Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani of Arizona is shining a light on his efforts to support veterans ahead of Veterans Day. As a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Ciscomani has worked tirelessly over the past 11 months to advocate for the needs of veterans and servicemembers.

Ciscomani recognizes the immense sacrifices made by veterans and their families and is dedicated to ensuring that they receive the support and resources they deserve. With over 70,000 veterans residing in his district, Ciscomani considers it his duty to fight for their rights and well-being.

In his first year in Congress, Ciscomani has introduced five bipartisan bills specifically tailored to address the needs of veterans. One of these bills is the Veterans’ Appeals Backlog Improvement Act, which aims to reduce wait times for veterans seeking disability claims. This bill has already passed the House as a part of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act.

Another significant piece of legislation introduced by Ciscomani is the VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023. This bill extends a program within the Department of Veterans Affairs that covers the costs of job training in high-tech industries for veterans. It has successfully passed the House, demonstrating Ciscomani's commitment to empowering veterans with the skills they need for successful careers.

Ciscomani has also championed the Veteran Medical Exams for Distant Areas (VET MEDS) Act, which allows VA-certified providers to conduct disability exams across state lines. This provision has been signed into law as part of a larger Senate package, ensuring that veterans can access necessary medical evaluations regardless of their location.

Furthermore, Ciscomani has introduced two additional bills to expand support for veterans. The Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act increases housing stipends for student veterans attending online classes. Additionally, the Veteran Exam Expansion Act expands the pool of providers eligible to conduct disability exams for veterans across state lines.

In addition to his legislative work, Ciscomani has made a significant impact through the federal casework process. He has returned $315,000 to veterans and continues to assist them in navigating the complex system to access the benefits they deserve.

To further enhance his advocacy for veterans, Ciscomani launched the Veterans Advisory Council in August. This council serves as a platform for veterans to voice their concerns and provide valuable input on legislation and policies affecting their community.

Ciscomani's dedication to supporting veterans and servicemembers is commendable. Through his legislative initiatives and commitment to serving his constituents, he is making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

For more information on Ciscomani's work and initiatives for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, visit Ciscomani.House.Gov/Veterans.

To find out more, go to this link: https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-ciscomani-honors-veterans-servicemembers-highlights-veteran-focused