Juan Ciscomani

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my former middle school, Utterback Middle School in Tucson, Arizona. Utterback Middle School recently made an incredible achievement. The Arizona State Board of Education graded them as a B school. Since 2018, this school has improved two whole letter grades, an outstanding achievement that reflects the unwavering dedication our teachers and educators have for our students. During the August work period, I had the privilege of visiting Utterback Middle School and was extremely impressed with the school's program and staff, particularly the principal, Ms. Sanders. Rising to a B ranking is largely due to the efforts of Principal Sanders, who worked with staff and community partners to turn the school around. She even recently received the Stellar Principal Award for her incredible work. Utterback offers nine different electives and two intervention classes that include drama, dance, Lego technology, and computer literacy to keep students engaged in a variety of ways. They also provide a class called AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, a unique readiness program that gives the students the opportunity to prepare for life beyond the classroom. Thanks to the outstanding work of Principal Sanders and her team, Utterback Middle School provides unique opportunities for students to engage in the classroom in a variety of ways. They should be an example for other schools around the country. I thank Utterback Middle School for providing an incredible learning opportunity to the students in Tucson, and I thank Principal Sanders and her team for all their great work. Go Unicorns. Honoring the Constitution

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of our Nation's founding document and to recognize Constitution Week, a time to celebrate the wisdom and foresight of our Founding Fathers and recommit ourselves to the values that define America. I also recognize the Tombstone Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for all of their work promoting Constitution Week across southern Arizona. This week, 247 years ago, our Constitution was ratified, giving birth to a nation conceived in the ideals of freedom and democracy, governed by the consent of we the people, not the whims of an overseas monarch. It established the United States as a nation of laws, where institutions are respected and all citizens are afforded a presumption of innocence and the right to a fair and speedy trial. It gave us separation of power between branches of government, preventing the concentration and abuse of power by any single entity. Our Constitution is our cornerstone and our roadmap. As Americans, we have a responsibility to uphold these values and ideals to ensure it continues guiding us for generations to come. On this Constitution Week, let us reflect on the principles of liberty and democracy enshrined in the Constitution and recommit ourselves to the ideals that make America truly exceptional. God bless the United States of America.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me time to speak today in support of my bill, H.R. 7100, the Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act. Mr. Speaker, since I was elected, I have heard from military servicemembers and veterans' surviving family members about their struggle accessing VA benefits. In my district, I organized a Veterans Advisory Council, ensuring that surviving spouses and children accessing VA benefits and services is a top priority that we have discussed time and time again. I am always looking for ways to ensure that top VA leaders hear the concerns of veterans' loved ones. From its creation, the Office of Survivors Assistance, or OSA, was meant to serve as the principal adviser to the VA Secretary on all survivors' benefits and services, including medical care and burial benefits. When VA began operating the OSA within the Veterans Benefits Administration, the VA deprioritized survivors policy and skirted Congress' intent when they created this office. My bill would fix this, requiring OSA to operate within the Secretary's office, thereby prioritizing advocacy and services for servicemembers' and veterans' surviving spouses and families. I would like to highlight the comment of a member of my Veterans Advisory Council, Ms. Jane Strain, a surviving spouse and an Army veteran herself. She said: ``Surviving spouses and families are family members who cared for children, moved many times during a military career, compromised their careers, and maintained home life while the servicemember deployed. They have earned and deserve attention when the spouse has passed. Placing the OSA directly under the Secretary will help to recognize the importance of this population.'' I was proud to work alongside Chairman Bost to ensure survivors have a seat at the table. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this commonsense legislation.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today on the solemn anniversary of the most tragic day in modern American history, the September 11 attacks. Our Nation was deliberately attacked 23 years ago by al-Qaida terrorists, killing almost 3,000 Americans and injuring countless more in the worst attack against our homeland in American history. On this day, let us honor the memories of the fallen and stand with the friends and families of those who perished. May their memories always be a blessing. Let us also commend the courage of the first responders and emergency personnel who put themselves in harm's way to help the victims. While others ran to safety, these individuals braved smoke and fire in service to their fellow Americans, sometimes paying the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty. While the terrorists hoped this brazen attack would break America's resolve, they were dead wrong. In the days and months following 9/11, our Nation came together with a renewed sense of fortitude, unity, and determination. It sparked an enduring sense of resilience that carried us through the darkest hour and emboldened us to hold those responsible accountable. May God bless America. Fentanyl Crisis in Arizona

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to shine a light on the destructive surge and scourge of fentanyl, which is poisoning communities in my district and across the Nation. Across America, countless lives have been lost, and too many families have felt the pain of losing a loved one. In May, I hosted Members of the Judiciary Committee for a field hearing in my district. We heard from Jill Fagan Alexander, a mother who has tragically lost not only one, but two children to the fentanyl crisis, Sam and Gabe. Tragically, these are only two of the many lives lost to the poison at the hands of the Mexican drug cartels and the Chinese Communist Party. Amid the ongoing border crisis, the amount of fentanyl entering our country has spiked to record levels, endangering citizens across the Nation. In Arizona, the cost of this epidemic ballooned to over $58 billion in 2023, accounting for the cost of hospitals, public services, law enforcement officers, and the loss of quality of life and productivity of those suffering from this addiction. Just this week, this body passed H.R. 8663, the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act. This would authorize DHS to test and develop more technology to better detect these deadly drugs. However, we must do more. I stand willing and ready to work with any of my colleagues who want to find solutions to solve this crisis. The stakes could not be clearer. One pill can kill. We must do more to fight the spread of fentanyl to ensure the safety of our citizens and our communities. Rural Pharmacies Closing in Arizona

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today with the grave concerns over the continued reports of pharmacies closing in rural communities across my district. I was notified by a constituent recently that two independent pharmacies in Willcox and Benson will soon close, citing the constrictive practices of pharmacy benefit managers. Local independent pharmacies are critical to rural communities as they are often the only medical provider for hundreds of miles, especially in light of the vast consolidation of large pharmacies buying up smaller ones. We must stand for independent practices that serve our local communities. As we speak, this becomes a rural access health crisis, forcing residents of those communities to travel long distances to receive the medication and medical services that they need. This not only places an undue burden on those with limited resources and mobility, but it also increases their risk of delayed treatments and worsened health outcomes, leaving rural communities vulnerable and underserved. It is critical that we address this growing problem now and support our rural pharmacies to ensure that all individuals, regardless of where they live, have access to the healthcare that they deserve.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and sacrifice of Air Force 1st Lt. Raymond T. Plevyak, who will be honored with a Memorial Headstone Marker Service at Arlington National Cemetery. Air Force 1st Lt. Plevyak was a distinguished F-51D Mustang pilot who went missing in action during the Korean War in 1952. Though he was declared Killed in Action (KIA) in December of 1953, his bravery and commitment to his country remain deeply honored. Plevyak entered the U.S. Air Force from Pennsylvania and was assigned to the 67th Fighter-Bomber squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing. On March 1, 1952, he departed Hoengsong Air Base in Korea, piloting an F-51D Mustang with the call sign ``Topkick Fox Three.'' After completing its primary mission of targeting rail lines, the ``Topkick Fox'' flight of four took fire on its secondary reconnaissance mission, resulting in damage to the lead aircraft. It was during this mission that 1st Lt. Plevyak went missing. Despite extensive searches by his fellow pilots, he was never found and remains unaccounted for. Plevyak's name is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Along with other medals and citations, he is a Purple Heart recipient. Today, we honor his memory and the extraordinary sacrifice he made in service to our Nation. We must always recognize and honor the service members that made the ultimate sacrifice, like 1st Lt. Plevyak. We thank him and his family for his service.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lupita Murillo on her well-deserved retirement after nearly five decades of dedicated service with KVOA News 4 in Tucson. During her time at KVOA, Lupita's specialized crime reporting made a significant impact on the Tucson community. Her remarkable career began in Weslaco, Texas, where she broke barriers as south Texas' first Hispanic female broadcaster. Beyond her journalistic accomplishments, Lupita has been a tireless advocate and volunteer for organizations such as Las Familias, the People With AIDS Coalition of Tucson, and the Children's Miracle Network Telethon. Lupita will be missed, but her lasting impact on KVOA will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and community advocates throughout southern Arizona. I am proud to represent trailblazers like Lupita in my district.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the DEA's Tucson District Office EG-46 for their recognition at the U.S. Interdiction Coordinator Awards. Strengthening border security and immigration enforcement, while ensuring public safety, is a must for our border communities. These brave men and women put their lives on the line for us every day, serving on the frontline and ensuring the safety of our communities. Their hard work and dedication are vital in combating cartels, stopping the flow of drugs, and protecting the citizens of southern Arizona. In 2023, the Tucson District Office EG-46 conducted 45 drug and drug conspiracy investigations. One of their major efforts was the DEA Initiative ``Operation Overdrive'' in April 2023, during which this dedicated group arrested approximately 80 percent of their identified targets. They seized 1.1 million fentanyl pills, 26.4 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 42 pounds of methamphetamine--equating to 4.26 million deadly doses of fentanyl and 78,000 deadly doses of methamphetamine. I am truly grateful for the relentless efforts and their commitment to protecting our community. I thank them for their service and dedication to protecting our Arizona's District 6.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kimberly Allen, a Sahuarita High School student, who scored a perfect 36 on the ACT exam. With this achievement, Kimberly joined a select group, as only 0.18 percent of test takers achieved a perfect score in 2023. This means that, out of nearly two million students, just 2,543 students in the country earned this honor. Kimberly's achievements go beyond academics. She serves on the Sahuarita Teen Advisory Board, where she organizes events and programs for local teens. She also volunteers with the Animal League of Green Valley, sharing her lifelong love of animals. As for her future, Kimberly aspires to pursue a career that combines her passions for science and art. I am excited to see what the future holds for Kimberly and congratulate her on this incredible achievement. I am proud to represent her and so many other bright students in Congress.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, due to unforseen circumstances in flight delays, I missed votes on Monday July 22, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 356 and YEA on Roll Call No. 358.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Moe Villalba Sr. Fishing Derby, hosted by the American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32 and celebrated annually on the 4th of July. This cherished event has become a favorite tradition in Graham County, reflecting the values of family, tradition, and civic engagement. The Moe Villalba Sr Fishing Derby began 50 years ago, and it has grown to become a beloved tradition in our district. Originally started by Moe Villalba, Sr., this event has continued to thrive under the dedicated leadership of Henry Nabor, current commander of the Sons of the American Legion in Safford. What began as a small gathering has grown into an event that draws over 250 participants, fostering community spirit and providing joy to countless families. The Derby is held at the duck pond at the Graham County Fairgrounds, where participants cast their lines at the break of dawn, eager to catch the biggest fish and win prizes. The event is more than just a fishing competition. It is an educational and community-building experience Commander Nabor engages the children with American history quizzes related to Independence Day. Winners of these quizzes and the fishing contest receive fishing poles. The Legion's commitment to promoting family values and providing children with meaningful activities on the 4th of July is commendable. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate this milestone, it is fitting to acknowledge the lasting legacy of Moe Villalba, Sr and the positive impact this event has had on Graham County. The Derby not only fosters a love for fishing but also strengthens the bonds of community and family, embodying the very essence of what makes our nation great. Therefore, it is appropriate at this time to recognize July 4, 2024, as the 50th Anniversary of the Moe Villalba Sr Fishing Derby and to honor the American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32 for their dedication to ensuring this event remains a vibrant and integral part of Independence Day.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Eugene D. Santarelli, who passed away on September 21, 2023, at 79 years old. Lieutenant General Santarelli was a highly decorated three-star general who commenced his military career following his graduation from the University of Notre Dame in 1966. A remarkable pilot, instructor, and mentor, he was qualified in and flew a dozen different aircraft types. Over the course of his career, he accumulated approximately 3,600 flying hours, including 901 combat hours. He commanded a numbered air force, an air division, and three flying wings in his 32-year career. General Santarelli is survived by his spouse, Kay Santarelli; sister, Paula Anthony; and brother, Francis. His dedication and service to our country did not go unnoticed. During his lifetime, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medals, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Combat Readiness Medal. General Santarelli was at his best when teaching, mentoring, or leading through his own example. In the hearts of the Tucson community and AZ-06, Lieutenant General Santarelli remains a true hero. We extend our gratitude for his dedicated service and are eternally thankful for all his contributions. Congratulating the University of Arizona's Wildcats for PAC-12 Conference Championship

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Arizona baseball team for clinching the PAC-12 conference championship after defeating Oregon State. The Wildcats lost their first two games and were in a must-win game on Saturday night. In Arizona fashion, they had a walk-off double, scoring two runs and winning the game, 4-3. Head Coach Chip Hale has a current season record of 33 wins and 20 losses and conference record of 20 wins, 10 losses. He is the first coach in conference history to be named PAC-12 Player and Coach of the Year. I met Coach Hale a year ago at Hi-Corbett Field and know that he will continue to do great things for this program. As a former Wildcat, I know he has what it takes to take this team to the college world series. Lastly, I recognize Dawson Netz, a former intern in my Tucson district office, who is a team captain and pitcher. He was voted PAC-12 Preseason All-Conference player and is currently eight games away from being the all-time leader in appearances for Arizona baseball. I am excited to see what the future holds for these athletes and wish them good luck in the PAC-12 tournament. Bear down. Honoring Talented Art Students from Cochise College

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a group of talented Cochise College art students for the mural they painted in the city of Sierra Vista. The mural depicts the beauty of the San Pedro River and the wildlife in Cochise County, serving as a reminder of our connection to nature and the need to steward it wisely. Through its Neighborhood Partnership Initiative Grant program, the city of Sierra Vista provides funding for projects like the mural and inspires community members to help beautify the city. The mural, which wraps around the Oscar Yrun Community Center, is a passion project of Cochise College art instructor JenMarie Zeleznak and her students and is a testament to the creativity of our Sierra Vista community. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Zeleznak and her students for their work and for making Sierra Vista an even more beautiful city.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, today I rise with grave concerns over another border record shattered by this administration. We know that the border crisis has national security consequences and also humanitarian consequences. Just recently, the Washington Examiner reported that under the Biden administration, nearly half a million migrant children arrived in the United States without a parent. The administration's open-border policies are incentivizing parents to send their children on the dangerous journey to the United States, oftentimes putting them in the hands of ruthless drug cartels and human smugglers. Sadly, due to the lack of oversight and protection by the Department of Health and Human Services, many of these innocent children end up in sickening situations where they are trafficked, forced to work in unsafe conditions, or even worse. As an immigrant myself who moved to the United States as a young boy and now a father of six, this breaks my heart. We must protect these vulnerable children and treat them with the care they deserve. There is nothing fair, humane, or compassionate about this. These children are sent to the U.S. in search of opportunity and a better life but instead end up in harm's way. This is yet another terrible consequence of the historic crisis at our border. The administration's failure to enforce the laws puts migrant children in danger while enriching cartels and criminal organizations that profit from their suffering. This is a tragedy, and it is completely unacceptable. We have a responsibility to protect these vulnerable children while enforcing the law to stop this behavior. I will continue working to secure our southern border and strengthen protections for unaccompanied migrant children. Congratulating Mandy Rhodes

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mandy Rhodes on a well-deserved retirement after 18 years of service to the students and community at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. During her time, Mandy taught students in fourth and eighth grade and served as the grammar school principal for 7 years, an outstanding career as an educator. As a teacher and principal, Mandy is known best for how she cared for everyone around her. Her incredible smile and positive attitude created a warm environment, sense of community, and a culture of excellence at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. She empowered her students to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and I know this firsthand because my own kids experienced it. She has been a force for good for our students and our community and our family. Mandy has truly embodied the mission of Pusch Ridge in her sacrificial service to others. I strongly believe that no profession means more to our future generation than our educators. Education is the pillar of the American Dream, and our teachers are its architects. I thank Principal Rhodes for all she has done and all she has given to the community of Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. May God continue to bless her in her new journey. Congratulating the Salpointe High School Girls' Softball Team

Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Salpointe High School girls' softball team for winning the 4A State championship. On Saturday, May 11, they faced off against the CDO High School Dorados in Hillenbrand Stadium. In an exciting game, they shut out their opponents with a score of 11-0 with the Lancers securing four home runs. This marks the Lancers' sixth State championship in a row since 2018. Their hard work and perseverance over the past six seasons has been truly commendable. With this State championship under their belt, the Lancers end the season with 31 wins and only 4 losses. I am proud to represent such dedicated athletes, determined coaches, and supportive parents. We congratulate Coach Tricia Sztan and her talented team for this well-deserved win and this amazing title.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Airport Dedication Ceremony in honor of Mr. Duane Spalsbury. Mr. Spalsbury served as an officer in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He served in the air force as a fighter pilot in the European Theater. He flew a variety of planes including P47, P51, P38, P39 and P63. When he returned home from the war, he moved to the Gila Valley with his wife Laura Lee Golden where he worked as an accountant. Mr. Spalsbury also helped to found and serve as the first chairman of the Mt. Graham Community Hospital. He then turned his attention to remote controlled airplanes. He built them and flew them. Mr Duane Spalsbury passed away in Safford, AZ on Friday, November 16, 2012. We extend our gratitude for his dedicated service and are eternally thankful for his contributions to our country.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 37th Salute to Centenarians recently hosted by the Tucson Medical Center in Pima County. It is the largest gathering of all centenarians in the United States. Honorees include retired generals, race car drivers, actors, and my friend Walter Ram, a World War II veteran. I am so grateful to represent them in Congress. Arizona's Sixth District has more than 143 centenarians, making this the largest centenarian gathering in the United States. I will continue to fight for our seniors in Congress. Recently, I introduced, with Don Davis from North Carolina, the Oversight of Medicare Billing Code Cost Act, which will increase transparency with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. We must do everything in our power to protect Medicare and Medicaid for our seniors. I am so proud to be representing great people like this in the district and will continue to fight for our seniors like this group of great centenarians. Congratulating Deputy Chief Lawrence Boutte

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deputy Chief Lawrence, known by his friends as Butch, Boutte on his retirement from the Sierra Vista Police Department in March. With a law enforcement career spanning 26 years, Butch was committed to serving his community both on and off the force. His knowledge and leadership skills helped to shape the Sierra Vista police station. Even before his career with the police department, Butch was no stranger to public service. He served in the Army for 4 years in military intelligence as an electronic warfare interceptor/locator. Last year, Butch joined 11 other Arizonans in being recognized by the Canyon Vista Medical Center and the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona in their Veterans Wall Ceremony. As he enjoys a well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind an incredible legacy in Sierra Vista. Laura and I join the entire community of Sierra Vista, Cochise County, and Arizona's Sixth District in thanking the deputy chief for his service. Men and women like him, who dedicate their lives to the safety of their neighbors, represent the very best of us. Our Border is Broken

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: Our border is broken and has been for a long time. For 3 years, Americans across the Nation, and especially in border communities like mine, are suffering the consequences of this historic crisis every single day. The ineffective open-border policies implemented by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have made our country less safe at a time when the world is most dangerous. Disturbingly, new documents subpoenaed by the Homeland Security Committee uncover the egregious lengths Secretary Mayorkas goes to to ensure inadmissible migrants are let into the United States. The committee found that DHS used over 50 airports, including in my home State of Arizona, to help illegally process more than 400,000 inadmissible migrants into the country through their unlawful mass parole program. Implementing this program was not done for the benefit of the public or for urgent humanitarian need. It was done as an unlawful sleight of hand by Secretary Mayorkas to hide the true scale of the crisis he created from the American people. The Immigration and Nationality Act clearly states that parole may only be granted on a case-by-case basis for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian need. These flights are none of these things. Granting mass parole to hundreds of thousands of inadmissible migrants in this district is in direct violation of the law and is yet another in a long list of failures by the DHS Secretary that has been derelict in his duties.

Mr. CISCOMANI

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army veteran and former Pima County Supervisor and my friend, Mr. Paul Marsh, for his service to our country, his advocacy for his fellow veterans, and his contributions to southern Arizona. His service in different capacities throughout the years has left a mark on our communities forever. Paul's journey began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952, bravely serving in the medical corps during the Korean war until his honorable discharge in 1954. His commitment to his country did not end there. It continued throughout his life as he has tirelessly advocated for veterans' rights and support services, specifically those which address chronic homelessness among our veterans. His compassion and dedication to improving the lives of his fellow veterans knows no boundaries. As a founding member of the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery Foundation in Marana, Paul spent 10 years advocating for a final resting place for our Nation's heroes in Tucson. Paul understood the importance of having a central location for family members to visit their loved ones and started the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery broke ground in 2014, thanks in large part to Paul. A few short years later, I reconnected with Paul when I was with the State of Arizona, and the cemetery needed signage on the I-10. Paul was determined to see it happen, and I am proud to have played a very small part in that, in his ensuring that there was visibility for the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Marana. I am grateful to Paul for his own service, his continued advocacy, and his unwavering dedication to his fellow veterans. Paul, your work will forever inspire us to strive for a better world for all who have served our country. Honoring the Life of Jacob Dindinger

Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Jacob Dindinger, one of Arizona's brave first responders who tragically passed away on July 29, 2021. At just 20 years old, Jacob lost his life while serving our community so bravely in Tucson. He was a graduate of CDO High School in 2019 and earned his EMT certificate in May of 2020 from Pima Community College.