Crane: I’m fighting for Maricopa’s veterans in Congress

While families in Maricopa and around Arizona freely celebrated our nation’s founding this past weekend with rodeos, barbeques, parades and parties, we gratefully remember the brave men and women who sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom.

Since coming to Congress, supporting our local veterans and advocating for these brave men and women has been one of my top priorities.

Arizona is home to more than 450,000 veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with nearly 60,000 of them residing right here in Arizona’s Second Congressional District. As a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, it’s a primary mission of mine to ensure that these voices are amplified, represented, and fully heard.

Despite the courageous sacrifices of our nation’s veterans, as I’m sure you’re well aware, our institutions continue to fall short of sufficiently addressing the needs and wellbeing of America’s heroes.

As a former Navy SEAL, I understand the challenges veterans face as they return to civilian life and the unacceptable failures in proper benefits and care. Instead of enacting unconstitutional vaccine mandates, engaging in ‘forever wars’ and implementing absurd woke training for our troops, I believe we must prioritize world class care, resolve the homelessness crisis and amply reward veterans for their selfless service to our great nation.

During my first term in office, I’ve introduced and supported different pieces of legislation that would further this objective.

The first piece of legislation I introduced as a member of Congress would enable Gila County, Arizona to operate a veterans’ center on 232 acres in Young, Ariz. Anytime Congress can vote on legislation that returns power to the states is a good thing.

Veterans in Arizona need a space to heal and reconnect with their families after putting their lives on the line for the peace and freedom of all Americans.

This incredible facility is the first of its kind in the region, providing resources and support primarily to rural veterans and their families.

The Center will provide family housing, meeting and activity spaces, resource rooms, Veteran Ceremonial Grounds, and outdoor recreation to veterans from across our state.

Back in May, I had the opportunity to visit and tour the site with Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline.

One of the things I love so much about this project, is that it sets aside space for veterans to recharge and heal.

The leaders of this project are taking a beautiful piece of land that’s not being used anymore and revitalizing it into something amazing for some of our nation’s finest individuals.

The House passed my bill unanimously and is awaiting further action by the Senate.

In addition to providing spaces for our heroes to heal and readjust, addressing employment after service is also necessary in helping our veterans successfully transition back home.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Hire Veterans Act, a bipartisan bill that would employ American veterans while strengthening the federal skilled labor force, specifically at the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Over the past decade, federal land management agencies have routinely faced staffing shortages, impacting their operational effectiveness. Notably, the U.S. Forest service has struggled to attract and retain staff, compounded by a noticeable gap in the experience and skill sets of candidates, affecting their capacity to address increasing wildfire threats.

The Hire Veterans Act comprehensively strengthens the federal skilled labor pipeline for veterans, streamlining the hiring process for veterans seeking to protect our natural resources.

Specifically, the bill establishes a five-year pilot program to direct federal land management agencies to conditionally appoint a veteran who has demonstrated the necessary skills and abilities for specific vacant positions at federal land management agencies.

As a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, I’m all too familiar with the obstacles servicemen and women face when transitioning to civilian life. I’m also well-aware of the challenges our federal land management agencies currently face, particularly in filling vacancies for firefighters, park rangers, and foresters.

With this bill, Congress has the opportunity to both streamline the employment process for veterans AND better ensure that our natural resources are protected for future generations.

The bill has advanced to the House Committee on Oversight for further action.

Even after our veterans risk their lives and comfort for this nation, forces up in Washington, D.C., are hellbent on trampling on the constitutional rights of these courageous men and women.

Last month, I offered an amendment during the appropriations process to protect veterans Second Amendment rights. I’m proud to say that the amendment was adopted with a bipartisan majority.

The amendment clarifies that any veteran who was reported to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by a VA fiduciary was done so incorrectly in violation of their constitutional rights.

It also forces the VA Secretary to instruct the Attorney General to remove these veterans from the NICS list.

The appropriations bill successfully passed with my amendment.

I’m encouraged to see Congress refusing to turn a blind eye to the two-hundred-and-sixty-thousand veterans who have been wrongfully submitted to the FBI’s corrupt system. President Biden and his Administration have shown they would have no problem moving forward to disrespect the Constitution and strip veterans of their 2nd Amendment rights.

If this Administration is willing to do this to veterans of our Armed Forces, they will do this to the rest of America.

With al the corruption up in the Swamp and the blatant disregard our leaders have for veterans, their essential needs, and sacred rights, it’s more important than ever to relentlessly go to the mat on their behalf.

I’m grateful to the people of Arizona’s Second Congressional District for allowing me to represent them in Congress and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish for our veterans during my first term.

If you’re a veteran who needs assistance navigating the VA or are facing an issue related to your service, always know that you have an advocate in my office. My team and I are ready to listen and fight for you. Please reach out to 928-286-5338 or email Jeff.Timm@mail.house.gov .

Eli Crane is the representative for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District and is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He is a former Navy SEAL and businessman. During his 13 years in military service, he participated in five wartime deployments – serving three with SEAL Team 3.

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