My work on the Appropriations Committee. 

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have a seat at the table when crafting our federal government’s annual budget. Last week, we made significant progress on the FY2025 appropriations process, passing five packages at the Committee level:  

1. State and Foreign Operations  
2. Homeland Security 
3. Defense  
4. Financial Services and General Government  
5. Legislative Branch

Last week’s bills included crucial provisions for our district, such as funding for 22,000 Border Patrol agents in the Homeland Security package and a 4.5% pay raise for our service members in the Defense bill. We also secured $12.5 million for the transfer of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI) in Nogales to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).

As we continue to craft the federal budget for FY25, I am committed to ensuring responsible funding and returning dollars back to AZ-06. 

Welcoming 275 youth leaders. 

Last Tuesday, Laura and I welcomed the 275 students from Arizona traveling to Washington, D.C. with the Arizona Cardinals’ Civics Matters program. This program was established by the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 and aims to give our students from Title 1 schools a deeper understanding of their government and teach the importance of civic engagement.  

This trip provided these young students with a unique opportunity to develop skills and knowledge through hands-on work, enabling them to make a difference in their own communities. Their backgrounds remind me of my own, and it’s inspiring to see their passion for civic involvement. These students are the leaders of tomorrow, and I am excited to see what the future holds for them.

NDAA Passage.  

This week, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill which fully supports our military through FY2025 and provides valuable quality of life improvements for our service members. Specifically, H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act includes a 4.5% pay raise for all service members and 19.5% pay increase for junior enlisted service members, improves access to housing, healthcare, and childcare, and supports our military families. Our service members are the bedrock of our national security, and I am proud support a NDAA that ensures our service members are well taken care of. 

Congressional Baseball Game.

Last week, I participated in the Congressional Baseball Game alongside members from both sides of the aisle in the House and the Senate. Republicans secured victory with a commanding score of 31-11, securing our fourth straight victory since 2021. I’m proud to report I pulled my weight in the game, scoring with the bases loaded when my teammate, Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, hit a double during the seventh inning.

The game was a record-breaking success, raising $2.2 million for local charities and drawing a crowd of 30,000. This event is a fantastic opportunity for Members of Congress to come together for a common cause – something that doesn’t happen often enough in Washington.

Celebrating our Congressional Gold Medal Winners.

On Friday, I had the honor of meeting our district’s recent Congressional Gold Medal Winners, Ivanna Enciso and Cutter Papritz. Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our young people.  

Ivanna, who moved to the U.S. from Mexico as a young girl, has since poured her heart and time into the Pima County community, accomplishing the Police Explorers Academy last summer, serving as an Oro Valley Police Cadet, and passing the Teen Court Bar Exam. She was also one of the first women in the county to become an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. 

Cutter has accumulated over 200 volunteer hours, including a noteworthy Eagle Scout project that involved constructing a brick plaza at Continental Elementary School. He has also invested significant time in training as a kicker for Walden Grove High School as well as organizing a three-day trip to the Chiricahua National Monument.  

It was a privilege to celebrate Ivanna and Cutter and recognize their service and achievement. Meeting ambitious, selfless teenagers like these two continues to inspire me every day. 

Receiving the Champion of Healthcare Innovation Award.

Last Wednesday, I joined the Health Leadership Council at their 2024 Health Innovation Expo, where I was named a Champion of Healthcare Innovation. This annual event showcases the latest technologies, medical services, and treatments from various organizations. It was a pleasure to explore exhibits and engage with industry leaders, gaining a deeper understanding how these innovations can better equip the healthcare industry and benefit patients.  

Our healthcare professionals are working hard toward enhancing the access, delivery, and quality of healthcare. I am excited to have learned more about the advancements within the space directly from innovators and will continue to prioritize healthcare in AZ-06. 

Tackling mental health challenges in AZ-06.

Laura and I visited with members from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Arizona chapter last week, to discuss their suicide prevention efforts. Sadly, suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in our state and the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24. Our children today are faced with mounting pressures, and as a father of 6 kids, I will continue to support efforts to strengthen mental health services for our district and across the nation.  

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, you can get immediately connected to help and resources by texting or calling 9-8-8.  

In the news. 

Arizona Cardinals, students arrive in Washington, D.C., ready to learn 
AZ Family 
The Arizona Cardinals flew hundreds of students to the nation’s capitol to learn about government and will soon hear from Rep. Juan Ciscomani. 
 
20-run win for Republicans in Congressional Baseball Game with Arizona lawmakers in supporting roles 
Cronkite News  
The team in red, which included Tucson Republican Juan Ciscomani, enjoyed late-inning rallies fueled by so-so pitching and fielding by the Democrats in blue. Rep. Greg Stanton of Phoenix delivered a few solid defensive plays as the Democrats’ third baseman. 
 
Natural Resources to vote on Western water, minerals bills 
E&E News 
H.R. 8446, the “Critical Mineral Consistency Act,” from Republican Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Eli Crane of Arizona and Dan Newhouse of Washington, seeks to combine U.S. Geological Survey and Department of Energy critical minerals lists. 

Happy Customers: The Hayes Family.  

Last week, my team set up tours of both the U.S. Capitol and the White House for the Hayes family from the district. Check out what they had to say about their experience:   

“It can be overwhelming planning a trip to Washington D.C., but with the help of Congressman Ciscomani's office, we were truly able to make the most of it! From our initial contact with his [staff] assistant, Carl, every question we had was quickly answered and all of the details of our Capitol and White House tours were handled flawlessly. We were also lucky enough to meet with Congressman Ciscomani and his wife, Laura, when we arrived for our Capitol tour. Carl then took us on an unforgettable tour of the Capitol building where his balance of history and punny jokes was perfect! Carl even highlighted the unique elements of Arizona history that are spread throughout the Capitol. Thank you, Congressman Ciscomani, Laura, Carl, and team for our unforgettable trip to Washington D.C.!” 

If you're planning a trip to D.C., please contact my office for assistance in arranging visits to our federal buildings. To ensure availability, kindly request White House tickets through our office at least 90 days prior to your intended visit, as we experience a high volume of visitors. 

Profiles of the American Dream: Richard Bushong.

Richard Bushong was barely old enough to shave when he put on a uniform in 1942. And he kept it on for the next 32 years. 

World War II, Korea, Cold War, Vietnam – Richard has served our country through the defining conflicts of the 20th century. To say this 101-year-old Green Valley resident has seen a lot would be an understatement. 

But it’s how Richard saw these events unfold that make his story an inspiring example of the American Dream. He literally had a bird’s eye view. 

Richard was a military pilot and over the course of his career he’s flown bombers, fighters, cargo planes and helicopters – a total of 43 different types of aircraft. 

The F-4 Phantom he flew out of Da Nang was the fastest, but the giant B-17 Flying Fortress he flew on 28 bombing missions over Germany may be the closest to his heart. 

“It was wonderful to serve, to be part of something important,” he says. “Even though it was dangerous, what we did was necessary. It was something I had to do.” 

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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