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Delivering for AZ-06: $4.5 Million. 

I'm proud to announce that my team has successfully recovered $4.5 million for our constituents through casework during my time in Congress, including over $1.5 million for our veterans. Navigating federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs can be challenging, but my team is dedicated to helping you. I will continue working to secure more funds for our district. 

Additionally, my office provides a range of services and programs for our community. Whether it's Capitol tours, military service academy nominations, or casework assistance, we offer many different opportunities for students, constituents, and families. For more details, visit the services tab on my website! 

Oversight and Accountability: Casa Alitas. 

Upon reports of misuse of taxpayer funds, I sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General (IG) Joseph Cuffari requesting a comprehensive investigation into the use of federal funds by Catholic Community Services’ Casa Alitas in Tucson, Arizona.  So far, in Fiscal Year 2024, Pima County has received $21,827,581 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Shelter and Services Program (SSP), with these funds primarily going to Casa Alitas’ migrant operation. It is critical that we ensure transparency and accountability in the use of federal funds meant to address the ongoing migrant crisis. Congress, and the American people, deserve transparency and anyone who has taken advantage of these programs must be held accountable. I look forward to continuing conversations with the IG to ensure proper oversight of all federal taxpayer dollars.  

Hearing from Safford veterans. 

Last week, I hosted a roundtable with Safford veterans to hear directly from them about the most pressing needs affecting them. With over 70,000 veterans in AZ-06, their voices and concerns are a top priority. I'll keep pushing for policies, funding, and additional efforts that provide the support and resources they rightfully earned. Recently, I introduced the (H.R. 7896) Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, a bipartisan bill which would extend educational benefits in the post-9/11 GI Bill to include partially online (or hybrid) versions of skilled trade training programs. As more and more students gravitate towards virtual educational programs, we need to ensure our veterans have the same access to online learning.   

Securing funds for AZ-06. 

Last week we toured many different community funding project locations across the district. We started at the Graham County sewer treatment facility where we secured $1.2 million. Then we headed over to the Town of Pima to see the $1 million we secured to construct a road for the town’s new high school. On Tuesday, visited the Town of Oro Valley, where I secured $7 million for maintenance and repair of the bridges. Wednesday, we visited 2 projects at the Town of Marana where we secured $4 million to strengthen water infrastructure in the area. We wrapped up the week at the Oracle Fire District where we secured $340,049 to purchase new equipment that will enhance safety and their ability to serve and protect residents. 

Click here for more detail. 

Tucson State of the District. 

I was honored to deliver my second state of the district address in Tucson. We discussed my time in the district for the August work period, how I’ve traveled 1,130 miles, and all the work I do in Washington to keep pushing our district, and our nation, forward.  Each event has been an adventure and the quality time I get to spend with constituents is priceless. I will always continue to fight for you in Congress.  

Safeguarding endangered children.

Under the watch of the Biden-Harris administration, nearly 300,000 unaccompanied migrant children remain unaccounted for. This a dire humanitarian crisis and an indictment on the failed policies of this administration. Last year, I sent a letter to Secretaries Mayorkas and Becerra to address the concerning reports of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) losing contact with over 85,000 migrant children. That situation was unacceptable and it appears to have only gotten worse. We must ensure proper reporting by government agencies on children who have entered the US – we need to know where they are and who’s care they are in to ensure their safety.  This is why I recently co-sponsored  H.R. 5415, the Safeguarding Endangered Children, Unaccompanied and at Risk of Exploitation Act to ensure these children are properly accounted for. 

We must ensure that these vulnerable children receive the care and consideration they deserve and enforce policies that prevent such lapses from occurring. 

Type 1 diabetes research lab. 

Last week, I visited the Type 1 diabetes lab at the University of Arizona. This lab is fully equipped with many innovative approaches to help those with Type 1 diabetes. As a member of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, I’m proud to support T1D research and treatment. Thanks to Kim for meeting with me in DC and AZ, and for bringing me here to learn how I can help in Congress. In DC, Kim and her daughter Elizabeth discussed ways I can support their efforts for T1D treatments and research. The work they are doing here is truly amazing, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.  

Casa Grande Head start program. 

Last week, I toured the Casa Grande Head start program. With 22 Head Start programs at 500 locations in Arizona, these programs are vital to the well-being of our families and children. As the number of children in their programs grow, Head Start is constantly looking for teachers and more childcare workers. This is why I introduced (H.R 7467) HEADWAY Act, a bipartisan bill with Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11). This bill allows Early Head Start classroom teachers to teach while earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials simultaneously. 

This bill also requires at least one teacher in every classroom be fully credentialed with a CDA and establishes a mentorship program to facilitate and ensure continued progress toward earning the CDA. I will continue to support Head Start programs in AZ-06 and across the country.  

In the news.

Ciscomani visits Pima school construction site 
Gila Herald 
To help facilitate the new road and traffic light, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani has pushed through $1 million in funds through the House’s Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development package for the project. The package also approves $1.9 million for the town of Duncan to repave more than 4,000 feet on Main Street and High Street in Duncan – which have not been properly repaired in 45 years. 
 
Rural Fire Departments in Cochise County awarded federal grant 
Herald/Review 
August 16, U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) announced that the Benson Fire Department (BFD) and neighboring fire agencies in Cochise County were selected to receive the grant of federal funding under the Assistance to Firefighters grant program. 
 
Republican Congressman calls for investigation into Casa Alitas 
AZPM 
Congressman Juan Ciscomani has called for an investigation into the Southern Arizona shelter Casa Alitas for potentially misusing federal funds. 
 
Listen here: Voice of the Valley: Congressman Juan Ciscomani 
Gila Valley Central 
Funding in the district, veterans and military needs, the border. 
 

Profile of the American Dream: Helen Anderson Glass.

This week we shine our American Dream spotlight on Helen Anderson Glass, a patriot and award-winning poet who passed away earlier this month at 101.

Helen was part of The Greatest Generation. She enlisted in the Navy Women’s Reserve on her 20th birthday in 1943 and served as an Aviation Machinist's Mate Second Class until1945.

But Helen kept on serving. She was well known and beloved among Tucson-area veterans thanks to the countless hours she volunteered at our VA hospital. Her specialty was sewing and over the years she donated thousands of blankets, robes, pillows and other items to make sure her fellow veterans were comfortable.

Among her many accolades, Helen was awarded the Woman Veteran of the Year Award in 1998, named American Legion Volunteer in 1998, VFW Volunteer of the Year in 1999 and Legionnaire of the Year in 2000. Helen’s poems honoring veterans have been published in various magazines and were recognized by the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

“I want to give back to my community and veterans for all they have given to me,” she told The Arizona Daily Star a few years ago. “Our veterans put their lives on the line for me and you, and they deserve the best of care and that they be remembered.”

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. Please 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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