Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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805 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "AZ" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-that-dhs-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Gallego, Colleagues Demand that DHS Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 29 of their Democratic colleagues demanded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants, release funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported and disputed claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states. They criticized DHS attempts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information for its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite acknowledging problems with faulty data. The senators also objected to the Department’s new election-related conditions retroactively applied to FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, a program that provides states with funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other serious threats. By withholding this critical funding from states imposing conditions not authorized by Congress, Mullin is pu… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-prevent-chinese-optical-transceiver-usage-in-the-united-states/ | Gallego, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Prevent Chinese Optical Transceiver Usage in the United States | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Legislation would restrict adversary-linked technology from sensitive federal networks while strengthening trusted U.S. and allied supply chains WASHINGTON – Last week, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in the federal government’s most sensitive national security systems. Chinese manufacturers have become major suppliers of optical transceivers, creating U.S. reliance on these critical components which move data through high-speed fiber-optic networks, including the networks powering artificial intelligence. Because advanced transceivers can contain reprogrammable firmware, their use in national security networks can create potential supply-chain and security risks. The bill extends an existing federal procurement restriction for semiconductors to covered optical transceivers used in critical systems. It gives suppliers five years to develop compliant sources and provides waivers where necessary to protect supply and national security. “Optical transceivers are a critical part of America’s modern communications infrastructure, and we need to make sure that infrastructure is secure,” said Senator Gallego. “Our reliance on China to produce these transceivers creates a serious national security vulnerability. This legislation protects our most sensitive systems and invests in Arizona manufacturers, who are already helping build a secure supply chain here at home.” “We shouldn’t rely on China for technologies that are essential to our national security,” said Senator McCormick. “This bipartisan bill will help secure our networks and give American manufacturers—including the incredible companies and workers we have right here in Pennsylvania— the opportunity to step up, build more of this technology at home, and compete.” “Critical government communication and information syste… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-senate-democrats-demand-vought-abandon-any-and-all-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding/ | Gallego, Senate Democrats Demand Vought Abandon Any and All Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers emphasize need for Republicans to join Democrats and support new guardrails in law to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH WASHINGTON – Last week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and 28 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant-making process. Reports indicate the Trump administration is considering an executive order to establish an external committee of unqualified political appointees which would be able to veto any awards selected by the NIH and panels of scientific experts. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown repeatedly that it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers wrote. “Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-demand-that-dhs-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/ | Kelly, Colleagues Demand that DHS Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 29 of their Senate Democratic colleagues demanded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants and release funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported and disputed claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states. They criticized DHS attempts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information for its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite acknowledging problems with faulty data. The senators also objected to the Department’s new election-related conditions retroactively applied to FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, a program that provides states with funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other serious threats. By withhold this critical funding from states imposing conditions not authorized by Congress, Mullin is putting Amer… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/support-rolls-in-from-labor-workforce-leaders-for-kellys-make-ai-work-for-americans-act/ | Support Rolls in from Labor, Workforce Leaders for Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Last week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure companies benefiting the most from AI pay their fair share and invest in American workers. The bill establishes a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers, job seekers, and communities as the economy changes. Since its introduction, the bill has received broad support from national and local labor and workforce organizations and leaders. See what supporters of the Make AI Work for Americans Act are saying here: “Innovation and safety are not opposing concepts; they’re two sides of the same coin. That is why law and regulation, not just unbridled markets, are so important. Technology is rapidly transforming our lives—particularly our security, our classrooms, our workplaces, and our entire economy—but for it to be tenable, it must work for working people. Sen. Mark Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act ensures that a Big Tech tax contributes directly to the workers and communities navigating this transition. By creating the AI Horizon Fund and bringing labor and workers to the table, this bill invests in America by preparing people at every stage of their careers with the skills, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers. “The Make AI Work for Americans Act recognizes the critical nature of ensuring that AI protects and creates good jobs while prioritizing putting working people at the table for responsible implementation,” saidSean M. O’Brien, General President,Teamsters. “We commend Senator Kelly for his work in drafting legislation that focuses on the dignity of work and creates pathways to protect workers and support them as their job evolves. That’s the approach we need to earn workers’ trust and grow the American middle class.” “As AI transforms the American workforce, people deserve a voice in what comes next. Senator Kelly’s legislation holds big tech companies accountable for how AI aff… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-stanton-grijalva-kelly-gallego-push-for-federal-funding-to-restore-grand-canyon-after-floods-wildfires | Ansari, Stanton, Grijalva, Kelly, Gallego Push for Federal Funding to Restore Grand Canyon After Floods, Wildfires | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Yassamin Ansari | A000381 | ansari.house.gov | ansari | https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers call for resources to repair damaged infrastructure, restore visitor access, and support long-term recovery after successive disasters WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), alongside Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), urged House and Senate appropriators to provide additional federal resources to restore the Grand Canyon National Park following the catastrophic August flooding and last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the lawmakers called for sufficient funding to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, address ongoing hazards, safely restore visitor access and services, and support the park’s long-term recovery. “Over the past year, Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscapes have suffered a devastating series of disasters that have damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted communities across the region,” the lawmakers wrote. “These successive disasters have created recovery needs that cannot be adequately addressed through existing National Park Service resources.” On August 29, 2026, severe flash flooding tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, causing extensive damage to trails, bridges, and critical water infrastructure. The flooding damaged the water intake and pipeline that supply the South Rim and forced closures and restrictions across the park. The National Park Service continues recovery and repair work, including efforts to restore a reliable water supply and repair damaged infrastructure. The flooding comes as the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities continue recovering from last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. The Dragon Bravo Fire burned nearly 150,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 buildings and structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, while the White Sage Fire forced evacuations around Jacob Lake and temporarily cut off access to the… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-justice-applaud-fcc-for-efforts-to-prevent-call-center-jobs-offshoring-improve-customer-service/ | Gallego, Justice Applaud FCC for Efforts to Prevent Call Center Jobs Offshoring, Improve Customer Service | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Jim Justice (R-WV) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr applauding the commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on call center onshoring. If finalized, the rule would encourage telecommunications providers to move customer service jobs back to the United States, improving customer experience and service. The letter follows last year’s introduction of the senators’ Keep Call Centers in America Act which, among other provisions, would give customers the right to transfer to a U.S.-based human representative for assistance. “As the bipartisan Senate sponsors of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025, we are pleased by the FCC’s meaningful efforts to address offshoring in the call center industry. We thank you for attention to this important topic,” the senators wrote. Starting in the mid-1990s, many companies shifted customer service operations overseas to low-wage countries and increasingly automated front-line United States-based agents. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a loss of another 150,000 United States-based call center jobs by 2033 at current trends. The letter comments on four specific components of the NPRM, encouraging provisions that mimic those detailed in their Keep Call Centers in America Act: Disclosure of Foreign-Based Call Center Operations and Right to Transfer:The senators urge, as part of the final rule, that the commission add a requirement that call centers disclose the country in which an agent is located. The senators also called for the creation of a standardized, specific text for providers to use in their disclosure and set standards to assist providers with compliance. Use of Machine-Based Systems for Customer Service: The senators urged consideration of a right-to-transfer requirement that would give consumers the right to transfer to a human representative for those centers which utilize artificial intelligence (AI)/machine-based systems. Onshoring C… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-gallego-resolution-honoring-life-and-legacy-of-senator-jon-kyl/ | Senate Passes Gallego Resolution Honoring Life and Legacy of Senator Jon Kyl | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate passed Senator Ruben Gallego’s (D-AZ)bipartisan resolution honoring the life, service, and legacy of the late former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl. Gallego introduced the resolution alongside Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), with every member of the Senate co-sponsoring the resolution. The resolution recognizes Kyl’s decades of public service to Arizona and the country, including his work on water policy, crime victims’ rights, national security, defense, and intelligence. Kyl represented Arizona for four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before serving three terms in the U.S. Senate, where he rose to serve in party leadership. Following the death of Senator John McCain in 2018, Kyl returned to the Senate to once again represent Arizona. “Former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl was a great man that put the needs of Arizonans at the center of his career. He never wavered in the fight for Arizona’s water future, including securing one our country’s largest tribal water rights settlements,” said Senator Gallego. “He deserves recognition for his almost 30 years in Congress and his ability to work across the aisle for the good of all Americans.” “Senator Kyl served Arizona with distinction in Congress for nearly three decades. His landmark work securing historic Tribal water settlements shaped our state in ways that will last for generations. He was a true public servant who loved Arizona, and his legacy will endure.” said Senator Kelly. “Senator Kyl was a strong voice on America’s global leadership and a strong leader in our Republican conference. I appreciated his friendship and the opportunity to work alongside him in the Senate, including on the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He had strong Iowa roots, too, growing up in Bloomfield while his father represented Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our bipartisan resolution honors his life of service as we all continue to pray for his family,” said Senator Grassley. “Today we hon… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-stanton-ansari-grijalva-press-trump-administration-for-answers-on-proposed-data-center-on-public-lands/ | Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Press Trump Administration for Answers on Proposed Data Center on Public Lands | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers seek transparency on four Arizona proposals covering more than 3,000 acres of federal public land Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, alongside Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), pressed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for answers after reporting revealed that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is weighing data center-related proposals on federal public land. The proposals, not previously made public, show that the Trump administration is considering 12 data centers and data center-related infrastructure projects covering more than 17,600 acres of federal public land across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Four of the proposed data centers and related infrastructure projects are in Arizona, and they would span more than 3,000 acres of federal public land here. In the letter, thelawmakers raisequestions about how these data center proposals were fast-tracked by Trump’s Executive Order 14318; how the projects will be implemented; and what this could mean for environmental reviews, public oversight, and Arizona’s water and energy resources. “Arizonans are entitled to transparency and robust public review as BLM considers such developments on our federal lands,” the lawmakers wrote. The delegation requested a congressional briefing before any of the proposed Arizona projects move forward. By October 2, 2026, they demand that Secretary Burgum provide information on: All data center proposals and candidate parcels under consideration in Arizona. The permitting and environmental review required for each proposal, including whether BLM intends to use categorical exclusions or other expedited procedures. Opportunities for public participation and consultation with Tribal governments, local governments, and elected officials; and the projected water demand, water source and peak electric load associated with each proposed project. | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-kelly-resolution-honoring-life-and-legacy-of-senator-jon-kyl/ | Senate Passes Kelly Resolution Honoring Life and Legacy of Senator Jon Kyl | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Every member of the Senate joined Kelly’s bipartisan resolution honoring Kyl’s decades of service to Arizona and the country This week, the Senate passed Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s bipartisan resolution honoring the life, service, and legacy of the late former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl. Kelly introduced the resolution alongside Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), with every member of the Senate co-sponsoring the resolution. The resolution recognizes Kyl’s decades of public service to Arizona and the country, including his work on water policy, crime victims’ rights, national security, defense, and intelligence. Kyl represented Arizona for four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before serving three terms in the U.S. Senate, where he rose to serve in party leadership. Following the death of Senator John McCain in 2018, Kyl returned to the Senate to once again represent Arizona. “Senator Kyl served Arizona with distinction in Congress for nearly three decades. His landmark work securing historic Tribal water settlements shaped our state in ways that will last for generations. He was a true public servant who loved Arizona, and his legacy will endure,” said Kelly. “Former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl was a great man that put the needs of Arizonans at the center of his career. He never wavered in the fight for Arizona’s water future, including securing one our country’s largest tribal water rights settlements,” said Gallego. “He deserves recognition for his almost 30 years in congress and his ability to work across the aisle for the good of all Americans.” “Senator Kyl was a strong voice on America’s global leadership and a strong leader in our Republican conference. I appreciated his friendship and the opportunity to work alongside him in the Senate, including on the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He had strong Iowa roots, too, growing up in Bloomfield while his father represented Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our bipartisan resolution honors his … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/support-rolls-in-from-academic-experts-ai-researchers-for-kellys-make-ai-work-for-americans-act/ | Support Rolls in from Academic Experts, AI Researchers for Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | This week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure companies benefiting the most from AI pay their fair share and invest in American workers. The bill establishes a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers, job seekers, and communities as the economy changes. Since its introduction, the bill has received broad support from national academic leaders. Here’s what academic leaders are saying about the Make AI Work for Americans Act: “Ensuring that AI brings broad-based benefits is the defining challenge of our era. That task starts in the labor market, where we must make sure AI complements workers rather than simply displacing them, and creates pathways to better, well-paid careers. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act is a major step in this direction: it encourages the development and deployment of pro-worker AI; improves worker training; and strengthens the safety net so that nobody falls through the cracks,” said Daron Acemoglu, Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Daron Acemoglu on X: I am delighted to see lawmakers start tackling the problem of how to make AI’s benefits more broadly shared. This requires both a change in the trajectory of AI in a more pro-worker direction, and more and better investments in worker skills, as Senator Kelly’s bill emphasizes. “The biggest economic question of our era is whether we use AI merely to replace people or to expand their capabilities to do new things, creating more widely shared prosperity. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act shapes that choice in the right direction: investing in workers, boosting entrepreneurship, modernizing the safety net, and exploring new approaches such as wage insurance. I’m delighted to support this thoughtful legislation,” saidErikBrynjolfsson, Director, Stanford Digital Economy Lab. “At a time when many are urging our policymakers to take AI’s potential disruption seriously, it is good to see in … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-sen-wyden-introduce-bill-to-protect-social-security-benefits-from-garnishment | Rep. Grijalva, Sen. Wyden Introduce Bill to Protect Social Security Benefits from Garnishment | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva and Senator Ron Wyden introduced the Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act, legislation to restore protections for Social Security and other earned benefits from garnishment. The bill would repeal provisions added in 1996 that allowed the federal government to reduce Social Security benefits to collect delinquent federal non-tax debts, such as student loans. The legislation would restore the protections originally provided under the Social Security Act and extend those protections across Social Security, Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung benefits. “Social Security is not a handout — it is a benefit earned over decades of hard work. Retirees deserve to know that money will be there when they need it,” said Rep. Grijalva. “At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, seniors living on fixed incomes can’t afford to have their Social Security benefits taken away. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Wyden to protect these critical benefits that retirees have earned.” “Social Security should not be able to garnish benefits that American workers earned over a lifetime of hard work on account of outstanding student debt or other federal loans,” said Senator Wyden. “With inflation and rising costs of living, Congress must take the financial burden off struggling seniors and Americans with disabilities at risk of seeing their Social Security benefits cut. That's why I am proud to introduce legislation that will ensure that Americans’ benefits are protected from garnishment, providing greater peace of mind to seniors in their retirement." By the numbers: For millions of adults, Social Security is their sole source of income and for more than 63% it makes up over half of their retirement income. Garnishment can be financially devastating. According to the CFPB, the total amount of Social Security benefits the Department of Education collected between 2001 and 2019 through the offset program increased from $16.2 milli… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/at-united-nations-general-assembly-gallego-criticizes-president-trumps-foreign-policy-blunders-pushes-for-ai-oversight/ | At United Nations General Assembly, Gallego Criticizes President Trump’s Foreign Policy Blunders, Pushes for AI Oversight | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Gallego joined international leaders, met with media, and spoke on issues regarding AI and National Security. NEW YORK — This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) attended the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York City, where he shored up America’s diplomatic relationships with key allies in a series of bilateral meetings — including with Foreign Ministers from Mexico, Poland, and Estonia — and called out the Trump administration for their approach to the war in Iran, among other engagements. Senator Gallego began his trip by speaking on AI infrastructure at the Concordia Annual Summit. Senator Gallego joined panelists to speak about the investments, partnerships, and policy decisions required to develop resilient AI infrastructure while balancing sustainability, supply chain security, and global competitiveness. He highlighted the need to require frontier AI companies to report when malign actors access their models, called for stronger export controls to keep advanced chips out of adversaries’ hands, and called for a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on AI. Senator Gallego was joined on the panel by CEO of Datasection Inc. Norihiko Ishihara, and Vice President of Global AI Initiatives at NVIDIA Calista Redmond. Former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs and Vice Chair for the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Paula Dobriansky moderated the discussion. Senator Gallego along with Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, Norihiko Ishihara, and Calista Redmond Senator Gallego made the following statements: On Congress striking a balance of regulation and innovation regarding AI: “I think we have to play a very big role in this, and I think we have to have the controlling role. Again, not to the point where we kill innovation, but at the same time, we also have to guard against potential bad breakouts — models that could go bad. “On the benefit side, I think the most important thing is to actually share it across all of society. One of the thing… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-arizona-democrats-press-trump-administration-for-answers-on-proposed-data-center-on-public-lands/ | Gallego, Arizona Democrats Press Trump Administration for Answers on Proposed Data Center on Public Lands | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers seek transparency on four Arizona proposals covering more than 3,000 acres of federal public land WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego joined Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) in pressing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for answers after reporting revealed that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is weighing data center-related proposals on federal public land. The proposals, not previously made public, show that the Trump administration is considering 12 data center and data center-related infrastructure projects covering more than 17,600 acres of federal public land across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Four of the proposed data centers and related infrastructure projects are in Arizona, and they would span more than 3,000 acres of federal public land here. In the letter, the lawmakers raise questions about how these data center proposals were fast-tracked by Trump’s Executive Order 14318; how the projects will be implemented; and what this could mean for environmental reviews, public oversight, and Arizona’s water and energy resources. “Arizonans are entitled to transparency and robust public review as BLM considers such developments on our federal lands,” the lawmakers wrote. The delegation requested a congressional briefing before any of the proposed Arizona projects move forward. By October 2, 2026, they demand that Secretary Burgum provide information on: All data center proposals and candidate parcels under consideration in Arizona. The permitting and environmental review required for each proposal, including whether BLM intends to use categorical exclusions or other expedited procedures. Opportunities for public participation and consultation with Tribal governments, local governments and elected officials. The projected water demand, water source and peak electric load associated with each proposed project. | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-celebrates-passage-of-resolution-celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month/ | Gallego Celebrates Passage of Resolution Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Arizona’s first Latino senator, applauded the passage of a resolution out of the United States Senate that recognizing and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions that the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to American achievements, culture, and history. “As the son of a Colombian mother and a Mexican father, this month is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of generations of Latino families who have called this country home. My family, like so many others, worked tirelessly to ensure I had a shot at the American Dream, and I see that same determination in the Latino families I meet across Arizona,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to give our community the recognition it deserves.” The resolution was led by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Rick Scott (R-FL) and was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-stanton-ansari-grijalva-push-for-federal-funding-to-restore-grand-canyon-after-floods-wildfires/ | Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Push for Federal Funding to Restore Grand Canyon After Floods, Wildfires | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers call for resources to repair damaged infrastructure, restore visitor access, and support long-term recovery after successive disasters WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), alongside Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), urged House and Senate appropriators to provide additional federal resources to restore the Grand Canyon National Park following the catastrophic August flooding and last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the lawmakers called for sufficient funding to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, address ongoing hazards, safely restore visitor access and services, and support the park’s long-term recovery. “Over the past year, Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscapes have suffered a devastating series of disasters that have damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted communities across the region,” the lawmakers wrote. “These successive disasters have created recovery needs that cannot be adequately addressed through existing National Park Service resources.” On August 29, 2026, severe flash flooding tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, causing extensive damage to trails, bridges, and critical water infrastructure. The flooding damaged the water intake and pipeline that supply the South Rim and forced closures and restrictions across the park. The National Park Service continues recovery and repair work, including efforts to restore a reliable water supply and repair damaged infrastructure. The flooding comes as the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities continue recovering from last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. The Dragon Bravo Fire burned nearly 150,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 buildings and structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, while the White Sage Fire forced evacuations around Jacob Lake and temporarily cut off access to … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-celebrates-passage-of-celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-resolution/ | Kelly Celebrates Passage of Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Senate colleagues passed a resolution recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every year from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions that the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to American achievements, culture, and history. “Arizona’s Hispanic community has shaped our state and made it stronger. They’re small business owners, teachers, servicemembers, community leaders, and hardworking families who contribute to Arizona every day,” said Kelly. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate those contributions and recognize the generations of Hispanic Arizonans who have made our state what it is today.” “The Hispanic community in the United States is an integral part of the American story,” said Cortez Masto. “This month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by Latinos, celebrate our accomplishments, and continue building a better future. This month and every month, I’m proud of my Latina heritage.” “Florida’s Hispanic communities are a vital part of what makes the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Hispanic Americans have shaped Florida’s history, boosted our economy, and strengthened our communities – helping fuel the promise of the American Dream for countless Floridians. I’m proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in leading this resolution to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the incredible history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida and across our nation,” said Scott. In addition to Kelly, Cortez Masto, and Scott, the resolution was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA),… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-stanton-ansari-grijalva-push-for-federal-funding-to-restore-grand-canyon-after-floods-wildfires/ | Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Push for Federal Funding to Restore Grand Canyon After Floods, Wildfires | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers call for resources to repair damaged infrastructure, restore visitor access, and support long-term recovery after successive disasters Read in KNAU: Kelly leads push for additional Grand Canyon recovery funds Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, alongside Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), urged House and Senate appropriators to provide additional federal resources to restore the Grand Canyon National Park following the catastrophic August flooding and last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the lawmakers called for sufficient funding to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, address ongoing hazards, safely restore visitor access and services, and support the park’s long-term recovery. “Over the past year, Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscapes have suffered a devastating series of disasters that have damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted communities across the region,” the lawmakers wrote. “These successive disasters have created recovery needs that cannot be adequately addressed through existing National Park Service resources.” On August 29, 2026, severe flash flooding tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, causing extensive damage to trails, bridges, and critical water infrastructure. The flooding damaged the water intake and pipeline that supply the South Rim and forced closures and restrictions across the park. The National Park Service continues recovery and repair work, including efforts to restore a reliable water supply and repair damaged infrastructure. The flooding comes as the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities continue recovering from last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. The Dragon Bravo Fire burned nearly 150,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 buildings and structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, while the White Sage Fire forced e… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-introduces-bill-to-make-sure-big-tech-pays-fair-share-and-invests-in-american-workers/ | Kelly Introduces Bill to Make Sure Big Tech Pays Fair Share and Invests in American Workers | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | The Make AI Work for Americans Act would require companies benefiting the most from AI to invest in American workers Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure companies benefiting the most from Artificial Intelligence (AI) pay their fair share and invest in American workers. The bill establishes a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers, jobseekers, and communities as the economy changes. AI is moving fast, creating uncertainty and already changing our economy and the way we work. As the technology reshapes the American workplace, the infrastructure support for workers must evolve too. This bill forces the companies driving the AI boom to invest in workers to make sure they have real options. The Make AI Work for Americans Act builds on Kelly’s AI for America roadmap, which he released last year, and laid out a broader push to ensure AI benefits all Americans, not just large companies and CEOs. “Big Tech stands to make enormous profits, while workers are facing real uncertainty about what AI will mean for their jobs and their futures. The Make AI Work for Americans Act makes these companies contribute to helping workers prepare for what comes next. That means giving Americans real choices, whether that’s learning a new skill through a union training program or community college, finding a good-paying job, serving their community, or starting a business of their own. As AI changes our economy, workers and their families should come first, not the bottom lines of tech CEOs,” said Kelly. The Make AI Work for Americans Act is supported by America’s Service Commissions, American Federation of Teachers, Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4), Arizona State University, Center for American Progress, Chicanos Por La Causa, CWI Labs, Diné College, Gila River Indian Community, Hustle PHX, InnovateEDU, Jobs for the Future (JFF), Local First Arizona, National Employment Law Project (NELP), Navajo Technical Univ… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-calls-for-ai-safeguards-ahead-of-trump-xi-meeting | Stanton Calls for AI Safeguards Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Greg Stanton | S001211 | stanton.house.gov | stanton | https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – Ahead of Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) joined his Democratic colleagues on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party to call for the United States and China to reach an agreement on basic artificial intelligence safeguards. Stanton emphasized that AI should be a major part of the two leaders’ conversations and stressed the need for the two countries to work together to prevent catastrophic misuse of the rapidly developing technology, drawing attention to the risks Washington and Beijing share. This follows Stanton’s efforts ahead of the summit to ensure AI safety receives the immediate attention in Washington it deserves. Last week, he joined 26 of his Democratic colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to urge the administration to pursue sustained, substantive U.S.-China dialogue on AI safety risks and prioritize those issues in the upcoming bilateral summit. Stanton also joined 106 of his colleagues in urging Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the House back into session to address the risks posed by advanced AI, including mass cybersecurity breaches and the development of biological or chemical weapons. Full text of Stanton’s remarks as prepared is below, and video is HERE. — Thank you to our witnesses for joining us today. Tomorrow, leaders of the two most powerful AI nations on earth will sit across from each other. They’ll talk about trade, tariffs and Taiwan. . . but if they walk away without real progress on AI, they will have missed the mark. I believe America can and will win the AI race, and I believe we have a duty to do so in a way that protects the interests of the American people. In America, innovation and safety go hand in hand. We can and must do both. But President Trump’s full steam ahead, safety be damned approach to AI has to change. The consequences o… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-leads-arizona-democrats-in-pressing-trump-administration-for-answers-on-proposed-data-center-on-public-lands | Stanton Leads Arizona Democrats in Pressing Trump Administration for Answers on Proposed Data Center on Public Lands | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Greg Stanton | S001211 | stanton.house.gov | stanton | https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) led Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) in pressing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for answers after reporting revealed that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is weighing data center-related proposals on federal public land. The proposals, not previously made public, show that the Trump administration is considering 12 data center and data center-related infrastructure projects covering more than 17,600 acres of federal public land across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Four of the proposed data centers and related infrastructure projects are in Arizona, and they would span more than 3,000 acres of federal public land here. In the letter, the lawmakers raise questions about how these data center proposals were fast-tracked by Trump’s Executive Order 14318; how the projects will be implemented; and what this could mean for environmental reviews, public oversight, and Arizona’s water and energy resources. “Arizonans are entitled to transparency and robust public review as BLM considers such developments on our federal lands,” the lawmakers write. The delegation requested a congressional briefing before any of the proposed Arizona projects move forward. By October 2, 2026, they demand that Secretary Burgum provide information on: All data center proposals and candidate parcels under consideration in Arizona; The permitting and environmental review required for each proposal, including whether BLM intends to use categorical exclusions or other expedited procedures; Opportunities for public participation and consultation with Tribal governments, local governments and elected officials; and The projected water demand, water source and peak electric load associated with each proposed project. The letter to DOI Secretary Burgum is HERE. | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-banking-colleagues-demand-public-hearing-on-prediction-markets-following-reports-of-a-republican-only-roundtable-with-industry-executives/ | Gallego, Banking Colleagues Demand Public Hearing on Prediction Markets Following Reports of a Republican-only Roundtable with Industry Executives | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Following reports of Chairman Scott’s plan to hold a Republican-only private roundtable with prediction market executives, all eleven Banking Democrats call for a transparent, public hearing on the industry’s impacts. WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and his Democratic colleagues on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee wrote to Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) requesting a public hearing on prediction markets following recent reports that he plans to hold a Republican-only roundtable this week on prediction markets with industry, including representatives from Kalshi. “It is important for the Senate Banking Committee to hold a public hearing about how these markets are impacting consumers and our financial system,” wrote the Banking Committee Democrats. “Security-based prediction markets are a growing segment of the financial sector that institutional and retail investors are increasingly exposed to. These markets offer event contracts tied to corporate performance indicators, which could meet the definition of security-based swaps that would be subject to SEC regulation.” “Experts warn that prediction markets are prone to encourage market manipulation and insider trading; and early research indicates that ‘profits are highly concentrated in a small fraction of users, while the majority lose money,’” the senators continued. “In the interest of transparency, we ask you to hold a public committee hearing on this critical topic and allow all members of the Committee to participate,” the senators concluded. In addition to Senator Gallego, the letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). Senator Gallego has consistently urged federal regulators to follow the law and prohibit gaming and sports prediction market contracts. Read the full letter HERE. | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-coons-warren-wyden-introduce-bill-to-impose-sanctions-on-israeli-settlement-construction-in-the-e1-area-of-the-west-bank/ | Gallego, Coons, Warren, Wyden Introduce Bill to Impose Sanctions on Israeli Settlement Construction in the E1 Area of the West Bank | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced legislation to impose sanctions on companies and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced tenders to allow companies to bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement of the E1 settlements in August 2025, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly stated: “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not by slogans but by deeds. Every settlement, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.” “For decades, Democrats and Republicans alike have pushed for a two-state solution. Proposed Israeli construction of new settlement homes in the E1 area would cut off East Jerusalem from the West Bank and threaten a viable Palestinian state. It’s a step in the wrong direction,” said Senator Gallego. “This legislation sends a clear message to Prime Minister Netanyahu: the United States stands firmly behind a two-state solution as the only path to real peace and security for all.” “For decades, American presidents from both parties have warned successive Israeli governments that construction in E1 threatened the viability of a Palestinian state and was unacceptable to the United States,” said Senator Coons. “As Palestinian civilians face a c… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-gallego-calls-congressional-republicans-cowards-for-only-now-condemning-the-iran-war/ | WATCH: Gallego Calls Congressional Republicans “Cowards” for only now Condemning the Iran War | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | NEW YORK – During his visit to the United Nations General Assembly, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined MS NOW and slammed congressional Republicans for speaking out against the Iran War only after Speaker Mike Johnson sent members home until after the November midterm elections, denounced Trump’s imperialism in Venezuela to enrich American corporations, recapped his meetings with world leaders, and gave his reaction to President Trump saying he will “annihilate” Iran. MS NOW: All in with Chris Hayes On cowardly Republicans only now speaking out against the Iran War: “Courage is found when session is out. All three of those Republicans literally are saying this as soon as Speaker Johnson has said we’re not coming back to vote anyway. There’s even no way to actually test them, right? “Let’s just be honest, they’re just a bunch of cowards. They’ve been literally living in this cowardly way this whole time. The American public have been hurting the whole time. Our families have been hurting, especially those that serve overseas. “And now when it’s convenient, now when they can’t actually be called to the carpet to actually answer for this, they are seeking kind of the last-minute reprieve to be able to say, look at me, I am now independent of this man. On Trump using the United States military in Venezuela enrich American corporations: “As someone who, unfortunately, had to see the outcome of really bad wars, a war that we are chasing just for profit—a war that only benefits a bunch of big oil executives and anyone else whose family ends up using insider trading to actually pump up their own portfolios, it’s disgusting. “When we’re using our military to basically enrich ourselves and enrich our rich, crony oligarchs who are in charge of this country, then we actually don’t have the friends we need when things really go bad. “So, when we’re attacking a country to basically be colonial, to bring back this imperialistic point of view that some of Latin America is very, very used to and pretty aware of, it only m… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-at-the-atlantic-festival-kelly-discusses-service-leadership-and-his-fight-for-everyday-americans/ | ICYMI: At The Atlantic Festival, Kelly Discusses Service, Leadership, and His Fight for Everyday Americans | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly spoke at The Atlantic Festival in New York about how his experiences as a Navy pilot and NASA astronaut have shaped his approach to leadership and public service. In conversation with author Mark Leibovich, he also discussed the war with Iran, the challenges facing servicemembers and military families, and his work in the Senate to address the real problems facing everyday Americans. Sen. Kelly speaks to Mark Leibovich at the Atlantic Festival. Credit: Marc Patrick BFA Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: Onthe state of American democracy… “I am incredibly concerned about the direction of this country. I’m concerned about the damage they’re doing. After all the decades I spent in the military, I care so much about our servicemembers and the armed forces. “Our kind of democracy, I think, is the best approach to this…It’s worked for 250 years. I’d like to see another 250 years at least after this, maybe longer, but we’re in a pretty perilous place right now. Don’t forget, it wasn’t that long ago that the President of the United States sent the Director of National intelligence to Fulton County, Georgia, to grab thousands and thousands of ballots. Why did he do that? Well, we don’t know for sure. But it certainly has something to do with trying to interfere in the mechanism of our democracy, our electoral system… “I’m very concerned about where we are and where we’re going. I think we’ll probably get through this, probably. It’s going to take a lot of us. It’s going to take a lot of hard work.” Onwhyhe’sfighting for a better future for his granddaughtersand all young Americans… “I’ve been a public servant most of my adult life. I care so much about this country. I have two daughters, Now, I have two granddaughters. One is going to be a month-old tomorrow. And I worry about the future for them. I want them to have opportunities like I had. And young people today, they don’t have those same opportunities. This is going to be the first gene… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-kellys-new-ai-bill-puts-american-workers-first/ | ICYMI: Kelly’s New AI Bill Puts American Workers First | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “We could have a lot of job disruption, and for that we need a plan. It seems that everybody understands that except possibly the president and the people around him.” In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360º to highlight the urgent need to act on AI to make sure it benefits all Americans, not just big companies. Kelly discussed his Make AI Work for Americans Act, legislation he will introduce Thursday to help ensure working Americans benefit from the changing economy. Sen. Kelly speaks to Anderson Cooper. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: On why we need to act on AI now… “Democrats, Republicans, independents all think that this is getting to the point where we need to act and act soon. Even the CEOs of the AI companies, the frontier or the big companies that create these large language models, are asking for regulation. “I think this is a competition with the Chinese, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have guardrails in place… As a former test pilot and astronaut, even the stuff that’s low probability with a catastrophic result, you got to come up with some mitigation for that and try to prevent it from happening. And I think about this the same way, but for some reason, and I don’t quite understand it yet, the president just wants us to go full speed, as fast as we possibly can, and don’t consider the negative side of this. Hey, I want this to work. I think there’s huge benefits for the American people. But at this point, especially on the job loss piece of this, I want to see these Big Tech companies chip in and I want to see the government put in the guardrails in place so we don’t have a catastrophic outcome.” Onhow his AI Horizon fund works… “The centerpiece of this is the AI Horizon Fund, which will collect money from Big Tech in three ways with three different taxes: a usage tax, a digital advertising tax, and what’s essentially an excess profits tax. And then that revenue can be applied so people who lose their jobs will hav… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-reacts-to-planned-expansion-of-florence-detention-facility | Rep. Grijalva Reacts to Planned Expansion of Florence Detention Facility | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the below statement following new reports (here and here) that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $1.2 billion contract for the expansion of an existing detention facility in Florence, Arizona. A project scope for the planned expansion can be accessed here. Previously, DHS announced plans for new detention facilities in Marana and Surprise, Arizona, however both projects have faced strong opposition from local residents and legal hurdles, leaving their future unclear. “After local residents overwhelmingly opposed ICE’s plans for massive new detention centers in Marana and Surprise, the Trump Administration is quietly moving to expand existing facility capacity in Florence. At the same time, people already in Arizona detention centers can’t get clean drinking water, edible food, or adequate medical care. DHS should be fixing these appalling conditions — not preparing to funnel another $1.2 billion in taxpayer dollars into expanding Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation machine.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-delivers-key-arizona-priorities-in-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill | Stanton Delivers Key Arizona Priorities in Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Greg Stanton | S001211 | stanton.house.gov | stanton | https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Includes Additional $151 Million for Critical Water Infrastructure; Resources for Drought-Stricken Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) celebrated the final passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 out of the House of Representatives. As the only Arizona member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Stanton helped shape the bipartisan legislation to authorize critical water infrastructure projects in Arizona and across the Southwest through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The bill is now headed to the Senate. Stanton spoke on the House floor ahead of passage, saying, “My home state of Arizona has faced more than a quarter century of drought. Water stewardship and conservation are core parts of our culture.” He continued, “These federal investments are mission-critical to help us ensure reliable water services for our residents and businesses.” To address water and wastewater infrastructure needs across Arizona, Stanton secured several Arizona wins in the final bill, including: Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority. Adds $151,598,000 to Stanton’s signature Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority (AZEI), bringing the program’s total authorization to $401 million. Stanton created the program during his first term to help small, rural, and Tribal communities fund critical water infrastructure projects. Since 2020, it has funded more than 30 water conservation and reuse projects across Arizona, including water lines, wells, wastewater systems and aquifer recharge projects—helping communities get the most out of every drop of water. Prioritizing Tribal Water Rights. Secures $10 million for the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) to support water infrastructure projects that will affirm historic water rights and support water conservation efforts through new diversion dam and canal projects. Tribal Partnership Project Completion. Directs the USACE to expedite the completion of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Projec… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-on-senate-floor-kelly-calls-for-urgent-action-on-ai-announces-new-make-ai-work-for-americans-act/ | WATCH: On Senate Floor, Kelly Calls for Urgent Action on AI, Announces New Make AI Work for Americans Act | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “The alarms are sounding. The signals are clear. No one else is coming to the rescue. Mr. President, it has to be us.” Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly took to the Senate floor to call on Congress to address the growing challenge of AI and to announce the introduction of the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure Big Tech pays their fair share and invests in the American workforce. Sen. Kelly speaks on the Senate floor. Kelly drew on his experience as a Space Shuttle commander to describe the current moment: “I happened to be the last person to sit in the Commander’s seat of Space Shuttle Endeavour. It’s hard to describe how it feels to be strapped to four and a half million pounds of fuel, waiting for three main engines and two solid rocket boosters to ignite beneath you… These last few weeks—as engineers, researchers, and CEOs have all been shouting about AI becoming a threat to humanity’s very survival—I feel like I’m back in that seat, with the Master Alarm blaring and systems failing. And nobody is steering the ship.” Kelly laid out what his bill would do: “I’m introducing The Make AI Work for Americans Act to make sure workers aren’t left behind, and that Big Tech pays their fair share. These companies are getting rich off of a technology trained on the wealth of humanity’s research, knowledge, and work. Our ideas and discoveries. My bill would require them to give some of that wealth back to us by investing in the American worker through an AI Horizon Fund.” Kelly pointed to broad and bipartisan support for AI regulation: “Eighty percent of Americans want us to step in and regulate AI. Eighty percent. I hear it from Arizonans every day. They’re worried. They wake up wondering if today’s the day their job just gets automated away. Wondering if their kids are going to have careers in the future or have a future at all. Americans across the spectrum want us to step in. Republicans. Democrats. Independents. All of them. The tech industry itself. Communities worried abo… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-min-demand-law-school-admission-council-restore-accounts-improperly-restricted-based-on-iranian-nationality | Ansari, Min Demand Law School Admission Council Restore Accounts Improperly Restricted Based on Iranian Nationality | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Yassamin Ansari | A000381 | ansari.house.gov | ansari | https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Today, Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Dave Min (CA-47) sent a letter to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) President and CEO Sudha Setty demanding that LSAC immediately review and restore accounts improperly restricted based on Iranian nationality or heritage. The reported restrictions have affected U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other individuals residing in the United States during a crucial point in the law school admissions cycle. The lawmakers’ letter follows reports that LSAC broadly suspended accounts belonging to individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage after the Office of Foreign Assets Control suspended Iran General License G, under its Iran Sanctions program. The members emphasized that federal sanctions rules restrict certain services provided to Iran, the Government of Iran, or persons in Iran, but do not make Iranian nationality alone a basis for prohibiting services. In their letter, the lawmakers write, “LSAC's broad suspension of the accounts of all individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage regardless of residence is an egregious overcompliance that has unfairly targeted impacted American citizens and residents based on national origin alone.” They further state, “These suspensions occurred at a particularly consequential point in the admissions cycle and created uncertainty regarding candidates' ability to sit for scheduled examinations, access their accounts and application materials, and meet admissions deadlines. For candidates with an imminent examination or application deadline, restoring an account several days later may not fully remedy the resulting harm.” “At its core, this is about equal access to legal education and the danger of treating Iranian nationality as a proxy for sanctions risk. Institutions should determine whether a restriction is legally required based on each person’s individual circumstances, not impose sweeping restrictions and place the burden on applicants to prove that the restrictions should have never applied to the… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-demands-immediate-release-of-ahmed-soliman-following-reports-of-beating-imprisonment | Rep. Grijalva Demands Immediate Release of Ahmed Soliman Following Reports of Beating, Imprisonment | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the below statement following new reports (here, here, and here) that Ahmed Soliman was “hooded, bound, and beaten with guns and shoved down a flight of stairs,” and is at risk of torture. Ahmed was recently arrested by local authorities after speaking out about the conditions he and other detainees who were deported from the U.S. face at a decommissioned hotel in Equatorial Guinea. “I am horrified by disturbing new reports of Ahmed being hooded, bound, and beaten. I fear his life is in immediate danger. The Trump Administration deported Ahmed into harm’s way and bears full responsibility for his cruel treatment — and for what happens to him next. The Administration must act immediately to secure Ahmed’s release before it is too late, along with the release of others being involuntarily held in Equatorial Guinea. Moreover, DHS must immediately cease this shameful and illegal practice of third-party country deportations.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-introduces-english-language-learner-education-package-to-support-students-families-and-educators | Rep. Grijalva Introduces English Language Learner Education Package to Support Students, Families, and Educators | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva introduced a package of English Language Learner bills, comprehensive legislation that includes the Reaching English Learners Act, the Families Learning and Understanding English Together (FLUENT) Act, and the Supporting Young Language Learners’ Access to Bilingual Education (SYLLABLE) Act. English Learners (ELs) make up 10.6% of the nation's K-12 population, totaling over 5 million public school students. This diverse demographic spans one in ten students nationwide, including native speakers of Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and many other languages. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the high school graduation rate for ELs sits at just 68 percent, compared to 85 percent for their non-EL peers. Together, these bills would provide sustained investments in programs, partnerships, and services that support English learners, their families, and the educators who serve them. The package includes: The Reaching English Learners Act would strengthen partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-need local educational agencies through competitive grants. The U.S. Department of Education reports that 32 states and the District of Columbia lack enough qualified EL educators. These grants would help pre-service teachers obtain English as a Second Language (ESL) licensure and prepare more educators to meet the needs of English learners. The Families Learning and Understanding English Together (FLUENT) Act would expand literacy services for families of English learners with unmet literacy needs. By increasing access to literacy education and resources, the bill would help families strengthen educational, social, and economic opportunities. The Supporting Young Language Learners’ Access to Bilingual Education (SYLLABLE) Act would strengthen bilingual education through targeted investments in dual-language immersion programs and support innovative strategies at local educational agencies serving students from low-inc… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-celebrate-passage-of-wildfire-prevention-bill-from-committee/ | Gallego, Colleagues Celebrate Passage of Wildfire Prevention Bill from Committee | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON — Last week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) John Curtis (R-UT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Boozman (R-AR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) in celebrating the unanimous passage of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. This bipartisan legislation would streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. “Forest management is difficult, but it is much easier and safer to deal with the root of wildfires than trying to suppress them when they are threating our lands and communities. This is a safety issue that the nation needs to address now, especially for places like Northern Arizona,” said Senator Gallego. “Prescribed burns are proven to work, and streamlining this process will only make America safer.” “In Arizona, we know just how catastrophic wildfires can be. One of the best tools we have to reduce wildfire risk and the damage it wreaks is prescribed fires. But right now, federal air quality rules can make it harder for states to use prescribed fire proactively,” said Senator Kelly. “The WEPA gives states greater certainty that they won’t be penalized under the Clean Air Act for responsibly using prescribed burns to reduce the risk of a much larger and more destructive wildfires. This is a commonsense change that will help us keep our communities safe and our forests healthy.” “Today’s unanimous approval by the Committee brings us one step closer to addressing the glaring irony in our current environmental regulations: They deter prescribed burns due to pollution concerns, practically guaranteeing catastrophic wildfires that emit far more carbon than proactive management ever would,” said Senator Curtis. “I thank my colleagues for their work and support and look forward to the bill’s passage by the full Senate.” “The unanimous passage of the W… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-rosen-colleagues-urge-doj-to-fully-staff-essential-immigration-program/ | Kelly, Rosen, Colleagues Urge DOJ to Fully Staff Essential Immigration Program | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and a group of their Senate colleagues demanded Attorney General Todd Blanche restore full functionality of an essential immigration program that gives access to legal support for migrants who would otherwise not have access to it. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Recognition and Accreditation (R&A) program authorizes qualified non-attorney individuals who work or volunteer at nonprofit organizations to provide legal support to immigrants. However, due to severe staff cuts by the Trump administration, there are currently only two employees left in the program, neither of whom has authority to approve or deny new applications, limiting the number of qualified non-attorneys who may provide legal assistance to immigrants. “According to the DOJ website, the R&A program ‘aims to increase the availability of competent immigration legal representation for low-income and indigent persons, thereby promoting the effective and efficient administration of justice’,” wrote the senators. “Unfortunately, the DOJ’s own actions have undercut the stated intent of this program, with CBS News reporting earlier this year that the DOJ reassigned lawyers who were responsible for renewing and approving applications, leaving the program with only two employees, neither of whom have the authority to approve or deny new applications.” “By training and accrediting individuals who are not attorneys, the R&A program helps reduce swelling court backlogs and allows immigrants to gain access to quality legal assistance for their asylum,” the senators continued. “We urge you to undo the Department’s harmful staffing cuts and reassignments and either reinstate or train the necessary staff to restore the program’s ability to process both new and renewal applications for individuals and nonprofit organizations in a timely manner.” This letter builds on Kelly’s efforts to fix the broken U.S. immigration system and support the communities it affects. Kelly has previously blasted the administrati… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-kelly-defends-free-press-calls-out-administration-for-prioritizing-appearances-over-truth/ | WATCH: Kelly Defends Free Press, Calls Out Administration for Prioritizing Appearances Over Truth | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “This President and the Secretary of Defense, they clearly do not like accountability. They don’t like criticism. They don’t want the American people to even have the facts. This is how democracies die.” In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined MS NOW’s Deadline: White House to defend the essential role of the press in American democracy after President Trump targeted news organizations for coverage he didn’t like. Kelly urged journalists to keep holding the government accountable no matter the circumstances. Kelly also called out the administration over reports that more servicemembers have died amid the war with Iran than previously disclosed. Sen. Kelly talks to Nicolle Wallace on Deadline: White House. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: On theservicememberswho havegiven their livesamid Trump’s war in Iran… “Real leaders, great leaders, are not worried about sharing bad news. Leadership means you want to be transparent with the people you are leading. And this president and the Secretary of Defense, they clearly do not like accountability. They don’t like criticism. They don’t want the American people to even have the facts. This is how democracies die. I feel so awful for the family members who are losing loved ones in this war. Parents, brothers and sisters and children, that it was unnecessary.” “Of course he doesn’t care. He’s called dead marines ‘suckers and losers.’ People who paid the ultimate price, who fought for this country in our time of need. ‘Suckers and losers.’ I care. I care about all of our servicemembers. I served in the United States Navy for 25 years. Every member of our military who are willing to put their lives on the line deserve to have a Commander-in-Chief that cares about them, that has the ability to make good decisions, that knows when it is worth it to put their lives on the line for our national security, and when it just doesn’t make sense. And this time, with this war in Iran, there was no reason he had to do this.” OnHegseth gutt… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-raises-alarm-on-deteriorating-conditions-at-eloy-detention-center | Rep. Grijalva Raises Alarm on Deteriorating Conditions at Eloy Detention Center | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Detainees have reported no access to drinking water, edible food, or AC Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva took to the House floor to sound the alarm about deteriorating conditions at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, following multiple reports her office has received from family members of detainees and their lawyers. They report detainees receiving only “ice chips” instead of proper drinking water, inedible food, and several housing units without air conditioning. Rep. Grijalva has completed five oversight visits of immigration detention facilities since taking office, including her first oversight visit as a Congresswoman to the facility in Eloy, which ultimately led to the release of Julia “La abuela” Benitez, a 79 year-old Cuban asylum seeker with dementia who was held there for nine months. In July, 120 detainees signed a letter outlining human rights abuses by the guards at the Eloy facility, which is privately operated by Core Civic. Watch the full speech here. A copy of her remarks are below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm about deteriorating conditions at the Eloy Detention Center. My office has received multiple reports from the family members of people in detention and their lawyers that detainees are being denied access to proper drinking water. Instead, they are being given one cup of “ice chips” per day. In fact, I just met with Sonya, the wife of Yari, who was diagnosed with leukemia and is currently being held at Eloy. Her wife told her that detainees are only being given ice chips for water, which they have to wait until they melt. Two housing blocks are also without air conditioning. This is an outrage. At least 57 people have already died in ICE custody this year – 4 of them in Arizona. This number is likely higher. How many more human beings need to die before we do something? This is a moral failure. I’m calling on DHS to immediately address these conditions and ensure that all detainees have access to safe drinking water, edible food, and huma… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-at-hudson-institute-senators-kelly-and-young-discuss-their-ships-for-america-act/ | ICYMI: At Hudson Institute, Senators Kelly and Young Discuss Their SHIPS for America Act | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Kelly: “When I got here to the Senate in 2020, one of the problems I wanted to try to solve is this national security problem and economic security problem of not having a robust shipbuilding and shipping capacity to get stuff across the oceans.” In case you missed it, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN) participated in a fireside chat to discuss their SHIPS for America Act at the Hudson Institute’s “Fixing Shipping and Shipbuilding: Plotting the Course Ahead” event. Kelly spoke about how the legislation would revitalize America’s shipbuilding industry and create good-paying skilled jobs while addressing a growing national security threat he has been working on since first being sworn into the Senate. Sens. Kelly and Young speak at the Hudson Institute. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: On his family’s maritime history and why he introduced the SHIPS for America Act… “For me this goes back over four decades. I graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1986… I also come from a little bit of a maritime background. My grandfather was on a Liberty ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean multiple times and survived during World War Two. My other grandfather, on my dad’s side, was on a destroyer escort in the Pacific and the Atlantic, escorting Liberty ships…This goes back generations in my family. “When I was flying off of the USS midway in Operation Desert Storm, we basically moved a good portion of the U.S. Army, and the Marine Corps, and the Air Force, and we moved all that combat power overseas. At the time, we had about 400 ocean going merchant ships, U.S. flagged, U.S. crude. Now we’re down to 80. So, when I got here to the Senate in 2020, one of the problems I wanted to try to solve is this national security problem and economic security problem of not having a robust ship building and shipping capacity to get stuff across the oceans. It’s a national security problem for our country, and it’s getting worse every single year. “Now we’re working across to get this acr… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-kelly-blasts-trump-admin-for-caring-more-about-appearances-than-accountability-as-new-images-emerge-of-iran-war-damage/ | ICYMI: Kelly Blasts Trump Admin for Caring More About Appearances Than Accountability as New Images Emerge of Iran War Damage | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “We have 18 dead Americans. We have 700 injured. For what? For higher gas prices and diesel prices for farmers and gas prices for the American people.” In case you missed it, on MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psaki, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly blasted President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for caring more about how things look than what is actually happening in the Iran war as new images emerged of drone and missile attack damage to U.S. positions. He also criticized Trump’s dismissal of the cost of the war while leaving the American people to foot the bill for a conflict he started with no plan or end in sight. Sen. Kelly talks on The Briefing with Jen Psaki. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: OnTrump dismissing theimpact of the Iran war on servicemembers… “This president calls this ‘small potatoes.’ I mean, here’s a guy, here’s a president who spent most of his adult life sitting on a gold toilet. Of course this is not a big deal to him. This is somebody else’s kid, not his children, going off to fight. He’s a president who avoided service himself. Made up a story about bone spurs. But those bone spurs don’t prevent him from golfing every weekend at the age of 80.” On Hegseth and Trump caring more about appearances than doingwhat’sexpected of them… “What you don’t expect is having the lack of leadership in the Pentagon that would, under normal circumstances, own up to what the situation is and what is happening on the ground, would brief the press, would brief members of Congress who have oversight responsibility, would let us know what is actually happening, would let the American public know. They like nice imagery. They like when things look good. If something doesn’t look good, they’re going to try to convince you that it’s something else. They’re going to suppress it. They certainly didn’t want these images to get out, but it’s dangerous to be there. Servicemembers are at risk.” On thereal costof Trump’s war for the American people… “We have 18 dead America… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-slotkin-colleagues-demand-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war/ | Kelly, Slotkin, Colleagues Demand Answers from Hegseth on Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | This week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and a group of their colleagues demanded Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. In their letter they also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, Kelly and his colleagues note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” The senators highlighted the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The senators are requesting that the Department of Defense p… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-leads-house-in-demanding-trump-act-now-on-ai-global-security | Ansari Leads House in Demanding Trump Act Now on AI Global Security | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Yassamin Ansari | A000381 | ansari.house.gov | ansari | https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Ansari’s Letter Signed by More Than 40 House Colleagues WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) led more than 40 of her House colleagues in demanding President Donald Trump to lead an international effort to establish global rules on artificial intelligence. Ansari’s letter comes as House Republicans cut the congressional work schedule short and sent members home, even as AI experts and industry leaders are issuing increasingly urgent warnings about the national security and societal risks posed by rapidly advancing AI. In their letter, the lawmakers write, “As AI rapidly advances in the U.S. and around the globe, your administration must immediately initiate dialogue with allies, and also competitors and adversaries, to engage in comprehensive and urgent negotiations regarding the future of AI. These much-needed negotiations will enhance our economic competitiveness while preserving global national security for generations to come.” They further state, “True global security in the untested and fast-advancing field of AI requires stability, predictability, and strategic restraint. Without deliberate multilateral mechanisms for coordinated restraint and calculated risk reduction, the race by multibillion dollar companies to deploy ever-more powerful models risks inadvertently triggering a global economic disruption, attacks on critical infrastructure, the spread of supercharged disease, dangerous military miscalculations, and other potentially devastating impacts for humanity.” Ansari’s letter is co-signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), J. Correa (CA-46), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adelita Grija… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-celebrates-committee-passage-of-his-bipartisan-bill-to-extend-terrorism-risk-insurance/ | Gallego Celebrates Committee Passage of His Bipartisan Bill to Extend Terrorism Risk Insurance | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Nearly 60 percent of American businesses that rely on terrorism risk insurance could be left without coverage if Congress fails to act WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), along with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC), celebrated the unanimous passage of their Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 out of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs — bipartisan legislation that would safeguard the availability of terrorism risk insurance coverage. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, many insurance companies began excluding terrorism risks from commercial insurance policies, leaving businesses and industries without access to coverage. Since insurance is a precondition for commercial lending and real estate transactions, this gap in coverage threatened broad economic damage across real estate, construction, energy, transportation, and related industries. Congress responded by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA), creating a federal reinsurance backstop to stabilize the private market and ensure that commercial policyholders could continue to obtain terrorism risk coverage. The private insurance market has relied on the TRIA backstop ever since. When TRIAbriefly lapsed in December 2014, terrorism exclusions that insurers had pre-filed with state regulators took effect automatically, making terrorism coverage effectively unavailable across commercial policies nationwide. As a result, terrorism risk coverage was removed from policyholders immediately and without notice. Given that the current threat landscape remains elevated, allowing a similar lapse in terrorism coverage would expose policy holders to unnecessary financial risk and uncertainty. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 would extend TRIA by seven years. Acting before the program expiration date of December 31, 2027, provides long-term market certainty and would prevent policyholders from facing a gap in co… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-pentagon-provide-real-cost-of-iran-war/ | Gallego, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Provide Real Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and 44 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also criticized the Department of Defense (DOD) for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, Gallego and his colleagues note that deployments — including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne — have been repeatedly extended and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” the senators wrote. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. “Despite asking for… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-issue-statement-on-continued-commitment-to-pass-clarity-act/ | Gallego, Colleagues Issue Statement On Continued Commitment To Pass CLARITY Act | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) issued the following statement regarding the CLARITY Act: “Democrats have spent the last two years working to pass crypto legislation that would expand opportunity, protect consumers, punish bad actors, create regulatory certainty, and include strong, commonsense ethics provisions for elected officials. “This week was a setback, but not the end of that important work. We remain committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to get this legislation passed.” | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kellys-office-helps-arizonans-resolve-issues-with-federal-agencies/ | Kelly’s Office Helps Arizonans Resolve Issues with Federal Agencies | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Recent casework helped Arizonans recover withheld benefits and military back pay, secure caregiver support, and receive long-awaited World War II medals Every day, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s office helps Arizonans across the state resolve issues with federal agencies and access the benefits they have earned. Recent cases include recovering Social Security benefits and $11,500 in military back pay, securing caregiver support for a disabled veteran, and helping a Flagstaff family receive World War II medals that had never been issued. These are just a few examples of the work Kelly’s office does year-round to help Arizonans navigate federal agencies and get the answers, benefits, and services they deserve: Social Security Lyubov from Phoenix contacted Senator Kelly’s office after the Social Security Administration incorrectly included a Holocaust restitution payment when calculating her income and resources, even though federal law excludes these payments from determining federal benefits. The error resulted in the agency withholding $99.40 from her monthly benefit. After Kelly’s office provided supporting documentation to the agency, Social Security corrected her record and returned the benefits that had been withheld. Veterans Affairs Pam from Buckeye contacted Senator Kelly’s office after spending two years trying to secure respite caregiver services through the Department of Veterans Affairs for her disabled veteran husband. After Kelly’s office contacted the VA, the agency approved the services, allowing Pam to travel with her husband and receive caregiver support while tending to other family responsibilities. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the assistance. The burden that you relieved for us is incalculable. It’s an honor to have you as my senator,” said Pam. Military Records and Pay Staff Sergeant Baltazar from Tucson contacted Senator Kelly’s office after a long-standing error in his military records incorrectly listed his time in service as beginning in 2019, despite serving continuo… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-kelly-talks-to-abc15-arizona-about-urgent-need-to-act-on-ai/ | WATCH: Kelly Talks to ABC15 Arizona About Urgent Need to Act on AI | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | This week, Senator Mark Kelly spoke to ABC15 Arizona’s Nick Ciletti about the urgent need for Congress to protect Americans by putting guardrails on AI. Last year, Kelly released AI for America, a roadmap to make sure AI benefits workers and to protect them from the worst outcomes it could lead to. Since then, he’s introduced the AI DATA Act to track AI’s impact on the workforce, the Aging with AI Act and Senior Chatbot Protection Act to protect seniors, the Advanced AI Security Readiness Act to protect America’s AI systems from theft or sabotage by foreign adversaries, the WARP Act to preserve warfighter skills and readiness, and the Ultimate Human Responsibility in Defense Systems Act to keep humans accountable as AI is integrated into the military. Sen. Kelly talks to Nick Ciletti on ABC15 Arizona. Watch the full interview here. See key excerpts below: On Congress’s responsibility to act on AI before bad outcomes happen… “There are things we can do and that we should do, and we need to act… The other CEOs of the frontier AI companies need to get on board with this. They can put in the guardrails themselves, but we can’t count on them to do that. And it’s the responsibility of the U.S. Senate and the House and the Administration.” On whether we can pursue AI’s benefits while doing it responsibly… “We have to put some restrictions on these companies. The companies are starting to ask for these things. They want regulation. They want guardrails in place. We have to be able to mitigate for bad outcomes before they actually happen.” | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-pleas-for-safety-of-ahmed-soliman-arizonan-in-danger-after-deportation-to-equatorial-guinea | Rep. Grijalva Pleas for Safety of Ahmed Soliman; Arizonan in Danger After Deportation to Equatorial Guinea | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva issued a video statement pleading for the safety of Ahmed Soliman, a 30-year-old Arizonan who has lived in the United States since he was four years old but was deported to Equatorial Guinea, a country he has zero ties to. A judge determined he could face torture or death if returned to his birth country of Egypt because he is gay, so the Trump administration deported him instead to Equatorial Guinea. According to the Arizona Daily Star, on Friday Ahmed was arrested by local authorities in Equatorial Guinea after he spoke out about the inhumane conditions he and other detainees faced in their confinement – including being threatened at gunpoint – at a decommissioned hotel surrounded by armed guards. His phone was confiscated, cutting off his ability to communicate with the outside world. His current condition is unknown. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/ | Gallego, Colleagues Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON — This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), and a bipartisan group of 152 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-reconvene-essential-travel-and-tourism-board/ | Gallego, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Reconvene Essential Travel and Tourism Board | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and five more of their Democratic colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging the Department of Commerce to reconvene an essential travel and tourism board amidst a decline in international tourism to the United States. The U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) has provided a valuable forum for leaders across the travel and tourism industry to share their insight into the challenges facing the sector and provide direct input on federal tourism policy. However, this board has not met once since the start of President Trump’s second term, despite stark decreases in domestic and international tourism nationwide due to Trump administration policies. “The travel and tourism industry is a vital part of our economy, supporting millions of jobs for Americans and sustaining many of our nation’s communities, making travel slowdowns all the more devastating,” wrote the senators. “Policymakers need to hear from industry leaders when making decisions that could have broad economic consequences, and without that input, legislators and the Administration risk making decisions without a full understanding of how they could affect the travel and tourism industry.” Senators Gallego, Rosen and Klobuchar were joined by Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/ | Kelly, Colleagues Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | This week, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA), members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), and a bipartisan group of 154 other lawmakers urged the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose CEO began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024, shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” In the Senate, in addition to Kelly, Padilla, and Schiff, the letter was signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-help-secure-nearly-10-million-in-fema-reimbursements-for-pima-county/ | Kelly, Gallego Help Secure Nearly $10 Million in FEMA Reimbursements for Pima County | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | After years of advocacy, senators help secure funding for Pima County’s efforts to provide shelter to legally processed asylum seekers during height of border crisis Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reimbursed Pima County approximately$6.1 million for eligible costs incurred in fiscal year 2023 and an additional $3.5 million for fiscal year 2024—nearly $10 million combined. The reimbursements follow years of advocacy by Kelly and Gallego, who have pressed FEMA to fulfill its commitment to reimburse Pima County and Arizona non-profit organizations for eligible costs under the federal Shelter and Services Program (SSP). In July, the senators demanded that FEMA process and reimburse all outstanding eligible SSP claims. “The federal government made a commitment to reimburse Pima Country when the community stepped up to the plate during a difficult time,” said Kelly. “Senator Gallego and I pushed for this long overdue reimbursement, and we won’t give up until every Arizona organization gets paid.” “Pima County stepped up when the federal government asked them to, and for over two years, they waited for Washington to keep its promise and pay the bill,” said Gallego “I wasn’t going to let Arizona communities that did the right thing get left holding the bag. We kept pushing FEMA to do its job, and now Pima County is getting the nearly $10 million it was owed.” Background: Congress created the SSP with bipartisan support to provide funding to local governments and service providers for short-term emergency services, including food and shelter, for asylum seekers who had been legally processed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a time when the border was in crisis. Pima County and other Arizona non-profits used the funding to provide temporary shelter, food, transportation, and other basic services, preventing hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from being released onto the streets of Arizona border communities without su… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kellys-bipartisan-wildfire-prevention-nuclear-fuel-bills-advance-out-of-committee/ | Kelly’s Bipartisan Wildfire Prevention & Nuclear Fuel Bills Advance Out of Committee | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Watch Senator Kelly’s remarks during the committee hearing in support of his bills here Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act and MORE American Fuel Act advanced out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, while the MORE American Fuel Act would modernize the federal approval process to safely expand domestic uranium enrichment and reduce reliance on foreign nuclear fuel. Both bills are now eligible to receive a vote on the Senate floor. “In Arizona, we know just how catastrophic wildfires can be. […] One of the best tools we have to reduce wildfire risk and the damage it wreaks is prescribed fires. But right now, federal air quality rules can make it harder for states to use prescribed fire proactively,”said Kelly during his remarks at the committeehearing. “The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act fixes that. It gives states greater certainty that they won’t be penalized under the Clean Air Act for responsibly using prescribed burns to reduce the risk of a much larger and more destructive wildfire. This is a commonsense change that will help us keep our communities safe and our forests healthy.” Kelly continued, “Energy demand is growing in Arizona and across the country. We need more reliable, affordable, and abundant power on the grid, and nuclear energy should be part of that solution. But building more reactors won’t mean anything if we don’t have the fuel to operate them. Our bill modernizes that process while keeping the safeguards that protect communities firmly in place. It preserves environmental reviews, strengthens public notification, and maintains the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s full regulatory authority. The goal is simple: move projects forward faster without cutting corners.” TheWildfire Emissions Prevention Actwould: Make it easier for states to use prescribed fires as a proactive tool to… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/house-unanimously-passes-stanton-s-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-native-american-health-care-outcomes | House Unanimously Passes Stanton’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Native American Health Care Outcomes | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Greg Stanton | S001211 | stanton.house.gov | stanton | https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House unanimously passed U.S. Representative Greg Stanton’s (AZ-04) bipartisan legislation to improve health outcomes for Native American communities. The late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) championed this proposal, first introducing legislation in 1994. It passed the Senate five times, including when efforts were made to include it in the Affordable Care Act, but the bill never received a vote in the House. Stanton and Joyce have continued Sen. McCain’s legacy by introducing similar legislation in the last two Congresses. H.R. 741, the Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025, elevates the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This creates a direct line of communication to the Secretary on all matters related to Indian health policy, shaping federal health care policy to directly address health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The Assistant Secretary would work to enhance the government-to-government relationship between Indian Tribes and the United States, increase access and collaboration among agencies within HHS as Indian health policy and budgets are developed, and ensure these issues are a priority in current and future administrations. Stanton spoke on the House floor ahead of passage, saying, “The federal government has a sacred trust obligation to provide health care to native communities. And for far too long, we have fallen short of meeting it.” He continued, “As an Assistant Secretary, the head of IHS would finally have the pay and hiring authorities needed to tackle chronic workforce shortages and disparities in access to care. It means faster hiring, better retention, and a direct line to the Secretary on every matter affecting Indian health.” Video of Stanton’s speech is HERE. Native communities in Arizona and across the country continue to face significant disparities in access to quality health care. IHS has long struggled with … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-statement-on-failed-clarity-act-cloture-vote/ | Gallego Statement on Failed CLARITY Act Cloture Vote | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement after voting against cloture on the CLARITY Act: “All President Trump wants is for the Senate to give him time to crime, and I won’t support any piece of legislation that enables him. Just as Democrats and Republicans were making progress to address ethics concerns, Republican leadership ended talks and forced a vote. They were never serious about bipartisan negotiations. “This legislation failed squarely because Republicans refuse to say no to the president. It takes 60 votes to pass a bill, and instead of spending their time twisting themselves into knots to appease President Trump, Republicans should have worked more closely with Senate Democrats to craft a bill that could pass with strong ethics provisions.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-gallego-calls-for-senate-committee-to-rein-in-ai-celebrates-supreme-courts-mail-in-voting-decision/ | WATCH: Gallego Calls for Senate Committee to Rein-in AI, Celebrates Supreme Court’s Mail-in Voting Decision | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Last night, on MSNOW’s “The Weeknight,” Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) echoed his call to establish a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence to rein-in the technology — largely in response to a former Anthropic researcher quitting his role and warning of an industrywide rush to build AI systems that can improve themselves and, in turn, destroy humanity — and applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from implementing President Trump’s executive order restricting vote-by-mail ahead of the midterm elections. WATCH: MS NOW’s The Weeknight On getting all stakeholders together to regulate AI: “We need experts to come in and talk to us—the people who are skeptics, the people who want to regulate, and the people who have a vision for AI. The problem that we have right now is that we don’t know enough… We need to be bringing the best minds around us and figure out how to put up guardrails, and how to do it quickly. “I’m glad that they [the AI companies] are coming out, but can we really trust people that have an interest, a very corporate—corporate interest for them, for whatever outcome, right? They have to respond to corporate shareholders. We have to respond to the American public, right? I have to make sure that whatever outcome that we decide to put together for these guardrails aren’t designed basically to cover their asses for whatever they mess up later, right? On the first steps a Senate Select Committee would take: “The first thing we would fix is: get the people around you, besides those three [Musk, Dario, Altman], to give you the information you need to know how bad this is and where this is going. “Step two is: Are we looking too small? You know, this is going to have to end up being an international agreement, right? Where we have to talk to not just China, the European Union, other friends and allies, to make sure that we all are staying together on this. Because if there’s any type of leakage, if any types of these agents go ro… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-help-secure-nearly-10-million-in-fema-reimbursements-for-pima-county/ | Gallego, Kelly Help Secure Nearly $10 Million in FEMA Reimbursements for Pima County | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | After years of advocacy, senators help secure funding for Pima County’s efforts to provide shelter to asylum seekers during height of border crisis WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reimbursed Pima County approximately $6.1 million for eligible costs incurred in fiscal year 2023 and an additional $3.5 million for fiscal year 2024 — nearly $10 million combined. “Pima County stepped up when the federal government asked them to, and for over two years, they waited for Washington to keep its promise and pay the bill,” said Senator Ruben Gallego. “I wasn’t going to let Arizona communities that did the right thing get left holding the bag. We kept pushing FEMA to do its job, and now Pima County is getting the nearly $10 million it was owed.” “The federal government made a commitment to reimburse Pima Country when the community stepped up to the plate during a difficult time,” said Senator Kelly. “Senator Gallego and I pushed for this long overdue reimbursement, and we won’t give up until every Arizona organization gets paid.” The reimbursements follow years of advocacy by Senators Gallego and Kelly, who have pressed FEMA to fulfill its commitment to reimburse Pima County and other Arizona non-profit organizations for eligible costs under the federal Shelter and Services Program (SSP). In July, the senators demanded that FEMA process and reimburse all outstanding eligible SSP claims. Congress created SSP with bipartisan support to provide funding to local governments and service providers for short-term emergency services, including food and shelter, for asylum seekers who had been legally processed by the Department of Homeland Security at a time when the border was in crisis. Pima County and other Arizona non-profits used the funding to provide temporary shelter, food, transportation, and other basic services – preventing hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from being released onto the streets of Arizona border c… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-stanton-kelly-gallego-announce-2-million-federal-investment-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu | Ansari, Stanton Kelly, Gallego Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Yassamin Ansari | A000381 | ansari.house.gov | ansari | https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego today announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project will test emerging water treatment technologies and validate them at ASU's Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. “In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and build the economy of the future through advanced semiconductor manufacturing, we must ensure that growth is sustainable,” said Rep. Ansari. “The federal dollars my colleagues and I secured will help do exactly that and ASU is a critical partner in driving the research, innovation, and commercialization needed to reduce water use and strengthen our resilience. Our future depends on it." "Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water," said Rep. Stanton. "This investment puts ASU's researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That's how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona." “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Senator Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening Am… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-statement-on-epa-decision-to-roll-back-power-plant-emission-rules | Rep. Grijalva Statement on EPA Decision to Roll Back Power Plant Emission Rules | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | “The Trump administration is once again prioritizing corporate profits over lower utility bills and the health of working families,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Instead of investing in cheaper clean energy solutions, Trump is propping up dirty and expensive fossil fuel plants in order to appease his donors. Arizonans deserve clean air and lower utility bills – not handouts to the coal industry. We should be moving forward on clean energy and stronger protections, not turning back the clock.” | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-ansari-kelly-gallego-announce-2-million-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu | Stanton, Ansari, Kelly, Gallego Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Greg Stanton | S001211 | stanton.house.gov | stanton | https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego today announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project will test emerging water treatment technologies and validate them at ASU's Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. "Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water," said Rep. Stanton. "This investment puts ASU's researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That's how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona." “In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and build the economy of the future through advanced semiconductor manufacturing, we must ensure that growth is sustainable,” said Rep. Ansari. “The federal dollars my colleagues and I secured will help do exactly that and ASU is a critical partner in driving the research, innovation, and commercialization needed to reduce water use and strengthen our resilience. Our future depends on it." “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Senator Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening Am… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-stanton-ansari-announce-2-million-federal-investment-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu/ | Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari, Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) along with Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project will test emerging water treatment technologies and validate them at ASU’s Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. “Making Arizona’s semiconductor manufacturing industry even more water efficient will allow us to continue to create good-paying jobs and protect our state’s water supply,” said Senator Gallego. “Thanks to this project, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in community-beneficial innovation.” “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Senator Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and protecting our water supply. It’s a win for Arizona.” “Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water,” said Rep. Stanton. “This investment puts ASU’s researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That’s how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona.” “In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and bui… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-gallego-calls-for-immediate-congressional-oversight-and-regulation-on-ai/ | WATCH: Gallego Calls for Immediate Congressional Oversight and Regulation on AI | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | ‘This is more akin to Dr. Frankenstein telling us the monster is loose. Help me stop the monster.’ WASHINGTON – In response to former Anthropic researcher quitting his role and warning of an industrywide rush to build AI systems that can improve themselves and, in turn, destroy humanity, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has spoken out on the need for immediate congressional oversight. WATCH: State of the Union with Jake Tapper On the imminent danger of artificial intelligence: “This is not previous tech. Previous tech could not make a decision to kill us. When we turned on the internet it did not have autonomy. When we created the nuclear weapon, the nuclear weapon did not have the decision-making power to drop a nuclear weapon. AI has the capability and will have the capability to make decisions like that. This is more akin to Dr. Frankenstein telling us the monster is loose. Help me stop the monster.” On the need of his proposed bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence: “Speaker Johnson is not meeting the moment. Trump’s not meeting the moment. The Senate and Congress are not meeting the moment. We need to get together as fast as possible with the smartest people, with the skeptics, with the people that want to regulate, the people that want to actually deal with this, people that are going to figure out how to actually have the perfect balance. We can’t just use this idea that if we do this, we’re somehow going to lose to China because AI does not care once it becomes fully dangerous whether we are Chinese or American. That’s the danger of this. Everyone’s thinking about this in a way that is based on old tech and not what’s going towards the future. This is why we need to get the people in the room. “The way we are going about this is that we are hoping that some committee in the House or the Senate is just going to come together with some staffers and put together the framework that’s going to go into place maybe three years from now. We don’t have that time. Dr. Frankenstein is telling… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-senator-gallego-unveils-his-plan-to-strengthen-americas-education-system/ | What They Are Saying: Senator Gallego Unveils his Plan to Strengthen America’s Education System | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released his new plan to reform and strengthen America’s public education system. The four-pillar plan, “Class in Session: A Plan to Fix America’s Public Education System,” provides a pathway to bolster public education for every American student — especially those in rural, tribal, and high-poverty communities who often face barriers that extend beyond the classroom. Read the full plan HERE. Since its release last week, the plan has received support from AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, National Education Association (NEA), Arizona Education Association (AEA), Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED), The School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), Somerton School Board President Juan Castillo,and Flagstaff Unified School District Superintendent Michael A. Penca. Here’s what they are saying: NEA AZ: “Senator Ruben Gallego is making clear that solving challenges facing public education requires more than talking about the problem—it requires real commitment to investing in students, educators, and the public schools they rely on. From the educator retention crisis and the rising cost of entering the teaching profession to student mental health, academic recovery, and ensuring every student has a pathway to college or a career, this initiative recognizes the interconnected challenges our public schools are facing” said AEA President Marisol Garcia. “Senator Gallego has consistently stood up for public schools and public educators, and we welcome his continued leadership in advancing a national education agenda that invests in people and communities at the heart of our public education system.” Somerton School Board President Juan Castillo: “As a lifelong educator and school board president, I strongly support the priorities outlined in this plan. Investing in our educators, protecting vital programs such as Title I and IDEA, expanding afterschool and summer learning, and preparing students for co… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-stanton-ansari-announce-2-million-federal-investment-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu/ | Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), along with Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University (ASU) to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project tests emerging water treatment technologies and validates them at ASU’s Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. The legislation builds on Kelly’s work to bring manufacturing back to America. In 2022, Kelly’s CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law, which has significantly boosted domestic semiconductor manufacturing. “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Sen. Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and protecting our water supply. It’s a win for Arizona.” “Making Arizona’s semiconductor manufacturing industry even more water efficient will allow us to continue to create good-paying jobs and protect our state’s water supply,” said Sen. Gallego. “Thanks to this project, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in community-beneficial innovation.” “Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water,” said Rep. Stanton. “This investment puts ASU’s researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That’s … | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/arizona-industries-for-the-blind-honors-rep-yassamin-ansari-as-an-abilityone-congressional-champion | ARIZONA INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND HONORS REP. YASSAMIN ANSARI AS AN ABILITYONE CONGRESSIONAL CHAMPION | 2026-09-12 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Yassamin Ansari | A000381 | ansari.house.gov | ansari | https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | PHOENIX — Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) presented U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) with the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award on September 10, 2026, The award was presented during a visit to AIB’s Phoenix facility, where Rep. Ansari met with AIB team members and learned how their work supports federal customers and demonstrates the capabilities of people who are blind. “Congressional champions play an important role in protecting employment opportunities and ensuring the AbilityOne Program remains a dependable resource for federal customers,” said David Steinmetz, Community and Public Relations Manager for Arizona Industries for the Blind. “We appreciate Congresswoman Ansari taking the time to meet our team members, learn about their experiences and recognize the value they bring to Arizona and the nation.” “I am honored to receive the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award from Arizona Industries for the Blind,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. “AIB team members demonstrate every day that people who are blind bring valuable skills, talent and dedication to our workforce. I remain committed to supporting policies that expand employment opportunities and ensure that every person has the opportunity to achieve greater independence through meaningful work.” The AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate a commitment to the AbilityOne Program and the employment of people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Through the AbilityOne Program, AIB team members provide essential products and services to federal and military customers. AIB’s operations include warehousing and distribution, packaging, kitting, document imaging and Base Supply Center services. Photo description: Arizona Industries for the Blind President and CEO Chris LaFollettte stands besides Representative Yassamin Ansari as she holds the framed AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award, presented on September 10, 2026 at AIB headquarter. The award recognizes Rep. Ansari’s commitment to … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-celebrates-new-wildcat-welcome-center-at-the-university-of-arizona | Rep. Grijalva Celebrates New Wildcat Welcome Center at The University of Arizona | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Tucson, AZ — On Wednesday, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the University of Arizona’s new Wildcat Welcome Center, a dedicated space designed to welcome prospective students and their families to campus. The center will provide a central and welcoming space where prospective students and their families can learn more about the University of Arizona and experience its community and culture firsthand as they navigate the college decision-making process. It also features gathering spaces for visiting high school groups and workshops focused on academic programs, financial aid, student life, the application process, and other resources available to prospective students. “Two of my top priorities on the Education and Workforce Committee are investing in higher education and ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This Center will provide students and their families with a place to learn about the application process, financial aid, and academic programs. I congratulate the University of Arizona in opening this new space to help students take the next step in furthering their education.” | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-condemns-proposed-expansion-of-border-patrol-checkpoints-across-southern-arizona | Rep. Grijalva Condemns Proposed Expansion of Border Patrol Checkpoints Across Southern Arizona | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Tucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement condemning the proposed expansion of U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints in Southern Arizona, including the expansion of existing sites along Interstate 19 and on West Arivaca Road, and the establishment of a new site near Three Points. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s Acquisition Planning Forecast System, the I-19 project could cost upwards of $50 to $100 million. “CBP is proposing to spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars expanding and establishing new checkpoints while refusing to provide the public with basic answers about why these projects are necessary in the first place. DHS and CBP have more money than they know what to do with thanks to the more than $200 BILLION in new funding that Congressional Republicans have appropriated. At a time when working families are struggling to get by, this is an outrageous waste of taxpayer dollars.” “If the Trump administration was serious about border security, some of these resources would be going towards modernizing our ports of entry by improving staffing and infrastructure, especially considering that the overwhelming majority of illicit fentanyl seized by DHS is intercepted at our ports.” “I stand firmly with the residents, farmers, workers, businesses, and local leaders who are fighting this expansion. I will continue to push back against these projects and against the idea that federal agencies can come into our communities, spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on wasteful projects, and simply ignore the people who will have to live with the consequences.” | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/ | Kelly Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center: “Twenty-five years ago,nearly 3,000people were killed in an act of terror. Today, we remember those we lost, their families, the first responders who showed extraordinary courage, and the thousands more whose lives were changed forever. “I piloted the first Space Shuttle mission after 9/11, STS-108. Aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, our crew carried three flags representing the places where lives were lost that day: an American flag recovered from Ground Zero, an American flag flown over the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and a U.S. Marine Corps Colors flag recovered from the Pentagon. We also carried thousands of smaller American flags and other tributes honoring those we had lost. “I’llnever forget seeing those flags in orbit with the Earth behind them. Less than three months after the worst attack in history on American soil, carrying those flags was a powerful reminder of what our country had been through and what we stood for. “In the face of unimaginable loss, Americans came together. We looked out for one another, honored those who served, and showed the world that an attack meant to divide and weaken us would not succeed. “Twenty-five years later, that spirit of service, courage, and unity stillrepresentsthe best of America. It is something we should never take for granted. | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-at-jfk-library-kelly-speaks-on-public-service-courage-and-lessons-in-leadership/ | ICYMI: At JFK Library, Kelly Speaks on Public Service, Courage, and Lessons in Leadership | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined author Rye Barcott for a conversation at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston to talk about his upbringing and living a life of service in the Navy, at NASA, and now in the U.S. Senate. Kelly shared the courage and leadership he’s seen in others over the course of his life, from his mom becoming the first female police officer in West Orange to his 39-year-old commanding officer during Operation Desert Storm and the Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6th. He also reflected on the example of courage of his wife, Gabby, who never backed down after she was injured and who continues to live a life of service. Sen. Kelly speaks to Rye Barcott at the JFK Presidential Library. Credit: Jill Person Photography. Watch the full interview here. See key excerpts below: Onwatching his mother break barriers… “A lot of my inspiration comes from my mom…She was five foot nothing. When I was a young kid, she had two jobs at the same time. She was a secretary and a waitress. Neither of them paid well…She decided to become a police officer like my dad, but this was New Jersey in the 1970s. For a woman to become a cop, it was very difficult. She had to pass a test, including a physical fitness test that was clearly designed for men. I’d watch my mom out there for months practice in the backyard. She had to get over the seven foot, two-inch wall. My dad built one in our backyard to help her between two trees. Made it an inch higher. When she finally took this test, she got over in a faster time than all of the men and became the first female police officer in New Jersey. “So, I saw, from my mom, the power of having a goal, a strategic goal, and then having the right plan. And if you execute that plan, you could actually achieve something. So, I learned that from my mother, and it’s something I carried to through my life all the way to today.” Ontrue leadership… “I learned that the most effective teams are ones that will wo… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-conducts-surprise-oversight-visit-at-ice-phoenix-field-office | Ansari Conducts Surprise Oversight Visit at ICE Phoenix Field Office | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Yassamin Ansari | A000381 | ansari.house.gov | ansari | https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | PHOENIX – Yesterday, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) conducted her first oversight visit at the ICE Phoenix Field Office. This was Ansari’s thirteenth overall visit to detention facilities. “With Donald Trump and Stephen Miller's fascist and extremist mass deportation agenda with arbitrary quotas constantly that they are trying to hit, we know that rules have been broken and norms have been broken left and right, and we know that especially inside the detention centers in Arizona,” said Rep. Ansari. “I will continue to conduct this oversight. I do not support the fact that Donald Trump, with the support of every single Republican here in Arizona and Republicans in Congress, have now given 250 billion dollars to ICE and to CBP to terrorize people in communities.” Ansari’s oversight visit followed recent reporting from the Arizona Mirror that, between December 2025 and March 2026, ICE agents called 911 on 11 separate occasions to request medical assistance for detainees. The facility has no beds, no on-site medical services, limited access to food, and no showers accessible to detainees, despite holding times averaging more than 20 hours. WATCH Transcript of Ansari’s press conference remarks following her oversight visit: I conducted an oversight visit today at the Phoenix Field Office here in downtown Phoenix. This was my 13th oversight visit at an ice facility, and the reason I decided to come to this facility today was largely because of the reporting that the Arizona Mirror and other outlets have have done about the alarming conditions inside the facility, specifically the fact that between December of 2025 and March of 2026, we know there were 11 calls made to 911 for people having things like seizures and people having medical issues. The capacity is 155 people. My visit today was unannounced, and so ICE and nobody here knew that I was coming. The holding rooms look very similar to the way AROCC, which is the ICE holding facility in Mesa. There's a variety of rooms. They tell you exactly what the… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-postal-service-halt-implementation-of-unconstitutional-vote-by-mail-restrictions/ | Gallego, Colleagues Demand Postal Service Halt Implementation of Unconstitutional Vote-by-Mail Restrictions | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and John Fetterman (D-PA) in demanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) immediately halt implementation of President Trump’s unlawful vote-by-mail executive order and rescind its recently finalized rule on federal ballot mail. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner and the USPS Board of Governors, the senators warned that the Postal Service’s efforts to fundamentally change how absentee ballots are processed and delivered just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections risks disenfranchising millions of eligible voters and disrupting the smooth administration of the elections. The lawmakers are also demanding the Postal Service provide overdue answers about what legal authority permits it to regulate federal election mail, its new ballot verification processes, and the operation of its Federal Ballot Mail Portal, as well as its efforts to comply with federal court orders. “Despite repeated warnings from Congress and court orders not to implement the President’s unlawful directives to regulate mail-in voting, the Postal Service continues to carry out these actions, which will undermine peoples’ faith in the upcoming elections,” the senators wrote. “If the Postal Service does not immediately reverse its current course, it will inflict lasting harm to our democracy and permanently damage a storied American institution.” On August 21, USPS finalized a rule to implement President Trump’s vote-by-mail executive order that would require states to provide absentee voter rolls to the federal government and comply with new ballot standards, while giving USPS the authority to verify and refuse to deliver ballots that do not meet its requirements. The senators argue that neither the President nor USPS has the legal authority to regulate absentee voting and noted that despite previous commitments to Congress that it would abide by judicial… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-urges-senate-leadership-to-establish-bipartisan-senate-select-committee-on-artificial-intelligence/ | Gallego Urges Senate Leadership to Establish Bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging them to support the establishment of a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence beginning at the start of the next Congress. This follows recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal that former Anthropic researcher, Jacob Coxon, quit his role and warned of an industrywide rush to build AI systems that can improve themselves and, in turn, destroy humanity. In response to his departure, Evan Hubinger — a top scientist at Anthropic — wrote that there is a more than ten-percent chance AI destroys humanity in the next decade, with no plan in place at the company to tackle the problem. “AI is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies in human history. It has already accelerated drug discovery, expanded access to expert-level knowledge across numerous different fields, and improved productivity across industries, with one leading estimate suggesting the technology could raise global GDP by as much as 7 percent or nearly $7 trillion over a ten-year period,” Senator Gallego wrote.“But the same technology also presents serious and rapidly evolving challenges to our workforce, national security, elections, privacy, critical infrastructure, children, and the safety of the public. Senator Gallego continued: “Congress does not need to resolve every disagreement among experts about timelines or probabilities to recognize that both the upside and the downside of this technology warrant an urgent and comprehensive response.” Senator Gallego detailed how the committee should be explicitly bipartisan in membership and leadership, have subpoena power, and be charged with producing actionable legislative recommendations. He also insisted that it must hold hearings in response to national security concerns; respond to AI’s effect on American workers and the economy; asses the risks to children, consumers, privacy, civil rights, elections, and crit… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-arizona-gallego-meets-with-workers-manufacturers-first-responders-and-community-leaders/ | In Arizona, Gallego Meets with Workers, Manufacturers, First Responders and Community Leaders | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Gallego also visits AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, met with firefighters, and attend the Coconino Couty State Fair ARIZONA— This past weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) conducted congressional oversight at the AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, attended Labor Day celebrations, and met with Valley residents and small businesses before heading to Flagstaff to attend the Coconino County State Fair. Gallego began Thursday morning by meeting with officials and touring the AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, where he focused on strengthening congressional oversight, increasing transparency into ICE’s operations, and ensuring humane standards and accountability in federal immigration enforcement. Following the tour, Gallego traveled to ISOLA HQ in Chandler, a manufacturer of components essential to printed circuit boards (PCBs). During the visit, the senator highlighted his bipartisan Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act, which would help ensure we have the domestic capacity of PCBs to match the output of semiconductors made in America and shore up a critical component of the national security supply chain. Senator Gallego Tours Isola in Chandler, AZ “[The work ISOLA HQ does] is very important because we have this global competition against China,” said Senator Gallego. “There’s only a certain number of manufacturers and suppliers that can meet the demand we need when it comes to high-tech military technology. That’s why supporting these American companies, making sure they stay in American hands, remain innovative, and are able to grow is very important—not just for our economy, but for our national security.” Afterwards, Gallego visited the Intel Ocotillo Campus, in Chandler to tour their semiconductor manufacturing operations. Intel’s investment in Arizona is estimated to support 3,000 manufacturing jobs and 7,000 construction jobs thanks to smart industrial policies like the CHIPS and Science Act. Senator Gallego meets with Intel Ocotillo leadership on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 Gallego also stopp… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-not-to-axe-protections-for-americas-remaining-wild-public-forests/ | Gallego, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration Not to Axe Protections for America’s Remaining Wild Public Forests | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Popular Roadless Rule conservation measure protects 44 million acres of pristine U.S. Forest Service lands from destructive and expensive roadbuilding, logging, and supports outdoor recreation economy WASHINGTON – Last week, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 38 of their Senate colleagues and dozens of House members in sending a bicameral letter calling on the Trump Administration to end its efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has shielded approximately 44 million acres of the most pristine and treasured areas within the National Forest System from roadbuilding and logging. In Arizona, the Rule protects 1,174,000 acres of Inventoried roadless Areas. “Since its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states,” wrote the Senators. “These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities. Iconic landscapes such as the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the George Washington National Forest in Virginia exemplify the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of these lands.” The letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz goes on to note the habitat protection, wildfire mitigation, and economic benefits of the Roadless Rule. The Roadless Rule enjoys strong public support, as evidenced by the overwhelming majority of 2.5 million comments submitted on the Roadless Forest Protection Rule since it has been enacted — more than 95%— were in support of protecting roadless areas. A March 2019 poll by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that three out of four respondents said they supported keeping roadless forest protections, while only 16% opposed it. That level of support changed little between respondents living in rural or non-rural areas and across party… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-gallego-unveils-plan-to-reform-strengthen-americas-public-education-system/ | Senator Gallego Unveils Plan to Reform, Strengthen America’s Public Education System | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Gallego’s four-pillar framework details his commitment to improving America’s public schools for every student WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released his new plan to address America’s failing public education system. The four-pillar plan, “Class in Session: A Plan to Fix America’s Public Education System,” provides a pathway to bolster public education for every American student — especially those in rural, tribal, and high-poverty communities who often face barriers that extend beyond the classroom. “Even though I grew up poor, I was lucky enough to get a good enough education, make it to Harvard, and eventually become a U.S. Senator. Every kid deserves that same fair shot. Instead, Donald Trump’s gutting of the Department of Education has left our most vulnerable students behind,” said Senator Gallego. “My plan not only reverses these cuts but also provides a path forward for our nation’s public schools, including by eliminating federal funding for vouchers, increasing teacher pay, tackling student absenteeism, and setting up workforce training programs.” Senator Gallego’s plan: Protecting and Investing in Public Education: Protect the federal role in public education by strengthening the Department of Education and ensuring programs such as Title I, IDEA, Impact Aid, the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), Secure Rural Schools (SRS), and E-Rate continue to serve the communities that depend on them Investing in and Strengthening the Teacher Workforce: Work with states and school districts to improve teacher compensation and working conditions, including teacher health and wellness while expanding preparation programs including residencies and locally based preparation programs, financial aid, mentorship, and leadership pathways. Supporting Student Success and Well-Being: Address learning loss, chronic absenteeism, and student mental health by investing in full-service community schools, as well as investing in afterschool learning, tutoring, summer learning, mental healt… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-condemn-dojs-failure-to-vigorously-defend-fundamental-gun-violence-prevention-law/ | Kelly, Colleagues Condemn DOJ’s Failure to Vigorously Defend Fundamental Gun Violence Prevention Law | 2026-09-05 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT) and 10 of their colleagues condemned the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s refusal to seek immediate appellate relief from a recent district court decision striking down key regulatory requirements of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, the senators expressed serious concerns about DOJ’s failure to vigorously defend the NFA, a foundational federal gun violence prevention law that regulates some of the most dangerous concealable weapons in the country. “For months, DOJ has defended the NFA in court against legal challenges brought by the firearms industry, certain state attorneys general, and the gun lobby. But less than one week after you were confirmed as Attorney General, the Department appears to have reversed course,”wrote thesenators. “The Department’s failure to immediately pursue an appeal in support of the NFA calls into question statements you made to the United States Senate during your confirmation process and raises serious doubts about your willingness—and ability—to keep Americans safe.” Last month, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas held the NFA’s regulatory requirements for certain highly dangerous weapons unconstitutional. Although the court temporarily stayed its order to give DOJ time to seek immediate appellate relief, DOJ declined to do so, opting instead to let the court’s injunction take effect. The senators demanded answers about DOJ’s justification for not seeking immediate relief and called on DOJ to appeal the district court’s decision. “As a result of DOJ’s refusal to seek a stay of the District Court’s order, some of the most dangerous concealable weapons in the country—including those that have been used in several mass shootings—can now be (and have been) bought and sold outside the NFA’s heightened regulatory framework for the first time in nearly 100 years,” concluded thesenators. “We urge the Department to resume its vigorous defense… | 1 | 2026-09-06T09:10:48Z | 2026-09-06T09:12:29Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-introduces-the-fairness-for-farm-workers-act | Rep. Grijalva Introduces the Fairness for Farm Workers Act | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva introduced the Fairness for Farm Workers Act, legislation to strengthen federal labor protections for agricultural workers by expanding overtime protections and narrowing exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When the FLSA established the 40-hour work week and overtime pay in 1938, it left out agricultural workers entirely, a carve-out written to appease Southern segregationists who refused labor protections to the Black workers dominating the industry at the time. While farm workers gained partial minimum wage protections in 1966, the overtime exclusion was never fixed. Today, the average farm worker family earns between $25,000 and $29,999 a year, the cost of a law that still doesn't guarantee them overtime pay. This legislation was first introduced by then-Senator Kamala Harris and Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva in 2018. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) has introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate during this 119th Congress. “Farm workers play an essential role in the nation’s food and agricultural economy yet remain one of the only groups of workers still excluded from full overtime protections under federal law,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This bill is fundamentally about fairness – ensuring that the workers who keep America fed receive the same workplace protections and benefits as any other worker.” This legislation comes as the Trump Administration’s attempt to lower wages for farm workers even further was blocked by the courts last week. “It’s shameful for this administration to try to undercut farm worker wages in order to address a labor shortage of its own making through its cruel immigration agenda,” continued Rep. Grijalva. “Since 1938, farm workers have been excluded from basic federal wage laws such as the right to overtime pay,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “Today, with farm worker wages under attack, it is time to finally end this racist Jim Crow exclusion once and for all.” The Fairness for Farm Workers Act would: Establish ov… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-responds-to-forest-service-approval-of-hermosa-mine-project-sounds-alarm-about-fast-41-expansion | Rep. Grijalva Responds to Forest Service Approval of Hermosa Mine Project; Sounds Alarm About FAST-41 Expansion | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after the Coronado National Forest approved South32 Hermosa Inc. Critical Minerals Project Exploration and Mine Plan of Operations, clearing the way for work to begin within the Patagonia Mountains of Southern Arizona, a world-class biodiversity hotspot with an extraordinary range of wildlife and plant species. Rep. Grijalva previously wrote a letter to Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz highlighting the concerns voiced by local residents, including risks to groundwater, public health, and the region’s fragile environment, as well as frustration with a process lacking transparency and meaningful opportunity for input. She also penned an op-ed in the Patagonia Regional Times outlining her concerns with the project. Just yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would make all mining and mineral processing projects eligible for coverage under FAST-41, an expedited federal permitting process, not just those involving critical minerals. The Hermosa Mine project is the first mining project in the country approved under the FAST-41 process. “The FAST-41 approval of the Hermosa Mine project sets a dangerous precedent, as exemplified by a rushed review which ignored critical risks to groundwater, public health, and the region’s fragile ecosystem. Once the harm is inflicted, it cannot be undone. Unfortunately, Congress has ignored all the warning signs and chosen to expand this failed program, jeopardizing millions of acres of pristine public lands across the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-slams-bill-to-fast-track-mining-permits | Rep. Grijalva Slams Bill to Fast-Track Mining Permits | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva spoke on the House floor in opposition to H.R. 1501, legislation which passed the House today that would make mining and mineral processing projects eligible for coverage under FAST-41, an expedited federal permitting process. The bill would also block a Biden Administration proposal that would have narrowed FAST-41 eligibility for mining projects to those involving critical minerals and their supply chains. Earlier, Rep. Grijalva introduced an amendment that would have required meaningful, robust, and enforceable consultation with potentially impacted Tribal Nations before a mining project could qualify for expedited permitting under FAST-41. “At a time when we should be strengthening environmental protections, respecting Tribal sovereignty, and ensuring communities have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their land and water, this bill moves us in the wrong direction,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I offered an amendment that would have required robust, meaningful, and enforceable consultation with potentially impacted Tribal Nations before a mining project could be eligible for expedited permitting under FAST-41. Tribal Nations deserve a meaningful seat at the table when projects could affect their lands, water, cultural resources, and communities.” Rep. Grijalva’s opposition to the legislation comes as she continues to raise concerns about proposed mining activity in Southern Arizona. She recently sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz raising serious concerns about the Hermosa critical minerals project – the first project in the country approved under FAST-41 – and calling for greater consideration of potential impacts on Tribal Nations, local communities, and the region’s natural resources. She also wrote an op-ed in the Patagonia Regional Times following the project’s approval. You can view her Floor remarks here. The full copy of her remarks is below: I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1501, the Protecting Domestic Mining A… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-announce-4-25-million-in-emergency-funding-for-lower-cibola-bridge-repairs/ | Gallego, Kelly Announce $4.25 Million in Emergency Funding for Lower Cibola Bridge Repairs | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Federal funding will help repair bridge damaged by Island Fire in La Paz County WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide $4.25 million in emergency funding to the Bureau of Reclamation to help repair and rebuild the Lower Cibola Bridge in La Paz County after it was damaged by the Island Fire and partially collapsed into the Colorado River. “These federal funds will provide the tools and resources necessary to repair the Lower Cibola Bridge, easing lengthy detours and ensuring safe passage over the Colorado River,” said Senator Gallego. “I applaud La Paz County, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Transportation, and all stakeholders for coming together to provide this critical lifeline.” “The restoration of Lower Cibola Bridge will reconnect the community and make it easier for families to get to work, school, and other essential services,” said Senator Kelly. “Securing this emergency funding improves an important economic route while making it safe and reliable.” The Lower Cibola Bridge serves as a key crossing over the Colorado River for local farmers, residents, federal agencies, and emergency responders. After the Island Fire ignited the bridge’s timber supports, two center spans collapsed into the river, cutting off a primary access route and forcing lengthy detours for people traveling through the area. The funding, provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, will support emergency and reconstruction work needed to restore the crossing. The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program provides funding to repair or reconstruct federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that suffer serious damage from natural disasters or catastrophic events. Funding can be used for immediate repairs to restore essential access and protect damaged infrastructure, as well as permanent repairs needed to restore facilities to their pre-disaster condition. | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-announce-more-than-4-million-in-emergency-funding-for-bridge-repairs-in-la-paz-county/ | Kelly, Gallego Announce More Than $4 Million in Emergency Funding for Bridge Repairs in La Paz County | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Federal funding will help repair bridge damaged by Island Fire Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide $4.25 million in emergency funding to the Bureau of Reclamation to help repair and rebuild the Lower Cibola Bridge in La Paz County. The structure was damaged by the Island Fire and partially collapsed into the Colorado River. The Lower Cibola Bridge serves as a key crossing over the Colorado River for local farmers, residents, federal workers, and emergency responders. After the Island Fire ignited the bridge’s timber supports, two center spans collapsed into the river, cutting off a primary access route and forcing lengthy detours for people traveling through the area. The funding, provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, will support emergency and reconstruction work needed to restore the crossing. “The restoration of this bridge will reconnect the community and make it easier for families to get to work, school, healthcare, and other services they rely on,” said Kelly. “Securing this emergency funding is critical because Lower Cibola Bridge is also an important economic route in La Paz County that will now be safe and reliable.” “These federal funds will provide the tools and resources necessary to repair the Lower Cibola Bridge, easing lengthy detours and ensuring safe passage over the Colorado River,” saidGallego. “I applaud La Paz County, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Transportation, and all stakeholders for coming together to provide this critical lifeline.” The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program provides funding to repair or reconstruct federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that suffer serious damage from natural disasters or catastrophic events. Funding can be used for immediate repairs to restore essential access and protect damaged infrastructure, as well as permanent repairs needed to restore facilities to their pre-disaster condit… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-gallego-joins-canadian-tv-to-denounce-trumps-trade-war/ | ICYMI: Gallego Joins Canadian TV to Denounce Trump’s Trade War | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | CANADA – This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) sat down with Vassy Kapelos of CTV National News to discuss the importance of bilateral trade for Arizona, the most recent trade war’s effects on America and Canada’s alliance, and Pete Hegseth’s recent comments towards Canadian Cadets. He made the below statements: On Arizona’s and Canada’s economic connection: “Everyone thinks Arizona is just a state that’s dependent on trade with Mexico. We have a very integrated economy that relies on a lot of Canadian imports for us to have a full-scale economy. And so, anytime we have these types of problems, it will extend into our economy. “We have a high-tech economy where we have a lot of aerospace that is dependent on goods from Canada that we use to create some fine products. We have, chips and chip manufacturing coming out of Arizona to go to Canada, and vice versa, in terms of finished products coming back to Arizona. So, we don’t want to see this happen.” | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-holds-moment-of-silence-on-house-floor-for-tucson-hate-crime-victims-calls-on-congress-to-act | Rep. Grijalva Holds Moment of Silence on House Floor for Tucson Hate Crime Victims, Calls on Congress to Act | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva took to the House floor to honor the lives of Cameron Davis Capara and Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, two victims of gun violence and hate at Venture-N in Tucson early Monday morning. During her remarks, Rep. Grijalva called on Congress to confront the nation’s epidemic of gun violence and take action to combat anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence. You can view her remarks here, which are copied below: Today, we honor the lives of Cameron Davis Capara and Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, who were taken from us far too soon in an act of gun violence and hate at Venture-N in Tucson — a cherished place for queer people across the city. This type of targeted violence does not happen in a vacuum. It is cultivated by anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, laws, policies, and executive orders. And it is the direct consequence of this body’s failure to act on gun violence. Cameron and Vincent should still be alive today. Mr. Speaker, how many more parents need to bury their children before Congress takes action to address the gun violence epidemic? How many more people need to die before this chamber stands up to the gun lobby? Our communities are sick and tired of hearing our “thoughts and prayers.” We should be acting today to pass commonsense gun safety laws and to combat hate and violence targeting LGBTQ+ folks. Now, I ask all of my colleagues to join members of the Arizona delegation and the Congressional Equality Caucus in a moment of silence to honor their lives and commit this chamber to action. | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-responds-to-border-wall-construction-near-quitobaquito-springs | Rep. Grijalva Responds to Border Wall Construction Near Quitobaquito Springs | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released a video statement reacting to new footage showing border wall construction taking place near Quitobaquito Springs in the ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham Nation. This follows her trip to Quitobaquito Springs last week, as well as a letter she sent to the Departments of Homeland Security and Interior alongside other House Members who represent border districts. You can view the video here, and her remarks are copied below: This morning, bulldozers are tearing through protected lands to make way for Trump’s second border wall — just 0.7 miles east of Quitobaquito Springs and getting closer. | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-calls-on-usps-leadership-to-testify-before-congress-in-response-to-whistleblower-mail-in-voting-report/ | Gallego Calls On USPS Leadership to Testify Before Congress In Response to Whistleblower Mail In Voting Report | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement in response to reporting of an anonymous whistleblower complaint from the United States Postal Service (USPS): “A whistleblower just confirmed Trump’s mail-ballot verification system is broken enough to lose or reject people’s ballots ahead of the midterms. I am calling for an immediate stop to this rollout, and I am demanding that USPS leadership come before Congress to testify under oath. The American people deserve answers before a single ballot is put at risk.” Last week, Senator Gallego spoke out against President Trump’s mail-in-voting executive order on MS NOW. In April, Gallego introduced the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots and protect the right to vote by mail. | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-tucson-kelly-visits-community-food-bank-to-hear-from-arizonans-impacted-by-snap-cuts/ | In Tucson, Kelly Visits Community Food Bank to Hear from Arizonans Impacted by SNAP Cuts | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Kelly also toured the Tucson Fire Department with Mayor Regina Romero and Chief Sharon McDonough, the first woman to lead the department Kelly checked in with Boca Tacos owner and chef Maria Mazon on rising costs Kelly delivered remarks at the University of Arizona’s ceremony to name its Integrated Business and Engineering Program Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly visited the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to pack food boxes and hear directly from staff, volunteers, and families about the surge in demand for food driven by Republican cuts to SNAP and rising costs. Republicans’ SNAP cuts have placed a growing strain on Arizona food banks after the passage of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July. Kelly has been a vocal critic of the legislation, warning from the start that its steep cuts to SNAP and health care would come at the expense of working families in favor of tax cuts for billionaires. This proved to be true as SNAP cuts and rising costs are making it harder for Arizonans to put food on the table. During a roundtable at the food bank, Kelly heard from Terra, a Tucson resident who lost her SNAP benefits after she was unable to meet the work requirement. Terra told Kelly that a disability makes it difficult for her to work even the roughly 60 hours a month she currently does, but she would need to work about 80 hours to qualify for SNAP. After four applications this year and repeated difficulties getting an interview, Terra said she now relies on the Community Food Bank and other food banks to get by. Kelly also heard from Norah, a student parent at Pima Community College who described SNAP as a bridge while she goes to school, raises her son, and works toward greater financial stability. Norah receives about $500 a month in SNAP for herself and her son but told Kelly that even that amount has become tight as grocery prices rise. Food bank staff told Kelly these stories are part of a broader increase in need. They are seeing more people who have not traditionally needed food assistance,… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-travels-to-canada-amid-trumps-trade-war/ | Gallego Travels to Canada Amid Trump’s Trade War | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Gallego Met with Trade Official and Local Candidates, Visited Canada’s National War Memorial OTTAWA — Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Ottawa, Canada on an official congressional trip to strengthen trade relations in the midst of the Trump Administration’s continued actions to escalate a trade war with Canada. During his trip, Senator Gallego held a press conference with Canadian media. Senator Gallego hosts a press conference with Canadian media He made the below statements to the press: On Hegseth posting photo mocking Canadian Youth Cadet program: “Number one, it’s really deeply disrespectful to the men and women of Canada that have died fighting with us, whether you know we go back to World War I and all the way to the Afghanistan War. It’s deteriorating to future work together. Right now, Canada is on the front lines. You have Canadian men and women in Latvia right now, potentially putting themselves as a tripwire in case of Russian aggression…. And what you’re seeing is a reflection of these sycophants that are just trying to make this president happy, not understanding that they’re potentially putting our security in danger…. But there was nothing that was to be gained from that [Hegseth’s tweet]. How did this help the discourse between us and Canada? How did it actually help repair our relationship with our Canadian partners, which are right now in the Pentagon still to this day, and are helping us man NORAD and all these other areas? I think it’s adolescent, and it doesn’t help any country, but certainly doesn’t help the United States in terms of its security.” On what Democrats should do with Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canada once they regain power: I think the anybody who is running for president should be very clear. It should be the goal of a Democratic president to remove these tariffs, 100% If it’s within your power and within your political power, do it…. Tariff policy is not a replacement for industrial policy, and I think the President just doesn’t understand that, … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-gallego-brings-fight-for-arizonas-future-to-southern-arizona-hears-directly-from-nogales-constituents/ | ICYMI: Senator Gallego Brings Fight for Arizona’s Future to Southern Arizona, Hears Directly from Nogales Constituents | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Gallego Discusses Arizona’s Water Future at Southern Arizona Water Summit, Opens New Tucson Office ARIZONA — This weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Southern Arizona, to hear directly from residents and discuss some of the issues that matter most to Arizona families—from protecting the state’s water supply to expanding access to health care and lowering the cost of living. On Friday, Senator Gallego joined a panel at the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber Arizona Water Summit to take part in a moderated discussion on the future of water in Arizona. The Senator was joined by U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Jennifer Allen. Gallego speaks in panel discussion at the Arizona Water Summit in Tucson, AZ “Eighty percent of the country’s fruits and vegetables come from Yuma,” said Senator Gallego. “The tech industry that is leading the future of this country with CHIPS manufacturing is happening in Arizona. It’s not happening in the Upper Basin. So, if the federal government is going to move forward with these cuts, then they also need to release funding for investments in water retention and conservation programs. If you want people to live in the Southwest, then give us the investments we need.” See coverage: Arizona Daily Star: Gallego, Romero call for New Deal-style Colorado River project [Tony Davis] KGUN 9: Arizona Water Summit tackles state’s future as Colorado River cuts loom large [Jacqueline Aguilar] Following the summit, Gallego cut the ribbon on his new Tucson office, bringing Senate staff closer to the people they serve and creating a direct connection between Southern Arizona and Washington. The event was attended by elected officials, veterans, members of local tribal communities, and community leaders including Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board President Taylor Banks. Gallego officially opens his new office in Tucson, AZ Later in the day, S… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-statement-on-reported-hate-crime-and-shooting-at-lgbtqia-bar-in-tucson-killing-two | Rep. Grijalva Statement on Reported Hate Crime and Shooting at LGBTQIA+ Bar in Tucson Killing Two | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement and spoke on the House Floor (video here) reacting to reports of a hate crime and shooting that targeted an LGBTQIA+ bar in Tucson, Arizona. “I am disgusted and deeply saddened to learn of a targeted act of hate and the cold-blooded murder of two members of our LGBTQIA+ community, Vincent Siqueiros and Cameron Capara, at the Venture-N bar in Tucson last night. This horrific attack is a painful reminder that even in welcoming communities like Tucson, hate and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community still exist.” “When that hate is combined with easy access to firearms, the consequences can be deadly. I am sick and tired of Congress refusing to lift a finger to protect our communities while, every day, dozens of people are shot and killed across the country. It does not have to be this way. The House of Representatives is returning to session this week, and our first action should be passing common-sense gun safety reforms that we know can save lives.” “In Tucson, we must come together as one city, mourn alongside the victims’ families and friends, and stand with our LGBTQIA+ community in saying in the most unconditional terms: everyone is welcome in Tucson, and hate has no place here.” | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-statement-on-trump-administration-lawsuit-targeting-arizona-dreamers/ | Gallego, Kelly Statement on Trump Administration Lawsuit Targeting Arizona Dreamers | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statement after the Trump administration sued Arizona over its policy allowing eligible Dreamers and other immigrant students who attended and graduated from Arizona high schools to qualify for in-state tuition. “Dreamers are Americans in every way. They grew up here, went to our schools, and are contributing to communities across Arizona. They deserve the opportunity to get an education and build a future in the only country many of them have ever called home. “Making college more expensive for young people who are deeply rooted in America does nothing to fix our broken immigration system or make our country safer. Arizona voters decided to allow these students to pursue an affordable education, and we should respect that decision. We’ll keep fighting for them to continue building their lives and futures in Arizona.” | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-leads-colleagues-in-opposing-israeli-governments-e1-settlement-tenders/ | Gallego Leads Colleagues in Opposing Israeli Government’s E1 Settlement Tenders | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), led Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) in a joint statement opposing the Israeli government’s decision to issue tenders for the construction of 1,234 housing units in the E1 settlement project, following a joint effort with 45 Senators urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately crack down on settler violence and settler expansion in the West Bank. “Construction in the E1 area would sever East Jerusalem from major Palestinian population centers and make a viable contiguous Palestinian state under a two-state solution far harder to achieve. For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have recognized that development in E1 would seriously jeopardize the prospects for a Palestinian state. That concern remains just as urgent today. “At a time when settler violence — including violence against Palestinian Americans — is reaching unprecedented levels in the West Bank and severe restrictions continue to constrain Palestinian movement and the Palestinian economy, moving forward with construction in E1 risks further destabilizing the West Bank and making a negotiated resolution even more difficult. “We urge the Israeli government to immediately rescind these tenders, halt settlement expansion in the West Bank, and take urgent action to rein in settler violence. Without a change in course, Israel risks weakening its international standing and underm… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-oppose-israeli-governments-e1-settlement-tenders/ | Kelly, Colleagues Oppose Israeli Government’s E1 Settlement Tenders | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Read in The Hill: Democratic senators demand Israeli government halt West Bank settlement expansion plans Today, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) issued a joint statement opposing the Israeli government’s decision to issue tenders for the construction of 1,234 housing units in the E1 settlement project, following a joint effort with 45 Senators urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately crack down on settler violence and settler expansion in the West Bank. “Construction in the E1 area would sever East Jerusalem from major Palestinian population centers and makea viablecontiguous Palestinian state under a two-state solution far harder to achieve. For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have recognized that development in E1 would seriously jeopardize the prospects for a Palestinian state. That concernremainsjust as urgent today. “At a time when settler violence — including violence against Palestinian Americans — is reaching unprecedented levels in the West Bank and severe restrictions continue to constrain Palestinian movement and the Palestinian economy, moving forward with construction in E1 risks further destabilizing the West Bank and making a negotiated resolution even more difficult. | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-statement-on-trump-administration-lawsuit-targeting-arizona-dreamers/ | Kelly, Gallego Statement on Trump Administration Lawsuit Targeting Arizona Dreamers | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego released the following statement after the Trump administration sued Arizona over its policy allowing eligible Dreamers and other immigrant students who attended and graduated from Arizona high schools to qualify for in-state tuition: “Dreamers are Americans in every way. They grew up here, went to our schools, and are contributing to communities across Arizona. They deserve the opportunity to get an education and build a future in the only country many of them have ever called home. | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-kelly-blasts-trump-for-enriching-himself-while-americans-cant-afford-their-lives/ | ICYMI: Kelly Blasts Trump for Enriching Himself While Americans Can’t Afford Their Lives | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Mark Kelly | K000377 | www.kelly.senate.gov | markkelly | https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | “How does changing the name of a lake help the American people? They can’t afford their lives right now.” “He [Trump] doesn’t care about the American people. He doesn’t care about our country. He cares about himself and his family and his friends.” In case you missed it, last night on CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly ripped President Trump for focusing on the wrong priorities and enriching himself while Americans struggle, calling out the president’s unprecedent corruption. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: On Trump’s misplaced priorities… “The number one job of a leader is to improve people’s lives. He said there, in the Oval Office, he has spent a lot of time thinking about this. How does changing the name of a lake help the American people? They can’t afford their lives right now. Because of his actions, the price of energy, specifically gas and diesel, has been jacked up substantially. People can’t afford to put gas in their car. They can’t afford rent. They can’t afford food. And it’s all because of this guy refuses to even try to do the job.” On the damage Trump is doing to America’s alliances… “He seems to always be tougher on our allies than he does on our adversaries. He sucks up to dictators around the world, especially Putin in Russia. He needs to read a book. He really does. He needs to understand history and the historical significance of how having these alliances have protected us and made us stronger and help us build the biggest economy in the world. “We’ve got the strongest military, and he’s dismantling that right in front of everybody, because I don’t think he understands the role that the United States has on the world stage, or he doesn’t care. He spends a lot of time on stupid things like the naming of lakes and gulfs. He spends a lot of time on trying to make himself richer, his family. The corruption that this administration is participating is unprecedented, and he seems to spend little time on improving people’s lives. Hey, we’ve go… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-and-tohono-o-odham-nation-chairman-jose-condemn-federal-agents-entry-onto-sovereign-tribal-lands | Rep. Grijalva and Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Jose Condemn Federal Agents’ Entry Onto Sovereign Tribal Lands | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | TUCSON, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva and Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose today condemned the entry of armed federal agents and federal contractors onto sovereign Tohono O’odham Nation lands without authorization and in violation of the Nation’s laws governing entry onto Tribal lands. According to the Tohono O’odham Nation, approximately 20 masked and armed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, alongside contractors and drilling trucks entered the Nation at approximately 4:00 a.m. Tuesday and began engaging in border wall pre-construction activities at three separate locations near the international border. Earlier this year, the border wall construction damaged the 1,000-year-old Las Playas Intaglio, underscoring the consequences of proceeding without meaningful Tribal consultation. Congresswoman Grijalva and Chairman Jose are calling for an immediate halt to unauthorized construction and pre-construction activity on Tribal lands and for the federal government to respect the Nation’s sovereignty and legal authority over its lands. “There is no justification for armed federal agents and contractors entering Tribal lands in the early hours of the morning and proceeding with construction activity without the consent of the Tohono O’odham Nation. The federal government cannot claim to respect Tribal sovereignty while simultaneously sending armed personnel onto a sovereign Tribal Nation’s lands and blocking Tribal police from enforcing Tribal law,” said Rep. Grijalva. “The United States must honor its obligations to Tribal Nations and respect the sovereignty, laws, sacred places, and ancestral lands of the O’odham people. We have already seen the irreversible damage caused when this Administration rushes forward with border construction.These actions come less than 24 hours after the Chairman and I visited this sacred site. I stand with Chairman Jose and the Tohono O’odham Nation in demanding that this activity stop immediately.” she added “The Tohono O’odham Nation has been clear: we w… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-gallego-statement-on-disgraceful-dhs-deployment-on-tohono-oodham-land/ | Senator Gallego Statement on Disgraceful DHS Deployment on Tohono O’odham Land | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Gallego says the entire ‘consultation’ process has been a sham ARIZONA – Today, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement after the Trump Administration deployed Department of Homeland Security agents and border wall contractors onto Tohono O’odham Nation land without the Nation’s consent. “I warned DHS Secretary Mullin in March – DHS must respect tribal sovereignty and meaningfully consult with tribes before building any border infrastructure on their land. “Instead, the entire ‘consultation’ process has been a sham. DHS told the Tohono O’odham Nation that the agency would build a wall on their land whether they liked it or not. “Now, rather than try to engage in good faith and defuse the situation, Trump has needlessly escalated by sending dozens of armed agents on the Nation’s land without so much as a heads up or warning. “As I’ve said before, we can have both border security and tribal sovereignty. This is not that.“ In March, Senator Gallego pressed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin about DHS’s failures to consult tribal nations before building border security infrastructure on their land. During his nomination hearing, Mullin agreed to cooperate with tribes. | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-on-ms-now-morning-joe-gallego-slams-hegseth-for-stars-and-stripes-firings/ | WATCH: On MS NOW Morning Joe, Gallego Slams Hegseth for Stars and Stripes Firings | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Gallego Also Joins ABC News Live and All In With Chris Hayes on Canada Tariffs and Supreme Court Mail-In Voting Decision WASHINGTON – This morning, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined MS NOW’s Morning Joe national news to discuss the Defense Secretary Hegseth’s recent high-level firings at Stars and Stripes. MS NOW’s Morning Joe “For many of us, Stars and Stripes was really our only world that we could read. We had no access to the internet. We had no access to cell phones. Frontline troops like mine were basically thrown out there. And once in a while, whenever we’d get some kind of delivery, the Stars and Stripes would be there. Especially for some of us Iraq War veterans, it was Stars and Stripes that was very essential in kind of breaking what was happening among the Army and the Marine Corps when it came to armaments, when it came to the fact that IEDs were killing us, and then also was very key to informing us about what was happening when it came to PTSD. “And now what’s happening—because this is an independent reporting arm of the DOD on its own, its own publication, with expertise dealing with the military—it is one of the few places that is actually keeping in check the Department of Defense. And that is what scares them, and that is what has consistently scared them.” During the first Trump Administration when Trump tried to defund Stars and Stripes, Gallego joined a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Defense to reverse its decision. For that year’s NDAA, successfully helped secure $15.5 million in funding to ensure its continued operations, and later said it’s one of the things he’s done in Congress that he’s most proud of. ABC News Live On Monday, Senator Gallego joined ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis to discuss Trump restarting his Trade war on Canada. “This president wrote a book called The Art of the Deal. He really should write a book called The Art of Being Stupid. This is going to be a very dumb result for the American consumer, and it’s going to be up and down. Yo… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-grijalva-hosts-town-hall-on-border-wall-construction-in-ajo | ICYMI: Rep. Grijalva Hosts Town Hall on Border Wall Construction in Ajo | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | Ajo, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva participated in a town hall and listening session hosted by the International Sonoran Desert Alliance to discuss ongoing and planned construction along the U.S.-Mexico border. The town hall followed Rep. Grijalva’s site visit to Quitobaquito Springs, a cultural and sacred site in the ancestral homeland of the Tohono O’odham Nation. The area is also home to three endangered species and is at risk of being damaged as the Trump administration prepares for construction of a second meaningless border wall. “For the Tohono O'odham Nation, this is not just a border. The border cuts through an ancestral homeland that existed long before the United States or Mexico, long before the international boundary was drawn where it is today. It separates communities and families. It makes traditional practices more difficult. It places enormous pressure on lands and places that hold cultural and spiritual significance.” said Rep. Grijalva During the town hall, Rep. Grijalva announced that she had led a letter with Congressman Raul Ruiz and other border-region Members of Congress to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Interior urging the agencies to suspend construction until meaningful Tribal consultation has taken place. She also announced plans to introduce legislation that would end DHS’s sweeping authority to waive federal laws to expedite border-wall construction. ### | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-ruiz-call-for-immediate-halt-to-border-wall-construction-on-tribal-lands | Rep. Grijalva, Ruiz Call for Immediate Halt to Border Wall Construction on Tribal Lands | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | AZ | Adelita S. Grijalva | G000606 | grijalva.house.gov | grijalva | https://grijalva.house.gov/media | scraper | TUCSON, AZ — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva and Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25) alongside Representatives Vernonica Escobar (TX-16) and Juan Vargas (CA-52) called on the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Interior (DOI) to immediately suspend construction of secondary border walls until the federal government has meaningfully consulted with the Tohono O’odham Nation. “As Members of Congress representing communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, including districts directly impacted by border enforcement operations and infrastructure construction, we write to express our serious concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ongoing construction of secondary border walls. We are deeply concerned by federal government’s failure to meaningfully consult with Tribal Nations regarding projects that may impact sacred sites, cultural resources, and ancestral homelands,” the Members wrote. The letter also raises concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars on secondary border barriers and urges DHS to pursue more effective, cost-conscious approaches to border security, including modernizing and strengthening ports of entry. “We are also concerned these projects are wasting an extraordinary amount of taxpayer resources. The overwhelming majority of narcotics interdictions occur at ports of entry, where illicit drugs are typically smuggled through vehicles and commercial cargo rather than between ports of entry. At a time when Congress faces difficult funding decisions, DHS should be able to demonstrate that costly border wall construction is both operationally necessary and a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.” We urge DHS and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to immediately suspend further construction activities until meaningful government-to-government consultation has occurred with the Tohono O’odham Nation and Congress has received a full accounting of the project’s impacts on Tribal lands, cultural resources, and surrounding communities,” the Members wrote. The Members’ let… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-sounds-alarm-on-fed-chair-warshs-plan-to-scale-back-interest-rate-meeting-schedule/ | Gallego Sounds Alarm on Fed Chair Warsh’s Plan to Scale Back Interest Rate Meeting Schedule | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) led six Senate Democrats in calling on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh to maintain the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) longstanding schedule of at least eight meetings per year. The letter was sent in response to the New York Times’ recent reporting that Warsh is considering reducing the frequency of the meetings. “Since 1981, the FOMC has held a minimum of eight regularly scheduled meetings per year. At these meetings, the Committee reviews economic and financial conditions, determines the appropriate stance of monetary policy, and assesses risks to its statutory goals of price stability and maximum employment,” wrote the senators. “This cadence has provided a predictable framework for the conduct of monetary policy for 45 years. Fewer rate-setting meetings would represent the largest scheduled cutback in the modern history of the Federal Reserve.” “The Federal Reserve’s job is to stay engaged with the economy in real time, not to check in less and hope for the best,” concluded the senators. “If the Federal Reserve continues down this increasingly opaque path, you will be putting the broader economy at risk.” In addition to Gallego, Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) signed onto the letter. Last year, Senator Gallego introduced the bipartisan Fed Forward Act to codify the eight-meeting-per-year schedule and other longstanding transparency and accountability practices at the Federal Reserve. Senator Gallego also pressed Fed Chair Warsh at his confirmation hearing on his commitment to holding FOMC meetings and press conferences. Click here to read the letter. | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-celebrates-asylum-of-artemis-ghasemzadeh-iranian-christian-convert-deported-to-panama-by-trump-admin | Ansari Celebrates Asylum of Artemis Ghasemzadeh, Iranian Christian convert deported to Panama by Trump Admin | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | AZ | Yassamin Ansari | A000381 | ansari.house.gov | ansari | https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Artemis Ghasemzadeh fled the Islamic Republic of Iran due to religious persecution; was denied asylum in the U.S. WASHINGTON – Today, the New York Times reported that Artemis Ghasemzadeh, an Iranian Christian convert who was deported to Panama by the Trump Administration after seeking asylum in the United States, had been granted asylum in Canada. Last May, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) introduced the Artemis Act, legislation to protect due process by preventing individuals from facing expedited removal from the U.S. if they are nationals of or would be deported to countries designated by the State Department as engaging in severe violations of religious freedom. The bill was named for Ghasemzadeh. “The very small part my team and I played in today’s news is one of the most moving changes I’ve been humbled to be a part of in my entire career in public service; I am relieved, elated, hopeful, and moved by the kindness of the human spirit and the courage of Artemis,” said Rep. Ansari. “But none of this should have happened in the first place. Artemis was denied the due process afforded to asylum seekers by law, and returning to the Islamic Republic of Iran would have meant immediate, and likely deadly, danger for her, both as a woman and a Christian convert. My hope is that Artemis’ story, and our legislation, helps ensures that the nightmare she endured never happens to anyone else.” Today’s Times’ reporting reads, in part, “In May 2025, Representative Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat from Arizona who is Iranian American, introduced legislation in Congress called the Artemis Act. The bill sought to prohibit the expedited removal of individuals fleeing countries that the State Department says persecute religious minorities and to ensure they have the chance to claim asylum in a U.S. immigration court. The legislation had widespread support from Democrats but faced opposition from Republicans, who hold the majority in the House.” Last year, Ms. Ghasemzadeh, who speaks fluent English, was not given the requir… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-gallego-joins-the-daily-beast-podcast-slams-trumps-handling-of-the-iran-war-discusses-his-social-media-ban/ | ICYMI: Gallego Joins the Daily Beast Podcast; Slams Trump’s handling of the Iran War, Discusses his Social Media Ban | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | AZ | Ruben Gallego | G000574 | www.gallego.senate.gov | gallego | https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Last Friday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined the Daily Beast Podcast with host Joanna Coles to discuss the Iran War and parallels he sees with his service in Iraq and the Trump Administration’s latest blunders. They also discussed his recent bill to require parental approval for kids under the age of 16 to use social media. See coverage below: On his proposed legislation to put parents back in control of their kid’s social media: “Some of the most important developmental time in a kid’s life, especially teenagers’ lives, are below the age of 16. So, let’s give these kids a fighting chance and let’s give that power to the parent who doesn’t necessarily want to be the bad guy but now has a real reason to be that break. “I am sure that you also saw I have this cell phone ban planned where public schools that receive federal dollars need to come up with a cellphone ban within a year in order for them to continue to have support. What does that cellphone ban look like? It could be very different for every parent, every school. The fact is we’ve seen studies that show the schools that have cellphone bans have better outcomes, less violence, higher self-esteem, and better grades.” On politicians making the same mistakes as they did in the Iraq War: “I am seeing a lot of other Ruben Gallegos that are going to be put through a stupid, dumb, illegal war. We are going to live with another generation of American boys and girls that are going to have carry this burden of bad leadership. That’s what got me to Iraq, it was bad leadership that chose to go to war in Iraq. It was bad decision making on the conduct of the war and the leadership to get us out of there wasn’t there. Does that sound familiar to everyone here?” On the calls to put American boots on the ground in Iran: “I care about United States interests first and I am not going to sacrifice US soldiers, sailors, marines, young men and women for Iranian freedom and sovereignty. I would gladly help them out through diplomatic efforts and anything … | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
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