Hosted USDA Undersecretary in Marana.

Great to welcome and host USDA Undersecretary Dudley Hoskins to our district. Alongside Marana Mayor Jon Post, leaders from across our local agriculture community spoke about the diverse agriculture industry in our region. Agriculture is a cornerstone of southeastern Arizona’s economy and way of life, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from those who work every day to keep this vital industry strong.

During our conversation, we discussed the challenges and opportunities facing farmers, ranchers and producers across our region, including water needs, animal and produce health, and ensuring federal programs work effectively for our local communities. Hearing these perspectives firsthand is critical as I continue my work in Congress to advocate for policies that support Arizona agriculture, strengthen our rural economy, and ensure the Arizona agriculture industry has the tools they need to succeed.

I remain committed to working alongside local leaders, producers, and federal partners to protect and grow this essential industry that plays such an important role in the health and prosperity of southeastern Arizona.

Investing in AZ-06 Veterans and Military.

Throughout the district work period, I was pleased to spend a lot of time with our veterans. Early in the week, I attended the Tucson Veteran StandDown, an annual event that fosters community and connection for local veterans. Members of my team were also in attendance to provide veterans with information regarding how our office can help with issues they may be facing, including VA claims, GI bill eligibility, and survivor benefits.

On Wednesday, March 11, I spoke at the 10th Anniversary of the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana to honor the cemetery for its commitment to commemorate our local veterans and the work it has done in the community these past 10 years.

Later on Wednesday, I toured the Arizona Gear and Manufacturing (AGM) facility, connecting with local leaders of the defense network. Operating for 56 years, AGM employees 150 individuals in southeastern Arizona and have a direct impact on our nation’s defense, manufacturing products that are used on missiles, drones, and fighter jets. Along with the AGM tour, I joined a roundtable with Defense Network CEOs. We discussed the state of our nation’s defense capabilities and the need to fund the Department of Homeland Security to ensure our national security is as strong as possible.

On Thursday, I hosted my Veterans Council for a meeting to provide a congressional update, hear directly from them on the challenges facing the nearly 80,000 veterans in AZ-06 and an opportunity to connect with local leaders like XXX Missing in Action. 
To cap off a wonderful week, my office was honored to attend the 90th Anniversary celebration of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1677 in Casa Grande. This VFW Post is among the first ones established - formed and chartered in 1936 - the same year in which the VFW was granted its National Congressional Charter.

MARCH: Kidney Disease Awareness Month.

Kidney disease affects millions of Americans and often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why awareness and early detection are so important. This month serves as an important reminder to learn about the risks, prioritize regular checkups, and support those living with kidney disease.

During a recent visit to DaVita - local dialysis center - I had the opportunity to see firsthand how many individuals rely on these critical treatments. Patients receiving care ranged from their 20s to their 90s, highlighting just how many lives and families are impacted by kidney disease.

I am grateful to the dedicated healthcare professionals who work every day to care for these patients and to the advocates working to raise awareness about kidney health. Increasing awareness is a key step toward prevention, early diagnosis, and ensuring patients have access to the care and support they need.

2026 Military Academy Nominations.

Every year, my office conducts military academy interviews for high school students across AZ-06 who are interested in attending a military academy after graduation. This year we were able to nominate 15 students to each of the Academies: West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

In December, our office hosted interviews for almost 40 students. In the past couple of months, I have been calling our academy nominees to personally congratulate them on their Academy Appointments and wish them success in their studies and military career.

Last week, I had the privilege of calling four  of the students who have received Appointments: : Arthur Brook from Cienega High School, U.S. Naval Academy; Emma Lindsay from Catalina Foothills High School, U.S. Air Force Academy; Gavin Yewell from Canyon Del Oro High School, U.S. Air Force Academy, and Joanie Tarleton, US Air Force Academy.

I am incredibly proud of the students who have received Appointments so far this year, and look forward to talking to several more over the next few weeks. These kids have worked hard for this! Each year I host an Academy Send off Reception, where our office takes time to recognize each student who has received an appointment. I look forward to following their journey as they become officers in the US military.

For Americans in the Middle East.

If you or a loved one are currently in the Middle East, please see the information provided by the U.S. Department of State below. Additionally, if you need assistance or would like more information, you can call our office at (520) 881-3588. Additionally, if you need assistance or would like more information, you can call our office at (520) 881-3588.

Important Information for Tax Season.

As we are in the midst of tax season, our office wants to give you update you on valuable information that can help in your filing!

Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, 91% of Americans are finding it easier than ever to file their taxes.

This legislation streamlines tax filing, with the largest tax refunds in history being project for this season and 210 million hours saved in total on tax preparation. These tax cuts will result in a reduction of $13 billion in compliance costs, and an increase of over $10,000 in annual take-home pay for working families.

Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, standard deduction levels have been permanently extended. These new levels are $15,750 for single or married filing separately filers, $31,500 for married couples filing jointly, and $23,625 for head of household filers.

Finally, it is now easier for small businesses and workers to file taxes. The Working Families Tax Cuts remove unnecessary IRS paperwork and simplify reporting requirements, including increasing the income reporting threshold to $2,000 before small businesses must send certain tax forms.

Additionally, we’ve heard from many of you, our constituents, regarding issues obtaining your 1099-R form from the Office of Personnel Management. Annuitants who have an email on file with OPM may have received their 1099-Rs electronically.

To access your 1099-R Form online, please visit: https://www.servicesonline.opm.gov/. A new access tool can help you get your current year 1099-R tax form, no login required.

You may also contact OPM Retirement Services online or call 1-888-767-6738 (TTY: 711).

As always, please contact my office for assistance with a federal agency.

In the News.

Ciscomani seeking area’s top artists, veterans

Gila Valley Central

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., is asking for the public’s help in honoring veterans and artists. In his weekly newsletter, Ciscomani is soliciting entries in the annual Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to high school-aged students throughout Arizona’s 6th Congressional District — which includes Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties — and the winner’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, as well as on the Congressional Art Competition web page. ‘As this July 4th marks the semi quincentennial anniversary of the birth of our nation, students are encouraged, but not required, to use the 250th theme in their submissions,’ Ciscomani wrote. Deadline to enter is April 16. Click here to enter. Ciscomani is also soliciting nominations for the Veteran Servant Leader Award. The award focuses on the veteran’s post-military career and contributions to their community, including volunteer work and leadership roles they have held. To qualify a veteran must have received an honorable discharge, supported by the veteran’s DD214 form. Veterans may self-nominate. Click here to nominate a veteran. Submissions will be accepted through April 17.”

Bill Would Enhance College Credit for Vets

Association of Defense Communities

“Bipartisan legislation introduced in the House and Senate would provide improved college credit for veterans’ military service, making it easier to transition into civilian careers, Military.com reported. The Military Learning for Credit Act would limit the need for coursework and would provide funding for professional qualification exams. ‘When veterans want to use their educational benefits after service, their prior professional experiences and military training should be recognized as they move on to their next opportunity,’ Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), said in a press release. Pappas is the ranking Democrat on the Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee on economic opportunity. He introduced the bill with Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.). Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are sponsors of identical language.”

AZ-06: Get Involved.

Our office is proud to provide a list of services to our district’s students as a way to help them get involved. These include an annual Congressional Art Competition and Congressional App Challenge, Valentines for Veterans, Military Academy Nominations, and internship opportunities in our Tucson district office.

See below for additional information and deadlines. You can also read more about some of these services on my website HERE.

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Arizona’s Sixth District. The winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page.

As this July 4th marks the semi quincentennial anniversary of the birth of our nation, students are encouraged but not required to use the 250th theme in their submissions.

The deadline for submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is Thursday, April 16, 2026.

For more details, click HERE.

Since day one of being in office, I have been a champion of veterans. In the 119th Congress alone, I have introduced and led four veterans-focused bills that have passed the House. AZ-06 is home to nearly 80,000 veterans and supporting each and every one is a high priority for me.

As part of my effort to give back to our veterans here in southeastern Arizona, I have hosted three Veteran Servant Leader Award events. These events honor veterans who have continued to serve their communities after their time spent serving our nation. My office and I have been able to award dozens of veterans through these three events, and we are looking forward to our fourth which will be held this April.

If you know an AZ-06 veteran who is dedicated to giving back to their community and embodies the values of duty, service, and commitment that are at the core of our military, we invite you to nominate them for our fourth Veteran Servant Leader Awards! Nominations will be accepted through Friday, April 17.

You can nominate a veteran HERE.

AZ-06 Highlights: Did You Know?

I would like to recognize the athletic excellence of two high schools in our district. Both Pima High School and Ft. Thomas High School’s Varsity basketball programs had outstanding performances at the AIA State Championships this season.

The Pima High School Boys Basketball played in the school’s 20th Championship Game and won their 12th State Title by beating the North Valley Christian Lions 40-29 in the 2A Conference Championship. The Roughriders have a long history of athletic excellence, with their first championship game appearance being in 1963 and having since played in and won many since then, including 5 straight titles from 1969-1973. This victory came in Cliff Thompsons 23rd and final year as Head Coach. Coach Thompson ended his career with 2 State Titles and a win-loss record of 475-173.

The Ft. Thomas boys also had an excellent basketball season. This year, they played in the school’s 18th Championship game, winning their 13th State Title by defeating the St. David Tigers 77-45 in the 1A Conference Championship game. Coach Mathew Donna led his team to the no.1 seed in the tournament. The team also has a long history of state championships, winning their first in 1963 against the Pima Roughriders.

The Ft. Thomas and Pima Boys Basketball programs have won the 3rd and 4th most State Championships out of all Arizona schools. They have played against each other in four Championship games, but this is the first time that they have both won in the same year.

Both the Pima and Ft. Thomas girls had successful seasons, as well. After being ranked no.1 in the 2A Conference all season long, the Pima Roughriders were moved up to the Copper Division for the State Playoffs. They advanced to the Semi Finals by beating 3A schools before falling to Tuba City, the eventual Copper Division champion. Coach Roy Corona also led his teams to 3 straight Championship game appearances from 2021-2023, wining back to back titles in 2021 and 2022. The Ft. Thomas girls finished the season as the 1A Conference Runner-up. Coach Lee Haws led his teams to three Championship games in the last six seasons and four overall, bringing home the State Title in 2021.

I am so proud of each of these teams and coaches for the hard work they put in this season. Congratulations to you all on your excellent performance! Keep up the great work!

MARCH | Women’s History Month: Honoring Sister Kathleen Clark.

Sister Kathleen Clark led a life of service and left a lasting legacy throughout southeastern Arizona. She was born in Tucson in 1919 became a pillar of the local community in her adult life.

Most known for her work with children, Sister Kathleen Clark established the first child crisis nursey in the United States. As a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, she saw countless victims of child abuse. This led her to safe place for abused and neglected infants and young children, to provide them the love and attention they deserve.

From her work came the establishment of Casa de los Ninos, now a vital part of the Tucson community. Sister Clark served as the organization’s Executive Director from 1973 to 1987. Even after her retirement, she remained committed to advocating for the protection of children.

Sadly, she passed away in 2003, leaving behind a powerful legacy of loving service and selfless commitment to the most vulnerable. Sister Kathleen Clark will forever be remembered as a warrior for the protection of children here in Arizona and abroad. Her work created a lasting impact and is carried on by those who are just as committed to it as she was.

Profiles of the American Dream.

Back in the spring of 2004, Wendell Hague was tapped for an important assignment by the commander of Tucson VFW Post 549. The Air Force veteran was asked to represent his post on Tucson’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

Wendell didn’t know at the time, but the appointment would eventually lead to the creation of our nation’s 100th state-operated cemetery for the men and women who served in the U.S armed forces – the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana.

On that committee more than two decades ago, Wendell met fellow veterans Norman Ross and Paul Marsh. Paul had an idea, they got to talking, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. This trio proved to be a determined and unstoppable force in establishing a dignified final resting place in the Tucson area for those who’ve served our nation.

The 32-acre Marana cemetery celebrated its 10th anniversary last week, a milestone that is a testament to the vision of Wendell, Norman and Paul. This formidable partnership turned an idea into a reality.

Norman passed in 2017 and Paul in 2024. Their loved ones sat in the front row with Wendell at the March 11 ceremony as the cemetery founders were honored for their tireless work on behalf of a truly noble cause.

Congratulations, Wendell. Job well done.

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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