{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"AZ\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2522", "Grijalva on Continuing Resolution Vote", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Raul Grijalva released the following statement after voting no on the continuing resolution to fund the federal government until January 19, 2018.  The Republicans in Congress hold the numerical power to pass the continuing resolution without one Democrat voting for it, said Rep. Grijalva. Any potential scenario where the government shuts down rests in their hands. Despite repeated attempts by Democrats towards creating a bi-partisan continuing resolution that incorporates what the majority of Americans want, Republicans have rejected all efforts. For Republicans, passing short-term continuing resolutions every couple of months may seem like good governance, but for the rest of America, it means placing programs like CHIP, community health centers, veterans funding, and emergency disaster relief in limbo.  I cannot and will not support any continuing resolution that ignores one of the most urgent issues before Congress, protecting DREAMers. My commitment to passing a clean DREAM Act has not waivered. Congressional Republican leaders need to show their human decency and call for a vote. As Democrats have said time and time again, if a vote were called, the bill would pass. The future of DREAMers and the need for an immediate and permanent legislative relief has once again been denied, and in the meantime more than 12,000 recipients have lost their status and more continue to face the same fate every day. Funding for CHIP and veterans has been punted to a later date setting up a perfect storm for a funding crisis in March.  Republicans failure to work with Democrats means that any government shutdown would be their responsibility alone. I have not given up and my conditions for supporting any continuing resolution stand.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-votes-fund-government-calls-passage-budget-dream-act", "O'Halleran Votes to Fund Government, Calls for Passage of Budget, DREAM Act", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Tom OHalleran (AZ-01) voted to pass a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through the new year, and he slammed Congressional leaders for failing to pass a budget and a clean DREAM Act.\nWe cannot play politics with the health and wellbeing of the 22,000 Arizona children on KidsCare or the hundreds of thousands of Arizona veterans who rely on VA programs, said Rep. OHalleran. It is irresponsible for Congress to leave for the holidays with so much critical business left unfinished. We should be in session in Washington every single day until we pass a full reauthorization of CHIP and a clean DREAM Act.\nThe Continuing Resolution passed the House in a bipartisan vote, and it includes short-term funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program and Community Health Centers through March, as well as funding for the VA Choice program.\nThis is a reckless and dangerous way to govern, continued OHalleran. Our militarys readiness and families that depend on life-saving health programs are put at risk by the failure to pass a timely budget.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-votes-to-prevent-a-government-shutdown/", "Sinema Votes to Prevent a Government Shutdown", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) today voted on legislation to prevent a government shutdown. She released the following statement after the vote:\r\n\r\n\tI voted against a government shutdown because these partisan games are dangerous and irresponsible. Arizonans deserve better. Todays bill keeps our government open, funds KidsCare and community health centers, and ensures veterans continue receiving timely care.\r\n\r\n\tLets be clear - this is not the way government should operate. Its time for Congress to do the hard work and come up with a long-term funding solution that protects our economic and national security. Im ready to get to work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-support-dreamers-protesting-congressional", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement of Support for Dreamers Protesting Congressional Inaction", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement:\nWhen President Trump ended the DACA program, he cast thousands of young people  our friends, our neighbors, and our colleagues  into a world of uncertainty and fear.\nIt takes immense courage to stand up to power at any time, but even more so when your life as you know it is at great risk. I have the utmost admiration and respect for the Dreamers who are taking a stand and fighting for their right to continue to live and work in the country they call home.\nI stand in full support of Dreamers like Arizonas Belen Sisa, who previously interned in my district office, and Erika Andiola, who are peacefully demanding that Congress pass the Dream Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-statement-passage-partisan-tax-reform", "O'Halleran Statement on Passage of Partisan Tax Reform", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Tom OHalleran (AZ-01) voted against H.R. 1, the GOP Tax Bill, citing the expiration of tax cuts for middle-class families, lack of incentives for major corporations to create jobs in America, and the addition of trillions of dollars to our national debt.\nCongress focus from the beginning should have been on lasting tax relief for hardworking American families, but this tax plan doesnt do that. Any relief that families receive will disappear as the tax cuts expire in a few short years, said Rep. OHalleran. We should not be giving permanent tax cuts to multinational corporations while we create uncertainly for middle-class families.\nThe tax plan, passed by the House along party lines, includes a tax cut for middle-class families that sunsets in 2025. Once those cuts expire, anyone earning less than $75,000 will see their taxes increase. Additionally, the corporate tax rate is permanently lowered from 35 percent to 21 percent, and companies relocated to other countries will be taxed under a territorial system, allowing them to further avoid paying taxes on their profits.\nThe American people deserve better. This plan will drastically expand our national debt, saddling our children and grandchildren with the cost, continued OHalleran. This needs to be a bipartisan, comprehensive effort that puts money back into the pockets of working families and creates incentives to bring back good-paying to America and grow new jobs in our communities. Some in Washington say their side needs a political win, but what America needs is a win for hardworking, middle-class families.\nAccording to estimates from the independent Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation the tax plan adds an additional $1.5 trillion to the national deficit.\nO'Halleran released a video outlining his concerns with the partisan tax reform proposal. You can watch the videohere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-passage-gop-tax-scam", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Passage of the GOP Tax Scam", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement:\nToday, President Trump and Congressional Republicans pulled off one of the biggest heists in American history  stealing from the pockets of middle class families and workers in order to line the pockets of the already-rich.\nInstead of leveling the playing field and investing in opportunities for all, the Trump GOP has clearly demonstrated that its primary goal is to reinforce the power and increase the wealth of the party's richest donors.\nUltimately, more than 80 million households will see their taxes go up under this outrageous plan. Make no mistake -- this bill represents an attack on the American middle class.\nJust like the Trump presidency, the GOP Tax Scam is an abject failure that will come back to haunt the Republican Party.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-partisan-tax-bill/", "Sinema Statement on Partisan Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) voted against todays tax bill. She released the following statement after the vote: \r\n\r\n\tA broken Congress failed again to deliver for hardworking Arizonans. Arizonans want fiscally responsible tax reform that gives families a chance to get ahead. They are sick and tired of thebackroom deals andpartisan games that continue to put the American dream out of reach for too many.\r\n\r\n\tThis bill increases the $20 trillion debt by an additional $1.456 trillion, forces cuts to Medicare, and crowds out business lending and growth. In the long run, it raises taxes on over half of all taxpayers and doesnt simplify the tax code for businesses. That does not create jobs or help middle-class families build better lives.\r\n\r\n\tRushing through a bill for short-term political gain does not serve Arizona or the American people. When President Reagan and a Democratic Congress passed tax reform in the 80s, it took two years and bipartisan cooperation. It was hard work, and it was worth it. Americans deserve that type of leadership.\r\n\r\n\tI've repeatedly called for an open, bipartisan process because bipartisan legislation stands the test of time. Im ready to fix the problems and mistakes that will inevitably become clear as we learn more about the harmful consequences of this rushed and partisan tax bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2520", "Grijalva and Chu Call for Investigation on Sexual Assaults in ICE Facilities", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after he and Rep. Judy Chu led 71 Members of Congress in sending a letter to top Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) officials demanding increased accountability and transparency over claims of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment within immigrant detention facilities. The letter comes in response to a complaint filed by Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC) which highlights the prevalence of sexual misconduct and the lack of recourse for victims within immigrant detention facilities.     In the letter, the lawmakers highlight the fact that, The Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security received a total of 33,126 complaints of sexual and/or physical abuse against DHS component agencies between January 2010 and July 2016, according to CIVICs complaint. Of the 33,126 complaints of sexual and/or physical abuse, the DHS-OIG opened investigations into only 225 of them, or 0.07%.     Full statements are below:     DHS and its partner agencies must be held accountable for rampant complaints of sexual assault, abuse and harassment within their immigrant detention facilities, Rep Grijalva said. Many of those being held have fled violence, have been victims of rape, or were otherwise subject to traumatic events. For DHS to carelessly dismiss, ignore, or even try to erase such serious claims is not only unconscionable but also unlawful under existing PREA protections. We have both a moral and legal obligation to prevent sexual misconduct from happening in detention centers, and further must ensure that victims have a path to legal recourse when incidents do occur.     Even more alarming are efforts undertaken to destroy records related to sexual assault in immigrant detention centers. If this were any other federal agency, there would be an outpouring of public demands for greater transparency and accountability. However, because we are dealing with victims who are always in the shadows, far away from their families and outside of the public eye, we are seeing a coordinated attempt to eliminate any evidence of wrongdoing. I strongly urge DHS and DOJ leadership to act swiftly to conduct comprehensive investigations of sexual assault in immigrant detention facilities, and for ICE to withdraw its petition to permanently destroy all records pertaining to sexual assault claims.     \"Immigrants are among the most vulnerable people  many of whom are children away from their families, said Rep. Chu. And being detained puts them completely at the mercy of others, who sometimes abuse that power in unscrupulous ways as we have too often seen over the years. That anybody should experience sexual assault, but especially anybody in these terrible conditions, is absolutely unacceptable. There are already myriad problems with immigrant detention facilities and the entire policy of treating immigrants as prisoners, but the threat of sexual assault should not be among it. We need an investigation, more oversight, and reform to ensure that we are protecting those in our care.  \"Homeland Security has established a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault, but this policy is not properly enforced,\" said Christina Fialho, an attorney and the co-founder/executive director of Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC). \"In fact, to our knowledge, nothing has been done to curb sexual abuse at ICE facilities since we filed our civil rights complaint in April. Instead, ICE has petitioned the National Archives to trash its records of sexual assault. Through its attempt to destroy evidence of wrongdoing, ICE is sending a message that perpetrators of sexual abuse of immigrants will be protected. We cannot allow ICE to operate with impunity behind closed doors.\"  Full text of the letter can be found here.     ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-president-trump-s-national-security-strategy", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on President Trumps National Security Strategy", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement:\nPresident Trumps National Security Strategy (NSS) is the product of willful ignorance.\nThe Trump Administration has purged their so-called strategy of any mention of the empirical fact of climate change. It glosses over successful Russian attempts to undermine our elections in a serious way. It turns China into a strategic competitor, and then proposes to do very little about it. The NSS includes a promise to rebuild Americas military, yet the President and Republicans in Congress are set to waste over a trillion dollars on tax cuts for the wealthy rather than invest in Americas future military strength and domestic prosperity. The plan even accuses legal immigrants of threatening our nation despite the fact that tens of thousands of them are currently serving in our military and security services.\nIn short, this so-called strategy is undeserving of the name. And, like Trumps presidency, his NSS will fail and ultimately be replaced.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-urges-congress-pass-dream-act-end-year", "Rep. Ruben Gallego urges Congress to pass the DREAM Act before the end of the year", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement:\n\"For thousands of Dreamers and their families, the deadline to pass a legislative solution isn't March- it's now. Every day, 122 Dreamers lose their DACA protection, are no longer able to work to support their families, and are placed at risk of deportation.\nThe clock is ticking and we must act to resolve the crisis that President Trump created by rescinding DACA. It is critical that Congress act now and include the DREAM Act in the must-pass spending bill this week.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-signs-holiday-cards-american-servicemembers", "O'Halleran Signs Holiday Cards for American Servicemembers", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Rep. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) joined the American Red Cross to sign holiday cards for American servicemembers serving abroad, veterans, and military families.\n\"It is difficult for these brave men and women to spend holidays away from their loved ones and families,\" said Rep. O'Halleran. \"It was an honor to join my colleagues and the folks from the American Red Cross to bring our troops and their families a little cheer and show our appreciation for their service and commitment to our great country.\"\nThe American Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes Program has provided Americans the opportunity to send holiday greetings, expressions of gratitude, and well wishes to servicemembers, veterans, and their families since 2007.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-ohalleran-statement-net-neutrality-vote", "Rep. O'Halleran Statement on Net Neutrality Vote", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) released a statement following the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s vote to end 2015 net neutrality regulations: \u201cThe American people have spoken loudly and passionately about Net Neutrality. It is now Congress\u2019 responsibility to act by passing bipartisan legislation that ensures our internet remains open, the rights of consumers are protected, and innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. I stand ready to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to find a legislative solution that takes the American people\u2019s concerns into account.\u201d The Federal Communications Commission voted along party lines to dismantle net neutrality rules that regulate businesses that connect consumers to the internet.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-fcc-vote-repeal-net-neutrality", "Rep. Ruben Gallego statement on FCC vote to repeal net neutrality", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s vote to eliminate the Open Internet Order:\n\u201cI am incredibly disappointed by the FCC\u2019s irresponsible and partisan decision to repeal net neutrality rules.\n\u201cIn moving forward with this decision, Chairman Ajit Pai and the two other Republican appointees who voted to repeal the Open Internet Order ignored the widespread outcry against his plan from millions of people, lawmakers, and public interest groups.\n\u201cFor decades, the United States has been a leader in information technology, and a free, open internet is essential to that. Many of my colleagues and I have been astounded in recent weeks by the phone calls and letters in defense of net neutrality.\n\u201cI am committed to fighting for net neutrality to ensure competition, protect consumers, and preserve a free, open internet.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-democrats-call-secretary-devos-protect-students-civil-rights", "House Democrats Call on Secretary DeVos to Protect Students Civil Rights", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) led fifty of their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos opposing recently reported proposed changes to the Office for Civil Rights\u2019 investigations into discrimination in our education system.\nThe letter highlights the importance of preserving current Office for Civil Rights policy by examining instances of bias in the context of schoolwide policies and not in isolation, as DeVos has proposed. It also decries a change reportedly being considered by the Department that would grant individual schools the authority to negotiate a resolution to a civil rights investigation before any information is released to parents.\u00a0\n\u201cSecretary DeVos\u2019s proposed changes to civil rights investigations in schools are a thinly veiled attempt to weaken protections against discrimination for marginalized kids, including LGBT students and students of color,\u201d said Rep. Ruben Gallego. \u201cI strongly believe the Office for Civil Rights should be empowered to thoroughly and effectively investigate discrimination in schools.\u00a0 And when investigators uncover a clear pattern of bias, parents should have a right to know.\u00a0 We cannot stand by while protections for our kids are stripped away by this administration.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter is below.\u00a0 A signed copy of the letter can be found here.\nDear Secretary DeVos:\nWe write to express our concern in response to reports that the Department of Education, at your direction, is considering weakening civil rights investigations in schools, undermining the Department\u2019s ability to combat discrimination in our education system. We strongly urge you to withdraw these proposed policy changes in order to ensure that efforts to address the unfair and unequal treatment of students will not be hindered.\nOn November 23, 2017, the Associated Press reported that your Department was circulating a draft of proposed changes to school civil rights investigation procedures carried out by the Department\u2019s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Reportedly, the proposed changes would narrow the scope of these investigations so that reported incidents are investigated in isolation rather than as part of a broader pattern of discrimination and bias. The purported draft would also permit a modification to how discrimination cases are handled, giving individual schools the authority to negotiate a resolution to the investigation before any information is released to parents.\nComing in the wake of an internal memorandum circulated by acting OCR Assistant Secretary Candice Jackson in June announcing the Office\u2019s intention to scale back its civil rights investigations, these reported changes call into question your Department\u2019s commitment to combating discrimination in a meaningful and effective manner. The investigations of systemic bias that you are seeking to curtail have proven invaluable in identifying persons and policies within an institution that promote discrimination. Without examining reported incidents in the broader context of a school\u2019s practices, OCR cannot ensure that impediments to equal access to education are effectively addressed.\u00a0 \u00a0\nThe Department of Education\u2019s Office for Civil Rights plays a critical role in exposing and correcting discrimination and bias in our public school system. The changes to current civil rights investigation procedures that you are reportedly advocating would severely undermine the Department\u2019s ability to combat systemic discrimination and unfairly weaken parents\u2019 ability to advocate on behalf of their children. Again, for these reasons, we strongly urge you to abandon these misguided proposals and reaffirm your Department\u2019s commitment to defending equal opportunity in our education system.\nSincerely,\n59\u00a0Members of Congress\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-releases-statement-judiciary-hearing-deputy-ag", "Rep. Ruben Gallego releases statement on Judiciary hearing with Deputy AG Rosenstein", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement in response to the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s hearing with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein: \u00a0\n\u201cHouse Republicans didn\u2019t have the dignity or self-awareness to disguise their intentions at today\u2019s House Judiciary Committee hearing.\u00a0 In spite of Robert Mueller\u2019s sterling reputation, they were clearly determined to discredit his investigation and to lay the groundwork for President Trump to fire the Special Counsel.\u00a0 They should be embarrassed and ashamed.\n\u201cThere\u2019s mounting evidence that the Trump campaign colluded with an enemy of the United States in order to sway the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.\u00a0 Every American who loves our country and genuinely cares about our democracy should want to know the full truth about what transpired. Yet, at every turn, House Republicans have either sought to change the subject or to cast doubt on Mueller\u2019s independence and integrity, despite the fact that many of them lavishly praised him before the former FBI Director was chosen to lead the Russia probe.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cUltimately, the Trump administration\u2019s evasions and outright lies represent a challenge for Congress as an institution \u2013 a test of our collective character that House Republicans are clearly failing.\u00a0 Time and time again, they have placed partisanship before patriotism.\u00a0 Over and over, they have bent over backwards to cover for Donald Trump.\u00a0 My Republican colleagues are letting their constituents and our country down.\u00a0\n\u201cThe American people deserve better.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democratic-congressmen-request-information-about-possible-russian", "Democratic Congressmen request information about possible Russian interference in Brexit vote", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Eric Swallwell (CA-15), and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats requesting information regarding the Intelligence Community\u2019s assessment of possible Russian interference in the United Kingdom\u2019s 2016 referendum over whether to withdraw from the European Union (\u201cBrexit\u201d).\u00a0 Their request follows conclusive evidence that Russia sought to influence the results of the recent French and German elections, as well as the 2016 presidential race here in the United States.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cGiven the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, we believe this information could be useful in identifying patterns, understanding Russian methods, and bolstering future shared efforts to protect the integrity of our political and electoral systems from its interference,\u201d the Congressmen wrote.\nThe full text of the letter is below and the signed letter can be found here.\n----------------------------------------------------\nDear Director Coats:\nWe write to request a written response and/or a classified briefing regarding the Intelligence Community\u2019s (IC) assessment of possible Russian interference in the 2016 United Kingdom referendum over whether to withdraw from the European Union (\u201cBrexit\u201d).\u00a0 We make this request in light of Russia\u2019s interference in our 2016 presidential election campaign, credible reports of similar efforts to disrupt the recent French and German elections, and the continuing threat that Russia poses to Western democratic institutions.\nGiven the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, we believe this information could be useful in identifying patterns, understanding Russian methods, and bolstering future shared efforts to protect the integrity of our political and electoral systems from its interference.\u00a0 This information also would allow us, as legislators, to have a more thorough understanding of the global threat that Russia poses to electoral integrity, so we can better craft legislation to address it at home and abroad.\nWe request that your response include answers to the following questions, along with any other information you believe is pertinent to our understanding:\n Is there a unified IC assessment about the extent to which there was interference by Russia or third-state actors in the campaign regarding Brexit? If so, what is the assessment? If not, what are the differing views?\n\tDid the IC find that non-British individuals interfered with the Brexit campaign via social media propaganda, hacking voter databases, and/or other means? If so, has the IC been able to link such individuals to any specific groups, governments, or political movements?\n\tDid the IC find that any possible interference in the 2016 Brexit campaign showed any parallels to the Russian interference in our 2016 election?\n\tDid the IC find that any British countermeasures helped stem the tide of any Russian interference?\n\tIf there was interference by Russia in the Brexit campaign, what lessons has the IC learned and/or what conclusions has it drawn regarding Russia\u2019s methods that may be useful in better defending against future attacks on our own elections?\n We look forward to your response.\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/national-defense-authorization-act-including-three-sinema-amendments-signed-into-law/", "National Defense Authorization Act, Including Three Sinema Amendments, Signed Into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, President Trump signed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY18 which included three amendments offered by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09).\r\n\r\n\t\u201cHardworking Arizonans expect Congress to put partisanship aside and to provide our military with the tools it needs to keep us safe,\u201d said Congresswoman Sinema. \u201cThis law sets smart national security policies, strengthens our national defense, and invests in our communities. I will continue working with my colleagues in both parties to honor our commitments to the men and women in uniform and to keep our country secure.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe first amendment, introduced with Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), requires the U.S. Strategy in Syria to identify the amounts and sources of ISIS financing and to deny this financing as part of the broader, more effective US strategy.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe second amendment, introduced with Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), expands career training opportunities for active-duty military men and women so they can successfully transition into good-paying jobs as civilians.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe last amendment introduced, with Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10), retains STEM education programs for children living near military bases, including Davis-Monthan in Tucson.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-introduces-bill-fund-victims-fund-indian-tribes", "OHalleran Introduces Bill to Fund Victims Fund for Indian Tribes", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) and Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) introduced the bipartisan Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act, a bill that would provide legal, medical, and counseling resources to women and children in tribal communities who are victims of domestic violence. Congressman Don Young (AK) and Congresswoman Sinema (AZ-09) are original cosponsors of the legislation.\n\u201cAs a former police officer and throughout my time as a public servant, I have dedicated much of my work to protecting children, advocating for victims, and pursuing justice for communities,\u201d said Congressman O\u2019Halleran. \u201cIt is long past time for something to be done for the victims of violent crimes in Indian Country, many of whom face significant hurdles in and out of the courtroom as they seek justice. I am proud to introduce the SURVIVE Act with my colleague Mr. Cole to ensure that victims, no matter where they live, have access to necessary services as they recover and rebuild their lives.\u201d\n\u201cUnfortunately, many tribal communities across the country are susceptible to higher crime and domestic violence rates. Often, tribes do not receive a fair share of federal dollars to deal with these challenges,\" said Congressman Cole. \"I\u2019m proud to put my support behind the SURIVE Act which will require the Crime Victims Fund to help those who are in need of medical services, legal assistance, counseling and more. Grant programs like these are integral in protecting the victims in tribal communities and preventing future crimes from occurring.\u201d\n\u201cNative American women experience rates of violence at least 50% higher than their white counterparts, and this legislation will support tribal communities in accessing vital funding to support life-saving victim services directly from the federal government,\u201d said Allie Bones, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.\nPresident Begaye of the Navajo Nation stated,\u201cThere is a significant need for victims services and victim advocates on the Navajo Nation due to our high rates of crime. Our communities need these services to heal. I thank Congressman O\u2019Halleran and Congressman Cole for recognizing this need and advocating for Indian Country.\u201d\nFederal data indicates that American Indian and Alaska Native communities face some of the highest victimization rates in the country. Yet, it is estimated that less than 0.7% of the Crime Victim\u2019s Fund (CVF) established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) reaches tribes.\nThe Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act creates a tribal grant program within the Department of Justice\u2019s Office for Victims of Crime and requires a 5% allocation from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) be provided to Indian tribes.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-az-lawmakers-send-bipartisan-letter-calling-ihs-funding", "O'Halleran, AZ Lawmakers Send Bipartisan Letter Calling for IHS Funding", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran led a bipartisan letter, signed by members of the Arizona delegation, to Reps. Ken Calvert and Betty McCollum urging them to provide funding for three Indian Health Service clinics in Arizona, California, and Oklahoma. Calvert and McCollum oversee the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.\nIn the letter, the lawmakers state that they became aware of the failure of IHS to request the necessary funding earlier this year. In the letter they write, \"Constituents informed us that they were told by [IHS] that staffing and operations funding for three health facilities scheduled to open in the next year was not included in the budget request to Congress for FY 2018.\"\n\"It is\u00a0bad federal policy and an inefficient use of federal dollars to construct these health facilities and then leave them vacant,\" continued the lawmakers. \"The Indian Health Service failed to adequately inform Congress of the amount of funds needed to ensure that they are timely and efficiently staffed and operated.\"\n\"It is irresponsible of Indian Health Services to leave staffing and operational funding for critical health care clinics out of their budget request,\" said O'Halleran. \"Without the necessary funds, the three facilities in question, which have long been slated for operation in FY 2018, will be unable to serve Indian Country. This is a grave error on the part of IHS, and it could cost lives. I urge my colleagues to work to ensure these facilities receive the funding they need.\"\nThe letter was signed by Reps. Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), David Schweikert (AZ-06), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09). You can read the full letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-introduces-legislation-to-garnish-wages-for-members-who-settle-sexual-harassment-claims-with-taxpayer-dollars/", "Sinema Introduces Legislation to Garnish Wages for Members Who Settle Sexual Harassment Claims with Taxpayer Dollars", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Ron DeSantis (FL-06) today introduced bipartisan legislation to garnish wages of members of Congress who use taxpayer money to cover up sexual harassment claims.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe Garnishing for Unethical Actions to Restore Dignity (GUARD) Act mandates the House or Senate withhold the salaries of Members of Congress or Senators who settle sexual harassment claims and reduce the salary by the amount of a sexual harassment settlement. The bill also requires any reduction in salary as a result of a harassment claim be made public.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cSexual harassment and sexual assault are always wrong,\u201d said Congresswoman Sinema. \u201cIn Washington, the system in place today allows this inappropriate behavior to be hushed up with taxpayer dollars. I expect more from members of Congress, and I know you do too. That\u2019s why we introduced this legislation to hold people who engage in sexual harassment or sexual assault accountable and protect Americans\u2019 tax dollars.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-leads-bipartisan-letter-opposing-cuts-critical-access-hospitals", "O'Halleran Leads Bipartisan Letter Opposing Cuts to Critical Access Hospitals", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) sent a bipartisan letter signed by 18 other lawmakers to Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady and Ranking Member Richard Neal urging them to not cut reimbursement rates for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH).\n\"Critical Access Hospitals provide life-saving health care to countless rural communities across Arizona and throughout the West, and if these reimbursement rates for swing beds are cut, many CAHs will be forced to close,\"\u00a0said Rep. O'Halleran.\u00a0\"The millions of Americans living in our most rural communities, including seniors, veterans, and those living with debilitating, chronic diseases, cannot afford to lose\u00a0access to\u00a0this life-saving care. I am grateful for the broad bipartisan support this letter has received, and I stand ready to work with the Chairman and Ranking Member on a plan that protects\u00a0rural hospitals and clinics.\u201d\n\"As Members who represent rural communities that depend on Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for access to needed care, we write to express our grave concerns with the proposed policy to modify payments for CAH swing beds included as an offset in the draft Medicare extenders package announced by the House Ways and Means Committee,\"\u00a0the lawmakers wrote in the letter.\u00a0\"If adopted, any cuts from current reimbursement levels would devastate hospitals that serve our communities and not only impact families\u2019 ability to receive needed services but also thousands of jobs across rural America.\"\nRecently, the House Ways and Means Committee announced a\u00a0bipartisan\u00a0agreement to\u00a0extend certain Medicare programs for beneficiaries and providers that recently expired or will expire at the end of the year.\u00a0Included in the\u00a0otherwise encouraging agreement is a\u00a0provision\u00a0that will cut reimbursement rates for CAH swing beds, something that would disproportionately hurt rural hospitals and communities. Swing beds allow patients in a CAH who meet strict Medicare criteria to receive post-acute care services, including rehabilitation, before transitioning home. These facilities are currently not receiving 100% of reimbursement for swing bed services due to sequestration. Any further cuts would push more hospitals closer towards closure at a time when our communities need more \u2013 not less \u2013 access to care. Medical deserts exacerbate unique health care challenges in vulnerable communities, forcing patients to travel further for needed treatment and services.\nThe 19 lawmakers closed their letter stating,\u00a0\"As with any policy change that impacts the care of millions of Americans, proposals to modify swing-bed payments must be thoughtfully considered and reviewed with the input of rural stakeholders through additional analysis and public hearings. While we applaud the Committee for working together on a bipartisan basis to move forward important Medicare extenders, we do not believe costs should be disproportionately shouldered by patients and providers in rural communities. As such, we respectfully urge you to abandon proposed cuts to Critical Access Hospitals as you move forward with this important package.\"\nThe letter is supported by the Critical Access Hospital Coalition, the National Rural Health Association, and the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.\nThe signers include: Reps. Evan H. Jenkins, Dave Loebsack, Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., David B. McKinley, P.E., Tom Cole, Kurt Schrader, Robert Latta, Danny K. Davis, Tim Walz, Daniel T. Kildee, Hal Rogers, Mac Thornberry, Jared Huffman, Peter A. DeFazio, Jacky Rosen, Rick Nolan, Rodney Davis, and Roger W. Marshall, M.D.\nRead the full letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-ohalleran-joins-colleages-found-congressional-reformers-caucus", "Rep. O'Halleran Joins Colleages to Found the Congressional Reformers Caucus", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Yesterday, Representative Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) joined Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Ken Buck (CO-04) to launch the bipartisan Congressional Reformers Caucus in the United States House of Representatives. O'Halleran joins 18 colleagues as founding members of the caucus. The group pledges to work across the aisle in pursuit of common sense reforms to Congress and the legislative process.\n\"With trust in Congress at an all-time low, it is clear that partisanship and gridlock are not working. The American people are rightfully fed up and want to see change,\" said Representative O'Halleran. \"The only way we are going to overcome this rut we are in is by putting aside our differences to work together to clean up our government, enforce ethics, and hold our elected leaders to the highest standards. I am proud to be a founding member of this caucus, and I look forward to sharing my ideas about transparency and accountability with my colleagues.\"\n\u201cThe members of this caucus come from across the political spectrum and disagree on plenty of issues, but it\u2019s obvious to all of us that Congress is in dire need of reform, and we\u2019re committed to taking real action to change the status quo in Washington, reduce the influence of money in our political process, and get our government back to work for the people we serve,\u201d\u00a0said Representative Kathleen Rice, co-Chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus. \u201cPeople are tired of partisan gridlock and double standards for politicians, and they\u2019re waiting for leaders to step up and work together to reform our campaign finance system and legislative process so we can solve real problems. That\u2019s exactly why we created the Reformers Caucus, and I\u2019m excited to join my colleagues in this effort to start restoring the public\u2019s faith and trust in their government.\u201d\n\u201cWashington is broken. Donors and insiders have too much influence, and too often backroom deals trip up good legislation. Political party has nothing to do with good governance, which is why I\u2019m proud to be joined by my friend, Rep. Kathleen Rice, and a bipartisan group of colleagues who all want a Congress that works for the people. I\u2019m eager to develop legislation with this group that will improve America\u2019s trust in our democracy,\u201d\u00a0stated Congressman Ken Buck, co-chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus.\nBelow are the founding members of the Congressional Reformers Caucus:\nDemocrat:\nKathleen Rice (NY-04)\nTom O'Halleran (AZ-01)\nDerek Kilmer (WA-06)\nScott Peters (CA-52)\nSeth Moulton (MA-06)\nRon Kind (WI-03)\nCheri Bustos (IL-17)\nStephanie Murphy (FL-07)\nDonald Norcross (NJ-01)\nJohn Sarbanes (MD-03)\n\u00a0\nRepublican:\nKen Buck (CO-04)\nMike Gallagher (WI-08)\nRalph Norman (SC-05)\nAndy Biggs (AZ-05)\nJack Bergman (MI-01)\nMatt Gaetz (FL-01)\nRodney Davis (IL-13)\nJeff Fortenberry (NE-01)\nMike Coffman (CO-06)\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-ohalleran-statement-potential-cuts-medicare", "Rep. O'Halleran Statement on Potential Cuts to Medicare", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement after reports indicated Speaker Paul Ryan was eyeing cuts to Medicare, a program that more than 1.1 million Arizonans rely on every day:\n\u201cSpeaker Ryan and other Congressional leaders are completely misguided if they think we will end the Medicare guarantee and leave millions without life-saving care. More than a million Arizonans rely on Medicare, and I will not sit idly by while special interests and a handful of lawmakers work to end it. There is no doubt that we need to rein in wasteful spending, but we cannot do it on the backs of elderly Americans. I urge Speaker Ryan to work on a bipartisan solution to decrease spending and protect care for elderly Americans.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-announces-2017-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Rep. Gallego Announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From left: Niyonkuru Pamphile, Edgar Alvarez, and Jesus Hernandez\nWASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013\u00a0Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego recognized three students from Arizona\u2019s 7th\u00a0Congressional district as winners of this year\u2019s Congressional App Challenge \u2013 a competition that encourages high school students from across the United States to create their own mobile applications.\nMetro Tech High School seniors Edgar Alvarez, Jesus Hernandez, and Niyonkuru Pamphile won first place for their app, titled \u201cAmerican Trivia.\u201d\n\u201cAmerican Trivia\u201d will be displayed on the Congressional App Challenge website and will be exhibited on a digital display in the Capitol Building for a year.\nThe students created the app as a part of a Game and App Development Class, a Career and Technical Education class offered in the Phoenix Union High School District. The students designed the functional, fun and user-friendly app using JavaScript in Code.org\u2019s App Lab.\n\u201cI want to congratulate Edgar, Jesus and Nyonkuru, the winners of this year\u2019s Congressional App Challenge,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Ruben Gallego.\u00a0\u201cCoding takes creativity and hard work, and I was thoroughly impressed by the entries submitted by the talented students in our district. These students have a bright future ahead of them, and will help create the technology that will change our world.\u201d\n\u201cThese three young men will be successful in any career they choose,\u201d\u00a0said teacher Chad Renning. \u201cThey all have a desire to learn, are self-motivated and work hard \u2013 not to mention they are extremely smart. I can\u2019t wait to see what else they create.\u201d\nThe winners were chosen by a team of judges selected from throughout Arizona\u2019s 7th\u00a0Congressional district. The judges included:\nDaniel G. Cartagena, Senior System Engineer, Intel\nJuana Maes, Manufacturing Engineer, GKN Aerospae and Secretary of the Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHPE)\nMaira Garcia, Systems Engineer, Honeywell Aerospace and President of SHPE, Phoenix Chapter\nDiana Vowels, General Manager, Galvanize, Phoenix\nThe annual Congressional App Challenge highlights the value of computer science and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. This was the first year that students from Arizona\u2019s 7th\u00a0Congressional district submitted entries to the competition.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-shortterm-funding-bill/", "Sinema Statement on Short-Term Funding Bill", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sinema Statement on Short-Term Funding Bill\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) voted in favor of H.J.Res. 123\u00a0 \u2013 Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018. She released the following statement after the vote:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cGoverning crisis to crisis is a dangerous and reckless approach that hurts Arizona families and businesses and threatens our economic security. It\u2019s time for Congress to stop the partisan games and do the hard work to find real solutions that reduce the debt, spur economic growth, and create opportunity for hard-working Arizona families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-hr-38/", "Sinema Statement on H.R. 38", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement on H.R. 38:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe Second Amendment protects our fundamental rights as Americans, and I support those rights. I also support states\u2019 rights to set their own reasonable gun policies. In Arizona, we like our freedom and we made our gun laws accordingly. We shouldn\u2019t tie ourselves to other states\u2019 firearms laws, especially when doing so could have dangerous, unintended consequences for Arizonans. Nearby states have laws with which Arizonans do not agree, like allowing convicted stalkers to carry concealed firearms. Unfortunately, this bill allows convicted stalkers to conceal and carry in Arizona, putting domestic violence survivors at risk. This bill also allows guns in Arizona schools, which Arizonans of both political parties have repeatedly rejected. This bill also makes law enforcement officers\u2019 jobs more difficult and more dangerous. This bill jeopardizes the safety and security of Arizona families, so I cannot support it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2508", "Grijalva Reacts to Being Appointed to Tax Conference Committee", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after being named to serve on a conference committee that will attempt to combine the House and Senate versions of the GOP\u2019s tax scam. Rep. Grijalva joins four other House Democrats appointed by Leader Pelosi to serve on this committee.  \u201cThese bills are a national disgrace,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to bring a much-needed voice of reason to this conference. The House and Senate versions of this tax scam each represent a massive redistribution of wealth from working Americans and those in need to the richest one percent who have already benefited from a rigged system. I will spend every minute of this process fighting Republican attempts to help their wealthy donors loot the country, wipe out funding that invests in America\u2019s future generations.  Republicans\u2019 move to use a tax bill to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling is not because it\u2019s good policy, but because their destructive ideology demands it. Drilling in the Arctic Refuge \u2013 which cannot be undone once it starts \u2013 is a dirty favor to the oil and gas industry and does nothing to offset the costs of this monstrous theft of taxpayer dollars. This language was only included to bribe certain Republicans to vote for a multi-trillion-dollar public money grab and the American people will never forget it.  Massive tax giveaways for the super-rich and huge corporations will only result in cuts to Social Security, Medicare, education and disaster relief. They will make it impossible to invest in our society\u2019s future. Their bills will be an economic disaster of historical proportions and they must be stopped. If Republicans are sincere about helping the middle class we should be considering legislation on policies like raising wages, providing paid leave and offering debt-free college.\u201d\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democratic-veterans-congress-decry-trump-administration-s-va-tricare", "Democratic Veterans in Congress Decry Trump Administrations VA-Tricare Merger Proposal", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON DC \u2013 Today, 5 veterans serving in Congress \u2013 Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Anthony Brown (D-MD), Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) \u2013 wrote to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin urging him to reconsider a plan reportedly being developed behind closed doors to partially merge the VA and DOD health care systems.\u00a0 The letter argues that the proposal represents a dangerous step towards privatization and could compromise the VA\u2019s critical role as a direct provider of care to veterans.\u00a0 The Congressmen also criticized the secretive manner in which the proposal is being developed\u2014without public meetings, independent studies or consultations with veterans organizations.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cVeterans recognize that merging the VA with Tricare simply doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d said Rep. Gallego, a Marine Corps combat veteran. \u00a0\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s obvious intention is to erode the VA\u2019s ability to serve as a direct provider of care to men and women who risked their lives for our country. \u00a0This half-baked idea is also clearly consistent with the extreme privatization agenda that conservative groups have been pushing for years\u2014groups more interested in discrediting government than in improving health care for our veterans.\u00a0 Congress should put a stop to this unwise and unworkable plan.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter is below and can be found online here.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDear Secretary Shulkin:\nWe write to express our grave concerns regarding a proposal reportedly being considered by the Administration to partially merge the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) health care systems. If adopted, this radical shift in policy could undermine care for veterans, increase their medical costs and dramatically expand the federal government\u2019s reliance on the private sector to meet the unique needs of men and women who served our nation in uniform.\u00a0 We strongly urge you to reconsider this proposal and to refrain from taking any additional steps to implement it without first consulting with key stakeholders, including interested Members of Congress and veterans groups.\u00a0\nWhile we strongly support ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination between VA and DOD, it is important to note that the two Departments serve separate patient populations with drastically different needs.\u00a0 Specifically, Tricare beneficiaries are generally younger and healthier than veterans who receive care through the VA. As stakeholders will attest, providers at the VA are uniquely trained and equipped to manage the care of a patient population that suffers from combat-related injury and illness, including traumatic brain injury and PTSD, in a culturally competent environment. We are therefore concerned that merging the two programs would compromise critical services for older veterans and those with serious medical conditions.\u00a0 Further, a Tricare-VA merger could compel veterans entitled to care provided by the VA system to instead seek care through the private sector, a shift that could unfairly force veterans to pay out-of-pocket costs that they wouldn\u2019t otherwise be required to bear.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIn addition to the potentially harmful impacts of this proposal, we are deeply concerned by the manner in which such a consequential change in veterans policy is being considered.\u00a0 No public meetings or hearings have been held. \u00a0No independent studies have been conducted to estimate the cost of such a merger or to assess its implications for quality of care.\u00a0 Moreover, national veterans service organizations, which collectively represent the interests of tens of millions of American veterans, have not been asked to provide input or recommendations as part of the decision-making process.\u00a0 In fact, our best information about the substance of your proposal has come to light only as a result of media reporting on closed door deliberations within the Administration.\u00a0 That\u2019s certainly not the way that policy changes affecting millions of veterans should be considered.\u00a0\nFinally, as strong supporters of high quality veterans\u2019 health care and as advocates for the VA\u2019s role as a direct provider of care to veterans, we believe this proposal represents a misguided step in the direction of privatization. \u00a0Again, given its potential consequences for our veterans and for the integrity of the VA health care system, we request that you reconsider your support for this merger and urge you to fully and transparently engage with key stakeholders, including Congress and veterans organizations, on this issue moving forwards.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSincerely, \u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-o-halleran-statement-redrawing-national-monument-boundaries", "Rep. OHalleran Statement on Redrawing of National Monument Boundaries", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) blasted President Donald Trump\u2019s decision to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, calling the move shortsighted and detrimental to ongoing conservation efforts and the preservation of Native American history. Five area Native American tribes supported the designation of Bears Ears, including the Hopi and Navajo Nation, both of which Congressman O\u2019Halleran represents in Congress.\n\u201cOur public lands are national treasures. They are home to the most beautiful natural wonders and thousands of years of history,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decision to redraw the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante reverses the traditions of presidents from both parties setting aside important lands for conservation.\nDuring a visit to Utah on Monday, President Trump announced the downsizing of the monuments\u2019 borders. This decision goes beyond the recommendations of the Interior Department.\n\u201cThis move is unprecedented and shortsighted. It will be detrimental to the ongoing conservation efforts taking place to preserve these natural wonders and cultural sites,\u201d continued O\u2019Halleran. \u201cThis cannot stand.\u201d\nRep. O\u2019Halleran is an original cosponsor of legislation introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) to protect the Bears Ears National Monument.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-president-trump-s-decision-shrink-bears-ears", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on President Trumps Decision to Shrink Bears Ears National Monument", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump\u2019s announcement that he would drastically shrink the Bears Ears National Monument.\nLast week, Rep. Gallego introduced a bill (HR 4518) that would protect the original acreage identified by the tribes as needing federal protection. The bill currently has 25 cosponsors.\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s reckless decision to remove protections for these sacred lands is unprecedented. Tribal nations have fought for years to safeguard their irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage, and with the swoop of a pen, Donald Trump is eliminating those hard-won protections.\n\u201cAs a nation, we have a moral responsibility to conserve our cultural and natural history and resources for future generations. My bill will provide permanent protection for these important ancestral sites. Our public lands belong to all of us, and I\u2019m proud to be leading the fight to preserve these places and stories for our children and grandchildren.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-motion-to-conference-deficit-financed-tax-cuts/", "Sinema Statement on Motion to Conference Deficit Financed Tax Cuts", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today the House of Representatives voted to go to conference on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement after opposing the motion:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cRushing through a bill for short-term political gain is not in the best interest of Arizona or the American people. Congress needs to put partisanship aside, stop this broken process, and fix the bill. \"I've called for an open, bipartisan process because bipartisan legislation is the only legislation that stands the test of time. When President Reagan and Democratic Congress passed tax reform in the \u201880s, it took two years and bipartisan cooperation. It was hard work, and it was worth it. Americans deserve that type of leadership again. \u201cArizonans want tax reform that is fiscally responsible, puts middle class families first, and creates opportunity and security for hardworking families and businesses. I will keep working to make tax reform a better deal for our state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-introduces-bill-protect-bears-ears-national-monument", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Introduces Bill to Protect Bears Ears National Monument", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) introduced a bill to protect the Bears Ears National Monument from an unprecedented attempt by the Trump administration to downsize and redraw the monument\u2019s boundaries.\nLast year, following extensive negotiations with five Native American tribes, President Obama signed Proclamation 9558, which established the Bears Ears National Monument, conserving 1.35 million acres of wilderness and protecting over 100,000 Native American archaeological and cultural sites.\nUnfortunately, following a review conducted with no meaningful input from the tribes, the Department of the Interior recommended downsizing the monument \u2013 an action that would be without precedent in American history. President Trump is visiting Utah on Monday and is widely expected to announce the redrawing of the monument\u2019s boundaries to effect a drastic decrease in protected land beyond the Interior Department\u2019s recommendation.\nRep. Gallego\u2019s bill would protect the original acreage identified by the tribes as housing culturally sensitive artifacts and sacred lands.\nThe bill\u2019s 24 original cosponsors include Reps. Ted Lieu (CA-33), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Jared Polis (CO-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01), Darren Soto (FL-09), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Anthony Brown (MD-04), Niki Tsongas (MA-03), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lucille Roybal Allard (CA-40), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), Donald McEachin (VA-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Don Beyer (VA-08) and Jacky Rosen (NV-03).\nThe bill has been endorsed by the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, The Wilderness Society, Conservation Lands Foundation, Earthjustice, League of Conservation Voters, National Parks Conservation Association, Grand Canyon Trust, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s reckless proposal to slash 85% of this important monument is unprecedented,\u201d said Rep. Ruben Gallego. \u201cSecretary Zinke did not meaningfully consult the tribes during his \u2018review,\u2019 and now Trump won\u2019t even visit the sacred tribal sites that he\u2019s planning to dismantle protections for. We can\u2019t allow the Trump administration to sell off America\u2019s natural and cultural heritage to the highest bidder.\u201d\n\"The Bears Ears National Monument Expansion Act is a model for how we should be protecting special places.\u00a0 Instead of turning our public lands over to corporate polluters, our country should be protecting the landscape, wildlife, and thousands of sites of spiritual importance within Bears Ears from threats like illegal ATV use, looting, and vandalism. Most importantly, tribes should be able to participate meaningfully in its management and have access to the land for their traditional uses, and the Bears Ears National Monument Expansion Act does just that,\" said Micheal Brune, Sierra Club's Executive Director.\nScott Miller, The Wilderness Society\u2019s Southwest Regional Director, said, \u201cWe applaud Rep. Gallego and the cosponsors of this forward-looking bill to fully protect the Bears Ears region and honor the wishes of the five sovereign tribal nations who have fought for years to protect their ancestral lands and sacred sites. At a time when the President is callously preparing to ignore the outcry of millions of Americans and take illegal action that flies in the face of tribal sovereignty, it\u2019s important to see leaders in Congress like Rep. Gallego moving forward to more fully protect these irreplaceable lands and cultural resources for future generations.\u201d\nSharon Buccino, Director of the Natural Resource Defense Council\u2019s Lands Program, said, \u201cBears Ears is one of the nation\u2019s true gems\u2014with dramatic canyons, cliffs, mesas and creeks\u2014and tens of thousands of petroglyphs, granaries and other cultural sites. These treasures need permanent protection from drilling, mining, vandalism and other threats. This bill represents a complete vision of Bears Ears. In protecting the full landscape and all of its cultural resources, we tell the story of the Native Americans who have called this place home for thousands of years \u2013 and give them a voice in the management of their sacred heritage.\u201d\n\u201cRep. Gallego\u2019s bill would ensure that the cultural resources and sacred sites at Bears Ears National Monument remain protected and prevent reckless attempts to open Bears Ears or any other park or monument to fossil fuel interests,\u201d said Arian Rubio, Lands Legislative Associate at the League of Conservation Voters. \u201cThe Trump administration may try to dismiss the millions of public comments in support of protecting parks and monuments, but we\u2019re proud to stand with strong advocates like Rep. Gallego and fight for the majority of people in this country who want to keep public lands and waters protected for future generations.\u201d\nDavid Nimkin, Southwest Senior Regional Director for National Parks Conservation Association, said, \u201cOur national parks and monuments protect some of our country\u2019s most important places and belong to all of us. Bears Ears connects and protects the larger national park landscape that includes Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Natural Bridges National Monument and Canyonlands National Park and is part of the\u00a0ancestral homelands of many tribal communities. \u00a0Congressman Gallego\u2019s bill honors the interests of these communities and rightfully expands protections to more fully protect the remarkable natural and cultural resources found here.\u201d\nScott Groene, the Executive Director of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, said, \u201cThe boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument were always just the first step, protecting less than what the tribes requested or what the landscape deserved. Rep. Gallego\u2019s commitment to finishing the job by safeguarding the entirety of the Bears Ears cultural landscape is a demonstration of true leadership that stands in stark contrast to President Trump\u2019s reckless efforts to slash protections for an irreplaceable landscape that holds deep significance.\"\n\"We are very grateful to President Obama for the 1.35 million acre Bears Ears National Monument he designated in 2016, but his attempt to satisfy local non-Native interests by reducing our proposal by half a million acres has proven fruitless,\"\u00a0said Carleton Bowekaty, Pueblo of Zuni Councilman.\u00a0\"Now, as our president prepares to dramatically and irresponsibly shrink the existing Bears Ears National Monument, we are delighted that Congressman Gallego has introduced a bill that would fulfill our original vision for the Bears Ears cultural landscape.\"\n\"The 1.9 million acre boundary we originally proposed President Obama designate under the Antiquities Act is filled edge-to-edge with sacred sites important to our Tribal members,\"\u00a0said Davis Filfred, Navajo Nation Council Delegate.\u00a0\"Representative Gallego's new bill would protect many significant cultural sites and objects that failed to gain needed protections in 2016.\"\n\"We are thankful that Representative Gallego approached us to help us protect all of what we have worked for these many years,\"\u00a0said Shaun Chapoose, member of the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee.\u00a0\"Unlike President Trump and Secretary Zinke, Representative Gallego is doing what the rest of the federal government ought to be doing - honoring the government-to-government relationship and the trust and treaty obligations the United States shares with our Tribes.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-flight-path-changes-phoenix-sky-harbor", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Flight Path Changes at Phoenix Sky Harbor", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement in response to the agreement reached by the City of Phoenix, neighborhood associations, and the federal government to reverse changes to departure flight paths at Sky Harbor airport that were implemented in 2014:\n\"Since taking office, I've worked hard to compel the FAA to reconsider flight paths that exposed thousands of homes and businesses in our city to harmful levels of aircraft noise. I'm pleased that today's agreement will finally bring some much-needed relief to many residents who have been forced to cope with aircraft roaring overhead for far too long.\n\"However, this fight is far from over.\u00a0 After reinstituting the old flight paths, the FAA will begin the process of developing new westward routes out of Sky Harbor.\u00a0 I am committed to working to ensure that, consistent with the terms of the agreement reached today, this effort is conducted in a transparent manner and reflects the interests and input of all of the affected communities \u2013 including those that will experience an increase in aircraft noise after the 2014 flight paths are restored.\u00a0\n\"Moving forward, I will take every opportunity to remind the FAA of its binding legal obligation to heed the concerns of local leaders, business owners and families in Phoenix.\"\u00a0\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-donovan-introduce-legislation-to-provide-accountability-for-taxpayers-improve-disaster-relief/", "Sinema, Donovan Introduce Legislation to Provide Accountability for Taxpayers, Improve Disaster Relief", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) introduced H.R. 4462, the Taking Responsibility by Accounting for Corruption and Excess (TRACE) Act, bipartisan legislation that ensures federal contractors for disaster response cannot shield expenses and activities from audits and reviews.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIt is outrageous that contractors tasked with helping Americans recover from disasters would instead take generous perks for themselves, shield themselves from government oversight, and leave Arizonans with the bill,\u201d said Congresswoman Sinema. \u201cHardworking Arizona families have a right to see how their tax dollars are being spent. The TRACE Act is a commonsense fix that brings much needed transparency and accountability to disaster relief contracts, ensuring that funds are spent appropriately to help American families and small businesses recover from natural disasters.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIt\u2019s mind-boggling that a contract payable with taxpayer dollars could so brazenly stipulate \u2018audits not allowed.\u2019 Emergency spending after a disaster is chaotic and sometimes difficult to track, as New Yorkers know all too well after Sandy and 9/11,\u201d said Congressman Donovan. \u201cBut whenever public funds are spent, auditors need to account for the money and defend against corruption. Our legislation rightfully prohibits \u2018no-audit\u2019 contracts.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe TRACE Act prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from reimbursing disaster relief contractors if the contracts prohibit government audits and reviews. In response to Puerto Rico being ravaged by Hurricane Maria, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) hired Whitefish Energy, a little-known Montana firm, for a $300 million contract to restore the island\u2019s power infrastructure. Whitefish Energy\u2019s contract included a passage that stated \u201cin no event shall [government entities] have the right to audit or review the cost and profit elements.\u201d Whitefish\u2019s work in Puerto Rico faced broad, bipartisan criticism and is the subject of several Congressional investigations. While the $300 million contract was ultimately cancelled, the company continues to do work in Puerto Rico and seeks $83 million in payments from PREPA. More than two months after the storm, approximately half of Puerto Rico remains without power.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-praises-passage-harassment-and-discrimination-training", "O'Halleran Praises Passage of Harassment and Discrimination Training Requirement for Members of Congress, Staff", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) applauded the passage of legislation\u00a0that will now require all Members, staff, and employees of the U.S. House of Representatives to successfully complete a workplace rights and anti-harassment training.\n\u201cRequiring all Members of Congress, their staff, and other employees to complete sexual harassment training is long overdue and\u00a0an important step to addressing misconduct\u00a0in Washington,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \"Sexual harassment and discrimination have absolutely no place in any workplace, especially\u00a0in Congress among elected officials who are given the public\u2019s trust.\"\nRep. O\u2019Halleran and all members of his staff have completed the training.\nH.Res.630 requires\u00a0each Member of Congress, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to complete a workplace rights and responsibilities training, including anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training. This measure aims to address the recent sexual harassment allegations sweeping the country by providing clear information on the rights and protections for all Congressional employees.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-we-must-fix-the-broken-system-no-excuses/", "Sinema: We Must Fix the Broken System \u2013 No Excuses", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representatives today passed legislation, cosponsored by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema, to require mandatory sexual harassment training for members of Congress and staff.\u00a0 Congresswoman Sinema released the following statement after the vote:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNo excuses, no exceptions. Americans put trust in their elected officials, and the halls of Congress should be an example for workplaces across the country. Sexual harassment is too common in offices, classrooms, boardrooms, and businesses across the country. Everyone should be able to go work and do their jobs without feeling unsafe or threatened. The system is broken and demands greater transparency and accountability. Passing this bill is the first step in putting an end to this unacceptable behavior.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-o-halleran-tax-reform-should-not-saddle-our-children-debt", "Rep OHalleran: Tax Reform Should Not Saddle our Children with Debt", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the Senate continues to debate the tax reform proposal, Rep. Tom O\u2019Halleran released the following statement:\n\u201cIt is irresponsible for Congress to consider passing a tax reform package that saddles our children and grandchildren with trillions of dollars in debt. Unfortunately, that is exactly what Congressional leaders are trying to do before the end of the year. If Congress passes this legislation, we will be delivering massive tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and multinational corporations while sending our national debt skyrocketing by nearly $2 trillion. That means the next generation will pay more, and we will not be able to keep our promises to our seniors and veterans.\n\u201cBy passing the proposed tax reform package, Congress will also place the tax burden on state and local governments. In order to fund critical infrastructure projects and provide quality education for our children in the future, state and local governments will be forced to increase taxes on families and businesses.\n\u201cWe can do better. I urge Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle to put aside partisan politics and work together to pass a tax reform bill that brings real relief to our families and small business owners and does not increase our federal debt.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2502", "Grijalva Reacts to Keystone XL Approval", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON \u2013 Rep. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee released the following statement on the 3-2 approval of the Keystone XL pipeline through Nebraska.  \u201cApproving this unneeded project days after a major pipeline spill shows the people of Nebraska whose interests are really being protected here,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cThis pipeline is designed to help a single company make money at the expense of the social, economic and environmental well-being of millions of others. Everyone who cares about the rule of law looks forward to this unjustifiable decision losing in court. These decisions must respect Tribes, private property and the public good over special corporate interests, and this vote ignored them all.\u201d  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-reacts-release-documents-detailing-plans-trump-s-border-wall", "Rep. Gallego Reacts to Release of Documents Detailing Plans for Trumps Border Wall", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC -\u00a0Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement in reaction to the disclosure of planning documents obtained by the Texas Observer related to the construction of President Trump\u2019s border wall:\n\u201cThe grave concerns voiced by border communities about President Trump\u2019s wall were confirmed by the documents obtained by the Texas Observer.\u00a0\n\u201cThey prove that fulfilling this divisive campaign promise will require the use of eminent domain to seize property from our fellow citizens, including land that will be used for what the documents disturbingly term as \u2018enforcement zones.\u2019\u00a0 They also conclusively show that hundreds of Americans will be forced from their homes, including seniors, and that the wall will impact local drinking water supplies and flood mitigation measures.\u00a0 Moreover, the documents verify that the Administration is preparing for construction in environmentally sensitive areas, including the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.\u00a0\n\u201cEvery American should be alarmed that, as these papers clearly show, planning for the wall is already well underway.\u00a0 We should also be angry that it took a FOIA request to bring this critical information to light.\u00a0 Trump\u2019s pointless wall will hurt border communities and send a powerful message of hate.\u00a0 I\u2019m hopeful that these troubling disclosures will strengthen Democrats\u2019 resolve as budget negotiations heat up in the coming weeks.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-tax-plan-fails-middle-class-and-small-businesses", "OHalleran: Tax Plan Fails Middle Class and Small Businesses", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) voted against the House tax bill, citing the elimination of critical deductions on which millions of middle-class families rely and nearly $2 trillion added to the federal deficit.\n\u201cTax reform should be focused on middle-class tax relief and incentivizing businesses to bring back and create good-paying jobs in America. This legislation, unfortunately, does neither,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \u201cThis tax bill will eliminate tax deductions that Arizona families rely on to afford medical care, education, and local taxes. In their rush to earn political points by passing a tax reform bill, Congressional leaders have failed to address many of the issues our families and entrepreneurs face.\"\nDeductions that would be eliminated or capped under the Republican tax bill include:\n Medical Expenses Deduction\n\tStudent Loan Interest Deduction\n\tState and Local Tax Deduction\n\tMortgage Interest Deduction\n \u201cFrom the beginning, this should have been a transparent process that included the American people, many of whom still do not know how this bill will impact their families. We need sound policymaking that results in lasting tax reform that stimulates our economy and\u00a0does not add to\u00a0our growing debt,\u201d\u00a0continued O\u2019Halleran.\u00a0\u201cI cannot support legislation that\u00a0harms\u00a0our middle-class families at the expense of the wealthiest Americans or saddles future generations of Arizonans with even more debt. The American people deserve better.\u201d\nLast night, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously rejected the policies within the House tax plan when it was offered as an amendment to the Senate tax bill.\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-gop-tax-disaster", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the GOP Tax Disaster", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement after passage of the House Republican\u2019s tax plan:\n\u201cDonald Trump has an obsession with winners versus losers, so I\u2019ll put it this way \u2013 the only winners under this scam are rich people like Trump and his cronies, while middle class families, students, and workers will lose \u2018bigly.\u2019 The spoils of this tax plan go overwhelmingly to the wealthiest Americans, while the rest of the country is left to foot the bill.\n\u201cDon\u2019t let the GOP fool you \u2013 this plan isn\u2019t meant to give hardworking Americans the help they deserve. It\u2019s flat-out reverse Robin Hood \u2013 stealing from average citizens to further line the pockets of the rich.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-gallego-and-byrne-introduce-bill-granting-congressional-armed", "Reps. Gallego and Byrne introduce bill granting Congressional Armed Services Committees jurisdiction over war powers", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) introduced bipartisan legislation that would place jurisdiction over war powers issues, including authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF), under the Congressional Armed Services Committees.\u00a0 These matters are currently under the jurisdiction of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\u00a0\nUnder House Rule X, the House Armed Services Committee has jurisdiction over all areas of personnel, material, and strategy necessary for the conduct of war, making it the best-equipped panel to handle this critical responsibility.\u00a0 In addition, because the Congressional Armed Services Committees pass legislation authorizing defense activities every year, this jurisdictional change would give Congress a better opportunity to review and revise war-related policies.\u00a0\n\u201cSixteen long years have passed since the 2001 AUMF was enacted,\u201d said Rep. Gallego, a Marine Corps combat veteran and Member of the House Armed Services Committee.\u00a0 \u201cFrankly, given the rapidly evolving threats America faces, that means Congress hasn\u2019t been doing its job.\u00a0 We need to enact institutional reforms to enable the legislative branch to once again exert its constitutional power over matters of war and peace.\u00a0 Giving responsibility for authorizations for the use of military force to the committee with the most relevant experience and expertise simply makes sense.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cI have long been concerned about the lack of adequate authorization for many of the current operations of the U.S. military,\u201d said Rep. Byrne, also a member of the House Armed Services Committee. \u201cCongress needs to get our act together and pass a new AUMF that adequately meets the realities of today\u2019s conflicts. The current inaction is unacceptable, and I think institutional reforms may be necessary to move the process forward. Our servicemen and women deserve an adequate AUMF that makes clear our support and authorization for the important work they do each and every day.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-votes-against-house-tax-bill/", "Sinema Votes Against House Tax Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema today voted against H.R. 1. She released the following statement after the vote: \u201cThis bill is a bad deal for Arizona. It explodes the federal debt, likely raises taxes on many small businesses, and makes it harder for Arizona families to get ahead. I oppose this bill because it does not reflect the values and priorities of hardworking Arizonans.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe House bill increases the debt by $1.5 trillion, forcing cuts to Medicare and crowding out lending and growth opportunities for Arizona businesses. It raises taxes on more than a quarter of Arizonans earning between $51,880 and $83,220. It may also raise taxes on many small businesses by limiting the amount of earnings eligible for the reduced pass-through rate and eliminating other pro-business deductions that help small businesses thrive. That isn\u2019t pro-growth or pro-middle class.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cBy eliminating middle class tax breaks for healthcare, housing and education, this bill makes it harder for Arizona families to build better lives. Arizona families deduct approximately $2.2 billion in medical expenses annually. As health care costs increase, this tax increase threatens the economic security of Arizona families. The average Arizonan would lose $20,590 in home equity because of the mortgage and tax provisions in this bill. That is bigger than any benefit from a tax cut.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis bill puts at risk $2.4 billion in Arizona public education funding over ten years, and threatens an innovative educational partnership between Arizona State University and Starbucks that gives Arizonans the opportunity to develop the skills and tools to get higher paying jobs. Cutting education funding and blocking innovative public-private partnerships does not grow our economy or build a competitive workforce for today or tomorrow.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI would like to support bipartisan tax reform that upholds our values, but tax cuts are not tax reform. Passing unbalanced tax cuts for short-term political gain is not in the best interest of Arizona or the American people. Congress needs to put partisanship aside and pass tax reform that puts middle class families first, makes us more competitive and strengthens the long-term financial security of Arizona families. I will keep working to make tax reform a better deal for our state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/32-democrats-hold-santander-accountable-potentially-discriminatory", "32 Democrats Hold Santander Accountable for Potentially Discriminatory Employment Practices", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Yvette Clarke (NY-09) and 30 of their House Democratic colleagues wrote to Scott Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Santander Consumer USA regarding the company\u2019s use of automated call monitoring software to make employee evaluation and compensation decisions.\nAutomated software analytics \u2013 such as the Call Miner program used by Santander \u2013 are often built based on data sets that skew white, male, and toward certain dialects \u2013 which has been shown to result in telephone operators with accents, softer voices, and other varying speech patterns scoring poorly.\n\u201cWe are concerned about the possibility that the use of speech recognition tools like Call Miner in worker evaluation and compensation could lead to bias against certain groups of workers on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, or even regional dialect,\u201d they wrote.\nThe letter asks Santander to take steps to ensure that the use of its call monitoring software is not having a discriminatory impact on the company\u2019s workforce, including minority, female and disabled employees.\n\u201cIf you have not, in fact, taken any specific precautionary measures or collected data to ensure that all groups of workers receive fair and equitable treatment, we strongly encourage you to suspend use of the Call Miner tool for purposes of evaluation and compensation until you have done so,\u201d the letter said.\nThe full text of the letter is below and the signed letter can be found here.\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. Powell:\nAs you likely know, we are deeply committed to combating discrimination of any form. In this context, we are writing out of concern about the potentially discriminatory implications of practices outlined in a recent report by the AFL-CIO and National Employment Law Project, \"Wheeling and Dealing Misfortune: How Santander's high pressure tactics hurt workers and auto loan consumers.\"\nThis new report describes a system of intense monitoring of Santander Consumer workers' calls through an automated system known as \u201cCall Miner.\u201d According to the report, Call Miner \u201cmonitors and records employees\u2019 calls and inspects their speech for potential problems.\u201d The information gleaned from this monitoring is then used in workers\u2019 performance evaluations,\u00a0and may result in punitive actions\u00a0including denial of bonuses to workers whose Call Miner scores are too low. We also understand that it is used as part of a \u201cforced ranking\u201d system that Santander uses to grade workers, which can ultimately lead to discipline or termination for low-ranked workers. Workers who recently came to brief Congress on conditions at Santander Consumer reported similar personal experiences.\nWe are concerned about the possibility that the use of speech recognition tools like Call Miner in worker evaluation and compensation could lead to bias against certain groups of workers on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, or even regional dialect. Many studies and reports have shown that speech recognition software can fail to recognize different dialects, accents or tones. According to linguist researcher Rachael Tatman, Google\u2019s speech recognition software is much more consistent with male voices than female voices.\u00a0 Other reports note that \u201cspoken accents\u2026 continue to perplex artificial intelligence.\u201d\u00a0 Tatman states that the groups that are underrepresented in data sets that inform speech recognition software tend to be groups that are marginalized more broadly in society.\nIf Call Miner\u2019s software also fails to recognize certain groups\u2019 speech patterns, it could result in discriminatory impacts on employment and compensation. Indeed, the AFL-CIO and NELP\u2019s report cites one worker for whom Call Miner \u201cwas unable to identify the specific pronunciation of his words\u201d and another with a lisp and a soft voice who observed that Call Miner was failing to understand her speech.\nWe ask that you inform us what, if any, precautions you have taken to ensure that the use of Call Miner does not have a discriminatory impact on your workforce. Please also provide us with any analysis that you have done to monitor whether or not protected classes of workers are treated fairly by the use of Call Miner. If you have not, in fact, taken any specific precautionary measures or collected data to ensure that all groups of workers receive fair and equitable treatment, we strongly encourage you to suspend use of the Call Miner tool for purposes of evaluation and compensation until you have done so.\nThanks in advance for your consideration and we look forward to your prompt reply.\nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-applauds-passage-bipartisan-defense-authorization-bill", "OHalleran Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Defense Authorization Bill", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the final FY18 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which authorizes funding for military operations at home and abroad.\n\u201cToday, Congress made a critical investment in the safety and security of our\u00a0nation,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \u201cThere is much to be proud of in this bipartisan bill, including provisions that combat sexual assault in the military, reduce opioid overdoses among veterans and servicemembers, and give our brave men and women in uniform a well-deserved pay raise.\u201d\nThe FY18 NDAA authorizes nearly $700 billion in defense spending that strengthens U.S. deterrence capabilities against Russian aggression, supports our ongoing efforts to defeat ISIS, and provides military leaders with long-term strategic planning capabilities to protect our nation.\n\u201cI am proud of the bipartisan, collaborative work that went into this legislation to support the men and women of our Armed Forces,\u201d continued O\u2019Halleran. \u201cWe are sending a bill to the President\u2019s desk that will secure our nation, invest in critical technology, and ensure our military readiness is at its highest levels.\u201d\nThe Conference Report of the FY18 NDAA includes provisions for which Rep. O\u2019Halleran advocated from the beginning, such as language expressly prohibiting the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images by servicemembers and ensuring that legal permanent residents serving in the U.S. military have access to information regarding naturalization through military service.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democratic-reps-speaker-ryan-do-you-support-seizing-private-property", "Democratic Reps. to Speaker Ryan: Do you support seizing private property to build Trumps border wall?", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Congressman Beto O\u2019Rourke (D-TX), Congressman Jos\u00e9 Serrano (D-NY), Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Congressman Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX) wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to clarify his position on whether the federal government should be permitted to use eminent domain to obtain land for the construction of President Trump\u2019s border wall.\u00a0\nAs the letter explains, because more than 70 percent of the land abutting the southwest border belongs to entities other than the federal government, construction of the wall will require the extensive use of eminent domain to confiscate property held by American citizens.\u00a0 Speaker Ryan has repeatedly spoken out against the use of eminent domain in the past, but has yet to publicly state whether this mechanism should be employed by the Trump administration to fulfill one of the President\u2019s key campaign promises.\u00a0\n\u201cWe write to ask whether you support the use of eminent domain to secure land for the construction of President Trump\u2019s expensive and unnecessary border wall,\u201d the Congressmen write.\u00a0 \u201cIf so, we request that you explain the obvious contradiction between such a stance and your previous positions on this issue\u2026The prospect of the Trump administration fighting families in court for their own land should alarm every American.\u00a0 We trust that your concern for private property rights extends to families living on our southwest border\u2026\u201d\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter is below and can be found online here.\u00a0\n-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nDear Speaker Ryan:\nMore than 70 percent of the land along our southwest border belongs to entities other than the federal government.\u00a0 For this reason, it has become increasingly clear that construction of President Trump\u2019s border wall will require the extensive use of eminent domain to seize property held by American citizens.\u00a0\nBeyond its detrimental impact on border families and communities, this sweeping reliance on eminent domain also directly contradicts the Republican Conference\u2019s support for the principle of limited government.\u00a0 And indeed, you and other senior members of your party have frequently inveighed against the use of eminent domain to facilitate public projects in the past.\u00a0\nFor example, you cosponsored legislation in response to a 2005 Supreme Court decision validating the expropriation of private land in New London, Connecticut.\u00a0 According to The Hill, you stated at the time that, \"I took an oath to defend the Constitution, and this means protecting citizens\u2019 right to own private property and prevent government from abusing its power.\"\u00a0 The 2016 Republican Party platform similarly urges caution in the use of eminent domain in a section entitled, \u201cThe Fifth Amendment: Protecting Private Property,\u201d stating that, \u201cwhen private property is not secure, freedom is at risk.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nGiven your past statements and your party\u2019s platform, we write to ask whether you support the use of eminent domain to secure land for the construction of President Trump\u2019s expensive and unnecessary border wall.\u00a0 If so, we request that you explain the obvious contradiction between such a stance and your previous positions on this issue.\u00a0 If not, we strongly encourage you to publicly denounce the use of eminent domain to confiscate property held by private landowners in order to construct a wall that will divide border communities and waste tens of billions of American tax dollars.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\u00a0 The prospect of the Trump administration fighting families in court for their own land should alarm every American.\u00a0 We trust that your concern for private property rights extends to families living on our southwest border and that you will publicly condemn any effort by the federal government to undermine those rights in the service of a wall that our country does not need and cannot afford.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-and-biggs-working-to-protect-innovative-arizona-state-university-education-program/", "Sinema and Biggs Working to Protect Innovative Arizona State University Education Program", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) today called on lawmakers to protect an important tax provision that helps Arizona students enter the workforce and pay for higher education.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) currently eliminates Section 127, Employer-Provided Education Assistance, which allows employers to exclude from income up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance to eligible employees.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tArizona State University and Starbucks partnered in 2014 to create the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. Through this program, Starbucks offers all of its benefits-eligible employees full tuition coverage to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree\u00a0through ASU. Starbucks leverages Section 127 to pay for this benefit.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis is an example of the kind of creative partnership between industry and academia that the United States needs to answer its education needs of the future and give every American the opportunity to succeed,\u201d\u00a0wrote Sinema and Biggs.\u00a0\u201cEliminating this exclusion threatens and potentially ends this innovative program that is helping Arizonans get ahead.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tSinema has stressed the need for tax reform and has called for an open process that includes input from members of both sides of the aisle.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe tax code is in desperate need of reform that prioritizes middle class families, job creation, and fiscal discipline,\u201d\u00a0said Sinema.\u00a0\u201cTax reform means restructuring our tax code to provide long-term relief for hardworking Arizonans, stimulate our economy, reduce the deficit, and keep our country globally competitive long into the 21st century.\u00a0I am concerned this initial proposal does not pass the test.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRead the full letter here:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/arizona-lawmakers-urge-president-not-allow-uranium-mining-near-grand-canyon", "Arizona Lawmakers Urge President To Not Allow Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Late last week, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01), whose District includes much of the Grand Canyon National Park, sent a letter signed by Reps. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) urging President Donald Trump to not modify Public Land Order Number 7787, the 20-year ban on new uranium mining projects in the Grand Canyon Watershed.\nIn a November, 1st announcement, the U.S. Forest Service announced its recommendation to revise the mining ban and allow mining operations to begin on previously withdrawn land.\n\u201cAllowing uranium mining near the Grand Canyon would be a major blow to northern Arizona communities that are still coping with the hazardous impact of the hundreds of existing uranium mines that the federal government has failed to clean up,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \u201cWe need to get serious about protecting our precious natural resources for future generations of Arizonans and Americans across the West. I thank my colleagues in the delegation for joining me on this letter, and I urge the Administration to reconsider this proposal and the impact mining would have on the health and wellbeing of American families.\u201d\n\u201cUranium mining near the Grand Canyon threatens our water, wildlife, environment, and health, especially in tribal and rural communities,\u201d Rep. Grijalva said. \u201cI thank Rep. O\u2019Halleran for helping lead the fight to prevent another destructive Grand Canyon giveaway. The Trump administration, as a loyal servant of the mining industry, wants to roll the dice with the future of the Grand Canyon to benefit a few corporations. That\u2019s the last thing we need, especially since hundreds of abandoned mines in Arizona already pollute our waters and pose a health risk for our children and families. Public lands are protected for the public, not set aside for mining companies to pollute whenever they see fit.\u201d\n\u201cVisitors come from across the country and around the world to visit the Grand Canyon, often stopping in my district in Phoenix on their way to see this iconic southwestern landmark,\u201d said Rep. Gallego. \u201cOpening up the Grand Canyon watershed to new, destructive mining operations would therefore not only pollute the Colorado River and hurt local communities, it could also harm the Arizona tourism industry, which employs thousands of my constituents.\u00a0 Arizonans of both parties should come together to prevent the Trump administration from moving forward with this brazen assault on our state\u2019s natural heritage.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe Grand Canyon is an iconic part of Arizona\u2019s heritage that draws millions of visitors every year and deserves our protection,\u201d said Congresswoman Sinema. \u201cTourism at the Grand Canyon brings thousands of Arizona jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. When the federal government considers land management, they should engage in a robust stakeholder process that allows for significant local and state input.\u201d\n\u201cWe encourage you to work with Congress to address the legacy of uranium, rather than open some of our most treasured public lands to this dangerous activity,\u201d the Arizona legislators wrote in the letter. \u201cLifting Public Land Order Number 7787 will jeopardize the health of our Arizonans and our visitors, and it has the potential to cause irreparable damage to the Grand Canyon. We urge you to keep this important policy in place for the wellbeing of current and future Arizonans and Americans.\u201d\nRead the full letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-legislation-to-create-jobs-for-arizona-veterans/", "Sinema and Fitzpatrick Introduce Legislation to Create Jobs for Arizona Veterans", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) honored Veterans Day by introducing the Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act [H.R. 4319], bipartisan legislation to ensure veteran-owned businesses can compete for federally contracted transportation projects. \u201cOur men and women in uniform know the meaning of hard work. That\u2019s why Arizona veterans make the best employees, managers, and small business owners.\u00a0 This bill is a commonsense solution that creates more jobs for Arizona veterans and ensures we have the best workers rebuilding our country\u2019s infrastructure,\u201d said Congresswoman Sinema. \u201cOur veterans are one of the most highly skilled workforces in America\u2019s history \u2013 the product of rigorous training, an ironclad commitment to teamwork and the remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail. In total, veteran-owned businesses make up nearly 10% of all businesses in the United States and account for more than $1 trillion in business receipts every year. Let\u2019s put these heroes to work rebuilding our roads and bridges; this bill does just that,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick.  \r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tFederal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, have special \u2018set-asides\u2019 for contracts going to small businesses owned and controlled by particular groups of people who have been designated for contracting preferences. Fairness to Veterans simply states that if any business is going to get a preference, then veteran-owned small businesses should at least get that same partiality. There is currently no equal preference for veterans when it comes to building our nation\u2019s roads, highways, and critical infrastructure. Nearly 2.5 million veterans own and operate small businesses in the U.S.?\u2014?including over 380,000 construction firms?\u2014?and sustain over five million American jobs. Of the 250,000 service members currently transitioning from military to civilian life, surveys show one in four are considering starting or buying a business.  \r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act is endorsed by the American Legion as key legislation to increase access to jobs for veterans. \u201cThe Fairness to Veterans legislation is a simple, yet powerful, update to current law to ensure Veteran-Owned Small Businesses play a key role in rebuilding our nation\u2019s infrastructure. This straightforward, bipartisan measure is critical to both the shared goals of creating and sustaining jobs for our veterans and fortifying our roads and bridges \u2013 The American Legion is proud to support it,\u201d said American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2499", "Grijalva and Bass: Mistreatment of Pregnant Women in Prison and Detention Facilities Must Be Addressed", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37), released the following statements after sending a letter to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, requesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to address the treatment of pregnant women in prisons and detention facilities. Joined by 30 Members of Congress, the letter requests that the GAO further investigate what practices and guidelines are being implemented regarding the treatment of pregnant women in prison. Recent news reports have highlighted the inhumane practices women face while in prison, including solitary confinement, shackling and denial of adequate health services.  We often forget that women\u2019s rights are human rights. The mass incarceration policies in this country caters to for-profit prisons and only incentivizes the detention and incarceration of more individuals, many of which are vulnerable women who flee their home countries escaping gang-related and sexual violence,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cReports of horrific treatment of incarcerated pregnant women breaks the moral fabric of our society.\u00a0 The thought of a pregnant women sitting in solitary confinement without access to needed food and nourishment is simply heart-breaking. We need to know why this is happening, how often it is happening and what can be done to prevent this situation.\u201d  \u201cIf even a portion of the anecdotal reports we\u2019ve heard are true, we are obligated to investigate to make sure that pregnant women in custody are treated with basic dignity and that we are in no way putting the prenatal health of these unborn babies in danger,\u201d said Rep. Bass. \u201cWe know there is a direct correlation between a mother\u2019s health and wellness during pregnancy and the health prognosis of the child. Practices such as solitary confinement, shackling, and the denial of basic health services can lead to serious health consequences for both mother and child and we must ensure that policies and procedures that protect these women are enforced. This report is an important step and I fully intend to continue to take my oversight seriously when it comes to this issue.\u201d  Text of the letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-o-halleran-introduces-bill-improve-rural-veteran-nursing-care", "Rep. OHalleran Introduces Bill to Improve Rural Veteran Nursing Care", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, a day before the country celebrates and honors the service of our veterans, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) introduced the\u00a0Fairness for Rural Veterans Act,\u00a0a bill\u00a0that\u00a0will make it easier for rural communities to compete for federal funding to build new state veterans nursing homes. Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) are original cosponsors of the legislation.\n\t\u201cWith more than 500,000 veterans across Arizona, the need for\u00a0long-term care facilities for veterans\u00a0is ever-increasing, but, for many living in rural communities, the existing\u00a0state facilities\u00a0in Phoenix and Tucson are out of reach,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \u201cRural projects often face greater hurdles to receiving\u00a0matching VA funds than those in larger states or metropolitan areas,\u00a0creating a disparity in care between our rural and non-rural veterans. I am proud to introduce a commonsense solution that\u00a0helps close that disparity and expands access to care where it\u2019s needed.\u201d\n\tUnder the current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs uses a priority list based on demographics and need to determine rankings\u00a0for projects\u00a0to receive funding. The list does not take into account how far veterans and their families have to travel. This process makes it difficult for projects in rural communities to compete for funding. According to the VA, Arizona has a significant need for beds for veterans. This year, proposed projects in Flagstaff and Yuma were ranked 43rd\u00a0and 44th\u00a0under the priority list. The VA funded the first 14 projects among those ranked.\n\tThe\u00a0Fairness for Rural Veterans Act\u00a0creates a new priority group for the VA to consider in its process for ranking projects across the country. The new priority group includes projects in states deemed by the VA to have a great or significant need for beds which are located at least 100 miles away from the nearest state veterans home.\n\tSee the full text of the legislation here.\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2498", "Grijalva in New Op-Ed: We Will Fight For Our DREAMers", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In a new op-ed for The Hill, Representative Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) joined 24 other members in calling on Speaker Ryan to call a vote on the DREAM Act (H.R. 3440) as a standalone bill, or risk losing Democratic support for any end-of-the-year funding package that does not include a clean DREAM Act.  In the full piece, Grijalva and Members point out that, \u201cRepublicans currently control all branches of government, including both houses of Congress. Under normal circumstances, this would mean a strong, unified collective governing body. But these aren\u2019t normal circumstances and, so far this year, Republicans have needed significant help from House Democrats to pass funding legislation to keep the government open.\u201d  \u201cWe are actively whipping among our colleagues to create a critical mass of Democratic votes that will not support a funding package that fails to include a clean DREAM Act.\u201d  Spanish translations available here.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-o-halleran-lujan-grisham-introduce-rural-broadband-expansion-act", "Reps. OHalleran, Lujan Grisham Introduce Rural Broadband Expansion Act", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-1) and Rep. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-1) introduced the Rural Broadband Expansion Act which would authorize $100 million in new grant funding to expand broadband in rural areas throughout the country.\nThe legislation would give the Secretary of Agriculture authority to use the Community Connect Grant Program to finance broadband transmission in rural areas where it is not yet economically viable for private sector providers to deliver service. Communities could use the money for new equipment and capacity enhancements that support high-speed broadband access for educational institutions, health care providers, and public safety service providers, in addition to connecting homes and businesses. The $100 million would be authorized each year through 2023.\n\u201cInvesting in rural high-speed internet infrastructure will unlock great economic and educational potential for communities throughout rural Arizona and across the West,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \u201cThis bill will allow small businesses to access global markets, and it will provide our students with the resources will set them up for a successful future and give them the skills they need to fill 21st century jobs.\"\n\u201cHigh-speed internet has revolutionized every aspect of the U.S. economy, including education, health care, and agriculture,\u201d Rep. Lujan Grisham said. \u201cUnfortunately, there remains a distinct rural-urban broadband access divide and nowhere is the problem more severe than in New Mexico, where 61% of New Mexicans living in rural areas and 80% of New Mexicans living on tribal land lack broadband, compared to only 10% of urban Americans nationally.\"\n\u201cExpanding broadband access would grow my state\u2019s economy, create jobs, boost wages, improve health outcomes, support small business growth, help our students learn, increase crop yields, and so much more,\u201d Lujan Grisham said.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-we-need-get-bottom-what-ice-doing-arizona", "Rep. Ruben Gallego: We need to get to the bottom of what ICE is doing in Arizona", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) wrote to the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) Phoenix Field Office, Enrique Lucero, requesting data and policy documents related to the agency\u2019s operations in Arizona.\u00a0 Citing the recent Motel 6 scandal and the deportation of immigrant parents who posed no danger to their communities, the letter states that ICE\u2019s actions in the state have called Lucero\u2019s leadership into question and fed demands for greater transparency regarding the agency\u2019s enforcement priorities.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cWe need to get to the bottom of what ICE is doing in Arizona,\u201d said Rep. Gallego.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m demanding some very basic information about the operations of an agency that increasingly appears to be veering of out of control.\u00a0 The people of Arizona have a right to know why their tax dollars are being spent harassing hotel guests and tearing mothers from their children.\u00a0 We deserve immigration authorities who care more about keeping our communities safe than racking up high numbers of arrests and deportations.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter is below and can be found online here.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNovember 6, 2017\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nEnrique Lucero\nField Office Director\nEnforcement and Removal Operations\nU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\nPhoenix Field Office\n2035 N. Central Avenue\nPhoenix,\u00a0AZ,\u00a085004\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. Lucero:\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I write to express my grave concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Phoenix area under the Trump administration and to request detailed information about these actions, including copies of relevant policy documents.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nThere is mounting evidence \u2013 both in terms of overall statistics and individual cases \u2013 that your agents are consistently failing to abide by sensible enforcement priorities.\u00a0 Instead of pursuing individuals who pose the greatest risk to our communities, they appear to be focused more on those immigrants who are the easiest to detain and deport, including longtime residents who check in regularly with ICE.\u00a0 This practice is alarming my constituents, wasting scarce government resources, and tearing law-abiding Arizona families apart.\u00a0 These apprehensions also raise serious questions about your commitment to considering the totality of circumstances in making decisions about individual cases and, ultimately, your leadership of the Phoenix Field Office.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to data obtained by The Arizona Republic, in the first 100 days of the Trump administration, immigration arrests in our state increased by more than 12 percent.\u00a0 Alarmingly, nearly a third of those apprehended did not have criminal records \u2013 a troubling statistic that casts doubt on your office\u2019s commitment to prioritizing public safety.\u00a0 Indeed, among those deported in recent months were parents and breadwinners like Juan Carlos Fomperosa Garcia, Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos and Marco Tulio Coss Ponce \u2013 immigrants who posed no danger to our communities and left behind young US citizen children.\u00a0 These cases have contributed to concerns that your agency is increasingly casting an indiscriminate dragnet across Arizona.\u00a0\nInstead of focusing on dangerous criminals, immigration lawyers in Phoenix report that your office is pursuing individuals who were deemed not to be priorities for removal during the Obama administration.\u00a0 I also understand that you have resumed the practice of conducting collateral arrests, detaining undocumented immigrants you happen to encounter who are not the focus of a particular operation.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In addition, there were reports last week in the local media of ICE agents making repeated visits to a Phoenix apartment building and questioning people outside, actions that raise the possibility that your personnel may be actively engaging in racial profiling.\u00a0 Further, in September, Motel 6 confirmed that ICE agents were soliciting lists of guests at Phoenix area hotels and conducting warrantless \u201cknock-and-talk\u201d searches of hotel rooms. \u00a0Finally, in March, the LA Times reported that ICE has begun executing arrests in the vicinity of courthouses across the country, including in Phoenix \u2013 a practice proven to deter immigrants from cooperating with law enforcement authorities.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Collectively, these incidents paint a distinct and disturbing picture of a Field Office more interested in recording a high number of apprehensions than in targeting individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety.\u00a0 On behalf of the immigrant communities I represent and consistent with my oversight responsibilities, I therefore request the following information:\n The number of individuals apprehended to date in 2017 who are parents of US citizen children and the disposition of their cases;\n\tThe number of individuals apprehended to date in 2017 who were not convicted of a violent crime and the disposition of their cases;\n\tThe number of individuals apprehended to date in 2017 in the vicinity of sensitive locations, specifically schools, hospitals, churches, daycare facilities and courthouses;\n\tWhether and under what circumstances ICE continues to solicit guest lists at Arizona hotels; and,\n\tAny guidance or memoranda describing both your enforcement priorities and your policies related to collateral arrests.\u00a0 \u00a0\n Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.\u00a0 \u00a0\nSincerely,\nRuben Gallego\nMember of Congress\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-chip-reauthorization/", "Sinema Statement on CHIP Reauthorization", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representatives today passed the Community Health and Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation Act (H.R. 3922), bipartisan legislation which includes a five year reauthorization of the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP). Congresswoman Sinema released the following statement after the vote:\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\t\u201cWhen Congress missed the September 30 reauthorization deadline, the CHIP program expired and left more than 22,000 low-income Arizonans in jeopardy of losing their health coverage. This bipartisan solution fully funds CHIP and ensures KidsCare can continue providing health coverage to Arizona kids. I will continue to work with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure Arizona families have the affordable healthcare coverage they need.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2493", "Grijalva Statement on National Native American Heritage Month", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Rep. Grijalva released the following statement in honor of National Native American Heritage Month celebrated during the month of November.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cToday marks the first day of Native American Heritage month. This month grants us an opportunity to acknowledge and embrace the historical and current impacts American Indian and Alaska Natives have in our country. We must continue to protect the diversity reflected in the First people in language, respect the culture and traditions, and see it as a point of appreciation not appropriation.\r\n\r\n\tYet, as we reflect upon these contributions, we must also consider the unique history and challenges facing our Native brothers and sisters. We have an atrocious history of injustice, with the indigenous peoples of this land, that goes against the very values of our country and one that we must work tirelessly to rectify.\r\n\r\n\tNative American Heritage Month allows us to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the First Americans are honored for their resiliency and history.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2494", "Grijalva: No Surprises in Republican Tax Scam", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Rep. Grijalva released the following statement in response to the Republican tax plan announced earlier today.  \u201cThe details of the Trump-Ryan tax plan reveal the same-old tried-and failed formula of trickle-down economics that does nothing to help America\u2019s working families,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cThis tax plan is nothing but a massive cut for the wealthy and corporations that increases our deficit and provides Republicans with the ammunition they are after to force trillions of dollars in cuts from Social Security, Medicaid, education and other essential programs.  \u201cTheir territorial international plan is the ultimate job outsourcer by ending or dramatically lowering taxes on foreign profits and cementing the practice of offshoring American jobs. This is the exact opposite of what Trump promised on the campaign trail and a perfect example of the bait-and-switch. Republicans can attempt to frame this plan as a relief for small businesses, but we see beyond their fa\u00e7ade. What Republicans are doing is creating a new loophole for Hedge fund managers, corporate lawyers and real estate developers like Trump, who will get a combined $770 billion tax cut.  \u201cHistory shows that massive corporate tax cuts do nothing to spur job growth and in many cases corporations who have reaped those benefits end up cutting American jobs. This tax giveaway is sure to do one thing \u2013 pad the bank accounts of already wealthy CEOs. At a time when so many in our country are struggling to afford a decent education for their children, save a little money and finally get ahead, the idea of outsourcing their jobs to profit a billion dollar corporations is simply wrong.  \u201cAnd if the case that Republicans stand only with the wealthy hasn\u2019t been made clear enough, they are going to give a tax cut averaging $3 million apiece to the very wealthiest heirs for their estates. This will undoubtedly benefit Trump and his friends who are among the few that own multi-million dollar estates and once again leave the middle class on the hook for paying their tab.  \u201cIn ten-year\u2019s time, 80% of the Republican\u2019s tax breaks will exclusively benefit the top 1% of those making close to a million dollars, while one in four Americans will see a tax increase. This tax plan is a complete scam that does little to help working families.\u201d  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-89-members-congress-urge-zinke-not-increase-national-park-fees", "OHalleran, 89 Members of Congress Urge Zinke to not Increase National Park Fees", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) sent a letter, signed by 89 other members of Congress, to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke urging him to not adopt the recently proposed increased entry fees for 17 national parks.\n\u201cOur public lands are a national treasure, and communities throughout Arizona have been positively impacted by the tourism that these beautiful parks attract,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran, whose district includes much of the Grand Canyon National Park. \u201cRaising the entrance fees to these popular destinations will make our public lands inaccessible to hardworking families, and it will devastate tribal and rural economies that support tourism.\u201d\n\u201cThe agency\u2019s proposal to increase per-vehicle and per-visitor entrance fees during peak season is misguided and will have a tremendously negative impact for both working families and the local economies that these parks support,\u201d wrote the 90 lawmakers led by O\u2019Halleran. \u201cWe cannot support the raising of entrance fees that may have the unintended consequence of slowing the economy and limiting access to our shared public lands.\u201d\nLast month, the National Park Service proposed a new peak season entrance fee at 17 national parks across the country, including the Grand Canyon. The proposal would increase the entrance fee to $70 per vehicle, up from $30 for a weekly pass. In 2016, a record 331 million people visited national parks across the country, spending more than $18 billion in gateway communities and supporting 318,000 jobs.\n\u201cNearly doubling or tripling entrance fees, as is currently proposed, would severely curtail the number of American families who are able to afford to visit the parks that belong to them,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cAt a time of record visits to national parks across the nation, the Administration should be working with Congress to allocate sufficient funding to tackle the maintenance backlog, not shifting those cots to visitors.\u201d\nRead the full letter below or online here.\n###\nDear Secretary Zinke,\nWe write with great concern regarding the Department of Interior\u2019s proposed plan to drastically increase entrance fees to 17 of our nation\u2019s most popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and more.\nThe agency\u2019s proposal to increase per-vehicle and per-visitor entrance fees during peak season is misguided and will have a tremendously negative impact for both working families and the local economies that these parks support.\nIn 2016, there were a record 331 million visits to national parks across the country, and our local economies saw significant economic benefits. Last year, visitors spent as much as 18.4 billion dollars in gateway regions, communities within 60 miles of a national park. In these regions, this spending led to 318,000 jobs and 12 billion dollars in labor income. This is a significant increase above tourist spending merely three years ago and represents a bright spot for rural economies. We cannot support the raising of entrance fees that may have the unintended consequence of slowing the economy and limiting access to our shared public lands. \u00a0\nNearly doubling or tripling entrance fees, as is currently proposed, would severely curtail the number of American families who are able to afford to visit the parks that belong to them. Under the proposed fee structure, low-income families would essentially be priced out from our most cherished public lands, contradicting the very reason the parks were established. Public lands belong to all Americans, not just wealthy families who can absorb the steep fee increases.\nAt a time of record visits to national parks across the nation, the Administration should be working with Congress to allocate sufficient funding to tackle the maintenance backlog, not shifting those costs to visitors or cutting critical NPS resources and staffing, as has been proposed in the Administration\u2019s budget.\nWe urge you not to adopt the proposed fee hikes, and instead to work with Congress to ensure national parks are appropriated the funds and resources they need to support current visitors and generations of visitors to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-o-halleran-statement-tax-reform-proposal", "Rep. OHalleran Statement on Tax Reform Proposal", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran urged Congressional leaders to work together on a bipartisan tax reform plan that lowers the tax burden on middle-class families and incentivizes American businesses to create good-paying American jobs.\n\u201cAs we begin to tackle tax reform, I am committed to pushing for policies that grow our economy and bring relief to hardworking, middle-class families. We must work to promote a transparent process that includes the American people so they understand how this legislation will impact them. Unfortunately, the legislation introduced today has largely been drafted behind closed doors with Washington insiders and special interests.\n\u201cWhile I am pleased with aspects of this proposal that would bring much-needed relief to families, I am concerned that many critical deductions, on which millions of Americans rely, could be eliminated. Additionally, I worry that our corporate tax policy will not do enough to encourage businesses to bring back American jobs or create new jobs in our communities.\n\u201cI am ready to sit down with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work on a bipartisan, comprehensive tax reform package, and I encourage Congressional leaders to join us.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/house-passes-sinemasupported-legislation-to-protect-medicare-for-arizona-seniors/", "House Passes Sinema-Supported Legislation to Protect Medicare for Arizona Seniors", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Sinema-Supported Legislation to Protect Medicare for Arizona Seniors\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representatives today passed\u00a0the\u00a0Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2017 (H.R. 849), bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema to protect seniors from potential Medicare cuts and repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Congresswoman Sinema released the following statement after the vote:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cImportant healthcare decisions, like responsibly funding Medicare, require thoughtful, commonsense\u00a0solutions that stand the test of time.\u00a0Decisions\u00a0should not be made by a board of unaccountable bureaucrats without input from members of Congress, the administration, or the American people. This bill is\u00a0a\u00a0bipartisan\u00a0fix\u00a0that\u00a0protects\u00a0Medicare for Arizona seniors and future generations.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-ohalleran-statement-review-mining-ban-grand-canyon", "Rep. O'Halleran Statement on Review of Mining Ban in Grand Canyon", "2017-11-01", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01), whose Congressional District includes much of the Grand Canyon National Park, released a statement following reports that President Donald Trump\u2019s Administration would reconsider a ban on uranium mining within the Grand Canyon:\n\u201cThe ban on uranium mining in the watershed of the Grand Canyon has improved water and land quality within tribal communities and throughout Arizona. The thought of reversing that ban and opening the area up to uranium mining is indefensible. Calling this a step back is an understatement. The Administration should be focused on cleaning up the hundreds of uranium mines still contaminating northern Arizona communities.\u00a0The Grand Canyon, and all our public lands, are national treasures, and we must treat them as such. I urge President Trump to retain this rule and protect our beautiful natural lands.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/house-passes-sinemasponsored-legislation-to-increase-access-to-capital-for-arizona-businesses/", "House Passes Sinema-Sponsored Legislation to Increase Access to Capital for Arizona Businesses", "2017-11-01", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Sinema-Sponsored Legislation to Increase Access to Capital for Arizona Businesses\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representatives today passed\u00a0the\u00a0Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act (H.R. 1585), bipartisan legislation introduced by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) that expands\u00a0the definition of \u201caccredited investor\u201d\u00a0to\u00a0allow knowledgeable professionals to invest in Arizona\u00a0startups and innovative\u00a0companies.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cInformed, responsible investing ensures\u00a0innovative Arizona businesses have the capital they need to\u00a0expand, create\u00a0jobs, and succeed,\u201d said Congresswoman Sinema. \u201cOur bill\u00a0allows qualified individuals\u00a0to\u00a0use professional expertise to invest without encountering unnecessary red tape. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create opportunities for Arizonans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democratic-reps-demand-clarification-speaker-ryan-house-response-if", "Democratic Reps. Demand Clarification from Speaker Ryan on House Response if President Trump Fires Robert Mueller", "2017-10-31", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Brendan Boyle (PA-13), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to both express public support for Robert Mueller\u2019s investigation and explain what steps he will take in the event that President Trump fires the Special Counsel. The letter notes that Trump already dismissed FBI Director James Comey in order to impede one inquiry into possible collusion by his campaign with the Russian government, and he could take the same action against Mueller following the indictment of Paul Manafort.\nThe absence of public pressure from Ryan and the Republican leadership, the letter argues, makes it more likely that Trump will take the extreme step of firing Mueller.\n\u201cWe strongly believe that firing the Special Counsel would represent a brazen attempt by the President to shield himself and his associates from the legal consequences of the Mueller investigation. It would also provide yet more convincing evidence that his campaign was guilty of illegally coordinating with a foreign power in order to influence the results of a presidential election,\u201d the letter said. \u201cWe therefore urge you to put partisan politics aside and issue a statement expressing your support for Mueller and clarifying what actions you will take in the event that he is dismissed or his investigation is disrupted.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter is below and the signed letter can be found here.\n\u00a0\nDear Speaker Ryan:\u00a0\nFollowing the indictment of President Trump\u2019s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, we are concerned that the President may seek to dismiss Special Counsel Robert Mueller or otherwise interfere with the inquiry in order to protect himself, members of his family, or senior officials in his administration.\u00a0 To deter the President from considering such an extreme step, we write to strongly urge you to issue a statement supporting Mueller\u2019s leadership of the investigation and specifying what steps you will take in the event that the President fires him or undermines his investigation. As you know, Mueller is leading an independent investigation into ties between the Trump-Pence campaign and the Russian government. He was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on May 17th following the President\u2019s decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, who was conducting a separate investigation into possible collusion by high-ranking Trump-Pence campaign officials with Russia.\u00a0While the Administration initially offered multiple conflicting explanations for Comey's dismissal, President Trump subsequently confirmed that Comey was forced from office in order to block the Russia probe, explaining: \u201cWhen I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, \u2018You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made up story.\u2019\u201d\u00a0 In light of Manafort\u2019s indictment and a June 14th report in the Washington Post that President Trump is personally under investigation for obstruction of justice by Mueller's office, we fear that he may once again seek to obstruct an investigation into his campaign by firing its leader. Already, the Administration has attempted to discredit the work of Mueller and his expert legal team, variously describing the investigation as a \u201cfishing expedition,\u201d a \u201cwitch hunt,\u201d and a \u201choax,\u201d in addition to questioning its costs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWe strongly believe that firing the Special Counsel would represent a brazen attempt by the President to shield himself and his associates from the legal consequences of the Mueller investigation. It would also provide yet more convincing evidence that his campaign was guilty of illegally coordinating with a foreign power in order to influence the results of a presidential election.\u00a0 We therefore urge you to put partisan politics aside and issue a statement expressing your support for Mueller and clarifying what actions you will take in the event that he is dismissed or his investigation is disrupted.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thank you for your attention to this request.\u00a0\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2486", "Grijalva Reacts to Manafort & Gates Indictments", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after Paul Manafort, former campaign manager to Trump and his associate, Rick Gates surrendered to federal custody. Manafort and Gates have been charged in 12-counts including conspiracy against the U.S., conspiracy to launder money and providing false statements.  \u201cWhere there's smoke, there's fire, and where there are alleged tax cheats and conspirators, there's the Trump campaign,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cThe immediate question is whether President Trump allows our justice system to work, or if he attempts to help his henchmen, Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, and others skirt accountability and consequence for their crimes against the American people and our democracy. I urge President Trump to keep his tiny orange thumb off the scales of justice and let Special Counsel Mueller continue his investigation, prosecution, and pursuit of justice without obstruction.\u201d  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-group-150-members-call-leadership-support-community-health", "Bipartisan group of 150+ Members call on Leadership to support Community Health Centers", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Friday, October 27, 2017, a bipartisan group of more than 150 U.S. Representatives sent a\u00a0letter\u00a0to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi expressing serious concerns over the expiration of the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF). The CHCF, which accounts for 70% of community health centers\u2019 federal grant funding, expired at the end of September 2017.\nThe letter, which calls for a five-year reauthorization of the CHCF, was led by Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (D-AZ), Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Congressman David Young (R-IA). In total, the letter was signed by 155 House Members.\nCommunity health centers across the United States deliver affordable, accessible, and quality primary health care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. As the letter states, Community Health Centers serve more than 27 million individuals in almost 10,000 urban and rural communities, bringing together medical and behavioral health with pharmacy services.\u00a0They also serve our nation\u2019s veterans, providing care to over 330,000 veterans last year alone.\nThe Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence (CHIME) Act, cosponsored by the five leaders of this letter, would reauthorize CHCF for five years and provide steady funding increases each year to ensure community health centers have the certainty they need to continue providing vital health care services to millions of Americans.\n\u00a0\nBelow please find the full text of the letter or click here to view the full letter.\n\u00a0\nOctober 27, 2017\nDear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi,\nWe write to express our serious concerns over the expiration of the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF) program.\u00a0 We understand that community health centers across the country are already facing disruptions as a result of going over the so-called \u201cfunding cliff\u201d at the end of September, and we urge you to work with Republicans and Democrats in a bipartisan manner to reauthorize this critical program for five years.\nCommunity health centers across the United States have delivered affordable, accessible, and quality primary health care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay, for more than 50 years.\u00a0 They serve more than 27 million individuals in almost 10,000 urban and rural communities by caring for the whole person, bringing together medical and behavioral health with pharmacy services.\u00a0 They also serve our nation\u2019s veterans, providing care to over 330,000 veterans last year alone.\nThe CHCF accounts for 70% of community health centers\u2019 federal grant funding and without knowing when this funding will be renewed, community health centers are already unfortunately considering or taking steps to reduce their services, jeopardizing the care of some of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable citizens.\u00a0 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has estimated that without funding in 2018, approximately 2,800 health center sites would close, costing more than 50,000 jobs and endangering the health care of about 9 million patients.\nThe Community Health Center program has long enjoyed bipartisan support.\u00a0 We encourage you to work together to reach a bipartisan agreement on a five-year reauthorization that we all can endorse.\u00a0 Thank you for your efforts to ensure this vital program is funded so community health centers can continue to provide care to those who need it most.\u00a0\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-ohalleran-statement-special-counsels-indictments", "Rep. O'Halleran Statement on Special Counsel's Indictments", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SEDONA - Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran released this statement following the indictments of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates:\nThe indictments from the Special Counsel\u2019s office reinforce the need for a complete and independent investigation that provides answers for the American people. I have long advocated for greater transparency and accountability in every branch of government, and I will do all I can to ensure this investigation can continue until its conclusion.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-statement-first-special-counsel-indictments", "Rep. Gallego Statement on First Special Counsel Indictments", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement in response to the indictments of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his business associate Rick Gates:\n\u201cToday\u2019s charges against Paul Manafort and Rick Gates are a clear indication of the seriousness of special counsel Mueller\u2019s investigation.\n\u201cMueller must be able to continue this investigation to its conclusion without any meddling by President Trump or his administration. If President Trump fires Mueller, that would be clear obstruction of justice \u2013 an impeachable offense.\n\u201cRepublicans in Congress need to make clear what the consequences will be for Donald Trump if he fires Mueller or stands in the way of a full and independent investigation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-calls-declaration-national-emergency-opioid-epidemic", "OHalleran Calls for President to Declare Opioid Epidemic a National Emergency", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the opioid crisis is a public health emergency:\n\u201cThe opioid epidemic has ravaged communities and taken our children, loved ones, and neighbors from us. If we are going to get serious about tackling the crisis and cutting the rates of drug abuse and overdose deaths, Republicans and Democrats must work together. While the President\u2019s acknowledgement of the problem is an important first step, this issue demands a declaration of national emergency. Congress must also step up and provide additional funds to states struggling with the rising cost of an epidemic that impacts the victims, their families, and our nation.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-increasing-entrance-fees-grand-canyon-hurts-economy-jobs", "OHalleran: Increasing Entrance Fees at Grand Canyon Hurts Economy, Jobs", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran released this statement following news that the National Park Service is considering an increase in entrance fees at 17 national parks, including the Grand Canyon in Arizona\u2019s First Congressional District:\n\u201cOur public lands are the lifeblood of countless communities in the First District. Nearly tripling the cost of entry to our beautiful national parks will not only discourage Americans from visiting and learning about our nation\u2019s history, it will devastate our small businesses that rely on the tourism generated by the Grand Canyon. This misguided proposal will hurt Arizona\u2019s economy. The Interior Department must work with Congress to find real funding solutions that invest in our national parks and monuments and preserve them for future generations of Americans.\u201d\nEarlier this week, the National Park Service proposed a peak season entrance fee at the Grand Canyon, and 16 other parks, increasing the entrance fee to $70 per vehicle, up from $30 for a weekly pass. Last year, nearly 6 million people visited the Grand Canyon.\nCongressman O\u2019Halleran also announced that he would lead a letter to the Interior Department urging them to reconsider this price increase.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-urges-congressional-leaders-protect-401k-contribution-limits", "OHalleran Urges Congressional Leaders to Protect 401(k) Contribution Limits", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, following reports that President Trump was open to altering 401(k) contribution limits, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) urged Speaker Ryan and other Congressional Leaders to bring forward bipartisan tax reform that does not limit retirement saving for Americans and protects 401(k) contributions.\n\u201cThe proposal to limit tax-free 401(k) contributions is a completely misguided and hurried attempt to cover the costs of partisan tax reform,\u201d said Rep. O\u2019Halleran. \u201cWe should not be raiding the retirement plans that millions of Americans rely on every day. It is time for Republicans and Democrats to sit down and work on a responsible tax reform plan that brings relief to middle-class Americans and small business owners.\u201d\nCurrently, workers can contribute up to $18,000, tax-free, to a 401(k) account. Earlier this week, Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady suggested that the Republican tax reform proposal could cap those tax-free contributions at $2,400. President Trump has equivocated in recent days on his opposition to 401(k) changes.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-gallego-lieu-jayapal-and-raskin-president-trump-come-clean-about", "Reps. Gallego, Lieu, Jayapal and Raskin to President Trump: Come Clean about Decision to Fire U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Ted Lieu (CA-33),\u00a0Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) wrote to President Trump urging him to disclose internal documents and communications related to the firing of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.\u00a0\nThe letter follows an October 12th story in the Washington Post detailing the intense interest shown by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in securing the release of businessman Reza Zarrab, who was being prosecuted by Bharara.\u00a0\nThe Post report notes that prominent supporters of President Trump, including General Michael Flynn and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, were paid by the Turkish government to lobby on its behalf and that Giuliani had contacted Bharara to discuss the case.\u00a0 Given that Bharara was fired despite personal assurances from Trump that he would be allowed to remain in his position, these relationships raise urgent questions about whether his dismissal was made at the behest of Turkish officials or individuals paid to lobby on behalf of the Republic of Turkey.\u00a0\n\u201cWhen you dismissed Mr. Bharara, we were surprised and disappointed that you chose to expel from office such an experienced, talented, and dedicated public servant, especially in light of earlier assurances that he would be allowed to stay on in his position,\u201d the letter said. \u00a0\u201cNow, the Post\u2019s reporting raises serious questions about the role that Mr. Zarrab\u2019s case \u2013 and related lobbying by supporters of your campaign and Turkish government officials \u2013 had in Mr. Bharara\u2019s dismissal\u2026Simply put, if Mr. Bharara was dismissed at the request of a campaign associate or White House official acting as an agent of a foreign government \u2013 or if he was fired at the request of a foreign official \u2013 Congress and the American people have a right to know.\u201d\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter is below and can be found online here.\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. President:\nNext month, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York will commence trial for Reza Zarrab, a Turkish national charged with money laundering and fraud. We write regarding an alarming report in the Washington Post that this case\u2014a key source of tension between the United States and Turkey\u2014may have been connected to your decision to fire respected U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who was leading the prosecution.\u00a0\nWhen you dismissed Mr. Bharara, we were surprised and disappointed that you chose to expel from office such an experienced, talented, and dedicated public servant, especially in light of earlier assurances that he would be allowed to stay on in his position. Your Administration subsequently did little to explain how and why you came to the decision to abruptly reverse course and fire him. Now, the Post\u2019s reporting raises serious questions about the role that Mr. Zarrab\u2019s case \u2013 and related lobbying by supporters of your campaign and Turkish government officials \u2013 had in Mr. Bharara\u2019s dismissal.\u00a0\nYour first National Security Advisor, General Michael Flynn, lied about having acted as a foreign agent on behalf of the Turkish government.\u00a0 Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a vocal supporter and campaign surrogate, joined the legal team defending Mr. Zarrab in March and was in communication with Mr. Bharara regarding Mr. Zarrab\u2019s case as early as a month before his termination.\u00a0 Further, around the same time that Mr. Bharara was fired, Mr. Giuliani lobbied your Department of Justice on Mr. Zarrab\u2019s behalf.\u00a0 These entanglements create the distinct and troubling appearance that Mr. Bharara\u2019s dismissal may have been connected to his prosecution of Mr. Zarrab.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIn order to ensure full transparency and public accountability, we request all official communications between the White House and the Department of Justice concerning your decision to fire Mr. Bharara as U.S. Attorney.\u00a0 In addition, we request copies of all emails, call transcripts, meeting notes, or other materials that may contain a record of discussions\u00a0that relate to the rationale for Mr. Bharara\u2019s firing or his handling of the case against Mr. Zarrab.\u00a0\nSimply put, if Mr. Bharara was dismissed at the request of a campaign associate or White House official acting as an agent of a foreign government \u2013 or if he was fired at the request of a foreign official \u2013 Congress and the American people have a right to know.\u00a0\nWe appreciate your full cooperation in this matter.\u00a0\nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/house-passes-sinemasupported-legislation-to-cut-off-funds-to-iran-hizballah/", "House Passes Sinema-Supported Legislation to Cut Off Funds to Iran, Hizballah", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The House of Representatives this week passed three bipartisan bills co-sponsored by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) to increase sanctions and cut off funds to Iran and the Hizballah foreign terrorist organization.\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\u201cTerrorist networks constantly develop new ways to finance their deadly operations, and Hizballah continues to be\u00a0a significant\u00a0threat to the United States and our allies,\u201d said Congresswoman Sinema. \u201cMoney is the lifeblood of any organization. These bipartisan bills are important tools to combat terrorist financing and protect America\u2019s safety and security.\u201d\r\n\t\r\n\t\tThe House of Representatives passed the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 1698), Sanctioning Hizballah's Illicit Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act (H.R. 3342), and Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act (H.R. 3329), all co-sponsored by Congresswoman Sinema.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCongresswoman Sinema serves on the House Financial Services\u2019 Terrorism and Illicit Finance subcommittee. In August, the President signed into law the\u00a0Countering America\u2019s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act\u00a0(H.R. 3364), which included legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Sinema to establish a whole-of-government strategy to combat terrorism financing.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYesterday, the House of Representatives\u00a0passed legislation co-sponsored by Congresswoman Sinema to implement new sanctions on North Korea.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-love-call-on-secretary-zinke-to-stop-national-parks-entrance-fee-increase/", "Sinema, Love Call on Secretary Zinke to Stop National Parks Entrance Fee Increase", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congresswoman Mia Love (UT-04) called on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to stop a proposal by the National Park Service (NPS) to significantly increase entrance fees at 17 national parks.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis large fee increase to access the Grand Canyon is a misguided proposal that hurts Arizona\u2019s tourism economy and our access to public lands,\u201d said Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema. \u201cFor generations, Arizonans have hiked, fished, camped, and\u00a0enjoyed\u00a0our national parks. They are special places that tell Arizona\u2019s story and speak to our state\u2019s unique way of life. As Westerners, we will work together on a reasonable solution that ensures our national parks\u00a0remain open and accessible for all Americans to enjoy.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI strongly believe in protecting and preserving the beauty of our National Parks, and understand that comes at a cost,\u201d said Congresswoman Love. \u201cHowever, I am concerned that the proposed fee increase would make them inaccessible to families in Utah and throughout the West. I\u2019m grateful for this opportunity to unite with my Western colleague, and look forward to collaborative discussions regarding park fees in the weeks ahead.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRead the full letter here:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2485", "Grijalva Reacts to GAO Report on Climate Change", "2017-10-24", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Rep. Grijalva made the following statement after the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report outlining the potential economic consequences of climate change throughout the United States. Based on its findings, GAO recommended the Executive Office of the President to use this information in order to develop risk management plans to mitigate the unique economic risks that each region of the country is facing. The report finds that the extreme weather and fires that have hit our country over the last decade have cost the federal government close to $350 billion, with increasing costs expected in the future.  \u201cWhile Trump and his Administration continue to curry favors to the gas, oil, and coal industry, climate change continues to cost American taxpayers billions of dollars each year,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cEvery action taken to safeguard our public health, boost our economy and protect our environment is under superfluous scrutiny and attack. Instead of continuing our global leadership and commitment to climate change mitigation, Trump has chosen to desert the Paris Climate Agreement making us one of only two countries to defect. Trump regards himself as a savvy and successful businessman, yet nothing is more short-sighted than divesting from a future-thinking, clean-energy economy that would support green jobs with good wages.  \u201cThis report should be especially alarming for Arizonans as it outlines the adverse economic impacts of higher energy demands, increased mortality rates, and decreased agriculture yields \u2013 which is of particular concern to my constituents in Yuma County. It is time for President Trump and his Administration to stop denying the facts, and to start working towards addressing the imminent consequences of climate change on the public health, environment, and economy of Arizona and across the country.\u201d  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/house-passes-sinemasupported-bill-to-implement-north-korea-sanctions2/", "House Passes Sinema-Supported Bill to Implement North Korea Sanctions", "2017-10-24", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representatives today passed the\u00a0Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act\u00a0(H.R. 3898), bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) to implement new sanctions on North Korea.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNorth Korea continues to undermine global peace and security and threaten the safety of the United States and our allies,\u201d\u00a0said Congresswoman Sinema.\u00a0\u201cWe must do everything we can to cut off funding to North Korea and stop their nuclear weapons program. I\u2019ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get money out of the hands of\u00a0violent dictators and\u00a0terrorists\u00a0and find solutions that protect America\u2019s safety and security.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Sinema serves on the House Financial Services Committee\u2019s Terrorism and Illicit Finance subcommittee. In August, the President signed into law the\u00a0Countering America\u2019s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act\u00a0(H.R. 3364),\u00a0which included\u00a0legislation\u00a0sponsored by Congresswoman Sinema to establish a whole-of-government strategy to combat terrorism financing.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-receives-community-health-advocate-award/", "Sinema Receives Community Health Advocate Award", "2017-10-20", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHANDLER, Ariz. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) today received the National Association of Community Health Centers\u2019 2017 Distinguished Community Health Advocate Award for her commitment to preserve and strengthen Arizonans\u2019 access to high-quality, affordable care.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cCommunity health centers provide thousands of Arizona with critical health care services,\u201d said Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema. \u201cI\u2019m honored to earn this award and will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure all Arizona families have access to high-quality, affordable care.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cCongresswoman Sinema has been an outstanding advocate for community health centers,\u201d said Tara Plese, Chief External Affairs Officer at the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers (AACHC). \u201cThrough her tenure at the state legislature to her time in Congress, she has demonstrated her commitment and dedication to providing quality, affordable healthcare to all Arizonans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-statement-bipartisan-senate-health-care-proposal", "O'Halleran Statement on Bipartisan Senate Health Care Proposal", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SEDONA - Today, in response to the news that Senators Alexander and Murray have reached a bipartisan health care plan, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement:\u00a0\"Arizona families live in fear that their health care premiums could skyrocket or that they could lose their access to coverage any day. For too long, Washington has played political football with their health and wellbeing, and it must stop.\u00a0\n\"I am pleased to see the Senate's health care proposal includes many of the key components of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus's health care plan, which was unveiled in July. As a member of the Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues on sensible solutions. This is a good start to fixing our health care system and bringing stability to our families, seniors, and veterans.\n\"I have called for bipartisan health care solutions throughout the year, and I commend all who have put aside political dogma in favor of compromise and thoughtful policymaking that includes many policies for which I have advocated.\"\nEarlier this year the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled a bipartisan health care proposal that would stabilize the health insurance market and reduce premiums for Americans. Read more\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2484", "Grijalva: Trump Wants to Expand Collusion with Private Prison Industry", "2017-10-17", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON\u2013 Congressman Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva released the following statement in response to a recent Supreme Court decision obligating private prison giants, GEO Group and Corrections Corporation of America, to comply with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and release their government contract details to the American people and breaking news that the Trump Administration would be increasing federal immigration jails.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0Earlier this year, Rep. Grijalva re-introduced the Justice Not For Sale Act, which bans private prisons and private detention centers, private transportation, ends family detention, and removes Immigration and Custom Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) daily mandate to fill 34,000 beds with immigrant adults & children.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\u201cWhile the President wants to double down on private detention centers that would directly benefit his business web, the SCOTUS ruling last week proves that America is ready to move away from the inhumane use of private prisons and their secretive practices,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cWe have known for some time now that the detention quota only serves to add to the bottom-lines of the already bloated for-profit prison industry which is why it comes to no surprise that Trump wants toexpand on his collusion with this industry. The fact that the private prison industry is so desperate to keep their government contracts a secret sends a clear signal about the abuse and egregious living conditions they are trying to hide. Not only are these prisons barbaric, but they are much more expensive to operate, costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\u201cThe mass incarceration epidemic sweeping our country is slowly crumbling our justice system and disproportionately impacting immigrants and communities of color. Although the SCOTUS ruling is a step in the right direction, now is the time to pass legislation that will put an end to the malpractices of the private prison industry once and for all. The Justice Is Not For Sale Act does just this by barring federal, state, and local governments from contracting with private prisons and detention centers. It is long overdue that we restore integrity to our broken criminal justice system and ensure that inmates and detainees are not treated simply as profit tokens by companies zealously finding any way to make a buck.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-statement-bipartisan-health-care-reform", "OHalleran Statement on Bipartisan Health Care Reform", "2017-10-16", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SEDONA, AZ \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran released a statement following President Donald Trump\u2019s assertions that Congress was failing to act on health care reform:\n\u201cThe President's ill-advised policies are hurting Americans by driving up the cost of health insurance and his divisive statements make it to forgo compromise in Congress. While he engages in political games, the Problem Solvers Caucus has worked tirelessly on a serious, bipartisan proposal to protect affordable health care coverage that millions rely on every single day.\u00a0\n\u201cWe are ready and willing to pass bipartisan legislation to stabilize the health insurance markets and improves health care for Americans. The President and Congressional leaders from both parties should take note. I will continue to fight to protect health care and life-saving coverage for Arizona children, veterans, seniors, and families.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-o-halleran-statement-end-health-care-subsidies", "Rep. OHalleran Statement on the End of Health Care Subsidies", "2017-10-13", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SEDONA, AZ \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran responded to news that President Donald Trump will end cost-sharing reduction payments, subsidies to insurers that reduce the cost of health coverage for lower-income Americans.\n\u201cSabotaging\u00a0our health insurance markets will only drive up health care costs and hurt hardworking Arizona families. I urge the President and Congressional leaders to sit down with doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals to craft bipartisan legislation that stabilizes the health insurance market and\u00a0improves our\u00a0health care system. The American people cannot afford these political games; they deserve better.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-statement-trump-s-decision-cut-critical-aca-payments", "Rep. Gallego Statement on Trumps Decision to Cut off Critical ACA Payments", "2017-10-13", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement in response to news reports that President Trump will cut off the Cost-Sharing Reduction payments required under the Affordable Care Act:\n\u201cInstead of working to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans, President Trump is yet again proving that the only people he cares about are himself and those who are as wealthy as he is. Trump\u2019s mean-spirited and spiteful decision to cut off cost-sharing reduction payments means that millions of Americans will now be unable to afford the basic care they need to keep their families healthy.\n\u201cAfter months of false starts, President Trump and Republican congressional leadership have been unable to put forth a workable plan to improve our health care system. Instead, they have released a series of cruel plans that will rip health care away from millions of hardworking Americans and increase costs for those lucky enough to retain their health insurance.\n\u201cIt\u2019s time for my Republican colleagues in Congress to stop doing the bidding of Donald Trump and instead sit down with Democrats and have a real conversation about how to defend the health and financial security of our constituents.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-statement-trump-s-decision-decertify-iran-nuclear-deal", "Rep. Gallego Statement on Trumps Decision to Decertify the Iran Nuclear Deal", "2017-10-13", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement in response to reports that President Trump will declare Iran to be out of compliance with the Iran nuclear deal:\n\u201cThough imperfect, the Iran deal is an important tool that until now has taken the Iranian nuclear threat off the table.\n\u201cAll evidence points to the fact that Iran has so far complied with the agreement. Just last week, the Secretary of Defense told me that he believes Iran is in compliance, in an open hearing. None of the other signatories to the Deal \u2013 including our closest allies \u2013 believe Iran to have violated its terms. President Trump stands alone in this misinformed belief.\n\u201cTo unring this bell, I look forward to working with more sober minds in Congress \u2013 Adam Smith, Mac Thornberry, Eliot Engel, Ed Royce, and others, of both parties \u2013 who have the power to salvage the Iran deal by not reimposing sanctions on an evil regime that is nevertheless, by all accounts, keeping up its end of the bargain. The stability of the Middle East and our credibility as a nation are at stake.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s now up to Congress to save this deal. The alternatives are a nuclear Iran, an isolated United States, a war with Iran, or all of the above. That is no choice at all.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-administration-stopping-csr-payments/", "Sinema Statement on Administration Stopping CSR Payments", "2017-10-13", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHOENIX, Ariz. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement on the administration\u2019s decision to stop funding cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments:\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\"This is a reckless decision that puts Arizonans' access to health care at risk and could increase premiums by as much as 20 percent.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Enough is enough; it's time for Congress and the administration to work together on a real solution that ensures accessible, affordable care for all Arizona families.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-offers-amendment-protect-whistleblowers-disclosing-info-improper", "OHalleran Offers Amendment to Protect Whistleblowers Disclosing Info on the Improper Use of Aircrafts by Government Officials", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran introduced an amendment to the\u00a0Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017\u00a0to provide greater whistleblower protections to federal employees who disclose information on the improper use of aircrafts by government officials.\nIn a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman Tom O\u2019Halleran said, \u201cI am proud that we are coming together to increase protections for whistleblowers at federal agencies, a long overdue effort. But, in light of recent reports and events that have revealed a disturbing pattern of improper use of tax dollars on air travel by senior federal officials, I believe we must go further.\n\u201cMy amendment simply extends whistleblower protections that are created under the bill to federal employees who disclose information about travel, including improper use of aircraft,\u201d continued O\u2019Halleran. \u201cNot only would this make it clear to agencies that any violation of laws, rules, or regulations concerning travel or government aircraft is unacceptable \u2013 it will also ensure those who come forward to expose any wrongdoing will have appropriate protection from retaliation.\u201d\nThe amendment failed to pass the House of Representatives on a 190 to 232 vote.\u00a0\nEarlier this month, Rep. O\u2019Halleran introduced the Taxpayers Don\u2019t Incur Meaningless Expenses (Taxpayers DIME) Act. This bill would prevent government officials from using taxpayer money on private air travel that violates current rules. Additionally, the bill increases transparency and oversight of government travel and calls for the independent Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to report on ways to strengthen existing rules.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/coffman-gallego-bacon-panetta-introduce-new-authorization-use-military", "Coffman, Gallego, Bacon, & Panetta Introduce New Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), in a strong bipartisan effort, have introduced H. J.Res. 118, a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), to provide clear Congressional authorization guidelines for the use of military force.\n\u201cThe threats we face today are far different than those we faced over a decade ago, and this legislation reflects Congress\u2019s Constitutional role in authorizing the use of military force against terrorist organizations,\u201d said Coffman.\nThe purpose of an AUMF is to update and clearly define the authority the President has to pursue military action against hostile actors. The last AUMFs were enacted against the backdrop of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the events preceding the Iraq War 16 years ago. The updated AUMF would authorize the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for five years against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and any persons associated with these groups, but would specifically prohibit use of military force against nations without additional authorization from Congress.\n\u201cFor too long, Congress has allowed our armed forces to be used with ever more tenuous links to a vague and obsolete Authorization of Military Force. This bill would refocus our efforts against terrorism and prevent the unauthorized use of our military against other countries or people,\u201d said Gallego.\nSpecifically, this AUMF also requires the President to submit a set of regular reports to Congress on the progress of ongoing conflicts, contains a 5-year sunset clause, and provides for a full replacement of the previous AUMF. The new AUMF also makes clear the use of force against other persons, entities, or nations will require a further act of Congress.\n\u201cArticle One of the Constitution bestows on Congress the authority to declare war and Congress needs to do its job,\u201d said Bacon. \u201cOur military must know it has the support of the American citizens we represent and that support is reflected by Congress debating and voting on the use of lethal military force.\u201d\nIn an October 3, 2017, House Armed Services Committee Hearing, the sitting Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, stated the following in support of a new AUMF, \u201cAnd as far as the AUMF goes, my point is that we need the unity of the American government and with the Congress involved that brings the unity of the American people to this fight\u2026 I think there has got to be -- the U.S. Congress has got to embrace this as our fight. We're all in this\u2026\u201d\n\u201cBoth the 2001 authorization for use of military force following the 9/11 attacks and the 2002 authorization for use of military force against Iraq are outdated and need to be replaced. In order to best meet the current national security interests of our country, Congress must pass a new and narrow authorization focused on the threat posed by al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS,\u201d said Panetta. \u201cWith this bipartisan legislation, we can meet our obligation to provide our service members with clear guidance as they fight to keep us safe. We can also provide our constituents the assurance that, no matter who our commander-in-chief is, Congress will assert its constitutional authority to define the use of our military force around the world.\u201d\nH.J. Res. 118, the \u201cAuthorization for use of Military Force against Al-Qaeda, The Taliban, and ISIS\u201d will now be referred to the appropriate committee for legislative consideration.\nYou can read a copy of the new, bipartisan, AUMF here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-passes-two-bills-through-house-financial-services-committee/", "Sinema Passes Two Bills through House Financial Services Committee", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House Financial Services Committee today passed the\u00a0Senior Safe Act\u00a0and\u00a0Fostering Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe\u00a0Senior Safe Act, introduced with Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), ensures financial institutions have the regulatory flexibility needed to report suspected instances of financial abuse of seniors. Congresswoman Sinema last week\u00a0called for passage\u00a0of the Senior Safe Act during a hearing with former Equifax Chairman and CEO Richard Smith.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cI am deeply troubled by the Equifax data breach that compromised the personal information of over 145 million Americans,\u201d\u00a0said Congresswoman Sinema.\u00a0\u201cEvery American should take precautionary measures to ensure his or her financial security. Arizona seniors are at particular risk, and we must make sure safeguards are in place to protect them from financial fraud.\u201d\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Fostering Innovation Act, introduced with Congressman Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09), provides commonsense regulatory relief for companies on the cutting edge of scientific and medical research. It is part of Congresswoman Sinema\u2019s\u00a0Opportunity for Arizona\u00a0plan to create jobs and grow the economy.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWe\u2019ve heard from companies throughout Arizona that burdensome regulations continue to stifle their ability to grow and succeed,\u201d\u00a0said Congresswoman Sinema.\u00a0\u201cThe Fostering Innovation Act allows innovative companies to spend valuable resources on product research and development instead of costly and unnecessary external audits. This commonsense solution cuts red tape and allows companies to move life-saving innovations forward.\u201d\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0The House Financial Services Committee also passed five other bills cosponsored by Congresswoman Sinema, including H.R. 3898, the Impeding North Korea\u2019s Access to Finance Act of 2017; H.R. 1699, the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act; H.R. 2121, the Pension, Endowment, and Mutual Fund Access to Banking Act; H.R. 3312, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act; and H.R. 1585, the Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-supports-whistleblower-protection-legislation/", "Sinema Supports Whistleblower Protection Legislation", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The House of Representatives today passed S. 585 \u2013 the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation to stop retaliation against whistleblowers. Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema release the following statement after the vote:\u00a0\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\u201cIf it weren't for brave whistleblowers, we may not have learned about the tragedies at the Phoenix VA. More lives could have been lost. Whistleblowers working at VAs all over the country are trying to bring accountability and reform to the system, yet fear of retaliation holds many back. In order for the VA to become a center of excellence that puts veterans first, we need whistleblowers to continue to speak up and speak out. This bill protects them and their efforts to reform a damaged system.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-gallego-desaulnier-and-jones-introduce-bipartisan-legislation", "Reps. Gallego, DeSaulnier and Jones Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans Unfairly Forced to Return Separation Pay to the Federal Government", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) and Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced the Restore Veterans\u2019 Compensation Act of 2016, legislation that would prevent the federal government from recouping separation pay from veterans who later qualify for VA disability benefits.\u00a0 The bill also makes other changes to the Department of Defense\u2019s recoupment policies to make them fairer to veterans.\nMany service members qualify for separation pay when they depart the military\u2014it\u2019s a form of compensation for those with more than six years of service who meet reenlistment requirements but are not allowed to reenlist. It\u2019s also used to incentivize service members to depart the military when the Pentagon is working to downsize the force. Unfortunately, under current law, veterans are required to pay back separation pay if they later become eligible for VA disability benefits or DOD retirement pay.\u00a0\nThe Restore Veterans\u2019 Compensation Act bill would:\n No longer allow for the recoupment of separation pay from veterans who later become eligible for VA disability benefits because the two compensate for different things\u2014workplace injuries (disability benefits) versus time served (separation pay);\n\tEnsure retirees repay the net amount of separation pay instead of the gross amount to prevent the federal government from recouping more than the veteran received; and,\n\tChange the recoupment rate to 25 percent of a veterans\u2019 paycheck instead of the current 40 percent.\n \u201cAs a Marine Corps combat veteran, I believe it\u2019s manifestly unfair that veterans who receive VA disability benefits face the unwarranted recoupment of their separation pay,\u201d said Rep. Gallego. \u00a0\u201cThey are completely unrelated \u2013 VA disability benefits compensate for workplace injuries while separation pay compensates for time served.\u00a0 This policy simply makes no sense and Congress has a responsibility to our brave veterans to fix it.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cWhen Americans sign up to protect our country, we make a commitment to honor and support their service \u2013 but for nearly 25,000 veterans that promise has been broken. Over $400 million in disability benefits have been withheld or even taken back from veterans to \u2018make up\u2019 for their separation pay, causing military families financial insecurity. I am proud to partner with my colleague Representative Gallego to make right on this promise and to give our veterans the compensation they deserve for the sacrifices they\u2019ve made,\u201d said Rep. DeSaulnier.\n\u201cThis is an injustice! Right now, an honorable veteran can be forced to return large portions of his or her separation pay if found eligible for VA disability benefits or military retirement pay. These are completely separate payments, and our courageous veterans should not be shortchanged for being injured in the line of duty,\u201d said Rep. Jones. \u201cThank you Represenatives Gallego and DeSaulnier for introducing legislation to put an end to this disparity.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-statement-trump-administration-s-repeal-clean-power-plan", "Rep. Gallego Statement on the Trump Administrations Repeal of the Clean Power Plan", "2017-10-10", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement in response to the Trump administration\u2019s decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan:\n\u201cThe Trump administration\u2019s decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan is a reckless step backward and a disappointing abdication of our responsibility to address a worsening climate crisis. Scott Pruitt\u2019s actions mean that millions of Americans will be exposed to more pollution, and many regions of the United States will face the prospect of serious economic effects from climate change.\n\u201cThis wildly irresponsible decision comes just as we are experiencing firsthand the devastating effects of climate change in the form of three powerful hurricanes. The people of Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Puerto Rico are witnessing how extreme weather puts lives at risk and grinds local economies to a halt. We can only expect much more of the same if we don\u2019t take strong steps that will put us on a safer path for future generations.\n\u201cOur children and our grandchildren deserve to inherit a cleaner planet and a healthier environment. I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee to do everything we can to stop the Trump administration\u2019s anti-environmental agenda.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2482", "Grijalva Reacts to Trump's Immigration Principles", "2017-10-09", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON, AZ \u2013 Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after the Trump Administration published on Sunday night, a seven-page document of immigration principles and policies framework.  \u201cTo stall the progress that Democrats and Republicans have been fostering in giving permanent relief to more than 800,000 DREAMers is sabotage,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cTrump\u2019s extremist immigration principles hold little weight outside of a very small group of people like Stephen Miller and Jeff Sessions who see immigration and immigrants as a political agenda to promote hate, fear and division in our nation. As we\u2019ve seen in many other circumstances, Trump is not in the business of governing nor does he care to offer solutions. These hard-lined extremist principles show his complete ineptitude to administer and sadly his willingness to allow our country to be divided at the expense of our nation\u2019s future, immigrants, and for purely political purposes.  \u201cAs Trump continues to cater to a very small element of his dwindling base, Congress should stand ready to pass a clean DREAM Act. We won\u2019t allow this latest distraction to take away from the work we have ahead in protecting DREAMers.\u201d  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-o-halleran-partisan-budget-would-kill-jobs-hurt-seniors", "Rep. OHalleran: Partisan Budget Would Kill Jobs, Hurt Seniors", "2017-10-05", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) voted against the FY 2018 House Republican Budget Resolution, citing concerns about funding cuts for critical programs on which millions of Arizonans rely every day.\n\u201cThis misguided budget will make things worse for rural Arizona. It will kill jobs and hurt seniors,\u201d said O\u2019Halleran. \u201cWe cannot allow programs like the Community Development Block Grants and Pell Grants, which support\u00a0good-paying jobs across rural America, to be cut. The heavy-handed cuts to Social Security and Medicare will end the programs as we know it and take resources and care away from elderly Arizonans who have worked hard their entire life.\u201d\nThe House Republican\u2019s budget proposal makes deep cuts to\u00a0critical programs\u00a0including:\n Ends the Medicare guarantee, turning it into a voucher program; \u00a0\n\t$1.5 trillion from Medicaid;\u00a0\n\t$4 billion from Social Security benefits;\n\t$3 billion from Community Development Block Grants;\n\t$50 billion from veterans benefits and programs.\n \u201cThis process is another example of how out-of-touch Washington is to the needs of hardworking families in Arizona, and across the nation,\u201d continued O\u2019Halleran. \u201cWe owe it to the American people to get our spending under control, but this budget proposal is not the answer. We must have a bipartisan budgeting process that is focused on creating jobs in rural Arizona and keeping our promises to our veterans and seniors.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-demands-answers-after-equifax-data-breach/", "Sinema Demands Answers After Equifax Data Breach", "2017-10-05", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema today demanded answers from former Equifax Chairman and CEO Richard Smith during a House Committee on Financial Service hearing.\r\n\r\n\tOn September 7, 2017, Equifax announced hackers had stolen personal identifying information, including\u00a0Social\u00a0Security numbers, for approximately 145\u00a0million U.S. consumers.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAn Arizonan whose name, address, and Social Security number was taken on Day 1 of the breach \u2013 under your watch \u2013 was left vulnerable and in the dark about the data breach for 117 days. That is disgraceful and unacceptable,\u201d\u00a0Sinema said to Smith.\r\n\r\n\tSinema also highlighted the increasing need to pass her Senior Safe Act, bipartisan legislation that ensures financial institutions have the regulatory flexibility needed to report suspected instances of financial abuse of seniors. The Senior Safe Act unanimously\u00a0passed the House\u00a0last Congress.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWatch Sinema\u2019s\u00a0full remarks\u00a0here:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-las-vegas-shooting-o-halleran-calls-universal-background-checks", "Following Las Vegas Shooting, OHalleran Calls for Universal Background Checks", "2017-10-03", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement in response to the horrific shooting that took place in Las Vegas:\n\u201cThere is too much violence in America. There are too many victims and too many grieving families. The safety of our children and grandchildren should not be jeopardized by partisan bickering and gridlock in Washington. We must work together and pass common sense legislation establishing universal background checks and stopping those on the terror watch list from purchasing weapons. It is far past time for action to address violence in America, we cannot wait any longer.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-misguided-unconstitutional-gop-attempt-restrict-women-s", "Rep. Gallego on Misguided & Unconstitutional GOP Attempt to Restrict Womens Access to Health Care", "2017-10-03", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u00ad\u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement:\n\u201cToday, House Republicans could have taken action on the bipartisan DREAM Act, preventing the deportation of patriotic young people who want to make positive contributions to our society and our economy.\n\u201cThey could have held a serious discussion on the gun violence epidemic in our country, and ways we can act together to prevent more families from enduring the pain we see right now in Las Vegas.\n\u201cThey could have found ways to help provide relief to the 3.5 million American citizens in Puerto Rico whose lives and livelihoods are still at risk nearly two weeks after Hurricane Maria.\n\u201cInstead, they decided to hold yet another vote to attack women\u2019s health care and chip away at a woman\u2019s right to choose \u2013 this time, pushing a blanket ban on all abortions after 20 weeks with no meaningful exception to protect a woman\u2019s health. The bill requires rape victims to jump through hoops in order to obtain an abortion, and threatens doctors with fines or imprisonment for providing critically-needed and constitutionally protected care to their patients.\n\u201cNot only is H.R. 36 unconstitutional, it is a thinly veiled attempt by the GOP to stifle a woman\u2019s right to consult with her doctor and make medical care decisions \u2013 sometimes difficult ones \u2013 that will protect her health and future fertility.\n\u201cThe GOP agenda is out of touch with the needs and priorities of the American people. It\u2019s time for them to reset their course \u2013 and my Democratic colleagues and I are here and ready to work with them when they do.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/response-questioning-rep-ruben-gallego-defense-secretary-james-mattis", "In response to questioning from Rep. Ruben Gallego, Defense Secretary James Mattis Confirms that Iran is Complying with Nuclear Deal", "2017-10-03", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee entitled, \u201cUS Defense Strategy in South Asia,\u201d Secretary of Defense James Mattis was asked by Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) about whether Iran is currently in compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, officially titled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).\u00a0 Mattis replied in the affirmative and indicated that the Intelligence Community and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concur with his assessment.\nMattis\u2019 statement is significant in light of President Trump\u2019s determination to revisit the agreement with Iran, a pact he denounced in a speech before the United Nations as \u201can embarrassment to the United States.\u201d\u00a0 President Trump has until October 15th to certify Iran\u2019s continued compliance with the JCPOA, but has strongly suggested that he may refuse to do so.\n\u201cSecretary Mattis\u2019 testimony today should serve as a direct rebuttal to President Trump if he tries to argue ahead of the October 15th deadline that Iran isn\u2019t complying with the nuclear deal,\u201d said Rep. Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War. \u00a0\u201cWhile the JCPOA certainly isn\u2019t perfect, pulling out now will significantly increase the risk of deadly conflict in the Middle East.\u00a0 Simply put, failing to uphold our end of this agreement will either lead to a nuclear Iran, a war with Iran, or both.\u00a0 Any of these outcomes should be deeply troubling to our military and the American people.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nVideo of the exchange between Rep. Gallego and Sec. Mattis can be seen here.\nA full transcript is below:\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nREP. RUBEN GALLEGO: This question is for Secretary Mattis. In your opinion, is Iran compliant with the JCPOA?\nSEC. MATTIS: I believe they fundamentally are. There have been certainly some areas where they were not, temporarily in that regard. But overall, our intelligence community believes that they have been compliant, and the IAEA also says so.\nRG: As a follow up to that, Secretary Mattis, will you be recommending to President Trump that we continue working through the JCPOA to contain Iran\u2019s nuclear capability?\nMATTIS: We are working that right now. There are -- if you look -- we have two different issues. One is the JCPOA and one is what Congress has passed. And those two are distinct, but integral with each other. As you look at what the Congress has laid out \u2013 [it\u2019s] a somewhat different definition of what's in our best interest. And therein lies, I think, the need for us to look at these distinct but integral issues the way the president has directed.\nRG: Thank you Secretary Mattis. If there is going to be any change in the status of our participation in JCPOA, especially if it involves the interpretation of what we in Congress passed in terms of sanctions against Iran outside the JCPOA, will you come back and inform and talk to us? Because I believe many of us voted for Iran sanctions outside the JCPOA with the understanding that they were not going to be linked.\nMATTIS: Well I think that this would probably be most appropriate by the Secretary of State, and I would follow him up here. I think that our diplomacy \u2013 the president and the Secretary of State, I think, have the lead on that. But once a decision is made \u2013 and I will be in on the decision, I'll give input, of course \u2013 I'm always willing to come up and talk in hearing or in private.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-hr-36-the-paincapable-unborn-child-protection-act/", "Sinema Statement on H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act", "2017-10-03", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "sinema.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema today voted against H.R. 36 \u2013 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, legislation limiting women\u2019s access to reproductive health care. Congresswoman Sinema released the following statement after the vote: \u201cIt\u2019s wrong for politicians to use women\u2019s health to score political points. A woman, her family, and her doctor should decide what is best for her health, not Washington politicians. Congress needs to get to work and focus on what\u2019s important to Arizona \u2013 taking care of our veterans, keeping our country safe, and ensuring economic security for hardworking families.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2479", "Grijalva: DHS Program Targeting Social Media Data of Immigrants is Orwellian", "2017-09-29", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON, AZ \u2013 Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after reports confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has submitted a new regulation into the Federal Register to begin collecting social media data and histories to add to the files of U.S. immigrants as soon as October 18th. Individuals that will be susceptible to this overreaching surveillance program include permanent residents, naturalized citizens and all other immigrants living in the United States. Rep. Grijalva\u2019s statement also comes after recent revelations that the Department of Justice is seeking the personal information of Facebook users who are \u201canti-administration activists.\u201d \u201cUnder this new surveillance program, the lines between what is a premise for an Orwell novel and what is actual policy implemented by the Trump administration continue to blur,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cUnfortunately, this blatant violation and invasion of privacy is the new reality millions of individuals - including naturalized citizens and permanent residents - will be subject to.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNot only do these new rules jeopardize our constitutional right to freely express ourselves, but they mirror previous steps taken by this administration to suppress dissenting views \u2013 the latest examples being the collection of IP addresses for people visiting websites that are critical of Trump and DOJ search warrants targeting persons who have been outspoken against this administration. In terms of its national security objective, these new measures are highly ineffective, yielding nothing but a blatant invasion of privacy and the continual fear-mongering of immigrants.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cUndoubtedly, Trump is dragging our country closer to becoming one with no privacy or civil rights protections. Our very foundation is freedom of speech, which encapsulates all platforms, including social media.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-possible-firing-hhs-secretary-tom-price", "Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Possible Firing of HHS Secretary Tom Price", "2017-09-29", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement:\n\u201cTom Price's resignation isn't enough.\n\u201cThere is a culture of corruption in the Trump administration. Whether it\u2019s unqualified hacks like Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spending taxpayer money on private jet flights in the Caribbean, or otherwise qualified longtime public servants like David Shulkin going to Wimbledon and taking a European river cruise on the people\u2019s dime, the dishonesty and depravity is pervasive.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s no wonder that administration officials feel no sense of ethics and personal or fiscal responsibility when Donald Trump is at the helm. Donald Trump has made a career out of swindling hardworking people and trampling anyone in his path to get to the top. He has flaunted his lavish lifestyle and long ago abandoned any pretense of humility.\n\u201cDonald Trump only cares about Donald Trump \u2013 it should be no surprise that other administration officials are following his example and putting themselves and their own interests above those of the government and the American people. Donald Trump has created an environment in which corruption and bad behavior are encouraged and rewarded.\n\u201cI am fed up, and the American people are fed up. It\u2019s time to bring back government for the people instead of government for the elite and powerful friends of Donald Trump.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-o-halleran-schrader-introduce-bill-end-government-travel-abuse", "Reps. OHalleran, Schrader Introduce Bill to End Government Travel Abuse", "2017-09-28", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Reps. Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-01) and Kurt Schrader (OR-05) introduced the\u00a0Taxpayers Don\u2019t Incur Meaningless Expenses (Taxpayers DIME) Act, which ensures no taxpayer money is spent on government air travel that violates rules applied to senior federal officials, increases transparency and oversight of government travel, and calls for the independent Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to report on ways to strengthen existing rules.\n\t\u201cTaxpayers are rightfully outraged by the disturbing practice of government officials wasting their hard-earned dollars on government and private jets to travel the country. It is time to put an end to this,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. O\u2019Halleran.\u00a0\u201cThe\u00a0Taxpayers DIME Act\u00a0strengthens rules against wasteful government spending and brings greater transparency to\u00a0how agency resources for government travel are used or abused.\u00a0Those who serve the American people, regardless of political affiliation, must be held to the highest ethical standard, and I will continue pushing for greater transparency and accountability in Washington.\u201d\n\t\"There's often a running, mostly false narrative that Washington doesn't play by its own rules. When we see federal officials jet around the country on taxpayer dollars, the skepticism only deepens,\"\u00a0said Rep. Kurt Schrader.\u00a0\"Our\u00a0Taxpayers DIME Act\u00a0ensures that public servants are transparent and fiscally responsible in their air travel spending, and it will hold those who aren't accountable. We're here to serve our neighbors back at home, not lavish their hard-earned dollars on personal luxury. If that's too much to ask, then go home -- and fly commercial.\"\n\tThe Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) outline the rules applicable to senior federal officials and agencies for requesting, approving, and using government aircraft for official and non-official travel. However, reports of Cabinet officials inappropriately requesting or utilizing government aircraft demonstrate a violation of the spirit of the FTR, which state clearly that \u201cTaxpayers should pay no more than necessary for [officials\u2019] travel\u201d.\n\tO\u2019Halleran and Schrader co-chair the Blue Dog Coalition\u2019s Task Force on Government Reform and Accountability. The group\u00a0is responsible for monitoring regulations issued by the federal government and analyzing\u00a0rules to ensure Congressional intent is appropriately applied.\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2478", "Grijalva Signs Discharge Petition Calling on Vote for DREAM Act", "2017-09-27", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after joining 191 Democratic Members of Congress in signing a discharge petition demanding that the DREAM Act, a bi-partisan bill currently co-sponsored by 200 Members, come to the floor for a vote. The \u201cSucceed Act,\u201d a conservative legislative proposal was also introduced on the same day.  \u201cThe only thing the bill introduced by Sen. Tillis and Sen. Lankford succeeds in doing is ensuring that DACA recipients who have time-and-time again proven themselves to be positive members of our society be treated as second-class citizens - at best,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva. \u201cThe Succeed Bill is tailored to the extreme wing of the Republican Party who see immigration as a threat to our country, rather than an asset. It extends the vetting process to the point where an individual who meets all the qualifications would need to wait 15 years to qualify for citizenship. This is not what a legislative fix to DACA looks like. This is a poor attempt at a bill that only forces DREAMers back into the shadows of uncertainty. If Republicans were serious about helping the more than 2.5 million young individuals in our country, they would take a second look at passing the bi-partisan DREAM Act in a clean manner, without poisonous provisions. \u201cWe have called upon House Republican Leadership to allow a vote on the DREAM Act to come to the floor. On every occasion, those calls have been unanswered even with a vast majority of Americans in favor of a legislative fix for our DREAMers. That is why, I joined my Democratic colleagues in signing the discharge petition. We cannot allow our DREAMers and their futures to hinge on Trump\u2019s erratic behavior. These DREAMers like Ruben, Donald and Dalia have a potential and drive that we should be embracing not discouraging. They represent the best of our country. They deserve a vote on a clean bill.\u201d  Rep. Grijalva is highlighting the stories of DACA recipients in Arizona\u2019s Third Congressional District. You can view them on Rep. Grijalva\u2019s Instagram.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 423, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "AZ", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 423, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AZ&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 423, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "AZ", "label": "AZ", "count": 423, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 423, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-09-27,http~3A~2F~2Fgrijalva~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Findex~2Ecfm~3Fsectionid~3D13~26itemid~3D2478", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2017&_next=2017-09-27%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fgrijalva~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Findex~2Ecfm~3Fsectionid~3D13~26itemid~3D2478&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 276.43378311768174, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}