HEADWAY Act.

As a dad of six, I understand firsthand the critical role early childhood development programs play and the need to expand access for students and families in need.  However, too often families in need are unable to access these programs due to the shortage in the childcare workforce.

This is why I introduced the H.R. 336, HEADWAY Act, to address the childcare workforce shortage in Early Head Start programs by allowing teachers in Early Head Start classrooms to teach while simultaneously earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. My effort would give Head Start programs greater hiring flexibility and expand access to these critical programs for students and families in need.

Read more about my bill here and listen below to hear more!

Supporting My Alma Mater.

I am grateful to support my alma mater, the University of Arizona, through my work in Congress. Last week, I met with UofA’s research team to discuss priorities for the 119th Congress and the best ways for us to continue working together to support our students and continue delivering for AZ-06. Always proud to give back to an institution that was critical in helping me achieve my American Dream! 

Advanced Border Coordination Act.

In order to secure the border, we must make sure that law enforcement agencies are able to effectively cooperate and communicate. The Advanced Border Coordination Act (H.R. 285), which I am co-leading with Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14) would establish Joint Operations Centers that will enhance cooperation between federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies more effectively counter illicit activity along the border and keep our communities safe. 

Watch below to hear more!

Reconciliation.

You may have heard a lot about reconciliation recently. Let’s break it down!

What is it? Reconciliation is a special legislative process to help Congress make the tax and mandatory spending changes necessary to meet the spending levels proposed in the annual Congressional budget resolution. Budget reconciliation can only be applied to policies that impact spending, revenue, or deficits. Reconciliation CANNOT touch Social Security.

What is the process? A reconciliation bill is privileged in several ways, most importantly, it includes a 20-hour limit on debate in the Senate and a non-debatable motion to proceed to the bill. This means a reconciliation bill can not be filibustered in the Senate, allowing the Senate to pass a reconciliation bill by a simple majority, rather than the typical 60 votes needed to end debate. This means with Republicans in charge of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives – we have a unique opportunity this Congress!

Why use it? House and Senate Republicans will use Reconciliation as a tool to enact tax relief for the middle-class, lower energy costs, secure our Southern border, and lower the federal deficit. I have been in many meetings over the past few months on this special tool, and I look forward to keeping you in the loop as we go through this process!  

Now Hiring: Green & Gold Congressional Aide.

My office is looking to hire a Green & Gold Congressional Aide for a two-year paid position in my Tucson district office. This role involves attending local meetings and events on my behalf and acting as a facilitator between veteran constituents and federal, state, and local agencies. The Green & Gold Congressional Aide program was established to create employment opportunities for Veterans, Gold Star families, and Active-Duty Spouses within the U.S. House of Representatives. These positions provide participants with the experience and exposure necessary to broaden their career opportunities and assist other Veterans as constituent service representatives.

The program is limited to Veterans and Gold Star Families who meet specific requirements: Veterans must be honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last six years, with terminal pay grades at or below E-5, O-3, or W-2. Veterans promoted to the pay grades of E-6, O-4, and W-3 within six months of separation from active duty are eligible, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. Veterans who have received a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible. Gold Star applicants must be the spouse, parent/step-parent, sibling/step-sibling, child, or step-child of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability. Active-duty spouses must be married to a service member serving on active duty in a regular component of the armed forces. 

Interested parties please apply here.

In the news.

Ciscomani Appointed Vice Chairman of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee
Herald/Review
“Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani re-introduced a bill to U.S. Congress addressing the ongoing childcare workforce shortage in Early Head Start programs.” 
 
Ciscomani bill could unburden Cochise County courts and taxpayers
Herald/Review
“Federal legislation recently introduced by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) would make it a federal felony for drivers involved in human smuggling who flee instead of pulling over during a traffic stop, and a life sentence could be imposed if the failure to yield results in a death.” 
 
 Arizona congressman introduces bill targeting high-speed chases near border
KTAR
“Arizona U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani of the state’s 6th district proposed on Friday new legislation that would penalize those perpetrators of high-speed car chases along the southern border.” 

Profiles of the American Dream.

 Anyone who’s ever worked in the food industry knows a restaurant kitchen can be a tough place to earn a living. 

“It’s such a grueling environment,” says McKenzie O’Leary, the executive chef at Tucson’s storied Tanque Verde Ranch. “We’re around hot, sharp things all the time and there’s stress.” 

But, as the old saying goes, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Put McKenzie in that category. She’s passionate about what she does. 
“It’s exciting to be part of that culture,” she says. “It’s such a dream to be able to be in the kitchen.” 

McKenzie fell in love with the profession while attending the culinary program at Pima Community College. Her more than 15 years as a chef includes stints at Pantano Christian Church, the Forty Niner Country and Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. 

At the Ranch, she oversees food service at one of Tucson’s oldest continuously operated businesses. She’s also one of just a handful of executive chefs in the entire restaurant industry. 

“Hard work really pays off,” she says. 

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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