Tucson Standard

Tucson, AZ - U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani recently held a Women's Health Roundtable in Tucson, featuring experts from the University of Arizona, the National Institute of Health (NIH), and Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM). The event focused on advancing research initiatives, expanding healthcare access, and promoting innovation in women's healthcare.

During the event, Ciscomani met with Maria Martinez, a breast cancer survivor advocating for expanded access to critical care after being denied an MRI by her insurers. In recognition of his efforts, Martinez awarded Ciscomani the Breast Cancer Guardian Award.

Ciscomani stated, "As your Representative and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, I am committed to pushing legislation, funding, and other efforts to address the gap in women’s healthcare innovation." He expressed gratitude for hosting the roundtable and engaging with panelists and constituents on improving women's healthcare.

Ciscomani's role on the House Appropriations Subcommittee includes voting to fully fund several health programs: $48 billion for NIH in Fiscal Year 2025; $238 million for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; and proposing $7.9 billion for critical cancer research at NCI.

Additionally, Ciscomani co-led H.R.8839 with Rep. Caraveo to combat rising syphilis cases impacting maternal and infant health. He also introduced H.R. 9335 with Rep. Kilmer to expand midwifery care for servicemembers' families.

Further legislative efforts include cosponsoring H.R.4534 with Rep. Boyle to address lung cancer research gaps in women and supporting H.R.6749 with Rep. Clarke for menopause-related research through NIH.

At a recent subcommittee hearing, Ciscomani questioned HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra about expanding women's healthcare access. He also joined a bipartisan letter urging inclusion of child care investment provisions in upcoming tax relief legislation.