url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-offers-words-support-congressman-john-lewis-following-cancer,O'Halleran Offers Words of Support to Congressman John Lewis Following Cancer Diagnosis,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"VILLAGE OF OAK CREEKFollowing Congressman John Lewis' announcement that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement: John Lewis has long been a fighter for human rights, for racial equality, and for the people of Georgia. Now, he faces his next fight. Sickness and disease can knock us down and make us feel hopeless, but they can also renew in us the desire and the will to push on, to resist. I know that John will meet this next challenge with the same strength and courage with which he has fought many times beforesit-ins at segregated lunch counters, the Freedom Rides, Bloody Sunday. John, my family and I, the entire Congress, and the American people are behind you as you fight this fight. We support you, and we are thinking of you as this next battle begins. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-responds-hate-crime-home-new-york-rabbi,OHalleran Responds to Hate Crime at Home of New York Rabbi,2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"VILLAGE OF OAK CREEKToday, following reports that five people were stabbed at the home of an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi in Monsey, New York during a Hanukkah celebration last night, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement: I am outraged to see yet another heinous act of violence committed against our Jewish brothers and sisters in the name of hate. Tonight is the eighth night of Hanukkah, when countless American families will gather together to light their menorahs and remember the Macabees, Jewish fighters in the second century B.C.E who stood bravely in defense their faith. The story of the Macabees is not dissimilar to pilgrims who came to North America in search of their own religious freedoms. If we hope to preserve our nation as a place within which hardworking families of all backgrounds can practice the faith they choose without fear, we cannot allow these crimes to go unpunished. This year, our American Jewish community has endured far too many acts of violence, terror, hate, and ignorance. I stand today with my Jewish friends and colleagues and demand that enough is enough. Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/memo-action-arizona-kyrsten-sinemas-year-getting-things-done-arizona,MEMO: Action for Arizona - Kyrsten Sinema’s Year Getting Things Done for Arizona,2019-12-26,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 26, 2019 WASHINGTON During Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema's first year in the U.S. Senate she demonstrated a clear ability to work across the aisle, avoid partisan politics, and deliver results for everyday Arizona families. I will work with anyone to get things done for Arizona families, said Sinema. How Kyrsten works: Ranked the most effective Senate freshman Ranked among the most bipartisan members of Congress by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy Honored with her sixth-consecutive Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise award, highlighting her support for pro-growth policies that encourage job creation across Arizona Received the Partnership for Chronic Diseases Award from The Brain Injury Alliance, Epilepsy Foundation, Arizona Myeloma Network, and Lupus Foundation for her work keeping seniors healthy How she's delivering for Arizona's veterans: Passed her bipartisan LEGION Act into law, expanding American Legion membership to veterans across the country Passed her bipartisan Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act into law, safeguarding veterans from predatory loan practices and helping them more easily access their earned homeowner benefits Continued her work to curb suicide among veterans, working with the Somers family to introduce and pass into law the Network of Support for active duty military and advancing her bipartisan proposal for veterans Launched a VA Services Survey to improve veterans care and services with feedback collected directly from Arizona veterans How she's keeping Arizona safe and secure: Championed the importance of military resources at Fort Huachuca and urged Congress to protect military funds Secured over $90 million in the NDAA for the renovation of MCAS Yuma's Hangar 95 so the Air Station's equipment remains safe Secured over $90 million in the NDAA for the critical replacement of junior servicemembers' barracks at MCAS Yuma to ensure servicemembers have the resources they need to do their jobs and return home safely Helped secure $5.364 billion in the NDAA for 60 F-35 aircraft, an increase of over $1.090 billion above the President's request Helped secure $132 million in the NDAA for the A-10 based at Davis Monthan Air Force Base Helped shape the bipartisan border bill that passed Congress in July, securing $55 million to hire 30 additional Immigration Judge Teams and secure courtroom space and equipment to improve judicial adjudication at the border; $30 million for grants to nonprofits that provide critical food, shelter, social services, and other assistance to migrants who are released from CBP custody Passed through a key committee bipartisan legislation providing financial certainty for Arizona universities, hospitals, stadiums, casinos, and other large businesses by ensuring that they have access to terrorism insurance. How she's creating opportunity for everyday families: Led introduction of first bipartisan, bicameral paid parental leave legislation Successfully convinced Verizon Wireless to build a new cell tower in Sunscape, an RV Resort in Pinal County where residents lacked reliable cell service until Kyrsten drew attention to their concerns in a Senate hearing Passed through a key committee her bipartisan Space Frontier Act, legislation to boost Arizona's aerospace industry and America's leadership in space exploration Helped pass the bipartisan Drought Contingency Plan, to better secure Arizona's water future Helped pass a bipartisan Public Lands bill into law, including proposals she led transferring land from the Bureau of Land Management to the La Paz County, swapping 83 acres of Forest Service land to Yavapai County in exchange for 369 acres of county-owned inholding in Coconino National Forest, and allowing Bullhead City to acquire up to 345 acres of federal land on or near the Colorado River How she's making health care more affordable and protecting access for Arizonans: Championed protections for Arizonans with pre-existing conditions, spoke on the Senate floor about the need to ban junk insurance plans and voted against junk insurance plans Led the successful effort to repeal the Health Insurance Tax Led the successful effort to repeal the Medical Device Tax Helped repeal the Cadillac Tax, a 40% tax on some employer-provided health insurance plans Protected seniors' access to critical medicines, leading a bipartisan letter with Sen. Rubio, successfully defeating proposed changes to the Medicare Part D protected classes policies Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2941,Rep. Grijalva Announces Winners of Congressional App Competition,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"TUCSONToday, Rep. Raul M. Grijalva announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge for Arizona's Third Congressional District. This year's winners are Manuel Martinez Sanchez and Sean Cabahug from University High School in Tolleson, AZ. The winning app is called NearLink, an app that is designed to allow any electronic device to become a gaming controller. Each year, I'm blown away by the creativity and aptitude displayed by our students during the App Competition, said Rep. Grijalva. Manuel and Sean are well on their way to being the software developers of the future, and I'm proud that they will represent Arizona's Third Congressional District with their app. NearLink will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov. The winning students will be invited to #HouseCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C. and will also enjoy $250 in Amazon Web Service credits. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-bill-honoring-american-powmia-signed-law,Sinema-Backed Bill Honoring American POW/MIA Signed Into Law,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator's bipartisan bill requires the POW/MIA flag be displayed alongside the American flag WASHINGTON The bipartisan National POW/MIA Flag Act cosponsored by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema was signed into law. The law honors more than 82,000 Americans who are listed as Prisoners of War, Missing in Action, or otherwise unaccounted for. Honoring America's veterans is personal to me and many Arizona families. Our bipartisan law ensures we never forget the extraordinary sacrifices of our servicemembers who gave so much to keep us safe and protect our freedom, said Sinema, a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. The POW/MIA and U.S. flags are flown concurrently every day at federal locations. Previously, the POW/MIA flag was only required to be displayed by the federal government on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day. The POW/MIA Flag Act was endorsed by Rolling Thunder Inc. National, the National League of POW/MIA Families, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the National Alliance of Families for the Return of America's Missing Servicemen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2940,"Chair Grijalva Releases Natural Resources Climate Action Report, Highlights Top Accomplishments of 2019",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. The House Natural Resources Committee spent 2019 tackling climate change from every angle. Today, Natural Resources Committee Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) released his Climate Action Report detailing the work done by the Committee to combat the climate crisis, including holding 22 hearings on the topic, since taking the majority of the U.S. House of Representatives in January. The Climate Action Report can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2sR8aTG. The release of this report comes days after Chair Grijalva and leaders from the Natural Resources Committee released their flagship legislation to fight the climate crisis. Their bill, H.R. 5435,the American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Act, directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from public lands and waters by 2040. This legislation is the result of the hearings, roundtables, public forums, and other public outreach efforts done by the committee on climate change this year detailed in the report. This year the Natural Resources Committee listened to scientists, elected leaders, Native American communities, youth advocates and members of the public. Their comments and stories informed the action we took on climate change this year, said Chair Grijalva. This report illustrates the Committee's focus on climate change and the solutions we have offered. I'm proud of the work we've done so far and know that so much more needs to be done to fight the climate crisis. I look forward to continuing our efforts in 2020, and beyond, to helping protect the entire planet and meet our ethical responsibilities to future generations. In addition to the Climate Action Report, Chair Grijalva released a video and document highlighting the top committee accomplishments from the first year of the 116th Congress. # # # Stay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee Website Facebook Twitter Newsletter",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/contributed-columns/rep-ohalleran-impeachment-somber-constitutionally-necessary-duty,"Rep. O'Halleran: Impeachment a somber, but constitutionally necessary, duty",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"It was a somber day in American history.When I was elected to represent Arizona's First Congressional District in the House of Representatives, I did not expect to be voting on impeachment. As a former homicide detective, I gathered evidence and reviewed it deliberatively in the pursuit of truth and justice. I have employed the same approach during this impeachment inquiry process. I committed to reviewing all evidence before deciding my vote, reaching my decision after the official articles of impeachment were finalized. No one is above the law.We must hold elected officials accountable when they break the public trust, violate our Constitution, and put their own interests before the good of our nation. President Trump abused the power of the presidency and broke his oath of office when he bribed the Ukrainian president. He withheld military aid that had already been promised to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into his political opponent. The president's own political appointees and phone call transcript confirmed these facts. He obstructed Congress' constitutional obligation to perform checks and balances on the executive branch to investigate potential wrongdoing by the president when he directed individuals, agencies, and offices not to comply with official subpoenas issued by House Committees and withheld the whistleblower complaint from Congress. These actions set a dangerous precedent for the future if left unchecked. I voted to impeach the president because this abuse of power and obstruction of Congress violated the Constitution and put our national security, our international relationships, and the integrity of our elections at risk. The evidence I considered when making my decision included the testimony of witnesses, many of whom were President Trump's own political appointees. We heard from State Department professionals, current and former members of our military, and members of the U.S. intelligence communitythe most trusted and respected in the world. I took my constituents' concerns into consideration when I decided my vote. This year, I have held 26 town halls across our district and heard from countless Arizonans. My four offices received thousands of emails and calls from concerned citizens voicing their opinions about the impeachment inquiry process. In coming to my decision today, I have also considered our history. In President George Washington's farewell address, he implored Americans to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. I have heeded this warning of our first president. As a member of Congress, it is my constitutional responsibility to provide a check on the executive branch by investigating and coming to an informed decision on alleged high crimes by our president. In casting my vote, I acted to uphold our Constitution and the rule of law. During this inquiry, important, bipartisan goals have been accomplished in the House of Representatives. We voted to pass H.R. 3, which addresses the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. We reached a bipartisan agreement on the USMCA, which will revitalize trade partnerships and open our economy to further growth, while including important enforcement provisions to protect our workers and the environment. Together, the House passed the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act, giving our service members a raise and ensuring our military remains the strongest in the world. We also passed comprehensive appropriations for the next fiscal year. I remain committed to getting things done for Arizonans. I will continue to work across the aisle to create good-paying jobs, grow our rural communities, lower health care costs, protect our national defense, and keep our promises to veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-introduces-legislation-improve-ballot-access-voters,Rep. Ruben Gallego Introduces Legislation to Improve Ballot Access for Voters with Disabilities,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON DC Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the PAVA Inclusion Act yesterday to ensure full participation in the electoral process for voters with disabilities. The PAVA program funds measures aimed at increasing access to the polls for voters facing mobility and other challenges, including disability training for poll workers, maintaining voting hotlines, and examining polling places for accessibility. However, when the program was enacted as part of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the definition of eligible grantee erroneously left out Protection and Advocacy Systems serving the Northern Mariana Islands and the four corners area of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. As a result, they are not eligible for PAVA funding unlike every other Protection and Advocacy System in the United States. Rep. Gallego's PAVA Inclusion Act fixes this oversight and improves access to the ballot for voters with disabilities in the Northern Mariana Islands as well as the four corners region. Every American citizen's right to vote is sacred. Voters with disabilities, no matter where they live, have a right to access this most fundamental American right, said Rep. Ruben Gallego. That is why I am proud to introduce the PAVA Inclusion Act to ensure that voters with disabilities residing in the Northern Mariana Islands as well as some of the most rural parts of Indian Country can access the ballot. This legislative fix is long overdue, and I look forward to it becoming law. National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) applauds Representative Gallego for introducing legislation that would provide a long overdue technical fix to the Help America Vote Act by extending Protection and Advocacy for Voter Access (PAVA) program funding to the only two P&As excluded from the program since 2002. It was always the intent for all 57 P&As to be able to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunity to participate in every step of the voting process across the United States. With this legislation we are one step closer to safeguarding the right to vote for all Americans including Native Americans with disabilities in the Four Corners region and Pacific Islanders with disabilities in Northern Mariana Islands, said NDRN Executive Director Curt Decker. Original cosponsors of the legislation are Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP), Rep. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Rep. Ben Ray Lujn (NM-03), Rep. Scott R. Tipton (CO-03), Rep. Deb Haaland (NM-01), and Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-09). Rep. Gallego serves as Chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/extension-white-mountain-apache-tribes-water-rights-settlement-among-priorities-sinema-secures-end,Extension of White Mountain Apache Tribe’s Water Rights Settlement Among Priorities Sinema Secures in End-Of-Year Appropriations Bills,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema also secured Arizona defense, border, water, education, and economic priorities WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema today secured a number of Arizona priorities in the end-of-year appropriations bills that passed the Senate, including an extension allowing the White Mountain Apache Tribe to complete their water settlement. Following six years of advocacy, Sinema secured the repeal of the costly and unnecessary Health Insurance Tax, Medical Device Tax, and Cadillac Tax. The repeal of these harmful taxes will help address rising health care costs for Arizona families and businesses and encourage investment in Arizona jobs. Sinema also successfully ensured the long-term renewal of the Export-Import Bank, which helped 37 Arizona businesses finance more than $57 million in exports, creating good jobs in Arizona and growing the state's economy. Thanks to Sinema's leadership, the Impact Aid Program, which ensures schools on federal, military, and tribal lands are equipped to provide Arizona students with a quality education, received an increase of $40 million. Today's Senate action shows that by reaching across the aisle and staying focused on delivering for Arizonans we can successfully make health care more affordable, open new markets to Arizona businesses, secure our border, and provide Arizona families with the tools they need to succeed, said Sinema. Sinema also secured the following priorities: Funding for the University of Arizona's Near-Earth Object Survey Mission Funding for Drought Contingency Plan implementation Funding for Customs and Border Patrol to hire an additional 600 port officers and agricultural specialists Funding for non-intrusive inspection equipment at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry in Arizona Unmanned Aerial Systems Technology upgrades for CBP An analysis of needed improvements to Tribal Detention Facilities including those in Arizona Increased funding for EPA wastewater project grants, which were previously awarded to projects in Nogales and Bisbee Greater accountability for U.S. Forest Service fire prevention and forest restoration efforts Funding for the National Diabetes Prevention Program Funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Funding for Alzheimer's prevention Funding for Community Health Centers, Graduate Medical Education, and the National Health Service Corps Passage of Sinema-backed bill increasing access to lower-cost insulin Lower threshold for the medical expense deduction Protection of miners' pensions and health care benefits Tax relief for beer, wine, and distilled spirits",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2019/12/19/rep-kirkpatrick-votes-to-pass-usmca/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Votes to Pass USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Rep. Kirkpatrick released the following statement after voting to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The new agreement includes significant improvements negotiated by House Democrats with respect to labor, the environment, access to medicines, and enforcement. The legislation passed on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 385 to 41. On December 10th, both parties and labor reached a deal with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on a series of transformative improvements to the Trump Administration's proposed USMCA that will set a new floor for standards in future U.S. trade agreements. The overall enforcement mechanism for the agreement was weak because it preserved all the flaws of the old NAFTA. In addition, there were no specific mechanisms to make sure that the labor rules could not be ignored again. Because of House Democrats, USTR agreed that the new NAFTA shouldset the highest standards for enforcement and enforceability in any U.S. trade agreement: A new labor enforcement mechanism that promotes American jobs, protects workers' rights, and holds non-compliant actors accountable; A new environment customs verification mechanism to make sure that Mexico is not trading illegally taken fauna and flora.Enforcement: Fixing loopholes in the new NAFTA that allowed countries to avoid being held accountable and introducing new rules of evidence to make enforcement more effective and fair.Workers: Strengthening standards to make them enforceable; creating new mechanisms to monitor labor rule compliance in Mexico and to enforce the commitment that parties trade only in goods that comply with the agreement's rules on workers; and establishing a new enforcement mechanism that will lead to penalties on imports produced at a facility where workers' right to organize has been thwarted.Environment:Reinstating high-standard rules that had been watered down by the Trump Administration; creating new mechanisms to monitor environmental rule compliance in Mexico.Access to Medicines: Preserving Congress's ability to legislate to bring down prescription drug prices by removing big giveaways to pharmaceutical companies and changing the rules to promote fair competition and patients' access to affordable medicines. Representing a border district, I understand the direct and vital impacts a strong trade agreement has on Arizona and our local economy. I have always supported modernizing NAFTA and enhancing the agreement to reflect our 21stcentury economy, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. I am proud that we were able to pass this strong and bipartisan deal that prioritizes American workers and improves access to affordable prescription drugs, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. USMCA establishes some strong principles that I believe will strengthen our workforce and build on the relationship we have with on North American neighbors. Clickherefor a fact sheet from the Ways and Means Committee. Clickherefora detailed summaryfrom the Ways and Means Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-votes-ratify-usmca-agreement,OHalleran Votes to Ratify USMCA Agreement,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to vote to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a new North American trade deal that would promote economic growth, strengthen protections for laborers and our environment, promote international trade, enhance compliance monitoring, and create enforcement provisions that would increase accountability for all trading partners. I am focused on growing Arizona's economy, creating new, good-paying jobs, and strengthening our rural communities, said Rep. O'Halleran. Today, I was proud to join my colleagues to vote for this bipartisan, bicameral effort that will improve international trade in North America, spur the creation of new jobs, ensure protections for our hardworking labor community, and preserve important environmental standards. The USMCA agreement ratified in the House today includes fixes to NAFTA loopholes that allowed countries to avoid being held accountable and introduces new rules to make enforcement more effective; the creation of an interagency committee that will monitor Mexico's labor reform implementation and compliance with labor and environmental obligations; additional funding to address land and water pollution in the desert southwest; preservations that ensure Congress' ability to bring down the high costs of prescription drugs by promoting fair competition. I personally met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Lighthizer on several occasions to discuss necessary provisions within this deal, continued O'Halleran. After months of important negotiations, I am pleased to see that this final agreement is a triumph for hardworking families, our Arizona agriculture producers, businesses of all sizes, and rural communities that are too often overlooked. According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, between 1994 and 2017, Arizona's exports to Mexico grew from $2.4 billion per year, to $7.7. billiona 311% increase. Currently, over 200,000 jobs in Arizona alone depend on trade with Mexico and Canada. A study from the International Trade Commission found that the USMCA, if ratified, would add an estimated $68.2 billion to the economy and create 176,000 new jobs. In a statement following today's vote, O'Halleran said, Today, I am pleased that we were able to come together as a legislative body to deliver hardworking Americans a trade deal that will ensure economic development in rural communities, plus up enforcement powers that protect our workers and our environment, and ensure that all three nations are complying with these important standards. I look forward to seeing this important agreement move through the Senate and to the President's desk for a signature. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement enjoys support from AFL-CIO, Teamsters, United Steelworkers, the American Farm Bureau, the National Restaurant Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and countless other labor, environmental, and business advocacy groups. The USMCA passed the house on an XYZ XY vote. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-house-pass-bipartisan-usmca-agreement,"Stanton, House Pass Bipartisan USMCA Agreement",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.After months of advocating for an improved North American trade policy, Rep. Greg Stanton today helped advance the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to the finish line. The U.S. House passed the agreement with a 385 to 41 vote. Stanton spoke in favor of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, during today's debate. Those of us in border states understand the value of trading with our neighbors, and I can tell you that growing trade relationships with Mexico and Canada is essential to Arizonaand this new agreement will offer a big lift to our local companies, Stanton said. Today we have a real opportunity to cement certainty for job creators. From multinational companies to mid-sized and small businesses, from tech workers to farm workers, there's no doubt that the new USMCA is a win for all Arizonans. Stanton has ramped up his advocacy for strong trade relationships from his time as Phoenix Mayor to Congress. Last month, Stanton spoke on the House Floor in support of USMCA progress. In July, Stanton signed a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking for continued negotiations with the Administration to secure the United States' relationship with Canada and Mexicoand a vote on the agreement before the end of the year. Stanton and Gov. Doug Ducey hosted a tele-town hall over the summer with the National Association of Manufacturers to hear from business owners about the importance of trade with Mexico. Earlier this week, Stanton shared stories from 10 Arizona businesses and trade associations calling on Congress to support the USMCA. The agreement now heads to the Senate for consideration. Stanton's full remarks on the floor are below and video is available here. Thank you to the Gentleman for yielding. Passing the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement is essential to creating new jobs and strengthening the economy of my home state of Arizona. Those of us in border states understand the value of trading with our neighbors, and I can tell you that growing trade relationships with Mexico and Canada is essential to Arizonaand this new agreement will offer a big lift to our local companies. Already in Arizona, nearly 230,000 jobs rely on across-the-border commerce. That means 230,000 paychecks buying holiday gifts, 230,000 paychecks putting food on the table for their families, and 230,000 paychecks contributing to the state's economy. Today we have a real opportunity to cement certainty for job creators. From multinational companies to mid-sized and small businesses, from tech workers to farm workers, there's no doubt that the new USMCA is a win for all Arizonans. This is a bipartisan agreement. And it sets a new standard for creating trade rules that are enforceable, good for American workers, and effectively consider how business is done in the 21st century. And, importantly, it reasserts Congress's role in trade policy. Thank you Chairman Neal and the working group for your hard work to get this agreement across the finish line and delivering a win for Arizona and the American people. And with that I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-votes-against-salt-deduction-tax-shift-bill,Stanton Votes Against SALT Deduction Tax Shift Bill,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Rep. Greg Stanton today issued the following statement after voting against a bill to lift the cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. The President and the previous Congress took the wrong approach when they passed major changes to the tax code that benefited the wealthiest Americans and added to our nation's growing debt. If we want to correct that wrong, we should do so holisticallynot in a piecemeal fashion. Lifting the SALT deduction in this manner pushes benefits to just a few states and penalizes many Arizonans with a tax increase. I simply cannot support a proposal that helps the wealthiest taxpayers in other parts of the country at the expense of Arizona. H.R. 5377 passed the house with a 218 to 206 vote. In 2017, the Republican-led Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TJCA) placed a $10,000 cap on the amount of state and local taxes individuals and joint filers can deduct. This change had a disproportionate effect on states with high incomes and sales taxes. Prior to the enactment of TCJA, residents in just six statesCalifornia, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Texas and Pennsylvaniaclaimed more than half the value of all state and local tax deductions nationwide, even though they make up just 38 percent of the population. [Source]",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/repeal-health-taxes-renewal-export-import-bank-increased-funding-impact-aid-among-priorities-sinema,"Repeal of Health Taxes, Renewal of Export-Import Bank, Increased Funding for Impact Aid Among Priorities Sinema Secures in End-Of-Year Appropriations Bills",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema also secured Arizona defense, border, water, education, and economic priorities WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema today secured a number of Arizona priorities in the end-of-year appropriations bills that passed the Senate. Following six years of advocacy, Sinema secured the repeal of the costly and unnecessary Health Insurance Tax, Medical Device Tax, and Cadillac Tax. The repeal of these harmful taxes will help address rising health care costs for Arizona families and businesses and encourage investment in Arizona jobs. Sinema also successfully ensured the long-term renewal of the Export-Import Bank, which helped 37 Arizona businesses finance more than $57 million in exports, creating good jobs in Arizona and growing the state's economy. Thanks to Sinema's leadership, the Impact Aid Program, which ensures schools on federal, military, and tribal lands are equipped to provide Arizona students with a quality education, received an increase of $40 million. Today's Senate action shows that by reaching across the aisle and staying focused on delivering for Arizonans we can successfully make health care more affordable, open new markets to Arizona businesses, secure our border, and provide Arizona families with the tools they need to succeed, said Sinema. Sinema also secured the following priorities: Funding for the University of Arizona's Near-Earth Object Survey Mission Extension of the White Mountain Apache Tribe's Water Rights Settlement Funding for Drought Contingency Plan implementation Funding for Customs and Border Patrol to hire an additional 600 port officers and agricultural specialists Funding for non-intrusive inspection equipment at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry in Arizona Unmanned Aerial Systems Technology upgrades for CBP An analysis of needed improvements to Tribal Detention Facilities including those in Arizona Increased funding for EPA wastewater project grants, which were previously awarded to projects in Nogales and Bisbee Greater accountability for U.S. Forest Service fire prevention and forest restoration efforts Funding for the National Diabetes Prevention Program Funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Funding for Alzheimer's prevention Funding for Community Health Centers, Graduate Medical Education, and the National Health Service Corps Passage of Sinema-backed bill increasing access to lower-cost insulin Lower threshold for the medical expense deduction Protection of miners' pensions and health care benefits Tax relief for beer, wine, and distilled spirits",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-bill-protecting-arizona-seniors-illegal-robocalls-heads-presidents-desk,Sinema-Backed Bill Protecting Arizona Seniors from Illegal Robocalls Heads to President’s Desk,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON The U.S. Congress passed the TRACED Actlegislation cosponsored by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema that cracks down on illegal robocalls and holds perpetrators accountable. The bipartisan legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Our bipartisan legislation protects all Arizonans from the barrage of unwanted robocalls and protects Arizona seniors from scams and harassment by ensuring robocallers are held accountable, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Commerce and Aging Committees. As one report estimated, 42 percent of all calls will be spam calls by early 2019, a 12 percent increase from last year. The TRACED Act gives regulators more time to find scammers, increases penalties for those who are caught, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption, and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally flout laws. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-introduces-bill-protecting-grand-canyon-strengthening-arizonas-economy,"Sinema Introduces Bill Protecting the Grand Canyon, Strengthening Arizona’s Economy",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act to strengthen the state's economy by protecting the Grand Canyon and Arizona's outdoor heritage. Arizona's economy depends on protecting the Grand Canyon and ensuring it remains a safe and stunning part of our outdoor heritage for generations to come, said Sinema. Thirty years ago, when we first began fighting against the disastrous effects of uranium mining in our homelands, we were alone in this fight, said Muriel Uqualla, Havasupai Tribal Chairwoman. Sen. Sinema's announcement earlier today sends a strong message that it is important to protect the Grand Canyon. Not only for the Havasupai people, but for all people, for generations to come. There is no reality in which it is worthwhile to endanger the Grand Canyon, the lives and cultures of Indigenous communities, and millions of people and the economies that support them,"" said Amber Reimondo, energy program director for the Grand Canyon Trust. ""For those reasons, the Grand Canyon region is, and forever will be, too precious to mine and today we are grateful to Senator Sinema for her leadership in advancing a permanent mining ban around the Grand Canyon."" The Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act is an exciting step to permanently protect the lands and water that are so valuable and precious to Flagstaff and northern Arizona, said Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans. Grand Canyon National Park is the lifeblood of our community and economy and protecting it now and for future generations is of paramount interest. We are grateful for the work of Senator Sinema to protect this area and also to Congressmen Grijalva and O'Halleran. Sinema's Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act prohibits new uranium mining around Grand Canyon National Park, protecting Arizona's water supply, outdoor recreation and tourism industries, and tribal communities. Currently, the Grand Canyon welcomes over 6 million visitors a year, contributes $1.2 billion to local economies, and supports over 12,500 jobs in the region. Sinema worked with the Havasupai Tribe, Grand Canyon Trust, and local stakeholders to develop the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act. Congressman Raul Grijalva introduced similar legislation in the U.S. House earlier this year. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2939,Rep. Grijalva To Vote in Favor of Impeaching President Donald Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, the House of Representatives will hold a vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement on his anticipated vote in favor of both articles of impeachment: President Trump committed a crime when he attempted to rig the election in his favor, endanger our national security, and shamelessly try to cover it up. He's a danger to our democracy, and the evidence gathered over three months of investigations, depositions, and public hearings attest to the fact that he abused his power to extort Ukraine into investigating a political rival. It is a somber day to impeach a President, but his reckless actions and brazen corruption have left Congress with no other choice. Instead of enabling the destructive behaviors of this President, I urge my Senate colleaguesboth Republican and Democrat aliketo demand testimony from White House parties and all of the information blocked by President Trump's cover-up. If the Senate wants to truly assess the guilt of the President, they should not be afraid of learning the truth. I based my decision on the facts and will vote to protect our democracy for future generations. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will do the same. Click here to watch Rep. Grijalva's floor speech in favor of impeachment. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-funding-agreement-includes-o-halleran-initiatives,"House Passes Bipartisan Funding Agreement, Includes OHalleran Initiatives to Extend Funding for Community Health Centers, Special Diabetes Program for Indians",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONYesterday, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865, legislative packages to fund all 12 appropriations bills through the end of FY2020 and keep the federal government open ahead of the December 20 deadline. Both packages passed yesterday include provisions championed by Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), including extenders for community health centers and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, as well as many other accomplishments for Arizonans. One of the most important jobs we have as members of Congress is passing comprehensive appropriations that provide for our national defense and military readiness, as well as key domestic programs and federal initiatives that support our nation's health and bolster our economy, said Rep. O'Halleran. While I was pleased to see that funding for community health centers and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, initiatives I have championed, were extended through May of this year, this is not a permanent solution. I will continue to fight for permanent funding solutions for both of these important programs. O'Halleran has fought to secure and plus up funding for community health centersand the Special Diabetes Program for Indianssince coming to Congress, introducing legislation to protect both programs. Extenders on these programs are set to expire in May of 2020. Legislative packages passed today also include an extension of the production credit for Indian coal facilities and the Indian Employment Tax Credit. Earlier this year, Rep. O'Halleran introduced legislationto make permanent the Indian Employment Tax Credit to address unemployment rates in Indian Country and attract business that can succeed to affected areas. The bills allocate additional monies funding O'Halleran fought for, including: $90.4 million for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an increase of $941,000 from FY19. These funds will be used to enhance the National Broadband Map; $7.433 billion for the United States Forest Service, including investments in funding for improved health and management of our nation's forests; $2.8 billion for state, local, and tribal law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs, which includes grants for State, local and tribal law enforcement entities, victims of crime, and juvenile justice programs; $502.5 million for grants authorized under the Violence Against Women Act; federal funding for gun violence research for the first time in 20 years; $7.56 billion for the Census Bureau to ensure a fair and accurate 2020 Census; $495 million for funding and preservation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, an increase of $57 million from FY 19; $4 million for Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes, including NAU's Ecological Restoration Institute. During the shutdown at the beginning of this year, O'Halleran introduced the Government Shutdown Impact Report of 2019, legislation that requires the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office to submit daily reports to Congress on the impact and cost of a government shutdown on the nation's economy. Reports showed that the winter shutdown cost our nation $11 billion, $3 billion of which was permanently lost. Government shutdowns like the one we experienced earlier this year should never happen in the greatest country in the world, said Rep. O'Halleran in a statement following yesterday's vote. I was pleased to vote for these funding packages to keep our government open and operating, provide security for hardworking federal employees, and ensure that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to complete their missions at home and abroad. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-statement-house-impeachment-vote,OHalleran Statement on House Impeachment Vote,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted for H.Res.755, the official articles of impeachment against President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Following the vote, O'Halleran released the following statement: ""President Trump abused the power of the presidency and broke his oath of office when he bribed the Ukrainian president. He withheld military aid that had already been promised to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into his political opponent. The president's own political appointees and phone call transcript confirmed these facts. ""He obstructed Congress' constitutional obligation to perform checks and balances on the executive branch to investigate potential wrongdoing by the president when he directed individuals, agencies, and offices not to comply with official subpoenas issued by House Committees and withheld the whistleblower complaint from Congress. These actions set a dangerous precedent for the future if left unchecked. ""I voted to impeach the president because this abuse of power and obstruction of Congress violated the Constitution and put our national security, our international relationships, and the integrity of our elections at risk."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-votes-impeachment,Rep. Gallego Votes for Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) voted in support of the two articles of impeachment against President Trump. Rep. Gallego released the following statement: Today I voted to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. These are serious charges, and Congress has a serious duty to defend the rule of law and our democracy. We upheld that duty today and sent a strong message that President Trump and all presidents who follow him will be held accountable for their actions and will not be permitted to abuse the power of their office for personal gain. It is now Mitch McConnell's responsibility and Constitutional duty to ensure a full and fair trial in the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcsally-stanton-introduce-bill-accelerate-development-i-11,"McSally, Stanton Introduce Bill to Accelerate Development of I-11",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) today introduced a bill to accelerate the development of Interstate 11 (I-11) in Arizona. The legislation wouldprovide new federal assistance to complete the required Tier II Environmental Impact Study for segments of the project. Cross-border and interstate commerce are a major driver for job creation in Arizona. In order to keep up with our state's rapid growth, we mustmodernize our infrastructure. Currently, Phoenix and Las Vegas are the only two major cities in America not connected by a highway,said Sen. Martha McSally. When this project is completed, the I-11 corridor will provide a direct route from our southern border to Phoenix to Las Vegas. I am glad to work with Sen. Sinema and Rep. Stanton to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner in order to meet the growing need for quality infrastructure in our state. We're working together on this bipartisan bill to advance a project that could create enormous economic potential in our state, said Rep. Greg Stanton. I-11 would open up a new transportation corridor in Arizona, leading to new jobs and increased trade with our partners in Mexico and Canada. I'm encouraged by this next step forward to accelerate I-11. I-11 offers a unique opportunity to stimulate job growth not only in the important areas of tourism and travel, but in other major industry sectors such as health care, aerospace, logistics, distribution, and technology. These industries need a dependable, reliable and efficient transportation corridor to be successful.Another major benefit of I-11 will be reduced traffic congestion in key areas. In addition to I-11 being vital to the overall economic success of our region, this project will bolster the nation's options for additional trade routes and trading opportunities with Mexico and Canada. I-11 would be a vital segment to the CANAMEX Corridor, as this project has the potential to connect the U.S. to emerging economies in Latin America. At the completion of I-11, the region is estimated to generate $24 billion in economic impact and approximately 24,000 jobs. U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) is a co-sponsor of the Senate legislation. The text of the bill is available here. Multiple state and local leaders expressed their support for the bill. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey wrote: I am writing in support of your proposed legislation to provide additional technical and financial assistance to advance one of those key routes, Interstate 11. Interstate 11 will be a significant improvement to Arizona's system of high-priority, high-capacity, access-controlled transportation corridors in the state. Specifically, Interstate 11 will increase capacity for trade and commerce with Mexico and Canada throughout the Intermountain West, and is expected to relieve congestion in downtown Phoenix. Arizona Department of Transportation Director John Halikowski wrote:I am writing to express my appreciation for your efforts to acquire additional technical and financial assistance for transportation infrastructure projects in Arizona. Any additional resources that state receives will be helpful in building out Arizona's transportation infrastructure. The Board of Directors of The Interstate 11 Coalition wrote: The development of Interstate 11 is crucial to economic viability of Arizona and Nevada, as well as the entire Intermountain West. Completion of Interstate 11 will enhance the commerce connectivity with Mexico and the growing industrial markets of both states. Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord wrote:The city of Goodyear is grateful for your leadership in drafting legislation to ensure the development of Interstate 11 continues to progress. The growth in the West side of Maricopa County is undeniable and the new Interstate 11 corridors will enhance the quality of life for our region by reducing congestion on Interstate 10 and providing alternative routes for traffic. Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland wrote:On behalf of the City of Casa Grande and my fellow AZ Cities, I offer our thanks and express our full support for the legislation drafted to advance the development of Interstate 11 and bring the resources of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) into the process at such a critical time. Maricopa Mayor Christian Price and Pinal County Supervisor for District 4 Anthony Smith wrote:On behalf of the Pinal County I-11 Coalition, we express our support of the legislation to advance the development of Interstate 11. We are pleased that the legislation includes a requirement that the funds provided to the state for Interstate 11 are supplemental to any funds routinely allocated by the United States Department of Transportation to our regional metropolitan planning organizations. The Arizona Rock Products Association wrote:Construction of Interstate 11 will generate thousands of construction jobs and open new opportunities for expanding existing business and attracting new industry to our state. It will greatly improve public safety and reduce travel time between the two largest cities in the country connected by an Interstate: Phoenix and Las Vegas. The Nevada Economic Development Council wrote:Las Vegas and Phoenix are the two (2) largest cities in the nation without an interstate highway connection. The construction of Interstate 11 is critical to the economic viability of Arizona and Nevada as well the connectivity of the Intermountain West. Letters of support can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-bipartisan-bill-increases-access-lower-cost-insulin-arizonans,Sinema-Backed Bipartisan Bill Increases Access to Lower Cost Insulin for Arizonans,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 18, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the bipartisan Affordable Insulin Approvals Now Act, which ensures Arizona families can access lower-cost, generic insulins. Promoting competition and bringing lower-cost generics on to the market will ensure Arizonans living with diabetes can afford the medication they need, said Sinema. In December 2018, the Food and Drug Administration announced it would stop reviewing generic competitors to insulin in March of 2020, and announced that any products still in the review process would be automatically denied. Denying consideration to current drugs in the pipeline and preventing new drugs from being reviewed will significantly delay the introduction of lower-cost insulin products on the market. The Sinema-backed Affordable Insulin Approval Now Act extends the review deadline, allowing the Food and Drug Administration to continue reviewing generic insulins, ensuring Arizonans can access affordable medicine. An estimated 41,000 people in Arizona are diagnosed with diabetes every year and an additional 1.8 million Arizonans are prediabetic. Earlier this year, Sinema welcomed two Arizonans living with diabetes during a Senate hearing, highlighting the importance of efforts to treat diabetes. Sinema supports efforts to create expedited pathways for approval of generic and biosimilar medications. The bipartisan Affordable Insulin Approval Now Act takes meaningful steps toward helping ensure Arizona families can afford insulin through greater generic competition. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-continues-securing-arizonas-water-future,Sinema Continues Securing Arizona’s Water Future,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 18, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema requested an update from U.S. Interior Secretary Bernhardt on his Department's work ensuring the long-term security of the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund. Arizona's economic wellbeing depends on the future success of the Basin Fund. Ensuring the administration has a long-term plan for securing the Basin Fund is critical to securing Arizona's water future, said Sinema. The Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund is managed by the Department of Interior and covers some of the cost of water delivery to Arizona tribes and helps pay for infrastructure projects around tribal water settlements. During her time in the U.S. Senate, Sinema has worked to advance commonsense solutions to secure Arizona's water future. Last month, Sinema introduced the DRIP Act, which equips communities in Arizona, and across the country, to address drought conditions and strengthen water supplies. Earlier this year, Sinema helped get the Drought Contingency Plan across the finish line in the Senate. Sinema also cosponsored the bipartisan Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act, which allows Arizona cities, tribes, and water providers access to critical funding to secure the state's water future. Read the full text of the letter HERE. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2936,"Reps. Grijalva, Lee, and Omar Send Letter to U.S. Treasury, Urge Humanitarian Relief on Iranian Sanctions",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Reps. Ral M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Barbara Lee (CA-13), and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) led 14 Members of Congress in a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin expressing deep concern on the impact that U.S. sanctions are having on access to medicine in Iranparticularly for individuals suffering from chronic, advanced, or rare diseases. The lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to adjust its sanctions campaign to ensure that lifesaving medicines and medical devices can reach the Iranian people. The Trump Administration's maximum pressure' campaign on the Iranian government is resulting in horrific consequences on everyday Iraniansincluding those with life-threatening illness, said Rep. Grijalva. Instead of a blanket policy that punishes all Iranians, the United States should adjust the sanctions campaign to ensure that lifesaving medicine can reach some of Iran's most vulnerable citizens. In their letter, the lawmakers wrote in part: We strongly urge the Administration to conduct a sweeping review of its sanctions campaign against Iran and identify and implement the necessary adjustments required to fulfill responsibilities under international law, as ordered by the ICJ in October 2018, to protect the Iranian people's right to health. While the efficacy of sanctions is questionable, we also urge the OFAC to expand the list of medical supplies that international suppliers are eligible to trade with Iran, especially for cancer and other chronic, advanced, or rare diseases. Considering the ongoing protests in Iran, and the Iranian government's shutdown of internet services, we also see a clear need to expand General License D-1 so that the United States is not taking any actions that help the Iranian government block outside communications. The Trump Administration's sanctions on Iran and their maximum pressure campaign are directly hurting the most vulnerable groups in Iranian society. Despite promises to stand by the Iranian people, they are preventing essential medications and humanitarian supplies from reaching those who need them the most, said Rep. Lee. The sanctions put in place by this Administration against Iran are nothing less than economic warfare. After years of improving relations between the United States and Iran, the sanctions have devastated that country's middle class, increased hostility toward the United States, and led to humanitarian catastrophe. One dire effect has been an entirely preventable shortage of life-saving medicine. This Administration must answer for their attacks on Iranians' basic human right to affordable medicine, said Rep. Omar. Human Rights Watch, NIAC Action and the Friends Committee on National Legislation were among the organizations that supported the letter. The Trump Administration is applying draconian sanctions on Iran without considering the harm they are causing Iran's own citizens -- including the difficulty sick Iranian men, women, and children are having in accessing life-saving medicine and medical equipment that are in short supply, said Andrea Prasow, Acting Washington Director at Human Rights Watch. The US Treasury Department needs to listen and incorporate the serious concerns experts have raised regarding how the current US application of sanctions are hurting the very Iranian people whose rights the US claims to support. The Administration's withdrawal from the JCPOA, followed by inhumane maximum pressure sanctions, have created instability in the Middle East, put us on a war footing with Iran, and caused untold human suffering for Iranian people, who now don't have access to many critical life saving medicines. These unilateral sanctions are a maximum failure and have done little to advance peace, national security, and human rights. The American people want a restrained foreign policy and the onus is on Congress to take unauthorized war with Iran off the table, create exemptions for critical medicines the Iranian people need, and to find a pathway for diplomacy, said Hassan El-Tayyab, Legislative Representative for Middle East Policy at Friends Committee on National Legislation. ""Even as the Iranian people contend with brutal repression from their own government, they are being simultaneously squeezed by crushing U.S. sanctions that have led to shortages of life-saving medicine. We are grateful to Reps. Grijalva, Omar and Lee and all the signers of the letter for highlighting the devastating consequences of Trump's maximum pressure campaign. Moreover, we urge the administration to halt its targeting of humanitarian trade and respond in good faith to the legislators' inquiry,"" said Ryan Costello, Policy Director, NIAC Action. Click here to read the full letter. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2938,"Chair Grijalva, Committee Leaders Introduce Landmark Climate Change Legislation Slashing Emissions From Public Lands and Waters",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and leaders from the Natural Resources Committee released their flagship legislation to fight the climate crisis at a press conference on Capitol Hill this morning. Original cosponsors and supporters from the advocacy community hailed the introduction of H.R. 5435, the American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Act, which directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from public lands and waters by 2040. Original cosponsors of the legislation include Vice-Chair Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Rep. Gregorio Sablan (D-CNMI), Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.), and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.). The bill is endorsed by The Wilderness Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, Oceana and Earthworks. The bill temporarily pauses new fossil fuel leases while the agencies develop a plan to reach the 2040 goal. DOI and USFS must meet climate pollution reduction targets at specific intervals starting in 2025 and publish strategic plans every four years that detail how the agencies will meet the pollution reduction targets established by the legislation. The bill also increases royalties on fossil fuel extraction by oil, gas, and coal corporations and uses the proceeds to support workers and communities impacted by a transition away from dirty energy development. The full text of H.R. 5435 is available at http://bit.ly/2RZ7Qwn. A fact sheet explaining the bill's major provisions is available at http://bit.ly/2M1wc56. A section-by-section of the bill is available at http://bit.ly/2sDNaQc. Since taking the House majority, Natural Resources Committee Democrats have spent much of the past year tackling climate change from every angle. Chair Grijalva's landmark bill is the culmination of a year of hearings, roundtables, public forums, and other public outreach efforts to learn more about how best to tackle the contribution of public lands and waters to climate change. More than a century of burning fossil fuels without responsible limits has brought us to a climate crisis. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, climate-harming pollution from fossil fuel development on public lands and waters account for nearly a quarterof the U.S. total, while public land ecosystems absorb the equivalent of only about 3 percent of U.S. emissions each year. The American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Actseeks to balance that out by 2040. The bill encourages the development of more renewable energy on public lands, better land management techniques to increase the amount of carbon absorbed by public lands ecosystems, and the use of public lands for geologic sequestration or negative-emissions technologies, while limiting the growth of new fossil fuel development and helping communities achieve a just transition. I'm very proud of the work my colleagues and I have done to protect our climate, and this bill is a testament to those efforts, Grijalva said today. Our public lands and waters should be managed for the public's benefit, not for the benefit of oil, gas and coal corporations. By transitioning away from fossil fuels and reaching net-zero emissions on our public lands and waters by 2040, we're not just protecting Americans we're helping protect the entire planet and meeting our ethical responsibilities to future generations. The federal government should be leading the way in the effort to combat climate change, yet the way our country manages our lands make us one of the worst offenders, said Vice Chair Haaland. Earlier this year, several of us went to New Mexico for a field hearing, and we visited Chaco Canyon and surrounding sites. When we were there, we used an infrared camera to watch poison coming out of drilling equipment and pipes. You could smell it. We experienced headaches from breathing it in, and heard stories about how it affects the health of children who live nearby. This bill will move us toward net zero emissions on public lands, but what's even more important is this bill focuses on our communities. It will provide financial assistance to workers like those in New Mexico that will be economically impacted by a transition away from fossil fuel extraction on public lands. Island and coastal communities, like the Marianas, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and are often the first to face its damaging consequences, said Rep. Sablan. The American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Act takes significant, lasting steps to finally reduce pollution on federal leases, reduce emissions, and limit global warming. I thank Chair Grijalva for his leadership and work on this bill and look forward to the day our federal public lands no longer contribute to the production of harmful carbon emissions. Climate scientists agree that we must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit the worst effects of climate change, and instead we continue to burn fossil fuels at unsustainable rates, including on public lands, said Rep. Levin.Our public lands and waters should be part of the solution to the climate crisis, not part of the problem. Limiting new fossil fuel development on public lands and developing a comprehensive emission reduction strategy are commonsense steps we must take to combat this crisis. I am proud to introduce the American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Act with my colleagues, Chairman Grijalva, Rep. Haaland, Rep. Lowenthal, Rep. Sablan, Rep. McEachin, and Rep. DeGette A livestream of the press conference on the bill's introduction can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2S4g4Dp. H.R. 5435 provides a path to end our public lands' and waters' contribution to climate change by 2040. Major provisions of the bill include: Pollution Reduction Targets:Requires DOI and the USFS to meet climate pollution reduction targets at specific intervals starting in 2025 and achieve net-zero emissions from public lands and waters by 2040. Public Lands Climate Change Strategic Plans:Requires DOI and USFS to publish a strategy every four years detailing how the agencies will meet the pollution reduction targets the bill establishes. Pause on New Leasing: Pauses all new federal fossil fuel leasing for a minimum of one year to allow DOI to develop a comprehensive emission reduction strategy. Leasing can only resume after DOI finds that it would be consistent with reaching net-zero by 2040, and then only within limits established by the 4-year strategic plans. Calculating Net Emissions: Makes the U.S. Geological Survey responsible for tracking emissions from the development and combustion of oil, gas, and coal produced on federal leases, as well as the emissions avoided by renewable energy generation on public lands, the amount of carbon absorbed by ecosystems on public lands, and any carbon dioxide captured and permanently sequestered on public lands. Enforcement:If at any point the climate pollution reduction targets are not being met, no new fossil fuel permits or leases may be issued until compliance is reached. Fee Increases on Fossil Fuel Extraction:Increases the minimum royalty rate for onshore coal, oil, and gas from 12.5 percent to 18.75 percent. The bill also establishes new fees on producing and nonproducing oil and gas leases, to be paid by the fossil fuel industry. Economic Development for Fossil Fuel Communities:Dedicates the new funds collected from the above fees to fossil fuel-dependent regions. The funds can be used for reclamation and restoration of land and water, transition assistance, worker retraining, economic diversification, and other purposes. The Committee kicked off the year with a historicmonth of climate change hearingsto hear from impacted communities, launched anonline platformto hear from the American people about how climate change has impacted them, and held 22 hearings in 2019 focused on climate change to hear from experts, community members, Indian Country, scientists, and advocates. The feedback gathered through these efforts has consistently underscored the urgent need to limit climate pollution as soon as possible, and to help impacted communities adapt quickly. A letter signed by 16 environmental groupsthanked Chair Grijalva and the original sponsors for introducing this historic legislation. The bill enjoys broad support from environmental stakeholders. Our public lands and waters account for about a quarter of all U.S. fossil fuel production. For too long, they've been handed over to the oil and gas industry, causing harm to our air, water, wildlife and communities. This bill shifts our approach to treat these assets as the treasures they are - places that are held in trust for all of us, and for future generations. With this important legislation, we can manage our public lands and waters to help solveand not fuelthe climate crisis. Sharon Buccino, Senior Director of Lands at Natural Resources Defense Council This legislation is a bold step towards solving the climate crisis in a transparent, inclusive, and collaborative way, and we are proud to support it. It recognizes that the days of unrestrained coal, oil, and gas extraction for the sake of profit must end. It welcomes the voices of impacted community members, Tribal communities, and scientific experts as necessary contributors to the development of a healthier planet rather than pushing them to the side. Crucially, it acknowledges that we must make an equitable and just transition to a clean energy economy as soon as possible. Earthjustice will continue to work with partners and allies to build support for this legislation. Marissa Knodel, Legislative Counsel for Climate and Energy at Earthjustice Our public lands have so much more to offer than yesterday's energy, which is fueling the climate crisis today. This bill would help unlock the potential of public lands and waters to capture and store carbon, host renewable energy in the right places, and put people to work, while reining in pollution and investing in communities. We applaud Chairman Grijalva and his colleagues for proposing this strong step forward. Drew McConville, Senior Managing Director of Government Relations at The Wilderness Society Today's bill helps fit our public lands within a broader climate solution. It directs our scientists and land managers to take decisive action requiring public land managers to hit scientifically-set greenhouse gas reduction targets. It also helps strengthen the Government's consultation role with environmental justice communities. The climate crisis impacts us all and disproportionately impacts communities of color. Our transition away from fossil fuels toward clean energy must be just, equitable, and fair. Aaron Mintzes, Senior Policy Counsel at Earthworks Chairman Grijalva's bill will help ensure coastal communities are protected from the threat of President Trump's dirty and dangerous offshore drilling agenda. Congress should stand with the citizens, businesses and elected officials from both parties and at every level of government who object to opening up our waters to offshore drilling activities. If we are to avert the worst impacts of climate change, we cannot afford open season for oil drilling on our oceans. Diane Hoskins, Offshore Drilling Campaign Director at Oceana # # # Stay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee Website Facebook Twitter Newsletter",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-gallego-and-degette-lead-74-representatives-letter-opposing,Reps. Gallego and DeGette Lead 74 Representatives in Letter Opposing Administration Plan to Strip Protections from Tongass National Forest,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) led over 70 of their colleagues in submitting official comments yesterday in opposition to the U.S. Forest Service's plan to exempt Tongass National Forest in Alaska from protections under the Roadless Rule. The letter urges Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue not to proceed with his Department's proposal to open up our nation's largest National Forest and one of our most critical tools in the fight against climate change to clear-cut logging and road-building. The letter outlines the way in which a Tongass Roadless Rule exemption would damage the environment and local wildlife, harm local recreation and commercial fishing industries, reduce access to clean air and water, and threaten the livelihood and culture of Alaska Natives who call Alaska Roadless Areas home. The Roadless Rule is one of our national forests' most important and successful protections, particularly in ancient and unique places like the Tongass, said Rep. Ruben Gallego. This administration's reckless proposal to remove Roadless Rule protections and allow destructive roadbuilding throughout Alaska's majestic Tongass National Forest is bad for our environment, bad for taxpayers, bad for Alaska Natives, and bad for future generations of Americans who deserve the chance to visit and appreciate this beautiful, pristine place. The Roadless Rule protects nearly 60 million acres of national forest land for people to enjoy, said Rep. Diana DeGette. We are not going to sit back and allow the Trump administration to undo the vital protections this rule provides some of our nation's most treasured landscapes, including the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Reps. Gallego and DeGette introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act earlier this year to codify the Roadless Rule and permanently protect millions of acres of pristine national forests. Rep. Gallego had an op-ed published yesterday about the importance of keeping Roadless Rule protections in Tongass National Forest. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/arizona-businesses-call-congress-pass-usmca,Arizona Businesses Call on Congress to Pass USMCA,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.As the U.S. House prepares to vote this week on the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement, Arizona businesses are speaking up about the importance of trade with our neighboring countries. Rep. Greg Stanton has been advocating an improved North American trade policy throughout his first year in Congress. Businesses in Arizonafrom large corporations to medium- and small-sized firmshave made clear that the USMCA will provide much-needed certainty and opportunity for growth. Several business owners and representatives from trade associations shared their support with Stanton. The passage of USMCA is important for the dairy industry and critical for our Tempe based dairy cooperative. We have enjoyed a fruitful trade relationship with both Mexico and Canada, and the success of our member farms here in Arizona depends on the passage of this trade agreement. Right now, Mexico is UDA's main export market, which accounts for almost $200 million in total dairy exports. Without a trade agreement, we wouldn't have ready access to Mexico. The cooperative needs to be able to export to Mexico in order to ensure a future existence. If USMCA passes, because of the dairy provisions, we would be able to capture an increased market share in Canada. The market in Canada, and USMCA, represents a big opportunity for UDA. Ashley Ellixson, V.P. of Legal and Environmental Affairs, United Dairymen of Arizona UDA is a Tempe-based dairy co-op that consists of 90 percent of Arizona dairy farmers. It processes, manufactures, and markets Arizona dairy products sold in and outside of the United States. The USMCA offers an important opportunity to strengthen ties with our neighbors and set a precedent for all future trade agreements in this modern, global economy. Arizona is home to one of Intel's largest and most advanced manufacturing operations and we appreciate Rep. Stanton's recognition that the strong disciplines on digital trade in the USMCA will expand trade and help protect U.S. innovative technology products. The key provisions on e-commerce, cross-border data flows, encryption, IP protection and enforcement are all needed to support a robust digital economy. Lisa Malloy, Head of U.S. Government Affairs, Intel Intel Corporation is a multinational technology company and the second largest semiconductor producer in the world. The strengthened intellectual property enforcement language in the USMCA is critical for Kinetic Edge. As a small company that develops ergonomic solutions to enhance worker safety and performance, we need protection for the innovative products that we export to Mexico and across the globe. The USMCA will allow Kinetic Edge to plan for the future and to distribute our products at a greater level to customers across North America. As a company based in Tempe, we are thankful for Congressman Stanton's advocacy on the USMCA because it demonstrates a deep commitment to the growth and expansion of small businesses in Arizona that depend on trade with Mexico. Jeff Ward, Co-Founder, Kinetic Edge Kinetic Edge is a Tempe-based company that develops ergonomic solutions to enhance workplace safety and performance. St. Clair Technologies Inc. is an automotive manufacturing company with 1600 employees strong, $100 million in imports to Arizona, and $45 million in exports to Mexico, with locations in Ontario, Canada; Sonora, Mexico; and Phoenix, Arizona. As a 20-plus year member of the North American Trade community, it is an excellent program that fuels our continued trilateral growth. We are grateful and proud that Congressman Stanton continues to work for the entire trade community, across all political lines, to do what is best for his constituents in Arizona. Carolynne Hunter, VP of Supply Chain, St. Clair Technologies Inc. St. Clair Technologies Inc. is an auto parts supplier, developer and manufacturer in Chandler, Arizona. As an Arizona-based medium-sized business, Acronis SCS believes a modern and mutually beneficial trade agreement with our nation's neighbors will lead to freer markets, fairer trade, a more resilient U.S. economy, and stronger innovation in the cyber sphere and beyond. As a software company that delivers trusted edge data security and cyber protection solutions to the U.S. public sector, our company supports USMCA's efforts to enhance and protect the world's digital ecosystem while safeguarding companies' intellectual property. In short, the USMCA stands to influence and better the future of Acronis SCS, as well as many other small- and medium-sized companies like ours across Arizona and America. John Zanni, CEO, Acronis SCS Acronis SCS is a cybersecurity company headquartered in Scottsdale that focuses on protecting America's public sector by securing data across federal, state and local government, education, and non-profit computing environments. On behalf of our over 23,000 North American employees, including nearly 300 employees located in Arizona's Ninth Congress district at our Tempe facility, SAP is pleased that a deal has been reached to advance the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement through Congress. The updated trade agreement includes a state-of-the-art chapter on digital trade that safeguards cross-border data flows, prohibits data localization requirements and streamlines e-commerce. The USMCA will enable firms, notably smaller ones, to use new and innovative digital tools to overcome barriers to growth, helping facilitate payments, enabling collaboration, promoting the use of cloud-based services, and using alternative funding mechanisms such as crowdfunding. I commend Congressman Stanton for his strong support of the USMCA. He understands firsthand how this new agreement will modernize trade and bring new opportunities to the Phoenix area by allowing local firms to bring new products and services to a larger number of digitally-connected customers across the globe. In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, digitally-enabled transactions of trade in goods and services is essential to the Phoenix area's ability to compete and win in the global economy. Kevin M. Richards, VP, Head of U.S. Government Relations, SAP America, Inc. SAP America Inc. develops enterprise software to support businesses in the areas of supplier relationships, production, warehouse management, sales, customer relationships, and administrative functions. Vandervoet & Associates has been importing fresh produce from Mexico since the mid-1990s. Our business is dependent on a steady and efficient trade relationship between the US and Mexico. When people ask me about the scope of our distribution, I tell them everywhere between Tucson, Tampa, Toronto and Tokyo, as some of the Mexican produce that we import though Nogales, Arizona gets re-exported to east Asia from seaports in California. I'm thankful for the support of Rep. Stanton, who, along with many other members of the Arizona delegation have come together and supported the USMCA for the benefit of our state. Scott Vandervoet, Owner, Vandervoet & Associates Vandervoet & Associates is a fresh produce distributor based in Rio Rico, Arizona that focuses on importing melons through Nogalesthe U.S. largest port of entry for produce from Mexico. As a third-generation Arizona cattle rancher, I'm familiar with how important it is to have access to as many markets as possible for our products. All around the world, people recognize that American beef is top of the line and trade agreements have facilitated the export of U.S. beef to the global market. USMCA will benefit cattle ranchers in Arizona and we look forward to working with Congressman Stanton to getting it passed. Benny Aja, Cattle Rancher, Aja Ranch Benny Aja is a generational cattle rancher in Northern Arizona and serves as the current president for Coconino County Farm Bureau and Cattle Growers Association. We are excited to see what the next 25 years will bring within the new framework of the USMCA. So many improvements were adopted to better leverage North American cooperation and collaboration, and that type of close working relationship is what has made the U.S., Canada, and Mexico the strongest trading block in the world. The USMCA is the right agreement to bring us into the 21st century and beyond. I look forward to broad, bipartisan support to pass the agreement. Lance Jungmeyer, President, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas Fresh Produce Association of the Americas is a nonprofit trade association headquartered in Nogales, Arizona that represents over 120 U.S. member companies involved in growing, packing, sales and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Mexico. Phat Scooters is a homegrown, Tempe-based electric scooter manufacturing company that represents the future of electric vehicles. What began as three friends looking for an alternative mode of transportation during the Arizona summer has transformed into an innovative company with clients across the globe. Part of that success is built on our beneficial trade relationship with Mexico and the trade agreements that provide certainty and ease. Phat Scooters is a big fan of USMCA and has shifted its growth strategy to take advantage of the opportunities it provides. Thank you to Congressman Stanton for being an advocate of Arizona businesses in the 9th district and for supporting the families and community that make up our company. Peter Johnson, CEO, Phat Scooters Phat Scooters is a startup company based in Tempe that designs and builds customized electric scooters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/mccain-inspired-bill-backed-sinema-establishes-wounded-warrior-program-senate,McCain-Inspired Bill Backed by Sinema Establishes Wounded Warrior Program in Senate,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator's resolution implements the McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program,' creating employment opportunities for veterans in the U.S. Senate WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator cosponsored a bipartisan bill establishing the McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program, providing veterans with service-connected disabilities the opportunity to work in the U.S. Senate as they transition to civilian life. The bipartisan program is named after the late Arizona senior Senator John McCain. Arizona veterans earned the opportunity to succeed as they transition to civilian life. Our bipartisan Wounded Warrior Program, inspired by Arizona hero John McCain, empowers Arizona veterans to continue serving our nation while providing them with professional opportunities, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. The two-year fellowship was inspired by the late Arizona senior Senator John McCain, who was seriously wounded and held captive as a prisoner during the Vietnam War, and the late Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield who served during World War I.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinemas-network-support-act-heads-presidents-desk,Sinema’s Network of Support Act Heads to President’s Desk,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate passes defense bill including Sinema's Network of Support Act, Sinema's military sexual assault reforms, and Arizona military priorities secured by Sinema WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate passed Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act as part of this year's defense bill. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The Senate also approved Sinema's military sexual assault reforms in her Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act. Sinema also secured funding for Arizona military installations and resources for Arizona servicemembers in today's Senate-passed defense bill. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep Arizona safe and secure, and it is our duty to ensure they have complete access to critical resources. Today's passage of our Network of Support Act directly engages servicemembers' loved ones, strengthening support for servicemembers and ensuring they have somewhere to turn in times of need, said Sinema. National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 Includes: Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act: Legislation named after Arizona Army veteran Sergeant Daniel Somers who served two tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD upon returning home. He lost his life to suicide in 2013. Over the past five years, Sinema has worked with Daniel's parents, Howard and Jean Somers, to advance legislation to help servicemembers receive the care they've earned. Together, they introduced the Network of Support Act. The bill requires the Defense Department and the Red Cross to collect from new servicemembers the names of loved ones they consider to be their networks of support. In return, the Department of Defense and Red Cross will provide information about benefits and services available to military members. By directly engaging families and loved ones, the Department can prepare and equip military friends and families to better understand military life, notice when a servicemember struggles, and ensure they have access to the necessary tools to help a servicemember get assistance or care. Encouraging Growth at Camp Navajo: Sinema secured language encouraging the Army to expand public-private partnerships that will offer additional revenue to Camp Navajo, the Arizona National Guard, and the surrounding community. Funding for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma: Sinema secured $90.1 million in funding for the renovation of MCAS Yuma's Hangar 95. Sinema also secured $99.6 million in funding for the critical replacement of junior servicemembers' barracks. Funding for Luke Air Force Base's F-35 Program Sinema helped secure $9.8 billion for 90 F-35 aircraft, an increase of over 12 aircraft from the President's request. Funding for Davis Monthan Air Force Base's A-10 Program Sinema helped secure $132 million for the A-10 based at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Sinema's Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act Bipartisan legislative reforms endorsed by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence Violence to improve the military's ability to prevent and respond to sexual assault. The legislation directs the Defense Department to create a civilian advisory committee on sexual assault prevention. The committee would be comprised of up to 20 civilian members with expertise in campus sexual assault prevention, suicide prevention, public health, and culture change of large organizations, among other areas. The committee would advise the Secretary of Defense on ways to implement new programs or improve existing programs dedicated to preventing sexual assault. Additionally, the legislation allows the military to pay for exceptionally qualified enlisted members to attend law school and join the JAG Corps, and encourages military commanders to take prompt administrative action in cases where non-judicial accountability is necessary. Sinema-shaped Military Special Victims Protection Act Legislation cosponsored and shaped by Sinema that codifies many of the military's best practices for referring military sexual assault to courts martial, expands eligibility for Special Victim Counsel services to victims of certain domestic violence offences, and provides for the correction of military records and discharges for former military members who were survivors of military sexual trauma or intimate partner violence. Sinema-backed Paid Leave for Federal Employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees. Sinema-backed repeal of the Widow's Tax Three year phase out of the Survivor Benefit Plan/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation offset, commonly called the Widow's Tax, bringing an end to the shortchanging of Gold Star families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/tucson-priorities-third-sinema-bill-approved-senate,Tucson Priorities & Third Sinema Bill Approved by Senate,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate passed Tucson-specific priorities secured by Sinema in this year's NDAA Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support also heads to President's desk to be signed into law WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today approved military priorities for Tucson and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act as part of this year's defense bill. The bill, Sinema's third to be passed by Congress, now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Sinema also secured funding for Tucson-specific priorities for Arizona servicemembers in today's Senate-passed defense bill,including $132 million for Davis Monthan Air Force Base's A-10 program. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep Arizona safe and secure, and it is our duty to ensure they have complete access to critical resources. Today's passage of our Network of Support Act directly engages servicemembers' loved ones, strengthening support for servicemembers and ensuring they have somewhere to turn in times of need, said Sinema. National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 Includes: Funding for Davis Monthan Air Force Base's A-10 Program Sinema helped secure $132 million for the A-10 based at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act: Legislation named after Arizona Army veteran Sergeant Daniel Somers who served two tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD upon returning home. He lost his life to suicide in 2013. Over the past five years, Sinema has worked with Daniel's parents, Howard and Jean Somers, to advance legislation to help servicemembers receive the care they've earned. Together, they introduced the Network of Support Act. The bill requires the Defense Department and the Red Cross to collect from new servicemembers the names of loved ones they consider to be their networks of support. In return, the Department of Defense and Red Cross will provide information about benefits and services available to military members. By directly engaging families and loved ones, the Department can prepare and equip military friends and families to better understand military life, notice when a servicemember struggles, and ensure they have access to the necessary tools to help a servicemember get assistance or care. Encouraging Growth at Camp Navajo: Sinema secured language encouraging the Army to expand public-private partnerships that will offer additional revenue to Camp Navajo, the Arizona National Guard, and the surrounding community. Funding for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma: Sinema secured $90.1 million in funding for the renovation of MCAS Yuma's Hangar 95. Sinema also secured $99.6 million in funding for the critical replacement of junior servicemembers' barracks. Funding for Luke Air Force Base's F-35 Program Sinema helped secure $9.8 billion for 90 F-35 aircraft, an increase of over 12 aircraft from the President's request. Sinema's Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act Bipartisan legislative reforms endorsed by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence Violence to improve the military's ability to prevent and respond to sexual assault. The legislation directs the Defense Department to create a civilian advisory committee on sexual assault prevention. The committee would be comprised of up to 20 civilian members with expertise in campus sexual assault prevention, suicide prevention, public health, and culture change of large organizations, among other areas. The committee would advise the Secretary of Defense on ways to implement new programs or improve existing programs dedicated to preventing sexual assault. Additionally, the legislation allows the military to pay for exceptionally qualified enlisted members to attend law school and join the JAG Corps, and encourages military commanders to take prompt administrative action in cases where non-judicial accountability is necessary. Sinema-shaped Military Special Victims Protection Act Legislation cosponsored and shaped by Sinema that codifies many of the military's best practices for referring military sexual assault to courts martial, expands eligibility for Special Victim Counsel services to victims of certain domestic violence offences, and provides for the correction of military records and discharges for former military members who were survivors of military sexual trauma or intimate partner violence. Sinema-backed Paid Leave for Federal Employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees. Sinema-backed repeal of the Widow's Tax Three year phase out of the Survivor Benefit Plan/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation offset, commonly called the Widow's Tax, bringing an end to the shortchanging of Gold Star families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/yuma-priorities-third-sinema-bill-approved-senate,Yuma Priorities & Third Sinema Bill Approved by Senate,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate passed Yuma-specific priorities secured by Sinema in this year's NDAA Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support also heads to President's desk to be signed into law WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today approved military priorities for Yuma and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act as part of this year's defense bill. The bill, Sinema's third to be passed by Congress, now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Sinema also secured funding for Yuma-specific priorities for Arizona servicemembers in today's Senate-passed defense bill, including funding for MCAS Yuma's barracks and its Hangar 95. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep Arizona safe and secure, and it is our duty to ensure they have complete access to critical resources. Today's passage of our Network of Support Act directly engages servicemembers' loved ones, strengthening support for servicemembers and ensuring they have somewhere to turn in times of need, said Sinema. National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 Includes: Funding for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma: Sinema secured $90.1 million in funding for the renovation of MCAS Yuma's Hangar 95. Sinema also secured $99.6 million in funding for the critical replacement of junior servicemembers' barracks. Sinema's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act: Legislation named after Arizona Army veteran Sergeant Daniel Somers who served two tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD upon returning home. He lost his life to suicide in 2013. Over the past five years, Sinema has worked with Daniel's parents, Howard and Jean Somers, to advance legislation to help servicemembers receive the care they've earned. Together, they introduced the Network of Support Act. The bill requires the Defense Department and the Red Cross to collect from new servicemembers the names of loved ones they consider to be their networks of support. In return, the Department of Defense and Red Cross will provide information about benefits and services available to military members. By directly engaging families and loved ones, the Department can prepare and equip military friends and families to better understand military life, notice when a servicemember struggles, and ensure they have access to the necessary tools to help a servicemember get assistance or care. Encouraging Growth at Camp Navajo: Sinema secured language encouraging the Army to expand public-private partnerships that will offer additional revenue to Camp Navajo, the Arizona National Guard, and the surrounding community. Funding for Luke Air Force Base's F-35 Program Sinema helped secure $9.8 billion for 90 F-35 aircraft, an increase of over 12 aircraft from the President's request. Funding for Davis Monthan Air Force Base's A-10 Program Sinema helped secure $132 million for the A-10 based at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Sinema's Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act Bipartisan legislative reforms endorsed by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence Violence to improve the military's ability to prevent and respond to sexual assault. The legislation directs the Defense Department to create a civilian advisory committee on sexual assault prevention. The committee would be comprised of up to 20 civilian members with expertise in campus sexual assault prevention, suicide prevention, public health, and culture change of large organizations, among other areas. The committee would advise the Secretary of Defense on ways to implement new programs or improve existing programs dedicated to preventing sexual assault. Additionally, the legislation allows the military to pay for exceptionally qualified enlisted members to attend law school and join the JAG Corps, and encourages military commanders to take prompt administrative action in cases where non-judicial accountability is necessary. Sinema-shaped Military Special Victims Protection Act Legislation cosponsored and shaped by Sinema that codifies many of the military's best practices for referring military sexual assault to courts martial, expands eligibility for Special Victim Counsel services to victims of certain domestic violence offences, and provides for the correction of military records and discharges for former military members who were survivors of military sexual trauma or intimate partner violence. Sinema-backed Paid Leave for Federal Employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees. Sinema-backed repeal of the Widow's Tax Three year phase out of the Survivor Benefit Plan/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation offset, commonly called the Widow's Tax, bringing an end to the shortchanging of Gold Star families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-secures-nearly-85000-veterans-backpay,"OHalleran Secures Nearly $85,000 in Veterans Backpay",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that he had secured $84,989.44 in backpay for a veteran in Arizona's First Congressional District who had been waiting for his disability severance pay since 2005. Following notice of the casework success, Congressman O'Halleran released the following statement: This year, Marcus Christiansen of Casa Grande, Arizona contacted my office regarding his concerns about his due disability severance pay from the U.S. Army, starting all the way back in 2005 and running through May 2019. Mr. Christiansen was concerned because he had submitted all required documentation but never received any disbursements or word regarding this entitlement. My staff and I worked to ensure that the Army adjudicated and disbursed Mr. Christiansen's disability severance pay and officially concluded the matter late last month. Our veterans have faithfully served our country, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the best care when they return home. I am pleased that my staff and I were able to secure the backpay Marcus was due. I have three physical offices in Arizona, and caseworkers on my staff that work remotely throughout the state. I encourage all veterans who may be struggling to work with the VA or other federal agencies to reach out to the district office nearest them for assistance. Official confirmation of Mr. Christiansen's backpay was received from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service on November 29, 2019. I woke up to severance pay pending in my account, said Mr. Christiansen. Thank you again, Congressman O'Halleran. Information for those seeking casework assistance can be found on Rep. O'Halleran's website, here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/following-sinemas-leadership-congress-set-repeal-harmful-health-care-taxes,"Following Sinema’s Leadership, Congress Set to Repeal Harmful Health Care Taxes",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator helped secure a full repeal of the Health Insurance, Medical Device, and Cadillac Taxes, making health care more affordable for Arizonans WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured the repeal of the Health Insurance, Medical Device, and Cadillac Tax in Congress's government spending bill, making health care more affordable for Arizonans. Kyrsten has been leading the effort to repeal these taxes and protect Arizonans since 2013. For six years, I have worked across the aisle to repeal harmful health care taxes. Today's deal to repeal makes health care more affordable and represents a win for Arizona families, said Sinema. Sinema has led the effort to protect Arizonans and repeal the Health Insurance Tax, Medical Device Tax, and the Cadillac Tax since 2013. Sinema earlier this year introduced the Jobs and Premium Protection Act with Republican Senators John Barrasso and Cory Gardner to repeal the Health Insurance Tax. This repeal is based on legislation Sinema championed while in the U.S. House that will spare Arizona families a nearly $500 annual increase in health insurance premiums. Last week, Sinema and a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress urged Congressional leaders to repeal the Health Insurance Tax. Sinema is also a cosponsor of the Protect Medical Innovation Act, which permanently repeals the medical device tax and protects over 17,000 Arizona jobs in this innovative industry. Earlier this year, Sinema led a letter from the Arizona Congressional Delegation urging Congressional leaders to repeal the Medical Device Tax. Sinema is also a cosponsor of the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act to repeal the Cadillac tax, an onerous 40 percent tax on employer-sponsored health plans that would raise premiums for hard-working Arizonans who get their health insurance through work.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-champions-bipartisan-bill-protecting-miners-retirement-and-health-benefits,Sinema Champions Bipartisan Bill Protecting Miners’ Retirement and Health Benefits,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, December 16, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the bipartisan American Miners Act, which secures miners' pensions and protect miners' access to health care. Thousands of Arizona miners earned their pensions and health care through a lifetime of dangerous and hard work. We must ensure the government keeps its promises to miners and their families, said Sinema. The bipartisan American Miners Act secures retired miners' pensions by shoring up the 1974 Pension Plan, which is headed for insolvency due to coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis, and ensures that miners will not lose their healthcare. 1,800 Arizona families will benefit from the American Miners Act. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-congressional-leadership-no-budget-no-pay,"Sinema to Congressional Leadership: No Budget, No Pay",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, December 16, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Senator Rick Scott (Fla.) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Congressional leaders urging leaders to include in the end-of-year spending package language that prevents members of Congress from getting paid if spending bills are not passed. If members of Congress fail to do their jobs, then they should not get paid. I'll keep reaching across the aisle to fix a broken Washington and deliver for Arizona, said Sinema, who has consistently sponsored the No Budget, No Pay Act since she was elected to Congress. In their letter, the bipartisan lawmakers indicated that passing spending bills and keeping the government running are basic duties of Congress. At the beginning of this year, the United States suffered the longest government shutdown in its history hurting Arizona families and workers who continued to work without pay. The bipartisan No Budget, No Pay Act was part of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee this year. This bipartisan legislation halts paychecks for all House and Senate members if they miss the deadline for government spending bills. Sinema sponsored similar legislation in the 113th, 114th, and 115th Congress. The full text of the letter is available HERE. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-secures-long-term-renewal-export-import-bank-bipartisan-budget-deal,Sinema Secures Long-Term Renewal of Export-Import Bank in Bipartisan Budget Deal,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following months of Sinema's advocacy, bipartisan budget deal includes a 7-year Export-Import Bank renewal WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a 7-year renewal of the Export-Import Bank in today's bipartisan budget deal. Sinema has been advocating for a long-term renewal of the Bank, which helped 37 Arizona businesses finance more than $57 million in exports, creating good jobs in Arizona and growing the state's economy. Our bipartisan renewal of the Export-Import Bank helps Arizona employers sell more products overseas, create more jobs at home, and it represents a step away from Congress's usual short-term crisis management, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Banking Committee. Sinema led the effort in the U.S. Senate with Republican Senator Kevin Cramer (N.D.) to support Arizona jobs and increase business opportunities by introducing a bipartisan 10-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. The Export-Import Bank helped Arizona businesses finance $2 billion in exports over the last five years, creating good jobs in the state while closing the trade deficit with countries like China. For a total list of Arizona exporters utilizing the Export-Import Bank click HERE. Arizona businesses utilizing the Export Import Bank: Business: City: TotalExported Since 2018: Ability Dynamics, LLC Tempe $1,864,477 Aero-link Arizona, Inc. Scottsdale $1,087,488 Aero-zone, Inc. Chandler $5,244,115 Aerotec International, Inc. Phoenix $7,886,643 APS BioGroup, Inc. Phoenix $6,285,915 Axus Technology LLC Chandler $1,929,350 Blockwise Engineering LLC Tempe $2,674,535 Commercial Aviation International Llc Scottsdale $2,623,381 Copper State Bolt & Nut Company, Inc. Phoenix $436,456 Driver Industrial, LLC Phoenix $1,411,695 Eyetech Digital Systems, Inc. Mesa $1,204,479 Handmade Love LLC Scottsdale $112,378 ICP Construction, Inc. Phoenix $33,933 LACC-JNK Inc. Mesa $600,000 MGI Automation LLC Mesa $248,962 Mobility Research, Inc. Tempe $1,008,180 Par Avion LLC Scottsdale $3,829,533 Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc. Phoenix $2,104,613 Salt River Aviation, LLC Chandler $7,935,701 Tire Service Equipment Mfg Co., Inc Phoenix $283,100 Trio Forest Products, Inc. Mesa $157,726 Wyatt Aerospace LLC Chandler $378,281 Competitive Engineering, Inc. Tucson $13,500,000 General Rubber Corporation Tucson $1,540,413 Meyer Ban LLC Nogales $2,609,206 Midian Electronics, Inc. Tucson $110 Minerals Research, Inc. Tucson $828,934 Modular Mining Systems Inc. Tucson $29,180 Split Engineering LLC Tucson $38,674",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/house-bill-could-generate-more-health-services-native-american-elders,House bill could generate more health services for Native American elders,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. representatives from Arizona, New Mexico and Kansas introduced legislation last week to support caregiving services for Native American senior citizens. If passed,the Tribal Elder Care Improvement Actaims to bring more health services to rural tribal communities and fund support services for family caregivers across fiscal years 2020 to 2024. Arizona Democratic Rep. Tom O'Halleran, the sponsor of the bill, said the act could significantly expand the reach of services provided on tribal lands and address high rates of disease. ""When you have such prevalent diseases, such as diabetes and heart health, in these remote locations, we have to be able to get something accomplished to preserve the life expectancy of people that are in real need,"" O'Halleran said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Native Americans, more than any other agency-defined racial group in the United States, have thehighest susceptibility to diabetes.It also citesheart disease as the leading cause of deathfor Indigenous Americans. Tribal agencies could apply for grant funds to support services such as in-home care, transportation, wellness programs or legal services. The grant would also incorporate case management for senior citizens. O'Halleran said the act could reduce some of the medical barriers Indigenous communities face, like cutting travel time. ""We have elders that are three hours from the nearest services that are provided, so this ability to get this done and accomplished, it would be a dramatic increase [in services],"" O'Halleran said. He said funding in-home care will save more money than transporting multiple caregivers and patients to medical facilities for care. O'Halleran said the act would provide more than $5.3 million in 2020 to expand health and nutrition services, and it will increase by another $43.3 million by 2024. He said agencies would be awarded grants based on need. The act also includes a separate grant that would provide $2.7 million for the Native American Caregiver Support Program in 2020 that would increase to $13.6 million by 2024, said O'Halleran.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/landmark-prescription-drug-pricing-bill-clears-us-house,Landmark prescription drug pricing bill clears U.S. House,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The U.S. House passed a landmark health care measure Thursday that proponents say would dramatically reduce rising prescription drugs prices and significantly expand access to health care benefits and services. The sweepinglegislationpassedlargely along party lines, with 230 lawmakers voting for it and 192 against. Only two House Republicans voted for the bill Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. There is no reason hardworking Americans should pay three or four times more for their drugs than the same drugs in other countries, Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Sedona, said in a written statement following his vote for the measure. O'Halleran was joined by Arizona Democrats Ruben Gallego, Raul Grijalva, Ann Kirkpatrick and Greg Stanton in supporting the bill. Republicans Andy Biggs, Debbie Lesko and David Schweikert voted against it. Rep. Paul Gosar, a Republican from Prescott, wasn't present for the vote. The cost of prescription drugs hassoaredin recent years, and Americanspay morefor drugs than do residents of other wealthy countries. In Arizona, the average annual cost of prescription drug treatment rosenearly 60%between 2012 and 2017, far more than the 11% increase in Arizonans' average annual income over the same time, according to an analysis by AARP. More than one-fourth of residentsstoppedtaking drugs as prescribed because they couldn't afford them. U.S. drug prices are especially high in large part because the federal government doesn't negotiate lower prices with drug companies,expertssay but thebillpassed Thursday would enable it to do so. Under the bill, lower prices would be available to all consumers, not just beneficiaries of Medicare, the government insurance program serving Americans over age 65 and some younger adults with certain disabilities or who have kidney failure. The bill would also bar drug companies from charging Americans significantly more than they charge consumers in other countries for the same drugs and from raising prices at rates higher than inflation. And it would cap out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs at $2,000 and expand Medicare coverage to include vision, hearing and dental benefits. Savings from lower drug costs which Democrats said would amount to$500 billionover 10 years would also be invested in biomedical research, efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, home visitation programs for women and children, and health centers targeting underserved people. Republicans objected to the legislation, calling it in the words of GOP Rep. George Holding of North Carolina a bad deal for Americans. He and other Republicans said regulating drug prices would suppress innovation in biomedical research and stall the development of life-saving drugs and treatments. It's simply a chance we cannot afford to take, said GOP Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia. Democratic Rep. Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania rejected the argument, saying Wednesday that drug prices are going up not because of the cost of research and development, but because drugmakers are jacking up prices wherever and whenever they can maximize their profits. Republicans also said the bill would reduce the number of drugs and treatments available on the U.S. market and force Americans to wait longer to access them. As an alternative, theyoffereda smaller-scaleproposalthat would not impose price controls but would lower out-of-pocket spending and increase transparency while protecting access to new medicines and encouraging competition. Most Americans think prescription drugs are too expensive,polls show, and one in four insured adults hasdifficulty payingfor them. Majorities favor efforts to reduce their cost including allowing the federal government to negotiate prices with drug companies. The Democratic-led bill that passed the House Thursday is not expected to clear the GOP-controlled Senate, and President Donald Trump hasthreatened to vetoit. The White House said it would likely undermine access to lifesaving drugs and cited a report by the Council of Economic Advisers, an executive branch agency, that found that it could lead to the loss or significant delay in the development of as many as 100 new medicines. But Democrats accused Trump who pledged in 2016 to negotiate like crazy for lower drug prices of backpedaling on his campaign promise. Trump promised in 2016 he would work to lower drug prices, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said on the floor Thursday. For that reason, he ought to support it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/mcsally-gosar-o-halleran-ask-postal-service-study-need-new-post-office-prescott,"McSally, Gosar, OHalleran ask Postal Service to study need for new post office in Prescott Valley",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"It appears that Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta's persistent pursuit of a new location for a bigger, more centralized post office in town is gaining traction at the federal level. This week, Arizona Sen. Martha McSally and Congressmen Paul Gosar and Tom O'Halleran sent a letter to Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan asking the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to analyze the issue. As you may know, the Town of Prescott Valley's population has grown significantly from 6,000 [people] in 1985 to almost 50,000 today, McSally, O'Halleran and Gosar's letter stated, in part. Since that time, the town has petitioned USPS to address issues associated with the local post office's current operations. The letter adds, With this in mind, we request that USPS move forward with an analysis to ascertain the need for a new post office location. In this analysis, we would ask that you consider the town's population increase, the facility needs to meet the volume, as well as the location, of these operations. The study should determine whether the feds need to relocate their main post office in Prescott Valley from 8307 E. Highway 69 Suite 1, which it leases, to a yet-to-be-determined site. Lawmakers are also asking Brennan to consult with the local civic and business leaders [in Prescott Valley] as you move forward with this analysis and any findings. I appreciate Senator McSally [and] Congressmen Gosar and O'Halleran taking the time to recognize the needs of the residents of Prescott Valley, Palguta said in a news release. I also would like to thank Senator McSally for taking the time [on Nov. 22] to witness first-hand the issues and concerns that our current residents deal with on a daily basis with our post office. I appreciate all the support and [the] step[s] taken thus far in our quest for a new post office in the Town of Prescott Valley. Palguta and the town council are concerned that as Prescott Valley's population continues to grow, more traffic and business will overwhelm the post office on Highway 69. Palguta says he doesn't like that residents can't pick up and drop off packages simultaneously at the main branch. Rather, they must pick up packages at the post office's annex, 6545 E. Second St., and drop them off at 8307 E. Highway 69 Suite 1. Until recently, the annex, which the Postal Service also leases, kept limited hours. This past week, the annex extended its hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Sunday hours will last only through December, though. The mayor also dislikes the increasingly longer wait times and the limited parking at the main branch, as well as the inconvenient locations of the main branch and the annex.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/mcsally-o-halleran-gosar-support-usps-study-new-prescott-post-office,"McSally, OHalleran, Gosar Support USPS Study for New Prescott Post Office",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Representatives Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) and Paul Gosar (AZ-04) wrote to the Postmaster General in support of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) analysis for a new post office in Prescott Valley, Arizona. As you may know, the Town of Prescott Valley's population has grown significantly from 6,000 in 1985 to almost 50,000 today, the Members wrote. Since that time, the town has petitioned USPS to address issues associated with the local post office's current operations. With this in mind, we request that USPS move forward with an analysis to ascertain the need for a new post office location. In this analysis, we would ask that you consider the Town's population increase, the facility needs to meet the volume, as well as the location of these operations. Prescott Valley Mayor Palguta said: I appreciate Senator McSally, Congressman's Gosar and O'Halleran taking the time to recognize the needs of the Residents of Prescott Valley. I also would like to thank Senator McSally for taking the time to witness first-hand the issues and concerns that our current residents deal with on a daily basis with our post office. I appreciate all the support and step taken thus far in our quest for a new Post Office in the Town of Prescott Valley. Full text of the letter is availableHEREand below. Megan J. BrennanPostmaster General and Chief Executive OfficerUnited States Postal Service475 L'Enfant Plaza SWWashington, DC 20260 Dear Postmaster General Brennan, We write to you today in support of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) analysis for a new post office in Prescott Valley, Arizona. As you may know, the Town of Prescott Valley's population has grown significantly from 6,000 in 1985 to almost 50,000 today. Since that time, the town has petitioned USPS to address issues associated with the local post office's current operations. With further population growth expected in the future, the town is worried additional traffic and business will overwhelm the current capacity. Multiple concerns have been raised by Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta, including the inability for residents to pick up and drop off packages in a single stop, increasingly long wait times, lack of adequate parking and the inconvenient locations of these buildings. Additionally, it is our understanding that USPS currently leases these locations and does not own any of the buildings in the Town, which may provide additional flexibility in finding a more suitable location. With this in mind, we request that USPS move forward with an analysis to ascertain the need for a new post office location. In this analysis, we would ask that you consider the Town's population increase, the facility needs to meet the volume, as well as the location of these operations. Given that there are currently two locations under lease by USPS in Prescott Valley, we would also ask that you consider the most efficient use of space and location in your analysis. Lastly, we would ask that USPS consult with the local civic and business leaders as you move forward with this analysis and any findings. In October the Prescott Valley Town Council approved a resolution calling on USPS to seek out a new post office suitable to the needs of the residents, which we have enclosed. Thank you and we look forward to your response. On November 22, McSally made a visit to the Prescott Valley post office to meet with Mayor Kell Palguta, Town Manager Larry Tarkowski and several managers from the U.S. Postal Service at the PV Post Office to discuss the need for a new post office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/o-halleran-takes-tetra-tech-issue-nrc,OHalleran takes Tetra Tech issue to NRC,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz., who recently learned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had contracted with embattled Tetra Tech for the assessment of 54 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation, has written a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission raising questions about the $85 million contract. The Pasadena-based company is facing 23 lawsuits, including at least one by the U.S. government, claiming its subsidiary, Tetra Tech EC, falsified soil samples at an old Navy shipyard it was remediating in 2013. In a press release, O'Halleran said he is deeply concerned about the awarding of the Navajo contract to the company, and wants the NRC to explain why Tetra Tech's radioactive material license is still in good standing, what corrective actions the company took and whether or not the NRC shared its review of Tetra Tech's license with the EPA before it awarded the 2017 contract. United States v. Tetra Tech is still in the courts. Most recently, in October, Tetra Tech asked the federal judge hearing the case to recuse himself and the judge refused, calling the company's motion bordering on frivolous. The company had claimed U.S. District Judge James Donato, in a decision on separate complaints filed by homeowners whose houses were built on the contaminated former shipyard, had used the words as plaintiffs allege, indicating Donato was summarizing the complaint rather than stating his own opinion. Also, in a May 2018 sentencing hearing for one of the two Tetra Tech employees who had pleaded guilty to falsifying the samples, Donato had said he was very skeptical this was something that (the defendant) came up with completely on his own, which Tetra Tech's attorneys said indicated Donato had already made up his mind about the case. O'Halleran said in his press release there's enough evidence of wrongdoing by Tetra Tech that the government should be very careful about awarding it such a large and sensitive contract at the very least, the NRC should have scrutinized the company closely and passed on its findings to USEPA. The toxic effects of abandoned uranium mines, including higher rates of cancer and birth defects, continue to plague communities in my district, particularly on the Navajo Nation. This is an issue I take very seriously, said O'Halleran. I am deeply concerned about this contracted operation and the NRC's potential knowledge of Tetra Tech's reputation beforehand, he said. We must ensure that abandoned uranium mine sites are remediated properly. Neither Tetra Tech nor the Navajo Nation EPA returned calls for this story, but when the Times last reported on it on April 18, Michele Dineyazhe of NNEPA told the Times her office had expressed concern about the award. But by the time (the U.S. EPA) vetted our concerns, they had already awarded the contract, she added. A USEPA spokeswoman had pointed out the agency had contracted with Tetra Tech, the parent company, rather than Tetra Tech EC, the accused subsidiary. At the time, Tetra Tech had issued a statement saying it stood by its work at the shipyard and would be vindicated in court.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-announces-vote-articles-impeachment,OHalleran Announces Vote on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, following the House Judiciary Committee's final markup of H.Res. 755, the official articles of impeachment, and their vote to advance the articles out of Committee to the full House of Representatives for a vote, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement: Today is a somber day in America's history. When I was elected to represent Arizona's First Congressional District in the House of Representatives, I never expected that we would vote on impeaching a sitting president. As a former law enforcement officer and criminal investigator, I spent my career gathering evidence and pursuing truth and justice. Throughout this impeachment inquiry process, I have remained committed to reviewing all of the facts before coming to a final decision on the matter. That is why I have reached my decision today, following the finalization of the official articles of impeachment. The constitution is a document we have lived by as a nation for over two hundred years. It is the shortest written constitution of any major government in the world, but it outlines clear grounds on which the impeachment of a sitting president is the correct course of action. Article II, Section 4 reads, The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. President Trump abused the power of the presidency and broke his oath of office when he bribed the nation of Ukraine by withholding military aid they had already been promised in exchange for help investigating a political opponent. The President's own political appointees and phone call transcript confirmed these facts. I will vote to impeach the President because this bribery and abuse of power violated the constitution and put our national security and our international relationships at risk. Our democracy is the greatest in the world, and a model for many other nations. In our democracy, we must hold elected officials accountable when they break the public trust and put their own interests before the good of our nation. As we look forward to the second half of the 116th Congress, I remain committed to getting things done for Arizona families. We must work across the aisle to create good-paying jobs that grow our rural communities, lower health care costs for seniors and working families, and keep our promises to Arizona's veterans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-s-initiatives-improve-veterans-quality-life-will-become-law,Stantons Initiatives to Improve Veterans Quality of Life Will Become Law,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.On Wednesday, the House passed the final 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which supports a strong national defense and includes two key amendments offered by Rep. Greg Stanton to improve veterans' quality of life. The legislation now heads to the Senate and then to the President's desk for signature. Anyone who puts their life on the line for our country deserves to feel safe and prepared in the line of duty, and our veterans deserve access to the resources and support they've earned when they return home, said Stanton. Stanton's two amendments will directly benefit Arizona's veterans. Naturalization of Veterans In June 2019, the Government Accountability Office released a report that found that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not consistently follow its policies or accurately document its cases involving veterans from 2013 through 2018. Stanton's first amendment addresses this by improving the mandatory counseling that noncitizen servicemembers receive when they transition out of the U.S. Armed Forces. The change will ensure servicemembers are provided important information on the expedited naturalization resources available to them for their service. Stanton was inspired to take legislative action after talking to Steven Borden, director of veteran services at Arizona State University's Pat Tillman Veterans Center, and hearing stories about how veterans transitioning from military to student life were impacted by current law. Recreation Programs to Address Veteran Suicide Stanton's second amendment helps combat the devastating veteran suicide rate by extending participation in the Wounded Warrior Program. The military recreation program provides crucial physical, psychological and social rehabilitation to help curb the high suicide rates. Currently, once a servicemember separates from the U.S. Armed Forces, they no longer qualify for their respective service's Wounded Warrior Program. Stanton's amendment would change this by extending a veteran's eligibility an additional year, a time in which veteran suicide is reported to be two times higher than the average rate. Additional NDAA Measures In addition to authorizing the most robust defense budget in history at $738 billion, the NDAA included a number of other provisions such as: A 3.1 percent pay raise for military members; Funding for 12 additional F-35 aircrafts which are flown at Luke Air Force Base; A repeal of the widow tax to relieve surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers of undue financial burdens; 12-week paid family leave for all federal employees; Protections for DACA and TPS servicemembers to prevent them from being involuntarily separated from service. Stanton first advocated for his amendments in July. Video of his remarks on the House floor is available here: https://youtu.be/8p_rRCuyKSE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-urges-congressional-leaders-repeal-harmful-health-insurance-tax,Sinema Urges Congressional Leaders to Repeal Harmful Health Insurance Tax,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In a bipartisan letter, Sinema urges Congressional action to provide relief from the tax and make health care more affordable for Arizonans WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress urged Congressional leaders to repeal the harmful Health Insurance Tax that will raise health care costs in 2020. Eliminating the Health Insurance Tax protects Arizona families, seniors, and businesses from rising health care costs, said Sinema, who has led bipartisan legislation to repeal the Health Insurance Tax. Congress must take immediate bipartisan action to eliminate this harmful health tax and make health care more affordable for Arizonans. The Internal Revenue Service estimates that in 2020 the Health Insurance Tax would impose a $15.5 billion fee on health insurance plans, affecting Arizona families and small businesses. According to a recent report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the net cost of health insurance grew 13.2% in 2018, compared to only 4.3% in 2017 when the Health Insurance Tax was not in effect. Sinema earlier this year introduced legislation with Republican Senators John Barrasso and Cory Gardner to repeal the Health Insurance Tax. This repeal is based on legislation Sinema championed while in the U.S. House that will spare Arizona families a nearly $500 annual increase in health insurance premiums. In January, Sinema led a bipartisan group of freshmen Senators in writing to Senate Leaders Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer requesting bipartisan action on the Health Insurance Tax, citing that insurance carriers were already factoring in the additional tax while setting 2020 rates, which would result in higher health insurance premiums costing $20.3 billion for 142 million Americans. The full text of the letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2934,"At Congressional Oversight Hearing on Student Debt Relief and For-Profit Colleges, Rep. Grijalva Holds Secretary DeVos Accountable to Defrauded Students",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos appeared before the House Committee on Education and Labor in an oversight hearing on the Department of Education's failure to implement the Borrower's Defense Rule that provides relief to borrowers defrauded by for-profit colleges. Despite the Department of Education's own analysis that found students defrauded by Corinthian Colleges and ITT Tech deserved full relief, Secretary DeVos has refused to provide it. For three years, Secretary DeVos has served as the accomplice of shady for-profit colleges that have defrauded our students, said Rep. Ral M. Grijalva. While students desperately await their debt relief, the Department of Education has illegally garnished their paychecks, tax refunds, and benefits to pay back debts that should have been forgiven under the Borrower's Defense Rule. Instead of rolling back regulations that protected students from predatory for-profit institutions, Betsy DeVos should remember that she works for America's studentsnot her for-profit college executive pals. According to the June 2019 Borrower's Defense Quarterly Report there are over 4,500 pending claims for forgiveness in Arizona, and for-profit institutions continue to take advantage of students across the country. This week, the Federal Trade Commission reached a historic $191 million settlement with the University of Phoenix to compensate students who were harmed by the for-profit college's deceptive advertising campaign. The settlement includes a $50 million cash payment for consumer redress' and the cancellation of approximately $141 million in student debts owed to the university. The University of Phoenix egregiously mislead thousands of students through its false advertisements that greatly exaggerated the school's ties with potential employees, continued Grijalva. For-profit colleges that deceive our students and leave them with extraordinary debts and limited job prospects should have to face the consequences of their dishonesty. This settlement is welcome news for these students and should send a clear message to other for-profits engaged in similar practices. The University of Phoenix settlement does not impact federal and private student loans. Those who need more information on different repayment plans can visit the Department of Education's website, and those who believe that were defrauded can submit a claim here. Click here to watch the Congressman's exchange with Secretary DeVos at the hearing. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2019/12/12/rep-kirkpatrick-and-rep-grijalva-send-letter-to-dhs/,Rep. Kirkpatrick and Rep. Grijalva Send Letter to DHS,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Rep. Kirkpatrickand Rep. Grijalva sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Wolf demanding answers on the Remain in Mexico policy expansion to the Tucson sector. In November 2019, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would be expanding the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the Remain in Mexico policy to the Tucson, Arizona and Del Rio, Texas sectors. Since the start of this program, more than 55,000 asylum seekers and migrants have been forced back into Mexico to await their immigration hearings. Asylum seekers arriving in the Tucson sector will now, as part of the expansion, will be sent to El Paso and subsequently forced to wait in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico while they await their hearings. The United States was built by people leaving their homeland and journeying here for a better life, it's the great American story. Since the Trump Administration announced the implementation of the MPP earlier this year, I have said that it is un-American.Reports haveindicated that hundreds of people returned or placedinMexicounder this policy have fallen victim to kidnapping, sexual assault, extortion, and other violations as they await to be heard or provided legal guidance,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.We demand that this administration end the Remain in Mexico' policy and, further, explain if they set up protections for these asylum seekers prior to rolling out this cruel program. After fleeing violence in their home countries and seeking safety in the United States, it's unconscionable that the Trump Administration is forcing asylum seekers to await their hearings in Mexico under deadly conditions,said Rep. Ral M. Grijalva.As an increasing number of asylum seekers fall victim to kidnapping, sexual violence, extortion, and murder upon their return to Mexico, I join Rep. Kirkpatrick in demanding an end to the Remain in Mexico' policy. Communities across the country are more than willing to provide safe haven and support to asylum seekers, even as the Trump Administration continues to turn its back on these vulnerable people. Arizonans believe that people should be allowed to await asylum hearings from within the U.S. instead of being returned to Mexico, and you can see this in how our communities have responded to this crisissaid Rep. Kirkpatrick. Humanitarian groups in our community have demonstrated that Tucson and Arizona as a whole are more than capable of supporting our immigrant and refugee community and have the capacity to provide humanitarian support, even if this current administration does not.said Rep. Kirkpatrick.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2019/12/12/rep-kirkpatrick-votes-to-bring-down-prescription-drug-prices-with-house-passage-of-h-r-3-the-elijah-e-cummings-lower-drug-costs-now/,"Rep. Kirkpatrick Votes to Bring Down Prescription Drug Prices with House Passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Rep. Kirkpatrick voted to pass H.R.3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing fieldforAmerican patients who are paying morefortheir medicines than patients in other countries. This bill gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies, and the lower prices negotiated by Medicare will be transparent so that private insurance companies can make the same prices available to their consumers. It also creates a new $2000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costsforMedicare beneficiaries. Southern Arizona families are facing skyrocketing prescription drug prices, forcing many to choose between their medications and putting food on the table, often times leaving the pharmacy without the prescription from the doctor, because they simply can't afford it,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.We like to think of our country as one of the richest and most leading nations in the worldbut in reality, people are suffering to get their basic care. Americans spend twice as much on health care than other industrialized countries. A mother shouldn't have to decide if she's going to drive across the border to Mexico where she's not sure if the drug she's purchasingforher child has the same U.S. quality standards.That's unacceptable, and it's why I pledged to make this issue one of my top priorities this year. In Arizona, there are 120,408 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 452,613 people enrolled in private health insurance all of whom stand to benefit from H.R.3.Forexample, those living with cancer, arthritis, asthma, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis are expected to experience significant savings as a result of H.R.3: Patients living with breast cancer: In 2019, an estimated 5,630 women in Arizona will be diagnosed with breast cancer.H.R.3can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medicationIbranceby 65%.Patients living with leukemia: In 2019, an estimated 1,110 people in Arizona will be diagnosed with leukemia.H.R.3can lower the average total cost of the leukemia medicationTasignaby 71%.Patients living with prostate cancer: In 2019, an estimated 2,800 people in Arizona will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.H.R.3can lower the average total cost of the prostate cancer medicationZytigaby 66%.Patients with arthritis: 21.8% of Arizona residents have arthritis, andH.R.3can lower their total costs on most arthritis drugs from about $40,000 to $10,000 per year.Patients with asthma: About 529,155 Arizona residents live with asthma, andH.R.3can lower their total costs on most asthma drugs from about $1,400 to $270 per year.Patients with HIV/AIDS: In 2015, 764 Arizona residents were diagnosed with HIV, andH.R.3can lower their total costs on most HIV drugs from about $15,000 to $6,000 per year.Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): One million people are living with MS in the United States, andH.R.3can lower their total costs on most MS drugs from about $40,000 to $13,000 per year. In addition to lowering prescription drug prices,H.R.3also reinvests savings into expanding Medicare coveragefordental, vision, and hearing servicesforconstituents throughout Southern Arizona: About 99% of beneficiaries or 166,700 people stand to gain from adding a dental benefit. About 80% of beneficiaries or 134,800 people stand to gain from adding a vision benefit. About 91% of beneficiaries or 152,600 people stand to gain from adding a hearing benefit. Passing this legislation is why the people of Southern Arizona chose me to be their representative. I was proud to voteforH.R.3 today to deliver on that promise. I'm pleased that the bill invests the money it saves into expanding Medicare's benefits to include dental, vision, and hearing; assisting innovation in the searchfornew cures and treatments; and helping combat the opioid crisis. I urge the Senate to take up and pass H.R.3, and send it to the President's deskforhis signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-lower-drug-costs-now-act-includes-o-halleran-amendment,"House Passes Lower Drug Costs Now Act, Includes OHalleran Amendment",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, legislation to lower the costs of prescription drugs by capping out-of-pocket drug costs, empowering Medicare to negotiate prices directly with drug companies, and making those prices available to Americans with private insurance as well. For too long, the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs have forced Arizona seniors, veterans, and families to make the choice between life-saving medication and putting food on the table, said Rep. O'Halleran. There is no reason hardworking Americans should pay three or four times more for their drugs than the same drugs in other countries. Today, we came together as a legislative body to address this crisis that has left far too many families struggling for so long. Analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that H.R. 3 will save Medicare hundreds of billion over the next ten years, creating monies that can be reinvested into the research and development of new drugs and funds to combat the opioid crisis, as well as direct returns into the pockets of Americans and private businesses. The legislation also includes provisions to expand Medicare to include vision services for the first time in the history of the program, a legislative initiative included in the larger package that O'Halleran helped introduce earlier this fall. I was also pleased that the House of Representatives voted to pass my amendment that would award grants to hospitals in rural and medically underserved areas, so these hospitals are able to establish a Graduate Medical Education Program, or partner with an approved hospital to host residents, continued O'Halleran. This program has proven results in incentivizing doctors to stay and practice in the rural areas that need them most. As we work to move H.R. 3 through the Senate and to the president's desk, we must ensure that our rural communities are not left on the backburner. According to the Congressional Research Service, more than half of family medicine physicians reside within 100 miles of where they trained as residents. O'Halleran's amendment incentivizes doctors to stay and practice in rural communities by providing opportunities and funding to bring medical students to rural areas for their residency training. O'Halleran's amendment passed 351 - 73, with support on both sides of the aisle. I was humbled to see my amendment to improve health care in rural areas pass with broad, bipartisan support, said O'Halleran following the vote. Together, we took real action to address a national crisis that we cannot afford to delay for one more day. Watch Rep. O'Halleran speak in support of his amendment, here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcsally-stanton-introduce-bill-expand-mexico-arizona-tourism,"McSally, Stanton Introduce Bill to Expand Mexico-to-Arizona Tourism",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONSen. Martha McSally and Rep. Greg Stanton this week introduced companion bills in both the Senate and the House to expand tourism and recreation in Arizona. The Southwest Tourism Expansion Act would create a pilot program to allow certain visitors from Mexicowho already have permission to enter the United States to travel throughout the state of Arizona. Current law limits Mexican nationals with a valid Border Crossing Card from traveling outside a designated travel zone from the port of entry through which they enter without applying for an additional federal I-94 form and paying a fee. For example, a card holder entering through Nogales is only permitted to travel as far as Tucson, limiting business and recreational opportunities in the central and northern parts of Arizona. McSally and Stanton's pilot program would waive the I-94 form, effectively expanding the travel zone statewide. Arizona is open for business and when we allow approved visitors into more areas of our beautiful state, we unleash the potential for greater economic growth, more jobs, and additional sales tax revenue, Sen. McSally said. Our bill would start a pilot program allowing Border Crossing Card Holders to reach popular Arizona tourist destinations and businesses, generating hundreds of millions in dollars in additional annual spending. This is an economic stimulus billit's a common-sense change that will open Arizona to more business, more tourism, and more economic opportunities, said Rep. Stanton. Our state benefits in so many ways from a strong relationship with Mexicoand a pilot program that invites Mexican nationals to explore and invest more throughout our entire state can only strengthen those ties. Arizona's strong relationship with our neighbors in Mexico supports jobs and economic prosperity on both sides of the border, said Gov. Doug Ducey. The Southwest Tourism Expansion Act is a win-win that will promote tourism from Mexico and strengthen our partnership. My thanks to Senator McSally and Representative Stanton for their work to grow Arizona's tourism and economy. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Rep. David Schweikert joined McSally and Stanton as an original cosponsor of the House bill. Specifically, the Southwest Tourism Expansion Act would create a 5-year pilot program to allow pre-cleared Mexican visitors with a valid Border Crossing Card to travel statewideto the Greater Phoenix metro and Flagstaff, for examplewithout having to fill out an additional paper I-94 form or pay an extra fee. The change would remove regulatory barriers that previously prevented card holders from traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Sedona and the Grand Canyon. During Stanton's time as Phoenix mayor and chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments, expanding the Border Crossing Card program was the group's top legislative priority. The resulting legislation has been more than six years in the making. Background Every day, thousands of frequent, low-risk, short-term visitors travel from Mexico to Arizona to conduct business, visit family and friends, or shopand every day they spend collectively and estimated $7.3 million at Arizona businesses. A 2015 study from the University of Arizona projects that extending the tourism and shopping zone for Border Crossing Card holders statewide would generate an additional $181 million in annual spending, increasing the spending total to nearly $3.1 billion and impacting more than 31,000 jobs. Tourism was the top export industry in Arizona in 2018. 45.5 million people visited the state and collectively spent $24.4 billion, supporting 192,300 industry jobs and generating $3.63 billion in tax revenue. The tax revenue generated equates to an annual tax savings of $1,360 for every Arizona household. [Source] Arizona's travel zone has been expanded once before in 1999, and New Mexico's travel zone was expanded in 2013both expansions occurred without compromising the states' security or economic interests. [Source] Travelers with valid Border Crossing Cards have been vetted at a U.S. consulate in Mexico, undergo inspection at the port of entry, and can still be referred for more involved secondary screening or denied entry at the discretion of the inspecting officers. Holders of Border Crossing Cards have must demonstrate ties to Mexico that would compel them to return after their temporary stay in the U.S. Penalties for abusing the Crossing Card include cancellation of the card, fines, and losing the ability to re-apply in the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/bipartisan-sinema-bill-fixes-tax-code-arizona-businesses,Bipartisan Sinema Bill Fixes Tax Code for Arizona Businesses,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 12, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema partnered with Republican Senator Mike Braun (Ind.) to introduce legislation fixing how the tax code treats transition taxes. The bill provides clarity for Arizona businesses on tax payments of overseas earnings and ensures job creators can continue to re-invest in their businesses and grow Arizona's economy. Arizona businesses deserve a tax code that is straightforward, fair, and supports job growth. Our bipartisan legislation ensures Arizona businesses can plan for the future and create more jobs for hard-working Arizonans, said Sinema. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, created a new transition tax to ensure corporations meet their U.S. tax obligations on overseas earnings. However, the Internal Revenue Service issued two conflicting sets of rules that created confusion and forced taxpayers to apply tax refunds and overpayments to pay the transition tax, against clear Congressional intent. Sinema's bill fixes IRS practices that contradict U.S. tax policy and Congressional intent regarding transition taxes, also known as Section 965 payments. Sinema took action after hearing from Arizona businesses about how current IRS policy hinders their ability to grow, hire new workers, and invest in research and development. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backs-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-va-accountability-protect-arizona-veterans,"Sinema Backs Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen VA Accountability, Protect Arizona Veterans",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 12, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced the bipartisan Veterans Health Administration Caregiver Retention and Eligibility Determination Actlegislation strengthening accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs by requiring VA medical professionals to be properly credentialed. Arizona veterans rely on the VA for critical health care. Our bipartisan legislation ensures VA medical professionals are qualified to provide the high standard of care Arizona veterans have earned, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. Sinema's bipartisan bill creates adequate safeguards to ensure Arizona veterans are not treated by health care providers whose licenses have been revoked or surrendered. Sinema partnered with a bipartisan group of Senators asking the Veterans Health Administration to outline steps they will take to ensure an annual credentialing training for staff members who review credentials. The Sinema-backed bipartisan bill codifies the requirement for VHA to outline uniform credentialing standards and protocols and require initial and annual training for staff members. Sinema's legislative action comes in response to this year's report from the Government Accountability which found a lack of uniform policies, standardized procedures and periodic, mandatory training for the credentialing process. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-leads-bipartisan-effort-ensuring-servicemembers-and-veterans-have-access-va-home-loan,Sinema Leads Bipartisan Effort Ensuring Servicemembers and Veterans Have Access to VA Home Loan Benefits,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 12, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema led a bipartisan group of Senators asking the Federal Housing Finance Agency to ensure active-duty servicemembers and veterans have access to VA Home Loan benefits. The Senators are asking the Agency to return the military service question on the Universal Residential Loan Application to the top of the form so all who qualify can explore the VA home loan benefits available to them. The Universal Residential Loan Application's military service question must be accessible so servicemembers and veterans can get the benefits they've earned and achieve the dream of homeownership, said Sinema. Previously, a military service question asking servicemembers and veterans to self-identify on the Universal Residential Loan Application was placed on the first page. This year the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced a change, and moved the question to the bottom of the form after borrowers sign. The Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals indicates that veterans and servicemembers are significantly less likely to consider VA loans if they do not have the opportunity to self-identify during the loan process. The Senators are urging the Agency to stop this change, so all veterans have the opportunity to self-identify and explore VA home loan benefits available to them. Click HERE to read the full text of the letter. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2931,"Chair Grijalva Hails House Passage of Bipartisan Coastal Resilience Package That Fights Climate Change, Helps Communities Prepare",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a package of bills originally heard in the Natural Resources Committee to protect vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities impacted by the climate crisis. Rep. Derek Kilmer's (D-Wash.) Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act (H.R. 729) is a package of 10 bipartisan coastal resilience bills that aid coastal ecosystems and economies, improve ocean monitoring and research, and offer coastal managers tools to protect coastal communities most vulnerable to climate impacts. The bill creates programs to support Tribal, state and local community projects that protect, restore and preserve coastal zones and working waterfronts; helps communities prepare for and respond to climate change; and uses data to address coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes management. H.R. 729 protects American commercial and recreational fisheries and the communities that depend on them by authorizing programs that preserve fish habitats and conduct research on Great Lakes fisheries management. The bill also strengthens our marine and coastal science and policy workforce by reauthorizing and updating the National Sea Great College Program. A list of bills included in the package and amendments adopted to H.R. 729 is available at https://bit.ly/2LIsLQy and a fact sheet is available at https://bit.ly/38nlH5r. The climate crisis is a clear and present danger to the 39 million Americans who live near our coasts, said Chair Grijalva. Passing today's bill is a necessary step in reversing the impacts we're seeing in our oceans and along our shorelines. I'm proud of the work our Committee and the Democratic Caucus have done to combat the climate crisis, and we're not stopping here. We need comprehensive climate solutions to save the ocean from climate change. Climate change is real and it requires bold action,said Rep.Kilmer. I'm proud that the House is continuing to take action to combat climate change by passing actionable, ambitious, bipartisan bills that can not only help our planet but create quality jobs. I'm grateful the package of bills includes a bipartisan bill I've introduced, the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act, to provide tribal communities with direct access to much needed resources to enhance their coastal resiliency and keep their people out of harm's way. It's great news that the House passed this legislation, and I hope the Senate will enable this to become law. Our climate change crisis demands our focused and collective efforts to help our oceans, lakes and shorelines, and this needed legislation authorizes critical programs to do just that, said Rep. Ed Case (D- Hawaii). This is our reality and we must confront it rather than live in the past. The Living Shorelines Act will help us protect our coastal communities from the effects of climate change, including more flooding from sea level rise and stronger hurricanes, by harnessing proven natural infrastructure solutions. The passage of this legislation by the U.S. House sends a clear message to Americans that Congress is serious about protecting coastal communities from the effects of the climate crisis, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) said. Since Superstorm Sandy, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make my home state of New Jersey more resilient against the effects of climate change. This legislation will provide additional help so communities can use living shorelines to effectively mitigate future flooding while benefiting local economies. Strengthening living shorelines will also improve the local environment by supporting water quality and habitats for local wildlife and fish as well as provide enhanced opportunities for recreation. Forthepast eight years, the previous House leadership stalled critical initiatives to address the climate crisis. Finally, in the 116th Congress, policymakers are acting swiftly to protect our oceans and coasts, said Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), whose bipartisan bill theKeep America'sWaterfrontsWorkingActpassedtoday. I'm proud that the House has passed this legislative package to protect coastal communities vulnerable to climate change, including my bill to protect working waterfronts. With H.R. 729, we are taking real action to safeguard America's natural resources and encourage resiliency during the climate crisis. A strong ocean climate action agenda is one of our most valuable tools in supporting coastal communities at the forefront ofclimate impacts. This comprehensive package of legislation shows that we are still in the fight to protect our oceans, coasts, and marine and coastal economyfrom the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, said Rep. Huffman (D-Calif.), Chair of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife. The research, education, and outreach done through the Sea Grant program produces the collaboration that we need, now more than ever, to tackle the complex problems facing our coastal communities. My bipartisan bill will ensure this long-running program has the ability to train future generations of scientists and support community-based work giving coastal communities and economies a fighting chance. Over 35 million people depend on the Great Lakes for everything from drinking water and recreation, to fish and wildlife activities and commercial navigation. The passage of this legislation means that the Great Lakes Science Center will no longer be forced to rely on unreliable, piecemeal funding to protect this precious resource for those millions for years to come, said Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.). I am proud to have championed this legislation to ensure that the fishery industry continues to thrive and grateful for the work of Chairman Grijalva to get this across the finish line. For too long, coastal maps and geospatial data have been woefully inaccurate, outdated and even nonexistent, said Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.). The Digital Coast Act will arm local planners with the tools they need to conserve our country's fragile shorelines, which are home to more than 42 percent of the population and businesses that supply most of our gross domestic product. Ultimately, this bill is about protecting people and property. Since taking the House majority, Natural Resources Committee Democrats have worked to tackle climate change from every angle. Ocean climate action is of significant component of this work and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate made it clear that our oceans and coasts urgently need protection. During key legislative hearings and markups this year, the Committee advanced bills to promote resilience and ocean-climate solutions, and heard from scientists, fishermen, economists, tribal leaders, and coastal community members who sounded the alarms on the ocean climate crisis. # # # Stay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee Website Facebook Twitter Newsletter",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2932,Rep. Grijalva Applauds Injunction Blocking Trump's Border Wall Funding,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Yesterday, a federal judge in El Paso, Texas issued a nationwide injunction that blocks the Trump Administration from using military funds to build a border wall, finding President Trump's national emergency declaration unlawful. Judge Briones confirmed what we've known all along: President Trump broke the law when he circumvented Congress and stole military funds to build his border wall, said Rep. Ral M. Grijalva. Trump is not an emperor who can flout our laws and do whatever he wants, and I'm pleased the court upheld the law and denounced this egregious abuse of power. Under the national emergency declaration, President Trump seized $3.6 billion in military funds to pay for border wall construction, much of which is occurring on public lands in Arizona like Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Trump's wall obsession has further militarized border communities and continues to negatively impact the border ecosystems that make the Southwest so special, continued Grijalva. This ruling is a victory for border residents who are fighting against Trump's monument to his racist policies, and I want to thank them for their continued efforts to stop this border wall and protect our communities. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2933,Rep. Grijalva Votes in Support of Farm Workforce Modernization Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill that would establish a new renewable visa program for qualifying agricultural workers and their families to earn legal status through continued employment in the agricultural industry while allowing farmers and growers to meet their labor needs. The farm workers who pick the food that feeds America's families deserve better than living in fear under Trump's draconian immigration enforcement policies, said Rep. Ral M. Grijalva. This bill makes important changes to our immigration system that will ensure farm workers and their families no longer live in fear of deportation and can legally work to provide for their families. H.R. 5038 allows for current farm workers to apply for a temporary, renewable Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) legal status as long as workers continue working in the agricultural industry. After a period of time, background checks, and a $1000 fine, farm workers will be able to access a path to legal permanent residence. Additionally, the bill will also revise the H-2A visa program. Farm workers work long hours in some of the most hazardous industries, and this legislation treats farm workers with fairness and rewards them for the back-breaking labor they undertake to put food on the table for all of our constituents, continued Grijalva. Farm workers in America feed the world, and it is long past time that we treat them and their families with the respect and dignity they deserve. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2937,Rep. Grijalva Supports FUTURE Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONThis week, the House of Representatives passed the FUTURE Act. The bill permanently authorizes permanent funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement: Despite the large role HSIs, TCCUs, HBCUs, and MSIs play in educating students of color and providing them with the support they need to obtain a college degree; they still remain underfunded. This bill recognizes their important work and gives them permanent funding so they can continue strengthening STEM programs, technology, and robust academic counseling alongside other programs that invest in the success of their students. I've seen the important role these institutions play in opening the doors to opportunity for the students of Southern Arizona, and I'm proud that Congress has passed this important legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2019/12/11/rep-kirkpatrick-statement-on-court-ruling-against-trumps-border-wall/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Statement on Court Ruling Against Trumps Border Wall,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Kirkpatrickreleased the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas issued a permanent injunction against the Trump Administration's wasteful border wall, ruling that the Administration does not have the authority to steal from money appropriated by Congress for a different purpose: The court's ruling proves the strength and power of our constitution. The President's attempts to move money around without approval defies the constitutional authority of Congress,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.I believe it is disrespectful to our Armed Forces and all American tax-payers. Thiswallis A vanity project for the President, it's a political chant for his baseit's not a safety measure for a national emergency. I represent the district that is home to Fort Huachuca, our backyard reachesborderlandsthe construction of this wall goes against approval processes and public sentiment. I will continue to fight in the House, and I believe the constitution is on our side in the courts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/breaking-o-halleran-amendment-improve-medical-care-rural-areas-be-included,BREAKING: OHalleran Amendment to Improve Medical Care in Rural Areas to be Included in H.R. 3,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, the House Rules Committee voted to include an amendment from Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) to H.R.3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. O'Halleran's amendment improves access to quality rural health care by establishing grant programs that increase funding and opportunities for doctors to study and work in rural and medically underserved areas. Studies have shown that doctors are more likely to stay and practice in areas where they study. My amendment increases opportunities for medical students to participate in residency programs in rural areas, said O'Halleran. Congress must act to ensure we have more doctors practicing in rural America and rural Arizona as we approach a projected physician shortage. While we fight to ensure that all Americans are able to access their medications, we must also ensure that they have access to health care providers. That is why I am pleased that my amendment will be included in this important legislation that lowers drug prices and improves the cost of health care for so many American families. O'Halleran's legislation would establish a grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services for hospitals in rural and medically underserved areas to establish a Graduate Medical Education (GME) program or affiliate with a hospital to host residents. Awarded grants would go toward start-up costs, including infrastructure, supplies, and necessary equipment. The amendment also requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office to issue a progress report after ten years, including an analysis on whether residents stayed in rural communities after they completed their training. O'Halleran's amendment was cosponsored by Reps. Axne, Blunt Rochester, Brindisi, Bustos, Correa, Costa, Cuellar, Cunningham, Davids, Finkenauer, Horn, Kuster, Lee, Loebsack, Peterson, Schrader, Spanberger, Torres Small, and Van Drew. The legislation has the strong endorsement of the National Association or Rural Health Clinics. Text of the amendment can be found, here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-ndaa-including-o-halleran-led-initiatives,"House Passes Bipartisan NDAA, Including OHalleran-led Initiatives",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to pass the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), bipartisan legislation that provides full funding for military operations at home and abroad, addresses infrastructure deficiencies in Arizona, and gives servicemembers a raise. Today, I was proud to join my colleagues to vote for this bipartisan, bicameral effort that invests in our military readiness, supports our troops and their families, and ensures that our national defense remains the strongest in the world, said Rep. O'Halleran. I was pleased to see that initiatives I have championed, such as the inclusion of the Naval Observatory in Flagstaff as part of an infrastructure deficiency report, and a 3.1% pay raise for servicemembers and civilians in Arizona, were also included. The FY2020 Conference Report incorporated Rep. O'Halleran's amendment to include Flagstaff's Naval Observatory in a comprehensive infrastructure deficiency report that identifies costs, corrective upgrades, and impacts from deficient infrastructure that hurts facilities like the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station and other military research entities, and prevent them from performing research, development, testing, and evaluation missions that are critical to the Department. Due to the failing infrastructure currently in place, the Observatory faces significant challenges in hiring and maintaining qualified staff. The bill we passed today also provides for new F-35 aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, UH-60M Blackhawks, as well as key critical munitions programs in Arizona, continued O'Halleran. I was pleased to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle come together in support of this bipartisan effort. The legislation voted on today also includes 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal civilian employees and new provisions requiring DOD to address childcare waitlist backlogs and staff hiring at childcare facilities on bases; reforms to the Feres Doctrine, which would allow servicemembers to be able to file medical malpractice claims for treatment received in a Military Treatment Facility; strengthened provisions to better prevent sexual violence in the military and protectsurvivors; expanded mental health care for servicemembers and directions to DOD to develop a comprehensive plan for providing consultation services and recruiting qualified mental health practitioners. The FY2020 NDAA also allows servicemembers within the National Guard to access mental health care offerings through a mobile app pilot program. The bill passed out of the House of Representatives with broad, bipartisan support. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-2020-ndaa-several-gallego-provisions,House Passes 2020 NDAA with Several Gallego Provisions,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House of Representatives passed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including several provisions introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). Rep.Gallego also served on the House-Senate Conference Committee, responsible for reconciling differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. Rep. Gallego is available for interviews following passage of the FY 2020 NDAA. I'm proud to have taken a leadership role in finalizing this year's National Defense Authorization Act, said Rep. Gallego. I am confident that the language Democrats included in this bill will help improve our military readiness, modernize our armed forces, preserve our national security, and provide the resources, equipment, and training our military needs to complete their missions. Provisions in the FY2020 NDAA include: Requires that U.S. active duty forces in the Republic of Korea not fall below 28,500 troops without a certification by the Secretary of Defense that any drop below that number is necessary to the national defense and will not significantly undermine allied security in the region. This language, authored by Rep. Gallego, is an increase from last year's requirement of a minimum 22,000 troops. The number was increased to mirror the current number of U.S. troops stationed in the region. Opening additional avenues for victims of the 1983 Beirut Marine Corps barracks bombing to recover funds won in U.S. court decisions. Rep. Gallego fought to include in the conference bill this bipartisan provision was supported by Reps. Paul Cook (R-CA), Greg Pence (R-IN), Jared Golden (D-ME) and other Marines serving in the House of Representatives. Authorizes full funding for the A-10 Warthog and an additional $1B funding for 12 additional F-35A aircraft. Rep. Gallego secured this language to ensure that Arizona's military priorities are recognized and funded. This bill will support these planes at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Luke Air Force Base, and Yuma Marine Corps Air Station. Denies funding for any attempt by the President to withdraw from NATO, codification of a portion of a bill introduced by Rep. Gallego in February 2019. The language will prevent any funds from being used to suspend, terminate, or provide notice of denunciation of NATO. Rep. Gallego also successfully championed other funding and policy priorities that made it into the final text, including a $724.3 million increase from the President's budget for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI); a 47% increase in humanitarian demining funding; solidifying prohibitions on Huawei and ZTE in the defense supply chain; mandating consultation with native tribes if a DoD project will likely impact their land or sacred sites; barring the future naming of any DoD asset after leaders in the Confederacy or places made significant because of Confederate victories; and repeal of the widow's tax imposed on spouses of military service members killed in the line of duty. Rep. Gallego also worked on the Conference Committee to issue a strong admonishment to the Department of Defense on their handling of the Niger ambush investigation. Rep. Gallego led Committee conferees to cite repeated delays in providing Congress with the report on the investigation into the incident and information on the disciplinary actions issued in connection with the incident. The conferees directed the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the Armed Services Committee by January 15, 2020. Rep. Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-statement-house-judiciary-committee-markup-articles-impeachment,Stanton Statement at House Judiciary Committee Markup of Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Rep. Greg Stanton provided remarks tonight during the House Judiciary Committee's markup of H. Res. 755, Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald J. Trump. His statement as prepared for delivery is below: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have been in public life for nearly two decades, and it is not lost on me that these are the most consequential votes I will ever take. Throughout the impeachment process, I have weighed three questions that are central to whether we must use the power to impeach and recommend removal of a President. Did the President grossly abuse his power? Did his actions harm our nation? And, if unchecked, is the President likely to repeat his behavior? Clear and convincing evidence shows that the answer to all of these questions is yes. President Trump grossly abused his power. He withheld aid to our ally at war until that ally agreed to help him damage a top political opponent. The Ukraine Plot put our elections and our democracy at riskand it helped Vladimir Putin and Russia. When career diplomats got in the President's way, he fired and smeared them. And he used a political henchman outside the official lines of diplomacy to avoid getting caught. But he was caught. A courageous public servant blew the whistle. And only once the President was exposed did he relent and release the aid this Congress approved to help our ally in its war against an aggressive Russia. The President revealed his consciousness of guilt when he ordered the cover-upthe most sweeping obstruction of a congressional investigation in our nation's history. When Congress lawfully subpoenaed witnesses who could help us learn the truth, the President ordered those witnesses not to appear. When Congress lawfully subpoenaed documents that might point the finger at him, the President ordered that his Administration not to turn over a single one. And the excuses the White House used for obstructing Congress are a disgrace to the Constitution and the rule of law. The Ukraine Plot and the obstruction that followed are gross abuses of power. Both harm our national security and the integrity of our democracy. Yet, what worries me the most is that every signevery signpoints to the near certainty that, if we allow him, the President will continue to violate the law. Just last night, he said, abuse of power is not even a crime. He has repeatedly said that his powers are unbounded and unlimited. He has claimed, Article 2 allows me to do whatever I want. These are the words of a President who does not understand or respect the Constitution. One who believes there should be zero checks on his power. Make no mistake: A President who will certainly abuse his power again threatens the very soul of our nation. This President must be impeached, and he must be removed. Not because he has been offensive, or because of policy disagreements. Impeachment is necessary because this President does not believe the law applies to him. . . because he poses a clear and present danger to our democracy. I ask my colleagues and my fellow Americans, Where is the line? And I submit that if we do not impeach the President for this conduct, we will send the message that there is no line. Right and wrong would forever blend together, and corrupt abuse of power from the Executive Branch would become acceptable and unchecked. I've served as mayor of one of the largest cities in the country. If I had concocted a scheme to withhold public funds to help my own re-election, I would have been charged with a crime. And the truth is, if this were anyone else other than President Trump, they'd be in a jailhouse, not the White House. We have a duty to protect our democracy. We owe it to the Framers of our Constitution. We owe it to the men and women who spilled their own blood defending it. We owe it to our children and the generations to come. We have a responsibility to every single American to ensure that our government of the people, for the people and by the people shall not perish from the Earth. Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Video of Stanton's remarks is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/senate-approves-sinema-backed-bill-lowering-drug-prices,Senate Approves Sinema-Backed Bill Lowering Drug Prices,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator's bipartisan Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act cuts red tape for over-the-counter medicines while protecting access and lowering the cost of care WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate approved the bipartisan Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act, sponsored by Republican Senator Johnny Isakson (Ga.) and cosponsored by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema. The Senators' bipartisan bill reforms regulations for over-the-counter medicines, increasing competition and lowering the cost of over-the-counter medicines for Arizonans. Eliminating barriers for over-the-counter medicines will increase competition and help make health care more affordable for Arizona families, said Sinema. The current system used by the Food and Drug Administration to regulate over-the-counter medicines was implemented in 1972, and while modern medicine is constantly improving, the regulatory system remains outdated. The bipartisan Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act streamlines FDA regulations allowing drug makers to bring updated or brand new over-the-counter medicines to market sooner, helping lower the cost of drug prices while providing options to Arizonans. Sinema is focused on making health care more affordable and protecting health care coverage for all Arizonans. Earlier this year she cosponsored the No Junk Plans Act to stop insurance companies from offering short-term plans that don't protect people with pre-existing conditions. Sinema also backed Senate Resolutions which would repeal regulations that undermine protections for. Sinema led the effort to repeal the Health Insurance Tax. She championed in the U.S. House and the Senate legislation to repeal the HIT, which is a direct tax on health insurance issuers providing coverage to individuals, seniors, families, and businesses. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, this tax is passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums. Sinema is also a cosponsor of the Protect Medical Innovation Act, which permanently repeals the medical device tax, and the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act to repeal a tax on employer-sponsored health plans. The Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act would repeal an onerous 40 percent tax on employer-sponsored health plans that would raise premiums for hard-working Arizonans who get their health insurance through work.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/senate-approves-sinema-backed-bipartisan-bill-improve-vas-suicide-prevention-efforts,Senate Approves Sinema-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Improve VA’s Suicide Prevention Efforts,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation identifies ways to improve VA's efforts to prevent suicide among Arizona veterans and servicemembers WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate approved the bipartisan Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act. The bill, cosponsored by Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The legislation improves the Department of Veterans Affairs' suicide prevention efforts by requiring the Government Accountability Office to report how the VA equips its suicide prevention coordinators with resources to ensure Arizona veterans have improved access to mental health care and other services. Suicide among our veterans and servicemembers is a national crisis. The Senate's action today is a critical step to ensuring suicide prevention coordinators have every tool available to identify and support veterans at risk for suicide and deliver the care they have earned, said Sinema, a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee who has long championed suicide-prevention policies. Sinema recently introduced the Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act, which requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to create networks of support for servicemembers transitioning to civilian life. Sinema also recently secured her bipartisan Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act in the Senate-passed version of the defense bill, and the U.S. House included the legislation in its version of the bill earlier this month. The legislation was inspired by Sgt. Daniel Somers, an Arizona Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD upon returning home. He lost his life to suicide in 2013. The bill requires that the Department of Defense work with the Red Cross to collect from new servicemembers the names of loved ones they consider to be their network of support. In return, the Department of Defense will provide the network of support information about the benefits and services available to military members. Sinema has long been a champion for Arizona veterans and servicemembers. Earlier this year, Sinema's LEGION Act, which extends American Legion membership to honorably discharged veterans since World War II, and her Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act, which safeguards veterans from predatory loan practices and helps them more easily access their earned homeowner benefits, became law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-bipartisan-group-senators-honor-first-all-female-spacewalk,"Sinema, Bipartisan Group of Senators Honor First All-Female Spacewalk",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored a bipartisan resolution that passed the Senate today celebrating the first all-female spacewalk by astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch on October 18th. Jessica Meir and Christina Koch's historic spacewalk inspires women and girls across Arizona to pursue careers in STEM, said Sinema, ranking member of the Senate Space and Aviation Subcommittee. Sinema is a champion of education initiatives at NASA. In November, Sinema held a hearing to highlight the importance of NASA partnerships with Arizona universities. During the hearing, Sinema underscored the critical need to build a strong Science, Technology, Education, and Math (STEM) education pipeline to continue expanding America's leadership in space and national security. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-secures-arizona-priorities-annual-defense-bill-0,Sinema Secures Arizona Priorities in Annual Defense Bill,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator's Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act and funding for Arizona military installations included in NDAA WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured her bipartisan Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act and multiple Arizona military priorities in the House-passed annual defense bill. The Senate will vote on the legislation next week. Our servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep Arizona safe and secure, and I am committed to providing them the support and resources they need. Our Network of Support Act equips loved ones to strengthen support for servicemembers in times of need, said Sinema. Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act: Legislation named after Arizona Army veteran Sergeant Daniel Somers who served two tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD upon returning home. He lost his life to suicide in 2013. Over the past six years, Sinema has worked with Daniel's parents, Howard and Jean Somers, to advance legislation to help servicemembers receive the care they've earned. Together, they introduced the Network of Support Act. The bill requires the Defense Department and the Red Cross to collect from new servicemembers the names of loved ones they consider to be their networks of support. In return, the Department of Defense and Red Cross will provide information about benefits and services available to military members. By directly engaging families and loved ones, the Department can prepare and equip military friends and families to better understand military life, notice when a servicemember struggles, and ensure they have access to the necessary tools to help a servicemember get assistance or care. Encouraging Growth at Camp Navajo: Sinema secured language encouraging the Army to expand public-private partnerships that will offer additional revenue to Camp Navajo, the Arizona National Guard, and the surrounding community. Funding for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma: Sinema secured $90.1 million in funding for the renovation of MCAS Yuma's Hangar 95. Sinema also secured $99.6 million in funding for the critical replacement of junior servicemembers' barracks. Funding for Luke Air Force Base's F-35 Program Sinema helped secure $9.8 billion for 90 F-35 aircraft, an increase of over 12 aircraft from the President's request. Funding for Davis Monthan Air Force Base's A-10 Program Sinema helped secure $132 million for the A-10 based at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Inclusion of Sinema-shaped Military Special Victims Protection Act Legislation cosponsored and shaped by Sinema that codifies many of the military's best practices for referring military sexual assault to courts martial, expands eligibility for Special Victim Counsel services to victims of certain domestic violence offences, and provides for the correction of military records and discharges for former military members who were survivors of military sexual trauma or intimate partner violence. Inclusion of Sinema-backed Paid Leave for Federal Employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees. Inclusion of Sinema-backed repeal of the Widow's Tax Three year phase out of the Survivor Benefit Plan/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation offset, commonly called the Widow's Tax, bringing an end to the shortchanging of Gold Star families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/two-sinema-backed-bills-clear-key-senate-panel,Two Sinema-Backed Bills Clear Key Senate Panel,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Commerce Committee passes bipartisan legislation designating a 3-digit national suicide prevention hotline and improving air traffic control staffing across Arizona WASHINGTON Two pieces of bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cleared the Commerce Committee today. The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which designates 988 as a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, and CONTRACT Act, which improves air traffic control staffing, passed the Commerce Committee with bipartisan support. We're working across the aisle to strengthen support for Arizonans in need and keep America's air space the safest in the world, said Sinema. The Sinema-backed National Suicide Hotline Designation Act designates a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, including a Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. The existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (reachable at 1-800-273-8255) answers over 2 million crises annually, but the new easy-to-remember 988 number will be able to save more lives. The bill also ensures the 988 number and call centers have the necessary resources. The Sinema-backed CONTRACT Act improves air traffic control staffing at Arizona airports with contract towers. The bill makes it easier for contract towers to hire experienced FAA air traffic controllers. Contract towers are air traffic control towers staffed by employees of private companies rather than by FAA employees, and are an important part of our national air traffic control systemserving communities through a proven public-private partnership that increases safety and improves air traffic control services, while lowering the cost to the federal government. Arizona has seven contract towers that would benefit from this legislation in Chandler, Flagstaff-Pulliam, Glendale, Goodyear, Laughlin/Bullhead International, Phoenix Mesa Gateway, and Ryan Field.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2927,Rep. Grijalva Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the introduction of articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. The two articles of impeachment include one article concerning abuse of power and one concerning obstruction of justice. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement: For three months; numerous investigations, depositions, and public hearings have demonstrated the uncontested facts: President Trump abused his power when he withheld military aid from Ukraine in a corrupt attempt to extort them into interfering in the 2020 election and opening an investigation into a political rival. Afterwards, he engaged in brazen obstruction of justice to cover-up his actions. It's a sad day when the President unapologetically violates his oath of office and jeopardizes our national security. Congress is forced to act, and I will support these impeachment articles when they come to a vote to the House floor. Trump is a danger to our democracy, and I hope my Republican colleagues will look beyond their partisan interests and uphold the Constitution that they swore to protect along with the American people. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2928,Rep. Grijalva Statement on USMCA,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressional Democrats announced a deal with the White House concerning the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). In response Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement: I look forward to reviewing the full details of the agreement reached between Congressional Democrats and the White House concerning the USMCA. This new agreement must include strong labor protections that safeguard American workers and enhance U.S. manufacturing here while implementing enforceable environmental protections. NAFTA facilitated the outsourcing of American jobs, stagnant wages, and environmental destruction while corporations reaped the benefits. USMCA must not be a sweetheart deal to corporations and must instead be a deal that puts working families and our environment first. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2929,Rep. Grijalva Statement on USMCA,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"Server Timeout A task has run for longer than it should and has caused the server to terminate it. Please try again or contact the administrator.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2930,Rep. Grijalva and Border Community Advocates Applaud DOD Inspector General's Investigation into Trump's Troop Deployment at the Southern Border,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General announced an investigation into the legality of President Trump's decision to deploy troops to the Southern Border. This comes after Rep. Ral M. Grijalva led 33 members of Congress in September 2019, urging the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General to open an investigation. The military should have no role in enforcing domestic law, which is why Trump's troop deployment to the Southern border risks eroding the laws and norms that that have kept the military and domestic law enforcement separate, said Rep. Ral M. Grijalva. Congress and the American people deserve to know why the Trump Administration is politicizing our military and whether the Trump Administration is forcing them to violate federal law under his orders. I welcome this investigation and firmly believe that our servicemembers and border communities should not be pawns in Trump's political games. In November 2019, Rep. Grijalva and other Members of Congress joined Win Without War, the Southern Border Communities Coalition, United We Dream, and other organizations who endorsed the investigation in a press conference on Capitol Hill. Donald Trump used the U.S. military as a political pawn, terrorizing migrants and asylum-seekers in order to whip up xenophobic support from his base. This is not just cruel it's a dangerous abuse of power. The fact that the DoD IG is opening an investigation into the misuse of U.S. troops at the border is a testament to what happens when hundreds of thousands of people join forces with members of Congress to demand accountability, justice, and oversight. We are one step closer to reigning in the power of the imperial presidency, holding Trump accountable, and ending the militarization of the U.S. southern border, said Erica Fein, Advocacy Director, Win Without War. Our safe, peaceful and thriving binational communities should not be used for military political stunts that undermine human rights and ignore the plight of desperate families who are asking for our help in their time of need. We welcome this investigation into Trump's misguided and dangerous troop deployment, and urge elected officials to develop policies that respect human rights, expand public safety and create well-functioning gateways to the rest of the world, said Vicki B. Gaubeca, director of the Southern Border Communities Coalition. ""Today's news about the investigation into Trump's decision to send military troops to the border is very welcomed. Our immigrant community, who has faced mounting attacks by this administration, knows that Trump sent military troops to the border to target a group of refugees and children who are escaping horrific violence and debilitating poverty. In the last three years, he has used the military as his political hit men at the border and he has also used DHS's funds to ramp up detentions and deportation in the interior of our country. This investigation will be another way to show the American people how their tax dollars are being used in a nationalist ploy by Trump and advisers like Stephen Miller,"" said Sanaa Abrar, Advocacy Director at United We Dream. The original letter calling for the investigation was endorsed by AboutFace: Veterans Against the War, Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Center for Victims of Torture, Church World Service, Clean Elections Texas, Coalicin de Derechos Humanos, Common Defense, CREDO, Defending Rights & Dissent, Demand Progress Education Fund, Earthjustice, End Streamline Coalition (Tucson, AZ), Government Information Watch, Human Rights First, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office, MomsRising, MoveOn, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Immigrant Justice Center, National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, National Organization for Women, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New American Leaders, Peace Action, Public Citizen, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Services, Immigrant Rights & Education Network (SIREN), Sierra Club, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC), United We Dream, VoteVets, Voto Latino, Win Without War. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2019/12/10/rep-kirkpatrick-statement-on-usmca-trade-agreement/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick release the following statement today on the announcement of a USMCA trade agreement with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Lighthizer. Representing a border district, I understand the direct and vital impacts a strong trade agreement has on Arizona and our local economy. I have always supported modernizing NAFTA and enhancing the agreement to reflect our 21st century economy, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. I am proud that we worked tirelessly, and across the aisle, to negotiate an advanced deal that prioritizes American workers and improves access to affordable prescription drugs. I look forward to reviewing the final USMCA deal, supporting its passage in theHouse and seeing it signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-support-usmca-trade-agreement,OHalleran in Support of USMCA Trade Agreement,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced his support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a North American trade deal that would improve international trade, protect workers and the environment, enhance compliance monitoring, and create enforcement provisions to ensure all trading partners are held accountable. A final version of the agreement was reached today between the Speaker of the House, Senate leadership, and Ambassador Lighthizer, the United States Trade Representative. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a win for Arizona workers, rural communities, agriculture producers, and small and large businesses throughout the state, said Rep. O'Halleran. This agreement will create good-paying jobs, support protections for our hardworking labor community, preserve important environmental standards, and bolster our economy. From the beginning of these negotiations, I have encouraged House leadership and negotiators to get a good deal for workers and businesses done as soon as possible. I've personally met with Ambassador Lighthizer on several occasions to negotiate provisions within this important agreement,""continued O'Halleran.""Today, we have a good deal for Arizona. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to formally pass the USMCA implementing language by the end of the year. According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, between 1994 and 2017, Arizona's exports to Mexico grew from $2.4 billion per year, to $7.7. billiona 311% increase. Currently, over 200,000 jobs in Arizona alone depend on trade with Mexico and Canada. A study from the International Trade Commission found that the USMCA, if ratified, would add an estimated $68.2 billion to the economy and create 176,000 new jobs. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AFL-CIO, the Farm Bureau, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Greater Phoenix Leadership Council, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and many other trade, labor, and environmental protection organizations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-usmca-deal-congress-one-step-closer-cementing-certainty-arizona,"Stanton: With USMCA Deal, Congress One Step Closer to Cementing Certainty for Arizona Businesses",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. House leadership announced this morning that an agreement has been reached to advance the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). During his freshman term, Rep. Greg Stanton has been pushing for an improved North American trade policy that would benefit Arizona's economy, and he previously urged a vote by the end of the year. Stanton issued the following statement in response to the agreement being reached: I am encouraged that a deal has been reached and look forward to reviewing it in detail. Strong trade relationships with our North American allies is essential to Arizona's economy, and the USMCA gives us an opportunity to deepen those relationships. Today, we are one step closer to cementing certainty for job creators throughout Arizona by securing our nation's market access in Mexico and Canada. As we near a vote on the USMCA, I will continue to work with Arizona's business community to ensure they have a voice in this process. Stanton made growing trade a top priority during his time as Phoenix mayor, galvanizing state and local leaders to work together to rebuild Arizona's relationship with Mexico. He led 18 trade missions to Mexico and Canada in cooperation with local chambers of commerce and leaders from the business community. Since 2012, while the nation's exports grew just 0.1 percent, Phoenix's exports grew by 20 percentand today, more than 230,000 Arizona jobs rely on Arizona's trade relationships with Mexico and Canada. In 2016, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce presented Stanton and the City of Phoenix with the President's E Award for Export Servicethe highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. In Congress, Stanton has continued to be an outspoken supporter of growing Arizona's export economy. Last month, Stanton spoke on the House Floor in support of USMCA progress. His remarks are available here. In July, Stanton signed a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking for continued negotiations with the Administration to secure the United States' relationship with Canada and Mexico. The letter also called for a vote on the agreement before the end of the year. Stanton and Gov. Doug Ducey hosted a tele-town hall over the summer with the National Association of Manufacturers, whose member businesses employ nearly 6 percent of Arizona's workforce. Stanton and Ducey heard from business owners about the importance of trade with Mexico.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/declaracion-de-sinema-sobre-el-tratado-comercial-entre-estados-unidos-mexico-y-canada,"Declaración de Sinema sobre el Tratado comercial entre Estados Unidos, México y Canadá",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 10, 2019 WASHINGTON -- La senadora de alto rango de Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema, emiti la siguiente declaracin en apoyo del tratado comercial bipartidista entre los Estados Unidos, Mxico y Canad (USMCA, por sus siglas en ingls): El comercio transfronterizo crea empleos en Arizona y hace crecer nuestra economa. Me enorgullece haber trabajado con mis colegas en ambos partidos para avanzar el acuerdo de hoy y dar un paso importante para garantizar que los empleadores de Arizona puedan vender ms productos en el extranjero, generando oportunidades de negocios aqu en casa. Haga clic AQU para ver la versin en ingls del comunicado. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-bill-designates-national-nurse-public-health,Sinema Backed-Bill Designates a ‘National Nurse for Public Health’,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The new National Nurse will work alongside the Surgeon General, supporting nurses and prioritizing nurse safety WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the bipartisan National Nurse Act, designating a National Nurse for Public Health who will work alongside the Surgeon General promoting health, serving as a spokesperson for nurses nationwide, and increasing public safety and emergency preparedness for nurses. Nurses play a critical role delivering quality health care in Arizona communities. Designating a National Nurse will protect access to health care for Arizona families and help address our national nursing shortage by boosting hiring and retention of nurses, said Sinema. The National Nurse Act specifically designates the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service as the National Nurse for Public Health, providing a publicly visible nurse leader to work with health care leaders to address health disparities and set goals for better public health. Currently, there are roughly 54,000 practicing nurses in Arizona, and the need for nurses is expected to grow by about 19% by 2030. Designating a National Nurse will strengthen the nursing profession and increase nurses across Arizona.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-statement-us-mexico-canada-trade-agreement,Sinema Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 10, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement in support of today's bipartisan U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement: Cross-border trade creates Arizona jobs and grows our economy. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance today's agreement and take an important step toward ensuring Arizona employers can sell more products abroad, fueling business opportunities here at home. Click HERE for Spanish version of release. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/senate-approves-sinema-backed-bill-strengthening-stem-education-arizona,Senate Approves Sinema-Backed Bill Strengthening STEM Education in Arizona,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, December 9, 2019 WASHINGTON The US. Senate approved a bipartisan bill backed by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema that renews Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) funding for several Arizona institutions. Strengthening STEM education equips Arizona students for the jobs of the future, said Sinema. The Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act provides funding for 16 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and four Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in Arizona. The bipartisan legislation provides funding that improves STEM programs, expands research opportunities, and provides services like counseling, tutoring, and mentoring. Sinema's work in the Senate involves expanding opportunity and increasing affordability of education for Arizona students. Earlier this year, Sinema introduced the bipartisan Student Loan Tax Elimination Act that eliminates federal student loan origination fees, lessening the burden on students borrowing from college. Sinema also helped secure a $2.5 million grant to Arizona State University, a Minority Serving Institution, to reduce textbook costs for students and their families. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/breaking-another-sinema-bill-signed-law,BREAKING: Another Sinema Bill Signed Into Law,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The bipartisan Reauthorizing Security for Supreme Court Justices Act permanently renews Supreme Court security WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema's bipartisan Reauthorizing Security for Supreme Court Justices Act, which permanently renews security for the Supreme Court, was signed into law. Sinema introduced the bill with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.). Permanently renewing the Supreme Court's security is a smart use of taxpayer dollars and ensures the Court's police have the resources they need to protect our Justices, said Sinema. The Reauthorizing Security for Supreme Court Justices Act passed Congress in November. The bill permanently provides Supreme Court Police the resources and ability to deal with gaps in security caused by temporary reauthorizations. The bill also allows Justices to be protected domestically and internationally if necessary, mirroring the authority given to the Capitol Police and Secret Service as they protect members of Congress and the President. Sinema's LEGION Act and her Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act were signed into law earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-calls-improved-broadband-access-and-cell-reception-rural-arizona,Sinema Calls for Improved Broadband Access and Cell Reception for Rural Arizona,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, December 6, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema during a Senate Commerce Committee called for improved broadband access for Arizonans in rural areas and improved cell reception in areas of Arizona with poor reception. Expanding broadband access improves telehealth, education, and public safety for Arizona communities, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. Sinema highlighted the concerns of Arizonans living near the U.S./Mexico border where Mexican carriers are interfering with U.S. cell service. Sinema indicated that poor service can be a public safety issue if Arizonans cannot contact first responders, law enforcement, or hospitals. Sinema spoke about telehealth for veterans, which can provide accessible, flexible, and patient-centered health care. However, veterans in underserved or unserved parts of Arizona face significant challenges accessing telehealth services due to lack of access to broadband at home. Sinema indicated that the Lifeline program, which helps over one million veterans nationwide get connected, is a good tool to help veterans access telehealth services. Additionally, Sinema asked the witnesses ways to ensure Arizona tribal communities have the opportunity to build Educational Broadband Services and other spectrum resources to bridge the digital divide in tribal areas. The Senator mentioned Havasupai Tribe's use of Educational Broadband Services channels for wireless routers so their members can take online classes. Earlier this year, Tribe was granted four new EBS channels that they intend to use for telemedicine. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/breaking-house-passes-bipartisan-legislation-end-bad-robocalls,BREAKING: House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to End Bad Robocalls,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran voted to pass the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrent (TRACED) Act, bipartisan legislation that cracks down on bad robocalls and scam calls. I, like so many Americans, receive countless robocalls every single week, often from spoofed numbers that appear to be dialing from just down the road said Rep. O'Halleran. Not only are these calls frustrating, but many are scams designed to prey on seniors and vulnerable populations. The TRACED Act requires voice service providers to develop call authentication technologies, creates real penalties for dialers, and holds the FCC accountable by requiring them to enforce these policies and do their part to protect American families. We cannot stand by while robocallers scam Americans out of out their hard-earned dollars and private information, continued O'Halleran. I was proud to cosponsor the TRACED Act and to work with a bipartisan group on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to mark up the bill and bring it to the House floor for today's vote. The TRACED Act passed out of the House of Representatives this afternoon with broad, bipartisan support. WATCHO'Halleran speak about the importance of this bill on the House floor,here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-introduces-bill-expand-resources-tribal-elders,OHalleran Introduces Bill to Expand Resources for Tribal Elders,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), along with Reps. Deb Haaland (NM-01), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn, introduced the Tribal Elder Care Improvement Act, legislation to expand supportive services for aging Native American populations. Across Indian Country, tribal elders face unique challenges and barriers when seeking health care close to home and family. On average, they face poverty, diabetes, and suicide at far higher rates than the rest of the population, said O'Halleran. Today, I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce this legislation that combats the significant barriers to care and other necessary assistance that many elders encounter. O'Halleran's bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a competitive demonstration program to award grants to tribal organizations to assist them in providing a wider range of in-home and community support services for older individuals. Specific support services would include in-home health and care assistance, transportation, case management, health and wellness programs, legal services, family caregiver support services, and other benefits to directly support the independence of older individuals. I am focused on finding solutions to the unique issues facing tribal communities and am working to address the ways in which many of these overarching issues disproportionately affect tribal elders, continued O'Halleran. This bill is merely a piece of that. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to draft commonsense legislation to aid the aging populations in these communities. The Tribal Elder Care Improvement Act also reauthorizes and increases appropriations for existing key nutrition and caregiver services grant programs for FY2020 FY2024. I'm proud to support the Tribal Elder Care Improvement Act to bolster crucial services for Native American communities and support healthy aging. This legislation is an important step to address disparities and reduce barriers that exist for Tribal Elders and aging populations, said Assistant Speaker Lujn. All our elders deserve to live healthy lives in old age, but Native communities face unique barriers that make it more difficult to provide quality elder care. So, I'm proud to join a bill that will increase health care, caregiver, wellness, and support services that will improve the quality of life for our family members and support those who we love the most well into old age, said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this year by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). O'Halleran is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-bill-protect-native-american-children-approved-committee,Rep. Gallego Bill to Protect Native American Children Approved in Committee,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved the Native American Child Protection Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Chairman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples and Ranking Member Paul Cook (R-CA). The bipartisan legislation improves and reauthorizes several programs within the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act in order to improve the prevention, investigation, treatment, and prosecution of family violence, child abuse, and child neglect involving Native American children and families. Originally established in 1990, the grant programs are the only tribal-specific prevention and treatment programs for Native children who are at risk of being abused or have been abused. Indian Child Abuse Treatment Grant Program:The bill improves and reauthorizes the Indian Child Abuse Treatment Grant Program to provide funding to tribal governments to establish treatment programs and culturally-appropriate services for the victims of child abuse and neglect. National Indian Child Resource Services Center:The bill establishes a new National Indian Resource Services Center to provide tribes with technical assistance, advice, and training on addressing child abuse, family violence, and child neglect. It will also support efforts to improve intergovernmental coordination between federal and tribal personnel responding to those issues. Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Program:The bill improves and reauthorizes the establishment of tribal programs that investigate, prosecute, and prevent incidents of child abuse, child neglect, and family violence in Indian Country. The federal government has a solemn trust responsibility to ensure the protection of children, the most vulnerable members of Indigenous communities, said Chairman Gallego. Unfortunately, there are extremely limited resources to develop culturally-specific child abuse and neglect treatment, investigation, and prevention programs. I'm proud that the Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved my bill to ensure that Tribes are able to access resources to keep their children safe and healthy. The Native American Child Protection Act has been endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-introduces-arizona-nominee-judge-john-hinderaker-senate-nomination-hearing,Sinema Introduces Arizona Nominee Judge John Hinderaker at Senate Nomination Hearing,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema worked with the White House to advance Hinderaker's nomination WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced Judge John Hinderaker at his Senate Nomination Hearing for U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Arizona. Judge Hinderaker brings to the bench a wealth of legal knowledge, decades of litigation experience, and a stellar reputation for integrity and fairness. I'm pleased the White House worked with me to advance his nomination, said Sinema. The President nominated Judge John Hinderaker to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Arizona on November 6th, 2019 following discussions with Sinema about advancing Judge Hinderaker's nomination. John Hinderaker was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to serve as a Judge on the Arizona Superior Court in Pima County in February 2018, and he currently presides over family court and criminal dockets. Before Judge Hinderaker was appointed to the bench, he worked as a partner in the Tucson office of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP. Judge Hinderaker worked there for twenty years, and his practice focused on commercial, real estate, and land use litigation. Judge Hinderaker clerked for the late U.S. District Court Judge John M. Roll and the late U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond T. Terlizzi. Judge Hinderaker earned his B.A., with honors, from the University of California Santa Barbara in 1991 and his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1996.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-introduces-sgt-daniel-somers-veterans-network-support-act,Sinema Introduces Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator's bipartisan bill, named for Arizona veteran, builds on previous Network of Support Act WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced the bipartisan Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Actlegislation requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to create networks of support for servicemembers transitioning to civilian life. The bill is named after Arizona Army veteran Sergeant Daniel Somers. Sgt. Somers served two tours in Iraq and was diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD upon returning home. He lost his life to suicide in 2013. After Sinema learned of Sgt. Somers' story, she worked with his parents, Howard and Jean Somers, to introduce and successfully pass the Daniel Somers Access to Care Act, which ensures veterans who worked in classified jobs can receive behavioral health services in an appropriate care setting. Earlier this year, Sinema introduced and secured the Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support Act in this year's annual defense authorization bill. That legislation requires the Department of Defense to create networks of support for servicemembers. Now, Sinema is working with the Somers to expand their network of support concept. The Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act, cosponsored by Republican Senators Thom Tillis (NC), Marsha Blackburn (TN), and Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) will allow active duty servicemembers leaving the service to designate up to 10 loved ones to receive information from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on benefits and services available to veterans and their loved ones from the VA and community partners. By directly engaging families and loved ones, the VA can prepare and equip veterans' friends and families to better understand the transition from service to civilian life, notice when veterans struggle, and ensure they have access to the necessary tools to help veterans get assistance or care. Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced the Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act in the U.S. House. Troops leaving military service face confusing and complicated red tape when navigating their veterans benefits. Educating and empowering our veterans' loved ones about the resources available will ensure veterans never feel alone and get the support and benefits they've earned, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. During the period between Daniel's military service and his death by suicide in 2013, neither he nor we had knowledge of the many resources and programs available through the VA. Since 2013 we have been working closely with Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Rep. Scott Peters, and many others, to remedy this issue and alleviate the confusion connected with the VA's eligibility, access to care, and benefits. We feel strongly that this bill addresses these issues by proactively educating our veterans and those who love them, thus improving their overall knowledge and understanding of the VA. Our goal is to ensure that every eligible veteran takes advantage of the VA's services and expertise to the fullest extent possible, said Howard and Jean Somers, parents of Sgt. Daniel Somers. The brave men and women who served our country were faced with challenging situations that many are still coping with and we must make sure they have the resources they need to get the appropriate care, said Senator Tillis. One aspect of achieving that goal is ensuring they have a support system of family and loved ones to help them in times of need, and this bipartisan legislation will require the VA to create that network of support so families are engaged and aware of the resources available to veterans. Veterans' families and friends provide invaluable support when servicemembers transition out of the military. When they have more access to information about how to navigate the VA and other resources, they will be able to better support their loved one. This bill aims to strengthen the bonds between veterans and their families and potentially prevent isolation and suicide after they leave the armed forces, said Rep. Peters. The transition from military to civilian life can be daunting. By creating a network to support each veteran, we can confront the tragically high veteran suicide rate that occurs within the first year of departure, said Senator Blackburn. Our servicemembers fully dedicate themselves to preserving freedom and protecting the United States. We ought to honor their service by giving them every resource necessary to succeed as they take their next steps.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-meets-indian-health-services-leader,Sinema Meets with Indian Health Services Leader,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 5, 2019 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema met with Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, Principal Deputy Director of Indian Health Services, to discuss how his agency can better support Arizona's tribal communities. I'm partnering with tribal communities in Arizona to ensure the federal government makes good on its promise to provide critical health services to all Native Americans, said Sinema. Sinema is working to secure reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, which provides programs that design and implement diabetes interventions in tribal communities. Earlier this year, Sinema wrote to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the government shutdown's impact on Indian Health Services programs that provide critical health services to the 22 federally-recognized Native American tribes in Arizona. Indian Health Services is the principal federal health care advocate and provider of health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As Principal Deputy Director, Real Admiral Weahkee administers a health care delivery program responsible for providing preventative, curative, and community health care for approximately 2.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives in hospitals, clinics, and other settings throughout the country. Rear Admiral Weahkee previously served as CEO of the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, the largest federally operated facility in the Indian Health Services. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2925,New Letter: Chair Grijalva Warns Bernhardt of Potential Liability on Forced BLM Staff Move Without Disparate Impact Analysis Reiterates Doc Requests,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In a new letter to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt this morning, Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) warns of potential legal liability for the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) stemming from BLM's forced move of employees based in Washington, D.C., to Grand Junction, Colo., and elsewhere throughout the West. Without analyzing the forced move's potential impacts on BLM staff diversity, Grijalva writes, the Trump administration is opening the agency to lawsuits on the basis of discrimination a charge already supported by agency staffing data. In his letter, available at http://bit.ly/2rSYmbe, Grijalva points out that according to the Office of Personnel Management, BLM only employs 312 Black/African-American employees nationwide less than 3.5 percent of the agency's total workforce and of those 312 employees, 41 percent are headquartered in Washington. Many of the positions targeted for relocation will be moved to states and communities where the total Black/African-American population is significantly smaller, Grijalva writes. Grijalva and other Democrats on the Committee have asked DOI to share any analysis the Trump administration has conducted of the forced move's likely impact on BLM employees and their families. Failing to assess those impacts, Grijalva writes today, goes beyond irresponsible management and opens the federal government to likely legal action. Grijalva points out that the Committee has repeatedly requested the reorganization be halted until DOI shares relevant information with the Committee. If there is a disparate impact on any protected class of employees, the agency would be exposed to significant legal liability that could rival the cost of the entire relocation, Grijalva writes. DOI could be sued by its own employees under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. [. . .] Without an analysis showing the proposed reorganization would not have a disparate impact, or would serve a legitimate, non-discriminatory business need, BLM's vulnerability to a successful lawsuit would increase dramatically. It would be reckless for DOI to fail to perform such an analysis. Grijalva asks Bernhardt to either provide any disparate impact analysis for the DOI reorganization and/or the BLM relocation, along with any estimate of legal exposure DOI faces, or confirm that neither has been done, by Dec. 11. # # # Stay in touch with Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee Website Facebook Twitter Newsletter",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2926,Rep. Grijalva Concludes Congressional Delegation to United Nations Climate Summit in Madrid,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON On Tuesday, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva returned from a Congressional Delegation trip led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP25) held in Madrid, Spain. In addition to Rep. Grijalva and Speaker Pelosi, 13 Members of Congress joined the delegation and expressed their support for the climate action commitments made in the Paris Climate Agreement. President Trump began the formal withdrawal of the United States from the agreement in November 2019. The climate crisis is here, and it's already wreaking havoc on communities in the United States and around the world, said Rep. Grijalva. In the face of the Trump Administration's climate denial, our delegation sought to reassure the global community that Congress and the majority of the American people remain committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and increasing global cooperation to solve the climate crisis. Over the course of the COP25 Summit, the delegation met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, H.M. King Felipe VI of Spain, President Pedro Sanchez of Spain, and European Parliament President David Sassoli. Additionally, the delegation met with international and U.S.-based NGOs actively working in communities around the world to address the climate crisis. Meeting with global climate advocates and governments committed to combatting the climate crisis reaffirmed my view that our country must take urgent legislative action to protect our planet for generations to come, continued Rep. Grijalva. Failure to do so is an abdication of our global responsibility to lead and will jeopardize our planet for generations to come. Click here for photos of the delegation trip. Click here for video of Rep. Grijalva's remarks at the delegation's press conference. ### Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva: NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/new-bipartisan-sinema-bill-cuts-red-tape-helps-arizona-businesses-thrive,"New Bipartisan Sinema Bill Cuts Red Tape, Helps Arizona Businesses Thrive",2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator's bill requires a commission to examine government rules and cut burdensome red tape WASHINGTON - Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced the bipartisan Restore the Partnership Act with Republican Senator Lamar Alexander (Tenn.). The Senators' bill requires a commission to examine federal, state, local and tribal governmental rules and cut red tape in order to help Arizona businesses thrive. Cutting red tape will allow Arizonans to focus on growing businesses and getting ahead, instead of on complicated government standards, said Sinema, The National Governors Association, The Council of State Governments, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the International City/County Management Association all support the Restore the Partnership Act. Sinema serves as the ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, dedicated to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental agencies. Sinema has long championed commonsense, bipartisan efforts to cut red tape for Arizonans. She led a bipartisan effort in the U.S. House and the Senate to repeal the Health Insurance Tax, a harmful tax for small businesses that raises health care costs. Sinema recently introduced the SMART Act, which requires government agencies to plan prospectively, improve regulations, remove unnecessary burdens, and increase transparency and accessibility for Arizona businesses. She also recently introduced the Prove It Actbipartisan legislation that ensures Arizona small businesses can participate in the government's rulemaking process. Sinema recently re-introduced the Fostering Innovation Act, which cuts red tape for emerging growth companies on the cutting edge of scientific and medical research. Earlier this year, Sinema introduced the Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act, which passed the Senate in June and increases transparency by requiring each federal agency's proposed regulation be accompanied with a 100-word plain language summary.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-introduces-bipartisan-bill-supporting-parents-critical-first-year-following-births-adoptions,"Sinema Introduces Bipartisan Bill Supporting Parents in Critical First Year Following Births, Adoptions",2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"First-of-its-kind bipartisan bicameral plan allows families to receive advance Child Tax Credits to offset leave, childcare, other expenses WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema, along with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy (LA), Democratic Congressman Colin Allred (TX), and Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY), today introduced bipartisan legislation to provide working families with resources to pay for parental leave and cover the cost of childcare or other expenses. The Advancing Support for Working Families Act would allow families the option to advance up to $5,000 of their child tax credit in the first year of a child's life or the first year a family adopts a child. The bill is bipartisan, does not increase taxes, creates no new entitlements, includes no new mandates on employers, and does not impact Social Security. The plan also provides families with the flexibility to decide how to use the benefit, including helping offset the cost of quality infant carewhich in Arizona can total nearly as much as the cost of one year at a public state university. Too often, Arizonans who start families are forced to decide between going back to work right away, or losing wages by taking time off to spend with their growing families, said Sinema. Arizona families deserve better. Our bipartisan bill represents an important first step that can pass Congress now, offering parents a new option to finance time off of work or help pay for childcare. 62 percent of working families in Arizona don't have access to unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act leave - either because they don't qualify or can't afford it. Sinema's Advancing Support for Working Families Act is bipartisan solution that can pass Congress and puts money in Arizona families' pockets now to offset the costs of taking time off of work, for child care, and other expenses. The Advancing Support for Working Families Act is optional, with decisions made entirely by new parents. For instance, parents who already receive paid leave through their employer or state could continue to do so, forgoing the new benefit and continuing to receive their full yearly Child Tax Credit. Starting a family is often a happy and stressful time for families. I believe all parents want the best for their children, but sometimes they are torn between wanting to spend time with them and having to financially provide for them. We need to do more in this country to support young families as we know the importance of the first few years of life are in laying a strong foundation for the child's future. This bill would be a good first step forward, said Susie Huhn, CEO Casa de los Nios. BPC Action encourages support for the Advancing Support for Working Families Act and applauds Sens. Cassidy (R-LA) and Sinema (D-AZ) and Reps. Allred (D-TX) and Stefanik (R-NY) for their leadership on this bill, which is an important step in supporting American families. The Advancing Support for Working Families Act, combined with other measures to expand the Child Tax Credit, has the potential to make a real impact on the lives of American families. BPC Action encourages members to support this bipartisan, bicameral legislation and take action now, said the Bipartisan Policy Center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-leads-group-arizona-new-mexico-lawmakers-house-resolution-calling,"OHalleran Leads Group of Arizona, New Mexico Lawmakers in House Resolution Calling on EPA to Act on Uranium Mine Cleanup",2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) joined a group of lawmakers from Arizona and New Mexico to introduce H.Res 737, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must do more to clean up and remediate toxic, abandoned uranium mine sites on the Navajo Nation. From World War II until the end of the Cold War, millions of tons of uranium were mined on Navajo lands, exposing mine workers and their families to uranium contamination and deadly radiation. As a result, high rates of cancer, birth defects, and contaminated water sources remain a reality for residents of the Navajo Nation to this day, said Rep. O'Halleran. Today, I stand with my colleagues from across the southwest to announce our dissatisfaction with the process, care, and attention given to the cleanup of these mines thus far. Currently, there are over 520 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation, only 219 of which have secured settlement agreements with responsible parties to fund cleanup and remediation efforts. The remaining 305 sites continue to pose significant risks to nearby families, wells and aquifers, and surrounding lands. I am tired of calling on the U.S. EPA time and time again to do their part to advance this issue, continued O'Halleran. This is a public health crisis that we cannot afford to ignore for one more day. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to hold the agency accountable and create real progress for affected families across Arizona's First District. Original co-sponsors of O'Halleran's resolution include Reps. Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), Grijalva (AZ-03), Gallego (AZ-07), Stanton (AZ-09), Haaland (NM-01), Torres Small (NM-02), and Assistant Speaker Lujn (NM-03). The Navajo Nation knows all too well the devastating consequences uranium mining has had on the health of their people, their land and our larger environment. The EPA has ignored this public health crisis for far too longinaction on clean-up puts future generations at risk and devastates the environment forever. They must act now and we must work together to ensure they do, said Congresswoman Kirkpatrick. Uranium has poisoned the people and the land of Navajo Nation, and the federal government has a responsibility to bring this painful chapter to a close. In October I traveled to Navajo Nation to hear firsthand about what a real cleanup would mean to families, and they made it clear that the time is over for excuses. The EPA and other agencies need to do their job, clean up the mines, and protect future generations rather than passing the buck, said Congressman Grijalva. ""Heightened cancer rates and contaminated water sources on Navajo lands are painful and enduring reminders that the actions taken generations ago continue to have a profound impact on workers, families and our environment. The Federal government has a responsibility to clean up these abandoned uranium mine sites and turn the tide on this public health crisis,"" said Congressman Stanton. Communities who are at increased risk of losing clean water and developing cancer due to decades of uranium mining deserve justice. Yet, the mining industry was never required to clean up its own messes and that land is still contaminated. I'm joining this resolution so that the EPA can live up to its responsibility and focus on cleaning up toxic mining sites left behind on the Navajo Nation, said Congresswoman Haaland. Decades of uranium contamination across the southwest including within Navajo Nation pose both major public health risks and a grave environmental injustice. The air and water that communities depend on have been tainted by harmful uranium and radiation, putting vulnerable families and sacred homelands at risk. The Environmental Protection Agency can and must do more to address this public health crisis, clean up abandoned mines, and provide much-needed assistance for impacted communities, said Assistant Speaker Lujn. The mission of the United States Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. View the text of the resolution,here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/senate-approves-sinema-bill-protecting-arizonans-retirement-benefits-fraud,Senate Approves Sinema Bill Protecting Arizonans’ Retirement Benefits from Fraud,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator's bipartisan bill cracks down on federal retirement fraud and misuse WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate approved Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema's bipartisan Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act. The Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act, introduced by Sinema, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), strengthens penalties against criminals who steal or misuse federal retirees' benefits, making any such crime a felony. Arizona retirees earned their benefits through a lifetime of hard work and public service. Cracking down on fraud will better protect seniors so they can enjoy healthy and secure retirements, said Sinema. If a federal retiree is unable to manage their own finances, a representative payee may be appointed to manage finances and benefits on their behalf. Currently, fraud or misuse of federal retirement benefits by a representative payee is not a felony. Sinema's Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act fixes that. There are currently over 45,000 retired federal employees in Arizona that will benefit from the Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act. Additionally, there are over 50,000 current federal and postal employees in Arizona who will benefit in the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2924,Rep. Grijalva Joins Bicameral Congressional Delegation to Madrid for COP25 on Climate Change,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Grijalva joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a bicameral Congressional Delegation to Madrid, Spain for the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP25. I am proud to join this bicameral Congressional Delegation and demonstrate the commitment of the vast majority of Americans that support urgent action on climate change said Rep. Grijalva. There should be no climate change discrimination. There shouldn't be a misery index where some people get to suffer more as a consequence of not everyone doing their full part to deal with the issue of climate change. I am here today to learn, to listen and to help take immediate and urgent action on climate change. It is a privilege to accompany a high-level Congressional delegation to Spain to combatthe existential threat of our time: the climate crisis, said Speaker Pelosi. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my gratitude to the Spanish government for hosting this critical meeting, and for elevating the priority of the climate crisis totheforefront of the international conversation. Taking action to protect our planet is a public health decision for clean air and clean waterfor our children, an economic decision for creating the green, good-paying jobs of the future, a national security decision to address resource competition and climate migration and also a moral decision to be good stewards of God's creation and pass a sustainable, healthy planet to the next generation, Speaker Pelosi continued.On behalf of the U.S. Congress, I am proud to travel to COP25 to reaffirm the commitment of the American people to combating the climate crisis. The Members of the Congressional Delegation are: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) ChairmanRalM. Grijalva (D-AZ), Committee on Natural Resources Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson(D-TX),Committee on Science, Space, Technology Chairwoman Kathy Castor (D-FL), Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) Congressman Mike Levin (D-CA) Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL) Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-demands-answers-nuclear-regulatory-commission-connection-possible,OHalleran Demands Answers from Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Connection to Possible Corrupt Contract Operations in Navajo Nation Uranium Mining Remediation Efforts,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONLate last month, following news that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had contracted the independent firm Tetra Tech to assist in uranium mining remediation on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) sent a letter to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) raising his concerns over reports that revealed Tetra Tech EC, a subsidiary to the parent company, had previously been under investigation for potential data manipulation and falsification of soil samples collected during cleanup process of a similar nuclear site. The toxic effects of abandoned uranium mines, including higher rates of cancer and birth defects, continue to plague communities in my district, particularly on the Navajo Nation. This is an issue I take very seriously, said Rep. O'Halleran. I am deeply concerned about this contracted operation and the NRC's potential knowledge of Tetra Tech's reputation beforehand. We must ensure that abandoned uranium mine sites are remediated properly. In his letter, O'Halleran asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to explain what review process NRC undertook to determine Tetra Tech Inc.'s Radioactive Material License should remain in good standing; what corrective actions were taken by the company following the revelation that supervisors directed workers to falsify soil samples collected during previous cleanup operations; whether or not the NRC shared evidence or reports of their review of Tetra Tech's license or qualifications with the EPA during the solicitation period for the awarded contract. The people of the Navajo Nation deserve an explanation in connection to these disturbing reports, continued Rep. O'Halleran. The ongoing issue of uranium contamination in my district is no game; lives have been lost. I am anxiously awaiting a response letter from the NRC into this matter. View O'Halleran's letter, here. BACKGROUND: In late 2017, the EPA awarded Tetra Tech Inc. an $85 million contract to asses contamination levels of uranium mines within the Navajo Nation. However, reports dating back as early as 2013 indicate that Tetra Tech EC supervisors had directed workers to falsify soil samples that were collected during cleanup at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard site near San Francisco, California, a similar nuclear remediation area. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission authorizes Nuclear Licenses for EPA contract organizations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-signs-stanton-s-bipartisan-scotus-security-bill,President Signs Stantons Bipartisan SCOTUS Security Bill,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Last week, President Trump signed into law a bill introduced by freshman Rep. Greg Stanton to permanently extend security protections for Supreme Court Justices outside the court grounds. This is Stanton's first sponsored bill signed into law. Stanton first introduced H.R. 4258 in September with Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla. It passed the House and Senate in November with unanimous support. In the current Congress, 77 bills have been signed into law to date. Of those bills, only eight were introduced by freshman House Democrats. Current law authorizes the Supreme Court Police to protect Justiceshowever, the authority to protect them outside of Supreme Court grounds is temporary and set to expire at the end of this year. Stanton and Steube's bill will remedy that by permanently extending the security authorization. It is important that we protect the Justices of the highest court in the landon that, Congress is united, Stanton said. Stanton's full remarks on H.R. 4258 during debate on the House floor are available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWMa7IRf6bo&t=1s -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-statement-world-aids-day,Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on World AIDS Day,2019-12-01,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day: World AIDS Day is both a day of mourning and one of celebration. First, we take the time to honor the memories of those we've lost to HIV/AIDS and to remember the human toll of this devastating illness. Today we also celebrate the major strides that the global health community has made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We recognize these advancements, and renew our commitment to work together to end this disease once and for all. We must continue to push for funding and policies that will preserve this hard-won progress and make sure that the United States remains a leader in the push for an AIDS-free world. Rep. Ruben Gallego serves as a vice chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2923,Rep. Grijalva: Eloy Detention Center Has a Long and Tragic History of Neglect,2019-11-27,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"TUCSON Today, Rep. Grijalva reacted to therelease of a reportby Advancement Project and Puente, two national human rights groups on the harsh conditions individuals face in the Eloy Detention Center. ""The Eloy Detention Center is plagued by a long and tragic history of neglect and this latest report by Advancement Project and Puente confirms that shameful record""said Congressman Ral M. Grijalva. ""Since 2003, there have been more than a dozen deaths. Unfortunately, many of these deaths could have been prevented had the facility acted according to law. Yet, the reality is that for-profit detention centers and private prisons are motivated by profit, not human decency. The incarceration of pregnant women, individuals with serious health needs and immigrants must stop. The federal government continues to contract with the private prison complex who acts without accountability or oversight. We must end private prisons and immigration detention centers. Congress must provide that accountability and oversight."" Since 2015, Rep. Grijalva has introduced legislation to ban private prisons and private detention centers, private transportation, end family detention, and remove Immigration and Custom Enforcement's (ICE) daily bed quota mandate. The Justice Is Not For Sale Act, also requires ICE to improve monitoring of detention facilities, requires ICE to use Alternatives to Detention, and increases oversight to prevent companies from overcharging inmates and their families for services like banking and telephone calls.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=2922,"Rep. Grijalva Joins in Calls to Stop Illegal ""Safe Third Country"" Agreement",2019-11-26,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"TUCSON Today, Rep. Grijalva joined colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security condemning the implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement between the United States and Guatemala. ""Trump is making a mockery of our asylum process and international obligations in his illegal pursuit of the Safe Third Country agreement with Guatemala, said Congressman Ral M. Grijalva (AZ-03). Sending vulnerable individuals to a country that is plagued with violence, especially against women and without the proper infrastructure or resources to absorb the influx is a short-sighted plan with significant long-term ramifications to the region. This is a complete lack of compassion, rationality and leadership from this Administration."" This agreement is just another racist attempt by this administration to refuse migrants access to asylum. We must fight for those applying for asylum, many who are women and children, and protect them from the dangerous conditions this administration is forcing upon them, said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). This agreement will not help migrants and will instead send them to dangerous and violent conditions. We must stand up for asylum seekers and against this agreement. The implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala is pushing vulnerable refugees back into the same countries they are fleeing countries with some of the highest murder rates in the world and no asylum systems to fairly process their claims and protect them, said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16). These agreements are deliberately intended to erode asylum. I'm proud to join with my colleague, Rep. Sylvia Garcia to call for the elimination of this reprehensible and dangerous policy. The Safe Third Country' agreement is yet another ploy by the administration to undermine our asylum laws while closing the door on migrants fleeing violence and persecution, said Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). In the face of a humanitarian crisis, we should be welcoming migrants with open arms, not sending them back to the very conditions they're trying to escape. This complete lack of leadership could have devastating consequences.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-applauds-epa-announcement-funding-environmental-improvements-az,OHalleran Applauds EPA Announcement of Funding for Environmental Improvements on AZ-01 Tribal Lands,2019-11-26,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) applauded the recent announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to award nearly $29 million in funding to 19 tribes in Arizona to invest in environmental protection programs and water infrastructure. I am pleased to see much-needed funds going to tribal governments to improve and maintain their necessary water infrastructure and promote the implementation of additional environmental protection initiatives on tribal lands. As I visit tribal communities in our district, I have seen firsthand the issues they face in maintaining these programs, and I've also seen all the good these initiatives can do, said Rep. O'Halleran. This funding helps strengthen tribal sovereignty and ensures that Indian Country can maintain and build out their clean drinking water systems, recycling programs, and safe agriculture practices. Funding allocated today will go toward water quality monitoring, watershed protection, and wastewater recycling and treatment. Tribes in the First District, including the Ak-Chin Indian Community, will use the funding to build out current curbside recycling programs. EPA's Pacific Southwest Region (Region 9) is responsible for assisting tribes in strengthening their abilities to manage environmental programs in Indian Country and ensuring that tribes have a voice in decisions that affect their land, air, and water. The regional office serves 148 federally recognized tribes within Arizona, California, and Nevada. O'Halleran is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus. His resource page for Native American Heritage Month is available,here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-distributes-thanksgiving-meals-honorhealth-desert-mission-food-bank,Sinema Distributes Thanksgiving Meals With HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank,2019-11-26,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PHOENIX Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinemadistributed Thanksgiving meals to Arizona families with HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank. Thousands of Arizona families will get a Thanksgiving meal thanks to the hard work at HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank. I am thankful for HonorHealth's service to Arizona and honored to join them today, said Sinema. Every year ahead of Thanksgiving Day Sinema joins an Arizona non-profit to serve Arizonans. Click HERE for Spanish version of release.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-distribuye-alimentos-de-accion-de-gracias-con-honorhealth-desert-mission-food-bank,Sinema Distribuye Alimentos de Acción de Gracias con HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank,2019-11-26,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PHOENIX La senadora de alto rango de Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema,distribuy artculos de comida de Accin de Gracias para las familias de Arizona con HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank. Miles de familias de Arizona recibirn una comida de Accin de Gracias debido al arduo trabajo de HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank. Estoy agradecida por el servicio que HonorHealth provee a Arizona y me siento honrada de unirme con ellos hoy, dijo Sinema. Cada ao, antes del da de Accin de Gracias, Sinema se une a una organizacin de Arizona sin fines de lucro para servir a los arizonenses. Haga clicAQUpara ver la versin en ingls del comunicado.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z