2025 Capitol Hill Update at the Arizona Chamber.

Last week, I had a fantastic conversation at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce Annual Capitol Hill Lunch, where I provided an update on my work in Congress and reiterated my unwavering commitment to preserving Medicaid benefits for those the program was intended to serve, like single mothers, people with disabilities, and the elderly. You can watch my remarks here.

Earlier this month, I joined 12 Republican colleagues in a letter to House Leadership and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie making it clear that we would not vote for legislation that reduces Medicaid coverage for vulnerable individuals. What I do support are targeted reforms, such as implementing work requirements for able-bodied adults with no dependents and strengthening eligibility verification to ensure that every dollar is maximized.

In addition to my commitment to not reduce Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations, I spoke about my efforts to counter drone activity by Mexican cartels. In March, I led nine Republican lawmakers to the Arizona – Mexico border, where we learned about the cartel’s efforts to use unmanned aerial drones to carry out their illicit operations and threaten our national security. While we have made great strides to secure the southern border after four years of crisis, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to counter Mexican drug cartels and codify President Trump’s border efforts into law.

Standing up for our Ranchers.

Since my first day in office, I have been committed to making sure that rural communities, which are often overlooked, have a seat at the table so they can have their needs and concerns prioritized by the federal government.

Ranchers in Arizona are having their livelihoods directly threatened by the Mexican gray wolf, an animal which the federal government reintroduced into our communities. Yet, when one of these wolves' harms or kills their cattle, they aren’t eligible to receive full compensation. That just isn’t right.

This is why I co-sponsored the Wolf and Livestock Fairness (WOLF) Act (H.R. 2227), to fully reimburse ranchers for any livestock killed or harmed by endangered Mexican gray wolves. Currently, ranchers are compensated for 75 percent of the value of livestock killed by gray wolves. This bill rights that wrong and increases compensation for ranchers to 100 percent of the value of cattle loss and compensates them for decreased herd sizes.

Spending Earth Day with the Audubon Society.

Water is our most precious resource, especially living here in the Sonoran Desert. As Vice Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, I am committed to protecting our state’s natural beauty and promoting efforts that led to a more secure water future for Arizona.

On Earth Day, I joined Audubon Southwest, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Business for Water Stewardship, and other key local water stakeholders in a visit to the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative. This critical project is funded by the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), a grant program administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation which I have consistently championed and fought for increased funding in Congress.

Visiting St. Joseph’s Hospital & Northwest Healthcare.

Medicaid is a lifeline for our most vulnerable populations, which is why I’m continuing to meet with health systems across our district to discuss how we can continue to protect these vital benefits and support better health outcomes for our patients.

Last week, Laura and I toured St. Joseph’s Hospital – where all six of our kids were born – and Northwest Healthcare where I heard firsthand from doctors, nurses, and administrators about the challenges they face and the critical role Medicaid plays in ensuring access to care for single mothers, those with disabilities, and the elderly.

You can read more about my commitment to protect Medicaid here.

Nogales Port Board Meeting.

When I am in the district, I try my best to make every minute count. Even when I am on the road, I always stay connected.

I joined the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority Board during a meeting to discuss funding for our ports of entry, efforts to recruit and retain more Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, and the Tomato Suspension Agreement between the U.S. and Mexico.

Eastern Arizona College Visit.

In Graham County, I spoke with local leaders, elected officials, students, educators, and community members at Eastern Arizona College, where I provided an update on legislation I am working on, heard about their needs and concerns, and reiterated my ironclad support of Medicaid and Pell Grants -- which I myself received when I was a student.

You can find my efforts to support students in rural communities, expand access to educational opportunities for veterans, and support our workers below:

• The Secure our Rural Schools Act (H.R. 1383) which provides funding to rural counties and schools that are impacted by federal land management, particularly those with large areas of federally owned, tax-exempt forests.
• The Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act (H.R. 1458) would expand veterans’ access to educational opportunities in high-demand skill and vocational programs, whether in-person or partially online.
• The Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural and Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools (CONSTRUCTS) Act (H.R. 1055) would create a grant program to fund and develop residential construction education and certification programs at community colleges, junior colleges, and trade schools.

Edmund Optics Visit.

I had the opportunity to visit Edmund Optics in Tucson – an anchor of “Optics Valley” which is home to some of the most advanced optic companies in the world. It’s great to see how clean energy tax credits, trade, and efforts to promote the production of critical minerals can support innovation, jobs, and the future of American photonics.

In the News.

Ranchers, Farmers Talk Gray Wolf with Ciscomani
Gila Valley Central
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., heard about the big two Ws from ranchers, farmers and outdoorsmen — water and wolves
 
How New Veterans Benefits Legislation Improves Your Life
Military.net
This bill proposes elevating the VA’s Office of Survivors Assistance by placing it directly under the VA Secretary. Championed by Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), the intention is to give survivors’ concerns greater prominence within the VA structure. A direct reporting line to leadership could lead to faster assistance and clearer communication for families handling benefits like Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (indemnity compensation) after a veteran’s passing.
 
Why Conservative Climate Caucus Vice Chair Ciscomani Wants to Reduce Regulations on Private Industry
KJZZ
Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani, the U.S. representative for Arizona’s 6th District, was recently named vice chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus.

American Dream Story.

More than 100 people packed a room last week to honor 31 distinguished men and women from across Arizona’s 6th Congressional District who’ve served our country in the Armed Forces and continued serving out of uniform.

These very special veterans were recognized as part of Congressman Ciscomani’s second annual Veteran Service Leader Award ceremony. Each and every one is a great example of what it means to give back to our community.

But only one – Robert Pascoe – got a spontaneous standing ovation. This amazing Sierra Vista man spent 40 years in uniform. He enlisted at the age of 19 as a private in the Marine Corps and retired as a major in the Army. He served as an infantryman, an aviator and completed three deployments to Vietnam. He flew medevac helicopters with the 326th Medical Battalion in the 101st Airborne Division and was shot down three times. His numerous awards include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and 24 Air Medals.

Robert is a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Marine Corps League. He’s a dedicated volunteer and a devoted father. It's hard to imagine what America – or the American Dream – would be without patriots like Robert Pascoe.

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 your 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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