Update on the Federal Government Shutdown: Military Servicemember and Law Enforcement Officer Pay.

We are now on day 21 since the government shutdown began on Wednesday, October 1, at 12:01 AM. As you know, over four weeks ago, on September 19th, I voted YES to pass a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution (CR) through the House that would have prevented this government shutdown and allowed additional time for Congress to pass full-year FY 2026 appropriations bills and debate other important issues. Unfortunately, when this CR came up for a vote in the Senate, it was voted down 11 times. Senate Democrats continue to engage in partisan political theater, forcing our government to shut down and stay shut down for more than three weeks.

Due to ongoing obstruction in the Senate, I was deeply concerned for our brave servicemembers who could have missed their next paycheck at the October 15th deadline as a result of the government shutdown. However, active-duty servicemembers received their paychecks on October 15th thanks to decisive action by President Trump, who directed the reallocation of existing Pentagon funds to ensure our troops were paid on time. This was a necessary, temporary step to ensure our troops serving at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the U.S. Army’s Fort Huachuca, and across the world would not face financial uncertainty.

I also fully support the action taken by President Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ensure our law enforcement officers are paid in full during the duration of the government shutdown. More than 70,000 sworn officers across the Department of Homeland Security, including those serving in CBP, ICE, the Secret Service, and TSA, will continue receiving their pay for every hour worked. By Wednesday, October 22, these brave men and women will receive a “super check” that covers the pay period lost, their overtime, and their next scheduled paycheck.

These men and women put their lives on the line every day to defend our country, and they should never have to worry about whether their families can afford to pay the bills because of gridlock in Washington.

I am also grateful for the leadership from President Trump in ensuring the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC program) continues to support women and children who rely on it every day. For more about this, read here.

While I am grateful that our servicemembers and law enforcement will not see a disruption to their pay and the WIC Program will continue to serve families across the nation, this shutdown continues to impact many federal workers right here in southern Arizona. Congress must return to regular order and fully reopen the federal government.

In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, my office has created a website with resources available and answers to questions you may have. You may visit our website HERE.

Again, as a Member of the Appropriations Committee and your congressman, I will keep working to reopen the government as quickly as possible. In the meantime, however, my offices remain open and ready to assist you with federal agencies like the VA, Social Security, and the IRS. If you or your family need help navigating the impacts of the shutdown, please visit my website to see resources here and reach out if you have additional questions. We are here to help.

Historic Israel-Hamas Peace Deal.

This month, President Trump brokered a monumental peace deal to end the more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out horrific attacks on Israeli civilians. These barbaric acts that the world witnessed unfold on October 7th and the many days following are something the world will never forget.

In the first phase of President Trump's peace plan, the release of all 20 remaining hostages still alive in Hamas captivity symbolizes real progress toward a lasting peace deal and is a historic moment for the Middle East. It's also a huge victory for American foreign policy and leadership, as well as our ally Israel’s security in the region.

My wife, Laura, and I grieve the tragic loss of all the hostages who did not survive in captivity, including those who have yet to be returned to their families for a proper burial, among them two Americans, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen. We will continue to pray for the long recovery and healing of the 20 hostages who were fortunate to have returned home to their loved ones. As the president continues Phase Two of his peace plan, I am joining him in continuing to call for the return of the remains of all hostages so their families may lay them to rest appropriately.

Checking in with our Community at Marana Mornings.

Even with the dysfunction in Washington, my focus remains on delivering results for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District by working to reopen the government, protect jobs, and stand up for hardworking families.

That’s why it was great to stop by Marana Mornings and speak with over 100 local businesses and organizations from our community, from appliance store owners and financial planners to roofers, painters, and Boy Scouts. As always, I’m proud to represent the people whose dedication and entrepreneurial spirit make our community such a great place to live and work.

Supporting Local Food Banks and Programs Serving Our Communities.

Our local food banks continue to make an impact across Arizona in the fight against food insecurity, which has been worsened recently by the federal government shutdown. They are ensuring families from our community have access to healthy nutritious foods.

I recently, spent some time with Natalie Jayroe, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and her incredible team, who are helping families with food assistance across five counties (and over 23,000 square miles) in Southern Arizona. During my visit, I was greatly inspired by their continued commitment to our community. I am thankful for the all the hard work from their volunteers and partner organizations who make the difference every day for families in our district.

Visiting Youth On Their Own in Tucson.

I stopped in Tucson for a visit at Youth On Their Own (YOTO), a program helping about 1,500 homeless teens stay in school and succeed each year. With a 93% graduation rate, YOTO proves that education opens the door to opportunity. I am incredibly grateful to meet their team and alumnae who are now giving back to the community and helping more teens stay on track to graduate.

Meeting with our Green Valley and Sahuarita Neighbors at the Santa Rita Fire District Pancake Breakfast.

Recently, I spent a morning with the Santa Rita Fire District team at their annual pancake breakfast, where they bring the Green Valley and Sahuarita communities together and provide fire safety prevention information, resources, and tips!

Laura, the kids, and I were delighted to take part in this fun event, catch up with many families and businesses in our community, and, of course, serve up some delicious pancakes!

My Recent Fox 10 Interview.

In a recent interview with Fox 10, I made it clear that House Republicans voted to keep the government open, while Democrats in the Senate chose to shut it down, hurting our troops, Border Patrol agents, and working families. I also emphasized my commitment to extending ACA subsidies responsibly, protecting Medicaid for those who truly need it, and ensuring we govern with fiscal responsibility while keeping our government operational.

Click HERE or on the image below to listen to my full interview.

Veteran Servant Leader Award.

As a U.S. Representative to nearly 80,000 veterans, I am deeply proud to host the Veteran Servant Leader Award ceremony to honor and recognize all the remarkable veterans in our district who exemplify leadership, dedication, and service, even after their time in office.

Their continued contributions to our communities are invaluable and embody what it means to be a Servant Leader. If you, or anyone you know, wants to submit their name for consideration, find the online form here. If you have any questions, or need help filling out the form, please call our Tucson office at (520) 881- 3588.

In the News.

Ciscomani agreeable to ACA subsidy extension and seating Grijalva, opposes cuts to rural hospital funding
Gila Valley Central
"During a call with Arizona press Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., said he is agreeable to extending for a year subsidies for those receiving coverage under the Affordable Care Act. "We need to have a discussion, like we all mentioned, on the subsidy extension and what is going to happen there, and I’m all open to that,” Ciscomani said. “Let’s open up this government, and that’s a direct message in urgency, to Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.”

Rep. Ciscomani talks to 13 News about shutdown, Grijalva delay
KOLD
"Arizona Representative Juan Ciscomani is speaking out about the government shutdown and answering questions about why it is taking so long to get Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva sworn into office. Rep. Ciscomani spoke to 13 News anchor Madison Smith at the Tucson Now desk."

Ciscomani urges CMS to ensure fair rural health fund distribution
Sierra Vista Herald
"Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and nine other House Republicans called on federal health officials to ensure Democratic governors fairly distribute rural hospital funding to underserved communities. The lawmakers sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz regarding the Rural Health Transformation Fund, according to Ciscomani's office. The $50 billion program over five years represents the largest federal investment in rural hospitals and was enacted as part of the Working Families Tax Cut Act."

Kelly and Ciscomani both agree on extending health care tax credits — but not on how
KJZZ
"Democratic Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani held dueling press calls about the ongoing government shutdown Tuesday. Both affirmed support for extending health care tax credits but blamed the other party for stalling negotiations."

Profiles of the American Dream.

Centenarians are among the fastest growing age group in the U.S., with more than 100,000 of our fellow Americans expected to celebrate their 100th birthday this year alone.

George DeGregori of Oro Valley is a member of this exclusive club. He marked the milestone in grand style earlier this month with a community parade held in his honor.

Cheerleaders, a firetruck, motorcycles, cars and pickup trucks decorated with ballons and giant signs wishing George a happy birthday – the outpouring of love was amazing.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am right now,” the World War II Navy veteran said as the parade rolled by. “This is such a wonderful feeling.”

As a kid growing up in a small town in central California, Geroge dreamed of becoming a musician or a teacher. He became both. He moved to Arizona about 65 years ago and taught music before becoming an administrator, first as principal of Harelson Elementary School and then at the new Canyon Del Oro High School.

George’s passion for music and education never waned. In his later years, as a docent for the Arizona Historical Society, he gave public lectures on the importance of music in our state’s history. One of his talks was titled, “Brass Bands in Arizona in the 1800s.”

George’s secret to hitting the century mark? “The secret to a long life is having a loving and caring family, wonderful friends and god do I have them," he said. "God, I am so lucky, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Happy Birthday, George!

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!

Unsubscribe