{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"AZ\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/blue-dogs-urge-biden-prioritize-bipartisan-legislation-pandemic-response", "Blue Dogs Urge Biden to Prioritize Bipartisan Legislation for Pandemic Response, Recovery", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Members of the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden Tuesday requesting that he prioritize bipartisan legislation dealing with novel coronavirus pandemic response and recovery.\nThe letter highlighted the coalition's policy priorities for the 117th Congressional session, including fiscal responsibility, pandemic crisis relief, job creation, government reform and holding foreign adversaries accountable, according to the text of the letter.\nWe firmly believe that in order to make lasting progress, Congress must pursue bipartisan policies that can be implemented, while prioritizing those that pertain to the pandemic response and the economic recovery, the text of the letter read. The American people have sent a clear message: Democrats and Republicans must govern together responsibly.\nThe letter was signed by all members of Blue Dog Coalition, listed as follows: Reps. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz., Lou Correa, D-Calif., Anthony Brindisi, D-N.Y., Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., Ed Case, D-Hawaii, Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, Charlie Crist, D-Fla., Jared Golden, D-Maine, Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Brad Schneider, D-Ill., Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and Mike Thompson, D-Calif.\nIn the letter, the coalition requests that any COVID-19 crisis relief measures signed by Biden contain stronger oversight measures to ensure taxpayer dollars are going to the right places. Further, the coalition noted the need for Congress to take measures to reform the redistricting process, strengthen inspectors general, increase federal transparency and incentivize Congress to pass budget and appropriations bills punctually.\nTo build upon already-passed coronavirus relief legislation, the coalition requested that any new bills pertaining to pandemic response include significant investments in health care, clean energy, education, job training, small businesses, manufacturing and infrastructure in order to sustain middle-class growth in the long-term.\nAdditionally, the Blue Dogs' letter addressed the unsustainable fiscal path taken to swiftly address pandemic relief during the 116th Congressional session. The coalition seeks to tackle the ballooning national debt by exclusively pursuing balanced, bipartisan measures in any upcoming relief measures.\nThe 117th Congress is going to be narrowly divided, with a slim Democratic majority in the House, and, at best, a narrow Senate majority, the text of the letter continued. Our nation faces major challenges as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Americans are sick of Congress playing partisan games. Pursuing partisan legislation that cannot make it to your desk for your signature will not only hinder our nation's recovery, it will further feed into the divides in our country. Now more than ever we must demonstrate to the American people that cooler heads can prevail and that government can indeed work for all Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/o-halleran-says-900-billion-relief-bill-will-benefit-tribal-lands", "OHalleran says $900 billion relief bill will benefit tribal lands", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.  U.S. Rep. Tom O' Halleran voted to approve funding for the $900 billion coronavirus aid bill. The measure passed the House of Representatives and Senate, and President Donald Trump signed the bill Dec. 27.\nThe measure approves sending $600 to every adult and every child; a family of five would get $3,000. People would get less if an individual made $75,000 or more and couples would get less if they made $150,000 or more.\nThe bill would also help with funding for businesses and the unemployed.\nTrump had threatened to veto the bill and delayed signing it because he said he wanted $2,000 per person instead of $600.\nThe House of Representatives voted 327-85 and 359-53 in two separate bills for the coronavirus aid funding. The Senate combined the two and approved the measure by a 92-6 vote.\nO'Halleran, who represents Arizona Congressional District One, which includes the Navajo and Hopi nations, said that if Trump had vetoed the coronavirus funding effort that Congress had enough votes to override his veto.\nIt would not be constructive for the American people, he said.\nAccording to O'Halleran, Democratic leadership was originally attempting to get $2,000 per person in order to help businesses and individuals.\nThere are too many people out of work. The coronavirus had a profound impact on the economy, he said. We've had several hard months.\nO'Halleran said it has been difficult to get Republican leadership to vote on the Heroes Act when Democrats were proposing $2,000 per person.\nTrump had also threatened to shut down the government if he didn't get the increase in funding for the relief bill.\nO'Halleran said the Trump administration has made no indication until this point that they wanted more money per individual. He said the Republican leadership in Congress would not even agree to the $600 per person until they entered the negotiation talks.\nPeople have suffered longer because the Senate and the President wouldn't act, he said.\nU.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a recently elected Arizona Democrat, said in a news release that he voted for the measure.\nThis emergency relief will protect jobs and bolster our economy by helping those who need it most right now  individuals who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, small businesses working to make payroll, and families behind on rent or unable to put food on the table, he said.\nKelly stated that Arizona's tribal communities have been hit especially hard by the pandemic and have battled the virus with too little help from the federal government.\nThrough work across the aisle with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and others, we were able to ensure that there is dedicated funding for tribal health care, education, broadband and other needed relief to continue fighting this pandemic, he said.\nIn addition to the $600 per person, the bill also extends the timeline for tribal governments to spend coronavirus relief funds, giving the tribes more time to plan how the funding will be spent.\nThe bill will also help with an agreement of water coming from Mexico to Utah to help with water issues.\nThe bill will also appropriate $3.4 billion more funds for the Indian Health Service, appropriate $1 billion for sanitation and water delivery to reservations, supply more funding for broadband on reservations to help students with their educational needs, add $300 per week for those on unemployment in addition to unemployment benefits people receive from the states, add 15 percent for people receiving funding for food and gives $75 billion for Bureau of Indian Education schools.\nO'Halleran said this funding is in addition to normal funding, not in replace of it.\nO'Halleran stated the final bills passed by Congress was a bipartisan agreement as the Democrats wanted $2,2 trillion in the overall spending bill, but settled for $1.3 trillion in the negotiations.\nHe said more funding for vaccines are needed as the government approved spending $400 million on the vaccines which is enough for 200 million of the 303 million people in America.\nAccording to O'Halleran, Pfizer offered the government another 100 million vaccines, but the Trump administration didn't want to purchase it.\nWe need vaccines faster. During an emergency you don't act based on what you hope happens. This was not the way to address it, he said.\nO'Halleran said he is concerned about the deficit, but the alternative to not funding the coronavirus relief package was worse, since it would leave people out on the street and hungry.\nIf the coronavirus goes up, we need to address it, he said.\nO'Halleran is particulary concerned about restaurants since 110,000 restaurants across the country have closed down.\nOne bill that would help enormously, he said, is an infrastructure bill that has been sitting in the Senate for several years. Infrastructure means fixing bridges and roads, and would create a lot of jobs. He said much of the proposed $1.5 trillion would go for projects on rural tribal lands.\nAdditionally, O'Halleran applauded the recent appointment of Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) to Secretary of the Interior.\nO'Halleran serves on the agriculture and energy and commerce committees and will work with Haaland on Native American, forest service and national park issues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-votes-deliver-2000-americans-override-ndaa-veto", "OHalleran Votes to Deliver $2000 to Americans, Override NDAA Veto", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to override President Trump's veto of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, legislation to fund our military operations at home and abroad, provide a 3% pay increase for servicemembers, and authorize funding to strengthen America's ability to respond to a potential COVID-19 resurgence and other infectious diseases in the future.\nI'm disappointed that any American president would vote against a pay raise for our troops and am relieved to be back in Washington today to override this veto, said O'Halleran. Politically-motivated attacks that undermine the well-being and financial security of our brave servicemembers and military families are unacceptable; this critical, bipartisan legislation needs to be signed into law as soon as possible.\nToday, O'Halleran also voted in favor of theCaring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act, a bill to increase the value of economic impact payments (EIPs) provided in the previously passed end-of-year COVID relief package so that each eligible family member receives $2,000, up from $600. Text of the CASH Act is availableHERE.\nThe partisan, back-and-forth nonsense that has surrounded a new COVID aid bill for months is beyond frustratingit is a national embarrassment, continued O'Halleran. I am calling on the Senate to immediately take up and pass this legislation to distribute the kind of direct payments my colleagues and I have been advocating for since May.\nOn December 24, House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to pass legislation that would allocate $2,000 direct payments to Americans. Last week, PresidentTrump threatened to oppose H.R. 133, the $2 trillion joint pandemic aid and government funding bill, because it included only $600 in direct payments rather than $2,000. The president did not involve himself in the negotiations, allowing his administration to agree upon the $600 amount.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/23/icymi-rep-kirkpatrick-az-colleagues-deliver-funding-victory-to-launch-new-expanded-tourism-program/", "ICYMI: Rep. Kirkpatrick & AZ Colleagues Deliver Funding Victory to Launch New, Expanded Tourism Program", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New pilot program projected to generate millions of dollars for Arizona's economy\n(Washington, D.C.) The new federal spending bill passed by Congress Monday night includes a provision for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to initiate a pilot program to expand travel opportunities for travelers from Mexico, a move that could generate up to $181 million dollars in additional spending in just the first year alone.\nEvery year, thousands of frequent, shortterm visitors travel from Mexico into Arizona to conduct business, visit family and friends, or shop at local stores  thereby contributing directly into the local economy. Currently, pre-cleared travelers with U.S.-issued Border Crossing Cards cannot travel beyond Tucson or Yuma. The new legislation, which was originally introduced by Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-09) as H.R. 5405, the Southwest Tourism Expansion Act, would allow those visitors with the card to travel anywhere in Arizona and New Mexico.\nAs a representative of a district that shares a border with Mexico, I know first hand the direct, real and positive impact of cross-border exchange in our region, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. Expanding the accessibility of our state to our southern neighbors will enrich our tourism industry, bolster our local economy and strengthen our relationship with Mexico. I'm proud to have worked with fellow members of the Arizona delegation and my colleagues on the Appropriations committee to get this much-needed provision added to the final package.\nOur state benefits in so many ways from our strong relationship with Mexicoand this pilot program will strengthen those ties, said Rep. Greg Stanton. This is a critical first step to expand the travel zone to those with valid Border Crossing Cards, and it's going to open Arizona to more business, more tourism, and more economic opportunities.\nModernizing and expanding Arizona and Mexico's approved cross border travel fuels jobs, promotes commerce, and expands economic opportunity across our state, said Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema.\nArizona's economic growth has been created largely in part by our welcoming business environment and tourist attraction, said Rep. Schweikert. By expanding the accessibility for our neighbors in Mexico across the state we will continue to grow our economy and help support local businesses, I am pleased to see this legislation in the final package, and look forward to seeing the economic growth it will provide for Arizona.\nTourism is Arizona's largest industry, with 194,000 jobs statewide, generating $26.5 billion in direct travel spending and $3.78 billion in tax revenue last year. A University of Arizona study conducted found that expanding the border zone to the entire state could generate up to $181 million in annual additional spending, bringing the total projected spending of Mexican visitors to Arizona to nearly $3.1 billion and a total jobs impact of 31,766. These numbers would be expected to increase each year.\nThe measure has broad statewide support among Maricopa Association of Government's (MAG) many partners, including the Arizona Councils of Governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, the Arizona Tourism and Lodging Association, and the city of Nogales, Arizona.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-statement-passing-councilmember-and-vice-mayor-calvin-goode", "Rep. Gallego Statement on the Passing of Councilmember and Vice Mayor Calvin Goode", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHOENIX, AZ  Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement:\nI'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a good friend and a Phoenix icon, Councilmember and Vice Mayor Calvin Goode.\nFor more than five decades, Calvin tirelessly served our community, first in our schools and then in City Hall. He took tough stances and fought with courage to improve the city he loved- despite the fact that our city and community hadn't always treated him and those who looked like him or shared his background with fairness and equity.\nHe left our neighborhoods and this world better than he found it, and that is a legacy that his family, his friends, and all who knew him should hold dear.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/breaking-congress-approves-sinema-shaped-bipartisan-energy-package", "BREAKING: Congress Approves Sinema-Shaped Bipartisan Energy Package", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 23, 2020\n\n      \n            WASHINGTON  The bipartisan energy package passed by Congress includes Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema's energy priorities that create jobs and grow Arizona's economy. Sinema secured her bipartisan Solar Energy Research and Development Act, Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act, and her Integrated Energy Systems Act in the bipartisan package.  \n  \nThis important energy package includes our bills to expand job opportunities for Arizona. The bill's passage boosts Arizona's solar development and helps secure Arizona's energy future, said Sinema.  \n  \nSinema's Solar Energy Research and Development Act, included in the energy package, renews and modernizes the Solar Energy Technology Program, increasing resources to Arizona's government, universities, and companies to help develop solar technology. The package improves Arizona's competitiveness in solar manufacturing and deployment. Arizona ranks third in the nation in solar energy production, and is expected to add another 2,769 million watts of solar energy over the next five years.  \n  \nSinema's Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas Act (LEADING ACT), included in the package, incentivizes research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. The LEADING Act promotes the continued use of natural gas to keep energy bills low, maintain Arizona's energy security, and protect the environment.  \n  \nSinema's bipartisan Integrated Energy Systems Act, establishes a research and development program at the U.S. Department of Energy to analyze energy systems integration, including emission-reducing energy resources and nuclear hybrid energy systems.  \n\n      \n  \n    Issues", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/22/rep-kirkpatrick-votes-to-pass-omnibus-appropriations-and-coronavirus-relief-package-2/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Votes to Pass Omnibus Appropriations and Coronavirus Relief Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Democrats Secure Substantial Investments in Critical Priorities; Legislation Provides $900 Billion in Urgent Coronavirus Relief\nWASHINGTON  Tonight, Rep. Kirkpatrick issued the following statement after the passage of the omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations.\nThe measure was considered as a divided question, with Divisions B, C, E, and F being agreed to on a bipartisan 327 to 85 vote and the remainder of the legislation being adopted on a bipartisan 359 to 53 vote.\nTonight we completed the long awaited appropriations process. As Arizona's appropriator, I'm proud of the work my office has done to ensure our state receives the resources it needs and deserves. This spending package invests in the American people, in our national defense, economic opportunity projects, and strengthens programs for our vulnerable communities. I look forward to sharing more of the specific Arizona funding wins over the next few days, said Rep. Kirkpatrick.\nThe more than $1.4 trillion fiscal year 2021 appropriations omnibus furthers House Democrats' commitment to investing For The People with substantial increases to non-defense spending alongside small increases for defense-related programs.\nIn addition to the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, the spending package contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people.\nNow, the COVID-19 relief part of this bill is not perfect but action is urgent. In Arizona, we have seen some of the worst devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, relief for southern Arizona families has been long overdue. My colleagues and I have been fighting hard and long to pass a COVID relief bill and I am relieved we can finally deliver something today. While we did not secure every priority we sought, we are now successful in providing temporary relief, said Rep. Kirkpatrick.This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local businesses.\nThe spending package also includes a number of other matters outside the Appropriations Committee's jurisdiction and negotiated by bipartisan, bicameral leadership.\nThe text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is available here. The joint explanatory statement for Front Matter is here, Division A here, Division B here, Division C here, Division D here, Division E here, Division F here, Division G here, Division H here, Division I here, Division J here, Division K here, and Division L here.\nA division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the authorizing matters is here.\nOne-page fact sheets on critical Democratic priorities included among the appropriations provisions, the coronavirus relief provisions, and the authorizing matters are here, here, and here respectively.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-ensures-lower-santa-cruz-river-basin-flood-control-plan-completion", "Sinema Ensures Lower Santa Cruz River Basin Flood Control Plan Completion", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Congressionally-approved bipartisan water bill, Sinema secured a provision directing the Army Corps to finish its flood control plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally-approved bipartisan Water Resources Development Act that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its flood control study and plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County.  \n  \nA flood control plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin will protect Arizona families, farmers, tribal communities, and small business owners from dangerous and costly floors and help Pinal County's economy continue to grow, said Sinema.  \n  \nFollowing Kyrsten's urging, the Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its flood control study and plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County. This river basin currently has no flood control system in place, leaving the City of Maricopa, the Gila River Indian Community, and the surrounding farmland at risk of severe flooding. The Army Corps is currently working with stakeholders to finalize a flood control plan, and the Sinema's provision encourages Army Corps to move expeditiously to finalize its flood control plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-legislation-strengthens-arizonas-water-supply-through-removal-salt-cedars", "Sinema Legislation Strengthens Arizona\u2019s Water Supply Through Removal of Salt Cedars", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sinema secured provisions removing invasive salt cedar trees from the Gila River in Congressionally-approved Water Resources Development Act\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally-approved Water Resources Development Act that strengthens Arizona's water supplies and addresses drought conditions through the removal of invasive salt cedars.  \n  \nArizona's future depends on securing our water supply. Eradicating salt cedars will restore our waterways and ensure Arizona has the resources to address drought conditions so we can continue expanding opportunities across our state, said Sinema.  \n  \nThe proliferation of Salt Cedars in the Gila River has turned our oasis in the desert to a wildfire and flood hazard. Meanwhile the Salt Cedars have consumed millions of acre feet of water and crowded out native vegetation to the point where large sections of the Gila River are now monocultures that can't support native wildlife. We are very grateful to Senator Sinema for introducing the Drought Relief Through Innovative Projects (DRIP) Act and its inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). This legislation will serve Buckeye, the state of Arizona and the Southwest United States well. Thank you Senator Sinema for your time and effort, said City of Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn.  \n  \nFor decades, invasive salt cedar trees have depleted Arizona's water resources, crowded out native plants, increased flood risks, and created a greater fire risk for Arizona communities, especially in Buckeye and other communities along the Gila River. Sinema ensured the bipartisan, Congressionally-approved Water Resources Development Act authorizes the US Fish and Wildlife Service to spend up to $10 million each year to remove and replace invasive plant species, prioritizing salt cedars, in riparian areas in the Lower Colorado River Basin. This language is inspired by Kyrsten's DRIP Act, which authorizes a similar $10 million pilot program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-secures-expedited-completion-rio-de-flag-flood-control-project-bipartisan-water-bill", "Sinema Secures Expedited Completion of Rio de Flag Flood Control Project in Bipartisan Water Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act passed Congress with bipartisan support\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally passed Water Resources Development Act that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project.  \n  \nCompletion of the Rio de Flag flood control project will protect the Flagstaff community from catastrophic floods, spur job growth, and encourage infrastructure development. I'll continue working with local leaders in Flagstaff and with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure the project's completion, said Sinema.\n\nBecause of Senator Sinema's steadfast and consistent support for expediting completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project, it will protect over half of the City's residents from a catastrophic flood when it is completed in the next several years. We can't thank Senator Sinema enough for her efforts to secure these needed funds, said Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans.\n\nSenator Sinema has long been a friend of Coconino County and northern Arizona. As such, she knows that catastrophic flood is the number one public safety risk in the County. Expedited completion of the Rio de Flag project will help protect a majority of residents in the Flagstaff area while protecting the Southside neighborhood from historic annual flooding and economic disadvantage, said Coconino County Board Chair Liz Archuleta.  \n  \nThe Rio de Flag flood control project will mitigate potential flood damage caused by heavy rain or snowmelt that flows into the Rio de Flag. Following a request from Sinema, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it would provide $52 million for the project's completion. The Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act further supports the project by directing Army Corps to expedite the completion of the project.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-secures-tonto-creek-flood-mitigation-bipartisan-water-resources-bill", "Sinema Secures Tonto Creek Flood Mitigation in Bipartisan Water Resources Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act includes first step toward federal funding of the projects\nlegislation passed Congress and heads to President's desk to be signed into law\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a Tonto Creek flood mitigation measure in the Water Resources Development Act, which passed Congress with bipartisan support and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.  \n  \nFlood mitigation along Tonto Creek will protect the health and safety of Arizona families. I'll keep working across the aisle and with local stakeholders to make Tonto Creek safer for Arizonans, said Sinema.  \n  \nFollowing Kyrsten's urging in February, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study for flood risk management in Tonto Creek, AZ. This is the first step to securing Army Corps funding to help either construct a Tonto Creek bridge, or take other steps to mitigate the flooding risk along Tonto Creek.  \n  \nIn May of this year, Sinema wrote Department of Transportation Secretary Chao in support of the Gila County's application of the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to fund the Tonto Creek Bridge project. In her letter, Sinema highlighted the safety concerns that limit access to schools, jobs, and health care facilities in the Tonto Basin community. Sinema added that the construction of the bridge would also lead to economic growth and encourage private investment on the non-federal land in Gila County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-strengthens-arizonas-water-security-through-bipartisan-water-resources-bill", "Sinema Strengthens Arizona\u2019s Water Security Through Bipartisan Water Resources Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sinema secured Arizona priorities in the Water Resources Development Act\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a number of Arizona priorities in the Water Resources Development Act, which passed Congress with bipartisan support and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.  \n  \nArizona's future depends on protecting and strengthening our water security. Working across the aisle and with local Arizona stakeholders, I'm proud to have secured critical priorities in this legislation that will fuel jobs, restore our waterways, address drought conditions, and expand opportunity across our state, said Sinema.   \n  \nSinema secured the following priorities for Arizona in the Water Resources Development Act:  \n  \nFlood Mitigation along Tonto Creek: Following Kyrsten's urging in February, the bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study for flood risk management in Tonto Creek, AZ. This is the first step to securing Army Corps funding to help either construct a Tonto Creek bridge, or take other steps to mitigate the flooding risk along Tonto Creek.  \n  \nRio de Flag Completion: Earlier this year, Kyrsten secured funding for the Rio de Flag project, and the Water Resources Development Act further supports the project by directing Army Corps to expedite the completion of the project.  \n  \nRemoval of Salt Cedars to Improve Arizona's Water Supply: For decades, invasive salt cedar trees have depleted Arizona's precious water resources, crowded out native plants, increased flood risks, and created a greater fire risk for Arizona communities, especially in Buckeye and other communities along the Gila River. The bill authorizes the US Fish and Wildlife Service to spend up to $10 million each year to remove and replace invasive plant species, prioritizing salt cedars, in riparian areas in the Lower Colorado River Basin. This language is inspired by Kyrsten's DRIP Act, which authorizes a similar $10 million pilot program.  \n  \nConstruction of the Little Colorado River Levee Project: Following Kyrsten's urging, the bill authorizes the Army Corps to begin construction on the Winslow Levee project outside the City of Winslow in Navajo County. Congressional authorization is needed before work can begin on this project. This project will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in Winslow, and protect the BNSF Southern Transcon rail line (which is one of the busiest rail lines in the country).  \n  \nCompletion of Flood Control Study for Lower Santa Cruz River: Following Kyrsten's urging, the bill directs the Army Corps to expedite the completion of its flood control study for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County. This river basin currently has no flood control system in place, leaving the City of Maricopa, the Gila River Indian Community, and the surrounding farmland at risk of severe flooding. Army Corps is currently working with stakeholders to finalize a flood control plan, and the bill encourages Army Corps to move expeditiously to finalize its flood control plan.   \n  \nWater control Manual Update for Roosevelt Dam: Sinema secured language allowing SRP to pay the Army Corps to improve the manual for Roosevelt Dam and save more water for cities in the Phoenix area.  \n  \nRural Water Projects: Sinema secured inclusion of Arizona and $150 million annually for Arizona in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program for rural water projects.  \n  \nSinema has long worked to advance commonsense solutions to secure Arizona's water future. Last year, Sinema introduced the DRIP Act, which equips communities in Arizona, and across the country, to address drought conditions and strengthen water supplies. Additionally, Sinema helped get the Drought Contingency Plan across the finish line in the Senate. Sinema also cosponsored the bipartisan Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act, which allows Arizona cities, tribes, and water providers access to critical funding to secure the state's water future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/winslow-levee-project-construction-secured-sinema-bipartisan-water-resources-bill", "Winslow Levee Project Construction Secured by Sinema in Bipartisan Water Resources Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 22, 2020\n\n      \n            WASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally-approved bipartisan Water Resources Development Act that authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction on the Winslow Levee Project to reduce the risk of flooding in Winslow.  \n  \nWorking across the aisle and with local Arizona stakeholders, we secured approval so the Army Corps can begin construction on the Winslow Levee to keep Arizonans safe from floods, said Sinema.  \n  \nFollowing Kyrsten's urging, the Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Army Corps to begin construction on the Winslow Levee project outside the City of Winslow in Navajo County. This project will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in Winslow, and protect the BNSF Southern Transcon rail line--one of the busiest rail lines in the country.\n      \n  \n    Issues", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/21/rep-kirkpatrick-votes-to-pass-omnibus-appropriations-and-coronavirus-relief-package/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Votes to Pass Omnibus Appropriations and Coronavirus Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Democrats Secure Substantial Investments in Critical Priorities; Legislation Provides $900 Billion in Urgent Coronavirus Relief\nWASHINGTON  Tonight, Rep. Kirkpatrick issued the following statement after the passage of the omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations.\nThe measure was considered as a divided question, with Divisions B, C, E, and F being agreed to on a bipartisan 327 to 85 vote and the remainder of the legislation being adopted by a bipartisan 359 to 53 vote.\nTonight, we completed the long awaited appropriations process. As Arizona's appropriator, I'm proud of the work my office has done to ensure our state receives the resources it needs and deserves. This spending package invests in the American people, in our national defense,economic opportunity projects, and programs for our vulnerable communities. I look forward to sharing more of the specific Arizona funding wins over the next few days,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.\nThe more than $1.4 trillion fiscal year 2021 appropriations omnibus furthers House Democrats' commitment to investing For The People with substantial increases to non-defense spending alongside small increases for defense-related programs.\nIn addition to the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, the spending package contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people.\nNow, the COVID-19 relief part of this bill is not perfect, but action is urgent. In Arizona, we have seen some of the worst devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, relief for southern Arizona families has been long overdue. My colleagues and I have been fighting long and hard to pass a COVID relief bill and I am relieved we can deliver something today. While we did not secure every priority we sought, we are now able to provide temporary relief,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local businesses.\nThe spending package also includes a number of other matters outside the Appropriations Committee's jurisdiction and negotiated by bipartisan, bicameral leadership.\nThe text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is availablehere. The joint explanatory statement for Front Matter ishere, Division Ahere, Division Bhere, Division Chere, Division Dhere, Division Ehere, Division Fhere, Division Ghere, Division Hhere, Division Ihere, Division Jhere, Division Khere, and Division Lhere.\nA division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions ishere. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions ishere. A division-by-division summary of the authorizing matters ishere.\nOne-page fact sheets on critical Democratic priorities included among the appropriations provisions, the coronavirus relief provisions, and the authorizing matters arehere,here, andhererespectively.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-votes-secure-new-aid-american-families", "OHalleran Votes to Secure New Aid for American Families", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted in favor of H.R. 133: new legislation to address the public health and economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic and to fund the government through September 30, 2021.\nWhile I am beyond relieved we've finally passed a new, bipartisan deal for struggling families, businesses, and hospitals, this is no victory; it is merely delivering the bare minimum for the American people, said O'Halleran. Today, we finally did what should have been done months ago. Since we passed the CARES Act in March, I've worked with a bipartisan, bicameral group to come to the table, stay at the table, and work to restart negotiations. While today's package is not the totality of relief that is needed, I'm pleased we are finally moving in the direction we desperately need to go.\nIn May, O'Halleran voted to pass the Heroes Act, a $3 trillion package to follow the CARES Act and throw a lifeline to families struggling to put food on the table due to no fault of their own, along with an updated Heroes Acta $2.2 trillion iteration of the originalwhich O'Halleran voted for in October. The Senate refused to take up either measure.\nWithin today's joint COVID-19 aid package and omnibus is\n $120 billion in Unemployment Insurance\n\t\tan additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits\n\t\t\t\texpanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits;\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\ta second round of Economic Impact Payments\n\t\t$600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year, $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and a $600 payment for each child dependent, meaning a family of four will receive $2,400;\n\t\t\n\t$69 billion for vaccines, COVID-19 testing and tracing\n\t\t$20 billion for the purchase of vaccines, $9 billion for vaccine distribution, and roughly $22 billion to help states with testing, tracing and COVID-19 mitigation\n\t\t\t\tof this total, $2.5 billion will be sent out as grants specifically targeted at needs in underserved areas, including rural communities;\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t$325 billion in new small business aid\n\t\t$284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofits,\n\t\t\t$20 billion for new EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities,\n\t\t\t$3.5 billion for continued SBA debt relief payments, and\n\t\t\textension of the refundable Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC);\n\t\t\n\t$25 billion for emergency federal rental assistance and an extension of the existing CDC eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021\n\t\t$800 million reserved for Native American housing entities;\n\t\t\n\t$82 billion for states, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education that have all been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic\n\t\t$818.8 million in relief for outlying areas and the Bureau of Indian Education;\n\t\t\n\t$26 billion in nutrition assistance\n\t\t$13 billion to increase SNAP benefits by 15%, provide additional funding for food banks and senior nutrition programs, and to ensure college students have access to SNAP and\n\t\t\t$13 billion for direct payments, purchases and loans to farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic;\n\t\t\n\t$10 billion in emergency funds for the childcare sector\n\t\t$250 million for Head Start providers to ensure they are able to continue to safely serve low-income children and families;\n\t\t\n\tand $45 billion for transportation, including $15 billion for airline payroll support, $1 billion for airline contractor payrolls, $14 billion for transit and $10 billion for state highways.\n While today's legislation addresses some concerns, it comes nowhere close to addressing all concerns, remarked O'Halleran following the vote. I never want to see the kind of partisan procrastination we dealt with all summer hamstring our ability to function as a Congress again. Lawmakers in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle need to wake up to the reality that these bills are life or death for the families we are sworn to representthe nurse working around the clock, the mother feeding her children on food stamps that are running out, the manager unable to pay his employees. We've let them down this year and we must do better, period.\nAlso within the legislation are important measures O'Halleran secured for Arizona's First Congressional District, including\n the legislative base of O'Halleran's HR. 7557, which extends the deadline by which funds provided to tribes by the Coronavirus Relief Fund in the CARES Act must be spent;\n\t$7 billion in broadband improvement and implementation, including\n\t\t$3.2 billion in emergency funds for low- income families to access broadband,\n\t\t\t$1 billion in tribal broadband funding,\n\t\t\t$250 million dollars in telehealth funding,\n\t\t\t$65 million to complete nationwide broadband maps to more effectively disperse funding to the areas that need it most,\n\t\t\t$2 billion to small telecommunication providers to rip out Huawei/ZTEequipment to replace it with secure equipment,\n\t\t\tand a new $300 million grant program to fund broadband in rural areas;\n\t\t\n\tO'Halleran's Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act (H.R. 4447), which will expand the adoption of energy storage technologies necessary to save renewable energy for consumers in rural areas;\n\tO'Halleran's Tribal Power Act (H.R. 5541), which will help electrify Indian Country by expanding the availability of renewable energy infrastructure and increasing resources for the Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy;\n\tthe bipartisan NoSurprises Act, which will endsurprise medicalbills for patients, ensuring they are only responsible for their usual in-network cost-sharing amounts and deductibles;\n\treauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indiansand extension of the mandatory funding for Community Health Centersfrom 2021 to 2023, both of which were introduced by Rep. O'Halleran;\n\t$243.2 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, a $25.3 billion increase above FY 2020;\n\tand 1,000 new Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) residency positions, including some specifically allocated to rural areas, the first expansion of the GME program in nearly 15 years.\n Congress needs to look in the mirror and identify why this national emergency was not continually addressed over the course of this unprecedented year, continued O'Halleran. We need to make swift and permanent changes to identify what led us here, address this government dysfunction, and regain the trust of the Americans who sent us here to work for them. I stand ready and willing to work with anyone of any party to do so and look forward to introducing new legislation next Congress that will address this dysfunction.\nView the text of the legislation, HERE. For a one-page summary of the appropriations provisions, click HERE. For a one-page summary of COVID-19 relief provisions, click HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-covid-19-relief-package-american-people-expected-more", "Stanton on COVID-19 Relief Package: \u2018The American People Expected More\u2019", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Greg Stanton today issued the following statement ahead of a vote on the final stimulus agreement, which he will support. The final agreement on the $900 billion package was reached last night, and the House and Senate are set to vote on it today.\n\n\u201cIt has been nearly nine months since the Senate has been willing to pass COVID relief, and frankly, the American people expected more than what this package delivered.\n\nThere is much that will provide a strong boost to Arizona\u2019s economy: essential funds for testing and delivering the vaccine; reviving the Paycheck Protection Program; and supporting small businesses previously left behind\u2014including more independent businesses and live music venues.\n\nBut for many who need help the most, what they got today is just not enough. A $600 stimulus check and unemployment benefits at $300 a week is not nothing\u2014but for a lot of people struggling to make ends meet, it sure feels that way. That the Senate only agreed to such a meager relief after issuing an ultimatum to include a corporate meal tax write-off is an egregious misplacement of priorities that shocks the conscience.\n\nWe can\u2019t allow this to be the last relief package for the American people. We need to immediately get to work on another plan to deliver additional much-needed support to workers and families first thing in January.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-covid-19-relief-package-american-people-expected-more", "Stanton on COVID-19 Relief Package: \u2018The American People Expected More\u2019", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Greg Stanton today issued the following statement ahead of a vote on the final stimulus agreement, which he will support. The final agreement on the $900 billion package was reached last night, and the House and Senate are set to vote on it today.\nIt has been nearly nine months since the Senate has been willing to pass COVID relief, and frankly, the American people expected more than what this package delivered.\nThere is much that will provide a strong boost to Arizona's economy: essential funds for testing and delivering the vaccine; reviving the Paycheck Protection Program; and supporting small businesses previously left behindincluding more independent businesses and live music venues.\nBut for many who need help the most, what they got today is just not enough. A $600 stimulus check and unemployment benefits at $300 a week is not nothingbut for a lot of people struggling to make ends meet, it sure feels that way. That the Senate only agreed to such a meager relief after issuing an ultimatum to include a corporate meal tax write-off is an egregious misplacement of priorities that shocks the conscience.\nWe can't allow this to be the last relief package for the American people. We need to immediately get to work on another plan to deliver additional much-needed support to workers and families first thing in January.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/key-arizona-health-security-and-education-priorities-included-sinema-end-year-appropriations-bills", "Key Arizona Health, Security, and Education Priorities Included by Sinema in End-Of-Year Appropriations Bills", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sinema secures resources making health care more affordable and accessible, bipartisan border security initiatives, support for Arizona's military installations, education funding, and investment in Arizona's infrastructure in annual spending bills\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a number of Arizona priorities in the end-of-year appropriations bills that passed the Senate tonight.  \n  \nBuilding bipartisan coalitions and staying focused on getting things done for Arizonans allowed us to make health care more affordable and accessible, strengthen our border security, support our servicemembers, expand job opportunities, and ensure everyday Arizona families have the resources they need to get ahead, said Sinema.  \n  \nAmidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Sinema ensured critical emergency health care preparations and funding were included in this year's appropriations bills. Sinema helped secure $705 million for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement to ensure Arizona is ready in a public health emergency like COVID-19. Sinema also helped secure $300 million in hospital preparedness funding to ensure rural and local health care centers across Arizona have the resources needed to care for Arizonans and save lives.  \n  \nSinema secured the passage of key border security proposals that will help secure Arizona's borders, including her bipartisan Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act. Sinema's bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess technology gaps along the southwest border and determine how it could address them. The package also includes language that echoes her bipartisan CBP Hiring and Retention Innovation Act to improve the hiring and retention of Customs and Border Protection agents and officers.  \n  \nSinema also successfully secured critical funding for Yuma Proving Ground, Fort Huachuca, and the Arizona National Guard in Tucson to ensure Arizona servicemembers have the resources needed to keep America safe and secure.  \n  \nAdditionally, Sinema secured a number of priorities strengthening Arizona's water security, fueling jobs, and expanding opportunity through the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, and she included in the Energy Act section of the bill her Solar Energy Research and Development Act, increasing resources to Arizona's government, universities, and companies to help develop solar technology.  \n  \nThanks to Sinema's leadership, the Impact Aid Program, which ensures schools on federal, military, and tribal lands are equipped to provide Arizona students with a quality education, received an increase of $20 million.  \n  \nSinema also secured the following priorities:  \n  \nSecuring Arizona's Border:\n \n\tThe package includes her bipartisan Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act. Sinema's bills requires DHS to identify border security technology gaps and develop a strategy to meet them. This will focus important attention on America's ports of entry and ensure technology is deployed where it is most needed, keeping Arizona's communities safe. \n\tSinema secured language mirroring her CBP Hiring and Retention Innovation Act. Sinema's language directs Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use more analysis and flexibility when evaluating hiring and staffing needs. The language ensures CBP is recruiting and retaining quality employees, especially in rural areas.\n\tSinema secured a provision in the Fiscal Year 2021 Homeland Security spending bill requiring the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to conduct an analysis of language access programs within DHS, helping ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely.\n \nEnsuring Arizona Veterans Receive the Care and Benefits They've Earned:\n \n\tSinema secured $10.3 billion for mental health programs for veterans, including $1.9 billion for suicide prevention and treatment programs.\n\tSinema secured $32 million for Child Development Centers for Arizona veterans.\n\tSinema secured language supporting her Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support legislation.\n\t\n\t\tSpecifically, Sinema ensured cross-collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Labor and partnership with community non-profit programs, including faith-based programs, that provide wraparound employment and counseling services to veterans and their families, including high-risk veterans, to ensure they have a successful transition to civilian life. Sinema secured language ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs provides an update on these efforts to Congress.\n\t\n\t\n\tSinema secured $300 million for the VA Office of Rural Health and Rural Health Initiative, helping ensure veterans across rural Arizona have access to health services.\n \nSupporting Arizona's Military Community:\n \n\tSinema secured resources for Arizona's military community including:\n\t\n\t\t$37.5 million for Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems used at Fort Huachuca. The resources secured will help Army units conduct advanced intelligence collection and electronic warfare.\n\t\t$850 million for KC-135 tanker aircraft. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a proven and crucial airframe for aerial refueling used by the Arizona National Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing located at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. Their mission is important to support training at Luke AFB, DM AFB, MCAS Yuma, and other units across the Southwestern United States.\n\t\t$950 million for Crashworthy, Ballistically Tolerant Fuel Systems, ensuring Arizona servicemembers' aircrafts are safe and secure.\n\t\tFunding for the remanufacture of the AH-64E, which is the most up-to-date model of the Army's Apache attack helicopter.\n\t\n\t\n\tSinema secured nearly $65 million for Yuma Proving Ground including:\n\t\n\t\t$14 million for military construction of a Ready Building the Military Free Fall School at Yuma Proving Ground. The Ready Building will consist of twelve 20-person sleeping bays, multi-purpose/dining area, day rooms, latrines, locker rooms and showers, laundry room, reception area, student luggage storage room, covered training area, and building support space. It will provide permanent facilities and infrastructure for living and sleeping areas for an average daily load of 202 students attending the Military Free Fall School at Yuma Proving Ground.\n\t\t$49.5 million for military construction of a Special Operations Forces Hangar at Yuma Proving Ground.\n\t\n\t\n\tSinema secured $18.1 million in military construction for a Tucson National Guard Readiness Center. The construction of a 86,759 square foot National Guard Readiness Center will support training, administrative, and logistical requirements for the Arizona Air National Guard. This facility will be built on state land and designed to meet mission requirements for the 222 Transportation Company.\n\tSinema secured $33.7 million for military construction on the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Laboratory Building at Fort Huachuca, which will consolidate the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JTIC) operations, which are currently located in temporary trailers, into a modern facility at Fort Huachuca. JITC testbed facility will provide global testing capabilities, which extends to the entire spectrum of DoD, Federal government, private industry, and allies in support of commands and control, intelligence and defense reform initiative.\n\tSinema secured $318 million in funding for the SM-3 II-A missile program, which will allow production of the most advanced U.S. missile defense interceptor to continue at Tucson's Raytheon Technologies.\n \nMaking Health Care More Accessible and Affordable for Arizona Families:\n \n\tThe bill includes a total of $7.9 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen public health efforts and infectious diseases (including coronavirus and influenza). Sinema secured $695 million for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program, which invests in Arizona to ensure state and local health departments have the resources to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.\n\tSinema supported $2.8 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to support vaccine development, influenza preparedness, and to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile.\n\tThe bill includes $7.5 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration, which supports $1.7 billion for community health centers and $975 million to improve maternal and child health programs.\n\tSinema supported $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health, and more than $3 billion to support Alzheimer's and related dementia research. Sinema also supported additional medical research on diseases of significant impact to service members and their families, including $150 million for breast cancer research, $175 million for traumatic brain injury, $115 for overall cancer research, and $110 million for prostate cancer research.\n\tSinema supported $2.3 billion for programs supporting older Americans for nutrition and family caregiver programs, home and community-based services, and strategies to help older Americans and people with disabilities live independently in their communities.\n \nCreating Opportunities for Arizonans:\n \n\tSinema secured reforms that simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), reducing the burdensome, 108-question form to just 36 questions. These commonsense changes make it easier for Arizona students and families to apply for federal financial aid and access the benefits and opportunities they deserve.\n\tSinema delivered $7 million in funding for the Open Textbook Pilot, a program to reduce textbook costs for Arizona students by promoting the use of free textbooks and open educational resources. Arizona State University is a pilot participant. Lowering textbook costs eases financial burdens on Arizona students and their families.\n\tSinema secured $1.5 billion in Impact Aid funding, ensuring Arizona schools on federal, military, and tribal lands are equipped to provide Arizona students with a quality education. Arizona is the second largest Impact Aid recipient in the country, serving 76 Arizona public district and charter schools with 34,131 students who live on Native American or federal lands, whose parents serve in the military or work on federal lands, or who live in low-rent housing.\n\tSinema secured $10.7 billion to help Head Start programs continue providing Arizonans high-quality early childhood education.\n\tSinema secured $29 million for the Ready-To-Learn Television program, helping increase Arizona student academic achievement through the development and distribution of educational video programming for preschool and elementary school children and their parents, caregivers, and teachers.\n\tSinema secured $450 million in Charter School Grants.\n\tSinema secured $1 billion in funding for the TRIO program, providing additional academic support to Arizona high school students, college students, and veterans.\n\tSinema secured $855 million for affordable housing for Arizona seniors.\n\tSinema secured $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, which provided $160 million to Arizona communities in 2020.\n\tSinema secured $1.35 billion for affordable housing for Arizonans through the HOME Investment Partnership Program.\n\tSinema secured $114 billion in food assistance, $25 billion for child nutrition programs, $325 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to support seniors, and $6 billion for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.\n\tSinema secured $3.75 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help Arizona families pay their electric bills.\n \nEnsuring Resources for Tribal Communities in Arizona:\n \n\tSecured funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities, supporting Dine College, San Carlos Apache College, and Tohono O'odham Community College in Arizona.\n\tEnsured the Bureau of Indian Affairs will fully explain its plans to replace tribal public safety and justice facilities for the Hopi Tribe, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe.\n\tSinema helped eliminate the funding cap on the amount that Indian Health Services can spend to demolish health care facilities, ensuring the San Carlos Apache Tribe can demolish an old IHS building on tribal land.\n\tSinema secured $4 million for the EPA to continue cleaning up the Animas River following the Gold King Mine Spill, which affected Navajo Nation communities in Arizona.\n\tSinema secured the requirement that DHS must develop a training program for staff who interact with tribal members and governments.\n\tSinema secured funding for Indian Health Services to assist in addressing the lack of running water for many communities on tribal reservations.\n \nExpanding Arizona's Space and Aviation Research and Innovation:\n \n\tSinema secured full funding for the University of Arizona's Near Earth Object Surveillance Mission, which will bring millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs to southern Arizona, and further solidifies Arizona as one of the leading centers for space research in the country.\n\tSinema secured full funding for Arizona State University's Psyche Mission, which will build and launch a probe to Psyche, a giant metal asteroid in the asteroid belt. This is the first NASA Discovery class mission fully led by a University, and helps solidify ASU's leading role in space innovation.\n\tSinema secured $172.8 million for the FAA Contract Tower Program, which will help ensure flight path safety for Arizona's seven Contract Towers.\n\tSinema secured $5 million in Aviation Workforce Development Programs, ensuring the aviation industry is staffed with qualified aviation personnel.\n\tSinema secured $40 million for the FAA's NEXCOM program, which improves flight safety by improving Air Traffic Control radio technology.\n \nSecuring Arizona's Water and Energy Future:\n \n\tSinema ensured the Bureau of Reclamation can transfer up to $5.5 million to the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund, funding a number of water projects and tribal settlements in Arizona.\n\tSinema secured $30 million for infrastructure projects in areas with prolonged drought, including well construction projects authorized by the Drought Contingency Plan.\n\tSinema ensured the Army Corps will prioritize funding for projects removing non-native salt cedars and replacing them with native plants, helping strengthen Arizona's water supply.\n\tSinema secured flood mitigation measures along Tonto Creek, the Lower Santa Cruz River, and the Little Colorado River.\n\tSinema secured continued support from the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the Rio de Flag project. \n\tSinema secured the inclusion of her Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Actlegislation that settles the Navajo Nation's water claim in Utah.\n\tSinema secured inclusion of Arizona and $150 million annually for Arizona in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program for rural water projects.\n\tSinema secured a mechanism and funding for Yuma water users to improve water infrastructure to create jobs and support the agriculture economy. \n\tSinema secured language allowing SRP to pay the Army Corps to improve the manual for Roosevelt Dam and save more water for cities in the Phoenix area.\n\tSinema secured her Solar Energy Research and Development Act, which renews and modernizes the Solar Energy Technology Program, increasing resources to Arizona's government, universities, and companies to help develop solar technology. The bill improves Arizona's competitiveness in solar manufacturing and deployment. Arizona ranks third in the nation in solar energy production, and is expected to add another 2,769 million watts of solar energy over the next five years.\n\tSinema also secured her bipartisan Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas Act (LEADING ACT), which incentivizes research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. The LEADING Act promotes the continued use of natural gas to keep energy bills low, maintain Arizona's energy security, and protect the environment.\n\tSinema secured the passage of her bipartisan Integrated Energy Systems Act, which establishes a research and development program at the U.S. Department of Energy to analyze energy systems integration, including emission-reducing energy resources and nuclear hybrid energy systems.\n \nStrengthening Arizona's Infrastructure:\n \n\tSinema secured $49 million for the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to repair the international sewage line between Nogales, Mexico and Nogales, Arizona. The bill also included language ensuring border security needs will continue to be a key part of this initiative.\n\tSinema secured $1 billion for national infrastructure programs, including BUILD grants which help fund infrastructure projects across Arizona.\n\tSinema secured $562 million for transit infrastructure funding, helping Arizona cities improve public transit systems.\n\tSinema secured the inclusion of her Airport Infrastructure Readiness (AIR) Act to provide certainty for Arizona airports about 2021 funding levels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-coronavirus-response-package-providing-relief-arizona-advances", "Sinema-Backed Coronavirus Response Package Providing Relief for Arizona Advances", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Package includes Sinema's priorities boosting resources for Arizona hospitals and health care workers; immediate assistance for Arizona families, small businesses, and workers; investment in broadband for Arizona students\nRelief legislation was shaped by Sinema and her colleagues' bipartisan negotiations\nWASHINGTON  A coronavirus response bill supported by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema, which includes investments in Arizona's hospitals and health care workers and immediate economic assistance for Arizona families, workers, and small businesses, is advancing toward a final vote. The package was shaped in part by bipartisan negotiations by Sinema and a group of her Senate colleagues.  \n\nToday's bipartisan agreement is a necessary next step providing critical support to Arizona families, employers, and front line health workersand more must be done. As I've said for months, the only way to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save Arizona jobs is through bipartisan cooperation. I'll continue working closely with Arizona communities and my colleagues in the Senate to secure additional relief and set Arizona up for a full economic recovery, said Sinema.  \n  \nOver the past few weeks, Sinema worked around-the-clock with a group of bipartisan Senators led by Senators Joe Manchin and Susan Collins to find areas of compromise on a coronavirus relief bill, keeping pressure on Congressional leaders to reach a deal. The Senators' bipartisan proposal was an important step to break through partisan gridlock and deliver critical support to Arizonans. Sinema was also among a group of bipartisan negotiators who reached a final coronavirus relief compromise earlier this week.  \n  \nToday's coronavirus relief package includes the following priorities Sinema helped secure:  \n  \nIncreased Testing, PPE, and Vaccine Funding for Front Line Health Care Workers  \nThe bipartisan bill includes $69 billion in health funding overall for vaccines, public health, and support for health care workers, with most funds going to states and localities to prioritize local needs such as: nursing home, congregate care settings, and home based care.  \nVaccines: Nearly $20 billion is provided for the procurement of vaccines and treatments and $8.75 billion to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lead efforts to distribute, monitor, and track coronavirus vaccine efforts, including $4.5 billion in direct aid to states, localities, and tribes. This includes $300 million specifically directed to ensure coronavirus vaccines reach high-risk and underserved rural and minority communities.  \nPPE: More than $3 billion to restock the Strategic National Stockpile with personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure Arizona has the masks, gloves, gowns, and other PPE to keep front line health workers and patients safe.  \nTesting/Tracking: More than $22 billion to states is included for testing, infection tracking, and other measures to slow the spread of the virus. $2.5 billion will be included specifically to meet the needs of underserved communities.  \nMental Health and Substance Abuse: $4.5 billion will be dedicated for mental health programs and substance abuse programs, including for fighting the opioid epidemic.  \nHealth Care Providers: The package includes $9 billion in support of health providers, including $3 billion for the Provider Relief Fund, to delay harmful cuts to providers caring for vulnerable populations (including Medicare sequestration and Disproportionate Share Hospital payments), and to increase payments to physicians.  \nProtecting Arizonans from Surprise Billing: Sinema also worked with a bipartisan group of colleagues to ban surprise medical bills, and provide a pathway for providers and insurers to work out disputed payments, without putting patients in the middle. A separate provision also eliminates Medicare copays for certain colorectal cancer screenings, which mirrors a bill Sinema has supported, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. The bill also extends Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients, policy similar to the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act.  \nExtending Crucial Health Programs: Three year funding extensions for Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education, the Special Diabetes Program, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and the National Health Service Corps are included.  \nAddressing Arizona's Provider Shortages: The legislation creates 1,000 new Graduate Medical Education (GME) slots nationwide to increase the number of physicians training in the United States. Sinema has championed a similar bill, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, which increases the number of medical training positions in areas with a physician shortage. Also included are provisions to support Arizona's rural hospitals and providers, including promoting rural hospital GME opportunities to encourage new physicians to stay and practice in rural communities where they trained, and expanding access to rural health care and mental telehealth services (similar to provisions from the Sinema-backed CONNECT for Health Act).  \n  \nRenewed Support for Small businesses  \n$325 Billion for small businesses: The legislation includes $284 billion for the PPP and set asides for very small businesses, $20 billion for new EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities, $3.5 billion for SBA debt relief, $15 billion for grants for shuttered venue operators, and $2 billion for enhanced SBA lending.  \nExpanded PPP eligibility: The bill makes 501(c)(6) nonprofits, including destination marketing organizations, local newspapers, and TV and radio broadcasters eligible for the PPP.  \nSecond Draw PPP loans: The relief bill allows second draw loans for small businesses with 300 or fewer employees that suffered a decrease in revenues in any quarter of at least 25 percent.  \nExpands covered expenses: The bill includes operations, property damage, supplier costs, and worker and customer protections under covered expenses.  \nProtects deductibility of businesses expenses: The legislation instructs the IRS that small businesses can write off costs paid for with PPP loans.  \nCreates a grant program for shuttered venue operators: A new grant program will provide needed capital to live entertainment venues, performing arts centers, museums, and movie theaters forced to close or limit operations.  \nStreamlined forgiveness for Arizona's smallest businesses: The legislation limits the forgiveness application to one page for those businesses with loans up to $150,000.  \n  \nContinued Unemployment Insurance Assistance and Direct Payments to Arizona Families  \nThe bill contains $286 billion to boost Unemployment Insurance and direct payments to ensure all eligible Arizonans get needed support to pay their bills and stay in their homes.  \nUnemployment Insurance: The bill includes an extension of pandemic-related unemployment assistance, including the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUAA) program which provides UI benefits to the self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, and other part-time workers. It provides an additional $300 per week to supplement unemployment benefits, starting after December 26, 2020 and ending March 14, 2021. Both FPUC and PUA benefits will be available for a total of 50 weeks, instead of the previous maximum of 39 weeks.  \nDirect Payments: Eligible adults making up to $75,000 a year will receive a second round of stimulus payments of $600 each, couples making up to $150,000 a year will receive $1,200, and child dependents will be eligible for $600. Payments will phase out for higher incomes. Individuals with Social Security numbers in mixed status households will be newly eligible for stimulus payments, including those from the CARES Act. Importantly, the bill includes provisions similar to a bill championed by Sinema, the Automatic Cash Assistance Act to allow recipients of Social Security, railroad retirement, and veterans disability benefits to automatically receive stimulus payments.  \nOther Assistance: The package also includes $25 billion in rental assistance to help struggling Arizonans stay in their homes, $13 billion for emergency food assistance (including for food banks and senior meal programs), $10 billion to child care providers that working families depend upon, and $250 million for Head Start providers to safely serve low-income families.  \n  \nTargeted Tax Relief for Arizona Businesses and Families:  \nDeferred Payroll Taxes: The legislation ensures that federal employees and servicemembers who had their payroll taxes temporarily deferred in 2020 according to the President's executive order, will now have until December 31, 2020 to repay deferred amounts.  \nPreventing Tax Increases for brewers, distillers, and wineries: Sinema was successful in including provisions of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act to protect Arizona small business owners, including the over 90 registered breweries in the state supporting nearly 44,000 Arizona jobs.  \nInvesting in Distressed and Rural Communities: The bill includes a five year extension of the New Markets Tax Credit that Sinema supported (New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act).  \nHelping Workers Pay Back Student Loans: Includes provisions from the Sinema-backed Employer Participation in Repayment Act, to allow employers to provide student loan repayment benefits through 2025.  \nExtending Solar Credits: The legislation extends the 26 percent investment credit for solar projects that began construction by the end of 2022, and a 22 percent rate for solar projects that began construction by the end of 2023.  \nExpanding the ERTC: The relief bill extends and expands the CARES Act Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) to help more workers stay connected to the workforce and help more small businesses and nonprofits across the country.  \nTax Relief for Families: Many families faced a significant drop in income or job loss in 2020, putting at risk money they had saved for health and child care expenses, as well as certain family tax benefits. The bill includes provisions from proposals supported by Sinema, the Dependent Care Expense Relief Act and the Fair FSAs Act to allow families to roll-over remaining funds from Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Care FSAs. The bill also allows eligible families to use their 2019 reported earned income to calculate their 2020 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit in order to maximize their benefits.  \n  \nExpanded Broadband Service for Arizona Students, Telehealth, Low-Income Families, and Rural and Tribal Communities  \nIncrease Broadband Access and Affordability: The bill includes $7 billion to expand broadband access and help Arizonans stay connected.  \nHelp Low-Income Arizonans Stay Connected: The legislation includes $3.2 billion for low-income families through a $50 or $75 monthly benefit to stay connected.  \nSupports Telehealth: The relief bill stablishes a $250 million grant program at the FCC to increase capabilities for telehealth providers.  \nAddress Tribal Connectivity Challenges: The bill creates a $1 billion fund dedicated solely to address the significant challenges of connectivity for tribal communities.  \nRural Broadband Expansion: The legislation establishes a $300 million for rural broadband expansion through public/private partnerships.  \n  \nSupporting Arizona Transportation Workers and Strengthening State and Local Transportation Systems  \nFederal Investment for Transportation: The bill includes $45 billion for transportation priorities across multiple modes of transportation.  \nRehire Aviation Workforce: Extends a federal CARES Act program that will allow employers to rehire aviation workers and protect aviation jobs through at least March 31, 2021.  \nProvides Support for Struggling Transit Systems: Dedicates $14 billion to support transit priorities and continue service for transit systems with fewer riders during the pandemic.  \nAirports and Airport Businesses: The bill dedicates $2 billion to support airports and airport concessionaires struggling due to decreased passenger traffic.  \nContinues State Highway Projects: The bill directs $10 billion to support state highways projects to improve infrastructure and boost employment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-urges-watchdog-review-strengthen-arizona-schools-against-cyber-threats", "Sinema Urges Watchdog Review to Strengthen Arizona Schools Against Cyber Threats", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 21, 2020\n\n      \n            WASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema requested the Government Accountability Office to review efforts by the Departments of Education and Homeland Security to assist Arizona school districts in securing themselves from cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of security as schools have transitioned to more online schooling during the COVID pandemic. Sinema additionally requested recommendations on how to improve federal cybersecurity support for school districts.  \n  \nSecuring Arizona schools from cyber attacks protects both students and teachers during online learning, which has grown during the coronavirus pandemic, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.  \n  \nThe FBI has been issuing warnings of potential increased ransomware attacks during the pandemic. Arizona school districts have experienced ransomware attacks in the past, with the most recent in 2019 where the Flagstaff Unified School District was targeted.  \n  \nClick HERE to read Sinema's letter.\n      \n  \n    Issues", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-applauds-25-million-awarded-throughout-arizona-address-violence", "OHalleran Applauds $2.5 Million Awarded Throughout Arizona to Address Violence Against Women", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) applauded the announcement of $2.5 million in funding authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) awarded to 22 organizations throughout Arizonaincluding six organizations in Arizona's First Congressional Districtthat address sexual assault, domestic violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and dating violence.\nAs a former law enforcement officer, I have seen firsthand the uniquely heinous kind of damage domestic and sexual violence can do to survivors and families, said O'Halleran. Today, I am pleased to see much-needed funding headed to Arizona organizations that are working tirelessly to ensure survivors can access the resources, support, and protection they need. We must permanently reauthorize VAWA and continue the fight for change at every level.\nIn Arizona's First Congressional District, funding was awarded to:\n Against Abuse, Inc., Casa Grande, AZ\n\tAlice's Place, Inc., Winslow, AZ\n\tGila River Health Care, Sacaton, AZ\n\tNavajo County Attorney's Office\n\tNorth Country HealthCare, Flagstaff, AZ\n\tVictim Witness Services for Coconino County, Flagstaff, AZ\n The following organizations in Arizona were also awarded funding:\n Amberly's Place Family Advocacy Center\n\tArizona Department of Public Safety\n\tArizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council\n\tBLOOM365\n\tCity of Prescott Police Department\n\tFamily Violence Center, Arizona State University\n\tLegal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona\n\tMariposa Community Health Center\n\tNew Life Center\n\tPinal County Attorney's Office\n\tPrescott Valley Police Department\n\tPrevent Child Abuse Arizona\n\tSojourner Center\n\tSouthern Arizona AIDS Foundation\n\tSouthern Arizona Children's Advocacy Center\n\tSurprise Prosecutor's Office\n Today's funding was awarded via the Arizona STOP Violence Against Women Grant program funded by the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women, authorized by the Violence Against Women Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-exasperated-delayed-relief-and-funding-bill-disappointed-kick-can", "OHalleran Exasperated by Delayed Relief and Funding Bill, Disappointed in Kick-the-Can Continuing Resolution Process", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONTonight, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.J.Res. 107, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, funding the government at current levels through midnight on Sunday, December 20, 2020. Following the vote, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement:\nThis is ridiculous; leadership of both Houses and both parties have promised the introduction of a bipartisan funding measure and a new deal on COVID-19 aid by tonight's deadline. As I've said before, this kick-the-can process of funding the greatest nation on earth by days and weeks is completely unacceptable, keeping our military, federal agencies, and health centers hamstrung from planning for our country's future. While I am voting in favor of this measure tonight to ensure hardworking Arizonans aren't forced to face another disastrous government shutdown just before the holidays, I remain exasperated by this process of partisan procrastination, with Americans left in the dark. We must stay here, work, debate, and compromise until we have a deal for suffering families, hospitals, businesses, seniors, and students.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/rural-arizona-leaders-praise-stanton-s-leadership-deliver-federal-resources", "Rural Arizona Leaders Praise Stanton\u2019s Leadership to Deliver Federal Resources for Critical Water Infrastructure", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Ahead of Congress\u2019s final consideration of the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Rep. Greg Stanton hosted a roundtable with local leaders and other stakeholders to discuss the bill\u2019s impact in Arizona communities. The bill unanimously passed the House of Representatives last week and included several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Stanton.\n\nWRDA will invest in critical Arizona infrastructure through projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The final package included $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program, a provision based on Stanton\u2019s Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act.\n\n\u201cOur small rural and tribal communities across Arizona often lack the significant financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructure,\u201d Stanton said during the virtual roundtable. \u201cMy provision in WRDA prioritizes our rural areas by providing a new federal resource for our cities, counties, tribes and rural water districts across Arizona to tap to address their critical water infrastructure needs.\u201d\n\nThe roundtable included Maricopa Mayor Christian Price; Buckeye Councilmember Clay Goodman; city officials from Prescott, Tolleson and Flagstaff; Colonel Julie Balten, commander of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and senior members of the Corps; and representatives from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Arizona Water Association, Rural Water Association of Arizona and Inter Tribal Association of Arizona.\n\n\u201cI would like to personally thank Congressman Stanton for his leadership on issues affecting the state of Arizona and, in particular, his focus on transportation and infrastructure issues,\u201d said City of Maricopa Mayor Christian Price. \u201cBecause of his leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his ability to secure a new $150 million environmental infrastructure provision in WRDA, Arizona can now qualify for these important projects. This is critical to fast-growing communities such as Maricopa where a flood plain divides our City in two as we search for creative solutions to eliminate the catastrophic and costly flooding while adding environmental and recreational amenities to our City that will attract more residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Prescott grows, we\u2019ve made maintaining our water and infrastructure a priority,\u201d said Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli. \u201cThis bill will help fund those necessary projects to improve our water systems, ensuring the city can keep up with demand and preserve our natural resources for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe city of Tolleson is profoundly grateful for Congressman Stanton's championship for Arizona\u2019s inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act,\u201d said Tolleson City Manager Reyes Medrano. \u201cThis legislation will significantly augment Tolleson's ability to continue to serve communities well beyond its municipal boundaries by taking full advantage of the economies of scale that reside in West Valley cities and towns. Congressman Stanton's efforts will enable the provision of affordable water services for all Arizonans.\u201d\n\n\u201cProviding efficient delivery of services\u2014especially water and wastewater management\u2014is one of the most important functions of local governments,\u201d said Tom Belshe, Executive Director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. \u201cBut too often, cities and towns don\u2019t have the room in their budgets to make much needed repairs to their aging water infrastructure. Federal investment is a necessity for our communities to provide the best possible customer service to their residents, and the League is grateful to Congressman Stanton for his strong leadership on this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Inter Tribal Association of Arizona (ITAA) wholeheartedly supports Congressman Greg Stanton in his effort to address water-related environmental infrastructure challenges that exist on tribal lands in Arizona through the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act,\u201d says Maria Dadgar, Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. \u201cThe pandemic has brought focus to the longstanding issue of inadequate drinking water and wastewater systems on tribal lands and the long-term investments this legislation supports will be key to addressing these challenges.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/rural-arizona-leaders-praise-stanton-s-leadership-deliver-federal-resources", "Rural Arizona Leaders Praise Stanton\u2019s Leadership to Deliver Federal Resources for Critical Water Infrastructure", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ahead of Congress's final consideration of the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Rep. Greg Stanton hosted a roundtable withlocalleadersand other stakeholders to discuss the bill's impact in Arizona communities. The billunanimously passedthe House of Representatives last week and included several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Stanton.\n\nWRDA will invest in critical Arizona infrastructure through projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The final package included $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program, a provision based on Stanton's Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act.\n\nOur small rural and tribal communities across Arizona often lack the significant financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructure,Stantonsaid during the virtual roundtable. My provision in WRDA prioritizes our rural areas by providing a new federal resource for our cities, counties, tribes and rural water districts across Arizona to tap to address their critical water infrastructure needs.\n\nThe roundtable included Maricopa Mayor Christian Price; Buckeye Councilmember Clay Goodman; city officials from Prescott, Tolleson and Flagstaff; Colonel JulieBalten, commander of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and senior members of the Corps; and representatives from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Arizona Water Association, Rural Water Association of Arizona and Inter Tribal Association of Arizona.\n\nI would like to personally thank Congressman Stanton for his leadership on issues affecting the state of Arizona and, in particular, his focus on transportation and infrastructure issues, saidCity of MaricopaMayorChristian Price. Because of his leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his ability to secure a new $150 million environmental infrastructure provision in WRDA, Arizona can now qualify for these important projects. This iscritical to fast-growing communities such as Maricopa where a flood plain divides our City in two as we search for creative solutions to eliminate the catastrophic and costly flooding while adding environmental and recreational amenities to our City that will attract more residents.\n\nAsPrescottgrows, we've mademaintainingour waterandinfrastructure a priority, saidPrescottMayor GregMengarelli.This bill will help fundthose necessaryprojects to improve our water systems, ensuring the city can keep up with demand and preserve our natural resourcesfor years to come.\n\nThe city of Tolleson is profoundly grateful for Congressman Stanton's championship for Arizona's inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act, saidTolleson City ManagerReyes Medrano. This legislation will significantly augment Tolleson's ability to continue to serve communities well beyond its municipal boundaries by taking full advantage of the economies of scale that reside in West Valley cities and towns. Congressman Stanton's efforts will enable the provision of affordable water services for all Arizonans.\n\nProviding efficient delivery of servicesespecially water and wastewater managementis one of the most important functions of local governments, saidTomBelshe, Executive Director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. But too often, cities and towns don't have the room in their budgets to make much needed repairs to their aging water infrastructure. Federal investment is a necessity for our communities to provide the best possible customer service to their residents, and the League is grateful to Congressman Stanton for his strong leadership onthis bill.\n\nThe Inter Tribal Association of Arizona (ITAA) wholeheartedly supports Congressman Greg Stanton in his effort to address water-related environmental infrastructure challenges that exist on tribal lands in Arizona through the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act, saysMariaDadgar, Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. The pandemic has brought focus to the longstanding issue of inadequate drinking water and wastewater systems on tribal lands and the long-term investments this legislation supports will be key to addressingthese challenges.\n\nWaterandwastewater infrastructureis essential to keep ourwaterwaysclean and our communities healthy. During these trying times when it is critical to ensure proper treatment both in our water and wastewater this is a much-needed tool for our communities who are looking for help. Thank you for all your hard work and considerations, saidJasonJoynes,Executive Director of theRural Water Association of Arizona.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/17/icymi-rep-kirkpatrick-and-arizona-delegation-democrats-urge-state-action-on-rental-assistance-eviction-prevention/", "ICYMI: Rep. Kirkpatrick and Arizona Delegation Democrats Urge State Action on Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick and her Democratic colleagues in the Arizona delegation wrote a letter to Governor Ducey for answers on how the State is working to prevent Arizonans from losing their homes as the eviction moratorium expires.\nWhile the Representatives are working to provide assistance on the federal level, they urged Governor Ducey to ensure that the funding allocated to Arizona is being used equitably and effectively, as Congress intended. Arizona is experiencing a striking and deadly second wave of COVID-19 cases, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium expiration date is rapidly nearing. There has not been an extension of the moratorium on the state level, either.\nAccording to reports by Arizona 211, more than one-third of calls received are urgent requests related to housing, and 66% of housing calls specifically address needing rental assistance,the Representatives wrote in their letter.We are concerned that despite the evident need for additional housing and rental assistance to stave off economic disaster and unthinkable hardship for families, funding is being diverted to state agencies outside the scope of congressional intent while Arizonans struggle to maintain their homes.\nIt is critical to provide the necessary resources to Arizonans facing housing insecurity during this unprecedented public health crisis,the Representatives continued.We seek information on what additional plans the state has to help families facing eviction, landlords unable to pay mortgages, and those desperately seeking some form of relief to stay safe in their homes.\nNo one should be unhoused in the middle of a global pandemic,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.My colleagues and I receive countless calls from frightened Arizonans who are concerned about their housing situation. It's not the time to sit idly by  we need immediate and holistic action to keep people in their homes until we emerge from this crisis.\nTo read the full letter, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-calls-governor-create-more-transparent-organized-vaccination-plan", "O'Halleran Calls on Governor to Create More Transparent, Organized Vaccination Plan", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, following this week's Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, and expected EUAs of additional vaccines, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) sent a letter to Governor Doug Ducey expressing concern with the Arizona Department of Health Services' Draft COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, requesting answers about critical infrastructure that must be in place to vaccinate seven million Arizonans over the next six months.\nAs we prepare for what will undoubtedly be a complicated vaccination process, we must ensure that community health centers and other medical facilitiesmany of which have already been stretched thin by this public health crisis have the support they need to safely and rapidly vaccinate families and seniors throughout Arizona's rural, tribal, and vulnerable communities, said O'Halleran. This distribution process must be transparent and organized so that Arizonans in every corner of our state are informed and able to receive the vaccine safely, as soon as possible.\nIn the letter, O'Halleran asks the Governors' office to\n Clarify and specify the state's prioritization of who will receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly as doses are limited;\n\t\tWhen are all individuals in the 1A category expected to be vaccinated?\n\t\t\tHow will individuals in the 1B and 1C category be prioritized?\n\t\t\n\tDetail how the is state planning on working with CHCs, Rural Hospitals, and other health care providers to ensure that all Arizonans, including those in rural areas, are able to be properly vaccinated as resources allow;\n\tConfirm if additional resources necessary to build proper refrigeration facilities and train health care workers to ensure that initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are stored properly;\n\tInsist that a comprehensive public relations campaign be prepared to ensure that Arizonans are aware that the vaccine is safe and to provide broader information as to when members of the public will be able to receive the vaccine; and\n\tDetail how the state is planning on coordinating with tribal and rural health officials to ensure hard-to-reach populations can be vaccinated.\n View O'Halleran's full letter, HERE.\nToday's correspondence follows two unanswered letters sent to Governor Ducey requesting regular member and staff meetings throughout the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-gallego-mullin-bill-boost-resources-urban-indian-health", "House Passes Gallego, Mullin Bill to Boost Resources for Urban Indian Health Organizations", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, H.R. 6535, the Coverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Act introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), passed the House by voice vote. H.R. 6535 would expand Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage to urban Indian health organizations, creating parity within the Indian Health System and giving urban programs a desperately needed boost in resources as they suffer shortages, closures, and financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.\nThe Indian Health System, commonly referred to as the ITU system, is made up of the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal health programs, and urban Indian organizations (UIOs). UIOs provide culturally competent care for the over 70 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives who live in urban centers. Despite this, UIOs are the only branch of the ITU system not currently eligible for coverage under FTCA. As a result, these frontline health programs spend up to $250,000 annually on liability policies  funds that could otherwise be spent directly on patient care.\nThe Coverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Act not only undoes the unfair and impractical disparate treatment of urban Indian organizations under FTCA, but it provides a much-needed infusion of resources to these programs, including Native Heath in my District, that are on the front lines of this pandemic. said Rep. Gallego, Chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples. We cannot afford to leave urban Indians without access to care during and beyond this public health crisis. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support of this bill and I call on the Senate to send it to the President's desk immediately.\nUrban Indian Health Centers play a critical role in providing health care to Native Americans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mullin said. Our bill ensures they are covered by the FTCA so they won't have to use their limited resources to cover costly liability lawsuits. I want to thank Congressman Gallego and Senators Lankford and Smith for working with me on this bipartisan legislation that will improve health care for Native Americans.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-sends-veterans-package-including-gallego-bill-president-s-desk", "House Sends Veterans Package Including Gallego Bill to Presidents Desk", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, the House passed by voice vote a comprehensive veterans' legislative package, H.R. 7105, that included Rep. Gallego's bill H.R. 4908, Native American VeteranParity in Access to Care Today (PACT) Act. The package also includes provisions supported by Congressman Gallego to assist homeless veterans, improve women's access to the VA, enhance benefits to veterans and their families, and help student veterans who've been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.\nH.R. 4908 was first introduced by Rep. Gallego last year after an October 2019 hearing in which he called out the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for its unconstitutional practice of charging American Indian and Alaska Native veterans a copayment for receiving care at the VHA. The bipartisan measure would bring the VHA in line with the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations by prohibiting the VA from charging copays to Native veterans.\nAmerica's trust and treaty obligations guarantee Native Americans access to health care free of cost and, accordingly, they are not charged copays at federally-funded Indian Health Service and Tribal health facilities. Despite this, Native veterans who seek care at the VHA are currently subject to these out-of-pocket costs.\nRep. Gallego made the following statement:\nAs Chairman of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples and a veteran myself, I am deeply proud to have worked with my colleagues, Indian Country, and the VA to send this critical provision to the President's desk.\nNative Americans have fought in every American conflict since the American Revolution  over a century before they were even granted citizenship. They also serve our country at higher rates than any other demographic group. It is long past time we kept our promises to them in return for their patriotic service and ensured that Native veterans have access to the health care they are owed both as veterans and as Native Americans.\nI urge the President to sign this policy and this package into law as soon as possible.\nRep. Ruben Gallego serves as Chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples. He is a Marine Corps combat veteran.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/breaking-house-passes-o-halleran-bill-electrify-indian-country", "BREAKING: House Passes OHalleran Bill to Electrify Indian Country", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5541, the Tribal Power Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) that ensures tribal communities can access affordable, reliable energy sources.\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Markwayne Mullin (R-OK-02) and passed on voice vote.\nWhile nationwide electrification began in the 1930s, many Native American communities still lack basic access to electricityas many as 15,000 families on the Navajo Nation alone,said Rep. O'Halleran, following the voice vote.Now more than ever before, we must ensure tribal communities have the federal support they need to build out electrification operations, update and expand new energy infrastructure, and are not left behind as our energy market evolves toward renewable energy sources. I was honored to see my bill pass today with broad, bipartisan support.\nThe Tribal Power Act aids tribal energy development by:\n reauthorizing the Department of Energy's Indian Energy Education Planning and Management Assistance Program at $30 million annually from FY 2021-2025;\n\tgranting the Director of the Office of Indian Energy the authority to reduce the cost share threshold required for grants awarded under the program to 10% if a tribe meets established criteria for severe financial need; and\n\trequiring the Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the availability and reliability of electricity for those residing in tribal communities or on tribal land.\n In addition to these legislative initiatives, the Department of Energy is also required to identify barriers and provide recommendations to Congress to improve access to reliable electricity service on tribal lands.\nRural and tribal communities far too often struggle with outdated and inadequate infrastructure, and often stand to gain the most from innovative solutions and investment, continued O'Halleran. This year, as COVID-19 has hit tribes disproportionately hard, we must ensure that economic hardship is not a barrier to the electrification of Indian Country.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-statement-continuing-resolution", "OHalleran Statement on Continuing Resolution", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, following House passage of H.R. 8900, legislation funding the government through December 18, 2020 at current funding levels, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement:\nWhile I am relieved our brave servicemembers and hardworking federal employees aren't entering into another disastrous government shutdown just before the holidays, this kick-the-can approach of endless continuing resolutions is outdated and ineffective. We have a responsibility to pass a bipartisan budget that invests in the future of our country, and it must be done on time every year.\nAdditionally, too many Arizonans are entering this holiday season having lost a loved one to COVID-19; we need to get a new coronavirus aid package done for Americans, and we cannot in good conscience leave Washington without delivering for the families we were elected to represent.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rio-de-flag-tonto-creek-projects-fast-tracked-o-halleran-supported-bill", "Rio de Flag, Tonto Creek Projects Fast-tracked in OHalleran-supported Bill", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONLast night, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to pass S. 1811, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020. The comprehensive water legislation improves our water infrastructure, strengthens America's competitive edge by investing in our ports, harbors, and waterways, increases federal coordination with tribal communities, and makes updated water, wastewater, and groundwater infrastructure more affordable.\nO'Halleran fought for the legislation to include language that prioritizes two flood control projects in Arizona's First Congressional District, expediting the Rio de Flag project in Flagstaff and authorizing important studies to begin the project in Tonto Creek in Gila County.\nArizonans know that water is the lifeblood of the Southwest. Last night, I was proud to vote in favor of this bipartisan legislation that prioritizes the responsible use of, investment in, and conservation of our most precious resource, said Rep. O'Halleran. Much work is left to be done to secure safe, clean water for families across our state, combat our decades-long drought, and address the negative effects climate change has had on our communities.\nText of the legislation is available, HERE. Arizona flood control projects are listed on page 152.\nEarlier this year, O'Halleran announced $21 million in Department of Transportation grants to construct a bridge over Tonto Creek, where three children died in flood waters last spring.\nLong an advocate for prioritization of the Rio de Flag project, O'Halleran secured $52 million in funding for the initiative through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this February.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/08/rep-kirkpatrick-secures-arizona-victories-in-final-ndaa-passage/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Secures Arizona Victories in Final NDAA Passage", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Introduced Amendments for A-10 Transparency and Wildlife Protections\n(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick joined her House colleagues to pass the Conference Report on H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2021. The NDAA authorizes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021, including approximately $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). Rep. Kirkpatrick's two Arizona centric amendments were successfully included in the final passage of the bill. The bill passed the House with a 335-78 bipartisan vote, overriding the President's veto authority.\nThis year's NDAA included an impressive list of key Democratic priorities, such as creating a more inclusive and diverse military, establishing norms to counter racism and extremism, providing a pay raise for our troops, making investments in military infrastructure, improving sexual assault prevention and response programs, as well as authorizing hazard duty pay for service members in harm's way.\nThe NDAA we passed today honors our values, strengthens our security, and advances America's leadership in the world,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.Seeing all of the provisions come together, from providing more Veterans assistance to taking strides on climate change, has been an incredible experience and a meaningful one.\nAdditionally, two of Rep. Kirkpatrick's amendments made it into the final billone that would ensure greater transparency from the Air Force with the A-10 re-winging effort, and another to support the Sentinel Landscape partnership. The A-10 amendment will require a report to the congressional defense committees on the progress the service has made toward the A-10 re-winging. The Sentinel Landscape partnership at Fort Huachuca is a popular local collaboration that would protect wildlife habitat while also ensuring military readiness. Rep. Kirkpatrick's amendment would help facilitate the Sentinel Landscape partnership by making it easier for the Department of Defense to partner with other federal agencies.\nOur military installations in Southern Arizona are a critical part of our state's economy and our national security,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.I am proud that both of my amendments made their way through the House and Senate and will now reach the President's desk for his signature. Our amendments are focused on transparency and collaboration, and I look forward to continuing that work and delivering more victories to our home state.\nTo view Rep. Kirkpatrick's A-10 amendment, clickhere.\nTo view Rep. Kirkpatrick's Sentinel Landscape partnership amendment, clickhere.\nThe full conference report is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-nearly-200-million-rural-broadband-arizona", "OHalleran: Nearly $200 Million for Rural Broadband in Arizona", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that nearly $200 million in federal funding had been awarded by the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to build high-speed broadband networks in 129,445 locations throughout Arizona.\nLast year, O'Halleran sent a bipartisan letter to the FCC requesting procedures for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of the funds for rural broadband deployment to ensure networks constructed with such funds are of the highest quality and provide the speeds necessary to improve the quality of life for families throughout rural America.\nThis year, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the urgent need to address the dire inadequacy of access to quality broadband in rural communities, as families increasingly rely on the internet to work, learn, and receive health care safely, said O'Halleran. I am pleased that the FCC heeded my urgent request to connect more rural families to the high-speed internet they need, and I will continue to provide oversight of the FCC as we take important steps toward closing the digital divide in Arizona.\nA total of $195,847,668.40 in support funds were awarded through the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction to 7 bidders in Arizona to serve 129,445 locations throughout the state.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-votes-give-troops-pay-raise", "OHalleran Votes to Give Troops a Pay Raise", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to pass the bipartisan Conference Report on H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The annual legislation includes a 3% pay increase for servicemembers, authorization of funding to strengthen American ability to respond to potential COVID-19 resurgence and other infectious diseases in the future, and improvements to military family paid maternal and paternal leave, child care, and sexual assault prevention and response programs within the U.S. armed forces.\nWithin the bill are several Arizona-specific wins O'Halleran helped to secure, including:\n a Land Conveyance at Camp Navajo from the U.S. Army to the State of Arizona for\n\t\tArizona National Guard Training purposes, and\n\t\t\tdefense industrial base economic development purposes; \n\t\t\n\texpansion of contracting budget authority for the F-35 program;\n\tprotections for the A-10 Warthog aircraft and the KC-135 refueling aircraft from retirement by the Air Force or DOD, which will keep many jobs in Arizona;\n\ttheO'Halleran-cosponsored Seeding Rural Resilience Act, which will help to reduce the growing rate of suicide in rural areasparticularly farming and agricultural production communitiesacross the country.\n With the passage of today's NDAA we are ensuring our military remains the strongest in the world and giving our servicemembers amuch-deserved pay increase, said O'Halleran following the floor vote. I was pleased to see my initiatives that will cut red tape and expand economic development opportunity for Arizonans by increasing military-civilian operation coordination, and our bill to address the growing crisis of rural suicide, were also included in this year's package.\nA tailored land transfer at Flagstaff's Camp Navajo will allow for select commercial activities to take place on parts ofthe basewhile still allowing the Department of Defense to safely carry out its missions there, empowering Camp Navajo to utilize excess storage capacity to pursue economic development opportunities beneficial to boththe baseand the northern Arizona community.\nA summary of the FY2021 NDAA is available, HERE.\nI am disappointed to see my legislation to protect the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities from uranium mining and my bill to provide expanded compensation to 'downwinder' individuals who suffer from complications associated with uranium exposure was not included in our final package, continued O'Halleran. However, I will keep fighting for these important initiatives and am pleased that our annual NDAA process was completed in a bipartisan, bicameral manner, with the voices of many incorporated at the table.\nAn earlier version of the legislation included the O'Halleran-backed Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act and Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-backed-bill-spur-growth-semiconductor-manufacturing-passes-house", "Stanton-Backed Bill to Spur Growth In Semiconductor Manufacturing Passes House", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "With a strong bipartisan majority, the House today passed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included an initiative pushed by Rep. Greg Stanton that will support Arizona\u2019s growing semiconductor sector.\n\nTitle XCIX of the bill, Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America, is based on legislation co-sponsored by Stanton and a bipartisan group of nearly 30 House members. It authorizes new federal funding for semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research initiatives to strengthen American leadership in chip technology\u2014innovations critical to the future of our economy and national security.\n\n\u201cGreater Phoenix is an ideal market for high-tech and semiconductor companies\u2014and when those companies build and scale in our region, they add new, quality jobs and lift up our local economy,\u201d Stanton said. \u201cCHIPS for America creates new federal investments to support the construction of manufacturing facilities in one of our state\u2019s fastest-growing industries.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-s-arizona-focused-water-bill-included-bipartisan-infrastructure-package", "Stanton\u2019s Arizona-Focused Water Bill Included in Bipartisan Infrastructure Package That Passes House", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The House today unanimously passed the final Water Resources Development Act of 2020, which contained several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Rep. Greg Stanton \u2013 including $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program that the first-term congressman has been pushing for more than 18 months.\n\nThe new measure is based off of Stanton\u2019s bill H.R. 2206, the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act, and will help local governments better meet their infrastructure needs and protect water supplies by providing financial assistance for water-related infrastructure projects. Local projects could include water supply, storage, and treatment; surface water protection, and wastewater treatment and related facilities.\n\nThe legislation has earned widespread support from communities across the state, water associations, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.\n\n\u201cIn Arizona, water is essential to our way of life, and the Water Resources Development Act ensures we have the resources we need to invest in our desert state\u2019s future,\u201d said Stanton. \u201cI\u2019m especially proud that this bill includes an initiative that will lift small and rural communities across Arizona that lack the financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructure\u2014and help them get the resources they so desperately need.\u201d\n\nThe larger bipartisan legislation authorizes funding for water resources projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is the result of months of negotiations between the House and Senate.\n\nStanton, the only member representing Arizona on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, fought hard to include projects of significance to Arizona communities in the House-passed version as well as the final negotiated agreement. This final legislation includes several Stanton-backed projects that will make a difference in the state:\n\nDirects the Corps of Engineers to expedite completion of a report needed to continue construction of the Tres Rios ecosystem restoration project. The Tres Rios Wetlands are a part of Rio Reimagined, an ongoing green infrastructure project along the Rio Salado spearheaded by the late Sen. John McCain and Rep. Ed Pastor. Specifically, the project is designed to provide flood control protection and the use of treated effluent from a regional wastewater treatment facility to restore hydrological connectivity and sustain fish and wildlife habitat.\n\nAuthorization for construction of a flood control project for the Little Colorado River, consisting of new and reconstructed levees to protect the community of Winslow and other parts of Navajo County. The current levee system is at risk of overtopping or failing in a 100-year flood, leaving approximately 2,700 properties and 1,600 structures, including almost all of the community\u2019s critical public facilities\u2014hospitals, schools, nursing homes and utilities\u2014vulnerable. This important project significantly reduces the threat to the community and surrounding areas.\n\nDirects the Corps to expedite completion of the flood study for the Lower Santa Cruz River. The basin, which includes parts of Pinal County, the City of Maricopa, and the Gila River Indian Community, is one of the fastest growing regions in Arizona. Despite a long history of flooding in the area, no flood control projects have been constructed. Repeated flooding could result in $186 million in damages, according to Army Corps of Engineers estimations.\n\nThe package now heads to the Senate for passage before heading to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-backed-bill-spur-growth-semiconductor-manufacturing-passes-house", "Stanton-Backed Bill to Spur Growth In Semiconductor Manufacturing Passes House", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With a strong bipartisan majority, the House today passed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included an initiative pushed by Rep. Greg Stanton that will support Arizona's growing semiconductor sector.\nTitle XCIX of the bill, Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America, is based on legislation co-sponsored by Stanton and a bipartisan group of nearly 30 House members. It authorizes new federal funding for semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research initiatives to strengthen American leadership in chip technologyinnovations critical to the future of our economy and national security.\nGreater Phoenix is an ideal market for high-tech and semiconductor companiesand when those companies build and scale in our region, they add new, quality jobs and lift up our local economy, Stanton said. CHIPS for America creates new federal investments to support the construction of manufacturing facilities in one of our state's fastest-growing industries.\nEarlier this year, the global Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. announced plans to build a $12 billion advanced chip factory in Phoenix, a development that helped solidify Arizona's reputation as a high-tech leader.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-s-arizona-focused-water-bill-included-bipartisan-infrastructure-package", "Stanton\u2019s Arizona-Focused Water Bill Included in Bipartisan Infrastructure Package That Passes House", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House today unanimously passed the final Water Resources Development Act of 2020, which contained several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Rep. Greg Stanton  including $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program that the first-term congressman has been pushing for more than 18 months.\nThe new measure is based off of Stanton's bill H.R. 2206, the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act, and will help local governments better meet their infrastructure needs and protect water supplies by providing financial assistance for water-related infrastructure projects. Local projects could include water supply, storage, and treatment; surface water protection, and wastewater treatment and related facilities.\nThe legislation has earned widespread support from communities across the state, water associations, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.\nIn Arizona, water is essential to our way of life, and the Water Resources Development Act ensures we have the resources we need to invest in our desert state's future, said Stanton. I'm especially proud that this bill includes an initiative that will lift small and rural communities across Arizona that lack the financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructureand help them get the resources they so desperately need.\nThe larger bipartisan legislation authorizes funding for water resources projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is the result of months of negotiations between the House and Senate.\nStanton, the only member representing Arizona on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, fought hard to include projects of significance to Arizona communities in the House-passed version as well as the final negotiated agreement. This final legislation includes several Stanton-backed projects that will make a difference in the state:\n Directs the Corps of Engineers to expedite completion of a report needed to continue construction of the Tres Rios ecosystem restoration project. The Tres Rios Wetlands are a part of Rio Reimagined, an ongoing green infrastructure project along the Rio Salado spearheaded by the late Sen. John McCain and Rep. Ed Pastor. Specifically, the project is designed to provide flood control protection and the use of treated effluent from a regional wastewater treatment facility to restore hydrological connectivity and sustain fish and wildlife habitat.\n\tAuthorization for construction of a flood control project for the Little Colorado River, consisting of new and reconstructed levees to protect the community of Winslow and other parts of Navajo County. The current levee system is at risk of overtopping or failing in a 100-year flood, leaving approximately 2,700 properties and 1,600 structures, including almost all of the community's critical public facilitieshospitals, schools, nursing homes and utilitiesvulnerable. This important project significantly reduces the threat to the community and surrounding areas.\n\tDirects the Corps to expedite completion of the flood study for the Lower Santa Cruz River. The basin, which includes parts of Pinal County, the City of Maricopa, and the Gila River Indian Community, is one of the fastest growing regions in Arizona. Despite a long history of flooding in the area, no flood control projects have been constructed. Repeated flooding could result in $186 million in damages, according to Army Corps of Engineers estimations.\n The package now heads to the Senate for passage before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law.\nFull text of the conferenced bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-mask-denying-governors-can-t-be-trusted-future-federal-covid-relief", "Stanton: Mask-Denying Governors Can\u2019t Be Trusted With Future Federal COVID Relief Funds", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Bad-actor states and cities that refuse to enact mask mandates to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 should not receive money from Congress in future relief legislation, Rep. Greg Stanton said today.\n\nOne of the most effective ways for local governments to control the spread of the virus is to require residents to wear masks in public places. Research and public health data show communities with mask mandates saw drops in their transmission rates and COVID-19 cases.\n\nBut because some local leaders \u2013 including Arizona\u2019s governor \u2013 have refused to acknowledge and embrace the most basic science and enact statewide mask mandates, Congress must provide an economic incentive so that more states will adopt common-sense policies, Stanton said.\n\n\u201cSome officials have made this pandemic worse by refusing to accept basic science, and their increasingly poor decision-making is killing people, overwhelming hospitals, costing jobs, and will soon put more people on the streets,\u201d said Stanton. \u201cThey\u2019ve used federal funds to bail out their own budgets rather than invest in the testing, contact tracing, unemployment support and rental assistance our economy needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress has a responsibility to put resources in the hands of those who are taking this crisis seriously and these bad actors can\u2019t be trusted,\u201d Stanton said.\n\nWhen Arizona\u2019s cases spiked 151 percent in June, Stanton released a five-step plan to control the virus\u2019 spread and was the first federal official to call for a statewide mask mandate.\n\nFollowing Stanton\u2019s call to action and pressure from local leaders that followed his call, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order that rescinded his preemption of cities to implement local health measures, and allowed them to enact mask mandates. Cases then dropped 75 percent across the state over the next few weeks.\n\nAn October report authored by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and members of the Arizona Department of Health Services, including director Dr. Cara Christ, found that mask mandates were effective in controlling and decreasing the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona.\n\nResearchers found similar results in 15 other states and Washington D.C., and as cases rose across the country in late October, 11 of the 15 states with the highest case totals that month did not have a mask mandate in place. Three of those states have since enacted mask mandates.\n\nBut as the nation experiences a second wave of COVID cases, Ducey has held steadfast in refusing to adopt the science-backed measure. There is a significant lack of testing and contact tracing resources in Arizona, and positivity rates have climbed to alarming numbers.\n\nIn Arizona, counties and localities that introduced mask mandates have recorded lower case totals and infection rates than those that did not.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-mask-denying-governors-can-t-be-trusted-future-federal-covid-relief", "Stanton: Mask-Denying Governors Can\u2019t Be Trusted With Future Federal COVID Relief Funds", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bad-actor states and cities that refuse to enact mask mandates to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 should not receive money from Congress in future relief legislation, Rep. Greg Stanton said today.\nOne of the most effective ways for local governments to control the spread of the virus is to require residents to wear masks in public places. Research and public health data show communitieswith mask mandates saw drops in their transmission rates and COVID-19 cases. \nBut because some local leaders  including Arizona's governor  have refused to acknowledge and embrace the most basic science and enact statewide mask mandates, Congress must provide an economic incentive so that more states will adopt common-sense policies, Stanton said.\nSome officials have made this pandemic worse by refusing to accept basic science, and their increasingly poor decision-making is killing people, overwhelming hospitals, costing jobs, and will soon put more people on the streets, said Stanton. They've used federal funds to bail out their own budgets rather than invest in the testing, contact tracing, unemployment support and rental assistance our economy needs.\nCongress has a responsibility to put resources in the hands of those who are taking this crisis seriously and these bad actors can't be trusted, Stanton said.\nWhen Arizona's cases spiked 151 percent in June, Stantonreleased a five-step plan to control the virus' spread and was the first federal official to call for a statewide mask mandate.\nFollowing Stanton's call to action andpressure from local leaders that followed his call, Arizona Gov. DougDuceyissued an executive order that rescinded his preemption of cities to implement local health measures, and allowed them to enact mask mandates. Cases then dropped 75 percent across the state over the next few weeks.\nAn October reportauthored by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and members of the Arizona Department of Health Services, including director Dr. Cara Christ, found that mask mandates were effective in controlling and decreasing the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona.\nResearchersfound similar resultsin 15 other states and Washington D.C., and as cases rose across the country in late October,11 of the 15 states with the highest case totals that month did not have a mask mandate in place. Three of those states have since enacted mask mandates.\nBut as the nation experiences a second wave of COVID cases,Duceyhas held steadfast in refusing to adopt the science-backed measure. There is a significant lack of testing and contact tracing resources in Arizona, and positivity rates have climbed to alarming numbers.\nIn Arizona, counties and localities that introduced mask mandates have recorded lower case totals and infection rates than those that didnot.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/south-central-light-rail-granted-530-million-federal-funds-complete", "South Central Light Rail Granted $530 Million in Federal Funds to Complete Construction", "2020-12-05", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to provide nearly $530 million through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program to fund the design and construction of Phoenix\u2019s South Central Light Rail Extension. Rep. Greg Stanton long advocated for support for the project during his time as Phoenix mayor and continued to fight for federal funds as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. \u201cThis critical federal investment will secure light rail\u2019s future in South Phoenix,\u201d said Stanton. \u201cYears of work and advocacy have made this massive infrastructure project possible. And when it\u2019s complete, light rail will be a new connection to South Phoenix that opens new economic opportunities.\u201d Stanton advocated for federal funding for the project as well as increased resources for the CIG program. In July, Congressman Stanton supported the fiscal year 2021 Transportation Appropriations bill that provides $2.175 billion for the CIG program. The Federal Transit Administration within the Department of Transportation submitted a 30-day Congressional notice of their intent to award a Full Funding Grant Agreement on Friday. This is the final step before the agreement is signed and funds are transferred to the City of Phoenix. \u201cIt is thrilling to see this grant agreement, which comes at a time when investment could not be more important, said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. \u201cThank you to our federal partners including our Arizona Senators and Representatives Stanton and Gallego for this important investment.\u201d The balance of funds needed to fully complete the light rail extension\u2014about $815 million\u2014will come from several federal and local sources: the Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Block Grants, City of Phoenix Proposition 104 sales tax revenues, and Maricopa County Proposition 400 Public Transportation Excise Tax revenues.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/south-central-light-rail-granted-530-million-federal-funds-complete", "South Central Light Rail Granted $530 Million in Federal Funds to Complete Construction", "2020-12-05", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to provide nearly $530 million through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program to fund the design and construction of Phoenix's South Central Light Rail Extension. Rep. Greg Stanton long advocated for support for the project during his time as Phoenix mayor and continued to fight for federal funds as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. \nThis critical federal investment will secure light rail's future in South Phoenix, said Stanton. Years of work and advocacy have made this massive infrastructure project possible. And when it's complete, light rail will be a new connection to South Phoenix that opens new economic opportunities. \nStanton advocated for federal funding for the project as well as increased resources for the CIG program.  In July, Congressman Stanton supported the fiscal year 2021 Transportation Appropriations bill that provides $2.175 billion for the CIG program. \nThe Federal Transit Administration within the Department of Transportation submitted a 30-day Congressional notice of their intent to award a Full Funding Grant Agreement on Friday. This is the final step before the agreement is signed and funds are transferred to the City of Phoenix. \nIt is thrilling to see this grant agreement, which comes at a time when investment could not be more important, said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. Thank you to our federal partners including our Arizona Senators and Representatives Stanton and Gallego for this important investment.\nThe balance of funds needed to fully complete the light rail extensionabout $815 millionwill come from several federal and local sources: the Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Block Grants, City of Phoenix Proposition 104 sales tax revenues, and Maricopa County Proposition 400 Public Transportation Excise Tax revenues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-urges-bipartisan-bicameral-compromise-covid-19-relief", "OHalleran Urges Bipartisan, Bicameral Compromise on COVID-19 Relief", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) joined his colleagues in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats focused on finding common ground on our nation's toughest challenges, at a press conference to present their $908 billion, four-month, COVID-19 emergency relief framework.\nFollowing the event, O'Halleran released the following statement:\nThis year, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended American life. Tens of millions are unemployed, beloved mom-and-pop businesses have closed their doors for good, and we've lost over 270,000 mothers, grandfathers, friends, and neighbors. Today, over 13 million individuals in the U.S. have tested positive for this virus, and our hospitals are reaching a breaking point yet again.\nThis is long overdue; both housesof Congress are at the table to debate and discuss much-needed coronavirus aid, but this is only a starting point. Much more needs to be done to address this deadly pandemic in the coming months and I stand ready and willing to work with anyone to secure results for Arizona families. As I said at today's press conference, we cannot leave until we get this done.\nA breakdown of the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found HERE.\nThe Framework was introduced in the Senate by a bipartisan groupSenators Joe Manchin (WV), Susan Collins (ME), Mark Warner (VA), Bill Cassidy (LA), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Angus King (ME), Mitt Romney (UT), and Maggie Hassan (NH).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/03/rep-kirkpatrick-fights-for-land-ports-of-entry-funding-in-final-fy2021-funding-bill/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Fights for Land Ports of Entry Funding in Final FY2021 Funding Bill", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Emphasizes urgent need for modernization of Arizona LPOEs\n(Washington, DC)  Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick and her colleagues sent a letter to House and Senate leadership emphasizing the need to include $2.8 billion for land ports of entry (LPOE) modernization in the FY2021 appropriations funding bill.\nIn July, Rep. Kirkpatrick was successful in securing funding for Land Ports of Entry projects within the 2021 budget, which passed the House in the summer and made its way to budget negotiations in the Senate.\nI have toured our Southern Arizona ports  it is clear they are no longer suitable for the high volume of traffic that flows through them every day,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.Between commercial trade, cross-border tourism and economic activity, and CBP monitoring, it is clear we desperately need modernized ports, especially in Douglas. Securing the funding needed to modernize Arizona's land ports of entry has been my top priority since the start of the appropriations process, and I will continue fighting until we see it through.\nLPOEs are critical to national security and local economies,expressed the Representatives. The vast majority of trade with Mexico and Canada  two of the nation's three largest trading partners  flows through LPOEs, which facilitate vital economic activity while providing Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) the facilities and tools necessary to regulate flow in and out of our country.\nMany LPOEs have aged and are no longer suitable to process the volume of traffic that flows through them every day. Three of the fifteen LPOEs on the Financial Services and General Government's priority list are in Arizona: the San Luis Port of Entry and the commercial and non-commercial ports in Douglas.\nI was able to make strides in committee and get the funding passed in the House budget  but now it's time to carry out the mission through the end. I am fighting tooth and nail to get the funding LPOEs need all the way through and included in the final FY2021 budget,explained Rep Kirkpatrick.\nWhile we are aware of budget limitations, we believe that modernizing LPOEs should be a top priority,the Representatives wrote in their letter.With modernized LPOEs, we will increase economic activity and development while enhancing border and national security. As such, we respectfully request that you work to include the House-passed language for LPOEs and support funding of $2.8 billion for this activity in the FY 2021 omnibus appropriations bill.\nRead the full text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/over-5-million-headed-arizona-community-health-centers", "Over $5 Million Headed to Arizona Community Health Centers", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had awarded over $5 million in new grants to community health centers (CHCs) in Arizona's First Congressional District.\nThis year, Arizona community health centers have been stretched thin as they work to provide hundreds of thousands of Arizonans with the critical care and resources they need during this public health crisis, said O'Halleran. Now, more than ever before, we must ensure that CHCs have the funding and support they need to continue to serve Arizona families and to support the doctors, nurses, and staff working tirelessly on the frontlines of this pandemic.\nA grant of $2,154,131 was awarded to Marana Health Center in Marana and a grant of $3,289,877 was awarded to North Country Healthcare in Flagstaff through the HHS Health Center Cluster grant program.\nLast year, O'Halleran re-introduced legislation to ensure community health centers across the nation are fully funded.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-announces-over-1-million-tribal-head-start-programs-az-01", "OHalleran Announces Over $1 Million for Tribal Head Start Programs in AZ-01", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had awarded a grant of over $1 million to support Head Start programs for the White Mountain Apache Tribe.\nLast year, Head Start and Early Head Start programs provided essential support and services for over 19,000 families in Arizona, said O'Halleran. This year, as we work to address COVID-19, we must honor tribal sovereignty and ensure Native Nations are empowered to make the right decisions for education in their individual communities. I am working to make sure Head Start programs have the funding they need to continue to serve struggling families and kids during this pandemic.\nA grant of $1,171,091 was awarded to the White Mountain Apache Tribe to support the development and expansion of the tribe's Head Start programs.\nThis year, O'Halleran joined a group of colleagues on aletter to Congressional leadership to urge full funding for Head Start programs as child care providers adapt to COVID-19 and work to continue serving vulnerable families.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/01/rep-kirkpatrick-voices-support-for-tucson-mayor-regina-romeros-curfew-request-to-curb-the-spread-of-covid-19/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Voices Support for Tucson Mayor Regina Romeros Curfew Request to Curb the Spread of COVID-19", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cites need to take vigorous action against the alarming rate of spread in Southern Arizona\n(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Representative Kirkpatrick released the following statement in support of Tucson Mayor Romero's request for the establishment of a mandatory curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19.\nI stand in solidarity with Mayor Romero's decision to request a nightly curfew to help stop the spread of this deadly virus, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. In a time of crisis, we need to rely and base decisions on facts. The truth of the matter is that COVID-19 is spreading at an increasingly alarming rate throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona, and something must be done.\nThere are now 40,000 reported cases in Tucson and there have been 700 deaths. The city has witnessed a record number of cases per day, and hospitals could reach their capacities this week. The Mayor's requested curfew would start at 8 p.m. beginning Tuesday, December 1 and would be in place through December 22. It would prohibit all persons from being present on any public street or in any public place, with exceptions for law enforcement, emergency and medical personnel, people performing essential functions, and unhoused people.\nWe are at an inflection point, and our actions today will determine what happens in the next three weeks, announced Mayor Romero. My colleagues on the council and I are asking each and every Tucsonan to do their part to slow the spread, especially for our family and friends working in our hospitals. We need statewide action, and I strongly urge Governor Ducey to act swiftly to protect the health of Arizonans.\nMayor Romero has shown strong leadership throughout the entirety of the pandemic, and as a result, she has been more successful in slowing the spread than the Governor has at the state level, added Rep. Kirkpatrick. \nWe've seen the data. Masks work. Social distancing works. Small measures advised to us by health experts go a long way in stopping the spread of this disease. The Mayor's suggested curfew will have positive and critical long-term effects on our community, and I hope that City Council will approve this measure for the benefit of all Tucsonans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/ohalleran-co-sponsors-bill-benefit-electric-car-industry", "O'Halleran co-sponsors bill to benefit electric car industry", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  As Lucid Motors gets closer to rolling out new vehicles at its electric auto manufacturing plant in Casa Grande, U.S. Rep. Tom O'Halleran is co-sponsoring legislation that would fund more vehicle charging stations.\nThis week O'Halleran, D-Ariz., and Rep. Michael C. Burgess, D-Texas, introduced HR 8807, the Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act. The bill would create a $10 million grant program to assist localities and electric utilities to identify the locations for electric vehicle charging stations in their communities.\nAccording to a press release, O'Halleran and Burgess' legislation would assist communities in saving money on transportation costs, reducing environmental impacts from tailpipe emissions and gaining access to new, cutting edge transportation technology by providing consumers and developers better, data-driven, more publicly accessible information, allowing them to make the best planning and investment decisions for their individual needs, and creating new, American manufacturing jobs in the process.\nAs our transportation sector evolves  with several automated car manufacturing facilities already contributing to the economy of our growing state  we must ensure that long-overlooked areas and rural districts like Arizona's First are not left behind, said O'Halleran. Our bill ensures that both communities and the private sector can identify priority areas to make the best investments in the EV industry. This growing market is taking action to lower emissions and combat climate change while bolstering our transportation economy and opening up new, good-paying jobs for Arizonans. It's a win-win-win.\nThe legislation has received the support of industry experts as well as energy and climate nonprofits.\nElectric vehicles, EVs, hold immense promise for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, but concern about the ability to recharge an EV when needed is currently an obstacle to their widespread adoption, said Heather Reams, executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.\nThe Lucid Motors factory is North America's first purpose-built all-EV manufacturing facility. As completion is expected to finish up this year, the production line includes equipment from suppliers in the United States, Germany, South Korea, Mexico and Japan. The plant could end up employing up to 2,000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-burgess-introduce-bill-create-jobs-electric-vehicle-market", "OHalleran, Burgess Introduce Bill to Create Jobs in Electric Vehicle Market", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) and Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) introduced H.R. 8807, the Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act (EV MAP Act). The bill would create a $10 million grant program to assist localities and electric utilities to identify the locations for electric vehicle charging stations in their communities.\nO'Halleran and Burgess' legislation will assist communities in saving money on transportation costs, reducing environmental impacts from tailpipe emissions, and gaining access to new, cutting edge transportation technology by providing consumers and developers better, data-driven, more publicly accessible information, allowing them to make the best planning and investment decisions for their individual needs, and creating new, American manufacturing jobs in the process.\nView text of the bill, HERE.\nAs our transportation sector evolveswith several automated car manufacturing facilities already contributing to the economy of our growing statewe must ensure that long-overlooked areas and rural districts like Arizona's First are not left behind, said O'Halleran. Our bill ensures that both communities and the private sector can identify priority areas to make the best investments in the EV industry. This growing market is taking action to lower emissions and combat climate change while bolstering our transportation economy and opening up new, good-paying jobs for Arizonans. It's a win-win-win.\nElectric vehicles are a growing part of our nation's auto fleet in the 21stcentury, said Burgess. Several auto manufacturers are already expanding their electric vehicle product lines. These innovative vehicles hold the promise to create many new manufacturing jobs here in the United States and answer consumer demands for lower overall energy costs while reducing auto emissions. The EV MAP Act addresses one of the most pressing issues EV owners have  range anxiety. This small investment will provide more accessible information for EV owners and infrastructure developers to make better decisions within a free market, without massive taxpayer spending or heavy-handed federal mandates.\nThe legislation has received the support of industry experts as well as energy and climate non-profits:\nJim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association: \"Electric cooperatives are investing in electric vehicle infrastructure to meet the evolving expectations of their consumer-members andcommunities. One potential challengeto broad rural consumer adoption of EVs is a clear understanding ofwhen and where public charging stations will be needed. This legislation will helpalleviatethat obstacle to EV deployment and helpelectric cooperativesmake informed investments in charging infrastructure.We applaud Reps. O'Halleran and Burgess for their leadership in advancing this critical technology.\nElgie Holstein, Senior Director for Strategic Planning, Environmental Defense Fund: The bipartisan Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act (EV MAP) is an important step toward a clean and dependable transportation system. Identifying and mapping the needs of electric vehicle owners and other stakeholders will be important in order to build out a national network of charging and related infrastructure that can adequately support growing numbers of clean vehicles.In addition to research, we will also need substantial investment as we move towards the goal of a clean transportation system that benefits our economy, reduces climate pollution and helps foster healthier communities. Representatives Tom O'Halleran and Michael Burgess, M.D. deserve credit for their effort to build support for these smart, pro-jobs policies.\nHeather Reams, Executive Director, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions: Electric vehicles, EVs, hold immense promise for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, but concern about the ability to recharge an EV when needed is currently an obstacle to their widespread adoption. America should pursue policies that support the expansion of this technology according to free-market principles, and the grant program envisioned under the Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act (EV MAP Act) is one such piece of commonsense legislation. The EV MAP Act would support a data-driven analysis of where electric vehicle charging stations should be located based on where they will be most needed and most useful. This will empower investors and private sector companies to confidently build out this infrastructure in an informed manner and open up more transportation choices for all Americans without adding to the taxpayer's burden.\nBrian Wolff, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and External Affairs at the Edison Electric Institute:\"EEI's member companiesAmerica's investor-owned electric companiesare leading a clean energy transformation by continuing to reduce carbon emissions in our sector and by helping other sectors transition to clean, efficient electric energy. Across the country, EEI's members are partnering with communities and stakeholders to support transportation electrification and the growth of the EV charging infrastructure needed for passenger vehicles, as well as fleets of every kind. We thank Congressmen Tom O'Halleran and Michael Burgess for their leadership in introducing the EV Map Act and for their efforts to ensure we have the right public policies in place to enable widespread electric transportation.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5149", "Rep. Grijalva Leads Arizona House Democratic Delegation in Demanding Answers on Delays in Unemployment Benefits to Arizonans", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva led Arizona's House Democratic delegation in a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia demanding answers on why so many Arizonans have yet to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds they are entitled to under the CARES Act in a timely manner. The lawmakers expressed concern that overblown claims of fraud and cumbersome identification requirements are monopolizing valuable staff time at state unemployment program offices and resulting in incredible delays for families desperately seeking their earned unemployment insurance benefits.\r\n\r\n\tThe letter comes at the heels of an Arizona Department of Employment Services' announcement to implement mass identification rechecks without addressing major issues with severe delays in benefits. Numerous constituents have reported upwards of five month delays in receiving a response from DES, problems accessing the helpline, unclear and nonexistent timelines in receiving benefits, and a lack of any system to resolve disputes despite submitting all requested documentation. Constituents have also reported being flagged for reasons such as identical passwords. The DES press release on the ID.Me system claimed mass fraud while citing convoluted data not necessarily identifying actual fraudulent activity.\r\n\r\n\tThe lawmakers wrote:\r\n\r\n\tWhile Arizona recently implemented a new service with ID.me that will allow applicants to access their benefits and claims in a timely manner, Arizonans continue to encounter challenges while navigating this new system. The Arizona Republic reported that, as of November 6, 2020, over 2700 regular unemployment claims had waited more than three weeks to be paid.6 Unfortunately, these delays continue to cripple local economies. If workers are unable to buy goods and services, businesses cannot hire, retain, or pay their workers. This perpetuates uncertainty in an already floundering economy.\r\n\r\n\tWe are writing to ask you for information so that our constituents may receive the benefits they are entitled to in a timely manner while still ensuring accuracy in the dispersal of those claims. By providing the data detailed above, we will know how state unemployment program offices and their staff have been held up due to the need for training on new and complicated processes.\r\n\r\n\tThe lawmakers asked for answers by December 11, 2020.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/11/stanton-calls-medicare-open-enrollment-extension-ensure-seniors-stay-covered", "Stanton Calls for Medicare Open Enrollment Extension to  Ensure Seniors Stay Covered During COVID-19 Crisis", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "To help protect seniors\u2019 access to health care coverage, Rep. Greg Stanton called for an extension to the Federal Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment Period deadline. Stanton made the request yesterday in a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma. The current deadline to enroll is December 7.\n\n\u201cAs COVID-19 cases continue to rise and in-person resources remain severely limited, Arizonans looking to enroll in Medicare face multiple barriers that hinder their ability to enroll by the current deadline\u2014potentially causing a delay in health care coverage when they need it most,\u201d Stanton writes. \u201cI strongly believe that the current Medicare Open Enrollment period should be extended to ensure that seniors, who remain one of the most vulnerable populations to this virus, have the coverage they need.\u201d\n\nDue to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, all 42 of Arizona\u2019s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) community partners in Maricopa County, which normally provide in-person assistance and counseling to seniors during Open Enrollment, are closed and unable to provide face-to-face assistance. SHIP and its community partners play a key role to bridge the technology gap for first-time enrollees and seniors.\n\nAdditionally, seniors and those assisting them have reported issues with the Medicare Plan Finder\u2019s online tool produced by CMS, in which the website displayed confusing, incomplete or inaccurate information for 9 days. In response, some states even paused enrollment as CMS worked to resolve the issue. In his letter, Stanton calls for, at minimum, a 9-day extension to account for the error.\n\nThe letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-calls-medicare-open-enrollment-extension-ensure-seniors-stay-covered", "Stanton Calls for Medicare Open Enrollment Extension to  Ensure Seniors Stay Covered During COVID-19 Crisis", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To help protect seniors' access to health care coverage, Rep. Greg Stanton called for an extension to the Federal Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment Period deadline. Stanton made the request yesterday in a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma. The current deadline to enroll is December 7. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and in-person resources remain severely limited, Arizonans looking to enroll in Medicare face multiple barriers that hinder their ability to enroll by the current deadlinepotentially causing a delay in health care coverage when they need it most, Stanton writes. I strongly believe that the current Medicare Open Enrollment period should be extended to ensure that seniors, who remain one of the most vulnerable populations to this virus, have the coverage they need. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, all 42 of Arizona's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) community partners in Maricopa County, which normally provide in-person assistance and counseling to seniors during Open Enrollment, are closed and unable to provide face-to-face assistance. SHIP and its community partners play a key role to bridge the technology gap for first-time enrollees and seniors. Additionally, seniors and those assisting them have reported issues with the Medicare Plan Finder's online tool produced by CMS, in which the website displayed confusing, incomplete or inaccurate information for 9 days. In response, some states even paused enrollment as CMS worked to resolve the issue. In his letter, Stanton calls for, at minimum, a 9-day extension to account for the error.  The letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/11/house-passes-stanton-backed-bill-provide-emergency-relief-tribal-nations-after", "House Passes Stanton-Backed Bill to Provide Emergency Relief to Tribal Nations After Inaction by Trump Administration", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bill cosponsored by Rep. Greg Stanton that will significantly help tribal nations with the financial burden of fighting COVID-19.\n\nThe FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020, H.R. 8266, eases COVID-19-related financial burdens on state, local, and tribal governments by increasing the federal cost share of FEMA assistance from 75 to 100 percent.\n\nStanton repeatedly pushed for the cost share adjustment in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and was an original cosponsor of the bill after the Trump Administration refused to take action on the issue.\n\nIn April, Stanton and more than 175 of his House colleagues urged the Trump Administration to eliminate the non-Federal cost share, noting the severity and magnitude of the crisis. Stanton also echoed Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez\u2019s request that the Administration waive the local cost share to help the Nation fight the pandemic, which the Administration had the authority to do on its own without congressional approval. Stanton\u2019s request went ignored by the White House.\n\n\u201cTribal communities, including the Navajo Nation, have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19. As cases surge to record levels across the country, the federal government has a duty to leverage the full weight of its resources to help tribal communities battle this pandemic,\u201d Stanton said. \u201cAfter months of inaction by this Administration, I\u2019m proud the House has taken this long-overdue step and I hope the Senate acts swiftly to pass this life-saving legislation.\u201d\n\nThe bill now heads to the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-stanton-backed-bill-provide-emergency-relief-tribal-nations-after", "House Passes Stanton-Backed Bill to Provide Emergency Relief to Tribal Nations After Inaction by Trump Administration", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bill cosponsored by Rep. Greg Stanton that will significantly help tribal nations with the financial burden of fighting COVID-19. \nThe FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020, H.R. 8266, eases COVID-19-related financial burdens on state, local, and tribal governments by increasing the federal cost share of FEMA assistance from 75 to 100 percent. \nStanton repeatedly pushed for the cost share adjustment in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and was an original cosponsor of the bill after the Trump Administration refused to take action on the issue.\nIn April, Stanton and more than 175 of his House colleagues urged the Trump Administration to eliminate the non-Federal cost share, noting the severity and magnitude of the crisis. Stanton also echoed Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez's request that the Administration waive the local cost share to help the Nation fight the pandemic, which the Administration had the authority to do on its own without congressional approval. Stanton's request went ignored by the White House. \nTribal communities, including the Navajo Nation, have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19. As cases surge to record levels across the country, the federal government has a duty to leverage the full weight of its resources to help tribal communities battle this pandemic, Stanton said. After months of inaction by this Administration, I'm proud the House has taken this long-overdue step and I hope the Senate acts swiftly to pass this life-saving legislation.\nThe bill now heads to the Senate. \nFull text of the bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-eager-return-washington-address-covid-19", "OHalleran Eager to Return to Washington, Address COVID-19", "2020-11-16", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEKToday, following news that the U.S. reported 150,000 new coronavirus cases, more than 67,000 people with COVID-19 were hospitalized, and nearly 13,000 in ICUs, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement:\nThe COVID-19 crisis continues to worsen, as predicted earlier this year. As a former police officer, Idedicatedmy career to working to protect and save lives. The goals of good governance are the same: serving and protecting the people we represent to the best of our abilities. This, however, isnotthe reality that Americans have endured this year.\nThis administration and Senate leadership continue to withhold passage of a new COVID aid package, leaving Arizona families, businesses, and frontline workers to rely on the benefits they received all the way back in May, many of which have run out, including some that ended before August.\nIn all, millions of Americans have been seriously impacted by the health effects of COVID-19, and, according torecent data fromthe National Institute of Health, 'up to 60% of people who contract COVID-19 will have long-term heartdamage, whether or not they experienced any symptoms.'\nThese numbers and scientific discoveries are serious. Senate leadership, though, has not taken this seriously. The Senate Majority Leader confessed he wanted to wait until after the election to look at an aid package. In other words, he played politics at the risk of Americans' lives and livelihoods.\nEarlier this year, the House passed multiple bills to protect American lives, but they sit in the Senate. There is no reason for Americans to wait six months and counting to address this much-needed aid.\nDuring this time, millions of our fellow citizens have contracted this disease, over 167,000 have died, families have been devastated, our economy is still at risk, and our health care system is starting to become overwhelmed again as cases quickly rise. All of this and more because of the Senate leadership's declared decision that put politics above people.\nThe Senate and administration need to proceed without delay to aid our fellow citizens. We need to come together to pass a new aid package and we need to do it in a bipartisan, bicameral waynow.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-gallego-bill-ensure-timely-accessible-health-care-native", "House Passes Gallego Bill to Ensure Timely, Accessible Health Care for Native American Veterans", "2020-11-16", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, H.R. 6237, the PRC for Native Veterans Act introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. The PRC for Native Veterans Act would require the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to reimburse the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribally-run health facilities for purchased and referred care (PRC) used for Native American veterans.\nH.R. 6237 clarifies that VHA is responsible for reimbursing not only direct care to Native veterans provided by a Tribe or IHS, which is current policy, but specialty and contract care provided through a Tribe or IHS. Reimbursing IHS and Tribes for PRC is absolutely vital in making sure Native veterans have timely, affordable access to the care they need, especially during a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted Native American communities.\nRep. Gallego, Chairman of the House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the U.S., made the following statement:\nNative American communities have an incredible history of service to our nation, having fought for America in every war since the American Revolution. In return, it is long past time we keep our promise to Native veterans by ensuring they have access to the timely, high-quality health care that they are owed both as Tribal members and as American heroes. That is why I am proud to see the PRC for Native Veterans Act pass the House today. I look forward to the Senate taking swift action to ensure this bipartisan, commonsense policy is signed into law this year.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5147", "Rep. Grijalva Statement on Republican Attempts to Dismantle the Affordable Care Act in the Supreme Court", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, under a newly-cemented conservative majority, heard oral arguments for California v. Texas, a case brought by Republican state officials that would end the Affordable Care Act. The Trump Administration is a supporter of the Republican-led case that would gut consumer protections for those with preexisting conditions and immediately result in 21 million uninsured Americans. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tIt is the epitome of cruelty that the Trump Administration and Republican leaders are trying to rip lifesaving healthcare away from millions of Americans in the middle of a pandemic and economic crisis. Despite a greater need than ever to ensure comprehensive coverage for all Americans, Trump and his enablers have chosen to prioritize their own political interests over the health and well-being of American families. While they've spent over a decade complaining about it, they don't even have a plan to replace it. It's the height of irresponsibility.\r\n\r\n\tThe Affordable Care Act has exponentially expanded access to meaningful healthcare for millions of Americans. It ended discrimination against those with preexisting conditions, increased access to preventative care, and expanded Medicaid to cover more people. Numerous court challenges have upheld its constitutionality, and I urge the Supreme Court to base their ruling on the facts and the law, not political considerations.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5146", "Rep. Grijalva Congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on Victory in the 2020 Election", "2020-11-07", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Today, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement on President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris' historic victory in the 2020 election:\r\n\r\n\tAfter four years of division, hate, and the outright assault on our values and institutions, the American people have firmly rejected President Trump.They braved a pandemic, the weather, and voter suppression efforts to cast their ballots and vote toward moving our country in a different direction, one that celebrates our diversity, humanity, and the dignity of every person.\r\n\r\n\tThis is a win for science-based solutions to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and safely returning our students to school and putting our families back to work. It's a win for real action to combat the climate crisis and protect our planet and environment for generations to come. It's a win for transforming our immigration system into one that puts families first. But this isn't just a win for Biden supporters, it's a win for all Americans who love this country, love their neighbors, and want to see everyone not just scaping by to survive, but thrive.\r\n\r\n\tThe American people have spoken, and I urge President Trump to respectfully concede and commit to a peaceful transition of power that all other Presidents have undertaken since the founding of our country.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5145", "Rep. Grijalva Condemns Trump's Premature Declaration of Victory: 'An Assault on Our Republic and a Threat to Everything We Stand For'", "2020-11-04", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Last night, President Donald Trump declared victory in the 2020 Presidential Election before millions of ballots were counted in key states. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tIn our democracy, elections are decided by the votersnot by edicts from any one candidate. Record numbers of voters have cast their ballots for new leadership led by Vice President Joe Biden & Senator Kamala Harris. We must wait until every vote is counted.\r\n\r\n\tFor four years, we have witnessed Donald Trump denying reality, abusing his power, inciting bigotry, and corrupting our institutions. He's waged a war against mail-in ballots, deployed a band of thieving lawyers to suppress the vote, and repeatedly incited his supporters to doubt the legitimacy of the election if he loses. These latest attempts to undermine the election are an assault on our republic and a threat to everything we stand for.\r\n\r\n\tWe will not allow President Trump to steal this election from the voters who overcame a pandemic and multiple barriers to voting to make their voices heard. We will fight the President's dishonesty, ego, and cowardice with truth, decency and democracy on our side. Every American who casts their ballot, whether in person, by mail, by dropbox, or drive-thru will have their vote counted. They will decide the next President, not Donald Trump.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5144", "Rep. Grijalva Submits Remarks to the Congressional Record in Honor of Santa Cruz County Sheriff Antonio Estrada", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NOGALES, AZ In honor of the retirement of Santa Cruz County Sheriff Antonio Estrada after over 50 years in local law enforcement, Rep. Grijalva submitted remarks to the Congressional Record praising his career in law enforcement as a model in policing practices that build trust in the communities they serve. His remarks read in part:\r\n\r\n\tHis long exemplary career in law enforcement counts mainly accolades; however, as our country currently faces tensions between communities and local law enforcement, his greatest accomplishment could arguably be the longstanding positive relationship maintained between the local law enforcement agency and its community under his leadership. As a Sheriff who made it a point not only to enforce the law with strength, but to also enforce the law with compassion, empathy, integrity, dedication, commitment and passion, it's understandable why residents identify Marco Antonio Estrada, Sr., as a Sheriff who truly reflects the values of their small border town. Sheriff Estrada publicly defended those values and the people of Santa Cruz County against those who would demean the community.\r\n\r\n\tCongratulations on a job well done and time well served. He is a hero to his family and community and an example of good policing. There will never be another Sheriff Estrada, Sr., but the bar has been set high for The Office of Santa Cruz County Sheriff.\r\n\r\n\tClick here to read the full Congressional Record.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/broadband-licenses-granted-arizona-tribes-says-o-halleran", "Broadband Licenses Granted to Arizona Tribes, Says OHalleran", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK  Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had granted 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses which can be used for high-speed wireless broadband to several tribes in Arizona's First Congressional District in the first tranche of licenses under the FCC's Rural Tribal Priority Window.\nThis year, the coronavirus pandemic has laid bare the digital divide that rural and tribal communities have struggled with for years, said O'Halleran. Since coming to Congress, I have worked to increase the availability of reliable, high-speed internet for families across rural and tribal Arizona that often face the most significant barriers to digital connectivity. These 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses will open the door to economic growth and allow tribal families to work and learn remotely, access telehealth services, and stay connected to loved ones during this crisis.\nThe Rural Tribal Priority Window is a unique opportunity that allows tribal governments to obtain spectrum licenses at zero cost to provide wireless broadband in their communities.\nI look forward to continuing to oversee the FCC's consideration of the remaining tribal applications in the Rural Tribal Priority Window, continued O'Halleran.\nFor a full list of licenses granted to tribes in Arizona, click HERE.\nThis year, O'Halleran led Congressional efforts to extend the window by which tribal governments were able to apply for new 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses under the Rural Tribal Priority Window; theFCC heeded O'Halleran's request and the deadline was pushedfrom August 3, 2020 to September 2, 2020.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-gallego-degette-slam-trump-s-decision-open-alaska-s-tongass", "Reps. Gallego, DeGette Slam Trumps Decision to Open Up Alaskas Tongass National Forest to Harmful Clearcutting and Roadbuilding", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ruben Gallego", "G000574", "rubengallego.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Today the U.S. Forest Service announced its official decision to move forward with stripping Roadless Rule protections from Tongass National Forest in Alaska, one of the world's largest remaining intact temperate rain forests and a place that has been treasured by Americans for generations. The Roadless Rule has protected Tongass National Forest since 2001.\nThe decision to strip Roadless Rule protections from this pristine national treasure is as reckless as it is unsurprising, given that this administration has prioritized maximizing profits for special interests over responsible land management policies time and again, said Rep. Ruben Gallego, Chairman of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples. As fires burn in the West, severe storms devastate the East, and heatwaves worsen in my own backyard in Arizona, we cannot afford to greenlight clearcutting in a forest that is one of our nation's strongest weapons in the fight against climate change. Stripping Roadless rule protections also threatens the lives and livelihoods of Alaska Native communities and those in Southeast Alaska who make their living on fishing, tourism, and recreation economies. This horrendous decision must be reversed before irreparable damage is done.\nThe Roadless Rule is one of the most popular environmental policies in our country - but the Trump Administration's commitment to ripping protections from our public lands despite public opinion remains unparalleled,\" said Rep. Diana DeGette. We will never be able to undo the devastation this decision will cause to the Tongass. Congress needs to act immediately to codify this rule into law.\nGallego and DeGette, along with House Natural Resources Chairman Grijalva, led a bicameral letter earlier this month urging Secretary Purdue to reverse course on the decision to exempt the Tongass from the Roadless Rule.\nThey also introduced theRoadless Area Conservation Act along with Senator Maria Cantwell, which would prohibit commercial logging or the construction of roads in inventoried federal roadless areas where those activities are already prohibited by the Roadless Rule. The bill would make exemptions like the one USFS announced today in Alaska impossible.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5143", "Rep. Grijalva Statement on the Confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court", "2020-10-27", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSONAfter the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime appointment on the U.S. Supreme Court without a single Democratic vote, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tFrom Mitch McConnell's announcement that he would confirm a Supreme Court Justice within an hour of Justice Ginsburg's death, Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation has been a sham process. It's the height of hypocrisy for a Republican Party who refused to even give Merrick Garland a hearing in 2016.\r\n\r\n\tDuring her confirmation hearings, Justice Barrett refused to acknowledge the scientific consensus on climate change and whether she would uphold key precedents that have guaranteed important rights and protections for minority communities. Her confirmation is an insult to the memory of the late Justice Ginsburg who spent her life fighting for an America built on justice for all.\r\n\r\n\tUnder Trump and McConnell's leadership, Senate Republicans have prioritized their own greed for power over the interests of American families. They have packed the federal courts at all levels with ideological extremists to implement an agenda that they know the American people do not support. Trump and the Republican Party consistently stoop to new lows in their quest to take healthcare away from millions of people, threaten the reproductive rights of millions of women, and endanger the livelihood of LGBTQ families.\r\n\r\n\tInstead of prioritizing relief for small businesses, communities, and working families impacted by COVID-19, Trump and Republicans rammed through a partisan confirmation one week before an election. We will not forget this sham process and Republican's hypocritical willingness to bend the rules when it helps their political agenda.\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-praises-navajo-nation-school-opening", "OHalleran Praises Navajo Nation School Opening", "2020-10-27", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK  Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) applauded the opening of the Little Springer School on Navajo Nation. The Little Springer School is one of several schools O'Halleran fought to secure funding for through the Bureau of Indian Education School Construction program.\nI am beyond pleased to see funding I have pushed for used to address the BIE School Construction backlog and build schools that serve Navajo children, families, and entire communities, said O'Halleran. This is a proud accomplishment for all involved, and I look forward to seeing the good this will do for the future of the Navajo Nation and Arizona as a whole. I will continue to work on both sides of the aisle to increase funding for this program and fully address this backlog.\nAdditionally, the following schools are currently in the planning and design process:\n Lukachukai Community School\n\tGreasewood Springs Community School\n\tT'iis Nazbas Community School\n\tTonalea Redlake School\n View O'Halleran's requests for funding for the Bureau of Indian Education's New School Replacement Program in the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations here.\nView O'Halleran's requests for funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs' School Construction program in the Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5141", "Chair Grijalva Highlights New Report Documenting \"Shameful\" Trump Administration Data Breaches That Publicized Native American Tribal Finances", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) today highlighted a new Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report documenting what he called shameful data breaches in federal agency handling of sensitive Native American governments' financial information. The breach occurred as part of the administration's larger failure to disburse Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding to Tribes that could have prevented severe outbreaks and economic suffering in Native American communities.\r\n\r\n\tThe OIG report, available online at https://bit.ly/3jws8HZ, includes two major findings:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tThe U.S. Department of the Treasury failed to mark Tribal financial data related to applications for CARES Act funding as confidential in inter-agency correspondence, which contributed to inappropriate widespread dissemination; and\r\n\t\r\n\t\tBureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) employees, including one who also had an affiliation with the White House,forwarded a spreadsheet containing the data  which included confidential information the recipients did not need and was unrelated to their duties  to officers of Tribes outside the federal government, which was inconsistent with DOI guidance that employees are responsible for properly using and protecting agency data[.]\r\n \r\n\r\n\tGrijalva said today that while the administration has sought to minimize the seriousness of the breach, affected Tribal governments have no such luxury.\r\n\r\n\tThe administration leaked tribes' confidential financial records to the public much faster than it sent them aid, and yet Republicans continue to be confused about why so many tribes have distrusted the federal government for so long, Grijalva said today. Public trust in the competence and integrity of the executive branch is never more important than in the midst of a global health crisis. We still need answers to significant questions about this data breach and whether it was purposeful. This was a shameful failure of federal relations with Indian Country, and if American citizens can't trust the administration to protect them and treat them fairly, our country is not going to recover.\r\n\r\n\tThe OIG report was a partial response to a May 1 letterto DOI Inspector General Mark Greenblatt from Grijalva and the chairs of the five Natural Resources subcommittees. Though the report provides important insights, it does not answer all the key questions, and Grijalva said the Committee will continue to press for a full accounting of the issue.\r\n\r\n\t#  #  #\r\n\r\n\tStay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee\r\n\r\n\tWebsite Facebook Twitter Newsletter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-joins-navajo-nation-president-nez-distribute-cares-act-supplies", "OHalleran Joins Navajo Nation President Nez to Distribute CARES Act Supplies", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WINDOW ROCK  On Friday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) met with Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez to discuss COVID-19 response efforts on Navajo and to distribute COVID-19 supplies made possible by funds O'Halleran secured for tribes under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.\nI always value the opportunity to hear directly from President Nez as we work to understand what federal assistance and resources are needed to support families on Navajo, especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit Navajo communities hard, said O'Halleran. I was glad to be able to lend a hand in distributing supplies to help keep Navajo families safe, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Nez to make the voices of tribal communities heard in Washington.\nThis year, O'Halleran introduced legislation that would extend the deadline by which tribal governments must spend funds allocated under the CARES Act from December 30, 2020 to December 30, 2022.\nThe CARES Act, signed into law in March, allocates:\n $150 billion for state, local, and tribal governments, with $8 billion dedicated specifically to Tribes;\n\t$69 million for response needs at Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools;\n\t$1.032 billion in critical resources to support the Indian Health Service and Tribal health systems;\n\tand $150 million per year (through November 30, 2020) for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, an initiative O'Halleran has re-introduced legislation to secure.\n View additional photos, here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-statement-supreme-court-vote", "Sinema Statement on Supreme Court Vote", "2020-10-25", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sunday, October 25, 2020\n\n      \n            WASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema issued the following statement:  \n  \n\"It is the duty of all federal judges to consistently apply the Constitution and laws to protect the fundamental rights of all Americans. After watching the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings, reading Judge Barrett's legal opinions and scholarly writings, and speaking with her directly, I am concerned about Judge Barrett's inconsistent views on legal precedent, and how those inconsistencies impact her obligation to interpret and uphold the rule of law.\"\n      \n  \n    Issues", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-speaks-supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett", "Sinema Speaks with Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema today spoke with Judge Amy Coney Barrett, the nominee to serve as Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Sinema's call with Judge Barrett comes as the Senate is expected to consider the nomination in the coming days.\nAs I promised Arizonans, I am carefully considering whether this nominee is professionally qualified, believes in the role of an independent judiciary, and can be trusted to faithfully interpret and uphold the rule of law, said Sinema.\nSince being elected to the Senate, Sinema has consistently applied the same criteria to all judicial and executive nominees considered by the Senate.\nClick HERE for Spanish release.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5142", "Rep. Grijalva Designates Yuma County Library District as a Federal Depository Library", "2020-10-22", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Representative Ral M. Grijalva designated Yuma County Library District as a Federal Depository Library in Arizona's Third Congressional District. With this designation, the library will offer free access to a collection of government documents to the public free of charge.\r\n\r\n\tI applaud Yuma County Library District's commitment to serve the people of this region and am confident they will be excellent stewards of this information, said Rep. Ral M. Grijalva. I congratulate them on this honor and look forward to seeing this important public service offered to the people of Southwestern Arizona.\r\n\r\n\tFederal Depository Libraries play a critical role in providing important information from the federal government to the general public. Federal depository libraries and the use of their collections can be accessed by anyone and contain important information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information, demographics, and other subjects. \r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/10/22/rep-kirkpatrick-hosts-weekly-covid-19-task-force/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Hosts Weekly COVID-19 Task Force", "2020-10-22", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concerns of Rising Cases, Eviction Concerns\n(TUCSON, A.Z.)  The Office of Rep. Kirkpatrick released the following statement on this week's COVID-19 Task Force meeting. Since May, the task force has had weekly conference calls to discuss the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 throughout Southern Arizona and provide federal updates.\nThe weekly agenda includes an introduction from Rep. Kirkpatrick and her legislative team with federal updates on healthcare, small business and labor policies. After congressional policy updates, the industry-wide group takes turns speaking about their organization's experiences on the frontlines and share areas of need.\nOn today's call, the Task Force welcomed a new community member to the Task Force, Epidemiologist for Cochise County, Martha Montano.\nI'm grateful that community leaders continue to join and participate in our Task Force throughout this national health and economic crisis, said Outreach Director Billy Kovacs.\nHealth officials emphasized growing community concerns about the uptick of COVID-19 cases in Arizona, which have been slowly but steadily rising. A rise in cases could potentially lead to an increase in hospitalizations as well.\nIn addition, the governor's moratorium on evictions is set to expire on October 31st. Despite public pressure for an extension, the governor has not yet issued one, potentially leaving thousands of Arizonans homeless come November 1st.\nThe concerns raised on today's call further highlighted our need for a national strategy to combat COVID-19, and for an extension of the moratorium on evictions in Arizona, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. As Arizona's Appropriator, I'm fighting hard for continued federal aid to keep Arizonan families and businesses afloat.\nMembers of the task force include Vice President of Tucson Medical Center Julia Strange, State Representative Dr. Randy Friese, Associate Professor & Program Director, Public Health Policy & Management, Dr. Joe Gerald, Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Francesco Garcia, Chiricahua Community Health Centers Director Dr. Jonathan Melk, Cochise County Health Department Director Carrie Langley, Copper Queen Hospital CEO Robert Seamon, El Rio CEO Nancy Johnson, Cochise County Epidemiologist Martha Montano, Southern Arizona Veterans Hospital Director Jennifer Gutowski, Tucson Metro Chamber Director Amber Smith, Local First Arizona Director Michael Peel, Pima Council on Aging Director Mark Clark, Southern Arizona Leadership Council CEO Ted Maxwell, and Tucson Mayor Romero's Chief of Staff, Elaine Becherer.\nTask force member biographies are available upon request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-lauds-13-million-funding-awarded-hopi-water-project", "OHalleran Lauds $1.3 Million In Funding Awarded For Hopi Water Project", "2020-10-22", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK  Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.3 million to the Hopi Tribe to fund the Hopi Arsenic Mitigation Project (HAMP), a regional water system that will address the Hopi Tribe's arsenic concerns and deliver safe water to Hopi families.\nAccess to safe drinking water is essential to protecting public health, and the Hopi Tribe has long struggled without the resources they need to address naturally occurring arsenic in their water supply and keep their community safe, said O'Halleran. Hopi Chairman Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma has been a tireless advocate for this project, and I am proud to have worked with him in securing this funding.\nThe Hopi Arsenic Mitigation Project is a regional pipeline project that will deliver safe drinking water to four Hopi communities, serving 869 homes.\nThis funding comes as part of nearly $17 million awarded to tribes in Arizona during the EPA Pacific Southwest Tribal Conference.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-bipartisan-bill-provides-retirement-benefits-air-america-employees", "Sinema-Backed Bipartisan Bill Provides Retirement Benefits to Air America Employees", "2020-10-22", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Under Sinema's bill, 40 brave Arizonans would get the benefits they've earned\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the Air America Actbipartisan legislation introduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio (Fla.) that provides retirement benefits for Air America employees who honorably served our country conducting covert operations in designated war zones.  \n  \nArizonans working for Air America risked their lives to keep our country safe and secure; they earned federal retirement benefits, said Sinema.  \n  \nAir America was a government-owned corporation that conducted covert operations during the Cold War, Korean War, and Vietnam War. Air America employees worked under direct policy guidance of the White House, Department of Defense, and Department of State while under the management of the CIA. Because of its covert nature, employees have not yet been able enroll in government retirement programs.  \n  \nAir America employed several hundred U.S. citizens, mainly flight crew members286 of which were killed in the line of duty while conducting covert operations in designated war zones. The last helicopter mission that rescued personnel from the rooftops in Saigon in 1975 was planned and executed by Air America and the U.S. Marine Corps.  \n  \nThe declassification of CIA documents in 2009 confirmed that Americans serving Air America were federal government employees at the time of their service and therefore entitled to federal retirement benefits. Sinema's bipartisan legislation returns these earned retirement benefits to the approximate 500 still living former Air America employees or their familiesapproximately 40 of whom are Arizonans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5140", "Rep. Grijalva Blasts Trump Administration Over Failure to Reunite Asylum-Seeking Children with Their Parents After Trump's Family Separation Policy", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other pro-bono law firms who were tasked with tracking down the parents of children separated from them at the border under the Trump Administration's family separation policy revealed they were unable to find the parents of 545 separated children. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tThese latest revelations should shake everyone in this nation to the very core. 545 children are effectively orphaned with the explicit consent and active participation of the Trump Administration. They were ripped from their parents' arms, off-handedly placed in shelters, and left to wonder when, if ever, they would see their parents again. Due to the cruelty of Donald Trump and the xenophobia of Stephen Miller, we know that some of them may never see their parents again.\r\n\r\n\tThe Trump Administration must undertake ever effort to reunite the families they so willingly destroyed, and every official complicit in this tragedy must face consequences for their actions. Human rights abuses should never be the foundations of government policy.\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-announces-grant-awarded-navajo-nation-community-health", "OHalleran Announces Grant Awarded for Navajo Nation Community Health", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK  Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) applauded the announcement that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had awarded $120,000 to the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) to assist community health efforts near the former Navajo Forest Products Industry (NFPI) sawmill.\nFor decades, the public health needs of tribal communities have been on the backburner at the federal level, from environmental concerns to sanitation infrastructure, said O'Halleran. I look forward to seeing the good this funding and these important community health initiatives will do to improve public health for families on the Navajo Nation.\nThe $120,000 award is part of the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program that provides funding for non-profit and tribal organizations to partner with stakeholders and implement solutions to address environmental and public health issues.\nThe Navajo Nation EPA will use the funds to further initiatives to protect the community from the health effects of the former NFPI site. This includes technical job training to help local residents install and check monitors, as well as collect health surveys to assist in the development of a health assessment report to help identify and reduce potential exposure and health effects from the site.\nThis year, O'Halleran introduced H.R. 7056, bipartisan legislation to allocate funding for the Indian Health Services Sanitation Facilities Construction Program to construct and improve critical sanitation projects across Indian Country.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/10/stanton-returns-more-28-million-constituents", "Stanton Returns More Than $2.8 Million to Constituents", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "More than $2.8 million owed to residents of Arizona\u2019s Ninth Congressional District by the federal government has been returned to its rightful owners since freshman Rep. Greg Stanton took office.\n\nStanton\u2019s team has helped nearly 1,800 constituents navigate bureaucratic hurdles on a wide range of issues, from taxes to immigration services to veterans\u2019 benefits. One of the most common kinds of cases Stanton\u2019s office handles is helping residents receive backlogged federal benefits they\u2019re owed, such as Social Security. To date, the office has returned more than $2.3 million in Social Security benefits alone.\n\n\u201cProviding unmatched constituent service makes a real difference in people\u2019s lives, and in at least one case we\u2019ve handled has helped stop one of our constituents from experiencing homelessness,\u201d said Stanton.\n\nAs Arizonans continue to suffer the economic and public health effects of the COVID-19 crisis, Stanton brought on additional casework staff to help constituents seeking unemployment and housing assistance and obtaining CARES Act benefits\u2014including small businesses loans and IRS Economic Impact Payments.\n\nResidents who aren\u2019t getting the information they need from a federal agency, or believe they have been treated unfairly, can call Stanton\u2019s Arizona office at (602) 956-2463 or visit his website at stanton.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-returns-more-28-million-constituents", "Stanton Returns More Than $2.8 Million to Constituents", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "More than $2.8 million owed to residents of Arizona's Ninth Congressional District by the federal government has been returned to its rightful owners since freshman Rep. Greg Stanton took office. Stanton's team has helped nearly 1,800 constituents navigate bureaucratic hurdles on a wide range of issues, from taxes to immigration services to veterans' benefits. One of the most common kinds of cases Stanton's office handles is helping residents receive backlogged federal benefits they're owed, such as Social Security. To date, the office has returned more than $2.3 million in Social Security benefits alone.\nProviding unmatched constituent service makes a real difference in people's lives, and in at least one case we've handled has helped stop one of our constituents from experiencing homelessness, said Stanton.\nAs Arizonans continue to suffer the economic and public health effects of the COVID-19 crisis, Stanton brought on additional casework staff to help constituents seeking unemployment and housing assistance and obtaining CARES Act benefitsincluding small businesses loans and IRS Economic Impact Payments. \nResidents who aren't getting the information they need from a federal agency, or believe they have been treated unfairly, can call Stanton's Arizona office at (602) 956-2463 or visit his website at stanton.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/following-calls-sinema-administration-agrees-extend-access-school-meals-arizona-students", "Following Calls from Sinema, Administration Agrees to Extend Access to School Meals for Arizona Students", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, October 21, 2020\n\n      \n            WASHINGTON  Following calls from Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed to extend waivers and help Arizona students continue to access school meal programs for the 2020-2021 school year.  \n  \nSchool meals are critical sources of nutrition for 600,000 Arizona children. As Arizona continues distance-learning, ensuring Arizona students stay fed will help keep them healthy during this public health emergency, said Sinema.  \n  \nIn July, Sinema and a bipartisan group of Senators first urged USDA to extend a variety of waivers that will help ensure Arizona students who rely on school breakfast and lunch can continue to access school-provided meals throughout the upcoming school year, even if they are distance-learning or should schools end up closing abruptly based on local pandemic conditions. However, USDA decided not to extend all waivers for the entire 2020-2021 school year, choosing instead to extend some waivers through the end of 2020 in response to the Senators' request. In September, Sinema and her bipartisan colleagues urged the administration to correct this decision immediately to ensure support for Arizona school meal programs through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The administration recently agreed and is extending all school meal waivers through the end of the 2020-2021 school year to help Arizona students access school meals.\n      \n  \n    Issues", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5139", "Chairs Grijalva, Castor Introduce Landmark Oceans Solutions Bill to Tackle Climate Crisis", "2020-10-20", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. House Natural Resources Committee Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) today unveiled his Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act at a virtual press conferencewith his co-lead, House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Chair Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), original cosponsors, and a range of bill endorsers. This landmark legislation was introduced by more than a dozen members of the House of Representatives to address the ocean impacts of climate change and reform federal ocean management to better account for climate mitigation.\r\n\r\n\tA healthy ocean is key to fighting the climate crisis, Grijalva said during today's event. This bill provides a roadmap for ocean and coastal climate resilience, and responsibly uses them to curb the pollution that is intensifying the climate crisis. We must stop the ongoing damage to our oceans to protect the food, jobs and coastlines that millions of Americans depend on. A healthy ocean is an environmental justice issue and we made sure to put protections for low income and communities of color at the front and center. I'm grateful for the true champions for our ocean who joined me today. I could think of no better partners in this fight than the Members of Congress, scientists and advocates who have been my partners in advancing climate solutions for our oceans.\r\n\r\n\tThe ocean is a powerful ally in the climate fight, and unleashing its potential will help us reach our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, Castor said. The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act incorporates many of the recommendations in our Climate Crisis Action Plan, which gives Congress a roadmap for creating a healthier, more resilient, and more just America. It will unleash the incredible power of the ocean and address the threat that offshore drilling poses to America's coastal communities, including my own community in the Tampa Bay.\r\n\r\n\tThe recorded livestream of the press conference can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3m4ciFT.\r\n\r\n\tAmong other features, the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act:\r\n\r\n\tReduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The bill supports the transition to a clean energy economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with ocean sectors and increasing ocean-based renewable energyhelping us to move away from fossil fuels and protect the ocean and coastal habitats that are important to healthy fish, marine wildlife, and coastal economies.\r\n\r\n\tIncreases Carbon Storage in Blue Carbon Ecosystems. The bill recognizes the carbon storage potential and other co-benefits provided by blue carbon ecosystems like salt marshes, sea grasses, and mangroves. These ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and safely store it at arate of up to four timesthat of forests on land. They also protect coastal communities by limiting the impacts of coastal erosion, flooding, and stormsall while providing habitat for marine wildlife and fisheries.\r\n\r\n\tPromotes Coastal Resiliencyand Adaptation to protect our coasts and communities from the climate impacts we can't avoid. It authorizes investment in coastal restoration and resilience that is a win-win-win for our economy, our frontline communities, and our environment.\r\n\r\n\tImproves Ocean Protectionby promoting and protecting healthy ocean systems and wildlife populations, which are better able to adapt to the effects of climate change. Marine protected areas, like our protected areas on land, are a key part of protecting biodiversity while tackling climate change  which ismore critical than ever in the face of thebiodiversity crisis.\r\n\r\n\tSupports Climate-Ready Fisherieswith the development and implementation of strategies to improve the management of fisheries in a changing climate and also helps to promote U.S. seafood sourced from environmentally and climate-friendly fisheries.\r\n\r\n\tTackles Ocean Health Challengesby addressing the ocean health challenges of ocean acidification and harmful algal blooms, both of which cause significant harm to the U.S. seafood, recreation, and tourism industries, as well as human communities and ocean wildlife and ecosystems.\r\n\r\n\tRestores U.S. Leadership in International Ocean Governanceby strengthening U.S. leadership in international ocean governance at a time when transboundary pressures on our ocean demands a coordinated response. These actions would both strengthen U.S. security and promote a resilient global ocean for the 21st century.\r\n\r\n\tBill text of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act can be viewed athttps://bit.ly/37CBNKP, a section-by-section summary at https://bit.ly/2HreuYY and a fact sheet on the bill can be viewed athttps://bit.ly/3m35EzP.\r\n\r\n\tOriginal cosponsors of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act include House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chair Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Rep. Gregorio Sablan (D-CNMI), Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.), Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), and Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.).\r\n\r\n\tRep. Haaland and Rep. Sablan are Vice Chairs of the Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Huffman chairs the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife. Rep. Lowenthal chairs the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.\r\n\r\n\tThe newly introduced legislation enjoys enthusiastic support from environmental groups and ocean experts.\r\n\r\n\tStatements of Support\r\n\r\n\tClimate change is threatening the ocean's ability to sustain us. From dying coral reefs to disappearing fish, coastal communities across the country are struggling to survive in the face of a hotter, more acidic, and stormier ocean. Yet for far too long, the ocean has been left out of conversations about climate solutions. Today, that has changed. From protecting the frontline communities most at risk to restoring American global ocean leadership to supporting the clean energy economy, this groundbreaking bill has put the ocean on the climate agenda. I applaud the leadership of Chairman Grijalva and his colleagues for their bold and urgently needed vision. - John Podesta, Founder of Center for American Progress\r\n\r\n\tResilient communities need resilient oceans, and the Ocean Climate Solutions Act pursues both. Restoring and protecting our ocean ecosystems will protect the frontline communities who are most at risk from climate change, while increasing our capacity to secure a just, stable, and biodiverse future. Earthjustice thanks the House Natural Resources Committee for continuing to serve the American people by strengthening and stewarding our environment, and we look forward to turning these concepts into reality. - Steve Mashuda, Oceans Managing Attorney,Earthjustice\r\n\r\n\t\"From sea to shining sea, coastal waters -- and the amazing animals that live in them -- have always held a special place in Americans' hearts. Now, climate change is threatening those habitats. We're grateful for the introduction of this bill that could limit global warming and give awe-inspiring marine species ranging from whales to coral reefs a fighting chance at survival.\" - Wendy Wendlandt, Acting President, Environment America\r\n\r\n\t\"Protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030 is critical if we hope to restore America's rich ocean ecosystems and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. ?The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act outlines an innovative and ambitious plan to couple this ocean protection with a new generation of Blue Economy jobs and a renewed, climate-ready vision for our nation's fisheries. ?This is an inspiring piece of legislation, and exactly what America needs right now. - Arlo Hemphill, Senior Oceans Campaigner, Greenpeace USA\r\n\r\n\tA comprehensive plan for ocean-based climate solutions has been a long time coming and we applaud Chairman Grijalva for his determination and leadership to put forward this landmark legislation. Our ocean is often portrayed as a victim of climate change, but the reality is that it offers a wealth of powerful solutions to fight the climate crisis--from spurring offshore renewable energy and banning new offshore drilling, and from protecting blue carbon ecosystems to creating new marine protected areas to conserve 30% of the ocean by 2030.? We are excited to see this incredible roadmap for what equitable climate solutions can look like for our ocean and our communities. It's about time we made our ocean a part of the solution. - Alex Taurel, Conservation Program Director, League of Conservation Voters\r\n\r\n\tOceana welcomes the introduction of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act. By presenting smart, focused solutions to the climate crisis, this pioneering legislation propels the oceans into the heart of the climate debate in Congress. The oceans are bearing the brunt of global warming: rising ocean temperatures will decrease fish catch, endangering livelihoods and undermining food security. This bill shows us our oceans can be part of the answer. Common sense policies like stopping the expansion of offshore drilling, supporting fisheries, protecting important habitat areas and increasing safeguards for ocean wildlife like dolphins and whales can help fight climate change. Oceana applauds Chair Grijalva and his colleagues for introducing this important bill that gives the oceans a leading role in tackling the climate crisis. - Jacqueline Savitz, Chief Policy Officer for North America, Oceana\r\n\r\n\tBy introducing the Ocean Climate Solutions Act, our elected officials are recognizing the crucial role that the ocean and our ocean communities can play in addressing the climate crisis. The ocean provides millions of jobs, provides food for almost half of the world's population and is the reason our planet is even habitable. By committing to ocean-based climate action, not only can we harness the potential of the oceanfrom offshore wind energy to blue carbon storagebut we can also protect the ocean, its resources we all rely on, and the iconic and essential ocean ecosystems we all love. I hope that we as a country can follow the House Natural Resources Committee's lead and commit to a climate strategy that will spur drastic and immediate climate action that incorporates all solutions. Our communities are already suffering from climate change's devastating impacts to our planet, ocean and coastsparticularly Black, Indigenous and other communities of color that have long suffered from environmental racism. Neither they nor our ocean can wait any longer for our elected representatives to take action. - Janis Searles Jones, CEO, Ocean Conservancy\r\n\r\n\tHistorically, Congress has led the way with solutions at times when the Earth needed it most. The Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act were all passed in a bipartisan fashion by Congress when bold and decisive action was needed to address the greatest threats to environmental and human health our country had seen. Now, we face that existential threat again, more urgently than ever before, and we need Congress to act quickly and purposefully on climate change and take ocean climate action before it is too late. The Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act is the kind of forward looking, comprehensive approach we hope for from our decision makers, and we are grateful to Chair Grijalva, Chair Castor, and all other sponsors for their vision.\" - Jean Flemma, Director, Ocean Defense Initiative and Co-founder, Urban Ocean Lab\r\n\r\n\tWhen it comes to the health of our ocean, we stand at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of overexploitation and neglect. Or we can choose a better way. Protecting at least 30 percent of America's ocean allows it to heal and recover. And it allows all of us to enjoy the many benefits a healthy ocean provides. - Amy Kenney, National Ocean Protection Coalition\r\n\r\n\tThis ambitious plan will?protect ocean life and economies, while capturing the vast potential the sea can play in solving the climate crisis. Instead of more risky offshore drilling leases, it promotes clean offshore wind. It protects natural carbon sinks like seagrasses and wetlands, and ensures the creation of protected areas that will make wildlife more resilient to climate change. It also provides a critical roadmap that prioritizes equitable solutions for Tribal, Indigenous and other communities that have too often been ignored or shortchanged. - Gina McCarthy, President and CEO, NRDC\r\n\r\n\tThe Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act will make our coastlines more resilient to sea level rise and extreme weather events, while protecting an ocean recreation and tourism economy valued at over $129 billion annually. The legislation will also fight climate change by permanently banning offshore oil drilling and protecting marine ecosystems that store large amounts of carbon.\" - Pete Stauffer, Environmental Director, Surfrider Foundation\r\n\r\n\tThis is the bill we have been waiting for. It draws on the latest science to tap the treasure-trove of ocean solutions to accelerate progress on climate change. The outcome? People win, the economy wins, nature wins. The ocean feeds and sustains, it connects us. The ocean is our past and our future. The ocean has indeed been a victim of climate change, but it also holds powerful solutions. This bill will tap those solutions, and everyone benefits. - Jane Lubchenco, University Distinguished Professor, Oregon State University, Former Administrator of NOAA (2009-2013), Former U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean (2014-2016; US State Dept)\r\n\r\n\t#  #  #\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tStay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee\r\n\r\n\tWebsite Facebook Twitter Newsletter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-helps-secure-housing-veterans-experiencing-homelessness-arizona", "Sinema Helps Secure Housing for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness in Arizona", "2020-10-20", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following Sinema's advocacy, U.S.VETS-Phoenix secured a new facility to house over 170 veterans in Arizona using CARES Act funds\nWASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema worked with the Mayor of Phoenix's office and the Phoenix City Council to help U.S.VETS-Phoenix secure a new facility, helping house over 170 veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness in Arizona.  \n  \nI am thankful the City of Phoenix heard our call, took swift action, and approved the purchase of a new facility for U.S.VETS, helping ensure Arizona veterans have a roof over their heads, said Sinema.\n\n\"U.S.VETS is so grateful for the overwhelming support of our elected officials and their staff. With community partners like the City of Phoenix and Senator Sinema, this project is becoming a reality. This housing will provide vital resources for our veterans and will help us advance our mission to end veteran homelessness. This is a huge victory and it would not have been possible without their support, said Michelle Jameson, Executive Director, U.S.VETS-Phoenix.  \n  \nTo read Sinema's full letter advocating on behalf of U.S.VETS-Phoenix click HERE.  \n  \nU.S.VETS-Phoenix is one of the largest housing providers for veterans experiencing and at risk of homelessness in Arizona. Through no fault of their own, they recently lost their lease for 2021. U.S.VETS reached out to Sinema's office for help to identify financial support after finding a potential new building but not being able to raise the necessary funds to move. Sinema quickly sent a letter urging the Mayor of Phoenix and the Phoenix City Council to quickly approve support for U.S.VETS's new building. Less than a week following Sinema's letter, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a new U.S.VETS-Phoenix facility in Northern Phoenix, ensuring over 170 homeless and at risk veterans have safe shelter.  \n  \nThe funding used to help purchase the new U.S.VETS home was made available due to Sinema-backed CARES Act funding.  \n  \nU.S.VETS was established with the goal of ending veteran homelessness by providing programs focused on jobs, mental health and housing plans for at-risk veterans. As advocates on the state and federal level, U.S.VETS  Phoenix looks to bring more resources to help service members transition successfully into civilian life. Since its inception in 2001 U.S.VETS  Phoenix has helped over 10,000 veterans along their journey from homelessness to housing.  \n  \nSinema has long been a champion of ending veteran homelessness in Arizona. Sinema recently introduced the Homeless Veterans Coronavirus Response Act of 2020legislation bringing relief and resources to the VA's Homeless Program Office by expanding its authorities to provide food, transportation, and communications technologies to homeless veterans and easing requirements that are especially onerous during the coronavirus pandemic. Sinema also recently introduced legislation providing a new $75 billion Housing Assistance Fund to help everyday Arizona families afford rent and mortgage payments during the coronavirus pandemic.  \n  \nLast year, Sinema cosponsored the Homeless Veterans Prevention Act that expands upon existing programs that help homeless veterans and provides greater resources to prevent veteran homelessness.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5138", "Reps. Grijalva and Kirkpatrick Send Letter to Facebook, Demand Answers on Disinformation Ads Targeting Arizona Voters", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Today, Reps. Ral M. Grijalva (AZ-03) and Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02) sent a letter to Facebook Head of Global Policy Monika Bickert demanding answers on what Facebook is doing to address ongoing paid political disinformation on its platforms. This letter follows reports that Facebook is failing to implement its own policies concerning paid disinformation, potentially exposing millions of Arizona voters to false information in the weeks preceding the 2020 presidential election. Their letter read in part:\r\n\r\n\tAs you know, CNN reported on research by the advocacy group Avaaz which found that collectively hundreds of ads containing or linking to disinformation were being run by the Super PACs America First Action and Stop Republicans. America First Action's 451 ads reached almost 10 million impressions in four swing states with false and misleading information that's been debunked by your own third party fact checkers and reputable newspapers. Stop Republicans' 30 misleading ads ran nationally, earning more than 1.3 million impressions.\r\n\r\n\tDespite having the evidence for more than a week, Facebook has reportedly left many of the flagged ads up and even allowed new false ads from the same offending Super PACs. These ads containing false and misleading content appear to be in violation of Facebook's promises to secure the integrity of the US elections... While Facebook does not fact-check politician's ads, you make clear that Super PACs are covered by your third-party fact-checking program and must adhere to your prohibition on false and misleading advertising.\r\n\r\n\tAs you know, Congress has an acute interest in the broad impacts of social media platforms and their ability to contain harmful content and protect private information.\r\n\r\n\tClick here to read the letter. \r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/10/stanton-leads-colleagues-urging-trump-administration-pause-rule-would-harm", "Stanton Leads Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Pause Rule That Would Harm Arizona\u2019s Universities", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Greg Stanton led members of the Arizona Congressional delegation in a letter to the Office of Management and Budget calling for a 30-day extension of the comment period for a proposed U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule that would impact Arizona\u2019s higher education institutions. The comment period is scheduled to close Oct. 26.\n\nSen. Kyrsten Sinema and Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick, Ruben Gallego and Tom O\u2019Halleran also signed onto the letter.\n\nThe proposed rule would limit international student visa lengths, place additional restrictions on student visas based on an individual\u2019s country of origin and endanger the academic careers of more than one million international students. If the rule were to move forward, Arizona\u2019s universities could lose thousands of talented international students and their contributions to the institutions and surrounding communities.\n\nA 2018 report from NAFSA: Association of International Educators found that the nearly 23,000 international students enrolled across the state contributed $727.6 million to Arizona\u2019s economy and supported 8,745 jobs. International students who attended Arizona State University contributed the most at $365 million and housed 4,687 of those supported jobs. Arizona is also ranked as the top 14 destination in the United States for international students.\n\n\"As members who represent Arizona in Congress, it is our job to support our world class universities that attract over 22,000 students from around the world who choose to learn from our educators and substantially contribute to our state\u2019s economy,\u201d the co-signers wrote. \u201cWith the current deadline fast approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic straining institutions of higher education who are hard at work ensuring their students have the resources they need, we believe given the importance of this proposed rule that these institutions should be given ample amount of time to express the impact of the policy.\"\n\nEarlier this month, Stanton joined more than 100 of his colleagues in calling on Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf to reconsider the proposed rule, citing international students\u2019 economic impact and meaningful contributions to universities\u2019 research, culture, and academic life.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-leads-colleagues-urging-trump-administration-pause-rule-would-harm", "Stanton Leads Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Pause Rule That Would Harm Arizona\u2019s Universities", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Greg Stanton led members of the Arizona Congressional delegation in a letter to the Office of Management and Budget calling for a 30-day extension of the comment period for a proposed U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule that would impact Arizona's higher education institutions. The comment period is scheduled to close Oct. 26. \nSen. Kyrsten Sinema and Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick, Ruben Gallego and Tom O'Halleran also signed onto the letter. \nThe proposed rule would limit international student visa lengths, place additional restrictions on student visas based on an individual's country of origin and endanger the academic careers of more than one million international students. If the rule were to move forward, Arizona's universities could lose thousands of talented international students and their contributions to the institutions and surrounding communities. \nA 2018 report from NAFSA: Association of International Educators found that the nearly 23,000 international students enrolled across the state contributed $727.6 million to Arizona's economy and supported 8,745 jobs. International students who attended Arizona State University contributed the most at $365 million and housed 4,687 of those supported jobs. Arizona is also ranked as the top 14 destination in the United States for international students. \n\"As members who represent Arizona in Congress, it is our job to support our world class universities that attract over 22,000 students from around the world who choose to learn from our educators and substantially contribute to our state's economy, the co-signers wrote. With the current deadline fast approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic straining institutions of higher education who are hard at work ensuring their students have the resources they need, we believe given the importance of this proposed rule that these institutions should be given ample amount of time to express the impact of the policy.\" \nEarlier this month, Stanton joined more than 100 of his colleagues in calling on Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf to reconsider the proposed rule, citing international students' economic impact and meaningful contributions to universities' research, culture, and academic life. \nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/10/15/rep-kirkpatrick-office-hosts-covid-19-task-force-concerns-of-eviction-rise/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Office Hosts COVID-19 Task Force, Concerns of Eviction Rise", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AZ02 Weekly Task Force Shares Frontline and Federal Updates\n(TUCSON, A.Z.)  The Office of Rep. Kirkpatrick released the following statement on this week's COVID-19 Task Force meeting. Since May, the task force has had weekly conference calls to discuss the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 throughout Southern Arizona and provide federal updates.\nThe weekly agenda includes an introduction from Rep. Kirkpatrick's legislative and outreach team with federal updates on healthcare, small business and labor policies. After congressional policy updates, the industry-wide group takes turns speaking about their organization's experiences on the frontlines and share areas of need.\nOn this week's Task Force call, labor leaders raised concerns about the upcoming expiration of the governor's moratorium on evictions. The executive order issuing the moratorium was extended in July, and is currently set to expire on October 31st.\nI've said it before, and I'll say it again: we cannot afford a homelessness crisis amidst a global pandemic and national economic crisis, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. Additionally, Arizona has had record-breaking heat this year. Arizonans simply cannot survive outside of their homes. It's time for our state leadership to once again extend this moratorium.\nI'm so appreciative that members of our community continue to take time to speak to Rep. Kirkpatrick and her staff, said Outreach Director Billy Kovacs. This week we gained insight into struggling nonprofits, and we were updated on the small business relief grant program. We can better serve our district with these critical briefs.\nMembers of the task force include Vice President of Tucson Medical Center Julia Strange, State Representative Dr. Randy Friese, Associate Professor & Program Director, Public Health Policy & Management, Dr. Joe Gerald, Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Francesco Garcia, Chiricahua Community Health Centers Director Dr. Jonathan Melk, Cochise County Health Department Director Carrie Langley, Copper Queen Hospital CEO Robert Seamon, El Rio CEO Nancy Johnson, Southern Arizona Veterans Hospital Director Jennifer Gutowski, Tucson Metro Chamber Director Amber Smith, Local First Arizona Director Michael Peel, Pima Council on Aging Director Mark Clark, Southern Arizona Leadership Council CEO Ted Maxwell, and Tucson Mayor Romero's Chief of Staff, Elaine Becherer.\nTask force member biographies are available upon request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-urges-full-census-participation-count-comes-early-end", "OHalleran Urges Full Census Participation as Count Comes to an Early End", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK  Today, following a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing the administration to end 2020 Census operations today, despite risk of undercount due to COVID-19 complications, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement:\nThis year, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated 2020 Census operations greatly, exacerbating existing barriers Arizonans in rural and tribal communities face to responding to the census, and putting these communities in danger of being undercounted or even uncounted, said O'Halleran. An inaccurate census count will create lasting consequences for our most vulnerable communities over the next ten years, leaving underserved communities without adequate federal funding for health care infrastructure, schools, roads, and more.\nAccording to Census data, a mere 1% undercount in Arizona's First Congressional District would result in the loss of $6.3 million in federal funding for Medicaid, CHIP, and other health programs, and $432,000 in federal funding for education for low-income students the equivalent of a full year of textbooks for 1,725 students.\nThis summer, O'Halleran joined a group of over 80 colleagues on a letter to Congressional leadership calling for the extension of 2020 Census deadlines, as well as supplemental funding. Last month, O'Halleran sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross requesting answers about the decision to cut 2020 Census enumeration efforts short, risking the undercount of entire communities.\nRead O'Halleran's op-ed on the importance of the 2020 Census for rural and tribal communities HERE and watch O'Halleran speak on the importance of the census for Arizona's First Congressional District, HERE.\nArizonans can respond to the census HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2020/10/stanton-says-thank-you-phoenix-partnership-finding-swift-solution-veterans", "Stanton Says \u2018Thank You\u2019 to Phoenix for Partnership in Finding Swift Solution for Veterans", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Greg Stanton today thanked Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council for making a $10.5 million investment to secure a new facility for US VETS-Phoenix, which currently houses 187 veterans experiencing homelessness in the Valley.\n\nStanton worked with Gallego to help find a solution for US VETS, which is being forced to relocated from its current location in central Phoenix.\n\nFaced with the prospect of being forced to vacate its premises at the end of the year with nowhere to go, US VETS \u2013 which had already been in contact with the City of Phoenix, the State of Arizona and Maricopa County \u2013 convened an emergency call of Arizona\u2019s congressional delegation staff on Sept. 22. That day, Stanton began working with the Phoenix Mayor\u2019s office to find a solution.\n\nThis week \u2013 less than a month later \u2013 the City of Phoenix approved funds to purchase a new facility that US VETS-Phoenix will rent from the city.\n\n\u201cI am very grateful to Mayor Gallego and the Phoenix City Council for quickly and creatively finding a solution to take care of these veterans who served and sacrificed for our country,\u201d said Stanton.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-says-thank-you-phoenix-partnership-finding-swift-solution-veterans", "Stanton Says \u2018Thank You\u2019 to Phoenix for Partnership in Finding Swift Solution for Veterans", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Stanton today thanked Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council for making a $10.5 million investment to secure a new facility for US VETS-Phoenix, which currently houses 187 veterans experiencing homelessness in the Valley. \nStanton worked with Gallego to help find a solution for US VETS, which is being forced to relocated from its current location in central Phoenix. \nFaced with the prospect of being forced to vacate its premises at the end of the year with nowhere to go, US VETS  which had already been in contact with the City of Phoenix, the State of Arizona and Maricopa County  convened an emergency call of Arizona's congressional delegation staff on Sept. 22. That day, Stanton began working with the Phoenix Mayor's office to find a solution.\nThis week  less than a month later  the City of Phoenix approved funds to purchase a new facility that US VETS-Phoenix will rent from the city.\nI am very grateful to Mayor Gallego and the Phoenix City Council for quickly and creatively finding a solution to take care of these veterans who served and sacrificed for our country, said Stanton.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-urges-administration-quickly-disburse-critical-funding-arizona-families-energy-costs", "Sinema Urges Administration to Quickly Disburse Critical Funding for Arizona Families\u2019 Energy Costs", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, October 15, 2020\n\n      \n            WASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to quickly disburse already-approved Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding that assists families facing financial strain with their energy costs.  \n  \nQuickly releasing energy assistance funds keeps everyday Arizona families and seniors safe at home and provides critical support to Arizona families facing financial challenges during the pandemic, said Sinema.  \n  \nLIHEAP assists Arizona families with home energy bills, and weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. Sinema's letter urges immediate disbursement of these already-approved federal funds to support LIHEAP, which helps Arizonans stay safe from the risk of health and safety problems arising from unsafe cold and heat. Given the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic and backlogged unemployment and utility assistance in Arizona, the number of Arizonans in need of LIHEAP will increase. Quick disbursement of these federal funds prove more critical now than ever.  \n  \nClick HERE for Sinema's letter.  \n  \nClick HERE for Spanish version of release.\n      \n  \n    Issues", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=4137", "Rep. Grijalva Demands Investigation into Use of Force and Tear Gas Against Native Americans Peacefully Protesting Desecration of Their Sacred Sites", "2020-10-14", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON This week, Chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation Ned Norris confirmed that Arizona Department of Public Safety law enforcement officials used tear gas and excessive force on peaceful demonstrators protesting the construction of Trump's border wall at Quitobaquito Springs and other sites sacred to the O'odham people. The tear gas attack occurred during a protest on Indigenous Peoples Day.\r\n\r\n\tFor months, the O'odham people have pleaded with DHS to protect Quitobaquito Springs and other sacred sites along the border while the Trump Administration has continued to bulldoze their ancestral lands to build his useless vanity wall, said Rep. Grijalva. Now, law enforcement officials are using tear gas and excessive force against Native Americans exercising their constitutional rights in an abhorrent attempt to silence their voices. Americans are keenly aware of the historical mistreatment of this nation's Indigenous peoples, and the public will be rightfully incensed by this action. This treatment will notstand.\r\n\r\n\tEarlier this year, Rep. Grijalva visited Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument andtouredQuitobaquito Springs and other sites sacred to the O'odham people at the invitation of the Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman, Ned Norris. As the Trump Administration began using explosives on the sacred site of Monument Hill, Rep. Grijalva held ahearingon the issue in the Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples and penned anop-edinCommon Dreams condemning the illegal actions.\r\n\r\n\tThose responsible for this egregious display of excessive force against peaceful protestors, who are members of the Tohono O'odham Nation and their allies, must be held responsible, continued Rep. Grijalva. I'm demanding an investigation into this act. The border wall has already destroyed precious desert habitats, divided families, and left an ugly scar across Southern Arizona. It's time to stop it from causing further destruction to the cultures, peoples, and history that make this place so special. Sacred sites and tribal sovereignty must not become collateral damage in the President's quest to build his monument to his racist policies.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=4138", "Rep. Grijalva Statement on SCOTUS Decision Allowing Trump Administration to End the Census Early", "2020-10-14", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court approved the Trump Administration's request to end the U.S. Census early. As a result, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the count will end on Thursday, October 15 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii time.\r\n\r\n\tWith this ruling, the Supreme Court gives a green light to the Trump Administration to move forward with ending the Census earlydespite ?a pandemic and?the low response rates in hard-to-count communities, said Rep. Ral M. Grijalva. A failure to count all individuals in this country, including immigrants, minority, low-income and tribal members fails the future of our country and imperils billions of dollars in federal aid to our communitiesincluding right here in Southern Arizona.\r\n\r\n\tAccording to a new report, if there is just a 1 percent undercount in the 2020 Census, the residents of the 3rd District of Arizona could lose:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t$6.2 million in federal funding for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and foster care assistance programs.\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$416,000 in federal funding for schools that have a high proportion of low-income students, or the equivalent of all the textbooks that 1,664 students would need in a school year.\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$318,000 in federal funding for job training centers and career counseling.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tTrump has engaged in a nonstop relentless assault on the integrity of the Census to suppress the participation of ?our most vulnerable communities?, continued Rep. Grijalva. I urge all my constituents to take the time within the next 24 hours to complete your Census and ensure that your community is accurately counted. Don't let the Trump Administration succeed in silencing you.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-bill-protects-arizona-servicemembers-paychecks", "Sinema-Backed Bill Protects Arizona Servicemembers\u2019 Paychecks", "2020-10-13", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sinema cosponsored legislation allowing Arizona servicemembers and federal employees to opt out of the administration's payroll tax deferral\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored legislation protecting Arizona servicemembers and federal employees from tax hikes and smaller paychecks next year caused by the administration's payroll tax deferral. Sinema's bill ensures all servicemembers and federal workers have the choice to opt out of the payroll tax deferral.  \n  \nArizona servicemembers and public servants should be able to make their own financial decisions affecting their paychecks and future tax bills, said Sinema.  \n  \nEarlier this year, the administration issued an executive order allowing employers to defer workers' payroll taxes through the end of the year. Federal agencies are requiring federal workers and military servicemembers' payroll taxes be deferred through the end of the year with no ability to opt-out. However, under the executive order workers would still be responsible for paying back the tax in 2021, making their next year's taxes higher and paychecks smaller. Sinema's bill is a commonsense proposal to give workers and military servicemembers a voice and protect them from large tax bills and small paychecks in the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=4135", "Rep. Grijalva Statement on Draft DOJ OIG Findings on Trump's Family Separation Policy", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Today, the New York Times reported new details on the Trump Administration's family separation policy after they obtained a draft copy of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General's investigation into the policy. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tThese findings are horrifying and confirm that the Trump Administration intentionally created a policy to separate children from their families to deter immigration while having no plan to reunite them. It implicates the leaders of multiple federal agencies and the White House as willingly complicit actors in executing a horrific policy that has brought untold pain, suffering, and trauma to asylum-seeking children and their parents. It's the embodiment of Donald Trump and Stephen Miller's immigration policies where the cruelty is the point.\r\n\r\n\tThose who participated in the egregious crime should be held accountable, and the Trump Administration should undertake every effort to reunite those families it separated. I will continue working in Congress on comprehensive reforms to our immigration laws that will prohibit a future administration from committing human rights abuses.\r\n\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/10/08/rep-kirkpatrick-51-house-colleagues-urge-interior-dept-to-abandon-unlawful-efforts-to-reinterpret-100-year-old-law-protecting-millions-of-migratory-birds/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick, 51 House Colleagues, Urge Interior Dept. To Abandon Unlawful Efforts To Reinterpret 100-Year-Old Law Protecting Millions Of Migratory Birds", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick joined 51 other House Members in calling on the Trump Administration to abandon proposed regulatory rulemaking reinterpreting a century-old law protecting more than 1,000 species of migratory birds across North America. Their letter to U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary David Bernhardt follows a recent federal ruling that found the administration's reinterpretation efforts were unlawful. The administration's reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), based on a 2017 DOI Solicitor's Opinion, would remove the ability of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to mitigate incidental bird deaths due to industrial or commercial activities.\nIn the bipartisan letter to Secretary Bernhardt, the Members of Congress wrote that the federal court ruling, unambiguously found that the legal rationale and the outcome of the [DOI] Solicitor's Opinion does not align with the law that Congress passed and intended. Congress passed the MBTA, and the United States signed four bilateral migratory bird treaties, in order to broadly protect and conserve our nation's bird populations. Moving forward with a regulation that continues to avoid and undermine this obligation is not a viable path forward.\nThe MBTA has been used for decades to mitigate, through permitting of industrial and commercial activity, incidental bird deaths. Even when these deaths have not been avoided, the MBTA has been a critical tool to invest the penalties toward the recovery of impacted species. The MBTA fines from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which killed more than one million birds, resulted in $100 million for wetland restoration to benefit waterfowl and other birds through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.\nThe Members also point out, We believe that there is fundamentally a lack of legal and stakeholder support for the current policy. It is not a sustainable position for the law, or for our bird populations. Fortunately, there is a better path forward. We do not have to choose between conservation or regulatory certainty. While we believe that the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has struck a reasonable balance in implementing the law over the decades, FWS can pursue a framework for incidental take that aligns with the conservation intent and language of the MBTA, which provides additional legal certainty for entities.\nThe Members' letter concludes, We urge the Department of the Interior to abandon its current rulemaking and consider an approach that not only regulates incidental take but establishes a general permitting framework to encourage the implementation and creation of best management practices by industry.\nThe members also demand answers to four questions from DOI, including:\n Will FWS rescind its guidance memo, issued April 11, 2018, which implements the now-vacated Solicitor's Opinion?\n Will FWS rescind its memo, issued June 14, 2018, titled Destruction and Relocation of Migratory Bird Nest Contents, which relies on the now-vacated Solicitor's Opinion?\n How is FWS responding to requests from tribes that it engage in government-to-government consultation before it advances a regulation any further?\n How will FWS acknowledge and respond to the objections raised by Canada, states, and flyway councils, among other stakeholders, in regard to its proposed rule and draft EIS?\nTo see the full list of signatories and read the full text of the letter, please click here.\nMigratory birds are a vital link in our ecosystem and Congress deliberately passed the MBTA in order to protect bird populations, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. Regulatory rollbacks exacerbate harm to endangered species and our environment. It's clear that the DOI and the Trump administration's regulatory rollbacks are unlawful, and immensely harmful to our environment.\nIn addition to the 52 Congressional signatories, the letter was also supported by numerous conservation and wildlife groups.\nWe're glad to see these members of Congress stand up for birds and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, said Erik Schneider, policy manager for the National Audubon Society. Since 2017, the rollback of this 100-year-old law has received bipartisan opposition, it has been overturned in court, and the government's own environmental impact statement shows the rollback will harm bird populations, at a time when they're facing long-term declines and threats from climate change. The best course of action would be for the administration to drop its new attempt to weaken the law and join these members of Congress, and more than 25 states, numerous tribal governments, scientists, sportsmen, birdwatchers, and 250,000 people calling for bird protections to be upheld.\nNow that the courts have weighed in, Department of the Interior Secretary Bernhardt should drop his illegal attempt to eliminate Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections and, instead, pursue a rulemaking that conserves wildlife while providing regulatory certainty, said Jamie Rappaport Clark, CEO and president of Defenders of Wildlife.\nThe Trump Administration's reckless rollback of long-standing protections for migratory birds needs to stop now, said Josh Axelrod, senior advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). The legal basis for this senseless rule has already been thrown out in court. Today, we're standing alongside our Representatives in urging Secretary Bernhardt to withdraw this harmful rule and institute a legitimate rulemaking that achieves conservation gains and ensures the certainty industry needs.\nAmerica's migratory birds are worth saving, both for their ecological and intrinsic value and for the billions of dollars birding activities contribute to our outdoor recreation economy each year, said Mike Leahy, director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy at the National Wildlife Federation. It is imperative that we safeguard protections against any significant losses of bird species, even accidental losses, as the Migratory Bird Protection Act requires. We support the request from Rep. Lowenthal and over 50 members of Congress to withdraw the proposed rule that would eliminate important protections for migratory birds, in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.\nMigratory birds are a key part of the web of life. They bring joy to the lives of millions of Americans and are a boon to the U.S. economy  the proverbial goose that lays golden eggs, said Steve Holmer of American Bird Conservancy. But most migratory birds are undergoing precipitous declines. We need to do more to conserve them, and that starts with a strong and effective Migratory Bird Treaty Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/10/08/rep-kirkpatrick-speaks-with-covid-19-task-force-regarding-case-resurgence/", "Rep. Kirkpatrick Speaks With COVID-19 Task Force Regarding Case Resurgence", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ann Kirkpatrick", "K000368", "kirkpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AZ02 Weekly Task Force Shares Frontline and Federal Updates\n(TUCSON, A.Z.)  The Office of Rep. Kirkpatrick released the following statement on this week's COVID-19 Task Force meeting. Since May, the task force has had weekly conference calls to discuss the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 throughout Southern Arizona and provide federal updates.\nThe weekly agenda includes an introduction from Rep. Kirkpatrick and her legislative team with federal updates on healthcare, small business and labor policies. After congressional policy updates, the industry-wide group takes turns speaking about their organization's experiences on the frontlines and share areas of need.\nThis week, Dr. Gerald noted an increase in COVID-19 cases in Arizona. He warned that as we continue to see normalized activity increase, such as schools and businesses reopening, and adherence to precautions wane, we will inevitably see an uptick in positive COVID-19 test results. This is a cycle that we have seen globally, Dr. Gerald noted.\nA spike in COVID-19 cases is a natural part of the virus's cycle. Fortunately, there is an easy solution: stay continually vigilant, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. I urge Arizonans to continue wearing masks in public spaces and adhere to public health recommendations. We cannot become comfortable with our current reality. Together, we can stop the spread.\nThe Pima County Health Department has released a map of the general locations of most COVID-19 cases based on a 15-day period to help Arizonans avoid hotspots. This map can be found here.\nMembers of the task force include Vice President of Tucson Medical Center Julia Strange, State Representative Dr. Randy Friese, Associate Professor & Program Director, Public Health Policy & Management, Dr. Joe Gerald, Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Francesco Garcia, Chiricahua Community Health Centers Director Dr. Jonathan Melk, Cochise County Health Department Director Carrie Langley, Copper Queen Hospital CEO Robert Seamon, El Rio CEO Nancy Johnson, Southern Arizona Veterans Hospital Director Jennifer Gutowski, Tucson Metro Chamber Director Amber Smith, Local First Arizona Director Michael Peel, Pima Council on Aging Director Mark Clark, Southern Arizona Leadership Council CEO Ted Maxwell, and Tucson Mayor Romero's Chief of Staff, Elaine Becherer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-applauds-over-one-million-usda-grants-expand-telehealth-az01", "OHalleran Applauds Over One Million in USDA Grants to Expand Telehealth in AZ01", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK  Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that a total of $1,121,946 had been awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Arizona medical centers to assist in the development and expansion of telemedicine to better serve rural communities in Arizona's First Congressional District.\nRural communities across Arizona have long faced significant barriers to accessing comprehensive health care. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for telehealth infrastructure to keep rural families connected to the care they need, said O'Halleran. I am pleased to see these much-needed investments in rural telehealth and telemedicine infrastructure that will benefit countless Arizona families and allow these medical centers to continue to serve rural communities.\nA grant of $744,452 was awarded to Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center to develop a telemedicine network and maximize health care resources through its medical centers covering the Globe, Kearny, Superior, Young, and Tonto Basin communities, and agrant of $377,494 was awarded to Benson Hospital to launch a new telemedicine project that will be deployed at 11 sites to provide telehealth services to rural residentsin Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-applauds-12-million-telehealth-services-and-distance-learning-arizona", "Sinema Applauds $1.2 Million for Telehealth Services and Distance Learning in Arizona", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Kyrsten Sinema", "S001191", "www.sinema.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced telehealth funding for Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center and Benson Hospital and distance learning funding for Cochise Technology District\nWASHINGTON  Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema applauded over $1.2 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development funding for telehealth and distance learning projects in Arizona.  \n  \nToday's funding helps ensure Arizonans can continue to access online health services and distance learning, keeping Arizona families healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic, said Sinema.  \n  \nThe USDA awarded Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center $744,452 in Rural Development funds to help develop telehealth services for Globe, Kearny, Superior, Young, and Tonto Basin. The USDA also awarded Benson Hospital $377,494 in Rural Development funds to help launch telehealth services in Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee counties.  \n  \nAdditionally, the USDA awarded Cochise Technology District $155,407 in Rural Development funds to help fund the Cochise Technology District Mental and Social Health Distance Learning Project for rural Cochise County and eastern Santa Cruz County Schools. The project will provide students with the technology to access college-level mental and social health courses.  \n  \nSinema has been a champion for expanding access to broadband connectivity across Arizona. During the coronavirus pandemic, Sinema urged the administration to disburse unspent COVID-19 relief funds to boost rural broadband access in Arizona. Sinema is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan ACCESS BROADBAND Actlegislation that streamlines the broadband application process for Arizonans, expanding access to broadband services for rural and tribal communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=4134", "Rep. Grijalva Statement on Trump Turning His Back on Americans During the Pandemic", "2020-10-07", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Last night, President Trump tweeted that he would no longer support ongoing negotiations for a compromised COVID-19 relief package, instead ordering the Senate to prioritize the confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice. Later, he reversed his position and tweeted support for smaller bills while still opposing a comprehensive approach. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tWith over 210,000 people dead, millions unemployed, thousands of small businesses shuttered, and countless families facing evictions, President Trump has simply shrugged his shoulders and reverted back to his governing philosophy: It is what it is.' Despite the House of Representatives passing two different comprehensive bills, the latest being a compromised bill as a plea to Senate Republicans to help America's working families and small businesses, President Trump has sat on his hands, refused to meet us halfway, and neglected to offer any real solutions to address the magnitude of this crisis.\r\n\r\n\tIf Trump had an inkling of reality he would know our country needs much more than another stimulus check. As our country and communities suffer, his response is to rush through the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice to further his agenda of ending the Affordable Care Act and its protectionseven though voting has already begun.\r\n\r\n\tTrump has turned his back on the American people in our time of need. I call on Republicans to reject this dereliction of duty and to work with Democrats to help our constituents.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=4131", "Ahead of Today's Hearing, Chair Grijalva Highlights GAO Finding that Bureau of Land Management Royalty Cuts for Industry Violated Internal Protocols", "2020-10-06", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.  Natural Resources Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) this morning highlighted a newly released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report finding that the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) royalty reductions for oil and gas companies during the COVID-19 pandemic violated its own regulations, and were implemented so haphazardly and inconsistently that BLM cannot determine if it achieved its stated goals of conserving public resources and protecting U.S. taxpayer interests.\r\n\r\n\tBLM regulations allow the agency to lower royalties at an oil and gas well only if the company can show that the reduction would make an uneconomic well profitable. Grijalva requested in May that GAO investigate whether BLM was following those regulations in cutting royalties around the country during the pandemic.\r\n\r\n\tThe GAO report, Federal Oil and Gas Revenue: Actions Needed to Improve BLM's Royalty Relief Policy, available at https://bit.ly/2SwAkNc, finds that BLM didn't consistently require companies to prove their wells on public lands needed the royalty reduction in order to keep operating. The watchdog found that BLM offices in different states used wildly different standards to review royalty cut applications, estimating that the royalty cut policy and its implementation cost taxpayers at least $4.5 million.\r\n\r\n\tGAO found no evidence showing such reductions were necessary for companies to keep their wells operating.\r\n\r\n\tCompanies pay a 12.5 percent federal royalty on all oil and gas extracted from federal public lands. The rate has not increased in a century and is considerably lower than what is charged on state and private lands.\r\n\r\n\tIn response to the significant drop in the oil price early in the pandemic, BLM rushed to develop a temporary royalty cut policy to prop up drilling on public lands. Over several months, five BLM state offices  Wyoming, Utah, Montana/Dakotas, Colorado, and New Mexico  approved 581 royalty reduction applications and cut rates from 12.5 percent to an average of less than 1 percent.\r\n\r\n\tGAO will testify on the report at today's Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee hearing at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time. The event is on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3cMA5a9and YouTube at https://youtu.be/wa1msknKLoY.\r\n\r\n\tDespite an invitation from the Committee, BLM refused to provide a witness to testify.\r\n\r\n\t#  #  #\r\n\r\n\tStay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee\r\n\r\n\tWebsite Facebook Twitter Newsletter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=4132", "Rep. Gallego, Chair Grijalva, Sen. Cantwell Lead Letter to Sec. Perdue Urging Pause or Reversal of Roadless Rule Exemption in Tongass Natl. Forest", "2020-10-06", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) led a bicameral letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today urging a pause or full reversal of the proposed exemption of Tongass National Forest from the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has protected tens of millions of acres of federal lands from overdevelopment and unwarranted logging since Jan. 12, 2001. On the House side, the letter  available online at https://bit.ly/3iwnlpq  is also led by Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Deb Haaland (D-N.M.).\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tGallego, chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, and Cantwell, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, are the authors of the Roadless Area Conservation Act, which would prohibit commercial logging or the construction of roads in inventoried federal roadless areas where those activities are prohibited by the Roadless Rule. The bill, for which Rep. DeGette is an original House cosponsor, would make it impossible to grant such exemptions. Cantwell has championed the bill since 2001.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe Department of Agriculture (USDA), which includes the U.S. Forest Service, has already published a final environmental impact statement indicating it will fully exempt Tongass National Forest from the Rule, which threatens to open millions of acres of one of the world's biggest natural carbon sinks to commercial logging. The announcement came despite overwhelming national and local opposition to the proposal.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tAmong many concerns the lawmakers cite, they point to USDA's failure to consult with Alaska Native tribes during the planning process, a lack of commercial demand for wood taken from the Tongass, the lack of scientific support for the move, the obvious environmental risks involved with opening the Tongass to more development and extraction, and the strong bipartisan opposition to the proposal.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWe are prepared to use the congressional tools available to us, including oversight hearings, appropriations restrictions, and legislation, to rein in further misuse of the authority and responsibility entrusted to your Department for the long-term welfare of the forests of the American people, the lawmakers write. An economically sustainable, collaborative, and science-based management policy for the National Forest System depends on maintaining strong Roadless Rule protections, especially in the Tongass National Forest.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tToday's letter is signed by 15 senators and 49 members of the House of Representatives.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe letter marks the latest move in the Committee's ongoing oversight of the administration's mismanagement of the Tongass. Democrats on the Committee sent letters:\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t On Oct. 11, 2018, opposing changes to the national roadless rule in Alaska.\r\n\r\n\t On May 10, 2019, to request more information in light of concerns about inadequate tribal consultations.\r\n\r\n\t On July 11, 2019, with Senate colleagues expressing concerns with the rulemaking's artificially expedited timeline at the expense of tribes and other stakeholders; and\r\n\r\n\t On Nov. 18, 2019, Grijalva and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, called for an investigation of the administration's use of public grant money to weaken protections for the Tongass.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t#  #  #\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tStay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee\r\n\r\n\tWebsite Facebook Twitter Newsletter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=4133", "Rep. Grijalva Statement on Extended Voter Registration Deadline in Arizona", "2020-10-06", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Ra\u00fal Grijalva", "G000551", "grijalva.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUCSON Late Monday evening, a U.S. District Court Judge ruled that the restrictions imposed on the public in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 imposed a hardship on some groups when attempting to register to vote. The judge ordered the State of Arizona to extend the voter registration deadline to October 23. In response Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tWe should undertake every effort to ensure as many eligible voters as possible can register to vote and exercise their constitutional right. The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying restrictions made it increasingly difficult for some communities, particularly communities of color, rural communities, and Native communities, to take this critical first step to participate in next month's elections. The court made the right decision to extend the voter registration deadline, and I urge all Arizonans to make sure they are registered to vote and have their voice heard in the upcoming elections.\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-response-president-leaving-negotiating-table-covid-19-relief", "OHalleran Response to President Leaving Negotiating Table on COVID-19 Relief", "2020-10-06", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AZ", "Tom O'Halleran", "O000171", "ohalleran.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK  Today, following President Trump's announcement that he would be ending negotiations with House leadership on a new COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus bill until after Election Day, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement:\nPresident Trump's refusal to come to the negotiating table on a new COVID-19 relief package is a conscious choice to ignore the severity of the crisis our country is facing. Inaction leaves hundreds of thousands of Americans who are sick, unemployed, food insecure, and struggling in every disparate way completely adrift in this global public health crisis.Our schools need resources to serve students safely, our businesses need investments, our tribal communities need improved infrastructure, and our health care system needs the funding to establish national testing, tracing, and treatment operations. There is no time left to prepare for resurges of this virus before the fall; it is fall. I am urging the president to reverse this decision, restart negotiations, and work with us to provide hardworking American families with the relief they need.\nLast week, O'Halleran voted to pass a new, updated Heroes Act to provide much-needed COVID-19 relief, and joined his colleagues in the Blue Dog Coalition on a letter urging Speaker Pelosi to continue negotiations with the Senate and White House until a deal is reached.\nToday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell warned of ongoing risks to the economy and the consequences of insufficient support from policymakers.\nToo little support would lead to a weak recovery, creating unnecessary hardship for households and businesses, Powell said. Over time, household insolvencies and business bankruptcies would rise, harming the productive capacity of the economy and holding back wage growth. By contrast, the risks of overdoing it seem, for now, to be smaller. Even if policy actions ultimately prove to be greater than needed, they will not go to waste.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 865, "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": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 865, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AZ&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 771, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 94, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "AZ", "label": "AZ", "count": 865, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 865, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-10-06,https~3A~2F~2Fohalleran~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fo-halleran-response-president-leaving-negotiating-table-covid-19-relief", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AZ&year=2020&_next=2020-10-06%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fohalleran~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fo-halleran-response-president-leaving-negotiating-table-covid-19-relief&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 235.35546334460378, "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"}