Rep. Grijalva Blasts House Republicans for Politicizing Funding, Stripping Support for Bisbee Library Over Drag Events

Tucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement condemning House Republicans for weaponizing the Community Project Funding (CPF) process after stripping $649,330 in requested funding for the Copper Queen Library in Bisbee, Arizona from the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The funding was removed by Republicans on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture after learning the library had hosted drag events in 2019 and 2024 – just two of the hundreds of community programs hosted at the library. 

This year, Members of Congress were able to submit 20 local projects for consideration in the annual appropriations bill. You can see the full list of projects that Rep. Grijalva submitted for FY 2027 here. Of the more than 500 projects submitted to the Agriculture Subcommittee, only two were rejected, including the Copper Queen library. 

“Republicans didn’t cut this funding over the merits of the project – they cut it to continue their assault on the trans community,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This funding was about basic repairs – fixing roofs, restoring floors, and ensuring a safe, functional space for the public in a rural community. It is outrageous, it is petty, and it is a complete abuse of the appropriations process.” 

“Republicans are so obsessed with policing identity and expression that they are willing to punish an entire region – and withhold funding for a public resource institution that serves families across Southern Arizona, including rural communities in the neighboring Congressional district.” 

“Public libraries are one of the purest expressions of our First Amendment – open, accessible spaces where people can learn, gather, and express themselves freely. The Republican majority is now using their power to dictate what is acceptable in those spaces – and punishing communities when they don’t agree. Denying access to a public library based on identity is a violation of the Equal Protection clause under the 14th amendment. The Republicans are now punishing a library for rightfully upholding the Constitution. Funds for this eligible project should be immediately restored in any final funding bill.”