Chris James on Trump demanding $1.5 trillion in defense spending — including for war no one wants – while cutting domestic programs

Gilbert, AZ — April 3, 2026

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Gilbert, AZ — Chris James, Democrat for Congress in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, issued the following statement: 

“Today we found out Donald Trump wants to slash government spending on things Americans need right here at home, to pay for a war with Iran no one wants. Trump told the Republican majority in Congress to pass a $1.5 trillion defense budget while making drastic cuts to domestic programs. Not only that, he wants them to use a legislative trick to avoid having to work with Democrats on the budget process. Make no mistake, reconciliation will only stiffen the divide in Washington and break government further. It will continue to undermine Congress’s independence and lead to more and more shutdowns that hurt our economy and inflict damage on the American people. Arizonans deserve better. Join our campaign and let’s send a message that we’re tired of government dysfunction and want solution-oriented leadership that puts Arizonans first.”

— Chris James