ICYMI – Rep. Crane Advocates for Rural Arizona Amid Final Week of Government Shutdown

Earlier this week, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) joined Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) in a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz.

The representatives urged fair distribution of funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was established under the Working Families Tax Cuts.

They also invited Administrator Oz to visit rural Arizona to see firsthand the challenges faced by residents who often travel long distances for medical care. More than 500,000 Arizonans live at least 30 minutes from the nearest hospital, with many even farther. These facilities are often Critical Access Hospitals rather than full-service hospitals, leaving residents without access to necessary care.

To read the letter, please click here.

Additionally, Rep. Crane joined a bipartisan letter to President Trump supporting a request for a Major Disaster Declaration following severe flooding in Gila and Mohave counties.

The letter detailed the devastating impact of the September storms, which brought 6 to 10 inches of rain within 48 hours. The flooding damaged more than 300 homes, destroyed roads and infrastructure, and caused losses exceeding $33 million. The delegation urged swift approval to ensure Arizonans receive the federal assistance needed for a full recovery.

To read the letter, please click here.

"Far too often, the needs of rural communities are overshadowed by metropolitan areas. It's crucial that Washington doesn't forget hardworking Americans simply because they don't live in urban centers," said Rep. Crane. "I'm grateful to work with my colleagues to push for greater access to healthcare, as well as assistance in the aftermath of these tragic natural disasters. We will continue fighting for the amazing people of rural Arizona and push for rapid relief."