollars,” said Ciscomani. “Together, the National Security, Department of State, and Financial Services and General Government funding bills strengthen our national security, rein in wasteful and ideologically driven spending, and put America First at the State Department and within our financial institutions. These bills ensure U.S. foreign assistance and American power are squarely aligned with our national security priorities. This legislation eliminates funding for ineffective international organizations and hostile actors, enhances efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and terrorism, reins in IRS overreach, and redirects resources toward public safety, economic growth, and core government responsibilities. Arizonans expect their tax dollars to be used wisely, and these bills deliver on that promise by prioritizing safety, economic growth, and freedom.”
“Vision becomes direction with appropriations. It is where policy is given force, priorities are focused, and American mandates are implemented. With this package, we are advancing President Trump’s vision of a golden age defined by security, responsibility, and growth,” said Chairman Tom Cole. “Our financial system will be protected, small businesses and entrepreneurs supported, and consumer freedom safeguarded. We shield our nation across every front – strengthening cyber defenses and dismantling the financial and criminal networks that enable terrorism, drug trafficking, and bad actors. Guided by peace through strength, we realign our diplomacy and national posture to deter threats before they reach our shores. Reinforcing American leadership by countering adversaries, standing with our allies, and upholding our role as a force for stability and liberty is non-negotiable. Our Subcommittee Chairmen Joyce and Díaz-Balart ensured this measure serves a clear purpose – safety, strength, and freedom. We look forward to sending these bills to President Trump’s desk.”
Congressman Ciscomani, along with his colleagues in the House Appropriations Committee, are proud to introduce this legislation which prioritizes the safety and security of citizens in our district, nationally, and abroad.
You can find a summary the bill here and the full text of it here.
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