url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-year-review-most-effective-member-113th-congress,"Rep. Gosar Year in Review: ""Most Effective Member of 113th Congress""",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 31, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: “I am extremely grateful for a productive and fulfilling year representing Arizona’s Fourth Congressional district during the 113th Congress. After dozens of town halls and meetings, thousands of calls and letters, my constituents made their legislative priorities clear. I am proud to have delivered on the important issues my constituents identified including cutting waste, fraud and abuse from government spending, building a better environment for private job creation and holding the Obama Administration accountable for its actions and overreaching polices.   “With six bills signed into law by the president, 12 other of my legislative efforts becoming law, and 24 of my amendments passing the House, I am honored and very proud to have been the most effective member of this Congress. In a time of gridlock where few things were enacted, my team and I focused on commonsense policies and the economy to get America back on track. However, these legislative successes would have not occurred without the cooperation and support of my fellow lawmakers, countless staff members and an endless number of local Arizona groups who share in the belief of building a more prosperous nation for all Arizonans. I am constantly inspired by the citizens of the great state of Arizona and will continue to listen to their ideas and perspectives while delivering solutions to improve their lives.” Additional: You can find a comprehensive list of Congressman Gosar’s legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2159,"Rep. Gosar Year in Review: ""Most Effective Member of 113th Congress""",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 31, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: I am extremely grateful for a productive and fulfilling year representing Arizona's Fourth Congressional district during the 113th Congress. After dozens of town halls and meetings, thousands of calls and letters, my constituents made their legislative priorities clear. I am proud to have delivered on the important issues my constituents identified including cutting waste, fraud and abuse from government spending, building a better environment for private job creation and holding the Obama Administration accountable for its actions and overreaching polices. With six bills signed into law by the president, 12 other of my legislative efforts becoming law, and 24 of my amendments passing the House, I am honored and very proud to have been the most effective member of this Congress. In a time of gridlock where few things were enacted, my team and I focused on commonsense policies and the economy to get America back on track. However, these legislative successes would have not occurred without the cooperation and support of my fellow lawmakers, countless staff members and an endless number of local Arizona groups who share in the belief of building a more prosperous nation for all Arizonans. I am constantly inspired bythe citizens of the great state of Arizonaand will continue to listen to their ideas and perspectives while delivering solutions to improve their lives. Additional: You can find a comprehensive list of Congressman Gosar's legislative accomplishments from the 113th CongressHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=f78c1ee3-a6f6-4594-a19f-c272e411b269,"GLENDALE, AZ - FIESTA BOWL",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tucson Office Office 407 West Congress Street Suite 103 Tucson, AZ 85701 Main: (520) 670-6334 Fax: (855) 952-8702",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=a0874e71-efd0-4432-8056-ba7843712ace,"Arizona Hike: Yavapai Point Trail, Lake Pleasant",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Yavapai Point Trail, one of three new hiking paths that debuted in November at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, adds a moderate climb and sweeping vistas to the park's six-trail, 8.3-mile system. The hike begins at the Cottonwood Day Use Area with a 0.2-mile walk on Pipeline Canyon Trail to the Yavapai Point junction. Here the trail swerves toward the water, following the cliffs above the lake. A scenic viewpoint at roughly the half-mile point serves as an appetizer for what awaits at trail's end. From here, the hike becomes an edgy, switchback-moderated ridgeline climb with views of Cottonwood Creek, Fireman's Cove and Pipeline Canyon. The big payoff is a panorama of the lake and surrounding desert mountains on the breezy summit. From here, you can return the way you came and pick up the new Cottonwood Trail or connect with Pipeline Canyon, hike 1.9 miles south and step out on the third new route, Wild Burro Trail. Length: 3.4 miles round trip for the Yavapai Point out-and-back. Rating: Moderate. Elevation: 1,782-2,178 feet. Where: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. Admission: $6 per vehicle. Details: 928-501-1710, www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant. This article was originally published in The Arizona Repbulic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/icymi-arizona-game-fish-votes-cost-share-repairs-willow-beach-fish-hatchery,ICYMI: Arizona Game & Fish Votes to Cost-share Repairs to Willow Beach Fish Hatchery,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Date: December 30, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted this past Tuesday 5-0 in favor of funding up to $389,000 to fix a broken pipeline for the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery which amounts to about 50 percent of the cost of the repairs: “This unanimous vote by the Commission is very good news. Rainbow trout stocking operations are one step closer to resuming at Willow Beach. I was honored to lead the charge, along with Senator McCain, to hold the Fish and Wildlife Service accountable when they arbitrarily terminated the rainbow trout stocking program and inflated cost estimates to repair the broken water line. The attempt to justify terminating this worthwhile program was extremely short sighted and I am happy to see that decision reversed.” Commission Vice-Chair Kurt Davis said “This is a great pre-New Year’s present for the people of Mohave County and anglers across the state... Sportfishing recreation contributes $1.47 billion to Arizona’s economy annually, with much of that money going to rural communities, and Game and Fish is proud to be part of the solution keeping Willow Beach in business.” From the Arizona Game and Fish Department press release: The vote by the Commission to cost-share the Willow Beach hatchery repairs comes after much work by Arizona’s congressional delegation, particularly Senator John McCain and Congressman Paul Gosar, who championed a repair to the hatchery. Infrastructure problems at the hatchery began nearly five years ago, when broken pipelines and low water levels threatened trout production at the facility. The loss of the trout stocking would continue to have a devastating economic effect on the communities in Mohave County, Arizona. The state’s sport fishing industry relies on the national hatchery system for more than 97 percent of sport fish stocked in Arizona. The agreement approved by the Commission will, if executed, commit the Department to share the costs of repairs, and institutionalize a recreational fishing partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the next decade. It calls for the Service to annually provide 2 million fertilized triploid rainbow trout eggs from Ennis National Fish Hatchery, 160,000 fertilized Apache trout eggs from Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery and 150,000 catchable 11-inch rainbow trout stocked annually into Willow Beach and below Davis Dam. Additional Congressman Gosar has created an informational page on his website about his efforts to protect the trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Fish Hatchery which includes introducing the Fish Hatchery Protection Act, H.R. 5026 that would protect propagation fish hatcheries and propagation programs within the National Fish Hatchery System. That page can be found HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1765,ICYMI: Arizona Game & Fish Votes to Cost-share Repairs to Willow Beach Fish Hatchery,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Date: December 30, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement after the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted this past Tuesday 5-0 in favor of funding up to $389,000 to fix a broken pipeline for the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery which amounts to about 50 percent of the cost of the repairs: This unanimous vote by the Commission is very good news. Rainbow trout stocking operations are one step closer to resuming at Willow Beach.I was honored to lead the charge, along with Senator McCain, to hold the Fish and Wildlife Service accountable when they arbitrarily terminated the rainbow trout stocking program and inflated cost estimates to repair the broken water line. The attempt to justify terminating this worthwhile program was extremely short sighted andIam happy to see that decision reversed. Commission Vice-Chair Kurt Davis said This is a great pre-New Year's present for the people of Mohave County and anglers across the state... Sportfishing recreation contributes $1.47 billion to Arizona's economy annually, with much of that money going to rural communities, and Game and Fish is proud to be part of the solution keeping Willow Beach in business. From the Arizona Game and Fish Department press release: The vote by the Commission to cost-share the Willow Beach hatchery repairs comes after much work by Arizona's congressional delegation, particularly Senator John McCain and Congressman Paul Gosar, who championed a repair to the hatchery. Infrastructure problems at the hatchery began nearly five years ago, when broken pipelines and low water levels threatened trout production at the facility. The loss of the trout stocking would continue to have a devastating economic effect on the communities in Mohave County, Arizona. The state's sport fishing industry relies on the national hatchery system for more than 97 percent of sport fish stocked in Arizona. The agreement approved by the Commission will, if executed, commit the Department to share the costs of repairs, and institutionalize a recreational fishing partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the next decade. It calls for the Service to annually provide 2 million fertilized triploid rainbow trout eggs from Ennis National Fish Hatchery, 160,000 fertilized Apache trout eggs from Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery and 150,000 catchable 11-inch rainbow trout stocked annually into Willow Beach and below Davis Dam. Additional Congressman Gosar has created an informational page on his website about his efforts to protect the trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Fish Hatchery which includes introducing the Fish Hatchery Protection Act, H.R. 5026 that would protect propagation fish hatcheries and propagation programs within the National Fish Hatchery System. That page can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2d1d364e-1c38-4df1-ac8f-6875d772a2e7,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON AGREEMENT ADVANCED TODAY BY ARIZONA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION TO RESTORE TROUT STOCKING AT WILLOW BEACH HATCHERY IN MOHAVE COUNTY,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement on the agreement advanced today by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission negotiated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to restore trout stocking at Willow Beach Hatchery in Mohave County, Arizona. Under the agreement, the Commission would work with USFWS to split the costs of repairing the hatchery’s water intake system and secure a supply of trout eggs that will guarantee production for at least the next five years – and likely more. “I am very pleased that an agreement to restore trout stocking at Willow Beach Hatchery has been approved today by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission,” said Senator McCain. “This is an important development for the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the Lower Colorado River, where trout fishing supports some 1,700 jobs and generates $75 million in economic activity. The endless opportunities for outdoor recreation are among the most unique aspects of life in Arizona, and I am proud that our state and local officials took a leadership role on this issue with the federal government, which has a longstanding responsibility to mitigate for lost fishing opportunities resulting from the construction of the Hoover Dam.” The Chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Mohave County leaders commented on today's action: “We are proud to approve the motion for our Director to finalize a cooperative agreement providing vital assistance to an important industry in Arizona, and grateful to Senator McCain for his staunch support of returning trout propagation to Willow Beach,” said Commission Chairman Robert Mansell. “With the execution of this agreement, Arizona will retain its reputation as one of the finest sport fishing destinations in North America.” “Mohave County wants to thank all the people who recognized the devastating economic impact that ending the 50-year trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Hatchery would have had on local communities,” said Hildy Angius, Chair of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. “This agreement could not have happened without our partners at Arizona Game and Fish, most notably Chief of Fisheries Chris Cantrell along with Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar. My biggest thanks is reserved for Senator John McCain, who stood with me at Willow Beach Fish Hatchery last August and promised he would do everything in his power to fix this problem and then delivered on that promise. Mohave County is, and will now continue to be, the finest place to sport fish in the country.” “The fishing industry is a multi-million dollar business for Mohave County, where we host nationally-recognized angling tournaments that increase our tourism,” said Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson. “Without the hatchery, the food chain in our river and lake would suffer and bring an end to the world-class fishing and economic benefits it sustains. I thank Senator McCain for his leadership in helping to resolve this important issue.” In August of this year, Senator McCain toured the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery near Bullhead City, Arizona, and was briefed on a variety of engineering plans to repair the hatchery’s damaged pipelines. Preliminary cost estimates for repairs totaled up to $9 million dollars. Senator McCain urged USFWS to coordinate with Mohave County and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to develop a single affordable and reasonable solution to move repairs forward. In a letter to USFWS Direct Dan Ashe, dated September 12, 2014, Senator McCain praised the parties for identifying an engineering plan with an estimated cost of $776,000 which called for installing a floating pump platform that would adjust with fluctuating river elevations. In his letter, Senator McCain commended USFWS for their efforts and requested that the Director “consider the utility of entering into an intergovernmental agreement with those entities offering to assist with the project.” According to an analysis provided by AZGFD, trout-fishing supports around 1,700 jobs and generates approximately $75 million in economic activity along the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the Lower Colorado River. Trout-stocking is important to the area’s angling community and falls under the federal government’s longstanding responsibility to mitigate for lost fishing opportunities resulting from the construction of the Hoover Dam. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=50bc3b27-2a2d-456c-8590-a10c60ac2ca1,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON AFGHANISTAN,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on the Obama Administration’s formal declaration of end to combat operations in Afghanistan: “No one should mistake the Administration's declared end of combat operations in Afghanistan with an end of our mission there. While our troops and civilians are making steady progress in supporting our Afghan partners in securing their country and defeating our common terrorist enemies, the truth is, this work remains unfinished. Indeed, steady reports of Taliban offensives are a painful reminder of that fact. “In order not to squander the hard-fought gains that our fellow citizens have made in Afghanistan, the Administration needs to give the thousands of U.S. forces that will remain in the country beyond this year the authorities they need to train, advise, and assist our Afghan partners in finishing the mission that we undertook together after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Administration must also replace its calendar-driven draw-down of U.S. forces with a plan based on conditions on the ground. If this is not done, and if the Administration insists on pulling all U.S. forces out of the country for political reasons, Afghanistan will deteriorate just as Iraq has since 2011. That would not just be a tragedy for the Afghan people; it would put the American people in far greater danger.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/opinion-editorials?ContentRecord_id=cf46ab68-8175-4643-b387-660f087ec547,"McCain in The Arizona Republic: ""Copper Mine Will Boost Economy, Protect Sacred Sites""",2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Arizona Republic This month, Congress approved and the president signed into law legislation that paves the way for the expansion of the Resolution Copper Mine in Superior. I'm extremely proud to have worked as a team with my Arizona colleagues in the Senate and House, most notably Sen. Jeff Flake and Reps. Paul Gosar and Ann Kirkpatrick, to advance this legislation. The Resolution Copper Mine is a tremendous opportunity for Arizona and the United States, economically and strategically. This project will tap the largest copper deposit ever discovered in North America. Over time, it will produce 25 percent of U.S copper demand. Perhaps most importantly, the mine will create an estimated 3,700 mining and mining-related jobs and generate over $61 billion in economic activity over 60 years, according to an independent study by Elliot D. Pollak & Company. That is the economic equivalent of Arizona hosting two Super Bowls every year for more than half a century. Arizona is the nation's top copper-producing state and Superior is part of that legacy. The Resolution Copper Mine is built on top of Superior's old Magma Mine. The mine site was reopened in 2004 as the Resolution Copper Mine after billions of dollars in capital investment brought new technologies that made it possible to bore deeper into the ore body. However, in order to maximize production and job growth, the mine must expand its footprint onto adjacent Forest Service property. Nearly 10 years ago, Sen. Jon Kyl and I first introduced a bill known as the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, which proposed to transfer approximately 2,400 acres of Forest Service land to Resolution Copper so the mine could grow. In exchange, the company would transfer to the federal government about 5,000 acres of the company's most environmentally significant land throughout the state. Unfortunately, our bill was stalled for many years over concerns raised by environmental groups, some of whom take a hard-line position against mining. Native American tribes began voicing speculation about the mine's potential to damage nearby areas. While the land exchange does not involve any Indian lands or federally recognized sacred sites, tribes worried that the majestic Apache Leap Cliff — celebrated by Apache folklore — could somehow be impacted by the mine. Years of congressional hearings examined these and other concerns. After much negotiation, a bipartisan, bicameral compromise bill was added to the National Defense Authorization Act. This was entirely appropriate, given that copper is the second most-utilized metal by the Defense Department. But it is important to note that the land exchange bill contains several key bipartisan concessions that make it fundamentally different from the original bill. First, the mine will be required to undergo a full environmental impact study before any land is traded. Second, the bill mitigates Native American concerns over the loss of Oak Flat Campground, where traditional activities are occasionally organized. As a condition of the land exchange, tribes can continue to use Oak Flat for many years until the company needs to mine underneath it. Finally, the bill forbids the mine from damaging Apache Leap and designates the cliffs as a Forest Service special management area, placing it under permanent federal protection. I respect the views of environmental advocates and Native Americans. But I also believe this legislation strikes the right balance in allowing the mine to move forward while addressing their concerns. Arizona is ready for this mine, and Resolution Copper is ready to hire from surrounding communities and tribal members whenever possible, as they've publicly pledged. I'm very proud that by working together, we were able to advance this crucial project, one that will contribute to Arizona's economic prosperity throughout the 21st century.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=24c3a0dc-6bf1-4f5e-9448-ffe79916c1e5,"PHOENIX, AZ - ARIZONA LIVESTOCK SHOW",2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT: Arizona Livestock Show WHERE: Phoenix WHEN: 12/26-12/31 DESCRIPTION: The Arizona National Livestock Show is the largest livestock show in the Southwest, an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948. Exhibitors travel from over 19 states across the country, bringing nearly 1,700 head of the nation's best cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine and poultry to enter the competition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=1e742fde-89e8-482e-97cc-a204e9aa66a8,Arizona Scenic Drive: Dos Cabezas Mountains,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"There may be no better way to sample the sights of southeastern Arizona than a circumnavigation of the Dos Cabezas Mountains. (Geologically, the mountains are simply the northernmost extension of the Chiricahuas, but, historically, they are a range unto themselves.) The trip takes you past an old Army fort, a rugged wilderness, a charming little museum dedicated to one of Arizona's native sons and a winery tasting room. Part of the route is unpaved, but the road is in generally good condition and, unless the weather's bad, you can make the trip in a sedan. Things to note along the way: Fort Bowie National Historic Site: History seems tangible at Fort Bowie, the Army's center of operations in southeastern Arizona from 1862 to 1894. The fairly easy, 11/2-mile walk to the old fort transports you back in time, giving you a real appreciation for how the soldiers who once lived here must have felt. Along the way you'll see an old Butterfield Stage Station, the Post Cemetery, the site of the Chiricahua Apache Indian Agency and Apache Spring, the life-giving source of water at the center of the area's many conflicts. Guests who can't make the walk can check the website to see how they can drive there. (Click on Directions.) Details: 520-847-2500, www.nps.gov/fobo. Dos Cabezas Mountains: If you've ever driven past Willcox or Bowie, you've seen the ""two heads"" from which the mountains derive their name. The granite peaks, nearly identical in appearance from most angles, are about 8,350 feet high. The nearly 12,000-acre Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness has a few springs but no developed hiking trails. Keeling Schaefer Vineyards: This winery has created award-winning wines, including a Grenache and a Chardonnay that were rated 86 by Wine Spectator magazine. This producer offers tastings at its room in what used to be the Willcox Bank and Trust building. Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. 154 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox. Tastings cost $7 and include a commemorative glass. 520-824-2500, keelingschaefervineyards.com. Don't miss: The Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum honors one of the great singing cowboys. Allen, born on a ranch about 40 miles from Willcox, played guitar and sang at local events as a child before gaining fame on the WLS radio show ""National Barn Dance."" He starred in the TV series ""Frontier Doctor"" and narrated a number of Disney pictures and TV shows. Be sure to check out the park across the street from the museum. The statue of Allen there has a bronze, anatomically correct heart in it, a request Allen made as a symbol that his heart would always be in Willcox. There's also a monument to Allen's beloved horse, KoKo, who is buried in the park. Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 150 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox. 520-384-4583, www.rexallenmuseum.org. Total miles: About 460 miles, round trip. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east about 115 miles to Tucson, and then continue east about 105 miles. At Bowie (Exit 362), take Apache Pass Road south about 13 miles to Fort Bowie National Historic Site. After your visit, continue southwest on Apache Pass Road about 8 miles. At Arizona 186, turn northwest (right) and go about 22 miles to Willcox. Return to the Valley via I-10. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=35115eb6-3203-4155-8767-3d926f6f32d9,2 Southern Arizona Scenic Drives,2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Not every scenic mountain drive need be a torturous ascent. Some skirt the flanks of high peaks, giving you great views with less white-knuckle navigating. Here are two flatland favorites in southeastern Arizona. Council Rocks There are mountains. There are hills. And then there are the Dragoons. Officially a mountain range, the rugged and enticing Dragoons defy easy categorizing. Some mountains soar. The Dragoons seem to roll over the landscape. A collection of sharp-slanted cliffs and tumbled boulders rises abruptly from shaggy grasslands and slice north to south across Cochise County near Tombstone. For 30 miles the Dragoons — surging, falling, cresting and curling — appear as if a pounding surf had somehow turned to stone. One of the best ways to see this haunting terrain, once the stronghold of Cochise and other Chiricahua Apaches, is to drive to Council Rocks. This is where Cochise signed a peace treaty in 1872 that allowed his people to remain in the mountainous region. Along the way you'll ramble across a golden savannah dotted with mesquite, yucca and agave. Sprawling oaks with bowed limbs gather at the stony base of the Dragoons. The drive begins on Middlemarch Road, just north of Tombstone, which served as a supply and patrol route between Fort Bowie and Fort Huachuca. Follow Middlemarch, a wide gravel road, for 10 miles and turn north on Forest Road 687. As you parallel the mountains on this rutted dirt track you'll see what made the Dragoons such perfect shelter for the Apaches. The slopes jut upwards in a snarl of rocky chaos. Granite spires, sheer cliffs and slashing chasms create maze and fortress. The mountains provided Cochise with food and medicine and year round water. High vantage points yielded excellent views of the valleys on either side of the mountains. The people could see the army coming two days before it arrived. The angular peaks and labyrinth of canyons were ideally suited for the Apaches' guerilla tactics. No wonder then, after 11 years of bloody warfare on the Arizona frontier, the government was eager to make peace. Turn east onto FR 687K, which leads to the Council Rocks parking area. A short but steep trail clambers into a cluster of house-size boulders and shallow caves. Ancient footholds carved into the rocks offer assistance. Evidence of fire pits and metates, where corn was ground, can be found. Dozens of pictographs adorn boulders and overhangs. Archaeologists believe the original pictographs were created by the Mogollon people nearly 1,000 years ago and were augmented by Apaches. Not much seems changed by the passage of time. Views stretch for miles across the deep-grass valley. A soothing quiet settles and it's easy to drift through eras. Don't be surprised to find yourself staying alert and vigilant, scanning the horizon for dust clouds. After all, it could be the cavalry. Length: 16.8 miles one way. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. FR687 may be rough and rutted after heavy rain. Directions: From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east about 156 miles to Benson. Turn south on U.S. 80 and drive 22 miles to Middlemarch Road, which begins about a mile north of Tombstone. Turn east (left) on Middlemarch and go 10 miles. Turn north (left) onto Forest Road 687 for 6.5 miles. Turn east (right) onto FR 687K and drive 0.25 mile to a small parking lot. Details: 520-364-3468, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado. Stockton Pass Sometimes big things do come in small packages. And big scenery comes on little roads. State Route 266 is one of the shortest state highways in Arizona, with just under 20 miles of pavement cutting across the rugged rangeland south of Safford. But every mile dishes up dramatic vistas as it rambles westward along the fringe of the Pinaleño Mountains. The Pinaleños are sudden mountains, an abrupt thrust. They rise in a cloud-piercing hulk with over 7,000 feet of vertical relief, more than any other mountains in the state. Yet SR 266 doesn't venture into the higher reaches like some mountain roads. Instead it rambles across the broad flanks of the hills, a relaxed and easy drive of swooping curves and gentle terrain. At about the halfway mark, it climbs through Stockton Pass at 5,600 feet and drops into broad, flat Sulphur Springs Valley. The Pinaleño Mountains are among the famed ""sky islands"" of southern Arizona. The high elevations are covered in subalpine forests, creating an isolated habitat surrounded by Sonoran Desert. The foothills are sprinkled with mesquite, soaptree yucca, prickly pear and chain-fruit cholla, a drooping tree-like cactus that is an unrepentant snagger of clothing and skin. The barbed segments break off so easily that they're often called jumping cholla. The road passes through a jumbled cluster of boulders and soon enters Coronado National Forest. Ocotillos line the slopes, limbs raised in a sort of spindly celebration. After crossing Gillespie Wash, you'll begin seeing scars of a lightning-sparked 2012 fire. The blaze was fortuitous, as it struck an area slated for a prescribed burn. Overgrown chaparral got cleaned out and the big cottonwoods and sycamores were spared. Good monsoon rain rolled in on the heels of the fire and the restoration of native grasslands is well under way. At Stockton Pass, a picnic area and campground are nestled amid the oaks and chaparral on the north side of the road. Views splash across rolling hillsides and the sprawling basin of Sulphur Springs Valley framed by the Galiuro Mountains beyond. The road descends through the grassy savannah, past the turnff to Fort Grant state prison. As you approach the small ranching outpost of Bonita, a few cottonwoods crowd in. The pavement ends at Bonita, in front of the shell of the old country store, built in 1882. Length: 20 miles one way. The road is paved to Bonita. Directions: From Safford, drive 17 miles south on U.S. 191 to State Route 266. Turn west (right) onto Arizona 266. Details: 928-428-4150, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=f8044c1e-6593-4e93-ba4b-8ebb206c3d3e,"Arizona Hike: East Wing Mountain Trails, Peoria",2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"If you're new to hiking or looking for a way to build stamina, the East Wing Mountain cluster of trails in Peoria offers three options ranging from easy to difficult. Although none of the trails strays very far from suburban backyards, the difficult-rated summit loop gains enough elevation to provide a good workout backed by excellent views. The trail is very well constructed with hairpin switchbacks and staircase-like rock slabs that make climbing the steep chutes manageable for even novice hikers. The trek is a surprisingly quiet journey and, save for the occasional yapping of Yorkshire terriers guarding their patios, the soundtrack is one of breezes through paloverde trees and the hum of wind-rustled saguaro needles. Length: 2.4 miles. Rating: Moderate to difficult. Elevation: 1,476-1,916 feet. Where: Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park, 7098 W. Miner Trail, Peoria. From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Happy Valley Road. Go west for 5 miles to 67th Avenue, then turn right and drive 2.8 miles (the road becomes Pyramid Peak Parkway) to Sonoran Mountain Ranch Road. Veer left and go 0.5 mile to Chalfen Boulevard, turn left, continue 0.1 mile to Miner Trail and follow the signs to Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park. From the post near the restrooms, hike 0.1 mile south on Chalfen to the official trailhead. Do not park along residential streets. Details: www.peoriaaz.gov/NewSecondary.aspx?id=51551. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-christmas-keep-fallen-arizona-soldier-your-thoughts-prayers,"Rep. Gosar: This Christmas, Keep Fallen Arizona Soldier in your Thoughts, Prayers",2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 23, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: “The Christmas season offers us all a chance to not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but also to gather with family and friends and cherish the ones we love most. Unfortunately, many of our brave men and women serving in the military will be celebrating away from their loved ones while they protect our freedoms abroad. This Christmas, I will be keeping them in my heart and my prayers, including one Arizona soldier in particular. “Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin from Mesa, Arizona was killed in action on Friday, December 12, 2014, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Specialist Martin was the ideal soldier who exemplified the best of what Arizona has to offer. This Christmas, I will be remembering Wyatt Martin, his family and the heroic sacrifice he made so that we may live in the land of the free. I am eternally grateful for his service and the service of all of our men and women in uniform. Without their sacrifices, we would not have the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today. I ask that all Arizonans join with me in keeping Wyatt Martin and his family in our sincerest thoughts and prayers.” Additional: You can read more about Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin in a recent Arizona Republic article HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2196,"Rep. Gosar: This Christmas, Keep Fallen Arizona Soldier in your Thoughts, Prayers",2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 23, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: The Christmas season offers us all a chance to not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but also to gather with family and friends and cherish the ones we love most. Unfortunately, many of our brave men and women serving in the military will be celebrating away from their loved ones while they protect our freedoms abroad. This Christmas, I will be keeping them in my heart and my prayers, including one Arizona soldier in particular. Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin from Mesa, Arizona was killed in action on Friday, December 12, 2014, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Specialist Martin was the ideal soldier who exemplified the best of what Arizona has to offer. This Christmas, I will be remembering Wyatt Martin, his family and the heroic sacrifice he made so that we may live in the land of the free. I am eternally grateful for his service and the service of all of our men and women in uniform. Without their sacrifices, we would not have the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today. I ask that all Arizonans join with me in keeping Wyatt Martin and his family in our sincerest thoughts and prayers. Additional: You can read more about Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin in a recent Arizona Republic article HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=c3b38878-aef0-4c17-b566-2362531dff98,Op-Ed for The Daily Caller: The Conservative Case For A New Cuba Policy,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. Jeff FlakeDec. 23, 2014 Since the U.S. first implemented a policy of isolation against Cuba over 50 years ago, it’s been enforced and defended by Republican and Democratic presidents alike. It’s not an issue that breaks neatly along party lines. In fact, when President Obama announced plans last week to ease trade and travel restrictions with Cuba, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), usually a fervent supporter of the president, was among the harshest critics of the move. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), hardly a fan of this administration, said he agreed with the policy change. I too don’t find myself agreeing with President Obama often, particularly on foreign policy, but he was right to begin the process of normalizing relations with Cuba. For conservatives, there is much to recommend about this new way to address Cuba. First and foremost, for over 50 years the policy of isolating Cuba has failed to achieve any democratic reforms. It has, however, succeeded in giving the Castros a convenient excuse for the failures of socialism. While there may have been a compelling case for the embargo during the height of the Cold War, those arguments clearly no longer apply. Easing trade and travel should not be viewed as a concession or reward to the Castro regime. I believe that it’s actually a true “get tough” policy. It’s been no accident that in the past a warming in U.S. posture has been met with Cuban provocation. The Castros know that while increased contact with the U.S. may have a positive impact on their economy, it comes at a cost. The island’s fledgling private sector strengthened by these changes will pose a greater challenge to any future tightening the regime may seek to pursue. Far from rewarding the Cuban government, we are saddling them with entrepreneurs who will soon wield real economic power. And when I joke that a “get tough” policy with the Castros would be forcing them deal with Spring Break, I’m only half joking. Sure, some Americans will simply travel to Cuba for sunshine and mojitos, but many will have more lasting intentions – and they will bring with them flash drives, cell phones, books, and other items that we may take for granted but the Castros know will erode the control that they currently maintain over the island. This is, fundamentally, an issue of freedom. U.S. trade and travel restrictions with Cuba aren’t restrictions on Cubans — they are restrictions on Americans. I’ve long said if a government is going to tell its citizens where they can and can’t travel, it ought to be a communist country, not the greatest country in the world. There’s an added benefit for conservatives when we allow Americans to travel freely. We have a veritable museum of the failures of socialism just 90 miles from our shores. Every American ought to see what happens when government controls not just the commanding heights of the economy, but all aspects of society. It isn’t pretty, and it makes on better appreciate the freedoms we often take for granted. U.S. foreign policy ought to embody American ideals – freedom, democracy, and free enterprise. By isolating Cuba we’ve ignored the power of those ideals. After 50 years, it’s time for a change. Click here to view the original op-ed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2014/12/22/rep-schweikert-congratulates-tunisian-people-success-presidential/,Rep. Schweikert Congratulates Tunisian People on Success of Presidential Elections,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Scottsdale, Ariz., December 22, 2014 — Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a statement following the release of the Tunisian Presidential Election results: “I wish to congratulate the Tunisian people on the success of their Presidential elections and the realization of their democratic aspirations,” said Schweikert. “Free and fair elections are the heart of any democracy. Four years after sparking the Arab Spring, Tunisia remains the only country to have successfully evolved from authoritarian rule to a country based on a freedom and fairness for all.The achievements over the last year have laid the groundwork for a prosperous and democratic Tunisia. Congratulations to President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi on his victory,” continued Schweikert. “While many challenges lay ahead, I look forward to working with President-elect Essebsi and members of Tunisia’s new government to address those challenges and forge a closer bond between our two countries.” ### Congressman David Schweikert co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the summer of 2013 alongside Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia. Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov (202) 680- 9613 Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:44:12Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schweikert-congratulates-tunisian-people-success-presidential,Rep. Schweikert Congratulates Tunisian People on Success of Presidential Elections,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scottsdale, Ariz., December 22, 2014 -- Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a statement following the release of the Tunisian Presidential Election results: I wish to congratulate the Tunisian people on the success of their Presidential elections and the realization of their democratic aspirations, said Schweikert. Free and fair elections are the heart of any democracy. Four years after sparking the Arab Spring, Tunisia remains the only country to have successfully evolved from authoritarian rule to a country based on a freedom and fairness for all.The achievements over the last year have laid the groundwork for a prosperous and democratic Tunisia. Congratulations to President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi on his victory, continued Schweikert. While many challenges lay ahead, I look forward to working with President-elect Essebsi and members of Tunisias new government to address those challenges and forge a closer bond between our two countries. ### Congressman David Schweikert co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the summer of 2013 alongside Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia. Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov(202) 680- 9613",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/president-signs-gosar-mccain-jobs-bill-law,President Signs Gosar-McCain Jobs Bill into Law,2014-12-20,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included the Congressman’s sponsored jobs legislation, H.R. 687, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 19, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included the Congressman’s sponsored jobs legislation, H.R. 687, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act: “Today’s passage of my critical jobs bill is a victory for all Americans. From the empty streets of Superior, to the 70% unemployed on the San Carlos Reservation, all the way to our defense and manufacturing industries, everybody wins.   “This law is the culmination of many years of hard work by countless supporters and local Arizona organizations. As a result, Arizona is back on the map as one of the leading copper producers on the continent. But more importantly, there are thousands of hardworking Americans that will now have a new job and the opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams because of this historic mine.” Additional Congressman Gosar has created a page on his official website dedicated to providing information on his sponsored legislation, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act. It can be viewed HERE. This bill would facilitate the development of an underground copper mine that will reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and minerals. Once the operation is running, this mine will provide 25% of the United States’ copper supply and will be the largest copper mine in North America. The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act will create 4,000 new jobs and will generate $60 billion for Arizona’s economy over the life of the mine. This legislation is not only a jobs bill, it's a conservation bill. The lands the federal government acquires in the exchange are highly-coveted recreational and conservation areas. This legislation is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Supply Association, the American Clean Energy Resources Trust, the Associated General Contractors of America, the Northwest Mining Association, the National Mining Association and the National Association of Manufacturers.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/president-signs-gosar-bill-honoring-barry-goldwater-law,President Signs Gosar Bill Honoring Barry Goldwater into Law,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Congressman’s sponsored bill H.R. 3027, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 442 Miller Valley Road in Prescott, Arizona, as the “Barry M. Goldwater Post Office”: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 18, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Congressman’s sponsored bill H.R. 3027, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 442 Miller Valley Road in Prescott, Arizona, as the “Barry M. Goldwater Post Office”: “I am happy to see the president sign my bill honoring Barry Goldwater into law without delay. Designating a post office in the same town where Senator Goldwater announced his candidacy for President of the United States is a fitting tribute to an exemplary man. “Now, more than ever, Senator Goldwater still serves as a shining example of what all elected officials should strive for in their efforts to serve the American people. He never wavered in his convictions or compromised his integrity and always fought hard to uphold the Constitution. I am proud to have played a part in honoring this Arizona hero and continue to be inspired by his remarkable life.” Additional The entire Arizona Delegation—both Republicans and Democrats—are co-sponsors of the bill. Congressman Gosar introduced this bill following town halls in the Prescott area where constituents called for honoring the late Senator. Over 100 Arizona residents signed a petition to rename the Miller Valley Road post office. The location was suggested by the local postmaster. You can read a recent feature article from the Washington Times on the life of Barry Goldwater HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=775b17e9-4020-4093-959f-5057b58aa737,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON CANCELLATION OF UPCOMING SONY MOVIE IN RESPONSE TO CYBER-ATTACKS,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on Sony Pictures Entertainment’s decision to cancel an upcoming movie in the face of cyber-attacks directed by North Korea: “Recently reported intelligence findings that North Korea directed cyber-attacks at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Pictures’ decision to cancel the release of an upcoming movie in reaction to those cyber-attacks, are profoundly troubling. “By effectively yielding to aggressive acts of cyber-terrorism by North Korea, that decision sets a troubling precedent that will only empower and embolden bad actors to use cyber as an offensive weapon even more aggressively in the future. “But, make no mistake. The need for Sony Pictures to make that decision ultimately arose from the Administration's continuing failure to satisfactorily address the use of cyber weapons by our nation's enemies. “Indeed, North Korea's cyber-attack on Sony Pictures is only the latest in a long and troubling list of attempts by malign actors to use cyber to undermine our economic and national security interests. From Iranian and Russian attacks on American banks to China's orchestrated campaign to steal military secrets from our defense contractors, the Administration's failure to deter our adversaries has emboldened, and will continue to embolden, those seeking to harm the United States through cyberspace. “This must change. If elected Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will enhance congressional oversight of related programs, operations and activities by establishing a subcommittee focused on cyber matters such as this and hold the Administration accountable for its failure to institute a meaningful strategy for combating these increasingly brazen and dangerous actions. “But, Congress as a whole must also address these issues and finally pass long-overdue comprehensive cybersecurity legislation. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the coming year to make this matter a priority.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/case-you-missed-it-rep-gosar-leads-effort-investigate-solar-sales-tactics,In Case You Missed It: Rep. Gosar Leads Effort to Investigate Solar Sales Tactics,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after spearheading a letter to the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Edith Ramirez urging the Commission to investigate the sales practices of companies offering third-party leases for rooftop solar systems: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 16, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after spearheading a letter to the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Edith Ramirez urging the Commission to investigate the sales practices of companies offering third-party leases for rooftop solar systems: “It has been reported that some companies are using potentially deceptive sales techniques and overstating potential savings in order to get consumers to sign lengthy leases for rooftop solar systems. Reportedly, consumers are being enticed by some solar leasing companies who offer zero-money-down leases, essentially teaser rates, for a 20-year lease agreement. The sales presentations, however, purportedly inflate grid power rates. If these allegations are true, these possibly misleading leases could be a serious threat to consumers as they are tied to our citizens’ homes and have the potential to cause significant harm to the solar industry. “Even more troubling, one of the largest solar leasing companies has partnered with a strategic sales company that sold large numbers of subprime mortgages to unsuspecting homeowners in the run up to the 2008 financial crisis. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that these companies have utilized questionable business practices.  “My letter to Chairwoman Ramirez simply asks the FTC to look into these practices and answer a series of questions in relation to the current regulatory structure for these systems and sales techniques. In order to protect consumers and expand domestic solar production, proper oversight of the emerging rooftop solar industry must be maintained.” Background Congressman Gosar’s letter to FTC Chairwoman Ramirez can be found HERE. You can read the June 24, 2014 Bloomberg article titled “Rooftop Solar Leases Scaring Buyers When Homeowners Sell” by clicking HERE. You can read the November 22, 2014 op-ed by Sean Paige, senior fellow with the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, by clicking HERE. Other signees of the Congressman’s letter include Reps. Lamar Smith, David McKinley, Jeff Miller, Cynthia Lummis, Andy Harris, Morgan Griffith, Mo Brooks, Matt Salmon, Ted Poe, Alan Nunnelee and Trent Franks.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/president-signs-gosar-flake-water-rights-settlement-law,President Signs Gosar-Flake Water Rights Settlement into Law,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement upon receiving news that President Obama signed into law late Tuesday night the Congressman’s sponsored legislation H.R. 4924, the Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 17, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement upon receiving news that President Obama signed into law late Tuesday night the Congressman’s sponsored legislation H.R. 4924, the Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act: “With the president’s signature, my sponsored legislation now has the unanimous support of every single member of both the legislative and executive branches of our government. Very few meaningful bills have ever seen this type of bipartisan support and I consider this legislation to be one of Arizona’s biggest victories this year. “The Gosar-Flake bill is a win-win for all involved. This legislation protects private property rights, supports 4,000 jobs (175 in Mohave County alone), facilitates an Indian water rights settlement and will result in a significant net water benefit to the basin and Mohave County. Incredibly, all this will be achieved without any federal expenditure. I want to thank the many parties involved, especially Senator Jeff Flake, for making this water rights settlement possible.” Additional: H.R. 4924 facilitates the achievement of a fair and equitable settlement of certain claims within the Bill Williams River watershed among the Hualapai Tribe, the U.S. Department of the Interior acting on behalf of itself and as trustee for the Tribe, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and Freeport McMoRan Minerals Corporation. The bill is good for private property owners and good for local economies. The agreement will provide certainty for the Bagdad Mine, which has an annual economic impact of $339.1 million to the state of Arizona, and sustains nearly 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Hualapai Tribe benefits from this legislation by securing certain water rights from two non-federal contributions provided by Freeport-McMoRan for an Infrastructure Study Fund and an Economic Development Fund. Arizona and Mohave County further benefit from the bill as this legislation will result in an overall net water use reduction in the basin and county of nearly 30,000 acre-feet per year. This reduction benefits residents in Lake Havasu and Bullhead City as this water can be put to use in future water and economic development projects. There is also a provision in the bill that allows for new public access for hunting and fishing. Mohave County further benefits by keeping 175 mining jobs and $16 million in economic benefit. Furthermore, the State of Arizona will pay Mohave County in full for all property tax revenue lost as a result of this legislation (just over $2,000 per year).  Finally, while a fraction of the land at Planet Ranch will now be temporarily leased by the Bureau of Reclamation to assist with the Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP), all of this leased land will eventually be donated to the state by Freeport-McMoRan. Utilizing this land for MSCP purposes makes a lot of sense as the land is adjacent to the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge and such activities will prevent more animals from being listed as endangered species. This bill will also provide further certainty and benefits for existing water and power users in the region.    Congressman Gosar has posted a fact sheet for H.R. 4924 on his website which can be found HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5de6ac1a-8e32-463f-a034-0950b18f3da2,Flake Statement on Release of Alan Gross,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), who accompanied Alan Gross back to the United States following his release from a Cuban prison today, issued the following statement: ""This is a wonderful day for Alan Gross, for his wife Judy and their family. The manner in which they have endured this nightmare is worthy of praise and admiration. It was an honor to be with Alan as he touched down on U.S. soil after more than five years in a Cuban prison. When I visited Alan last month, he expressed the hope that his ordeal might somehow lead to positive changes between the United States and Cuba. With today's significant and far-reaching announcements, I think it already has."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=01163f1a-498c-4091-8ccc-c535df443f4c,Flake Discusses Return of Alan Gross,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) today joined U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to discuss the return of U.S. citizen Alan Gross from Cuba.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9b867518-ece6-46c9-b765-2a93cad0359d,McCAIN & GRAHAM ON PRESIDENT RESTORING RELATIONS WITH CUBA,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today released the following statement on President Obama’s plans to ease U.S. restrictions on Cuba and normalize diplomatic relations: “We agree with President Obama that he is writing new chapters in American foreign policy. Unfortunately, today’s chapter, like the others before it, is one of America and the values we stand for in retreat and decline. It is about the appeasement of autocratic dictators, thugs, and adversaries, diminishing America’s influence in the world. Is it any wonder that under President Obama’s watch our enemies are emboldened and our friends demoralized? “Unfortunately, we fear the most damaging chapter to America’s national security is still being written. We dread the day President Obama takes to the podium to announce a nuclear deal with the Iranian ayatollahs which does little, if anything, to deter their nuclear ambitions, placing our nation and our closest allies in even deeper peril.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/senate-passes-gosar-sponsored-bill-honor-arizona-icon-barry-m-goldwater,"Senate Passes Gosar Sponsored Bill to Honor Arizona Icon, Barry M. Goldwater",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the Senate successfully passed the Congressman’s sponsored legislation H.R. 3027,to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 442 Miller Valley Road in Prescott, Arizona, as the “Barry M. Goldwater Post Office”: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 16, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the Senate successfully passed the Congressman’s sponsored legislation H.R. 3027,to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 442 Miller Valley Road in Prescott, Arizona, as the “Barry M. Goldwater Post Office”: “For the third time in as many weeks, I am extremely pleased to see the Senate pass one of my sponsored bills, this time, honoring one of Arizona’s greatest public servants, Barry Goldwater. It is only appropriate that my bill should be signed into law this year during the fiftieth anniversary of the five-term Arizona Senator’s campaign for the Presidency of the United States. “Barry Goldwater’s influence on American history and politics cannot be understated. He paved the way for the modern Conservative movement while continuing to fight for the principals passed down to us from the founding fathers including advocating for limited government and protecting individual liberty. Above all else, regardless of political ideology, Barry Goldwater will always be remembered for his integrity and patriotism. I look forward to the president signing this bill into law and celebrating the life of an iconic Arizonan.”   Additional The entire Arizona Delegation—both Republicans and Democrats—are co-sponsors of the bill. Congressman Gosar introduced this bill following town halls in the Prescott area where constituents called for honoring the late Senator. Over 100 Arizona residents signed a petition to rename the Miller Valley Road post office. The location was suggested by the local postmaster. You can read a recent feature article from the Washington Times on the life of Barry Goldwater HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=1820,Rep. Grijalva Praises 2014 National Climate Assessment,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) was joined by 17 of his Congressional colleagues today in sending a letter to President Obama, congratulating him on the success of the third National Climate Assessment (NCA) released on May 6, 2014, and urging that steps be taken to ensure future NCAs build on the success of this year’s report. “Sound science and informed decision making are our best weapons for combating climate change,” said Rep. Grijalva. “The 2014 NCA set a high bar for transparent information that is readily accessible to the American people, and we must ensure future NCAs live up to, and exceed, that standard.” The lawmakers call for immediate action in developing a clear plan of conduct for the next NCA – due out in 2018 – as well as a proposal ensuring future assessments build from current progress. “We have a unique opportunity as we look towards 2018, to ensure this process is respected and improved upon,” Grijalva continued. “I look forward to working with the Obama Administration to achieve that goal, and ensure policymakers and the public alike are well informed about the threats we all face from climate change.”   The full text of Rep. Grijalva’s letter can be found here and below.   Dear President Obama, The Third National Climate Assessment, released by the Administration on May 6, 2014, represents a significant step forward in providing policy-makers with the information they need to best prepare our nation for the effects of climate change.  The report is clear, credible and widely accessible to the general public and decision-makers across the nation. The information is easily retrieved by region, sector or topic, and all of the fundamental scientific information that supports the conclusions is only a click away. The broad array of contributing experts, the degree of transparency and scientific integrity is a testament to the success of the report. To ensure this quality of product for the future reports, it is critical to sustain the strong foundation that has already been laid. Key to the high quality of this report is the broad engagement strategy, the highly qualified federal advisory committee, the support of many federal agencies and external partners, and the strong central staffing of the effort within the US Global Change Research Program. Through an extraordinary effort, this expert team has provided the public with a sweeping picture of how the climate in the U.S. is changing now, as well as what changes we expect to see in the coming century. We congratulate all those involved in this vast and important achievement on a job well done.                                                     Required by the Global Change Research Act of 1990, federal agencies must produce a global change assessment every four years. Looking towards the next due date in 2018, we have a unique opportunity, while this Administration is still in place, to ensure that all of the investments in capacity building and staffing for the NCA are not lost. Moving forward in preparation for the 2018 NCA process is the critical next step, and determining roles in leadership, staffing and oversight should be done immediately. Climate change affects all of us and its impacts will only grow more severe. Considering this urgency, we ask you to take immediate action in developing a clear plan for conducting the 2018 assessment, as well as a proposal for ensuring that future assessments build from the excellent foundation that has already been laid by the NCA.  Sound science and informed decision making are the best weapons we have in stepping up to the task of combatting climate change. We look forward to hearing from you regarding your plans sustaining a robust and dynamic National Climate Assessment for the near future and generations to come. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4aff00d4-a4e2-4f70-9717-5e082b983dd6,SENATORS McCAIN AND FLAKE APPLAUD FINAL PASSAGE OF ARIZONA POST OFFICE DESIGNATIONS HONORING SENATOR BARRY GOLDWATER AND STAFF SGT. MANUEL MENDOZA,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of H.R. 3027 and H.R. 4416, legislation that will honor great Arizona leaders by designating the United States Postal Service located at 442 Miller Valley Road in Prescott, Arizona, as the “Barry M. Goldwater Post Office” and the United States Postal Service located at 161 Live Oak Street in Miami, Arizona, as the “Staff Sergeant Manuel V. Mendoza Post Office Building”: “We applaud the Senate’s passage last night of two Post Office designation bills that will recognize Senator Barry Goldwater and Staff Sergeant Manuel Mendoza for their leadership, public service, and selfless duty to our state and nation. “Barry Goldwater represented Arizona in the United States Senate from 1969 until 1987, where he gained respect for his firm conviction of conservative principles. While Barry grew up in Phoenix, he considered Prescott his second home. He was deeply influenced by the public service of his uncle Morris, who served as Mayor of Prescott for two decades, and made it tradition to kick off his political campaigns on the north steps of the Yavapai County Courthouse. No one loved Arizona more than Barry, and he always put country and principles before his own self-interest. Through this designation, the Territorial Capital will always remember Barry’s legacy to his second home, and honor his contributions to our state and nation. “Staff Sergeant Manuel Mendoza likewise served our nation by fighting in both World War II and the Korean War. Staff Sgt. Mendoza was born in Miami and was drafted in the U.S. Army at the age of 20 in 1942. Nicknamed ‘the Arizona kid’ for his heroic actions in combat, Staff Sgt. Mendoza received the Medal of Honor in March 2014 for repelling a German assault on Italy’s Mount Battaglia in 1944. More than 200 German soldiers launched a counterattack against Staff Sgt. Mendoza’s platoon, but with bravery and determination, and despite being wounded in battle, Staff Sgt. Mendoza single-handedly killed 30 enemy troops and successfully defended the Allied position. Our state has no finer hero than Staff Sgt. Mendoza, and this designation will ensure that the Miami community remembers his sacrifice for all of us. “We thank Representatives Paul Gosar and Ann Kirkpatrick for their work to advance these designations, and we look forward to paying tribute to these great leaders who served the state and nation they loved so dearly.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=1818,Rep. Grijalva Leads Effort to Protect LGBT Unaccompanied Minors,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) led 59 House Democrats in sending a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell expressing concern over the lack of adequate protection against discrimination and sexual assault for unaccompanied minors in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The lawmakers urge HHS to implement robust Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) regulations alongside guidance to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth from discrimination. “The unaccompanied minors seeking shelter here risked life and limb to escape violence and poverty in Central America,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Too often, they find themselves exposed to new threats of discrimination and sexual assault once they’re here. These attacks are completely preventable with adequate protections, and HHS has the moral responsibility to ensure those precautions are in place.” The letter, which particularly focuses on LGBT youths, reads in part: While less than 10 percent of the general youth population identifies as LGBT, they account for approximately 19 percent of children in foster care and an estimated 15 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system. Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth in juvenile correctional facilities are almost twice as likely to experience sexual victimization as their heterosexual counterparts. Furthermore, research shows that many of the facilities which ORR contracts to provide care for unaccompanied minors are located in states without adequate protections for LGBT youth. “We’re talking about protecting kids who are being specifically targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Grijalva continued. “LGBT youths must receive affirming and culturally competent care. They deserve the dignity of housing assignments consistent with their gender identity, and adequate preventative and response measures to keep them safe from harm. These kids have traveled thousands of miles in search of safety – allowing them to be victimized once they’re in U.S. custody is completely unacceptable. I urge Secretary Burwell to take the steps necessary to keep these kids safe.” The full text of Rep. Grijalva’s letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=9f093112-f04d-4e91-a3d3-268b95c1f9ca,"TUCSON, AZ - WINTERHAVEN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS",2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tucson Office Office 407 West Congress Street Suite 103 Tucson, AZ 85701 Main: (520) 670-6334 Fax: (855) 952-8702",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://franks.house.gov/press-release/franks-statement-after-voting-against-cromnibus,"Franks Statement After Voting Against ""CROmnibus""",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Trent Franks,F000448,franks.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08) released the following statement today after voting against passage of H.R. 83, the FY15 Continuing Resolution/Omnibus. ""Despite the past few months of negotiations between parties on the 'CROmnibus,' there were several provisions in the bill that made the overall package impossible for me to support. ""One of Congress' most powerful tools to hold the other branches of government accountable is the power of the purse strings; so it is notable that the bill failed to even make an attempt to mitigate the President's unilateral and unconstitutional attempt to bypass the legislative process by granting many rights of citizenship to millions who have disregarded our immigration laws. ""As a Member of the Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee, it is equally unjustifiable to me that the bill gives an additional nearly $400 million more than requested to Eric Holder's Justice Department, which has alternated between using the law as a political weapon and holding this Administration and its political allies above the law altogether. The bill in fact adds hundreds of millions more than requested to many other liberal priorities, including the EPA, the SEC, and the Department of Energy. ""The bill represents months of hard work and there is much in it that I applaud, but these ""poison pills"" are not trivial; they will bring real consequences to bear on the American people, many of whom are already struggling to run their businesses, to afford quality healthcare, to find work, to put food on their tables, and to build and protect their children's futures. I hope for their sake that we can work on a budget that will better honor their collective desire, reflected most recently in the midterm elections, to reign in what is correctly perceived as an overbloated, out-of-control Administration and the federal government.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-joins-effort-save-sacred-hopi-artifacts,Rep. Gosar Joins Effort to Save Sacred Hopi Artifacts,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Gosar Joins Effort to Save Sacred Hopi Artifacts f t # e Washington, DC, December 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) announced that after meeting with Hopi Chairman Herman Honanie last week, he would help the Hopi retrieve its cultural artifacts now in Paris, France and set for imminent auction. The Hopi sought out the Congressman, and other members of the Arizona delegation, for assistance in intervening to try to stop the auctioning of culturally significant artifacts. share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 12, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) announced that after meeting with Hopi Chairman Herman Honanie last week, he would help the Hopi retrieve its cultural artifacts now in Paris, France and set for imminent auction. The Hopi sought out the Congressman, and other members of the Arizona delegation, for assistance in intervening to try to stop the auctioning of culturally significant artifacts.  Accordingly, Congressman Gosar, joined by other members, authored a letter to the U.S. State Department asking for a review of the pending auction. “Hopi culture places great significance to certain items. Chairman Honanie personally explained to me how these artifacts are important to them culturally and religiously. He brought pictures of the items and explained the religious significance of each one.  For such a compelling case of sacred property, I was more than happy to help and try to get the State Department to look at this matter and take action before the auction occurs.” Additional The signed letter to the U.S. State Department can be found HERE.  ###   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1c3771a6-e727-4a24-98ef-cf0444687899,Flake Statement on NLRB Final Ambush Election Rule,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) today issued the following statement in response to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issuing a final rule to significantly shorten the length of time in which a labor union certification is held. The rule would also require employers to furnish union organizers with email addresses and phone numbers of workers: “The incoming Congress should waste no time turning back the NLRB’s ambush election rule,” said Flake. “At a minimum, the union election process ought to at least be fair and transparent while ensuring employees are well-informed and have their privacy protected. This rule would accomplish just the opposite.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8a950b73-766d-4679-a54f-db1e41266209,"Flake, McCain Applaud Passage of Resolution Copper Land Exchange",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and John McCain (R-AZ) today applauded passage of the Resolution Copper land exchange, which was included in the Carl Levin and Howard P. ""Buck"" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, passed by the Senate this evening and now headed to President Obama’s desk for signature: “We are extremely proud that, with the support of Republicans and Democrats in both Houses of Congress, the Resolution Copper land exchange today passed the Senate and is now heading to the president’s desk for signature. This is a great victory for the State of Arizona, after years of hard work. “There is clearly a strategic national interest in increasing America's domestic production of copper. To maintain the strength of the most technologically-advanced military in the world, America’s armed forces need stable supplies of copper for their equipment, ammunition, and electronics. In fact, copper is the second-most utilized mineral by the Department of Defense, and the Pentagon has labeled it an ‘essential mineral.’ “The public lands title in NDAA will help address our strategic national interest in copper by advancing the Resolution Copper Mine project, which has potential to meet 25% of U.S. demand by developing the largest copper deposit ever discovered in North America. “Most importantly, Resolution Copper represents a game-changer for an area of Arizona facing grave economic challenges. It is estimated to create some 3,700 mining-related jobs in and around the Town of Superior and generate more than $61 billion in economic value to our state over the life of the mine. “The Resolution Copper land exchange legislation has been stalled for many years over environmental questions and Native American concerns. As part of the bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and weeks of meetings among members and staff of the committees of jurisdiction involved in crafting the NDAA lands title, several key bipartisan compromises were made to the land exchange bill we introduced last year. First, the bill requires a full environmental impact study on the mine in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before the land is officially transferred to the mine. Second, while a number of Arizona tribal governments raised concerns about the closure of a Forest Service campground called ‘Oak Flat,’ the bill guarantees that Native Americans can continue to access the campground for many years until the mining company needs to mine underneath it. Third, our bill guarantees that Apache Leap, which is celebrated by Native American lore, is not part of the mine and is permanently protected through a special management area designation that the Forest Service will manage. “For nearly a decade we have worked to advance this issue with the longtime support of Senator Jon Kyl as well as local and state leaders. We want to recognize the unwavering efforts of Congressman Paul Gosar and Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, who were vitally important to today’s outcome. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to help realize the immense potential of this project for the people of Arizona and America.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=17ef424c-250c-424b-a4c4-081686629a82,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON REAUTHORIZATION OF YUMA CROSSING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement praising the Senate’s passage of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ""Buck"" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (NDAA), which includes a provision to reauthorize the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area for the next 15 years: “This measure is an important step forward in ensuring that Yuma Crossing remains one of Arizona’s great treasures and a major success story within the National Heritage Area (NHA) system. Since its first authorization in 2000 under legislation sponsored by former Senator Jon Kyl and me, Yuma Crossing NHA has played a unique role in preserving the historic Yuma Territorial Prison and supporting the Yuma East Wetlands restoration project. It has also served as a central component of the city of Yuma’s downtown redevelopment initiative, which involves a broad coalition of local businesses and relies on private investments rather than federal resources. I look forward to the President signing the NDAA into law so that we may, among other things, continue to preserve and share the history of this landmark while growing the local community.” The provision to reauthorize the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area originated from legislation, S. 2111, which Senator McCain introduced in the Senate in March 2014. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4eaebd85-5066-42b4-a2ce-97bbd0b7e15e,McCAIN AND FLAKE ON PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION COPPER LAND EXCHANGE,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) today applauded passage of the Resolution Copper land exchange, which was included in the Carl Levin and Howard P. ""Buck"" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, passed by the Senate this evening and now headed to President Obama’s desk for signature: “We are extremely proud that, with the support of Republicans and Democrats in both Houses of Congress, the Resolution Copper land exchange today passed the Senate and is now heading to the president’s desk for signature. This is a great victory for the State of Arizona, after years of hard work. “There is clearly a strategic national interest in increasing America's domestic production of copper. To maintain the strength of the most technologically-advanced military in the world, America’s armed forces need stable supplies of copper for their equipment, ammunition, and electronics. In fact, copper is the second-most utilized mineral by the Department of Defense, and the Pentagon has labeled it an ‘essential mineral.’ “The public lands title in NDAA will help address our strategic national interest in copper by advancing the Resolution Copper Mine project, which has potential to meet 25% of U.S. demand by developing the largest copper deposit ever discovered in North America. “Most importantly, Resolution Copper represents a game-changer for an area of Arizona facing grave economic challenges. It is estimated to create some 3,700 mining-related jobs in and around the Town of Superior and generate more than $61 billion in economic value to our state over the life of the mine. “The Resolution Copper land exchange legislation has been stalled for many years over environmental questions and Native American concerns. As part of the bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and weeks of meetings among members and staff of the committees of jurisdiction involved in crafting the NDAA lands title, several key bipartisan compromises were made to the land exchange bill we introduced last year. First, the bill requires a full environmental impact study on the mine in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before the land is officially transferred to the mine. Second, while a number of Arizona tribal governments raised concerns about the closure of a Forest Service campground called ‘Oak Flat,’ the bill guarantees that Native Americans can continue to access the campground for many years until the mining company needs to mine underneath it. Third, our bill guarantees that Apache Leap, which is celebrated by Native American lore, is not part of the mine and is permanently protected through a special management area designation that the Forest Service will manage. “For nearly a decade we have worked to advance this issue with the longtime support of Senator Jon Kyl as well as local and state leaders. We want to recognize the unwavering efforts of Congressman Paul Gosar and Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, who were vitally important to today’s outcome. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to help realize the immense potential of this project for the people of Arizona and America.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8cb098ef-7426-41d4-8bf6-1b424883c8cf,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON PASSAGE OF FY15 NDAA,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate today: “I am pleased that the Senate finally passed Carl Levin and Howard P. ""Buck"" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (NDAA) and urge President Obama sign this important legislation into law as soon as possible. “I thank and congratulate Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin and House Armed Services Committee Buck McKeon for once again passing the NDAA this year – their last as committee leaders. I commend their long, distinguished record of service to strengthening the security of our nation, and to supporting the men and women charged with defending it. “While the process and timeline by which this legislation was considered was not ideal, there are many provisions that I am particularly proud of, including those that do the following: “Protect the A-10 aircraft, our nation’s best close-air support aircraft. The Air Force originally proposed retiring over 100 A-10s this year and this NDAA would prevent the Air Force from retiring any planes next year; “Prohibit effectively US taxpayer dollars from being used to buy any more rocket engines from Russia and instead increasing competition with American space companies; “Ensure the Tomahawk strike missile and industrial base can respond to worldwide threats; “Provide additional oversight for the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Gerald R. Ford Class Aircraft Carrier, and dozens of major defense acquisition programs. Specifically, the bill prohibits funding for the next multi-ship buy as well as mission modules of LCS until the Navy and the Department of Defense deliver to Congress certifications that the ships will meet the requirements of combatant commanders; “Provide authority to train and equip vetted, moderate Syrians; “State the sense of the Congress that the U.S. should provide lethal military assistance to Ukraine; “Provide security assistance funding authority to foreign nations to address global terrorist threats; “Provide a pay raise to all enlisted service members and all officers below the General and Admiral paygrades; “Consolidate the POW/MIA organizations at the Department into a single, more efficient and accountable command; “Spur potential increase in America's domestic production of copper – a strategic national interest – by moving forward the Resolution Copper mine project with potential to meet 25% of U.S. demand; “Provide insight into the nation-states most responsible for cyber-based economic espionage and the authority to punish those individuals who profit from cyber theft aimed at U.S. companies and innovation. “In an unfortunate repeat of last year’s process and timeline, Majority Leader Reid’s repeated delays and unwillingness to allow an open amendment process or debate on the floor is a serious breach of the historical and Constitutional responsibilities of the U.S. Congress. This year’s bill passed the Armed Services Committee nearly unanimously over four months ago. “By waiting until the last week that the Senate is in session and refusing to allow an open amendment process, he has effectively silenced debate on key issues vital to our national security. In January, when Republicans gain control of both chambers and if I have the great opportunity of leading the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am confident that we will return to the design of the Framers of the Constitution and restore the practice and principles that made the U.S. Senate the greatest deliberative body in the world. Anything less is a disservice to the men and women in uniform who are responsible for executing these policies and the taxpayers who pay for them.  “I am proud of the bipartisan work of the Armed Services Committees in crafting the National Defense Authorization Act. I look forward to returning to regular order next year and getting the bill on the Senate floor so that all Senators have a chance to debate and amend this critical legislation in service of the American people.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=afbb5267-3ed0-460d-8e29-8a61ed75223d,SENATOR JOHN McCAIN AND ARIZONA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION REQUEST STATE DEPARTMENT REVIEW OF UPCOMING HOPI TRIBE ARTIFACT SALE,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and members of the Arizona Congressional delegation today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State requesting that it review the upcoming sale of several Hopi Tribe cultural artifacts by the auction house Estimations Ventes aux Encheres (“EVE”) in Paris, France. The Hopi Tribe has requested that EVE halt the upcoming auction scheduled for December 15th and return the artifacts to its possession. The signed letter is here and the text of the letter is below. December 12, 2014  Ms. Julia E. Frifield Assistant Secretary Bureau of Legislative Affairs U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20520 Assistant Secretary Frifield: We are writing regarding the upcoming sale of several Hopi cultural artifacts by the auction house Estimations Ventes aux Encheres (“EVE”) in Paris, France. In previous years, the Hopi Tribe has tried without success to halt the sale of similar artifacts by EVE and other similar auction houses. The latest EVE auction is scheduled for December 15, 2014, and includes Hopi masks, stone figurines, and other items of great importance to the Hopi Tribe. According to tribal tradition, displaying and selling these items is sacrilegious and offensive, and the Hopi Tribe has requested a halt to these auctions and repatriation of the items to the tribe. We respectfully request the State Department review this matter and provide us with a response on how the federal government might be able to address the Hopi’s concerns. Let us emphasize that we desire no action to be taken on this matter which would be inconsistent with existing rules, regulations or guidelines, or that could possibly be construed as unfair or inappropriate.  We wish only for your thoughtful consideration of these questions out of fairness and respect to the Hopi Tribe. We look forward to your response.  Sincerely, John McCain Jeff Flake Ann Kirkpatrick                                                                      Raúl Grijalva                                       Paul Gosar                                                                               Matt Salmon                                       David Schweikert                                                                   Trent Franks                                                    Kyrsten Sinema                                                                                   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=cecd544e-8bca-4f7b-9c91-baa1484b0b35,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN APPLAUDING SAUDI ARABIAS DONATION TO AID SYRIAN REFUGEES,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today applauding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its $104 million donation to the United Nations World Food Program, which will benefit the growing number of Syrian refugees whose food assistance was in jeopardy of being suspended earlier this month: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s $104 million donation to the United Nations World Food Program is an act of compassion and generosity that is deeply appreciated at a time when conditions in Syria are worsening. More than 1.7 million refugees in countries neighboring Syria rely on the World Food Program. For refugees struggling to survive the harsh winter, the consequences of ending the World Food Program would have been devastating. Hundreds of thousands of families would go hungry and their health endangered. Saudi Arabia’s generous and timely donation will help save the lives of these refugees and allow for food assistance to an additional four million displaced people inside Syria. “These refugees have been forced to flee their countries and lose their livelihoods due to the horrific violence of the Assad regime. It is the shared responsibility of all nations to assist these people, and I am grateful to the countries that have contributed. Saudi Arabia’s donation has ensured the continuation of aid to Syria for now, but the international community must continue to support efforts to protect this vital lifeline to refugees. For those who have lost everything, every dollar can make a difference.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=dcdae796-d2c1-4418-9c26-370fdb2a275c,SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON ARIZONA DEFENSE PRIORITIES IN NDAA,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement applauding Senate passage of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ""Buck"" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 and those provisions within it that are of significant importance to the State of Arizona: “I am very proud that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act recognizes Arizona’s vital contributions to America’s national security. “Despite the Obama Administration’s attempt to retire the A-10 fleet, this year’s NDAA actually prohibits any A-10 retirements in 2015, recognizing their important close-air support mission in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria today. If elected as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee early next year, I plan to exercise rigorous oversight of the Air Force’s actions related to the A-10 in that capacity. “Further, the NDAA has several provisions supported by Arizona’s defense industrial base, including increased funding for Tomahawk missile purchases, necessary and predictable resources for the Army’s Apache helicopter, and a prohibition on transfers of the Arizona National Guard’s Apache helicopters. “Whether it is unmatched Arizona flying weather, world-class training facilities, strong community support for Arizona military bases, remarkable technological contributions of our defense industrial base, or the patriotic men and women of our state who volunteer to serve in uniform, Arizonans can be deeply proud of the outsized role we play in protecting and defending our nation.”   Arizona-Related Provisions of the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Prohibiting Retirement of the A-10 The NDAA prohibits the U.S. Air Force from retiring or preparing to retire any A-10 airplanes for one year and fully funds the flight hours, pilot training, fuel, and operations for all A-10 pilots through 2015. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and other bases where A-10s are stationed will be resourced to keep flying the A-10s and training A-10 pilots and crews.   Increasing Domestic Copper Supply The NDAA will help meet the strategic national interest of increasing America's domestic production of copper, advancing a land exchange key to the Resolution Copper project which has potential to meet 25% of U.S. copper demand. Arizona Military Test Ranges – Electronic Proving Ground The Director of Test Resource Management Center of the Department of Defense will report to Congress on any plans to consolidate or eliminate test ranges – such as the one at Fort Huachuca – as well as report on any significant reduction in activities at any test ranges. Tomahawk Missile Funding The NDAA provides an additional $81.7 million in funding for 96 more Tomahawk missiles (a total of $272 million for 196 missiles), increasing funding for one of the most utilized missile systems in our Naval inventory. The Obama Administration had planned to halt purchases of Tomahawk missiles, which would have potentially created a shortfall in the inventory. Apache Helicopters The NDAA prohibits the transfer of any National Guard Apache helicopters to active duty Army in 2015. It also fully funds the Army’s request for 25 remanufactured Apache helicopters for the Army.   Iron Dome The NDAA provides $175 million for our ally Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, which protects Israeli civilians against rocket attacks from the terrorist group Hamas. Engineers and other workers in Arizona will help produce the Iron Dome system, marking the first time that the Iron Dome will be co-produced in the United States and Israel. Base Realignment and Closure The NDAA strictly prohibits any new Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=1815,"Rep. Grijalva Praises Funding of National Housing Trust Fund, Capital Magnet Fund",2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today after an announcement by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) that it will remove the funding suspension to the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund, which will allow dedicated funds to return to the programs. “By funding the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund, the FHFA is helping to place roofs over the heads of our society’s most vulnerable members,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Construction and preservation of affordable housing will help stabilize communities across Arizona and the country that are still struggling to recover from a devastating mortgage crisis.” A 2013 report found that there are only 18 rental homes affordable and available for every 100 extremely low-income renters in Arizona. Today’s announcement comes after Rep. Grijalva was joined by 77 of his Democratic colleagues in Congress in sending a letter to Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt on July 21, urging him to reverse a determination made in November 2008 to suspend contributions to the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund.  Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which Rep. Grijalva co-chairs, also urged Director Watt to re-fund the programs in a meeting earlier this year. “I thank Director Watt for his consideration and attention to this vital issue,” Grijalva continued. “Low income and minority communities have been disproportionately impacted by the mortgage crisis, this will be a huge step in helping many in my district rebuild their lives.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=1813,Rep. Grijalva Introduces Legislation to Protect Wild Cats & Canids,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced bipartisan legislation to help protect wild felid and canid species, including the jaguar, snow leopard, African wild dog and African lion. The Rare Cats and Canids Act authorizes up to $5,000,000 per year to help fund conservation programs in nations within the range of rare species natural habitats. “Rare cats and canids are among the most majestic creatures on earth,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Sadly, many of these species are increasingly imperiled and in need of protection. The bill I introduced today will help ensure these natural treasures are not lost forever from their natural habitats, and I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this initiative.” Of the 37 wild felid species worldwide, all but three are currently recognized as species in need of protection under federal or international law. Of the 36 wild canid species worldwide, 20 are recognized as being in need of protection. The Rare Cats and Canids Act has significant support from conservation and environmental groups, including Born Free USA, San Diego Zoo Global, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Wildlife Conservation Network, Center for Biological Diversity, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Defenders of Wildlife, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Panthera, SPECIES, Clouded Leopard Project, Point Defiance Zoo and Snow Leopard Conservancy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-statements?ContentRecord_id=69e0645c-2b81-475a-803c-ec1a970ea8e5,FLOOR STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON RETIREMENT OF SENATOR TOM COBURN,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) delivered the following statement today on the floor of the U.S. Senate to thank and honor Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) who will retire from office after this term: “Mr. President, today, I would like to offer words of tribute to my departing colleague, Senator Tom Coburn, whose service exemplifies standards of purposefulness, integrity and decency to which we should all aspire and whose example ought to inspire the service of new and returning Senators alike.  “I’m going to miss an awful lot our colleague from Oklahoma. “I have always admired Tom for the strength of his convictions, and the courage and candor with which he expresses them day after day. ‘The number one thing people should do in Congress,’ Tom once said, ‘is stay true to their heart.’ No one in the history of this institution has ever followed that injunction more faithfully than Tom has. “Tom has an unshakeable faith in the goodness of America, and he has worked diligently, with others when he could, and alone if necessary, to make sure government respects the people we serve, respects their hopes and aspirations, their concerns and sacrifices. He’s never forgotten he’s the people’s servant, first and last. And they’ve never had a more genuine and determined champion. “I think he has often acted as the conscience of the Senate. He can be unmovable on matters of principle when to do otherwise would harm or do no good for the country. “Tom is sometimes called Dr. No, affectionately most, if not all, the time. He’s held up more legislation that he thought ill-served the public interest than any other member of this body. He even placed a hold on one of his own bills that he thought no longer met his high standard of accountability after it was reported out of committee. I don’t think the American taxpayer has ever had a greater defender than Tom Coburn. “I like to think I’ve taken a few principled stands when the situation has warranted it. And I’ve made myself an occasional nuisance in service to what I thought was a good cause. But, Mr. President, I’ve never been so conscientious that I felt obliged to defeat my own legislation. That’s a pretty high standard of personal responsibility to meet, and a character test of the first order. I’m not sure many of us would pass it. I wouldn’t. But then, as all his colleagues could attest, Tom is a person of the very highest character.  He possesses the highest virtues – courage, humility, compassion – in abundance. It’s been an honor to serve with him. “As principled as he is, as unwavering as he can be when he believes it necessary, he has also been a brave and determined proponent of compromise when he believed it served the public interest, when it would help build a more prosperous and secure society, with more opportunities for more people, and brighter futures for our children. “We always have detractors. It comes with the job. And whether Tom was standing on principle or seeking a principled compromise, he stood up to criticism. He stood up to pressure. He stood up to threats and insults and whatever negative personal consequences he might suffer. He stood up to whatever came his way to do what was right for his country. He stood up for the American people, no matter how difficult it was. What better can you say about a public servant? “We worked together on a lot of things. We fought together to end earmarks and opposed other forms of wasteful spending. We worked together on oversight projects for the stimulus bill and highway trust fund spending. We also fought for a long time to let veterans decide where they could best receive health care. We made good progress on some issues, and not enough on others, but Tom Coburn was always an example and inspiration to me. “But, if I could speak more personally, he was more than a paragon to me and to other members of the Senate. He is first and foremost, a kind, considerate and loyal friend; a friend in good times and bad; a friend who brings out the best in you because he believes in the best part of you. I said earlier, Tom sees the innate goodness in the American people. He also sees it in is colleagues, even when it isn’t apparent to other observers. “We have shared happy times together, Tom and I. But Tom has the instinct and the kindness to be the kind of friend who’s there when you need him most, in moments that aren’t so happy. We all lead pretty good lives here. We get the chance to serve the greatest country in the world, and on occasion to help make history. We’re honored and feted and praised more than we deserve. But as all human beings do, we have moments of worry and doubt and disappointment. “Tom always has a knack for showing-up when I need cheering up. He has made a point over the years of being company when you most need it. Friendship is a virtue to him and he means to live a virtuous life. You can be working on something with him or opposing each other on an issue, it doesn’t matter. If you need him, he’ll be there for you, with a kind word, a piece of advice, a little encouragement or just good company. “There are too few people like that in anyone’s life not to cherish the hell out of those who are. “I cherish my friendship with Tom Coburn, and I always, always will. “Mr. President, the Senate will be a poorer place without Tom Coburn to set an example of public service for the rest of us. But in gratitude to him for his leadership and friendship, I will try a little harder to live up to his standards. And I hope he will let me know when I fall short. “Thank you.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=be776240-91c0-49d6-a5c7-a79990711fc9,SENATORS JOHN McCAIN AND JON TESTER APPLAUD FINAL PASSAGE OF BORDER PATROL AGENT PAY REFORM ACT OF 2013,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jon Tester (R-MT) today praised the House of Representative’s final passage of The Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013, bipartisan legislation that the Senators introduced to reform the antiquated Border Patrol Agent pay system and save up to $1 billion over 10 years. The bill now awaits the President’s signature before becoming law. “I am pleased that the House has passed this common-sense solution to provide much-needed stability to our nation’s border patrol pay scale,” said Senator John McCain. “Spending cuts due to sequestration, coupled with an archaic and inefficient pay scale, put at risk the safety of Border Patrol Agents and threaten to reverse much of the progress these agents have made along the border over the last few years. I hope that the President will quickly sign this much-needed reform into law and expedite this effort to improve the security of our borders.” “Taxpayers want Congress to work together to save money, make government work better and strengthen our national security,” said Senator Tester, chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee that oversees the federal workforce. “Our Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act represents the common-sense leadership that should happen every day, and I look forward to seeing the President sign it into law.” The legislation reforms a complicated and inefficient overtime pay system and holds the Border Patrol more accountable for how it spends taxpayer money. Under the law, Border Patrol Agents will be able to choose between three pay schedule options and work either 100 hours (20 hours of overtime), 90 hours (10 hours of overtime), or 80 hours (no overtime) per pay period. Brandon Judd, National Border Patrol Council National President, also praised the House for passing this important legislation: “The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol would like to thank Senators McCain and Tester, Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Representative Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) for their tireless efforts. We are honored to have worked with these longtime friends and advocates of Border Patrol Agents, our nation’s first line of defense.” McCain and Tester’s bill, co-sponsored by Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-RX) is available online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=1812,Rep. Grijalva Announces Staff Director for Natural Resources Committee,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), the incoming Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, today announced his hiring of Meghan Conklin as Democratic Staff Director for the 114th Congress. Ms. Conklin is currently a Senior Professional Staff Member on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources focusing on public lands, forestry and water issues. Ms. Conklin brings more than fifteen years of experience in natural resources policy and management to the position. Prior to joining the Senate in 2013, she served as Associate Deputy Secretary of the Interior, leading the Department’s efforts to finalize a 20-year withdrawal from new mining claims of 1 million acres of Federal lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park and serving as Departmental co-lead for the implementation of the $3.4 billion Cobell Settlement, which addressed the historical mismanagement of accounts held in trust for Native Americans. Ms. Conklin also served as Chief of Staff to then-Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sam Hamilton. Ms. Conklin worked as a Professional Staff Member on the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands – renamed the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation at the beginning of the 113th Congress – from 2004 to 2009, which Rep. Grijalva chaired in the 110th and 111th Congresses and on which he has served as Ranking Member since 2011. She played a key role in passage of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which designated more than 2 million acres of Federal lands as wilderness, and the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement (FLAME) Act, which improved the budgeting process for large wildfires. “Our resources and beautiful natural places – and for that matter our Congress – need people with Meghan’s experience, expertise and dedication,” Grijalva said in announcing the hire. “Few people in Washington match her understanding of the legislative process, knowledge of the executive branch and deep commitment to protecting our environment. Meghan shares my intention to stand firm on behalf of the principles that made us a world pioneer in conservation and my desire to work in a bipartisan manner wherever we can to advance those principles. She’s a natural fit to lead the talented, proactive team we’ll have in the new Congress. I couldn’t be happier to have her lead my staff and I can’t wait to get started in January.” Ms. Conklin is a native of San Diego, California.  She holds Bachelors of Science and Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Master of Arts from the George Washington University. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband Thomas McCabe and twin sons Kennedy and Callahan. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-statements?ContentRecord_id=69369a84-7813-4687-8fa3-5943d5655f8c,FLOOR STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON RETIRING SENATOR MIKE JOHANNS,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. Senate today thanking Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) for his more than 30 years of public service and wishing him success upon his retirement at the end of this term: “MR. PRESIDENT: “I come to the Floor today to praise the public service of, and bid farewell to, my friend and valued colleague from Nebraska, Senator Mike Johanns.  “With my remarks today, I celebrate not just Mike’s last six years in the United States Senate but also his 30-plus years in public service that will culminate with the end of this term. “At the highest levels of government, in both the legislative and executive branches, Mike’s life of public service has been punctuated by great accomplishment.  From the Lancaster County Board in Nebraska to the Lincoln City Council, from his service as Mayor of Lincoln to his service as the 38th Governor of Nebraska, from his service 28th U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and throughout his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Mike has demonstrated a commitment to those with muted voices in our political system—including, small business owners, veterans, those impaired by mental illness and, most certainly, America’s farmers and ranchers.  “In the Senate, Mike’s leadership in bipartisan efforts to repeal purposeless tax-reporting requirements in Obamacare, his championing new trade agreements and his contribution to the development and final passage of a new farm bill this year all describe a strong conservative legislator—committed to stimulating economic growth through reduced government spending, lower tax rates, and reduced regulatory burdens on American business.     “I have appreciated Mike’s partnership on key legislation, including his joining me to cosponsor the bipartisan “Congressional Accountability and Line-Item Veto Act of 2009”.  During the 112th Congress, we were both cosponsors of the “Foreign Earnings Reinvestment Act”, a bipartisan effort to let corporations reinvest earnings kept overseas by our high corporate tax rates back into the American economy. “I was also proud to join Mike as an original cosponsor of his bill, the “Two-Year Regulatory Freeze Act of 2011”, which sought to give the American economy a much-needed reprieve to burdensome and confusing federal regulations that frequently hinder economic growth.  Mike was also an original cosponsor of my bill, S.1720, the “Jobs Through Growth Act”, which included numerous crucial tax code and regulatory reforms aimed at reducing government policies that hinder growth. While this legislation did not pass, I appreciated Mike’s support.  “I am also grateful that Mike joined me in sponsoring legislation to help replenish the Forest Service's aging air-tanker fleet.  A decade ago, the Forest Service had roughly 40 large air-tankers to fight wildfires that burn millions of acres of land across Western states, including Nebraska and Arizona.  Today, they own about eight large air-tankers.  Mike and I saw an opportunity to transfer several excess Department of Defense aircraft to the Forest Service to temporarily address this shortage, and our bill was incorporated as part of the National Defense Authorization Act last year.  “While Mike and I have had our disagreements along the way, I've always respected his knowledge and experience as a farmer, a foreign trade expert, and the nation's former Agriculture Secretary.  Also, I'm proud of the areas where we agree—reigning-in certain farm subsidy programs, advocating for free trade agreements with Columbia, Panama, and South Korea, and even working together to kill the proposed USDA Catfish Office, a little-known $15 million program inside the last Farm Bill that we both highlighted as wasting taxpayer money and (from a trade perspective) negatively impacting our cattlemen and soy farmers.  We also agree on the need to help returning veterans seeking to reenter the workforce as beginning farmers, an effort he championed in our last Farm Bill.  And I've long applauded Mike for calling on Congress to pass laws to stop farm subsidies from going to millionaires while he was a sitting Secretary of Agriculture. “Just as much as I respect the substance of Mike’s accomplishments in public service, I have valued how he has achieved them.  With a quiet, purposeful dignity.  And, indeed, a vibrant sense of humor.  Mike has never been opposed to bipartisan cooperation whenever it’s needed to further the interests of his constituents or the greater nation.  For these reasons, Mike’s approach to governance and legislating has earned him the respect of colleagues and constituents across the political continuum.  It should also serve as an example to all of us in this august body who remain behind.  “In an email Mike wrote to his friends last February announcing his decision not to seek reelection in 2014, Mike wrote, “With everything in life, there is a time and a season”.  Well, to my friend and valued colleague, Mike Johanns, I bid fair winds and following seas in all that he, and his lovely wife Stephanie, do.  And, I thank him for his service and for his friendship.  “Thank you, Mr. President.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-statements?ContentRecord_id=94f7d251-3e35-469c-8343-86fb019500ee,FLOOR STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON RETIRING SENATOR CARL LEVIN,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. Senate today thanking Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) for his distinguished public service, including his work as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and wishing him success as he retires from office after this term: “Mr. President, I want to offer a few words of tribute to my departing colleague, Senator Carl Levin—a model of serious purpose, firm principle and personal decency, and whose example ought to inspire the service of new and returning Senators. We could not aspire to better service than what he has given our country. “Carl and I have served together on the Senate Armed Services Committee for the better part of three decades. He is my senior in this body by eight years, and has been my chairman for more than ten years in total. It has been a privilege to serve under his very able, honorable and fair leadership. “Carl and I sit on opposite sides of the aisle. The difference is quite obvious on any number of issues. But I hope it is also obvious how much I admire and respect my friend from Michigan. “We have had our moments on the committee. Debate there can get a little passionate from time to time, perhaps a little more passionate on my part than Carl’s.  But that, as all my colleagues would surely attest, is my problem, not Carl’s. We are, however, both very proud of the committee’s tradition of bipartisan cooperation, which Carl has worked diligently to preserve and strengthen. “We both know how important that tradition is to faithfully discharging our responsibilities to help maintain the defense of this country and do right by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We both feel their example of selfless sacrifice would shame us if we let the committee descend into the partisan posturing that often makes it hard to get important work done in Congress. “When members disagree in committee, even heatedly, it’s because we feel passionately about whatever issue is in dispute. Even then, we try to behave civilly and respectfully to each other. And we do not let our disagreements prevent us from completing the committee’s business. Carl won’t let us. “That we have managed to keep that reputation in these contentious times is a tribute to Carl. He has kept the committee focused on its duties and not on the next election or the latest rush-to-the-barricades partisan quarrel. He does so in a calm, measured, patient and thoughtful manner. “He seems, in fact, to become calmer and more patient the more heated our disagreements are. As members’ emotions and temperatures rise, Carl’s unperturbed composure and focus is a calming influence that brings our attention back to the business at hand. You could safely say, he and I have slightly different leadership styles. I’m gentler and less confrontational. But Carl’s style seems to work for him. It works well for the committee, too for the armed services and for the country. “The committee has a heavy workload every year, and Carl manages to keep us all in harness and working together at a good pace and with a constructive, results-oriented approach that is the envy of the dozen or so lesser committees of the Senate. Our principal responsibility is to produce the defense authorization bill, one of the most important and comprehensive pieces of legislation the Senate considers on an annual basis. The committee has never failed to report the bill, and the Senate has never failed to pass it. That's not an accomplishment that some of those lesser committees I just referred to can claim every year. And no one deserves more of the credit for it than Carl Levin. “When Carl first joined the committee, he explained his reason for seeking the assignment this way: ‘I had never served, and I thought there was a big gap in terms of my background and, frankly, felt it was a way of providing service.’ He might have never served in the military, but he has surely served our military well. And he has served the national interests our armed forces protect in an exemplary manner that the rest of us would be wise to emulate. “Most recently, I have had the honor and privilege of serving alongside Carl on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.  His tireless efforts and steadfast dedication to exposing misconduct and abuse by financial institutions and government regulators have set a new standard for thoughtful and thorough Congressional investigations. “Whether the topic was the 2008 financial crisis, Swiss banking secrecy, or JPMorgan’s ‘London Whale’ debacle, professionals in the industry and the public at-large knew that they could count on Carl to get to the bottom of it with authoritative reports and hearings. Carl’s tenacity in uncovering wrongdoing sparked significant changes in the financial sector.   “I also commend Carl on zealously and effectively pursuing his investigations in a way that has furthered the Subcommittee’s long-standing tradition of bipartisanship. While Carl and I may have had our disagreements, we never let them get in the way of finding common ground where we could. While Carl’s retirement may come as a relief to some of those on Wall Street, his patience, thoughtfulness, and commitment to bipartisanship will be deeply missed on the Subcommittee and in the Senate. “Indeed, from Carl’s long and distinguished service in the Senate, Carl has obtained the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. We all listen to him, and we listen closest to him on the occasions when we disagree with him. That, in my view, is a great compliment from one Senator to another. It is a tribute paid to only the most respected members. “Of course, the greatest compliment one Senator can pay another is to credit him or her as a person who keeps his or her word. That's become too rare in Washington, but not so in my experiences with Carl. He has never broken his word to me.  He has never backed out of a deal, even when doing so would have been personally and politically advantageous. When we are in agreement on an issue, Carl usually argues more effectively than I can. And when we disagree, we usually find a way to settle the dispute without abandoning our responsibilities. Carl deserves most of the credit for that, too. “One of the great satisfactions in life is to fight for a common cause with someone you haven't always agreed with—someone whose background, views and personality are different than yours, and yet you discover that despite your differences, you have always been on the same side on the big things. “Thank you, Carl, for that privilege, and for your friendship and example. The Committee is going to miss you. The Senate is going to miss you. The men and women of the United States Armed Forces are going to miss you. And I will miss you. A lot.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1a15e343-66b0-473f-b0c1-a58f984db996,FLOOR STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON SENATE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON CIA INTERROGATION METHODS,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. Senate on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report on CIA interrogation methods: “Mr. President, I rise in support of the release – the long-delayed release – of the Senate Intelligence Committee’s summarized, unclassified review of the so-called ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ that were employed by the previous administration to extract information from captured terrorists. It is a thorough and thoughtful study of practices that I believe not only failed their purpose – to secure actionable intelligence to prevent further attacks on the U.S. and our allies – but actually damaged our security interests, as well as our reputation as a force for good in the world. “I believe the American people have a right – indeed, a responsibility – to know what was done in their name; how these practices did or did not serve our interests; and how they comported with our most important values. “I commend Chairman Feinstein and her staff for their diligence in seeking a truthful accounting of policies I hope we will never resort to again. I thank them for persevering against persistent opposition from many members of the intelligence community, from officials in two administrations, and from some of our colleagues. “The truth is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. It sometimes causes us difficulties at home and abroad. It is sometimes used by our enemies in attempts to hurt us. But the American people are entitled to it, nonetheless. “They must know when the values that define our nation are intentionally disregarded by our security policies, even those policies that are conducted in secret. They must be able to make informed judgments about whether those policies and the personnel who supported them were justified in compromising our values; whether they served a greater good; or whether, as I believe, they stained our national honor, did much harm and little practical good. “What were the policies? What was their purpose? Did they achieve it? Did they make us safer? Less safe? Or did they make no difference? What did they gain us? What did they cost us? The American people need the answers to these questions. Yes, some things must be kept from public disclosure to protect clandestine operations, sources and methods, but not the answers to these questions. “By providing them, the Committee has empowered the American people to come to their own decisions about whether we should have employed such practices in the past and whether we should consider permitting them in the future. This report strengthens self-government and, ultimately, I believe, America’s security and stature in the world. I thank the Committee for that valuable public service. “I have long believed some of these practices amounted to torture, as a reasonable person would define it, especially, but not only the practice of waterboarding, which is a mock execution and an exquisite form of torture. Its use was shameful and unnecessary; and, contrary to assertions made by some of its defenders and as the Committee’s report makes clear, it produced little useful intelligence to help us track down the perpetrators of 9/11 or prevent new attacks and atrocities. “I know from personal experience that the abuse of prisoners will produce more bad than good intelligence. I know that victims of torture will offer intentionally misleading information if they think their captors will believe it. I know they will say whatever they think their torturers want them to say if they believe it will stop their suffering. Most of all, I know the use of torture compromises that which most distinguishes us from our enemies, our belief that all people, even captured enemies, possess basic human rights, which are protected by international conventions the U.S. not only joined, but for the most part authored. “I know, too, that bad things happen in war. I know in war good people can feel obliged for good reasons to do things they would normally object to and recoil from. “I understand the reasons that governed the decision to resort to these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them and those who used them were dedicated to securing justice for the victims of terrorist attacks and to protecting Americans from further harm. I know their responsibilities were grave and urgent, and the strain of their duty was onerous. “I respect their dedication and appreciate their dilemma. But I dispute wholeheartedly that it was right for them to use these methods, which this report makes clear were neither in the best interests of justice nor our security nor the ideals we have sacrificed so much blood and treasure to defend. “The knowledge of torture’s dubious efficacy and my moral objections to the abuse of prisoners motivated my sponsorship of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005, which prohibits ‘cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment’ of captured combatants, whether they wear a nation’s uniform or not, and which passed the Senate by a vote of 90-9. “Subsequently, I successfully offered amendments to the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which, among other things, prevented the attempt to weaken Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, and broadened definitions in the War Crimes Act to make the future use of waterboarding and other ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ punishable as war crimes. “There was considerable misinformation disseminated then about what was and wasn’t achieved using these methods in an effort to discourage support for the legislation. There was a good amount of misinformation used in 2011 to credit the use of these methods with the death of Osama bin Laden. And there is, I fear, misinformation being used today to prevent the release of this report, disputing its findings and warning about the security consequences of their public disclosure. “Will the report’s release cause outrage that leads to violence in some parts of the Muslim world? Yes, I suppose that’s possible, perhaps likely. Sadly, violence needs little incentive in some quarters of the world today. But that doesn’t mean we will be telling the world something it will be shocked to learn. The entire world already knows that we water-boarded prisoners. It knows we subjected prisoners to various other types of degrading treatment. It knows we used black sites, secret prisons. Those practices haven’t been a secret for a decade. “Terrorists might use the report’s re-identification of the practices as an excuse to attack Americans, but they hardly need an excuse for that. That has been their life’s calling for a while now. “What might come as a surprise, not just to our enemies, but to many Americans, is how little these practices did to aid our efforts to bring 9/11 culprits to justice and to find and prevent terrorist attacks today and tomorrow. That could be a real surprise, since it contradicts the many assurances provided by intelligence officials on the record and in private that enhanced interrogation techniques were indispensable in the war against terrorism. And I suspect the objection of those same officials to the release of this report is really focused on that disclosure – torture’s ineffectiveness – because we gave up much in the expectation that torture would make us safer. Too much. “Obviously, we need intelligence to defeat our enemies, but we need reliable intelligence. Torture produces more misleading information than actionable intelligence. And what the advocates of harsh and cruel interrogation methods have never established is that we couldn’t have gathered as good or more reliable intelligence from using humane methods. “The most important lead we got in the search for bin Laden came from using conventional interrogation methods. I think it is an insult to the many intelligence officers who have acquired good intelligence without hurting or degrading prisoners to assert we can’t win this war without such methods. Yes, we can and we will. “But in the end, torture’s failure to serve its intended purpose isn’t the main reason to oppose its use. I have often said, and will always maintain, that this question isn’t about our enemies; it’s about us. It’s about who we were, who we are and who we aspire to be. It’s about how we represent ourselves to the world. “We have made our way in this often dangerous and cruel world, not by just strictly pursuing our geopolitical interests, but by exemplifying our political values, and influencing other nations to embrace them. When we fight to defend our security we fight also for an idea, not for a tribe or a twisted interpretation of an ancient religion or for a king, but for an idea that all men are endowed by the Creator with inalienable rights. How much safer the world would be if all nations believed the same. How much more dangerous it can become when we forget it ourselves even momentarily. “Our enemies act without conscience. We must not. This executive summary of the Committee’s report makes clear that acting without conscience isn’t necessary, it isn’t even helpful, in winning this strange and long war we’re fighting. We should be grateful to have that truth affirmed. “Now, let us reassert the contrary proposition: that is it essential to our success in this war that we ask those who fight it for us to remember at all times that they are defending a sacred ideal of how nations should be governed and conduct their relations with others – even our enemies. “Those of us who give them this duty are obliged by history, by our nation’s highest ideals and the many terrible sacrifices made to protect them, by our respect for human dignity to make clear we need not risk our national honor to prevail in this or any war. We need only remember in the worst of times, through the chaos and terror of war, when facing cruelty, suffering and loss, that we are always Americans, and different, stronger, and better than those who would destroy us. “Thank you.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=65d10a8c-4247-44a1-85ef-bace6a411685,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON MILITARY TIMES SURVEY OF DECLINING MORALE IN U.S. ARMED FORCES,2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement on the Military Times report published today on declining morale in the U.S. armed forces: “Everyone interested in strengthening America’s national security and the well-being of our military men and women should be alarmed by the new Military Times survey finding a ‘worsening morale crisis’ in the U.S. armed forces. In recent years, I have repeatedly sounded the alarm about the negative impact that the draconian budget cuts under sequestration and this Administration’s feckless foreign policy are having on the morale of our troops. This new survey reports significant drops in areas like job satisfaction, respect for superiors, budget stability, and belief that the organization has soldiers’ best interest in mind over the last five years. We saw similar themes expressed in the independent Navy Retention Survey released in September, finding low morale, lack of desire to ascend to their boss’s job, and widespread distrust of senior leadership as reasons for concern. “Much of this is the responsibility of Congress – namely, the irresponsible and devastating sequestration cuts imposed last year. Repealing defense sequestration is among my top priorities in the new Congress. However, when nearly every category surveyed reveals a significant dip from 2009 to today, we must all take notice and ask, ‘Why is morale so low and what can we do to fix it?’ “The growing dissatisfaction among the all-volunteer force during this Administration is cause for grave concern and requires immediate attention and action by the Commander-in-Chief, senior Defense Department leaders and the U.S. Congress.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=d5074210-e80b-4e97-a74b-d8543b84dc40,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON PASSING OF FELLOW VIETNAM POW ERNIE BRACE,2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the passing of fellow Vietnam Prisoner of War (POW) Ernest Brace: “I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and fellow POW Ernie Brace. As the longest-held American civilian prisoner detained for nearly eight years in Vietnam, Ernie endured more cruelty and severe torture than any other captive during the Vietnam War. “While serving as a civilian pilot for United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and assisting Laotian Special Forces United during the war, Ernie was captured by communist forces in Laos in 1965 and held prisoner in the jungle for three years under some of the most horrific conditions imaginable. In 1968, Ernie was moved to the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison camp in North Vietnam in which we shared neighboring cells for over a year. Ernie and I relied on tapping code to communicate and distracted each other from the horrors of imprisonment by sharing stories, telling jokes and reciting movies each Sunday. While Ernie and I would not meet face-to-face until an event at the White House in 1973 – nearly four years after our first communication in Hanoi – we developed a special bond that strengthened us both at a difficult time, helping us to survive together. “Serving with Ernie was one of the greatest privileges of my life and I am forever grateful for his friendship. As a recipient of the Prisoner of War Medal and two Purple Hearts, Ernie was a true American hero whose bravery and sacrifice for this country had no bounds. My thoughts and prayers are especially with Ernie’s wife Nancy, sister Rose Bradford, four sons, and eight grandchildren. May we always remember Ernie by his love of country, commitment to fellow prisoners, and faith in God above all else.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=6fc377cb-3840-4c0c-b2ca-01cfe63b01cc,"PRESCOTT, AZ - 60TH ANNUAL YAVAPAI COUNTY COURTHOUSE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING",2014-12-06,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT: 60th Annual Yavapai County Courthouse Christmas Lighting WHERE: Prescott WHEN: 12/6/14 DESCRIPTION: Every year, thousands of people visit downtown Prescott to view millions of lights decorating the Courthouse and trees surrounding plaza. For the 60th year, residents and visitors will celebrate this historic lighting tradition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/case-you-missed-it-gosar-speaks-support-lawsuit-against-independent-payment-advisory,In Case You Missed It: Gosar Speaks in Support of Lawsuit against Independent Payment Advisory Board,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) participated yesterday in a press conference with other Members of Congress who have signed onto filing a “friend of the court” brief with the U.S. Supreme Court asking them to hear a legal challenge to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) created by the Affordable Care Act: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 5, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) participated yesterday in a press conference with other Members of Congress who have signed onto filing a “friend of the court” brief with the U.S. Supreme Court asking them to hear a legal challenge to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) created by the Affordable Care Act: “I am proud to be an ally in the fight against one of the most egregious and detrimental parts of Obamacare, threatening the ability for patients and doctors to control their healthcare decisions. As a medical professional for over twenty five years, I can attest to the harmful effect the IPAB will have on healthcare as the Obama Administration continues to push their far left ideology of government run healthcare upon the American people. The foundation of our society has always been the freedom to choose, and IPAB deliberately works to limit consumer choice. “The effort to stop IPAB has gathered support of Republicans and Democrats alike who are working proactively to stop this disaster before it is too late. It is imperative the Supreme Court take up the legality of this unaccountable, unelected board of government bureaucrats as soon as possible. The impact will be irreversible and cripple our healthcare providers’ ability to do their jobs and take care of their patients.” (Rep. Gosar speaking in front of the U.S. Capitol Thursday afternoon)   Background (From the Goldwater Institute) The IPAB is a 15-member board created to set reimbursement rates for Medicare and to determine which procedures, treatments and drugs will and will not be covered by the government programs that pay for the medical treatment of more than 48 million Americans. IPAB decisions cannot be challenged in court and the Board itself cannot be repealed except for during a short window in 2017. These features are unique to the IPAB. Never in American history has another board been created with such broad authority to impact government rulemaking that cannot be challenged in court or repealed. The brief filed on December 4, 2014, urges the U.S. Supreme Court to accept a legal challenge to the IPAB filed by the Goldwater Institute. Congressman Gosar is an original cosponsor of H.R. 351, introduced by Congressman Phil Roe (TN-01), to repeal the IPAB which has 227 sponsors. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether or not to take the case, Coons v. Lew, by June 30, 2015. Read the Congressional amicus brief HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=8090cf72-7923-4f04-b425-f286ffc27b63,Arizona Scenic Drive: Willcox to Apache Pass,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Southeastern Arizona is one of the state's most beautiful areas. Driving from Willcox to Apache Pass is an excellent way to explore part of it. From the start, you'll see what the area is known for: mountains pushing up from grasslands, agave leaning on the hillsides. Agave was an important part of the diet of Apaches, who traveled through here often — so often that they eventually clashed with U.S. troops at a pass between the Dos Cabezas and Chiricahua mountains. The government built a fort here, the remains of which are preserved at Fort Bowie National Historic Site. You can make the trip in just about any kind of vehicle, although the last 10 miles or so are on a graded gravel road. Things to check out along the way: Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum and Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame: Dedicated to Willcox native Rex Allen, a famous singing cowboy of records, movies and television, the museum has a theater, gift shop and memorabilia of local history. Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 150 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox. 520-384-4583, www.rexallenmuseum.org. Apache Pass: About 5 miles after you turn onto Apache Pass Road, you'll come to the pass. Parts of this area are marked with signs, and you can park your car and walk on parts of the Butterfield stagecoach route, now just a narrow path. The views are nice; the terrain is all desert, so take lots of water. Much of the conflict that took place near this historical pass occurred down the road at Fort Bowie. Fort Bowie National Historic Site: A fairly easy 3-mile round-trip hike takes you past a stagecoach stop and small cemetery to the old fort. Signs mark places where skirmishes and negotiations between Apaches and U.S. soldiers took place, and a museum and visitor center sits at the top of the hill near the ruins of the fort. Here, too, you will catch nice views. Details: Free. 520-847-2500, www.nps.gov/fobo. Don't miss: In Benson, about 34 miles west of Willcox, the Singing Wind Bookshop has an impressive selection of titles about the Southwest. Book lovers will not want to miss this store, which occupies an old ranch house and has been written up in national publications. Get off Interstate 10 at Exit 304 and take Ocotillo Road north 2.1 miles, then turn right at Singing Wind Road. The shop is a half mile ahead on the left. Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 520-586-2425. Miles: About 440, round trip. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east through Tucson to Willcox. At Exit 336, take the frontage road into downtown Willcox, then Arizona 186 south about 31 miles to the signed turnoff to Apache Pass Road and go about 10 miles to Fort Bowie. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=109de616-65db-4fb4-a1b7-99a12e0a0e12,SEN. McCAIN ON NOMINATION OF DR. ASHTON CARTER FOR DEFENSE SECRETARY,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the nomination of Dr. Ashton Carter to serve as Secretary of Defense: “Dr. Ashton Carter is a highly competent, experienced, hard-working, and committed public servant. Throughout Dr. Carter’s previous tenure at the Pentagon, I have worked closely with him on a number of issues, including defense acquisition reform. “However, I hope that Dr. Carter fully understands that – as previous Secretaries of Defense have strongly attested – he will likely have limited influence over the tight circle around the president who apparently control the entire strategic decision-making process. As former Secretaries Bob Gates and Leon Panetta recently suggested, the next Secretary of Defense may also be subject to incessant micro-management by the White House on a level not seen since the Vietnam War. These are serious challenges which will face the next leader of the Department of Defense, piled on top of the myriad challenges confronting American military readiness here at home and our nation’s security across the world. “I look forward to Dr. Carter's confirmation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee next year, which will provide a valuable opportunity to fully ventilate all of issues around this Administration's feckless foreign policy, and its grave consequences for the safety and security of our nation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-critical-gosar-jobs-bill,House Passes Critical Gosar Jobs Bill,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 which included the Congressman’s bill authorizing a federal land exchange in Southeast Arizona by a recorded vote of 300-119 share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 4, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov  Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 which included the Congressman’s bill authorizing a federal land exchange in Southeast Arizona by a recorded vote of 300-119: “This is a great day for America and a great day for Arizona. Copper is once again king in Arizona, and our military and our manufacturing base will be assured of critical domestic copper supplies. I am extremely pleased that the House once again passed my Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act. Attaching to the must pass Defense Authorization makes a lot of sense as my bill will lead to new critical mineral production and paves the way for mining one of the largest copper deposits ever discovered in North America, producing enough copper to meet nearly 25% of U.S. demand.  It was a true pleasure working closely with Senator McCain who is spearheading this effort in the Senate. “The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act will create nearly 4,000 new jobs and bring in more than $60 billion over its lifetime to the economically-depressed Town of Superior, Arizona and the surrounding region. This victory comes after years of tireless work by both the House and Senate.  “It is important to note that addressing environmental and tribal concerns played a critical role in the final approval of this legislation. For those reasons, the exchange was modified from the original bill so that the transfer of the Oak Flat property will not occur until after an environmental study is performed on the mine and other activities related to the land exchange. This concession was included at the request of  Native Tribes.  Additionally, the original bill has been modified to allow tribes to access the Oak Flat campground for years to come until the area is deemed unsafe. It also designates 807 acres of the Apache Leap Cliffs as a ‘special management area,’ which places it under Forest Service protection and ensures the cliffs will not be damaged by the mine.  “Historically, land packages have been a common addition to the Defense Authorization as the development of natural resources, such as copper included in many of our defense weapons and systems, directly impacts our national security. “Building a stronger environment for job creation and economic growth in Arizona was one of the primary reasons I ran for Congress. It is the fundamental cure to combating a sluggish economy and brings real prosperity to the people of Arizona. This legislation was one of the first bills I sponsored as a member of Congress and I consider it to be a monumental accomplishment that it is on its way to passage through the Senate and hopefully being signed into law in a timely manner.” Background: Congressman Gosar has created a page on his official website dedicated to providing information on his sponsored legislation, The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act. It can be viewed HERE. The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act would facilitate the development of an underground copper mine that will create new American jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and minerals, and generate revenue for federal and state treasuries.  In addition, the measure would transfer environmentally sensitive lands into federal stewardship. This legislation is not only a jobs bill, it's a conservation bill. The lands the federal government acquires in the exchange are highly-coveted recreational and conservation areas. This legislation is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Supply Association, the American Clean Energy Resources Trust, the Associated General Contractors of America, the Northwest Mining Association, the National Mining Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers. The Defense Authorization included more than Congressman Gosar’s land exchange bill. Also present in this legislation were other important provisions that were strongly supported by Congressman Gosar such as: -Authorizing important resources for paying our troops as well as making sure our men and women in uniform have the tools and equipment necessary to safely and successfully accomplish their missions. -Authorizing vital support for TRICARE as well as national defense weapons systems and platforms, including ballistic missile defense. -Denying the Administration's proposal to increase pharmaceutical co-pays over multiple years. -Provisions to help reverse the trend of military suicide by appropriating $45.3 million towards psychological health programs. -Prohibiting the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo to the United States as well as the prohibition of the construction of new terrorist detention facilities in the United States.  -Providing for the refueling of the USS George Washington, includes limited purchase of EA-18G Growlers, MQ-9 Reapers and AWACS, and bans the retirement of any A-10 aircraft.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-statements?ContentRecord_id=1a1d5279-1c54-4d3c-9346-a8ae7afc0490,OPENING STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON ENDING SPORTS BLACKOUTS AT SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARING TODAY,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today delivered the following statement before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “The FANS Act: Are Sports Blackouts and Antitrust Exemptions Harming Fans, Consumers, and the Games Themselves?”: “Good Morning Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member Grassley. “Thank you for inviting me to testify this morning, and thank you to Senator Blumenthal for making this hearing happen. Senator Blumenthal’s commitment to advocating for consumers has made him a valuable partner to work with on this issue – an area where the rules and regulations far too often leave consumers holding the short end of the stick. “I am here this morning to discuss sports blackouts and to explain how the continued use of blackout rules and policies fail to serve the interests of consumers – in this case, loyal sports fans. “2014 has been a good year for those of us advocating an end to sports blackouts. In September, the FCC voted to eliminate its sports blackout rule. That rule prohibited a cable or satellite company from carrying a game that is blacked-out within the local broadcast area, leaving sports fans in the dark. Senator Blumenthal and I had been calling on the FCC to repeal this outdated rule for the past year and a half, and we applaud the FCC for unanimously spiking it this fall.  “However, the FCC’s vote was not the final word on sports blackouts, and did not eliminate the root causes for a majority of blackouts. Indeed, as FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler pointed out shortly after the vote in September: ‘[E]veryone needs to be aware of who allows blackouts to exist, and it is not the Federal Communications Commission.’ The spotlight is now squarely on the leagues themselves and their own rules and practices, the most infamous being the NFL rule that requires blackouts when a home game does not sell out at least 72 hours before kickoff. “This is an issue that must be addressed by the league itself; and, if the NFL fails to show leadership, then through congressional action. “It is clear that blackout rules fail to serve their original stated purpose, which was to increase stadium attendance and improve the viewing experience. The record established leading up to the FCC proceeding, including a large body of research by sports economists, underscored this point, demonstrating that any arguments in support of the blackout rule expired long ago. I hope this hearing will do the same. “The simple fact is that these rules only serve to benefit sports leagues and their member teams at the expense of the hardworking fans who support them so loyally through their money, time, and passion. Just last year, during the NFL wild card playoffs, fans of the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, and Green Bay Packers came very close to experiencing blackouts when those games hadn’t sold-out just days before kick-off. The blackouts in these regions were only averted when, at the last minute, local businesses bought-up tickets to bring the total above the NFL’s required threshold. “There is something wrong with a situation in which the NFL can say to all those fans who have made the league what it is today, ‘you had better purchase tickets, or else.’ The NFL and its teams have benefitted from myriad public benefits, including an exemption from antitrust rules, a specialized tax status, and taxpayer dollars that subsidize their million-dollar football stadiums. These public benefits carry with them a responsibility back to the public – an obligation to treat their loyal fans with fairness. “We have been chipping away at these rules for some time, but there is still much work to be done. This year, Senator Blumenthal and I introduced the FANS Act, aimed at eliminating the various causes of sports blackouts. This legislation would condition the NFL and other leagues’ antitrust exemption on ending blackout practices, including in those circumstances when stand-offs during contractual disputes between broadcasters and cable and satellite companies result in blackouts. We would strongly prefer that the league take the initiative itself, and demonstrate leadership by reforming anti-consumer policies and practices. But let’s be clear, should the league fail to act, we will do everything we can do stand up for consumers by advancing the FANS Act and other initiatives. “I look forward to hearing from witnesses on the following panel on ways we can work together to finally blow the whistle on sports blackouts once and for all. “Thank you.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2014/12/03/rep-schweikert-staff-hosts-christmas-toy-drive-open-house/,Rep. Schweikert Staff Hosts Christmas Toy Drive + Open House,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Scottsdale, Ariz., December 3, 2014 — Rep. David Schweikert’s (R-AZ) District Office staff are collecting toys for children staying in Scottsdale Healthcare’s Pediatric Unit over the holidays. The drive will last from December 3, 2014 to December 18, 2014. The collection for toys will culminate with a District Office Open House on Thursday, December 18, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Rep. Schweikert’s District Office is located at 10603 N. Hayden Rd, Suite 108, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. DONATION IDEAS: – Matchbox cars – Play-doh – Trains – Musical toys – Rattles – Character dolls and toys – Barbie dolls – Action figures – Lego’s – Blocks – DVDs – Current Movies – Arts and Crafts Kits – Child-appropriate books – Leap Frog toys – Interactive learning toys – Makeup, nail polish – Magazines *Toys for Scottsdale Healthcare must be new and unwrapped; stuffed animals must have tags attached. Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center is the Northeast Valley’s only hospital with a dedicated pediatric unit, pediatric intensive care and pediatric ER. The 28-bed pediatric inpatient unit offers care for children ages infant through 18. ### Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov (202) 680- 9613 Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:44:12Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schweikert-staff-hosts-christmas-toy-drive-open-house,Rep. Schweikert Staff Hosts Christmas Toy Drive + Open House,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scottsdale, Ariz., December 3, 2014 -- Rep. David Schweikerts (R-AZ) District Office staff are collecting toys for children staying in Scottsdale Healthcares Pediatric Unit over the holidays. The drive will last from December 3, 2014 to December 18, 2014. The collection for toys will culminate with a District Office Open House on Thursday, December 18, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Rep. Schweikerts District Office is located at 10603 N. Hayden Rd, Suite 108, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. DONATION IDEAS: - Matchbox cars - Play-doh - Trains - Musical toys - Rattles - Character dolls and toys - Barbie dolls - Action figures - Legos - Blocks - DVDs Current Movies - Arts and CraftsKits - Child-appropriate books - Leap Frog toys - Interactive learning toys - Makeup, nail polish - Magazines *Toys for Scottsdale Healthcare must be new and unwrapped; stuffed animals must have tags attached. Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center is the Northeast Valleys only hospital with a dedicated pediatric unit, pediatric intensive care and pediatric ER. The 28-bed pediatric inpatient unit offers care for children ages infant through 18. ### Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov (202) 680- 9613",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=42884c56-068d-43e2-9dc9-cde1ac1f3c30,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW IN HUNGARY,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement expressing concern about democracy and the rule of law in Hungary: “Since Prime Minister Viktor Orban came to power in 2010, antidemocratic constitutional changes have been enacted, the independence of Hungary’s courts have been restricted, nongovernmental organizations raided and civil society prosecuted, the freedom of the press curtailed, and much more. These actions threaten the principles of institutional independence and checks and balances that are the hallmark of democratic governance and have left me deeply concerned about the erosion of democratic norms in Hungary. “These concerns are shared by many. A ruling by the Venice Commission in 2013 found that Prime Minister Orban’s constitutional changes threaten democracy and rule of law in Hungary, stating that the amendments ‘contradict principles of the Fundamental Law and European standards,’ and ‘leads to a risk that it may negatively affect all three pillars of the Council of Europe: the separation of powers as an essential tenet of democracy, the protection of human rights and the rule of law.’ “The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned Hungary’s media laws, saying that they create a climate of fear and media self-censorship, even after critical changes were made to account for previous complaints from the European Commission. ‘The changes to the Hungarian media law only add to the existing concerns over the curbing of critical or differing views in the country,’ said Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE’s representative on Freedom of the Media. “The European Central Bank has repeatedly warned that Prime Minister Orban’s government is encroaching on the independence of its central bank, calling for him to respect the independence of monetary policymakers and condemning attempts by the government to threaten central bankers with dismissal if they oppose government policy. “And just last month, six Hungarians were banned from entering the United States over alleged corruption. U.S. Chargé d'Affaires André Goodfriend reportedly called the ban a warning to reverse policies that threaten democratic values, citing ‘negative disappointing trends’ in Hungary and a ‘weakening of rule of law, attacks on civil society, [and] a lack of transparency.’ “Democracy without respect for rule of law, separation of powers, and the protection of economic, civil, and religious liberties is not only inadequate, it is dangerous. It brings with it the erosion of liberty, the abuse of power, ethnic divisions, and economic restrictions – all of which we have witnessed in Hungary since Prime Minister Orban took power. Prime Minister Orban has justified his actions by calling for a new state model based on ‘illiberal democracy,’ but his vision defies the core values of the European Union and NATO. These alliances are founded not only on the principle of democracy, but also rule of law and the protection of individual liberty and fundamental freedoms. All members must remain committed to these values.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4353267b-5f50-4514-8846-d53b6c4846b3,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN CONGRATULATING PEOPLE OF MOLDOVA ON PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement congratulating the people of Moldova on the successful conclusion of the November 30th parliamentary elections: “I congratulate the people of Moldova on the successful conclusion of the November 30th parliamentary elections. The election results have validated Moldova’s pro-European path and proved that President Vladimir Putin’s coercive behavior will not deter the Moldovan people from achieving their democratic aspirations. As growing geopolitical challenges threaten Moldova’s borders and Russia continues to fuel unrest in Transnistria, it is important that all parties work quickly to form an inclusive and accountable government that will continue the achievements of the previous government and remain committed to meaningful political and economic reforms. These reforms will be difficult and the United States should work with our European partners to provide a strong support network to Moldova that can help reduce short-term costs and protect against Russian retaliation. I look forward to working with Moldova’s new government in its efforts to achieve higher standards of governance and accountability, root out corruption, and promote greater economic opportunity.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://franks.house.gov/press-release/congressman-trent-franks-critical-infrastructure-protection-act-passes-unanimously,Congressman Trent Franks' Critical Infrastructure Protection Act Passes Unanimously,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Trent Franks,F000448,franks.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08), a ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on tonight's unanimous House Floor passage of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act. ""The Department of Homeland Security has the specific responsibility to secure the key resources and critical infrastructure in the United States, to include power production, generation and distribution systems. The U.S. electric grid is fundamental to our continued way of life and practical steps must be taken to protect those critical elements that serve the United States from all threats. The negative impacts on U.S. financial, agricultural, medical and other critical societal infrastructure are potentially catastrophic in a severe electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or severe space weather event. ""Today with the passage of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, we are one step closer to protecting America from one of the potentially more serious short term national security threats we face. ""Anyone who has tried to feed their family or keep their children warm after the power has gone out will understand why this act is so crucially important. I am happy to see that my colleagues in the House of Representatives have taken this first step to protect our nation. ""Passage of this legislation will help the United States prevent and prepare for such an event by including large-scale blackouts into existing national planning scenarios, including educational awareness for first responders to protect critical infrastructure. Most importantly, it requires specific plans for protecting and recovering the electric grid and other critical infrastructure from a dangerous EMP event. ""There is a moment from the life of nearly every problem when it is big enough to be seen by reasonable people and still small enough to be successfully addressed. Those of us across America live in a time when there still may be opportunity for the free world to address and mitigate the vulnerability that naturally occurring or weaponized EMP represents to the mechanisms of our civilization. This is our moment.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=13d78c78-8d36-4043-b769-d093d6aa8859,Senate Approves Gosar-Flake Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today approved H.R. 4924, the Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act. The bipartisan bill - introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and cosponsored by the entire Arizona U.S. House delegation - would codify agreements that would settle a water-rights dispute in the Bill Williams River Watershed, providing certainty to both Indian and non-Indian water users. An identical companion bill (S. 2503) was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and John McCain (R-AZ). “Senate passage of the Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement marks yet another positive step forward in Arizona’s long history of proactive water management,” said Flake. “If signed by the president, this settlement will help to foster economic growth in northwestern Arizona, while safeguarding the Hualapai tribe’s culturally significant water uses in the Big Sandy River basin.” Background: Freeport Minerals Corporation owns and operates a copper mine and townsite in Bagdad, Ariz. The water for that operation comes from a series of wells along the Big Sandy River (a tributary of the Bill Williams River) in what is known as the Wikieup Wellfield. Because the Hualapai tribe also owns parcels in the area that could be impacted by Freeport’s pumping, the United States, on the tribe’s behalf, objected to Freeport’s applications to transfer water rights from Planet and Lincoln ranches to the Wikieup Wellfield. As part of this settlement, Freeport will agree to cap its use of water from the Wikieup Wellfield and recognize the water rights of the tribe and allottees on nearby parcels. The tribe and the United States on behalf of the tribe and the allottees further agree to waive claims and drop their objections to Freeport’s severance and transfer request. Finally, Freeport will transfer portions of Planet Ranch for use in the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP). In September 2014, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted to make payments in lieu of taxes to Mohave and LaPaz counties for land that will be transferred to the MSCP. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1d0680da-723a-410e-8b0f-dca13f697e70,Flakes Science of Splurging Puts EPA Spending Under the Microscope,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) today released the Science of Splurging, a report highlighting more than a dozen examples of wasteful and egregious spending by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) including: $1,100,000 to pay the salaries of eight employees who were not working due to being placed on administrative leave $3,500,000 to fund “Planning for Economic and Fiscal Health” workshops across the country $1,500,000 annually to store out-of-date and unwanted publications at an Ohio warehouse $700,000 to attempt to reduce methane emitted from pig flatulence in Thailand $900,000 in salary, benefits and improper bonuses paid to an oft-absent employee who fraudulently claimed to be an agent of the Central Intelligence Agency “For an agency keen to regulate every puddle from a rainstorm, the EPA has proven itself remarkably inept when it comes to managing its own affairs,” said Flake. “After years of handing out blank checks in the form of omnibus appropriations bills and continuing resolutions, it’s time for Congress to return to regular order and restore accountability at the EPA.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=26a4c30c-66b7-42e9-93ae-fee2e3dc76f0,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN URGING ARMY TO AVOID CUTS AT FORT HUACHUCA THAT WOULD DEGRADE U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) submitted the following statement during today’s public listening session on the U.S. Army’s Force Structure Realignment plan at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona, urging them to avoid cuts at the Fort which would degrade the Army’s contribution to national security: “As the U.S. Army proposes to downsize 30 installations across the nation under the Force Structure Realignment plan, I urge Army leaders to consider that cuts at Fort Huachuca would not only have far-reaching negative effects on our national security, but would also impact more than one-fifth of the active-duty and civilian jobs in Sierra Vista, and undermine the Fort’s status as the Army’s top installation working to conserve water supplies in the drought-stricken West. “One does not need to look far to see the critical value of this installation to our state and our nation. The U.S. Army’s unmatched leaders, capabilities, and platforms in the areas of cybersecurity, network communications, unmanned platforms, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) are forged right here at Fort Huachuca. “The U.S. military relies on the Army Intelligence Center of Excellence to provide cutting-edge training for military intelligence officers. The Army also relies on the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) headquartered here, which enables worldwide information dominance for our troops and management and defense of the Army’s network communications. “In addition, Fort Huachuca’s Electronic Proving Grounds test and develop the ISR technologies that the Army needs to save lives and enable our military to complete its missions. Fort Huachuca’s training is critical to ensure the Army sees the enemy and communicates on the battlefield of the 21st century. “Fort Huachuca also trains high-quality unmanned aerial vehicle pilots with access to nearly 1,000 square miles of airspace and more than 300 flying days per year. Senior military leaders have repeatedly called for increased funding and resources for unmanned aerial assets, and Fort Huachuca is uniquely positioned to meet these increased needs for the Army. “Furthermore, Fort Huachuca is a partner in ensuring the security of the local environment by being an excellent steward of its natural resources. Over the past two decades, Fort Huachuca has proven itself as the U.S. Army’s top installation working to conserve water supplies in the arid western United States. Earlier this year, Fort Huachuca achieved its goal of fully offsetting its own water consumption budget of 6,000 acre-feet of water per year – about 1.9 billion gallons of water used annually on and off post – and has exceeded that offset by another 1,300 acre-feet per year.  “Currently, the Fort is credited with supplying nearby aquifers with more water than it withdraws. In terms relating to the job cuts proposed under the Force Structure Realignment, Fort Huachuca has gone from being a no-growth installation because of limited water availability to a sustainable installation that could feasibly double the size of its current mission if called upon by the Army.  “Fort Huachuca is also integral to our nation’s border security and drug interdiction efforts through effective partnership with Homeland Security and local law enforcement. “It is clear that substantial cuts at Fort Huachuca would only serve to degrade the Army’s contribution to national security. The capability, assets, and value that Fort Huachuca offer are impossible to replicate elsewhere. The Army should sustain and consider increasing its investment in Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista’s people and community to meet the national security challenges of today and tomorrow. “Thank you.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2a8c4f1f-6662-4ff4-b903-deaa1d41524f,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL WILLIAMS RIVER WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT ACT,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement following the Senate today passing H.R. 4924, the Bill Williams Water Rights Settlement Act: “I am pleased that the Senate and the House have passed the Bill Williams Water Rights Settlement Act. While not a full Indian water settlement, this bill is an important step forward in the continuing effort to resolve the water rights claims of the Hualapai Tribe. The bill also helps secure future water supplies that support jobs at Arizona’s Badgad Mine operated by Freeport Minerals Corporation. “I understand that concerns have been raised by a number of local communities about this legislation, particularly the loss of county revenues that would occur under the land exchange element of the settlement. I support this legislation, but would expect that the broader Hualapai water settlement to follow will be developed in consultation with the community and their concerns be fully vetted by Congress.” The bipartisan House bill, which was introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and cosponsored by the entire Arizona U.S. House delegation, would codify agreements that would settle a water-rights dispute in the Bill Williams River Watershed. Senators McCain and Flake previously introduced S. 2503, an identical companion bill in the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=560f7234-7a2a-48b9-a855-c0398776b846,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON CANCELLATION OF RUSSIAS SOUTH STREAM GAS PIPELINE PROJECT,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on Russia’s cancellation of the South Stream gas pipeline project: “President Vladimir Putin’s decision to abandon the South Stream gas pipeline project is an important victory for Europe’s energy security. Mr. Putin has long exploited Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, using energy as political leverage to intimidate and bully neighboring countries and undermine efforts within the European Union to respond more strongly to Russian aggression. The South Stream gas pipeline would have consolidated his control over the energy supply in Europe and granted him unprecedented power in the international arena. That is why I urged the Bulgarian government in June to collaborate more closely with their European partners to secure its energy interests and refrain from working with entities sanctioned by the United States. These efforts were successful, and I am pleased to see that similar efforts by the European Union have finally culminated with Putin’s decision to forgo the pipeline project entirely. “Now is simply not the time for business as usual with Russia. With the support of the United States, the European Union should move quickly to mount a serious effort to secure non-Russian supplies of gas to Europe and prevent Putin from using energy as political leverage once and for all. To this end, the United States has a critical role to play in helping to liberate our allies from Russia’s stranglehold on the European natural-gas market. Cheap and abundant American resources have helped lower prices globally, but while Putin sells oil and gas freely around the world, we impose major restrictions on selling our energy to all but a few. That is why I have sponsored the North Atlantic Energy Security Act, legislation that will deploy our own natural resources to weaken the Putin regime and strengthen our allies in Europe. America’s energy sector has the potential to serve as a hugely important asset that could be used to bolster the economy, serve U.S. foreign policy objectives, and strengthen our national security and the security our allies around the world.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=df741959-280b-42d2-a608-53144f34a594,SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON FOX AMERICA'S NEWSROOM 12-2-14,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tucson Office Office 407 West Congress Street Suite 103 Tucson, AZ 85701 Main: (520) 670-6334 Fax: (855) 952-8702",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-gosar-sponsored-bipartisan-water-rights-settlement-bill,"House Unanimously Passes Gosar's Critical, Bipartisan Water Rights Settlement Bill",2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Rep. Gosar's La Paz Bill Passes House Natural Resources Committee November 30, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after H.R. 2630, La Paz County Land Conveyance A... More Press Releases Reps. Gosar and Norman Introduce Bill for Transparency in Federal Rule-Making November 2, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) and Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) released the following statement after introdu... More Press Releases Bipartisan Gosar Bill to Foster Economic Development and Job Creation in Rural Arizona Moves Forward to Committee Hearing October 11, 2017 Washington, D.C. October 11, 2017 -Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after a House Committee on ... More Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rep. Gosar’s Grand Canyon Bison Management Act Passes Committee and Incorporated into Sportsmen Bill September 13, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the Grand Canyon Bison Management Act was adopted by the House Natural Resources Committee as part of the SHARE Act, a bill to increase opportunities for America’s sportsmen and women: “The Grand Canyon Bison Management Act is absolutely vital to preserving the natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon,” stated Congressman Gosar. “The carrying out of this bill will not cost the American ... More Press Releases Rep. Gosar Introduces Bill to Seek Justice for ""Downwinders"" Negatively Impacted by Government Nuclear Testing July 28, 2017 Contact: Faith C. Vander Voort Faith.VanderVoort@mail.house.gov 7/28/2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) rel... More Browse News Search",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=930bf692-78d1-4725-9ecb-b73e260babe7,COMING SOON: Science of Splurging,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Posted on Dec 01 2014 What do you seen when Environmental Protection Agency Spending (EPA) is put under the microscope? The #ScienceOfSplurging comes into focus Dec. 2.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=dcde8d38-3543-4a47-8e40-b3ab2197379d,"TEMPE, AZ - FANTASY OF LIGHTS OPENING NIGHT PARADE",2014-11-29,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT: Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade WHERE: Tempe WHEN: 11/29/14 DESCRIPTION: The annual Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade in Tempe, which takes place each year on the day after Thanksgiving, features as many as 40 units, including floats, balloons, clowns, novelty units, marching bands, and the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade proceeds down Mill Avenue from 3rd Street and turns on 7th Street to proceed through Centerpoint Plaza, where visitors can see the lighting of Tempe’s holiday tree.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=555eb4d1-1cd9-4990-a61b-d1ac96613635,"PHOENIX, AZ - ZOOLIGHTS AT THE PHOENIX ZOO",2014-11-28,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT: Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo WHERE: Phoenix WHEN: 11/28/14-1/3/14 DESCRIPTION: ZooLights, powered by SRP EarthWise Energy, features 3.8 million lights, 700 sparkling displays, carousel, camel and wagon rides, and exhibits at the Phoenix Zoo for the entire family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=d5a572d0-a139-49b8-bccc-c45a650c8ad1,"PHOENIX, AZ - LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS",2014-11-28,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT: Las Noches de las Luminarias WHERE: Phoenix WHEN: 11/28/14-12/30/15 DESCRIPTION: Each year during the holiday season, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix lines the paths of desert garden with thousands of luminarias for Las Noches de las Luminarias. The event features entertainment, food, drinks and snacks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=0a5ae5db-3dbb-4d37-b75f-ef349614083b,Arizona Scenic Drive: Parker Canyon Lake,2014-11-28,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"From The Arizona Republic Once you start driving around southeastern Arizona, you want to see it all. Mountain ranges cut through grasslands where Apaches once rode, trails push into the trees, and there are scenic lakes and canyons. You can't see it all in one day, but you can see a lot. This road trip will take all day. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east. Ten miles past Tucson, head south on State Route 83. After a few miles, the road will climb, and you'll soon be surrounded by oak-covered hills. You'll wonder if you've taken a wrong turn and wound up in California. Relax. Keep driving. Plenty more of this beautiful country awaits. Here are things to see and do along the way. Enjoy the view: Turn right at the overlook at mile marker 44 and take a break. This will give you a nice view of the surrounding countryside. Las Cienegas National Conservation Area: To make this side trip, look for a left turn between mile markers 40 and 39. Grassy hills, flats and miles of unspoiled country await. A non-profit volunteer organization purchased the Empire Ranch house 3 miles from the turnoff and has been restoring it since 1997. The ranch house was built in 1870 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can hike, picnic, look for birds and other wildlife, and visit the ranch headquarters. Free guided tours of the ranch house are offered at 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Tours last about an hour. Meet at the visitor center, across from the main ranch house porch. Details: 520-258-7200, www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas.html. 888-364-2829, www.empireranchfoundation.org. Gardner Canyon Road: This road, also known as Forest Road 92, is a right turn just after mile marker 38. It takes you toward Mount Wrightson, a prominent peak in the Santa Rita Mountains. Along the way, you'll pass Apache Springs Ranch, where Apaches used to stop for water. The Arizona Trail passes through this area as well. You can pick it up at a trailhead just past the ranch. Details: aztrail.org. Parker Canyon Lake: End your drive at this 130-acre lake about 20 miles southeast of Sonoita. It's ringed by a 5-mile trail that winds through gorgeous, oak-covered hills. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, bass, catfish and sunfish. It also holds northern pike, illegally stocked years ago. There is no limit on how many northerns you can keep. There's a marina, store, restrooms, boat ramp, fishing pier and 65-space campground with restrooms, picnic tables and grills. Paddleboats, kayaks and aluminum fishing boats are available for rent. Boat engines are limited to 8 horsepower. At an elevation of 5,400 feet, it is higher than Phoenix but low enough to get warm on a summer afternoon. Details: 520-455-5847, parkercanyonlake.com. To get back to Phoenix, leave Parker Canyon Lake and retrace your route back up SR 83 and I-10. It's about 180 miles each way. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-letter-amnesty-executive-order,Rep. Gosar Letter on Amnesty Executive Order,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Gosar Letter on Amnesty Executive Order f t # e Washington, DC, November 25, 2014 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-new-round-irs-bonuses-proves-no-accountability-agency,Rep. Gosar: New Round of IRS Bonuses Proves No Accountability at Agency,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner, John Koskinen, told agency employees, including senior management employees, earlier this week that they will receive bonuses amidst ongoing IRS scandals: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: November 25, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov  Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner, John Koskinen, told agency employees, including senior management employees, earlier this week that they will receive bonuses amidst ongoing IRS scandals: “The IRS is currently under Congressional investigation. The agency has destroyed hard drives and withheld information from Congress. The House has voted to hold the former supervisor of the IRS division Lois Lerner in contempt. The House passed legislation demanding special counsel be appointed to investigate and prosecute the IRS's targeting of conservative groups and the House passed my bipartisan amendment by a large margin to prohibit bonuses for IRS senior executive service employees for this fiscal year.  “Despite these ongoing scandals and sanctions, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen is still planning to reward managers and senior executives within this rogue agency with bonuses paid for by taxpayer dollars. This action is a slap in the face to the American people. The IRS needs a dose of reality because in the private sector, people not only don’t get bonuses for corrupt actions, but they are fired as well.  “There is no accountability at the IRS and this new round of bonuses confirms that fact.  These bonuses defy the will of the House and are unmerited in most instances. Commissioner Koskinen needs to get a clue or he should be the next Obama Administration official to resign.” Background: On July 16, 2014, the House passed an amendment offered by Congressman Gosar prohibiting bonuses for senior executive service employees at the IRS. The amendment passed with a bipartisan vote of 282-138-1, with one member voting present, and was attached to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2015. According to recent media reports: ““IRS managers will get a similar size bonus — around 1 percent of an employee’s salary base — while awards for senior executives are still being finalized...” IRS Commissioner, John Koskinen, gave out nearly $63 million in bonuses last year to “boost morale” at the agency.     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205203919/http://sinema.house.gov/index.cfm/posts?ContentRecord_id=96B04E97-52DB-4730-95B6-B06345F1F07D,Sinema Statement on Human Rights and Violence Against Women in Iran,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"As the P5+1 nuclear negotiations with Iran continue, the world should also recognize the poor human rights conditions facing the Iranian people.  November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Sadly, women in Iran face daily abuse, in some cases promoted by the Iranian government. From acid attacks on women in public venues to systemic support for domestic violence against women at home, the human rights situation in Iran remains unacceptable.  A March 2014 UN Report stated: “Laws that permit gender discrimination and promote violence against women continue to be introduced in Iran. The revised Islamic Penal Code, which came into force in June 2013, retains provisions that are discriminatory towards women. For instance, it values women’s testimony in a court of law as half that of a man’s, and a woman’s life half that of a man’s.” The Iranian legal system is also overtly hostile to sexual assault victims, forcing them to prove their innocence or risk being punished for adultery.  Girls as young as nine can be married in Iran, and “nonconsensual sexual relations in marriage” are still legal.  Women’s rights are human rights. The world community should support the Iranian people by pushing the Iranian regime to end its systemic violence against women. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205203922/http://sinema.house.gov/index.cfm/posts?ContentRecord_id=78966566-C6E9-48AF-9733-104AD88DCE27,Sinema Statement on Extension of P5+1 Nuclear Negotiations,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"As the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France, and Germany continue negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, it is important that the United States does not allow Iran to use the extension of the talks to continue developing nuclear weapons capability. Relief from sanctions should be conditional on Iran’s compliance with the terms agreed to in the P5+1 talks. Iran must immediately comply with IAEA requests for access to its nuclear facilities, and the United States should consider additional pressure if the Iranian regime refuses to abide by the conditions it has agreed to thus far. I support a diplomatic solution that prevents Iran from developing the capability to rapidly develop nuclear arms and allows for continuous monitoring and verification of Iranian compliance.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206080009/http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-rallies-house-members-take-action-against-obama%E2%80%99s-executive-amnesty,Rep. Gosar Rallies House Members to take Action against Obamas Executive Amnesty,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after spearheading a letter calling on House leadership to take action and stop President Obama’s recent executive order which granted amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants: “Following President Obama’s sweeping and unconstitutional executive order, the American people want to know what their elected Representatives are going to do to rein in this abuse of power. It is important that we clearly communicate our complete and absolute rejection of the president’s illegal actions and layout our plan of how the Constitution grants Congress the ability to reign in this executive overreach. Our constituents want to know what we are going to do, so several members in the House and I developed three action items that we call on House leadership to take as soon as possible. “First, the House should immediately pass a short-term spending bill that defunds the entirety of President Obama’s executive order. Second, our body should pass H.Res.757 which would authorize the House to sue the President for any actions in violation of the Constitution in regards to immigration enforcement. Finally, the House must prohibit any funds from being used to provide work permits or green cards to illegal immigrants who are unlawfully living in the United States. “This is an important moment where the House can demonstrate how the power of the Constitution trumps the rogue actions of a lawless president. There is just too much at risk for this executive amnesty to go unchallenged.” Background: The full text of the letter sent to House leadership can be found HERE. NumbersUSA, one of the nation's largest immigration enforcement advocacy groups with more than two million members, has endorsed Congressman Gosar's letter. The other original cosigners are Reps. Mo Brooks (AL-05), Ted Poe (TX-02), Cynthia Lummis (WY-AL), Bill Posey (FL-08), Steve Stockman (TX-36) and Paul Broun (GA-10). H.Res.757 is similar to House-passed resolution H.Res.676 and litigation filed last week by the House against President Obama’s unilateral actions on healthcare. On November 13th, 63 members of the House, including Rep. Gosar, sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee requesting the House prohibit any funds to be used for work permits or green cards for illegal immigrants. This letter was led by Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05).                                                                                                                   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://franks.house.gov/press-release/franks-obama-betting-lives-iran-deal-buying-iran-more-time-complete-program,"Franks: Obama Betting Lives on Iran Deal, Buying Iran More Time to Complete Program",2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Trent Franks,F000448,franks.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08), a ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Chairman of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, released the following statement in light of today’s announcement that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program would be extended another seven months in light of a failure to reach a deal before the November 24th deadline: ""It was recently revealed that Iran has been defying its interim agreement with the Obama Administration, continuing to feed uranium into the IR-5, the most technologically advanced centrifuge currently available. Iran, when caught, promised not to do it again. Mr. Obama deemed that promise satisfactory. And now, this President's entire plan rests on his assumption that the same Iran that, just weeks ago, was caught breaking its promises, won't do so anymore. ""That the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, which has repeatedly provided resources and weapons to kill Americans, has suddenly lost its ideologically driven thirst for blood. ""That the same Iran that possesses 19,000 centrifuges, an intercontinental ballistic missile program, and at least 17 different nuclear facilities -- some of which remained secret until they were essentially operational -- no longer harbors such secrets. ""This President is not only naively making these assumptions -- he is betting American lives on them. Yet Americans have been given no reason to trust the judgment of a President who has demonstrated a Midas-like ability to turn any foreign policy crisis he touches into tragedy and unmitigated failure. Unfortunately, he is providing Iran the one remaining resource it needs: additional time to complete the nuclear program with which it aims to threaten peace and security of the entire world.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2014/11/24/rep-david-schweikert-releases-statement-first-round-tunisian/,Rep. David Schweikert Releases Statement on First Round of the Tunisian Presidential Election,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Scottsdale, Ariz., November 24, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), co-chair of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a statement following the first round of the Tunisian presidential election: “I congratulate the Tunisian people on a successful first round of their Presidential election,” said Co-Chair Schweikert. “With millions going to the polls to vote, Tunisia has shown a commitment to a peaceful democratic transition that has been an inspiration throughout the region.” I am confident the Tunisian people will continue to build upon the success of the last several months as their democratic aspirations are realized.” ### Congressman David Schweikert co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the summer of 2013 alongside Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia. CONTACT: Maggie Zehring, margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov, (202) 680-9613 Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:43:56Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2014/11/24/rep-schweikert-releases-statement-response-sharon-helman-firing/,Rep. Schweikert Releases Statement in Response to Sharon Helman Firing,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Scottsdale, Ariz., November 25, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert released a statement following the news that the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) has fired Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS) Hospital Director, Sharon Helman. This news comes after months of scandal and investigation into delayed patient care at PVAHCS. “Despite being long overdue, I am very supportive of the removal of former Director Helman and the leadership that led to the gross neglect of our veteran’s healthcare needs,” said Schweikert. “The toxic environment of the Phoenix VA, both for staff and patients, has let down too many of our veterans.” “I look forward to working closely with interim director Glen Grippen during this time of transition and improvement.” ### Congressman Schweikert sent letters to PVAHCS Director Sharon Helman and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki asking for the resignation of Director Helman and top leadership at the Phoenix VA Facility in April, 2014. CONTACT: Maggie Zehring, margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov, (202) 680-9613 Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:43:56Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-david-schweikert-releases-statement-first-round-tunisian,Rep. David Schweikert Releases Statement on First Round of the Tunisian Presidential Election,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scottsdale, Ariz., November 24, 2014Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), co-chair of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a statement following the first round of the Tunisian presidential election: I congratulate the Tunisian people on a successful first round of their Presidential election, said Co-Chair Schweikert. With millions going to the polls to vote, Tunisia has shown a commitment to a peaceful democratic transition that has been an inspiration throughout the region. I am confident the Tunisian people will continue to build upon the success of the last several months as their democratic aspirations are realized. ### Congressman David Schweikert co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the summer of 2013 alongside Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia. CONTACT: Maggie Zehring, margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov, (202) 680-9613",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schweikert-releases-statement-response-sharon-helman-firing,Rep. Schweikert Releases Statement in Response to Sharon Helman Firing,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scottsdale, Ariz., November 25, 2014Rep. David Schweikert released a statement following the news that the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) has fired Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS) Hospital Director, Sharon Helman. This news comes after months of scandal and investigation into delayed patient care at PVAHCS. Despite being long overdue, I am very supportive of the removal of former Director Helman and the leadership that led to the gross neglect of our veterans healthcare needs, said Schweikert. The toxic environment of the Phoenix VA, both for staff and patients, has let down too many of our veterans. I look forward to working closely with interim director Glen Grippen during this time of transition and improvement. ### Congressman Schweikert sent letters to PVAHCS Director Sharon Helman and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki asking for the resignation of Director Helman and top leadership at the Phoenix VA Facility in April, 2014. CONTACT: Maggie Zehring, margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov, (202) 680-9613",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205203926/http://sinema.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DC22AC86-8C8F-4DC9-B723-D467833A337E,Sinema Statement on VAs Removal of Director Helman,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Phoenix, AZ – Today Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the removal of Phoenix VA Director Sharon Helman: “Firing Helman is the right decision and long overdue. The removal of Helman demonstrates that the VA has listened to our concerns and is serious about holding accountable those who put veterans at risk. Helman has been paid over $90,000 since being placed on administrative leave. This is a completely unacceptable use of taxpayer dollars that should instead go to providing care for veterans. The VA should now install a permanent director, ensuring leadership continuity and increased stability. I will continue to urge the VA to change its culture and set a new standard of care that meets the needs of veterans and holds managers accountable when it does not.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205203931/http://sinema.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=47B43D6D-4889-42CA-892D-482FE5D8F9B7,"Sinema Meets with New Interim Phoenix VA Director, Requests Plan to Fix Veterans Care",2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Phoenix, AZ – Today Congresswoman Sinema met with recently appointed Interim Phoenix VA Director Glen Grippen to outline her key priorities and request a detailed plan to fix significant problems at the Phoenix facility. Following the meeting, Sinema released this statement: “Arizona veterans deserve timely access to the best possible care. The Phoenix VA has significantly more work to do to meet this standard. I asked Director Grippen for his plan to fix the problems at the Phoenix VA and communicate progress and challenges to the public, to veterans, and to the Arizona Congressional delegation. “I also told Director Grippen we want him to change the culture and deliver a high standard of care at the Phoenix VA, and we will call for  accountability throughout the process. Arizona veterans deserve a VA that puts them first and we expect Director Grippen’s leadership to deliver.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205214122/http://schweikert.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=807,Rep. Schweikert Releases Statement in Response to Sharon Helman Firing,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Scottsdale, Ariz., November 25, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert released a statement following the news that the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) has fired Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS) Hospital Director, Sharon Helman. This news comes after months of scandal and investigation into delayed patient care at PVAHCS. “Despite being long overdue, I am very supportive of the removal of former Director Helman and the leadership that led to the gross neglect of our veteran’s healthcare needs,” said Schweikert. “The toxic environment of the Phoenix VA, both for staff and patients, has let down too many of our veterans.” “I look forward to working closely with interim director Glen Grippen during this time of transition and improvement.” ### Congressman Schweikert sent letters to PVAHCS  Director Sharon Helman and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki asking for the resignation of Director Helman and top leadership at the Phoenix VA Facility in April, 2014. CONTACT: Maggie Zehring, margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov, (202) 680-9613",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205214324/http://schweikert.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=806,Rep. David Schweikert Releases Statement on First Round of the Tunisian Presidential Election,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Scottsdale, Ariz., November 24, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), co-chair of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a statement following the first round of the Tunisian presidential election: “I congratulate the Tunisian people on a successful first round of their Presidential election,” said Co-Chair Schweikert. “With millions going to the polls to vote, Tunisia has shown a commitment to a peaceful democratic transition that has been an inspiration throughout the region.” I am confident the Tunisian people will continue to build upon the success of the last several months as their democratic aspirations are realized.” ### Congressman David Schweikert co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the summer of 2013 alongside Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia.   CONTACT: Maggie Zehring, margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov, (202) 680-9613",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206080059/http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/case-you-missed-it-rep-gosar-spearheads-action-against-obama%E2%80%99s-lopsided-climate-change,In Case You Missed It: Rep. Gosar Spearheads Action against Obamas Lopsided Climate Change Deal with China,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after spearheading a letter to President Barack Obama, signed by twenty of his Congressional colleagues, calling on the president to rescind  the recent U.S.-China joint announcement on climate change: “The president’s continued efforts to unilaterally mandate his far left environmentalist ideology have taken a turn for the ridiculous. The international community is laughing at the United States for believing that China, one of the world’s largest global economic powers, currently building one coal-burning energy plant almost every month, would actually adhere to a climate change agreement that would harm their growing economy. “This non-binding agreement would destroy thousands of U.S. jobs, increase electricity rates for American families and U.S. manufacturers and cause more American jobs to be displaced overseas. Asking our major economic competitor to merely consider making a commitment to cap carbon emissions at a point some 16 years in the future, while making major U.S. concessions that will do little to nothing to reduce global carbon emissions, will have disastrous repercussions for America. “This deal does not help our planet, cripples our economy and supports China’s efforts to overtake the U.S. as the world’s leading economic superpower. This substantially flawed and lopsided agreement should be immediately rescinded.” Background: This unbalanced agreement allows China to increase their greenhouse gas emissions without restrictions until 2030. At that point, China is supposed to consider capping their greenhouse gas emission levels and consider making other minor concessions. In exchange, President Obama, without the consent of the U.S. Senate, agreed that the United States will reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by at least 26 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels. The Congressional Research Service estimates that the Obama Administration has spent $77 billion from FY2008 through FY2013 studying and trying to develop global climate change policies. The full text of Congressman Gosar’s letter to President Obama can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=772aa915-bed9-4f6e-8c86-d3c7e3ad17e5,"McCain, Flake Statement on Permanent Removal of Former Director of Phoenix VA Health Care System",2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released the following statement on today’s announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs has permanently removed Sharon Helman, the former Director of the Phoenix VA Healthcare System: “We are encouraged by today’s announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs has permanently removed Sharon Helman, the former Director of the Phoenix VA Healthcare System, from the public payroll. This action was long overdue, but it finally sends the message to our veterans and VA employees that misconduct and mismanagement will not be tolerated at the VA, and people will be held responsible. The VA has a long way to go to win back veterans’ trust, and to reform its operations to deliver timely, quality care, but today’s action represents a positive step in the right direction."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=79ea563d-e631-49c2-89bf-3317ed0554f0,SENATOR McCAIN ON RESIGNATION OF DEFENSE SEC. CHUCK HAGEL,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s announced resignation: “Secretary Chuck Hagel and I have had our differences over many years, but I have always considered him a friend, a patriot, and a dedicated public servant who has always put our country first and the needs of our men and women in uniform above his own. “Chuck and I have worked well together, and we have often seen eye to eye on our biggest national security challenges – ISIS, the conflict in Syria, the war in Afghanistan, a rising China, and most of all, sequestration. I know that Chuck was frustrated with aspects of the Administration's national security policy and decision-making process. His predecessors have spoken about the excessive micro-management they faced from the White House and how that made it more difficult to do their jobs successfully. Chuck's situation was no different. “I hope the President will nominate a secretary of defense with the strength of character, judgment, and independence that Bob Gates, Leon Panetta, and Chuck Hagel all exhibited at their best. But ultimately, the President needs to realize that the real source of his current failures on national security more often lie with his Administration's misguided policies and the role played by his White House in devising and implementing them. That is the real change we need right now.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7a328e99-4fd5-42a4-a61f-ef9f99c764a6,SENATORS McCAIN AND FLAKE SUPPORT AIR FORCES ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) today sent a letter to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB) to express agreement with the Air Force’s Total Force Training Environmental Assessment, which concluded that the any increase in annual training flights at the base would have no significant impact on the quality of the surrounding environment. “We strongly agree with the Air Force’s assessment that an increase in training flights at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base would have no negative impact on the quality of the surrounding Tucson community,” said Senators McCain and Flake. “At a time when our nation faces growing threats around the world, it is critically important that we maintain a strong national defense by providing our active, reserve, and guard units at DMAFB with ample opportunity to train and prepare for combat. We thank the Air Force for its efforts to prepare our troops through the Total Force Training mission, and for its commitment to the airmen stationed at this vital base.” The signed letter is here and the text of the letter is below. November 24, 2014   355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 3405 South 5th Street Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona 85707 Re: Total Force Training Environmental Assessment   To whom it may concern: We write regarding the revised Environmental Assessment (EA) for the update and implementation of the Total Force Training (TFT) mission at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB).  The proposed update of the year-round TFT mission is designed to provide the active, reserve, and guard units of the Air Force as well as foreign partner nations with the ability to better maintain readiness through the utilization of training availability in Arizona. The additional sorties included in the preferred alternative will provide opportunities for military pilot training that would otherwise not occur. We strongly agree with the Air Force’s draft EA finds no significant impact on the quality of the surrounding environment from the proposed increase of annual training flights at DMAFB. We commend the Air Force’s commitment to providing for a strong and prepared national defense through the TFT program and their recognition of DMAFB’s contribution to that end. Further, we ask that consideration of this comment be in strict accordance with Air Force regulations and ethical guidelines. Sincerely, John McCain Jeff Flake ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c7246419-f1a7-41b4-a09b-a24ea222d918,STATEMENT BY SENATORS JOHN McCAIN AND JEFF FLAKE ON PERMANENT REMOVAL OF FORMER DIRECTOR OF PHOENIX VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released the following statement on today’s announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs has permanently removed Sharon Helman, the former Director of the Phoenix VA Healthcare System: “We are encouraged by today’s announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs has permanently removed Sharon Helman, the former Director of the Phoenix VA Healthcare System, from the public payroll. This action was long overdue, but it finally sends the message to our veterans and VA employees that misconduct and mismanagement will not be tolerated at the VA, and people will be held responsible. The VA has a long way to go to win back veterans’ trust, and to reform its operations to deliver timely, quality care, but today’s action represents a positive step in the right direction."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=cd510db5-5e78-4d51-bcf4-fc04eaeec839,"TUCSON, AZ - EL TOUR DE TUCSON",2014-11-22,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT: El Tour de Tucson WHERE: Tucson WHEN: 11/22/14 DESCRIPTION: Held annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, El Tour is a fun adventure ride attracting over 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from throughout the United States and worldwide, consisting of novice, intermediate, advanced, and professional riders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141126070933/http://gosar.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-gosar-responds-president-obama%E2%80%99s-unlawful-executive-amnesty-order,Rep. Gosar Responds to President Obamas Unlawful Executive Amnesty Order,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after President Obama announced late on Thursday night his plans to take executive action and grant amnesty to over five million illegal immigrants: “Tonight’s announcement by President Obama to unlawfully grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants solidifies his reputation as ‘Commander-in-Deceit.’ The president had two years of a filibuster-proof majority in both the House and Senate giving him the ability to legally pass immigration reform with little resistance. Much like most of the decisions he has taken, this insincere executive order is a political stunt of the highest degree. “This lawless action violates Article II, Section 3 of our Constitution, a provision that demands that the president ‘…take care that the laws be faithfully executed...’ This clearly states that Congress makes our laws, not President Obama. “This blatant abuse of executive power will ripple throughout the course of American history, threatening our sacred system of checks and balances. By choosing not to fully enforce our current immigration laws, the president has effectively invited a mass migration of illegal immigrants across our border states including my home of Arizona. President Obama’s statement that we currently have the smallest number of illegals trying to cross our border since the 1970’s is a barefaced lie and my constituents, living on the front lines of unsecured borders, can verify that falsehood. Additionally, for the president of the United States to say that his actions are necessary because we owe it to ‘the people who pick our fruit and make our beds’ is both demeaning and racist. “Now is the time for the House to do the will of the people that elected us and fight back against this lawlessness. Specifically, I call on House leadership to act on three measures. First, the House must immediately pass a short-term spending bill that defunds the entirety of President Obama’s executive order. Second, the House must pass H.Res.757 which would authorize the House to sue the president for any actions in violation of the Constitution in regards to immigration enforcement. Finally, the House must prohibit any funds from being appropriated to provide work permits or green cards to illegal immigrants who are unlawfully living in the U.S. “The House has the responsibility to act quickly and decisively to stop an out-of-control president and administration from deliberately violating the Constitution any further. There is too much at risk for this lawlessness to go unchallenged.”    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205203934/http://sinema.house.gov/index.cfm/posts?ContentRecord_id=7B9A4776-BFF5-41E8-92CF-67970B20BFCF,Phoenix VA November AZ Stakeholder Update,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Phoenix District Office 2944 N. 44th Street Suite 150 Phoenix, AZ 85018 Phone: 602-956-2285 hours: M-F 8-5:00pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205203939/http://sinema.house.gov/index.cfm/posts?ContentRecord_id=D7DD0F01-986D-482C-A3F2-0662DB387293,Sinema Votes to Reduce Regulations and Grow Jobs,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement after joining a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act. The bill makes it easier for businesses to obtain preconstruction permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and create high-paying jobs. “Arizona manufacturers create jobs, grow our economy and enable us to compete on a global scale,” said Sinema. “While far from perfect, this legislation makes it easier for manufacturers to comply with permitting requirements, enabling them to create high-paying jobs for Arizona families while protecting public health and the environment.” H.R. 4795 requires that when the EPA issues new regulations, it demonstrates how states can reasonably comply with new rules and policies. The bill reduces delays in the issuance of permits under the Clean Air Act’s New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction program and requires the EPA to publish transparent performance metrics for preconstruction permits, including the amount of time it takes the EPA to respond to appeals to approve or deny a permit.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-introduces-bipartisan-bill-capture-isis-terrorists,Rep. Gosar Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Capture ISIS Terrorists,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after introducing legislation amending the State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program to require the Secretary of State to offer a $5,000,000 cash reward to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or conviction of any person involved with the kidnapping and murder of American citizens share: f t For Immediate Release Date: Nov. 20, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Rep. Gosar Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Capture ISIS Terrorists “Their days are numbered. I want them to know that when you harm innocent Americans, justice will follow close behind” Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after introducing legislation amending the State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program to require the Secretary of State to offer a $5,000,000 cash reward to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or conviction of any person involved with the kidnapping and murder of American citizens: “The horrific publicized murders of our citizens is unacceptable. We need to find these thugs and bring them to justice. This reward money will give incentive for these terrorists to turn on each other. The first to come to us will be rewarded well so we can bring the others to justice. “Their days are numbered. I want them to know that when you harm innocent Americans, justice will follow close behind. In order to take the fight to those who commit such evil, I have introduced legislation that will put a bounty on the heads of anyone involved with the kidnapping and murder of American citizens—including the ISIS soldiers who murdered Americans James Foley, Peter Kassig and Steven Sotloff. “This legislation has two primary purposes. The first is to incentivize any person living in tyranny and oppression who may be brave enough to stand up for what is right and help the U.S. bring these terrorists to justice. The second is to deter ISIS and other foreign terrorist organizations from continuing their murderous, deranged ways. The kidnapping and murdering of our citizens will not be tolerated and Congress must pass effective legislation that will ensure swift punishment for those who harm innocent Americans.”  Background: The full text of Congressman Gosar’s legislation can be found HERE. The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a similar bill, S. 2778, on September 18, 2014, with Senators Rubio (Florida), Ayotte (New Hampshire), Cruz (Texas), Nelson (Florida) and Shaheen (New Hampshire) ushering its passage.  Previous amendments to the Rewards for Justice Program required no new spending. According to the FY2015 Budget Request, “funding for the expansion of the Rewards Program is provided from currently available resources and [existing] transfer authorities.”  Congressman Gosar’s legislation has fourteen original cosponsors including Trent Franks (AZ-08), Brad Sherman (CA-30), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Ron DeSantis (FL-06), David Schweikert (AZ-06), Matt Salmon (AZ-05), Mick Mulvaney (SC-05), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Chris Stewart (UT-02), Jim Bridenstine (OK-01), Paul Cook (CA-08), Steve Stockman (TX-36), Ted Yoho (FL-03) and Robert Hurt (VA-05).  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=1806,Rep. Grijalva Praises Executive Action on Immigration Reform,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement tonight in response to President Obama’s announced executive actions to reform our broken immigration system: “Today marks a turning point for our nation. After a grueling journey that has both pained and united so many, we are beginning to turn the page on this chapter of our history. I am proud of President Obama for standing by his word, and standing with immigrant communities tonight. He has proven himself a devoted American leader. The actions he announced tonight will provide relief for millions of people who want nothing more than to be our fellow citizens and contribute to our society. The price of entry to the United States of America should not be severed family ties, exploitive employment, or the fear of deportation. These executive actions will help ensure that is not the case for millions of deserving people. “The President’s actions are not all-encompassing – they are a strong starting point with clear opportunities to build from. He acted within the confines of the law, knowing that overreaching would bring legal challenges that could undo the entire effort. The result is historically significant and politically brave action that moves our country forward. I am confident that, in implementing these actions, the administration will do what is right and just to ensure our border communities do not unnecessarily suffer under the facade of security. “Republicans who will undoubtedly attack the president’s plan must recognize that his actions are a direct result of the GOP’s lack thereof. But the relief provided by executive action is temporary and restricted in scope. This journey will endure until a permanent, legislative solution provides a humane and functional immigration system. “This country was built on the hopes and dreams of people coming here in search of a better life. It was made great by the ideas and cultures they brought from every corner of the globe. Tonight, President Obama helped keep that rich heritage alive and well in the United States of America.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2014/11/20/rep-schweikert-releases-statement-terrorist-attack-jersusalem/,Rep. Schweikert Releases Statement on Terrorist Attack in Jersusalem,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C., November 18, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) released a statement Tuesday condemning the terrorist attacks on worshippers praying in a Jerusalem synagogue earlier Tuesday morning. “I condemn the terrorist attacks today on peaceful worshippers praying in a Jerusalem synagogue. This was not only an attack on Israel, but with the death of three American citizens, an attack on America as well,” said Schweikert. “My prayers and condolences go out to the families of those killed and injured in this attack. As always, I will continue to keep the Jewish people in my prayers as they grieve this tragedy.” “I urge the Palestinian Authorities to publicly condemn this act of violence by Palestinian extremists and take all necessary actions to end the incitement of violence.” ### Congressman David Schweikert is a long time supporter of the Jewish people and Israeli independence. Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:43:56Z