Introducing the VETS Opportunity Act. 

As more and more students gravitate towards virtual educational programs, we need to ensure our veterans have the same access to online learning. This week I introduced H.R. 7896, the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, new legislation to make an important modernization to our veterans’ GI benefits to include hybrid skilled trade educational programs. Not only does this improve the way our veterans access their benefits but also helps to tackle the current workforce shortage in skilled trades.  We must ensure our student veterans have to same access to education as other students. 

I’m proud to announce that this is also my seventh veterans-focused bill that I have introduced while in Congress. As I hear from veterans across the district, I am committed to finding solutions to their concerns, from legislative fixes to casework assistance. 

Questioning USAID.  

Last week, I attended my first hearing as a member of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee, where I questioned the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power on humanitarian aid in Gaza. To view my questions, click here.  

With growing threats from adversaries around the world, American strength and diplomacy on the global stage is more important than ever, our federal government and the relevant agencies must be laser-focused on protecting our national security at home and abroad, supporting our partners and allies, and eliminating threats to the homeland. This position will allow me to ensure those priorities are met while reducing bloated government spending and increasing congressional oversight into the Biden administration. This role has deep roots with southern Arizona’s previous congressional representation, with my friend and mentor, Jim Kolbe, having previously served as Chairman on the subcommittee, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps. I look forward to serving on this subcommittee with these goals and those of Arizona’s Sixth District top of mind.   

AZ-06 in D.C.  

One of the best parts of my job is visiting with people from across the district who travel to Washington, D.C. Whether it was the Cuddy family touring the Capitol or Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy here to advocate for his community, I had the chance to see a number of folks from southern Arizona this week. One meeting that specifically resonated with me was students from Pima Community College and Cochise College who were here with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) advocating for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI). As a graduate of a HSI and co-chair of the HSI Caucus in Congress, I know just how crucial these institutions are in our communities. Additionally, I had the pleasure of seeing Charlette Davis, a 7th grader from Sonoran Science Academy East. She is the AZ-06 winner of this year’s Congressional App Challenge, winning with her app titled “The Best Pets App.”  

Whether it’s local officials or school groups, I love seeing folks from home here in the Capitol. 

Attention AZ-06 students.   

Attention AZ-06 students! My office is now accepting applications for summer interns starting in May. If you have a passion for public service, government, or local issues, we encourage all students to apply. Through our internship program, students will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with me and my team, learn more about the legislative process, and engage in public outreach.  If you or a student you know is interested, applications can be found on my website.      
     
My office offers a variety of services and programs for our students. From the Congressional Art Competition to military service academy nominations, we have many different opportunities for our students. Check out the Services tab on my website for more information!   

Much-needed reforms. 

Over the last several years, Americans have seen serious abuses and weaponizations of the federal government, specifically within the FBI; these egregious actions are simply unacceptable. Sadly, the perpetrators wrongly hid behind the Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act – or FISA. It’s become clear that serious changes are needed to this policy and U.S. House Representatives stepped up to the challenge, passing 56 much-needed reforms to FISA this week. The bill closes loopholes that led to previous abuses while ensuring our national security agencies and law enforcement have what they need to PROTECT – not spy on – American citizens. Watch MORE of what I have to say on the vote here. 

#AZ06 Charter Schools.

With almost 17,000 students in Arizona’s Sixth District attending charter schools, they have proven to be a welcomed choice in education for our communities. These schools empower families to make the best choice for their students and play an important role in our country’s education system.

Last week, I had the opportunity to question the Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on the proposed $40 million cut to the Charter School Program (CSP). While the administration cites a lack of interest, the immense growth of charter schools in Arizona shows differently, with long waitlists existing at most of our charter schools. 

From my meetings with educators, it is evident that any loss of interest is due to the red tape and wait times that exist when applying for the program, forcing many to give up on the process entirely. In my line of questioning, I urged him against proposing cuts to the program and recommended instead to explore ways to eliminate the red tape and make it easier to access charter school grants. As a father of six students, I want our families to have all options on the table when it comes to their children’s education..

In the News.  

Campbell Road extension a game-changer  
Green Valley News  
"An approximately one-and-a-half-mile road extension in a small southern Arizona town might not seem like a big deal compared to the many weighty issues that come before Congress, but it is to the residents of Sahuarita and Green Valley. Fortunately for us, it also was a big deal for Congressman Juan Ciscomani.”  
  
Funding pushes Linear Park project closer to reality  
Eastern Arizona Courier  
“Congressman Juan Ciscomani, R-Tucson, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee helped secure $1.3 million for the Gila River Linear Park and Trail in the $1.2 trillion budget package approved by Congress on March 23. The park funding was part of $14.5 million earmarked for Ciscomani's 6th Congressional District within the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development budget”  
  
Ciscomani Accepting Applications For Military Academy Recommend  
The Gila Herald  
"U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., is looking for students who are interested in attending one of the nation’s military academies. Each member of Congress may have up to five recommended cadets or midshipmen at each academy — the Army Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. — over a four-year period.”  

Profiles of the American Dream:  Adam Buckner 

Adam Buckner made the American Dream possible. He went to work each day to protect and serve our community. He risked his life protecting and serving our community. And on Easter Sunday, he lost his life protecting and serving the community he called home. 

Tucson Police Officer Adam Buckner died in a car crash while responding to a call near the University of Arizona. He was 31 years old. 

“A true law enforcement professional, exceptional in every sense of the word,” Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar said at his memorial service. “Adam was a hero amongst heroes.” 

Heroes like Adam – the police officers, fire fighters, EMTs, health care workers, men and women in our armed forces – represent the best of the American Dream. None of us could live our American Dream without them. 

Thank you, Adam. 

Share your story.  

Our district encompasses so many incredible people and stories that I want to share both with my colleagues in Washington and through the platforms I have as a member of Congress, such as speaking on the House floor. You can visit my website and share your story with me and my team. I look forward to hearing from you! 

As always, my office and I are here to assist you. If you would like to share a comment or tell us your story, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you!

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