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162 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "AZ" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending

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  • 2016 · 162 ✖

state 1

  • AZ · 162 ✖

party 1

  • Democrat · 162 ✖

chamber 1

  • House 162
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinemas-sgt-daniel-somers-classified-veterans-access-to-care-act-signed-into-law/ Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act Signed Into Law 2016-12-21 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2016 Contact: Macey Matthews Phone: 202-225-9888 Email: macey.matthews@mail.house.gov Sinema’s Sgt. Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act Signed Into Law WASHINGTON, D.C. – The President of the United States signed into law the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 6416), a package of legislation that includes Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema’s Sergeant Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act. Sinema, working closely with Sgt. Somers’ parents, introduced the Sgt. Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act in honor of Arizona Army Veteran Sergeant Daniel Somers.  Sgt. Somers served two tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with both a traumatic brain injury and PTSD upon returning home. He sought treatment from the Phoenix VA but was tragically unable to get the care he needed. He lost his life to suicide in June 2013. “The VA has a responsibility to care for our veterans when they return home – and that includes treating the invisible wounds of war,” said Sinema.  “The Sgt. Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act ensures all veterans have access to appropriate mental health care. We have worked with Howard and Jean Somers for more than three years to pass this bill. Finally, this important piece of legislation is now law. There is still more work to do, and we will not rest until every veteran receives the care he or she has earned.” “Our son, Daniel, was one of the thousands of veterans who did not receive the care he needed, “ said Howard and Jean Somers. "Now we’re working every day to fix the system and improve the lives of all veterans and military families. We worked closely  with Congresswoman Sinema to introduce the Sgt. Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act and are proud to see this important bill signed into law. Our work will not end here. We will continue working with lawmakers, veterans organizations, the VA and DoD, to en… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-city-phoenix-housing-department-grant Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates the City of Phoenix Housing Department on Grant Award to Expand Educational Opportunities 2016-12-12 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Phoenix, AZ – The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that the City of Phoenix Housing Department has been awarded a $452,000 grant to help low-income youth and their families to apply for federal student aid for college. The “Education Navigators” program allocates grant funding to provide youth living in public housing with individual assistance to help them pursue post-secondary educational opportunities. Education Navigators are deployed to public housing sites and provide support with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), financial literacy and college readiness, postsecondary program applications, and post-acceptance assistance. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “At a time when many young people are struggling to enter the job market, this grant award will help expand access to education and training opportunities. This new funding will help our local youth to obtain the guidance and support they need to pursue further education and a career, putting them on a path to success. “I want to congratulate the City of Phoenix Housing Department on receiving this significant award, which will help young people in our community to realize their full potential.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-faa-flight-path-language-included-senate Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on FAA Flight Path Language Included in the Senate NDAA 2016-12-09 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate passed a bill that includes an amendment that will require the Federal Aviation Administration to re-evaluate the flight path changes implemented at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in 2014. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “The aircraft noise resulting from flight path changes at Sky Harbor has caused severe disruptions for many of my constituents - eroding their quality of life, impacting their health, lowering their property values, and disrupting their businesses. “The language in the NDAA is a step in the right direction toward holding the FAA accountable for the consequences of their opaque decision-making process and making sure they are responsive to our concerns. “I want to thank Senators Flake and McCain for taking steps to address this ongoing problem. I am committed to working with them and my colleagues in the House until the FAA takes action and peace and quiet is restored to the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-votes-to-support-arizona-defense-jobs-give-troops-pay-raise/ Sinema Votes to Support Arizona Defense Jobs, Give Troops Pay Raise 2016-12-06 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema joined a bipartisan majority to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which authorizes funding and sets defense policy for the coming year. “We’re working every day to defeat the terrorist threat and keep our communities and families safe,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “This bipartisan legislation responsibly funds our military to ensure our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our country. “The bill gives our troops a pay raise, funds programs like the Apache, A-10 and F-35 that support good Arizona jobs, and protects and improves the benefits our servicemembers have earned. By working together, we can keep our country safe and support servicemembers, veterans, and their families.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2259 106 Members of Congress Call on Obama to Protect Immigrants' Private Data 2016-12-05 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, 106 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama requesting that he take action to protect the names and private information of those who enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The letter, led by Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Judy Chu (CA-27), Zoe Lofgren (CA-29), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), and Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), specifically suggests an Executive Order that would prohibit the use of DACA enrollees’ information for purposes other than originally intended, including for purposes of deportation. The letter was endorsed by National Immigration Law Center (NILC), the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), and Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). The authors of the letter released the following statements: “The men and women who courageously stepped out of the shadows to apply for DACA must not be punished,” Rep. Grijalva said. “The federal government promised to ensure their safety; we cannot waver on that commitment or allow the next administration to undermine it. The safety of every DACA applicant is at stake. I urge President Obama to ensure this program and the information it has collected are never used to harm the very people it intended to help.” “When the government offered protection to immigrants if they worked hard, laid roots, went to school, and followed the laws, thousands acted on trust. Now that they’ve handed us names, addresses, birth certificates, and biometric information, we have to honor that trust,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “Further, President-elect Trump has said that his priority is to deport those who are a danger to our country. By qualifying for DACA, these immigrants are by definition not a threat to our country, but rather assets. I urge President Obama to take immediate executive action to protect these Dreamers before he leaves office.” “The President, along with many Democratic Members of Congress, urged these young immigrants to come out of the shadows, and to register with the gov… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-nomination-general-james-mattis-defense Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Nomination of General James Mattis as Defense Secretary 2016-12-05 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he will nominate General James Mattis as Defense Secretary: “As a fellow Marine, I greatly admire General James Mattis’ dedication and leadership. We all should be incredibly grateful for his many years of service to our nation. “As a veteran, I believe strongly in the principle of civilian leadership of the military. Current law requires that a military officer be out of active duty for at least seven years before taking the job of defense secretary. I do not believe this long-standing check should be cast aside, and I will oppose a waiver of this rule, even for someone as exceptionally qualified as General Mattis.” Rep. Ruben Gallego is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and served in Iraq with the combat unit Lima 3/25. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-hispanic-caucus-selects-leadership-team-115th-congress Congressional Hispanic Caucus Selects Leadership Team for the 115th Congress 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC- Yesterday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) selected its leadership team for the 115th Congress. Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham will chair the CHC, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Congressman Ruben Gallego, and Congressman Pete Aguilar will join her on the leadership team.   115th Congress -- CHC Leadership Team   CHC Chair: Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01)   CHC First Vice Chair: Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20)   CHC Second Vice Chair: Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)   CHC Whip: Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31)   CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham: “I want to thank my colleagues for entrusting me with the great responsibility of leading the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the 115th Congress. As the next Chairwoman, I intend to continue building on the many accomplishments we have achieved this Congress and ensure that the Caucus is leading the fight to support Hispanic communities and protect families across this country. “CHC will face many challenges given the outcome of the presidential election and the political environment in the next Congress. However, now more than ever, the CHC needs to demonstrate unity and strength in order to effectively combat dangerous rhetoric and regressive policies proposed by President-elect Trump aimed to tear families apart and hurt the communities we represent. “Hispanics represent $1.9 trillion in purchasing power, and we will shape the future of our great nation. Hispanic businesses have been a driving force in my home state of New Mexico; we have specifically seen significant growth among Hispanic women entrepreneurs. It’s up to the CHC to develop a strong economic agenda to highlight the economic impact of Hispanic communities and create more opportunities for Hispanic-owned business and entrepreneurs. “I am proud to say that CHC received unprecedented support from voters in this election, which increased our membership to a record-breaking total of 31 Caucus members.  We must build off this momentum and support, and I believe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2258 Grijalva, Sanders Condemn Continued Use of For-Profit Prisons & Detention Centers 2016-12-01 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) reacted today to the release of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), report of the subcommittee on Privatized Immigration Detention Facilities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced in August that as a result of an internal review finding that private prison facilities are less effective and more dangerous than those run by the government, DOJ would phase out its contracts with for-profit prison companies. Less than two weeks later, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would conduct a similar internal review of its reliance on the industry. The lawmakers’ statements today come amid reports that DOJ renewed contracts after their claim in August that they would substantially reduce them, and as DHS announced that it will not end its use private for-profit detention as a result of the HSAC subcommittee report. “To see the Obama Administration waver on something with such clear moral and ethical implications about our values as a nation is unacceptable,” Rep. Grijalva said. “This administration has allowed incarceration and detention profiteers to flourish under its leadership, with revolving doors between agencies and corporations ensuring lucrative contracts and cozy lobbying ties. The federal government cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of adults and children, their inadequate care, and the erosion of justice in our society. And now, just when the administration had the opportunity to move our nation in the right direction, they’ve decided to double down on for-profit captivity. “We already know that the next administration will embrace for-profit incarceration; Trump is clear in his support for the industry, as is the industry’s support for Trump, too,” Grijalva continued. “The Obama Administration should be minimizing any precedent for Trump to point to once he’s in office. Instead, they’re laying the groundwork for him to embrace profit-driven incarceration and det… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-democrats-pass-key-leadership-reforms House Democrats Pass Key Leadership Reforms 2016-12-01 2016 2016-12 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, House Democrats passed two motions, introduced by Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Kathleen Rice (NY-04), requiring key leadership positions to be elected by Members of the Caucus, instead of appointed by the Democratic Leader. The Caucus will now directly elect the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, as well as three co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. Reps. Gallego, Moulton, and Rice issued the following joint statement: “In the wake of the 2016 election, it is more clear than ever that the Democratic Caucus needs to bring more voices into leadership, with new ideas that will help us to forge a strong path forward, evolve as a Party and earn back the support of the American people. “The conversations we have had over the past few weeks about the future of our Caucus were difficult and contentious, but also necessary and inspiring. As a result, our Members worked together to select a leadership team and make dramatic reforms that will increase the diversity of our leadership team and make our leadership accountable to our Members. “In order to be successful, all Members of the Democratic Caucus need to play a role in recruitment, messaging, fundraising and strategy. The changes adopted today are a true victory that will help us to empower our Members and make our Caucus stronger. “Democrats can’t afford to back down in the face of a Donald Trump presidency and the regressive agenda he stands for. Today’s outcome was a good first step towards our goal of reclaiming the majority in 2018.”  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2257 Grijalva Responds to 15th Death of Immigrant Held at Eloy 2016-11-30 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) responded today to the death of a 36-year-old woman being held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at Eloy Detention Center, a for-profit detention center in Arizona. Raquel Calderón de Hildago is the third detainee to die in the past two months in ICE facilities, and the 15th immigrant fatality at Eloy since 2003. “I am disturbed to learn of yet another life lost in Eloy Detention Center,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Raquel Calderón de Hildago is the latest victim in a long and tragic history of fatal neglect at for-profit prisons and detention centers. Sadly, Eloy plays a leading role in establishing this troubling history, and its continued operation outside of Phoenix is tarnishing our state. “Transparency and accountability about the rising number of detainee deaths is desperately needed for the families seeking closure, and for our nation to ultimately end this public health crisis. The Department of Homeland Security should make public the results of its investigation into Raquel’s death at the earliest possible opportunity. They should do the same with the results of any other death investigations that are not yet public. It is also imperative that the Homeland Security Advisory Council subcommittee’s evaluation of private detention facilities take into consideration the grave record of care and the resulting deaths in these facilities. This latest heartbreak is another reason why our federal government should cut ties with the for-profit prison industry once and for all.” Rep. Grijalva has consistently called for accountability and action following deaths at the Eloy Detention Center. In July 2014, he called for the release of DHS’s internal reviews of the Eloy facility after José de Jesús Deniz Sahagún was found dead in his solitary confinement cell. Grijalva later shared Deniz Sahagún’s story in an op-ed raising awareness about medical neglect at for-profit detention centers. Grijalva also joined forces with Senator Bernie… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinemasupported-legislation-to-advance-medical-innovation-passes-house/ Sinema-Supported Legislation to Advance Medical Innovation Passes House 2016-11-30 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Cures Act, bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema, to accelerate the development of new medical treatments, cut red tape for biomedical innovation, and improve community mental health services. “Too many American families have watched their loved ones struggle with diseases that have no cure,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “The 21st Century Cures Act is a creative, bipartisan solution that allows innovators to focus on life-saving discoveries, rather than government bureaucracy. This health reform legislation is the type of commonsense solution that will lead to lower cost and better quality care for Arizona families.” The 21st Century Cures Act modernizes research programs at the National Institute of Health and the drug approval process at the Food and Drug Administration to accelerate bringing cures to market while protecting patients. This legislation promotes promising medical breakthroughs to address some of our most costly health challenges including, $1.8 billion for the cancer “moonshot” program, $1 billion over two years to combat the opioid epidemic, and $1.6 billion for brain-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. The bill also restructures behavior health programs to improve the quality of care delivered to individuals facing mental health crises. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-backs-tim-ryan-democratic-leader Rep. Ruben Gallego Backs Tim Ryan for Democratic Leader 2016-11-29 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego announced his support for Rep. Tim Ryan to serve as the next Democratic Leader. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “One of the unmistakable messages of the 2016 election is that the American people are fed up with business as usual in Washington. At this critical juncture, we face a choice – will we preserve a broken status quo or will we set our party on a new course? “I believe we must do more than simply paper over the cracks. We can’t just say the right things – we must take concrete steps to move our party in the right direction. That’s why I’m proud to announce my support for Congressman Tim Ryan for Democratic Leader. “Congressman Ryan has been a relentless advocate for working families and progressive policies. He is young and energetic, and I believe he will lead our Caucus in standing up to President-elect Trump and his administration and their plans to roll back civil liberties and our country’s social advancement. “Congressman Ryan has also proposed far-reaching reforms on how our Caucus is governed. These reforms will bring more voices into leadership, with new ideas that will help us to energize the diverse base of our party. He has emphasized accountability, and demonstrated that he is willing to be answerable to our Members. “Nancy Pelosi helped deliver great progressive victories like the Affordable Care Act during her Speakership. She has steered the Democratic Caucus through a series of tough fights, and I respect and admire her long record of dedicated service to our party and our country. I was heartened to read that she is now heeding the younger voices in our caucus. However, let’s be clear: these changes are necessary but not sufficient. “We can’t walk away from the 2016 election without learning an important lesson. What we’re doing now is not working. We have an opportunity for change, and we should take it. I encourage my Democratic colleagues to join me in supporting Tim Ryan for Democratic Leader.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2256 Grijalva, Huffman Demand Accountability for Brutal Law Enforcement Tactics at DAPL 2016-11-28 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) today requested an immediate meeting with White House and Department of Justice officials to demand accountability for alarming treatment of Water Protectors and peaceful demonstrators at the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota, and to denounce the closure of the Oceti Sakowin camp. The lawmakers, who jointly led 21 Members of Congress in urging President Obama to deescalate the tension at Standing Rock in a November 14 letter, noted today that circumstances since then have only deteriorated: “[H]eadlines of mass injuries, frigid water being sprayed at demonstrators in sub-freezing temperatures, and of rubber bullets and similar anti-riot weapons being fired at peaceful, unarmed civilians, make it clear that this situation is only getting worse.  Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers letter announcing the closure of the Oceti Sakowin camp to demonstrators represents a concerning and disappointing course of action by the federal government.   “We question the plan and reasoning given by the Army Corps of Engineers to close the Oceti Sakowin camp to the Water Protectors. The members of the Standing Rock Sioux and the hundreds of Americans who join them in opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline are constitutionally protected in their right to peaceably assemble.” The full text of Reps. Grijalva and Huffman’s meeting request is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2254 Grijalva Denounces Hostilities Against Dakota Access Water Protectors 2016-11-21 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today in response to reports that tear gas, freezing water and rubber bullets were used Sunday night against a crowd of approximately 400 Water Protectors and demonstrators at the Dakota Access Pipeline. The altercation injured more than 150 demonstrators and one law enforcement officer. “The escalating violence targeting peaceful demonstrators at the Dakota Access Pipeline is utterly unacceptable,” Rep. Grijalva said. “By attacking with the kind of force intended to quell riots, local and state law enforcement are acting like a hired security firm for a private corporation whose pipeline threatens Native American burial and sacred sites, and clean drinking water. Every American watching these events unfold should rightly be wondering: whose side are they on? “As a nation, we deserve better than what is happening at Standing Rock right now,” Grijalva continued. “I will continue to urge President Obama to ensure the safety and Constitutional rights of the Water Protectors in North Dakota, and of every American who chooses to exercise their Constitutionally protected right to assemble peacefully.” Grijalva’s remarks come just days after he and 22 of his Congressional colleagues wrote to President Obama outlining actions the federal government can take to immediately de-escalate growing tensions and protect the safety, rights and civil liberties of water protectors. Among many measure, the letter called for: denial of the easement, which the Army Corps of Engineers must issue for drilling to commence; the deployment of observers from the Department of Justice; withdrawal of National Guard and other law enforcement personnel deployed around the camp. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/not-every-congressional-democrat-shares-leadership-s-desire-work-trump Not every congressional Democrat shares leaderships desire to work with Trump 2016-11-17 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Democrats in Congress appear to be taking the idea of “give Trump a chance” seriously, with Jennifer Steinhauser reporting on a surprisingly wide consensus ranging from Chuck Schumer to Elizabeth Warren that Democrats should try to work with Trump on an infrastructure bill and perhaps other priorities in order to distance him from congressional Republican leaders. Jonathan Chait says this is political malpractice, and Brad Plumer’s explainer on the actual content of Trump’s infrastructure plan reveals that it actually has nothing in common with liberal ideas on infrastructure. Rather than spend new money on important priorities that only the public sector can execute, Trump is proposing tax cuts for private companies that are already investing in profitable private infrastructure schemes. Outgoing Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid has struck a very different tone, but he’ll be gone come January. But last night, Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego — who, similarly to Reid, represents a heavily Latino constituency in a region of the country where Democrats are gaining ground — gave a speech that was much more along Reid’s lines. He ran down the record of Trump’s bigoted statements, his dishonesty, his self-confessed sexual assaults, his mismanagement of charitable funds, his lack of financial disclosure, and his conflicts of interest, and concluded that it would be ridiculous for Democrats to trust him to manage a series of infrastructure public-private partnerships: Given everything we know about Donald Trump — and everything we don’t know — I was alarmed by the words of senior leaders from both the progressive and centrist wings of the party regarding their openness to working with Donald Trump on infrastructure. Under ordinary circumstances, we would welcome a plan to invest in infrastructure — even if that plan came from the other side of the aisle. Especially if it came from the other side of the aisle! But Donald Trump is not an ordinary politician. He is a con artist. He has refused to give the American people… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2262 Rep. Grijalva Leads Lawmakers' Call for End to Circus Captivity for Exotic Animals 2016-11-16 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today introduced the Traveling Exotic Animal & Public Safety Protection Act, legislation that would prohibittraveling circuses from holding exotic animals such as lions, tigers and elephants in captivity. Studies over the past 20 years have shown that the mobile accommodations circuses rely on cannot provide animals with the facilities needed to maintain their health and welfare. Furthermore, placing stressed exotic animals in close proximity to audiences creates a public safety risk that has claimed the lives of circus workers and attendees alike. “The captivity of exotic animals has proven over the years to be torturous to some of the most majestic creatures on Earth, and downright dangerous for the people who come to see them,” Rep. Grijalva said. “A growing public understandingof the detrimental impacts on animals and the risks posed to attendees has already changed the face of circuses in America. It is imperative that we meet the call to end this practice once and for all.” The legislation comes as the lawmakers host a Lion Arc film screening and panel on Capitol Hill. The film covers the dramatic rescue of 25 lions from circus captivity in Bolivia after similar legislation to the Traveling Exotic Animal & Public Safety Protection Act passed into law there. The Traveling Exotic Animal & Public Safety Protection Act follows actions by Ringling Brothers to retire their circus elephants and SeaWorld to end performing Orca shows and breeding.  Thirty-four diverse countries around the world and 63 cities and counties in the United States already prohibit use of animals in circuses. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-joins-house-colleagues-asking-president-elect-trump Rep. Ruben Gallego Joins House Colleagues Asking President-Elect Trump to Reverse Bannon Appointment 2016-11-16 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Dear President-elect Trump: Immediately following your victory, many Americans were optimistic and hopeful that you would take the steps necessary to unify our country following the divisive and contentious election.  In your election night speech you said, “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division.  It is time for us to come together as one united people.”  Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country.  As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist. Since the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation. Mr. Bannon’s appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your Administration.  Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns. As the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News, Mr. Bannon repeatedly and aggressively pushed stories that promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and racism. During an interview last summer, Mr. Bannon bragged that Breitbart was “the platform for the alt-right,” a movement that upholds White Nationalism while strongly rejecting diversity in any form. Under Mr. Bannon’s leadership, Breitbart has referred to a leading Republican who opposed your election as a “Renegade Jew,” suggested “Young Muslims in the West are a ticking time bomb,” declared that the “Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage,” and praised the alt-right as a “smarter” v… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-young-support-bipartisan-legislation-to-combat-caller-id-scams/ Sinema, Young Support Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Caller ID Scams 2016-11-16 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman David Young (IA-03), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud, applauded the passage of the Anti-Spoofing Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) to crack down on telephone scams that defraud millions of American families. Caller ID spoofing changes the names and phone numbers displayed on recipients’ caller IDs to make it appear they are calling from a trusted source like a government agency, bank, police department, or hospital. Scammers then collect personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. “Scammers often use fraudulent caller IDs to trick victims into giving personal information or money,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “This legislation is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that puts an end to this manipulative practice and protects Arizonans from financial scams and fraud.” “Scammers and fraudsters too often steal folks’ personal information and hard-earned money by nefariously posing as government agencies or other organizations and demanding payment or information over the phone,” Congressman Young said. “As cofounder of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud, I’m pleased to support this legislation, which prohibits falsified caller ID information and strengthens existing safeguards for consumers in Iowa and across the country.” "Millions of unsuspecting Americans continue to get ripped off through this unconscionable scam,” said Congresswoman Meng. “We must do all we can to combat it and my bill would go a long way towards accomplishing that critical goal. I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of individuals losing thousands of dollars because scammers duped them into believing that they would be arrested or fined if they failed to immediately pay up. We cannot allow these con artists to keep preying upon innocent consumers. I applaud the House for passing m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2252 Reps. Grijalva, Huffman, 21 Members of Congress, Recommend Steps to President Obama to Deescalate Tensions at Dakota Access Pipeline 2016-11-15 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – President Obama should take concrete steps to reduce the tensions at the Dakota Access Pipeline, argued Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and 21 members of Congress today in a letter to the White House. The lawmakers recommend that the federal government deny the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross Lake Oahe, deploy observers to ensure water protectors and journalists are safe and their rights are upheld, and urge the state of North Dakota to stand down from its escalation of the use of force. The letter follows today’s announcement by the Army Corps of Engineers that the agency will continue consultations with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe before making a final decision on the fate of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. “The EMAC is intended to help aid the victims of natural disasters -- not to help suppress our Constitutionally protected right to peacefully assemble,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Its use in this way, and the escalating law enforcement and National Guard presence in response to unarmed demonstrations, betrays our values as a nation and aids a private corporation whose pipeline threatens Native American burial and sacred sites, and clean drinking water. “The Army Corps is right to continue consulting with the Standing Rock Sioux – these consultations cannot succeed in the current atmosphere. Justice Department observers should be sent to the area without delay to ensure that this badly needed dialogue – which should have started much sooner – is not marred by civil rights abuses occurring just down the road.” “The Dakota Access Pipeline has been a call to action for those who believe in protecting the climate and tribal lands and rights,” said Rep. Huffman.  “Fortunately, President Obama can immediately ease this conflict by prohibiting the easement of the pipeline and sending observers from the Department of Justice to protect civil rights. In the coming months, President-elect Trump – who has personally invested in this pip… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-colombia-reaching-new-peace-deal Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates Colombia on Reaching New Peace Deal 2016-11-14 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Yesterday, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a revised peace deal designed to end more than 50 years of violence which has claimed more than 220,000 lives and displaced over 6 million people. An earlier peace deal was unexpectedly rejected by Colombian voters during a national referendum in October. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “I want to congratulate President Juan Manuel Santos for quickly and successfully renegotiating a peace deal that will bring an end to the suffering and violence that the people of Colombia have endured for more than half a century. “The new agreement addresses key concerns of those who opposed the original accord and goes even further to provide reparations to victims. “A successful peace negotiation is a victory for the Colombian people. I remain committed to ensuring that Colombia can continue to count on strong support from Congress as our ally takes critical steps toward a lasting peace.”   Congressman Ruben Gallego is the first Colombian-American Member of Congress.   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-hosts-roundtable-discussion-with-azbio-life-science-innovators/ Sinema Hosts Roundtable Discussion with AZBio, Life Science Innovators 2016-11-03 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Sinema Hosts Roundtable Discussion with AZBio, Life Science Innovators PHOENIX – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema hosted a Funding Innovation Roundtable with AZBio and Arizona Life Science Innovators to discuss advancing Arizona’s bioscience industry. “The bioscience industry’s life-saving and life-changing innovations improve the health and quality of life for Arizonans and families across the country,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “We heard that these companies need more flexibility to focus on research and development instead of costly, unnecessary regulations. We’re focused on working across the aisle to cut red tape and ensure bioscience innovators have the tools and support they need to thrive.” “It was an honor to have the opportunity for Congresswoman Sinema to join us at the Funding Innovation Roundtable and to share her insights and ideas with award winning Arizona life science leaders from Pinnacle Transplant Technologies, NeoLight, Smart Brain Aging, and Beacon Biomedical,” said Joan Koerber-Walker, president & CEO of AZBio.  “Not only did these great companies get to interact with one of the most respected life science innovation champions in Washington, D.C., but our assembled audience of life science innovators and investors did too.  They all walked away with a better understanding of what it is really like to get things done in our nation’s capital and a knowledge that there are leaders like Congresswoman Sinema who are committed to making life better for people here in Arizona and around the country, just as our life science industry members do in their labs, factories, and offices."   In May, the House of Representatives passed the Fostering Innovation Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Sinema, to provide commonsense regulatory relief for companies on the cutting edge of scientific and medical research. Congresswoman Sinema received AZBio’s 2016 Public Service Award for her work to support and advance Arizona’s medical and bioscience industries. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2248 Grijalva Requests Official Action from Republican Chairman to Prevent Cherrybell Closure 2016-11-01 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today sent a letter to Chairman Mark Meadows (R-NC) of the House Subcommittee on Government Operation – which holds jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service (USPS) – asking him to officially announce his support for ongoing efforts to save the Cherrybell Processing Center in Tucson. The letter follows Chairman Meadows’ tour of the facility last week, where he heard from local elected officials and community leaders about the importance of protecting the facility. While local officials from both political parties released statements following the visit expressing optimism about keeping the facility open, the Chairman has yet to officially commit to supporting legislative language that will prevent the consolidation. “I am glad that here in Tucson, the fight to protect Cherrybell, its employees, and the countless people who rely on its operation every day has become a powerful bipartisan effort,” Rep. Grijalva said. “But this support must extend to the national level, where unfortunately Republicans have often supported downsizing, limiting postal services and imposing harsh requirements funding on USPS. “Ending the uncertainty of closure, which threatens jobs and delivery service in Tucson and countless other localities around the country, will require follow through and action on the part of the Committee Chairman,” Grijalva continued. “It will require leaders in the Republican Party to challenge their Party’s orthodoxy and call for an end to inadequate proposals that fall short of preventing harmful postal closures. “For the people of Tucson and the workers at Cherrybell, it is critical to turn words into actions.  I encourage Chairman Meadows and other Republicans to commit to supporting legislation to prevent consolidations. The closures have not only disrupted service and cost jobs, but they have actually cost money instead of seeing the intended savings. This is a clear cut issue and it should be supported by an overwhelming majority of Congr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2246 Rep. Grijalva: AZ Must Protect Voting Rights 2016-10-28 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy Tucson – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement after news that 98 state and national organizations sent a letter to Arizona Secretary of States Michele Reagan urging her to create plans to prevent voting discrimination in Arizona. The request comes just days before Americans take to the polls for the first time in 50 years to elect a president without a fully operable Voting Rights Act. “Arizona’s botched primary election in March already made the state a poster case for voter disenfranchisement,” Rep. Grijalva said. “We can’t afford a similar disaster on Election Day. So many voices within our state and around the country are calling on state election officials to ensure every Arizonan can cast their ballot free from intimidation or hardship. They must be heard.” In response to Arizona’s botched primary in March, Rep. Grijalva introduced legislation in Congress requiring the Election Assistance Commission to work with state election officials in establishing minimum federal standards for voter accessibility, such as wait-times, and the location and operation of polling places. “Our primary debacle was a result of the Supreme Court’s decision undermining key parts of the Voting Rights Act,” Grijalva continued. “Arizonans know firsthand how harmful that decision was, and do not want a repeat or the possibility of something worse. The people are demanding assurances from election officials, and they deserve to have them. "We cannot allow our Democracy to be undermined by those that think voter intimidation and disenfranchisement should be commonplace, and I thank those organizations that have called for the protection of voters in Arizona.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2244 Grijalva Announces $1.5 M Grant for Tohono O'odham Nation 2016-10-25 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today congratulating the Tohono O’odham Nation on being rewarded nearly $1.5 million in grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The funds, which were part of $13 million announced by EPA for Arizona tribes, will pay for the connection of two existing community drinking water systems and upgrade arsenic treatment. The project will provide treated water to 73 tribal homes on the Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation. “I’m thrilled to see my friends at the Tohono O’odham Nation receiving this tremendous grant award from EPA,” Rep. Grijalva said. “These funds will help provide vital clean water to 73 homes, and help continue the great strides already being made on the Nation’s land. I congratulate the Tohono O’odham Nation and commend EPA on providing these funds to such a worthy and important cause.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2245 Grijalva Responds to DOD Revoking Veteran Enlistment Bonuses 2016-10-25 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today after recent news that the California National Guard is ordering veterans to repay large enlistment bonuses that were offered without proper authorization as long as a decade ago. Veterans who received the bonuses to entice reenlistment are now being told to pay them back with interest or face the threat of wage garnishments and tax liens for non-compliance. “DOD must act swiftly to stop this unjust retroactive punishment targeting our veterans for the improper behavior of recruiters,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Our veterans earn every bonus and benefit offered to them through their service in uniform. This money was offered in exchange for tremendous sacrifice on behalf of each service member and their families. They upheld their side of the bargain, and they expect – and deserve – for the federal government to do the same. “Asking veterans to repay money promised to them after years have passed is cruel, and the threat of ruining their credit over this is appalling. I cannot think of a more harmful message to send, nor a more disruptive and undeserved burden to place on anyone relying on the Department of Defense to keep their word.  Congress should pass legislation to ensure our veterans are never again penalized for the DOD’s mistakes and going forward we must prioritize service members pay and benefits within our vast military budget.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-friendly-house-grant-award-provide Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates Friendly House on Grant Award to Provide Opportunities to Disconnected Youth 2016-10-12 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The Department of Labor will award Friendly House $911,494 through its YouthBuild program to provide job training and educational opportunities to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue careers in construction. Participants in the YouthBuild program will earn industry-recognized certifications and gain construction skills training to build houses for homeless or low-income families in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The Southwest Skills Center at Estrella Community College will also partner with Friendly House for this project. Friendly House also received a $1 million grant from the Department of Labor in July that will allow them to provide workforce development and adult education services to disconnected youth who wish to pursue careers in criminal justice. Rep. Gallego said, “The YouthBuild program will help young people to gain the education and skills they need to obtain a good job and help them to become engaged in their community. I want to congratulate Friendly House on receiving this significant award, and thank them for the work they are doing in our community to expand access to education and training opportunities and to help disconnected youth realize their full potential.” Friendly House President & CEO Martin Quintana said, “We are excited to have been awarded this grant. It will enable Friendly House to serve young adults that are interested in becoming involved in the construction field. During the last 97 years, Friendly House has established solid relationships and an excellent program reputation in the community, which we believe played a key role in being awarded this funding opportunity. This is the second Department of Labor grant awarded to Friendly House in the past three months. We have been blessed with this opportunity to work with and serve our community.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-and-southwest-human-development-bring-two-little-free-libraries-to-sunnyslopes-windrose-villas/ Sinema and Southwest Human Development Bring Two Little Free Libraries to Sunnyslope's Windrose Villas 2016-10-12 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy SUNNYSLOPE, Ariz. – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema and Southwest Human Development opened two Little Free Libraries at Sunnyslope’s Windrose Villas. Before serving in Congress, Congresswoman Sinema worked as a social worker at Shaw Butte Elementary School and served Windrose Villas families. “I started my career as a social worker in Sunnyslope and worked every day to help families at Windrose Villas,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “I ran for office to help families in Sunnyslope and all across Arizona have the chance to achieve the American Dream. Access to books is an important part of academic success, and I’m honored to work with Southwest Human Development to open these libraries for Windrose families.” The Little Free Library program encourages communities to build and install free-standing, outdoor boxes that provide a free neighborhood book exchange. Southwest Human Development plans to build 100 Little Free Libraries across the Valley by the end of the year. In addition to the Little Free Libraries, Dunlap & Magee Property Management, in partnership with the City of Phoenix Housing Department and the Arizona Multihousing Association, has launched the Raise a Reader program at Windrose Villas.  This free 10-15 week early literacy and family engagement program helps parents and children develop, practice, and sustain interactive reading routines.  Approximately 60 Shaw Butte Elementary School students currently live at Windrose Villas. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-city-phoenix-2-million-transit-grant Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates City of Phoenix on $2 Million Transit Grant 2016-10-11 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The Department of Transportation announced today that the City of Phoenix has been awarded a $2 million grant by the department’s Federal Transit Administration to plan for additional development in the South Central Light Rail Extension Corridor. The grant will allow the city to plan for improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, while preserving local housing affordability and assisting local small businesses.  The city’s planning efforts will involve key partners, including Valley Metro, the Maricopa Association of Governments, and local housing and economic development organizations. Rep. Gallego released the following statement: “Thanks to this new funding, Phoenix residents will soon have safer ways to walk or bike to work and school. By providing easier access to bus and light rail lines, the project will help link members of the South Central community to employment centers, schools, hospitals, and other vital public services. “I want to congratulate the City of Phoenix on receiving this significant award, which will help it to make great strides in its mission to transform the South Central corridor in order to make this neighborhood a better place to live and work.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-visits-northern-arizona-universitys-veterans-success-center/ Sinema Visits Northern Arizona University's Veterans Success Center 2016-10-11 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Flagstaff, Ariz. – This week, Congresswoman Sinema visited Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Veterans Success Center (VSC) and met with Student Veterans of America representatives. “It is our responsibility to ensure veterans have the resources and support they need when they return home,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “NAU’s Veterans Success Center helps student veterans succeed in the classroom and step right into good paying jobs after graduation. We’ll keep working to ensure all veterans and military families have access to the American Dream.” NAU’s Veterans Success Center serves as a support network where student veterans meet and connect with other veterans.  VSC staff provides direct service and referrals to campus and community resources focused on successful transitions, academic success, retention, and career development. Student Veterans of America provides veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education. The NAU chapter was recognized as the July 2014 “School Chapter of the Month” for its significant contributions to student veteran educational success and community involvement. Congresswoman Sinema introduced the Servicemember Higher Education Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to streamline and improve the federal financial aid process for Arizona servicemembers and their families.  The Servicemember Higher Education Protection Act also has the support of leaders within the veterans community, including the Student Veterans of America. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-colombian-president-juan-manuel-santos Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos for Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize 2016-10-07 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his work to negotiate a peace deal to end a half-century of conflict with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “I want to congratulate President Juan Manuel Santos on being awarded the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize, a well-deserved recognition of his bold leadership and continued determination throughout the long and arduous peace process. “Though challenges remain, I am confident that both parties will reach a deal that will address the remaining concerns of the Colombian people. I recently had the privilege of traveling to Colombia to witness the vote on the peace deal, and was struck by the Colombian people’s commitment to achieving peace, and their resilience and capacity for forgiveness. “After standing with Colombia through decades of war, the United States must continue to stand with the Colombian people as they continue to work for a just and lasting peace. As the first Colombian American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, I remain committed to strengthening the ties between our nations and ensuring that the Colombian government can continue to count on strong support from Congress at this critical juncture in their nation’s history.”   Congressman Ruben Gallego is the first Colombian-American Member of Congress. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-visits-goodwill-of-central-arizona-through-kyrsten-means-business-program/ Sinema Visits Goodwill of Central Arizona through Kyrsten Means Business Program 2016-10-07 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy PHOENIX – Through her Kyrsten Means Business Program, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema this week heard from employees at Goodwill of Central Arizona, an Arizona Veteran Supportive Employer. “Veterans make great employees – something Goodwill of Central Arizona knows firsthand,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “Goodwill is committed to creating a supportive work environment where veterans have the opportunity to grow and succeed and can continue their public service by making our community a better place to live. We are proud to have them in Arizona’s Ninth Congressional District.”Goodwill of Central Arizona operates more than 70 stores and donation centers and 19 Goodwill career centers. They are also an Arizona Veteran Supportive Employer (AVSE). AVSEs are Arizona businesses and organizations committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining servicemembers, veterans, and military families members. Goodwill supported 2,500 Arizona veterans through employment, skills training, and housing services last year. Congresswoman Sinema invites AVSEs to her Veterans Resource Clinics to connect Arizona veterans directly with potential employers. In Congress, Congresswoman Sinema supports legislation to improve job opportunities for Arizona veterans. She cosponsored the Border Jobs for Veterans Act to recruit and hire veterans as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at understaffed U.S. ports of entry. The bill was signed into law October 2015. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-sen-mccain-s-decision-abandon-misguided Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Sen. McCains Decision to Abandon Misguided Changes to the Veterans Preference Program 2016-10-06 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Senator John McCain said on Tuesday that he would remove language in the National Defense Authorization Act that would have undermined the long-standing veteran preference in federal hiring. The highly controversial language formerly backed by Sen. McCain would have prevented veterans from benefitting from the preference system if they were already employed by the federal government. In June, the House of Representatives approved an amendment to the financial services appropriations bill introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego that was designed to protect that program. Rep. Gallego’s amendment received the support of the vast majority of the House, with a 409 to 14 vote. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “I strongly believe veterans who served our nation in uniform deserve the chance to serve our nation in the federal government. Under McCain’s proposal, if a particular job wasn’t a good fit, or if a veteran wanted to move up the ladder at a different agency, he or she would have been deprived of this benefit. “When I returned from Iraq, I saw friends and fellow Marines struggle to find employment and readjust to civilian life. The veterans preference system has helped many courageous Americans to find good jobs when they return from war so that they can provide for their families. It helps to create a fair playing field by compensating veterans for the time they spent fighting overseas instead of working in government or the private sector. “I want to thank the veterans organizations that fought to protect this important system. I also want to thank my colleagues, Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick, Mark Takano and Pete Aguilar, for helping me lead that fight in the House of Representatives. “Our veterans earn this preference through their hard work and sacrifice. I am glad that Sen. McCain has finally abandoned his misguided efforts to put this program at risk.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-vaoig-report-on-management-issues-at-the-phoenix-va/ Sinema Statement on VAOIG Report on Management Issues at the Phoenix VA 2016-10-05 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy PHOENIX – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement in response to the VA Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) report detailing continued failures at the Phoenix VA: “It’s been more than two years since we learned about the tragic failures at the Phoenix VA – issues that should have been fixed immediately. This report shows an unacceptable lack of progress. “The Phoenix VA needs stable, competent leadership to change its culture and address these problems once and for all. If they cannot find this kind of leadership within the VA, it’s time to look elsewhere. We cannot wait any longer. “The VA cannot continue to sweep these problems under the rug.  That’s why I passed legislation in the House of Representatives to require the VA to address problems identified by the VAOIG and ensure individual managers are held accountable if issues remain unresolved. We need this legislation signed into law to ensure these warning are not ignored again.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2243 Grijalva Reacts to Changes in Arizona Medicaid Program 2016-10-03 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) reacted to approval by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the continued operation of Arizona’s Medicaid program with changes. CMS denied several changes requested by the state, including lifetime limits on coverage, work requirements, new cost-sharing for those below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and six month lock-out periods. However, they permitted the state to move forward with a proposal known as the AHCCCS Choice Accountability Responsibility Engagement (CARE), which will set up health accounts and impose additional cost-sharing on those between 100-138% of FPL with potential dis-enrollment for lack of payment. “I am thankful for CMS’s leadership in preventing some extremely harmful changes to our Medicaid program, however allowing low income individuals who can’t afford additional payments to be disenrolled could have severe consequences,” Rep. Grijalva said. “The benefits of expanding Medicaid are clear – to reverse course and go back down a road that will erode the program is a disservice to the people of Arizona.  Medicaid dollars should go to care, they shouldn't be wasted on operation of CARE accounts or unnecessary enrollment burdens." “The state’s insistence on pushing policies that punish low income individuals only serves to endorse failed economic theories. I call on Arizona to work with CMS to ensure punitive new financial requirements don’t lead to mass disenrollment of our expansion population,” Rep. Grijalva said. Congressman Grijalva has been a leading voice calling for CMS to reject many of the proposed changes to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)  program. In October 2015, he urged CMS to reject Arizona’s new Medicaid waiver request on grounds that the state did not adequately fulfill its obligation to allow for meaningful public input, the full text of the letter is available here. In December 2015, he led Arizona lawmakers in submitting formal comments urging the rejection of harmfu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-colombian-vote-reject-peace-deal Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Colombian Vote to Reject the Peace Deal 2016-10-03 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Voters in Colombia rejected a landmark peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement: “Though I was surprised at the outcome of yesterday’s vote, I know that the Colombian people are committed to finding a path to a just and lasting peace. It is extremely encouraging that both the Colombian government and the FARC have indicated that they will continue to work to achieve that goal. “I had the great privilege of traveling to Colombia to witness the vote, and it was inspiring to see the democratic process in action.  Based on my conversations with Colombians on both sides of the referendum, I came away more impressed than ever with their resilience and capacity for forgiveness.    “As a combat veteran, I know firsthand that the emotional wounds of war heal slowly.  After more than half a century of violence, the United States has a responsibility to continue to support Colombia as its leaders seek a way forward. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that we provide that critical assistance in the difficult months ahead.”  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-leads-bipartisan-letter-support-colombia-peace-process Rep. Ruben Gallego Leads Bipartisan Letter of Support for Colombia Peace Process 2016-09-30 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego sent a letter to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to congratulate him for concluding the peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and to express support for continued American assistance to Colombia as the government begins the difficult work of implementing the agreement. The full letter can be found here. The letter was signed by 63 Members of Congress: Reps. Gallego, Byrne, Rooney, Poe, Issa, Gosar, Buddy Carter, Engel, Lowey, Adam Smith, Conyers, McGovern, Farr, Hank Johnson, McDermott, Cicilline, Pocan, Keating, Wasserman Schultz, Dingell, Crowley, Serrano, Ruppersberger, Torres, Beyer, Takano, David Price, Honda, DeFazio, Norton, DeSaulnier, Yarmuth, Castor, Schakowsky, Hastings, Lowenthal, Cardenas, Frankel, Cartwright, Israel, Van Hollen, Lee, Edwards, Meeks, Castro, Garamendi, Capuano, Titus, Waters, Polis, Gutierrez, Watson Coleman, Deutch, Grayson, Himes, Linda Sanchez, Doggett, Welch, Pingree, Ellison, Grijalva, Rush, and O’Rourke.      Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) said, “The historic peace agreement signed this week will put an end to suffering and violence that the people of Colombia have endured for over half a century. But significant challenges remain, and Congress must support Colombia during the implementation and reconciliation process. At this critical moment, Democrats and Republicans should come together to ensure that America is just as committed to helping Colombia secure peace as we were to helping Colombia wage war.” Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL) said, “I applaud the signing of the Colombia peace agreement. This is a major achievement and a significant step toward peace and stability in the region. Colombia is a strong partner of the United States, and I am committed to continuing to support our neighbors in Colombia as the process moves forward.” “We are happy to see bipartisan U.S. Congressional support for the Colombia’s peace accord and commitment by U.S. lawmakers to provide robust assistance as post-accord implem… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-salmon-demand-answers-on-appointment-of-new-phoenix-va-director/ Sinema, Salmon Demand Answers on Appointment of New Phoenix VA Director 2016-09-30 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy PHOENIX — Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Matt Salmon (AZ-05) today sent a letter to President Obama calling for a reassessment of Ms. Rima Ann Nelson’s appointment as permanent Director of the Phoenix VA. “Veterans in Phoenix deserve the best possible director to lead and fix the Phoenix VA Medical Center,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “Congressman Salmon and I sent this letter because, despite recent progress, too many Arizona veterans have lost faith in the Phoenix VA. The new director must take immediate steps to rebuild trust with the veterans community. Our veterans deserve answers, and we’ll keep fighting until we get them.” “When I first heard of the VA’s latest appointment in Phoenix, I immediately felt it must be some sort of a cruel joke.  After working with the Phoenix veteran community for years, I know they deserve better,” said Congressman Salmon. “I’m glad to be joined by Congresswoman Sinema in writing this letter to the President in the hopes that we can secure for Arizona’s veterans the care they deserve and not import the problems faced by other VA hospitals.” Read the full letter here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2240 Grijalva, Schakowsky Call for Moratorium on For-Profit Detention Contracts & Transparency in DHS Review 2016-09-29 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson calling for a moratorium on for-profit detention centers and transparency in the  upcoming review by a subcommittee of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) over Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) reliance on for-profit immigrant detention centers. “I am glad that an HSAC subcommittee is finally reviewing ICE’s reliance on for-profit detention centers, but the credibility of the review depends entirely on its transparency and objectivity,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Our nation’s values hang in the balance of their findings. We cannot afford for this process to be undermined by an opaque investigation or by the influence of people who are financially invested in the outcome. Furthermore, the very fact that the policy is under review should mean a total moratorium on new contracts until the results are known.” “It’s long past time that United States stopped using private corporations to run immigration detention facilities across the United States,” said Rep. Schakowsky. “These private corporations profit from millions of taxpayer dollars while allowing inhuman conditions to persist including severe overcrowding including of women and children.  Many of those detained are refugees fleeing horrific violence.  I was pleased when the Department of Homeland Security announced a review of private immigration facilities in August, but I strongly urge them to shut them down entirely and to follow the lead of the Department of Justice who ended their contracts with private prisons. That is why I am proud to stand with Representative Raul Grijalva and Senator Bernie Sanders in leading the fight to shut these detention facilities down once and for all.” The full text of the letter is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leaders-future-forum-introduce-bill-provide-student-debt-relief-young Leaders of the Future Forum Introduce Bill to Provide Student Debt Relief for Young Entrepreneurs 2016-09-29 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Yesterday, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Relief and Investment for Student Entrepreneurs (RISE) Act. The bill will make it easier for millennials to launch new business ventures by offering a 3-year deferment period for federal student loans, interest-free, to entrepreneurs who have earned a college degree in the past five years. The bill also incentivizes job creation in economically-challenged communities by enabling young people who start businesses in those areas to receive up to $17,500 in student loan relief. Rep. Ruben Gallego said, “For far too many young people, crushing student loan debt has put the dream of starting a small business on hold. By relieving some of that burden, we can help grow our economy and bring jobs to areas where Americans are struggling to find work. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the RISE Act. Entrepreneurship has long been driving force in our economy, and we shouldn’t let student debt stand in the way of job creation.” Rep. Eric Swalwell said, “As chair of Future Forum, a group of young Democratic Members of Congress focused on the issues and opportunities important to millennials, I have heard a familiar refrain from young people across the nation – that the weight of student loan debt is holding them back from making major life decisions, like starting a business or buying a home. The RISE Act helps to encourage young people to pursue new business ventures by lightening the heavy burden of student debt. It takes an important step toward preserving the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit so characteristic of our nation, and I appreciate the opportunity to lend my support.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2239 Grijalva Announces $2M in Grants Promoting Diversity in Education 2016-09-27 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today announced nearly $2 million in grants from the Department of Education’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM Program that have been awarded to the Yuma/La Paz Counties Community College District and the Pima County Community College District – East Campus. The funds, which will help both institutions develop and carry out activities to improve and expand the institution’s capacity to serve Hispanic and other low-income students, are budgeted from October 2016 through September 2017. Both grants are anticipated to extend for 5 years, which would bring considerably more funding in the years to come. “I am pleased to see the Department of Education recognize the good work that both of these school districts are doing by providing growth opportunities and professional development to students who otherwise would have neither,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Education is the single greatest avenue to upward mobility in our society, but only for those with access to it. We must ensure equal opportunity in our schools so the next generation of leaders is every bit as diverse as the American people.”  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-city-phoenix-housing-department-2 Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates the City of Phoenix Housing Department on $2 Million Grant Award 2016-09-27 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that the City of Phoenix Housing Department has been awarded a $2 million grant through its Jobs-Plus Initiative Program. The grant will help low-income public housing residents to secure higher paying jobs by connecting them with employment opportunities, educational advancement, and financial literacy services. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “At a time when many working families are struggling to make ends meet, this grant award will help Phoenix residents to obtain the training and skills they need to find and compete for higher paying jobs. “I want to congratulate the City of Phoenix Housing Department on receiving this significant award, which will help put more hardworking people on the path to success.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2234 Rep. Grijalva Urges Federal Funding for Nogales Sanitation Project 2016-09-26 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today filed an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (H.R. 5303) to require the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to provide resources for Nogales Sanitation Project, including the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI), a major sewage line that runs from Nogales, Sonora under the Nogales Wash to a treatment plant in Rio Rico, Arizona. The amendment needs to gain approval from the Republican majority on the Rules Committee to receive a vote on the House floor. The Army Corps of Engineers recommended a critical update to address issues of uncontrolled storm waters transporting garbage and contaminants to the U.S. city of Nogales. The pollutants pose public health risks and are exacerbated by annual storms and the unique problems associated with an international sewer line. “For too long, the people of Nogales have faced unnecessary health risks from uncontrolled waters and pollutants flowing through the Santa Cruz River,” Rep. Grijalva said. “The amendment I submitted today would help ease the financial burden the City of Nogales faces in addressing this situation, and ensure the federal government upholds its responsibility to protect our citizens.” Prior to the ban on earmarks, Rep. Grijalva worked each year since 2004 to secure funding for the Nogales Wash / Chula Vista and International Outflow Inceptor projects through the appropriations process.  He included an authorization for additional appropriations in his Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act, first introduced in 2011. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2235 Grijalva Congratulates UofA, Local Tribal Partners in Grant Award to Prepare Teachers & Administrators 2016-09-26 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today congratulated the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona for receiving more than $300,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Education Indian Education Professional Development Program. The budget period will run from October 2016 through the end of September 2017, but is expected to ultimately become a four-year grant. Rep. Grijalva released the following statement: “I am thrilled to see the good work that the University of Arizona is doing to promote academic capacity within Tribal communities is being bolstered by the Department of Education,” Rep. Grijalva said. “This grant will help build capacity within tribal communities by training and preparing members to serve as educators, including in the Tohono O’odham Baboquivari Indian Oasis School District, Gila River Community Schools, Sacaton Public School District, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Education Department, Tohono O’odham Community College and Tucson Unified School District. I congratulate the U of A and all of their partners in developing and implementing this program with an indigenous focus, and look forward to the bright young minds it will undoubtedly create.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-signing-colombia-peace-agreement Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Signing of the Colombia Peace Agreement 2016-09-26 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will sign a landmark peace agreement. If ratified by the Colombian people, the agreement will end more than 50 years of violent conflict that claimed more than 220,000 lives and displaced over 6 million people. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “The historic peace agreement signed today will put an end to the suffering and violence that the people of Colombia have endured for over half a century. This milestone is indicative not only of the Colombian government’s commitment to peace, but also of the Colombian people’s remarkable capacity for healing and forgiveness. I want to congratulate President Juan Manuel Santos, who demonstrated bold leadership throughout this long and arduous process. “Despite this success, significant challenges remain. It is important that the Colombian government now ensures that the peace agreement is carried out in a manner that will promote the rights of the victims and honor their demands for truth and justice. “After standing with Colombia through decades of war, the United States must continue to stand with the Colombian people as they work to build a just and lasting peace. Robust assistance will be critical to implementing this agreement, and I remain committed to ensuring that the Colombian government can continue to count on strong support from Congress at this important time in their history.” Congressman Ruben Gallego is the first Colombian-American Member of Congress. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2232 Grijalva, Sanders Call for US Marshalls Service to End Reliance on For-Profit Prison Industry 2016-09-19 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) today sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch urging she direct the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to follow the Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) lead in phasing out private prison contracts as they come up for renewal. The letter reads in part: We ask that you use your existing authority to hold USMS facilities to the same standards as BOP by immediately initiating a review of privately operated prison and detention centers under their jurisdiction and beginning a phase-out of all for-profit prison contracts moving forward. Rep. Grijalva released the following statement: “The Department of Justice’s decision directing the Bureau of Prisons to sever ties with the private prison industry was a vital and necessary first step towards ending our nation’s involvement with this morally reprehensible industry,” Rep. Grijalva said. “But it was exactly that – a first step. The DOJ should immediately build on this progress and review the U.S. Marshal Service’s for-profit prison contracts. They should disassociate from captivity profiteering immediately. A larger portion of USMS’s prison population sleeps on privately operated beds than BOP’s, making their use of private contractors an even greater concern. Until they, and others like the Department of Homeland Security do, our nation will remain ensnared in financial dealings that undermine our values and promote human suffering. That is simply unacceptable.” The full text of the letter is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-city-phoenix-federal-safer-grant-hire-50 Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates City of Phoenix on Federal SAFER Grant to Hire 50 Firefighters 2016-09-15 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The City of Phoenix Fire Department was awarded more than $9 million by FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants program to hire 50 firefighters over the next two years. Rep. Gallego released the following statement: “Phoenix firefighters regularly put their own safety on the line to protect the lives and property of our city’s residents. This new grant will allow the City of Phoenix Fire Department to hire dozens of new firefighters to help keep our community safe and improve our emergency services. “I want to congratulate the City of Phoenix Fire Department on receiving this significant award, and thank Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner for her leadership in making sure that her department can quickly and effectively respond to calls for assistance.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-passing-gov-rose-mofford Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Passing of Gov. Rose Mofford 2016-09-15 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement on the passing of former Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Gov. Rose Mofford, Arizona’s first female governor and a true public servant. Gov. Mofford demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the people of Arizona over more than 50 years of service, and served as a role model to many of our leaders. Her ability to transcend partisanship for the sake of bettering our communities is something to which we should all aspire. “As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate Gov. Mofford’s life, leadership and legacy. My prayers are with her family and friends during this time.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-passing-of-governor-mofford/ Sinema Statement on Passing of Governor Mofford 2016-09-15 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy PHOENIX – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement on the death of Governor Rose Mofford: “Governor Mofford embodied the true meaning of public service – a tireless, thoughtful leader who always put the people of Arizona first. She was a trailblazer and an Arizona legend. She was a dear friend and role model for me. Governor Mofford’s legacy will live on in Arizona forever.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-supports-legislation-to-hold-va-accountable-fire-poorperforming-employees/ Sinema Supports Legislation to Hold VA Accountable, Fire Poor-Performing Employees 2016-09-15 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema voted with a bipartisan majority to pass the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, legislation reforming the VA benefits claim process and giving the Secretary of Veterans Affairs new authority to hold VA employees accountable and improve performance at the VA. “It took more than two years to remove three leaders responsible for the tragedies at the Phoenix VA,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “It’s outrageous that it takes this long to fire employees responsible for the poor treatment of veterans. Today’s legislation gives the Secretary of the VA the authority to hold employees accountable and change the culture of the VA to finally put veterans first.” The VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 authorizes the VA to remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct. It also strengthens protections for whistleblowers and allows the VA secretary to recoup bonuses from poor-performing employees. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-mcsally-legislation-to-stop-tax-hike-on-arizona-seniors-middle-class-families-passes-house/ Sinema, McSally Legislation to Stop Tax Hike on Arizona Seniors, Middle Class Families Passes House 2016-09-14 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act (H.R. 3590), legislation introduced by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema and Congresswoman Martha McSally to prevent a tax increase on out-of-pocket medical expenses for Arizona seniors and middle class families. “Arizonans continue to struggle with increasing health care costs,” said Congresswoman Sinema.  “This commonsense legislation allows Arizona seniors and families to deduct more of their out-of-pocket health care expenses, a relief sorely needed during tough economic times.” “Many Arizona seniors have saved their entire lives in the hopes of a secure retirement. It would be completely unfair now to hand them the bill for the runaway spending of the past few years,” said Congresswoman McSally. “Our bill stops this looming tax hike before it hits seniors and rolls it back on middle class families already being squeezed by it."  “Many Arizona seniors already face high out of pocket medical costs,” said AARP Arizona State Director Dana Marie Kennedy. “Increasing this tax deduction threshold on them will only cost them more.  AARP is proud of the bipartisan work of Congresswoman McSally and Congresswoman Sinema to preserve this important medical deduction and help ensure seniors in Arizona with high health care costs do not also get hit with tax hikes.” Previously, taxpayers could deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their adjusted growth income (AGI). The Affordable Care Act increased this threshold to 10 percent for individuals under 65.  For individuals 65 and older, the increase is scheduled to occur in 2017. The Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act prevents that increase and returns the AGI threshold to 7.5 percent for all individuals. Congresswoman Sinema spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the bill: watch Congresswoman Sinema full remarks here: Thank… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-hosts-fourth-bipartisan-special-order-hour-on-veteran-suicide-prevention/ Sinema Hosts Fourth Bipartisan Special Order Hour on Veteran Suicide Prevention 2016-09-13 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema hosted the fourth annual bipartisan special order hour in the U.S. House of Representatives to raise awareness of veteran suicide. “Typically, time in the House chamber is split – Republicans have one hour and Democrats have another,” said Congresswoman Sinema in her remarks. “This issue is too important to be overshadowed by partisan politics. That’s why tonight we’ve brought together members from both sides of the aisle – to show our commitment to solving this problem together and finding real solutions for our veterans.” Congresswoman Sinema introduced the Sergeant Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act to fix VA mental health care and ensure veterans with classified experiences have appropriate access to mental health services. The bill passed the House of Representatives in February. “No one who returns home from serving our country should ever feel like he or she has nowhere to turn,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “I am committed to working on both sides of the aisle to ensure no veteran feels trapped like Sgt. Somers did and all our veterans have access to appropriate mental health care.” Watch here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2230 Grijalva Congratulates Pascua Yaqui on Significant Health Grant 2016-09-09 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today congratulating the Pascua Yaqui Tribe on receiving a $120,000 grant award from Indian Health Service (IHS) to help fund the tribe’s ability to provide health care to tribal membership and to operate and manage health care programs which were previously run by IHS. “Congratulations to my friends in the Pascua Yaqui Tribe for receiving this significant and well-deserved award,” Rep. Grijalva said. “These funds will help the Pascua Yaqui Health Department serve the medical needs of their membership, and bolster their self-reliance as a tribe. With just eight tribes across the country receiving these awards, I am glad that IHS recognized the Pascua Yaqui as the strong investment that they are.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2227 Grijalva Responds to Teenager's Preventable Suicide in AZ Prison 2016-09-07 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today expressed condolences over news that an 18-year-old inmate at Perryville Prison in Arizona committed suicide after being held in solitary confinement despite suffering from multiple mental illnesses. Mariam Abdullah took her own life on July 19th, merely a month after aging out of the minors unit and moving to the adult facility. Mariam met with an attorney from Prison Law Office on May 24th and complained that she was not receiving the programming, unstructured out-of-cell time and mental health services required by law. In a letter dated June 7th, the Prison Law Office relayed these concerns to Arizona Assistant Attorney General Lucy Rand, but no response was ever received. Rep. Grijalva released the following statement: “My heart breaks for young Mariam, for her family and her friends,” Rep. Grijalva said. “I extend my deepest condolences, but no amount of sympathy can give back the life that was lost here as a result of callous indifference and neglect. Our nation’s heavy-handed reliance on incarceration is welldocumented and continues to erode our ideals for a moral and justsociety. It promotes a culture within the system that ultimately allowed for this young girl to suffer in isolation while her medical needs went ignored. “Solitary confinement is cruel and unusual punishment, period. We can do better in Arizona and around the country than to rely on such inhumane treatment – especially when the person in isolation is a child at the time. I urge the State of Arizona, and the officials whose actions and lack thereof directly impacted Mariam’s fate, to learn from this tragedy. There is a dire need for immediate evaluation of both mental and physical health standards and conditions in Arizona. Furthermore, it’s beyond time to end the use of unjustified and damaging solitary confinement, once and for all.” Rep. Grijalva has long advocated for the end of solitary confinement. He is a co-sponsor of the Protecting Youth from Solitary Confinement Act (… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gallego-touts-local-businesses-state-district-speech Gallego touts local businesses in State of the District speech 2016-09-06 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Congressman also calls for education reform, transportation infrastructure improvements U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego said Thursday that fostering local business is not only important to the economy but to the Arizona community, as well. “What people are looking for right now is attachment, an attachment to something in their city,” Gallego said in his first State of the District speech in Phoenix. “When we look at what that means is that people form attachments to local businesses and local organizations.”` Gallego, D-Ariz., spoke to about 70 local business leaders at the Vintage 45 event space in downtown Phoenix's warehouse district on how the district's state could affect them now and in the future. His speech was presented in partnership with Local First Arizona. “Local First has always been a resource for me in terms of thinking about legislation and policy that actually enables our local businesses not only to survive, but to thrive,” Gallego said. Education reform Gallego, who represents Arizona's 7th Congressional District, informed leaders not just about issues affecting their businesses, but also about issues that could effect residents throughout the district and state. One such issue is education reform. “We must ensure that a college degree is obtainable for every American that wants one,” Gallego said. “The skyrocketing price of higher education is holding our students and our country back.” While in Congress Gallego has been a proponent of legislation that supports a path to a debt-free higher education. He said he believes the social and economic consequences caused by student loan debt are harmful to the nation’s future. “Forty million Americans are currently burdened by student loans, with an average balance of $29,000,” Gallego said. “This debt is preventing young people from buying homes, starting families and launching new businesses.” Public transportation In addition to education, Gallego emphasized the importance of public transportation systems and the impacts they have on the city. He cal… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallegos-labor-day-statement Rep. Gallego's Labor Day Statement 2016-09-06 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement in celebration of Labor Day: "On Labor Day, let's celebrate the hardworking men and women of America and reflect on the tremendous progress that the labor movement has made to improve the lives of working families. "Let's thank those who sacrificed and who sometimes were threatened or fired for standing up for the idea that Americans should have the ability to work hard and provide for their families, and do so with dignity and security. "And let's commit to keep fighting - for a higher minimum wage, for policies that will allow hardworking immigrants to come out of the shadows, and for fair trade agreements that will protect American workers and grow our economy. "Those who are able to work should be able to find good jobs with safe working conditions and fair pay that allow them to take care of their families and improve their quality of life. That's the American Dream that we celebrate this and every Labor Day." "On Labor Day, let's celebrate the hardworking men and women of America and reflect on the tremendous progress that the labor movement has made to improve the lives of working families. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2225 Grijalva, Schweikert Lead Bipartisan Call to Fund Memorial for 2011 Attack Targeting Former Rep. Gabby Giffords 2016-09-01 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) was today joined by Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) in leading 31 fellow Members of Congress in sending a bipartisan letter to President Barack Obama asking him to work with federal agencies to help identify and secure federal resources to assist the Tucson community create a permanent memorial for the victims of the January 8, 2011 attack targeting former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her constituents. The lawmakers’ letter envisions “a memorial that is not only a tribute to the fallen, but to the local and national response to a heartbreaking tragedy. It will be a place where visitors young and old can learn, not only about one horrific event, but about the resilience of a community and the durability of American democracy.” “The January 8th Memorial is an important and necessary part of the Tucson community’s healing process,” Rep. Grijalva said. “We want to pay tribute to our neighbors who were lost that day, and to those who survived but will carry the scars and memories for the rest of their lives. But we also want to honor the solidarity that shone immediately here in Tucson and around the country. As Americans who pride ourselves on our differences, we can at times lose sight of our common cause. This attack, in all of its horror, remains a reminder that when it matters most, we are one people.” “The January 8th Memorial is incredibly important to Arizona,” Rep. Schweikert said. “It pays tribute to the commitment that community always comes first!” The full text of the lawmakers’ letter is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2226 Grijalva Praises Proposal for Federal Title I Education Funds 2016-09-01 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) reacted today to the proposed regulations announced by the Department of Education ensuring federal funds provided through Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), must supplement – and may not supplant – state and local funds. “I am glad to see the Department of Education proposing a regulation to ensure Title I funds will be used to supplement state and local funds in public education,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Recent data from the United States Census Bureau shows Arizona spending less than $8,000 per student in state funds towards their public schools. It is a sad indictment that too often, we provide so little for the education of children who are so much in need. The ESSA has tremendous potential to help our kids learn, but its success is dependent on how well each state implements it. We must stop short-changing our children’s futures, and that starts by implementing Supplement-not-Supplant rule proposed this week.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-ruben-gallego-delivers-first-state-district-speech-arizona-s Congressman Ruben Gallego Delivers First State of the District Speech in Arizonas 7th District 2016-09-01 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Phoenix, AZ – Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego delivered the first-ever “State of the District” speech for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, highlighting issues affecting local businesses and Arizona’s economy. Congressman Gallego provided an update on his work in Congress during his first term, including expanding access to mental health care services for veterans and tackling student loan debt with a debt-free college plan. He spoke about his efforts to boost local transportation and infrastructure improvements that will create middle class jobs in Phoenix and spur local economic development. Congressman Gallego also addressed upcoming challenges that he said he plans to tackle in the coming months and years. Those plans include working with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to lead the fight for comprehensive immigration reform and repairing and expanding the social safety net for those who become ill or lose their jobs. The event took place this morning at The Vintage 45 in the historic Downtown Warehouse District. It was organized by Local First Arizona, a statewide non-profit organization working to strengthen communities by supporting and growing locally owned businesses. For a full transcript of Congressman Gallego’s remarks as prepared, please contact Christina Carr at christina.carr@mail.house.gov. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-helps-chicanos-por-la-causa-secure-800k-grant-economic Rep. Ruben Gallego Helps Chicanos Por La Causa Secure $800K Grant for Economic Development 2016-08-31 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The Department of Health and Human Services announced today that Chicanos Por La Causa has been awarded an $800,000 grant by the Administration for Children and Families’ Community Economic Development program to support job creation and economic development in Arizona. The new funding will help CPLC provide comprehensive assistance for local entrepreneurs to establish and grow current operations. The project expects to create 40 new full-time employment opportunities, most of which will be designated for low-income Arizonans. Rep. Ruben Gallego sent a letter in April to Mark Greenberg, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families, in support of CPLC’s grant application. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “At a time when working families are struggling to make ends meet, this project will allow CPLC to invest in and help grow local businesses that will create jobs for low-income Arizonans. “I want to congratulate CPLC on receiving this significant award, which will help the organization to continue its important economic and community development work in Arizona.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-va-grants-address-veteran-homelessness Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on VA Grants to Address Veteran Homelessness 2016-08-31 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced more than $300 million in grant awards under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to help low-income veteran families prevent homelessness. Veterans’ support programs in Arizona will receive more than $8 million in funding under the program to support outreach, case management, and other assistance to prevent veteran homelessness and rapidly re-house those who do become homeless. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “When I returned from Iraq, I saw friends and fellow Marines struggle to find employment and steady housing. Readjusting to civilian life isn’t easy. Too many veterans and their families find themselves without a place to live as they tackle the mental, physical and social challenges that veterans face when they return from combat duty. “I am glad that this new funding from the VA will help the many Arizona organizations who are working so hard to help prevent and eliminate veteran homelessness.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2223 Grijalva, Sanders Respond to DHS Review of For-Profit Prison Use 2016-08-29 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) issued statements today after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson announced that the agency will review its use of private detention facilities. “I am glad the Department of Homeland Security is reviewing its reliance on the for-profit prison industry to detain immigrants to our country,” Grijalva said. “This step is a tacit admission that the corporations who profit by locking up desperate adults and children undermine our decency as a nation. DOJ’s announcement last week that it would cut ties with incarceration profiteers was welcome, but long overdue. I hope that DHS’s review is a signal that they will follow suit. Until they do, their association with this industry will continue to besmirch their reputation as servants of the American people, and prolong the black eye that for-profit detention has given our nation’s reputation around the world.”  Grijalva and Sanders asked the Department of Homeland Security last week to end its use of private, for-profit detention facilities. They also joined forces last September to introduce the Justice Is Not For Sale Act, which would ban private prisons, end family detention and remove Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) daily mandate to fill 34,000 beds with detainees. “The Department of Homeland Security should follow the lead of the Department of Justice and phase out for-profit, privately run immigration detention facilities. These private prisons cost more and are less humane,” Sanders said. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-historic-peace-deal-between-colombian Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Historic Peace Deal Between The Colombian Government and FARC 2016-08-24 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, the Colombian government and the FARC rebel group signed a historic peace accord, ending more than five decades of conflict in the country. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “The peace deal announced today between the Colombian government and the FARC rebel group marks the end of the longest running conflict in our hemisphere.  "This deal is the result of many years of hard work and compromise, and I thank the negotiators for paying special attention to the rights of victims on all sides. As with any major conflict, there will be challenges ahead as Colombia recovers from this time of turmoil and it is my hope that the nation will come together as they welcome this long-awaited peace. "I extend my congratulations to President Santos for his bold leadership in seeking a fair and just end to this conflict. I also call on Congress to commit to strong support of our ally during this critical juncture in Colombian history." ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-visits-ability-dynamics-through-kyrsten-means-business-program1/ Sinema Visits General Dynamics Missions Systems 2016-08-24 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Scottsdale, Ariz. – Through her Kyrsten Means Business Program, Congresswoman Sinema heard from employees and toured the facilities at Scottsdale’s General Dynamics, an AZ-09 aerospace and defense company. “General Dynamics is a leading producer of new, innovative technology,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “Their groundbreaking equipment is used on the battlefield to improve communication and keep our troops safe.  They also continue to create high-tech, high wage jobs for Arizona families. We’ll continue working to support defense companies like General Dynamics to protect our country and improve our economy.” The equipment built in Scottsdale defends networks against dynamic threats by developing, deploying and sustaining encryption products, systems, and services. General Dynamics has established a global presence in secure communications systems, command and control systems, imagery sensors and cyber products. Scottsdale is a top facility for design, engineering, production and testing. The facility has approximately 2,300 employees manufacturing some of the nations most advanced equipment, including the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) and Manpack Radio. The WIN-T delivers voice and data communications wherever and whenever soldiers need them without the need for fixed infrastructure. The AN/PRC-155 Manpack radio is the U.S. Army’s first fielded two-channel, software defined radio that connects to the new Mobile User Objective Satellite (MUOS) network, providing soldiers with clear, smartphone-like voice communications wherever they are deployed. Congresswoman Sinema has been a champion for full or increased funding to the WIN-T and Manpack Radio programs.     ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-huffman-gallego-and-ellison-applaud-department-veterans-affairs Reps. Huffman, Gallego, and Ellison Applaud Department of Veterans Affairs for Banning the Large-Scale Display of Confederate Flags on VA Cemeteries 2016-08-23 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.- The large-scale display of Confederate flags in national veterans cemeteries will no longer be allowed, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced in a letter to Congress. The policy change came at the urging of Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and 82 other members of Congress.  Under this new policy, Confederate flags will never be allowed to be displayed from any flagpole in a VA national cemetery. This new change to National Cemetery Administration policy will be implemented consistent with an amendment to the VA funding bill for fiscal year 2017 offered earlier this year by Reps. Huffman, Gallego, and Ellison. “The Confederate flag is a symbol of racism and hatred, and it is a painful reminder of a terrible time in our history,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m pleased to hear that the VA is taking this first step to ban this symbol of intolerance in VA cemeteries where we honor American heroes. The Confederate flag does not represent the values our veterans fought to defend, and we shouldn’t permit it to be displayed at all in places where we pay tribute to their sacrifices.” “This month we have seen the Confederate battle flag sold and displayed at Donald Trump rallies and proudly unfurled at a so-called ‘White Lives Matter’ protest.  While racist individuals and groups continue to embrace the Confederate battle flag, it has never been more clear that this anachronistic symbol of hatred, slavery, and insurrection should not be promoted or gratuitously displayed on federal property,” said Rep. Huffman. “That’s why I am so grateful that the Department of Veterans Affairs responded to our letter and to public concerns and decided to prohibit the large-scale display of Confederate flags on our national veterans cemeteries.” “For decades, the Confederate battle flag has been the symbol of racist groups and individuals like the Ku Klux Klan and Dylann Roof, who murdered nine worshipers at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina,” said Rep.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2220 Grijalva, Sanders Ask DHS to End For-Profit Prison Use 2016-08-22 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 – Following the Department of Justice’s recent decision to end its use of for-profit prisons, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) asked the Department of Homeland Security Monday to end its use of private, for-profit detention facilities. “Given the impact on detainees, the high cost to taxpayers and the Department of Justice’s recent decision, we believe the Department of Homeland Security can and should immediately begin phasing out for-profit, privately run immigration detention facilities,” Grijalva and Sanders wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. “As each contract comes to the end of its term, the department should either decline to renew the contract or substantially reduce its scope.” Community-based alternatives to detention are more cost-effective and provide the necessary resources to ensure undocumented immigrants complete immigration proceedings. Individuals in alternatives to detention appear in court 99 percent of the time and comply with removal 84 percent of the time. Increasing the use of alternatives to detention could save the federal government more than $1.4 billion a year.  Grijlava and Sanders introduced legislation last year with Reps. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) to ban private prisons. To read the letter, click here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2218 Grijalva, Sanders Respond to DOJ Announcement Ending Reliance on Private Prisons 2016-08-18 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) today released statements responding to the Department of Justice announcement that it will end its use of private prison. “The Department of Justice announcement that it is ending its reliance on for-profit prison corporations is welcome news, but it is long overdue,” Rep. Grijalva said. “It is not breaking news that these facilities that have fueled mass incarceration in our country are more costly, less effective and more dangerous than those run by the government. I’m glad that DOJ has finally recognized these facts, but their actions alone are not enough. Until DHS and state governments around the country break ties with these corporations, justice in this country will continue to be undermined by private profit motives, and innocent people will continue to suffer. “This isn’t simply unjust detainment – this is the exploitation of human captivity – including young children – for the sake of money. People die in these facilities because companies refuse to pay for adequate medical care. People starve because they have no other means of taking a stand against the injustices inmates face besides hunger strikes. These corporations are eroding the moral fabric of our nation. I urge all government actors with ties to this morally bankrupt industry to follow DOJ’s lead and end their contracts without delay.” Grijalva and Sanders joined forces to introduce the Justice Is Not For Sale Act in September of 2015, which would ban private prisons, end family detention and remove Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) daily mandate to fill 34,000 beds with detainees. In addition, the bill would reinstate the federal parole system, require ICE to improve monitoring of detention facilities, require ICE to use Alternatives to Detention, and increase oversight to prevent companies from overcharging inmates and their families for services like banking and telephone calls. “Our criminal justice system is broken and in need of major… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-visits-ability-dynamics-through-kyrsten-means-business-program2/ Sinema Visits Ability Dynamics through Kyrsten Means Business Program 2016-08-18 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy TEMPE, Ariz. – Through her Kyrsten Means Business Program, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema heard from employees at Tempe’s Ability Dynamics, a medical device company that manufactures and distributes innovative prosthetic feet.“Ability Dynamics is an example of the incredible medical innovation happening in Arizona’s 9th district,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “These groundbreaking prosthetics are improving the lives of patients, including veterans in Arizona and across the country.”The RUSH foot previously met the reimbursement criteria under Medicare, private insurance, and the VA.  Earlier this year, the VA made changes to their reimbursement codes leaving veterans who were prescribed the RUSH foot unable to obtain the device.Congresswoman Sinema led a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald asking for an explanation for the coding change and a justification for the difference between the VA’s reimbursement determination and Medicare’s reimbursement determination."We share the same goals of efficiently using taxpayer dollars to provide veterans with the best possible care," wrote Congresswoman Sinema. "We look forward to working with you to improve transparency and accuracy in coding, and to improve the overall quality of care available to veterans."Read the full letter here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2217 Grijalva Congratulates Estrella Mountain Community College on Diversity Grant 2016-08-17 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today congratulated Estrella Mountain Community College on being awarded more than $500,000 by the U.S. Department of Education under the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program. Rep. Grijalva released the following statement: “I am thrilled to see Estrella Mountain Community College receive this well-deserved funding to help expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students,” Rep. Grijalva said. “During the 2014-2015 academic year, 45.6% of Estrella Mountain Community College’s student population was Hispanic. HSI’s play a critical role in graduating students of color, and it is vital for the federal government to continue to provide funding opportunities that will strengthen the capacity of these institutions. A quality education can open the door to upward mobility in our society, and this grant will help Estrella Mountain ensure that opportunity is shared with diverse and deserving future leaders. I can’t wait to see the myriad ways that these students will take their education and change the world for the better.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-joins-arizona-seniors-for-silversneakers-workout1/ Sinema Joins Arizona Seniors for SilverSneakers Workout 2016-08-16 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy PHOENIX – Today, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema joined the Coalition for Medicare Choices and Arizona seniors for a Healthways SilverSneakers workout and discussion about the Medicare Advantage program. “When I meet with Arizona seniors to talk about health care, they are concerned most about rising costs and decreasing choice,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “I will continue to work across the aisle to find commonsense solutions that drive down cost, increase choice, spur innovation, and improve the quality of care provided to our seniors.” Congresswoman Sinema was named a 2016 Medicare Advantage Champion by the Coalition for Medicare Choices for her leadership to strengthen Medicare Advantage for Arizona seniors. More than 444,000 Arizonans and 40 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona’s 9th district choose Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans consistently receive high customer satisfaction ratings and help to control cost, drive innovation and improve health outcomes for seniors.    ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-4th-anniversary-implementation-daca Rep. Gallego on the 4th Anniversary of the Implementation of DACA 2016-08-15 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today marks the 4 year anniversary of the implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement: “Over the past four years, the DACA program has allowed thousands of young immigrants who were raised in the United States to come out of the shadows and become active members of our communities and active contributors to our economy. “While Republicans repeatedly refused to take steps to fix our broken immigration system, President Obama took action to create commonsense policies designed to allow hardworking immigrant families to remain together. “The positive impact of the DACA program has been well-documented, and President Obama’s plan to expand DACA and implement a similar program for the parents of U.S. citizen children (DAPA) would have opened up those benefits to more people in our communities. “I remain committed to fighting for that program, as well as permanent solutions to fix our broken immigration system. I call on my Republican colleagues in Congress to abandon the divisive, hateful rhetoric espoused by some in their party, and instead work with Democrats to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform.”   ## 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2215 Grijalva Celebrates 81st Anniversary of Social Security, Urges Program Expansion 2016-08-12 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today marked the 81st anniversary of the enactment of the Social Security program, which President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law on August 14, 1935.   “Social Security has delivered the promise of a secure retirement and vital disability support to countless Americans for more than eight decades,” Rep. Grijalva said. “This earned benefit is an investment we all make to ensure every American is treated with the dignity they deserve after a lifetime of work. In Arizona alone, more than 1.2 million people receive Social Security benefits, including more than 107,000 people in the 3rd District which I represent, each receiving on average more than $1,000 per month. “These funds are vital for my constituents, as they are for the nearly 60 million Americans all across the country who rely on Social Security. Stagnant wages and growing income inequality have robbed too many working families of the means they need to save for retirement. With more and more people relying on Social Security as their primary means of income in retirement, it is absolutely vital that we strengthen and expand the program. By expanding benefits and requiring the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share in payroll taxes, we can secure the program’s future and help American families adapt to this new economic reality.” Social Security’s economic impact extends beyond the seniors and families receiving benefits – it also benefits state economies and local businesses all across the country.  Nearly 60 million Americans spend $883 billion in Social Security benefits nationwide each year – supporting businesses with dollars they wouldn’t have without Social Security. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-signs-bill-name-phoenix-post-office-after-congressman-ed President Obama Signs Bill to Name Phoenix Post Office After Congressman Ed Pastor 2016-08-02 2016 2016-08 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – On Friday, President Obama signed a bill to rename the United States Post Office located at 522 North Central Ave in Phoenix as the “Ed Pastor Post Office.” The proposal (HR 4010) was introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), and was strongly supported by the entire Arizona Congressional delegation. Congressman Pastor represented the people of Arizona for twelve terms, from 1991 until his retirement in 2015. He was the first Hispanic American elected to Congress from the State of Arizona. A video of Rep. Gallego’s floor speech in support of the proposal can be found here. Rep. Gallego issued the following statement: “Throughout his life, Congressman Pastor has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to public service, and I am extremely grateful that we are able to recognize him in this way. “Congressman Pastor has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for the people of Arizona. I am committed to following in his footsteps and continuing his fight to preserve our environment, to protect the civil rights of every American, and to invest in our nation’s transportation infrastructure.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/arizona-democratic-congressional-delegation-applauds-cms-approving-plan Arizona Democratic Congressional Delegation Applauds CMS for Approving Plan to Re-Open CHIP Program 2016-07-27 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it approved Arizona’s plan to re-open enrollment for KidsCare, the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, after the program had been frozen for several years. The state has estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 children will be eligible for coverage once the freeze ends on July 26. Earlier this year, the Arizona Democratic Congressional Delegation sent a letter urging federal authorities to provide clarity and reassurances that full federal funding would be made available after KidsCare was enacted. The letter was signed by Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-01), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09). Rep. Ruben Gallego said, “The reinstatement of KidsCare is a meaningful step forward that will ensure that the children of working families in Arizona – just like kids in every other state – are guaranteed access to quality health care. The fight to re-open enrollment was a hard-fought battle, and I’m glad that CMS has approved the plan. A parent’s income should never restrict a child’s access to lifesaving health care, and I’m glad the children in our state will finally get the care they need to grow up healthy and happy.” “I’m thrilled to see Arizona’s KidsCare reinstated,” Rep. Raúl Grijalva said. “When state politicians froze the program in 2010, more than 45,000 children gradually lost coverage; our state became 49th in the nation for its rate of uninsured children; and the rate of uninsurance among the former KidsCare income eligibility range rose to a striking 16.5 percent. So many of us were appalled at the harm this decision was causing the most vulnerable among us, and we fought hard over the past six years to make health coverage for our children a reality. Thanks to those efforts, an estimated 30,000-40,000 uninsured children living in our state have a chance at healthier lives and brighter futures, and our state has the opportunity to take back a misstep that never should have lasted as… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2213 Grijalva Praises KidsCare Re-Opening 2016-07-26 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today praising the reinstating of Arizona’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), also known as KidsCare. Enrollment in the program, which provides vital health coverage to children in low income families, has been frozen since 2010, making Arizona the only state in the Union not to offer a CHIP program for needy children. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has formally approved Arizona’s plan to re-open the program. “I’m thrilled to see Arizona’s KidsCare reinstated,” Rep. Grijalva said. “When state politicians froze the program in 2010, more than 45,000 children gradually lost coverage; our state became 49th in the nation for its rate of uninsured children; and the rate of uninsurance among the former KidsCare income eligibility range rose to a striking 16.5 percent. So many of us were appalled at the harm this decision was causing the most vulnerable among us, and we fought hard over the past six years to make health coverage for our children a reality. Thanks to those efforts, an estimated 30,000-40,000 uninsured children living in our state have a chance at healthier lives and brighter futures, and our state has the opportunity to take back a misstep that never should have lasted as long as it did. Both are good reasons for Arizonans to be celebrating today.” Congressman Grijalva has been a prominent voice calling for Arizona to restore KidsCare over the past six years. He slammed the political maneuvering on May 4th that excluded KidsCare from the State Budget, and highlighted a recent Grand Canyon Institute report demonstrating that in addition to long term health benefits for children, ending the freeze on enrollment would create approximately $75 million in economic benefits for Arizona in FY2017 alone. Prior to that, he wrote State Senate President Andy Biggs in April, advising him that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would cover the full cost of the program through 2017 and urgin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2212 Grijalva Congratulates City of Tucson on Large Grant Award to Address Lead Paint 2016-07-22 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today congratulated the City of Tucson for receiving a combined total on nearly $3 million from a Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant award and Healthy Homes Supplemental funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Rep. Grijalva, who led the Arizona Congressional Delegation’s Democratic members in writing HUD Secretary Julian Castro on behalf of the City’s grant application, released the following statement: “I am thrilled to see the City of Tucson receive this significant award to help our city address lead hazards in low-income housing,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Tucson has a well-documented and disproportionate burden in eliminating the threat of childhood lead poisoning. The funds HUD awarded this week will ensure that hazard is neutralized in at least 180 housing units for some of the most vulnerable children in our community. I cannot think of a more worthy cause for these well-deserved funds.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-friendly-house-new-department-education Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates Friendly House on New Department of Education Grant Award 2016-07-18 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The Department of Education announced that Friendly House will receive grant funding through the Talent Search program, which provides assistance to help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. Friendly House will receive more than $260,000 per year for five years, for an estimated total of $1.3 million to fund the Friendly House/TRiO Talent Search college access program. That program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to help students finish high school and pursue post-secondary education. TRiO also provides guidance with financial aid and the college admission applications process. Rep. Gallego released the following statement: “For many years, Friendly House has helped provide disadvantaged students with the tools they need to pursue further education.  At a time when the cost of higher education is soaring, this grant will allow Friendly House to continue the important work they are doing in our community to expand access to education and training opportunities. “I want to congratulate Friendly House on receiving this significant award. Higher education should be within reach of all Americans, and Friendly House is helping Arizona’s students to achieve that goal.”   ## 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2210 Grijalva Introduces Legislation to Bring Deported Veterans Home 2016-07-14 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Ral M. Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced legislation to establish a veteran visa program which would permit eligible deported veterans to permanently return to the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident eligible for naturalization. A 2008 reportissued by the Pentagon estimates that approximately 8,000 noncitizens enlist to serve our nation in uniform every year. While robust data does not exist on the number of service members who are deported for crimes as trivial as marijuana possession, advocates estimatethat at least 2,000 veterans are now living in Northern Mexican border towns. Grijalvas legislation comes one week after the American Civil Liberties Union of California released a report entitled Discharged, Then Discarded, which highlights how veterans who served as far back as the war in Vietnam were later deported over punitive offenses, largely as a result of two draconian immigration laws passed in 1996: the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. In April of this year, Rep. Grijalva led his colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) in introducing a Resolutionin Congress urging the update and modification of the 1996 laws. The thought that people who have sacrificed so much for our nations defense and safety are kicked out with such disregard is utterly appalling, Rep. Grijalva said. When someone is willing to lay down their life for the country they love, what more could we want in a fellow citizen? This bill is about ensuring every single veteran, regardless of where they were born, is treated with the same deference and respect that they all earned through their service in uniform. The full text of the Veteran Visa and Protection Act is available here. Cosponsors for the Veteran Visa and Protection Act include: Reps. Tony Cardenas (CA-29), Judy Chu (CA-27), John Conyers (MI-13), Ruben Gallego (AZ-7), Al Green (TX-29), Luis Gutirrez (IL-4), Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-republicans-defeat-rep-ruben-gallego-s-cliven-bundy-amendment-fy House Republicans Defeat Rep. Ruben Gallegos Cliven Bundy Amendment to the FY 2017 Department of the Interior Appropriations Bill 2016-07-14 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, in the latest display of Republican dysfunction in the House, a vote on Rep. Ruben Gallegos amendment to end taxpayer subsidization of ranchers, like Cliven Bundy, who engage in illegal grazing was defeated after the House GOP leadership held open the roll call and convinced Members to change their votes. This follows an earlier incident in which Speaker Ryan similarly held open a vote on LGBT protections for government contractors and 7 House Republicans switched their votes from Aye to No. Rep. Ruben Gallegos amendment would have affirmed that grazing permits and leases should not be issued to individuals with unpaid grazing fees in contravention of BLM regulations. The amendment was intended to highlight the burden on American taxpayers of some ranchers including Cliven Bundy, who for over 20 years has refused to pay more than $1 million in grazing fees owed to the federal government for illegally grazing his cattle on public lands. While continuing to violate the law, he put the lives of local and federal officials at stake during a dangerous standoff, for which he was indicted by a grand jury on charges, including threatening and assaulting federal law enforcement officers. A video of Rep. Gallegos remarks upon introduction of the amendment can be found here. In his statement, Congressman Gallego noted the, double standard in Republican support for ranchers who refuse to pay their fair share and Republican criticism of Americans who refuse to accept injustice in their communities. Rep. Gallego released the following statement: After a week of praise for law enforcement and after years of talk about restoring regular order to the House of Representatives, Speaker Ryan and the Republican leadership showed their true colors this afternoon. My Republicancolleagues decided to stand up for Cliven Bundy instead of for the American taxpayers he has been ripping off for decades or for the federal law enforcement officers whose lives he has repeatedly threatened. Im also frustrated that once ag… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-congratulates-new-phoenix-police-chief-jeri-williams Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates New Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams 2016-07-14 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Phoenix, AZ Today, the City of Phoenix announced that Jeri Williams will become the new Phoenix Police Chief, effective October 2016. Jeri Williams spent 22 years with the Phoenix Police Department prior to becoming Police Chief of Oxnard, California where she has focused on community-based policing. In her current position, she oversaw the implementation of police body cameras and training on use of force and technology topics for more than 300 California law enforcement agencies. Williams will become the City of Phoenixs first female police chief, and second African-American police chief. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: I want to congratulate Jeri Williams on her new position as Police Chief and welcome her back to Phoenix. I am confident that Ms. Williams vast experience and commitment to good police work with a community-based focus will be an asset to our city. Under her leadership, I believe we will make significant strides towards building greater trust between the police and our communities. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-edward-j-markey-and-congressman-ruben-gallego-introduce-new Sen. Edward J. Markey and Congressman Ruben Gallego Introduce New Legislation to Prevent Accidental Gun Deaths 2016-07-12 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced new legislation that would ensure that powerful, military-style weapons dont end up in the hands of children. The Help End Assault Rifle Tragedies (HEART) Act will prohibit children under the age of 16 from possessing or firing machine guns and assault weapons, including at gun shows and shooting ranges. Sen. Markey and Congressman Gallego were joined by the four children of Charles Vacca, a firearms instructor who was killed in Arizona in 2014 by a nine-year-old who lost control of an Uzi submachine gun. A similarly tragic incident occurred in 2008 in Westboro, Massachusetts when an eight-year-old child accidentally killed himself while firing an Uzi at a gun show. Reps. Mike Honda (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Michael E. Capuano (D-MA), and Katherine Clark (D-MA) are original co-sponsors of the House bill. Sen. Edward J. Markey said, The small hands of children and big power of machine guns are a deadly combination.The HEART Actis simple and straightforward:It prohibits the transfer of a machine gun or semiautomatic weapon to anyone under the age of 16. Not at a gun range, not at a gun show, not while hunting, not anywhere, anytime.Assault weapons are weapons of war and should not be allowed in the hands of children.Ithank Rep. Gallego for his partnership on the HEART Act and look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this important bill. Rep. Ruben Gallego said, At a time when our country has never been more divided on the issue of guns and at a time when our society has never owned more firearms I believe that there is room for bipartisan compromise in working to ensure that Americans practice responsible gun ownership at all times. Incidents across the country have proven that kids and powerful firearms are a dangerous and tragic mix. This bill is a common sense step to prevent more families like the Vacca family from having to mourn the loss of loved ones in preventable accident… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-fitzpatrick-legislation-to-combat-terrorist-financing-passes-house1/ Sinema, Fitzpatrick Legislation to Combat Terrorist Financing Passes House 2016-07-11 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Sinema, Fitzpatrick Legislation to Combat Terrorist Financing Passes House Washington DC – Today, a bipartisan counter-terrorism bill introduced by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) unanimously passed the House of Representatives. The National Strategy for Combating Terrorist, Underground and Other Illicit Financing Act (H.R. 5594) directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with other federal agencies, to establish a comprehensive strategy to combat the financing of terrorism and related forms of illicit finance. “Terrorist organizations pose a serious threat to our national security, and it is critical that we cut off the funding that supports these groups,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “I regularly hear from Arizonans who are concerned about the safety of their families and fellow Americans. This legislation is a commonsense solution that ensures the United States denies funding to terrorists and protects America and our allies.” This legislation creates a strategy that assesses the effectiveness of the United States’ current efforts to fight terrorist financing and aligns future efforts with broader national security goals. It will improve coordination between law enforcement at all levels and establishes priorities and objectives for preventing terrorist financing. Congresswoman Sinema spoke about her legislation on the House Floor: Full remarks below: Thank you Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters. Over the course of the past year, the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing has found that US government efforts to counter the financing of terrorism lack sufficient coordination, and that the United States has no unified national strategy to guide our counter financing efforts. The federal government must change its approach and mindset to counter the financing of terrorism. This is why Chairman Fitzpatrick and I introduced bipartisan legislation to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with relevan… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-votes-protect-veteran-preference-federal-hiring House Votes to Protect Veteran Preference in Federal Hiring 2016-07-08 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Last night, the House approved an amendment to the financial services appropriations bill introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego that will protect the long-standing veteran preference in federal hiring. Rep. Gallego’s amendment received the support of the vast majority of the House, with a 409 to 14 vote. A provision in the 1,700 page Senate defense authorization would have undermined this policy by preventing veterans from benefitting from the preference system if they are already employed by the federal government. A video of Rep. Gallego’s floor speech can be found here. Rep. Gallego delivered the following remarks after introducing his amendment: Mr. Chairman, I want to begin by thanking my colleagues Congresswoman Kirkpatrick, Congressman Takano and Congressman Aguilar for joining me in offering this amendment.   We strongly believe veterans who served our nation in uniform deserve the chance to serve our nation in the federal government.   Unfortunately, a provision slipped unseen into the 1,700 page Senate defense authorization would severely undermine these policies across the federal government.  Specifically, it would prevent veterans from benefiting from the preference system if they are already employed by the federal government.  While this change might seem innocuous, it could have serious negative implications for the men and women who served our nation in uniform.  Under the Senate proposal, if a particular federal job isn’t a good fit, or if a veteran wants to move up the ladder at a different agency, he or she will be deprived of this benefit.  Mr. Chairman, this misguided provision was never the subject of a public hearing. It was never the subject of a public debate.  It was never the subject of a roll call vote in committee or on the Senate floor.  I’m willing to bet the vast majority of our colleagues in the Senate had no idea this language was even in the bill.  America’s veterans deserve better.  We deserve the chance to proudly and publically make our case for veterans preferen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2208 Grijalva Congratulates PPEP on $2M Grant to Help Migrant and Seasonal Workers 2016-07-07 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today congratulating Portable Practical Educational Preparation, Inc. (PPEP) for receiving a grant award of more than $2 million from the Labor Department’s National Farmworker Jobs Program. “I am gratified to see such a significant grant being awarded to support farmworkers in my home community of Tucson,” Rep. Grijalva said. “These vital funds help migrant and seasonal workers, who are some of the most vulnerable among us, live more stable lives. We all benefit from the hard work that brings fresh food to our stores and kitchen tables, but often overlook the fact that the people working those fields face extreme challenges and hardships. This grant will help provide vital opportunities and housing for men and women who otherwise struggle from harvest to harvest. I congratulate them on this award and look forward to the tremendous impact they will have with these funds.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-s-senior-afe-act-passes-house-of-representatives1/ Sinema's Senior$afe Act Passes House of Representatives 2016-07-05 2016 2016-07 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema’s bipartisan legislation to protect seniors from financial fraud unanimously passed the House of Representatives. The Senior$afe Act (H.R. 4538) helps law enforcement track down financial criminals who target seniors. “Americans lose billions of dollars each year to financial fraud, and seniors are a top target,” said Congresswoman Sinema.  “These financial crimes devastate their bank accounts and often go unreported. Seniors deserve to retire with dignity, and they shouldn’t have to worry that their hard earned savings are at risk of fraud. This bill is a commonsense solution to help identify, report, and stop financial abuse of Arizona seniors.” Recent studies estimate nearly 1 in 5 American seniors may be a target of financial fraud or abuse. Even when financial institutions suspect abuse, the abuse may go unpunished. Current laws lack the necessary flexibility to allow financial institutions to report suspected abuse to authorities. The Senior$afe Act, introduced with Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), Congressman Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18), and Congressman Mick Mulvaney (SC-05), helps individuals and financial institutions communicate with the appropriate agencies when they suspect financial abuse of seniors. It also encourages firms to train employees to identify and stop financial fraud. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2207 Grijalva Commends Improvements to Distressed Asset Stabilization Program 2016-06-30 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today after the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced enhancements to the Distressed Asset Stabilization Program (DASP),  which has served to purchase severely delinquent loans since 2012. In April, Rep. Grijalva wrote HUD Secretary Julian Castro raising concerns about these properties being sold off by the government at rock bottom prices to the same financial institutions that caused the housing market to crash. Grijalva suggested HUD should better utilize community-based entities. The enhancements announced today move in that direction by establishing a preferential bidding option pilot for non-profit buyers. “I am happy to see Secretary Castro changing DASP for the better, and moving towards fairer competition to ensure that the very entities that cratered our housing market do not now benefit from the mess they made,” Rep. Grijalva said. “This is about stabilizing neighborhoods and protecting consumers and the housing market from another crisis. I look forward to the impact of these new opportunities for homeowners in Arizona, including the mandatory offer of principal reduction.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-joins-local-advocates-call-common-sense-gun-violence Rep. Ruben Gallego Joins Local Advocates to Call for Common Sense Gun Violence Prevention Measures on National Day of Action 2016-06-29 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego joined local Arizona advocates to call on Congress to take action to prevent gun violence. The call took place on the recently-announced National Day of Action, when advocates and Members of Congress stood up together in communities across the country to ask their elected officials to pass legislation to save lives. Rep. Ruben Gallego said, “I’m tired of seeing my Republican colleagues in Congress hold moments of silence for victims of gun violence, but then refuse to take action and make simple changes that could save lives and prevent the next tragedy. When Congress returns to Washington, D.C. on July 5, I hope my colleagues will finally step up and listen to the majority of American people who agree that we should take steps to reduce violence in our communities. America expects actions, not excuses. We need to act to save lives, honor the victims of gun violence, and keep our fellow Americans safe.” Jennifer Longdon, President of Arizonans for Gun Safety, said, “The sit-in was not a publicity stunt, it was a moral imperative. As a result of gun violence, I have been sitting for 12 years. It’s time to move past the stalling tactics of the gun lobby and their strangle hold on the will of the American people. It’s time for action and I call upon our elected leaders to reflect the overwhelming majority of Americans who believe in sensible reforms.” Geraldine Hills, Founder of Arizonans for Gun Safety, said, “I’m a lifelong Republican, but I will no longer support any candidate who opposes gun reforms. I know there are bipartisan, middle-ground, common sense things we can do.” Mari Bailey, Chapter President of the Greater Phoenix Million Mom March (part of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence) said, “For every person killed by a gun in America, two others are wounded. We make it too easy for dangerous people to get guns. These politicians who are buckling to the corporate gun lobby snuck out of the People’s House at 3 in the morning to avoid a vote on live-saving bi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-helps-city-phoenix-secure-15-million-grant Rep. Ruben Gallego Helps the City of Phoenix Secure $1.5 Million Grant for Revitalization of the Edison-Eastlake Community 2016-06-28 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that the City of Phoenix has been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the department’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative to spark economic development in the Edison-Eastlake community. The funding will help the city to redevelop 577 units of obsolete public housing in the Edison-Eastlake community in order to revitalize the neighborhood and encourage private investment. This project will also help leverage existing investments the city is making in the area, including enhanced bus service and a feasibility study for a light rail stop in the neighborhood. Rep. Ruben Gallego sent a letter in January to HUD Secretary Julián Castro in support of the City of Phoenix’s grant application. Phoenix was one of 10 cities awarded a total of $8 million to help stimulate affordable housing and economic development through HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The initiative is a part of the Obama Administration’s effort to build “Ladders of Opportunity” to the middle class. Rep. Gallego released the following statement: “The Edison-Eastlake Choice Neighborhoods Community project has enormous potential to transform the area in order to make this neighborhood a better place to live and work.  It will help the city to increase affordable housing options for Phoenix residents, and help to link residents to nearby schools, employment centers, and healthcare facilities. “I want to congratulate the City of Phoenix on receiving this significant award, which will help it to make great strides toward revitalizing the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2202 Rep. Grijalva Praises Supreme Court Decision Upholding Woman's Access to Healthcare 2016-06-27 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy TUCSON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today praised the Supreme Court decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. By a 5-3 margin, the Court struck down two provisions of an anti-abortion law in Texas – requirements that abortion providers have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital and that procedures only be performed at ambulatory surgical centers – which have already caused half of the state’s abortion clinics to close. “The Supreme Court’s decision today reaffirms every woman’s constitutional right to determine what is best for her own body, regardless of where she lives or what financial means she has,” Rep. Grijalva said. “The effect, and intent, of Texas’ H.B. 2 was to insidiously undermine a woman’s fundamental access by imposing crushing burdens on providers, causing many to close their doors and leaving women in many parts of the state with no reasonable options to receive lawful care. Sadly, some undocumented immigrant woman are completely prohibited from seeking care altogether because they would be forced to travel to locations beyond immigration checkpoints. “This decision is as much a triumph for the integrity of our Constitution as it is for women across the country. Our rights are not subject to the whims of politicians. In my home state of Arizona, anti-choice laws disproportionately prevent low-income women and women of color from obtaining a legal medical service. The effort by GOP-run legislatures around the country to undermine a woman’s right to make her own health care choices does more than force a radical agenda on personal life decisions – it strips their own constituents of the protections this country prides itself on. I believe the American people deserve better than that, and I am glad to see the Supreme Court believes that too.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-supreme-court-s-decision-whole-woman-s-health-v Rep. Ruben Gallego on the Supreme Courts Decision in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt 2016-06-27 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego praised the Supreme Court’s decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, which struck down Texas House Bill 2 (H.B. 2), a state law that placed burdensome restrictions on abortion providers that would undermine a woman’s constitutionally protected right to make her own health decisions. Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement: “Today’s Supreme Court decision reaffirms that women deserve respect and dignity when making decisions about their health – not needless and unconstitutional barriers. This ruling should be a message to Republicans across the country that their attacks on women’s rights and reproductive freedom will not stand. “Though today’s victory is an important step to protect women’s constitutional rights, there are still many challenges that remain. For many low-income women and families, clinic closures and coverage bans have the same effect as a full-out ban on abortion care. We must keep working to ensure that every woman can access safe and affordable care if and when she needs it, regardless of where she lives or how much she earns.” ## 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2200 Grijalva Works to Prevent Cherrybell Closure in Postal Reform 2016-06-23 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today sent the following letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, urging them to include strong language in the Postal Reform Act of 2016 that prevents unnecessary postal service consolidations in the final text of the bill. June 23, 2016 The Honorable Jason Chaffetz Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 2157 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515   The Honorable Elijah Cummings Ranking Member , Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 2471 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515   Dear Mr. Chaffetz and Mr. Cummings, I appreciate your work on drafting the Postal Service Reform Act of 2016 and I write today to encourage you to include strong language to prevent unnecessary postal service consolidations in any final product. A strong and vibrant postal service is a critical part of our economy and immediate legislative relief is necessary to retain a responsive, quality postal service in this nation. I am concerned that the draft legislation will not sufficiently protect postal facilities from unwarranted consolidation, including the Cherrybell Processing and Distribution Center in my district. The closure of Cherrybell would leave one of the nation’s fastest growing population centers with only one processing facility, adversely impacting consumers and the business community. The partial consolidation of the Tucson center has already harmed individuals, businesses, and mailers in the community with delivery delays. A 2015 Tucson city survey found that 84 percent of individuals and 86 percent of businesses reported a noticeable delay in their mail delivery services since the first phase of consolidation and respondents reported waiting additional days for medicines, delays in Veterans benefits and medicati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2201 Grijalva Responds to U.S. v. Texas Non-Decision 2016-06-23 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today responded to the Supreme Court’s 4-4 tie decision on U.S. v. Texas concerning President Obama’s executive actions on immigration. In November 2014, President Obama announced Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs. In February 2015, a federal district court in Texas issued an injunction against the executive orders, placing their implementation on hold and preventing them from helping millions of people. Today’s 4-4 tie allows the district court decision to stand, placing an injunction on the implementation of both policies. A rehearing  can be requested due to the vacancy on the Supreme court. “Today’s 4-4 Supreme Court ruling allows a flawed injunction against the expansion of DACA and DAPA to stand, leaving vulnerable people all across the country to continue suffering under an immigration system that splinters families and betrays our values,” Rep. Grijalva said. “The silver lining is that a 4-4 tie is not precedent setting, and I hope that the Court revisits this vital issue with the urgency it deserves. “But this does emphasize why the Republican refusal to confirm a ninth Supreme Court justice is so toxic to our legal system and our society. We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws, and both of those facts are betrayed by a political party that undermines the integrity of our highest court and attacks our president’s legal efforts to help aspiring Americans. I appreciate President Obama’s efforts to act where Republicans wouldn’t, but in light of this ruling, he must redouble his efforts to ensure innocent families do not continue to suffer. I will continue to work with this administration and the next to create a common sense immigration process once and for all.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-us-v-texas-supreme-court-decision Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the U.S. v. Texas Supreme Court Decision 2016-06-23 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today the Supreme Court affirmed the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in U.S. v. Texas with a 4-4 split decision. As a result, the injunction on President Obama’s immigration executive actions – the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program – will stand. The decision does not affect those who have benefitted from the original 2012 DACA program. Congressman Ruben Gallego issued the following statement: “While today’s disappointing decision doesn’t set Supreme Court precedent, it is an unfortunate setback for the immigrant families who now must continue to live in fear of separation. “The DAPA and expanded DACA programs are a legal, commonsense exercise of the President’s longstanding authority to determine how to best use our resources and determine priorities when it comes to our immigration laws. “This fight is not over. I will continue to work with the tireless advocates who are fighting to protect immigrant families and to make sure that every member of our community can live in dignity. “I am confident that this case will again be brought to the Supreme Court, and next time will be heard by a full panel of justices who will see through the political motives of this case and deliver a clear decision.” “In the meantime, it’s time for my Republican colleagues in Congress to stop playing games and start doing their jobs. Let’s get to work and reform our broken immigration system.”   ## 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bill-name-phoenix-post-office-after-congressman-ed-pastor House Passes Bill to Name Phoenix Post Office After Congressman Ed Pastor 2016-06-21 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill (HR 4010 ) to rename the United States Post Office located at 522 North Central Ave in Phoenix as the “Ed Pastor Post Office.” The proposal was introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), and was strongly supported by the entire Arizona Congressional delegation. Congressman Pastor represented the people of Arizona for twelve terms, from 1991 until his retirement in 2015. He was the first Hispanic American elected to Congress from the State of Arizona. HR 4010 will now proceed to the U.S. Senate for consideration. A video of Rep. Gallego’s floor speech in support of the proposal can be found here. Rep. Gallego’s remarks, as prepared: “Mr. Speaker, “I rise in support of a bill that – in a small but significant way – honors the legacy of a Latino trailblazer and a great Arizonan, Congressman Ed Pastor.  “Mr. Speaker, Congressman Pastor dedicated his life to fighting for working families.  “Renaming a post office in the district he represented with distinction for 12 terms is the very least that we can do to recognize his more than three decades of outstanding public service.   “I want to thank my colleagues in the Arizona delegation for their enthusiastic support. “I’m also grateful to Chairman Chaffetz and Ranking Member Cummings for enabling this bill to come to the floor today.  “Mr. Speaker, Congressman Ed Pastor’s life embodies the American Dream.  And throughout his time in Congress, Mr. Pastor fought to make that Dream accessible to everyone, including the most vulnerable in our society.  “As Leader Pelosi once wrote, ‘Ed Pastor never forgot his roots, and always worked to build a brighter future for the children of our nation.’  “The son of a miner, Mr. Pastor was the first member of his family to go to college and received his Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 1966. “After graduation, he taught at North High School in Phoenix before returning to ASU in 1971 to earn his law degree.  “Mr. Pastor subsequently worked on the staff … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-defeat-gop-attempts-block-dreamers-serving Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Defeat of GOP Attempts to Block DREAMers from Serving in Uniform 2016-06-16 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Ruben Gallego G000574 rubengallego.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Defense funding bill that would have prevented beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program from serving in the armed forces were struck down on the House floor today. The amendments, introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and Steve King (R-Iowa), would have prevented the Defense Secretary from enlisting young immigrants who have been granted work permits and want to serve in our nation’s armed forces by stripping funding from the Department’s Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program.  This program helps to recruit individuals with in-demand skills, including special language skills needed in the fight against ISIS. Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran who fought in Iraq and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has led the fight to allow DACA recipients to serve in uniform. Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement: “I am pleased that my colleagues rejected Congressman King and Congressman Gosar’s irresponsible attempts to revoke the Secretary of Defense’s ability to enlist DACA recipients who want to fight for our country.   The House today sent a clear message that partisan posturing shouldn’t stand in the way of national security. “Our military needs the ability to recruit the best and the brightest to serve in uniform. DREAMers- who are Americans in every respect except on paper – should have the chance to protect the country they love and call home. “I am glad to see that some Republicans are rejecting the tired, anti-immigrant policies promoted by the likes of Donald Trump. Now it’s time for those Republicans to take a stand against the far-right wing of their party and start working with Democrats to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/house-financial-services-committee-passes-sinema-legislation-to-protect-arizona-seniors-from-financial-fraud1/ House Financial Services Committee Passes Sinema Legislation to Protect Arizona Seniors from Financial Fraud 2016-06-16 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Financial Services Committee passed Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema’s bipartisan legislation, the Senior$afe Act, to help law enforcement track down financial criminals who target seniors. “Seniors deserve to retire with dignity, and they shouldn’t have to worry that their hard earned savings are at risk of fraud,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “Our commonsense legislation ensures that financial institutions can identify fraud, report it, and stop financial abuse of the elderly. We’ll keep working to protect seniors and strengthen consumer protections for hardworking Arizonans.” Recent studies estimate nearly 1 in 5 American seniors may be a target of financial fraud or abuse. Even when financial institutions suspect abuse, the abuse may go unpunished. Current laws lack the necessary flexibility to allow financial institutions to report suspected abuse to authorities. The Senior$afe Act, introduced with Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), Congressman Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18), and Congressman Mick Mulvaney (SC-05), will help individuals and financial institutions communicate with the appropriate agencies when they suspect financial abuse of seniors. It also encourages firms to train employees to identify and stop financial fraud.  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2199 Grijalva Introduces Legislation Responding to Arizona's Faulty Primary Election 2016-06-15 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today introduced legislation in direct response to Arizona’s presidential primary election on March 22nd, which was plagued by lines lasting up to 5 hours in the desert heat and widespread reports of errors involving voter identification, registration and party affiliation, as well as complaints that polling locations were not easily accessible and lacked adequate resources, including ballots and staff. The following day, Rep. Grijalva asked his constituents to share their experiences with him through an online survey. He used more than 40 firsthand accounts from that survey, as well as widespread reporting to develop The Voting Access Act. The bill requires the Election Assistance Commission to work with State election officials to establish national standards for the location and operation of polling places used in elections for Federal offices. These include: ·         A requirement that no individual wait more than 1 hour to cast a ballot; ·         Standards for determining the number of polling locations within a given jurisdiction; ·         Standards for nondiscriminatory polling place locations, including assurance of accessibility for voters with disabilities and voters using public transportation; ·         A minimum threshold for sufficient resources, which includes voting systems, ballots and electoral officials; ·         Standards to ensure voters receive timely and accurate voting information, including polling locations; ·         Best practices for preventing violations of election laws intended to stop intimidation or harassment. Grijalva’s bill authorizes funds needed for states to comply with these standards. Lastly, the bill requires the Election Assistance Commission to provide Congress with a national report on party affiliation misidentification issues and recommendations on how to prevent further occurrences of it. “Arizona’s primary in March was riddled with irregularities and abject failures to meet th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2198 Grijalva Statement on Mass Shooting at Orlando Nightclub 2016-06-12 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today as news broke of a shooting at a popular LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida overnight that claimed the lives of at least 50 people and left 53 others injured.“My heart breaks for the victims of last night's attack, for their families and for those in hospitals now facing a long road to recovery,” Rep. Grijalva said. “This was an attack on the LGBT community during Pride Month at an iconic location for the community. Nothing could be more heinous. As our nation comes to grips with the fact that this was the single worst shooting attack in US history, I urge everyone to give law enforcement the time they need to do their jobs, and the families impacted the privacy they need in this unimaginably difficult time.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2197 Grijalva Unites Lawmakers, Advocates and Icon in Push for LGBT Data 2016-06-09 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Raúl Grijalva G000551 grijalva.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today led a press conference uniting lawmakers, advocates and a prominent pop culture icon behind the cause of ensuring the LGBT community is counted in our society by requiring federal surveys to include voluntary questions about gender identity and sexual orientation. Actress and advocate Laverne Cox, Democratic Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), as well as LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Transgender Equality Task Force Chair Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), all called for action on the HR 5373, the LGBT Data Inclusion Act, which Grijalva introduced on May 27th. “While the transgender community is becoming increasingly visible in society, the Census and federal surveys continue to disregard our existence, and if you’re not counted, you don’t count," said actress and LGBT advocate Laverne Cox. “To go uncounted in our society is to be unseen in the eyes of legislators and policy makers,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Anti-LGBT measures are successful because conservatives don’t consider the LGBT community a part of their constituency. The LGBT Data Inclusion Act will solidify the LGBT community a constituency they represent. It would also allow us to finally begin addressing challenges like poverty, homelessness and unemployment that impact this community disproportionately. “I am proud to see such broad support for this important issue. I thank Laverne Cox for making the trip to Capitol Hill today, and Senator Baldwin for sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate. And I thank my Congressional colleagues for joining me in this important fight to ensure each and every one of us is counted and policies affecting the LGBT community are fact-based.” Lawmakers announced at the press conference that Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) will be introducing a companion to in the Senate. “In order for our government to better understand an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-va-s-removal-of-three-phoenix-va-health-care-system-leaders1/ Sinema Statement on VA's Removal of Three Phoenix VA Health Care System Leaders 2016-06-08 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement in response to the VA’s removal of three leaders at the Phoenix VA Health Care System: “Since the crisis broke, we’ve repeatedly called for the removal of any VA employee who fails to meet the high standards of care our veterans have earned. While I welcome today’s news, this is long overdue. Our veterans deserve better. It’s time for the Senate to pass the VA Accountability Act to hold employees accountable and ensure this never happens again.  I will not rest until all Arizona veterans have the quality care they need and deserve.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sinema.house.gov/latest-news/sinema-statement-on-sharon-helman-potentially-returning-to-va1/ Sinema Statement on Sharon Helman Potentially Returning to VA 2016-06-01 2016 2016-06 Democrat House AZ Kyrsten Sinema S001191 sinema.house.gov     legacy PHOENIX – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement on Sharon Helman potentially returning to VA: “This is shameless. At least 40 Arizona veterans died while Helman was in charge of the Phoenix VA. It’s absolutely outrageous that someone responsible for the poor treatment of veterans could get her job back. It is time for the Senate to pass the VA Accountability Act to hold employees accountable and prevent this from happening.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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