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Improving Rural Veterans’ Access to Healthcare.

As a congressman who represents nearly 80,000 veterans and as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, caring for the veterans who bravely answered the call to serve and protect our great nation is one of my top priorities. I will continue to advocate for policies, funding, and other efforts to empower our veterans as they transition to civilian life and beyond.
 
A key part of this is ensuring that our veterans have access to quality and convenient care, no matter what corner of Arizona they may live. In 2020, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law, expanding access to care for our veterans by allowing certain medical professionals to temporarily practice across state lines.
 
However, this authority is currently limited to physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists and it’s set to expire in January 2026. That’s why, this past week, I introduced the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act (H.R. 3951) to make this authority permanent and expand the categories of providers who can perform cross-state disability exams to increase access to care. This bill would also require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a mechanism for providers to submit evidence that a veteran brings with them to the examination to the VA, a process which is currently not in place.

Strong Progress at our Southern Border.

Promises made, promises kept! Under the leadership of President Trump and the tireless dedication of our brave men and women who work in Customs and Border Protection, we have made tremendous progress securing the southern border in such a short amount of time.

In May 2025, the Border Patrol (USBP) recorded just 8,725 illegal crossings between ports of entry, a dramatic 93% drop from the 117,905 encounters reported in May 2024 under the previous administration. Even more telling, on June 16th, there were only 95 encounters across the entire southern border—the lowest recorded in a single day EVER!

Moreover, in May, USBP released ZERO illegal immigrants into our country. That’s a major turnaround compared to the 62,000 that USBP was forced to release along the southwest border in May of 2024 under the previous administration. This is real border security. Securing our border is possible when the administration in power backs our agents and enforces the rule of law. We must ensure it stays that way.

We owe this success to the brave men and women of Border Patrol, whose tireless efforts have driven the fastest improvement in American border security in history. That’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor Rep. Tim Moore’s (R-NC) Border Operations Service Medal Act (H.R. 3780) this month to recognize the heroes of our border security efforts!

As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security and a representative of a border district, I will always use my position in Congress to support the efforts of our Border Patrol agents in their critical mission to keep our communities safe and secure our border.

Safeguarding the Health of Mothers and Babies.

Syphilis is a highly treatable and preventable disease that was nearly eradicated in the 1990s. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen an increase in syphilis cases, with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that infections are at the highest levels since the 1950s. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, our state has experienced a 128% increase in syphilis cases and a 244% increase in congenital syphilis.

This is extremely alarming and must be addressed, which is why I leading the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act (H.R. 3866) to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study and issue guidance to states on the best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).

By informing the public and equipping our healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge they need, we can reverse this troubling trend and ensure that our mothers and babies are as happy and healthy as possible.

In the News.

US bombs Iran nuclear sites: Arizona veterans, lawmakers react
Fox 10 Phoenix
“Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) says the president made the right decision, and we owe our military a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
 
Ciscomani says he will not support selling Mount Graham
Gila Valley Central
"In a statement to Gila Valley Central, a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., said, “Congressman Ciscomani does not support selling Sabino Canyon, Mount Lemmon or Mount Graham. He was fully supportive of efforts to strip public land sale provisions from the House version of the reconciliation bill prior to its passage. While he is aware of the recent reports about public land sales provisions in the Senate reconciliation package, the bill is still being negotiated and has not been finalized. The Senate proposal creates a consultation process with the state government and Indian Tribes. The Congressman continues to closely monitor the bill and will carefully consider any changes made by the Senate to public land provisions in the reconciliation bill.”
 
Congressional bill takes aim at long waits for rural veterans’ disability exams
Havasu News
Rep. Juan Ciscomani wants to make it easier for veterans in rural communities to get the disability exams they need—without months of waiting or hours of driving.
Ciscomani has reintroduced a bipartisan bill that would let more certified healthcare providers perform these exams across state lines. It would also expand who qualifies to give the exams, helping fill gaps in areas where access is limited.

Profiles of the American Dream.

Vernon Harms has always felt as comfortable in the cockpit as he has in the pulpit.
 
The 98-year-old Green Valley resident is a pilot and an ordained minister. For him, the two roles align nicely. “After all,” he once quipped about the time he spends soaring through the sky, “can anyone find a place that is closer to heaven without dying first.”
 
Vernon was honored recently for his many years of volunteer service as a chaplain with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, where he was on call 24-7 to counsel officers, their families and crime victims. When the department presented him with its Meritorious Service Award, he told the Green Valley News that he gives all glory to God for the privilege to serve.

Vernon’s story is a uniquely American story – a story of faith and flying.
 
He was born in Kansas in 1926, ordained in 1950 and joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1953. He worked for two legendary aviation companies, Cessna and Lear Jet, and is the author of two books. He served as the Chief of Chaplains for the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary before he started volunteering with the Department of Public Safety. Helping first responders, he once said, is the best job he’s ever had.
 
Congratulations, Vernon! You are an inspirational example of the American Dream.

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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