Tucson Standard

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, recently joined efforts by the Arizona congressional delegation to urge action from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following concerns raised in a recent report by the VA Office of Inspector General. The report was conducted in response to the death of a veteran patient under the Phoenix VA Health Care System in March 2023.

In July, Ciscomani joined a bipartisan, bicameral group led by Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) on a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, urging the agency to address concerns laid out by the VA OIG’s report. The group also requested a briefing on how the Phoenix VA will implement the OIG’s recommended changes outlined in the report.

“This incident is a part of a troubling pattern of inappropriate response by the Phoenix VA, whose procedures have contradicted and failed to meet Veterans Health Administration standards,” wrote the lawmakers. “Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, security, and future. They deserve our enduring gratitude—both during and after their service. It is our responsibility to ensure that they return home to a nation that cares for them and their loved ones—and that includes receiving quality, timely health care.”

Later that month, Congressman Ciscomani joined fellow Arizona Republican lawmakers on a letter to Bryan Matthews, Director of the Phoenix VA, demanding further details on the incident and pressing them on how the facility would incorporate the OIG’s recommendations.

Last week, Congressman Ciscomani joined VA Secretary McDonough in a visit to the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. During this visit, they received a briefing with local VA leadership and toured the VA Medical Center.