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://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/op-ed-rep-andy-biggs-i-kept-my-campaign-promises-introducing-or-sponsoring-these,OP-ED: Rep. Andy Biggs: I kept my campaign promises by introducing or sponsoring these bills,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/gop-rep-says-mueller-must-end-his-witch-hunt-and-step-aside,GOP Rep Says Mueller Must End His Witch Hunt and Step Aside,2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/home-politics-tags-hillary-clinton-russia-probe-robert-mueller-fbi-special-counsel,"Rep. Biggs: Full Story of Mueller, Clinton Will Be 'Scandal of a Lifetime'",2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/gop-lawmaker-calls-mueller-recusal-his-witch-hunt-must-end,GOP lawmaker calls for Mueller recusal: 'His witch hunt must end',2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/op-ed-rep-andy-biggs-mr-mueller-end-witch-hunt,"OP-ED: Rep. Andy Biggs: Mr. Mueller, end the witch hunt",2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/op-ed-senate-s-byrd-rule-undermines-democracy,OP-ED: The Senates Byrd Rule Undermines Democracy,2017-12-25,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A6D15C85-9017-4B79-8CBE-EF30B63AE2A5,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON PRESIDENT TRUMPS DECISION TO PROVIDE ANTI-TANK MUNITIONS TO UKRAINE,2017-12-23,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on President Trumps reported decision to provide anti-tank munitions to Ukraine: President Trump's reported decision to provide Javelin anti-tank munitions to Ukraine marks another significant step in the right direction and sends a strong signal that the United States will stand by its allies and partners as they fight to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity. This decision is years overdue. But as Vladimir Putin continues to sow instability in Ukraine and Russian-led forces escalate their deadly attacks, it could not come at a more important time. Providing Ukraine the capabilities it needs to deter and defend against further Russian aggression will contribute to creating more stable security conditions that are necessary for a peaceful resolution of this conflict. In other words, as I have long argued, providing defensive lethal assistance to Ukraine is not opposed to a peace in Ukraine it is essential to achieving it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-mcsally-ratcliffe-pittenger-call-doj-investigate-obama,"Reps. McSally, Ratcliffe, Pittenger Call on DOJ to investigate Obama administrations relationship with Hezbollah",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Reps. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), John Ratcliffe (R-Texas),and Robert Pittenger (R-N.C.) are calling on the Justice Department (DOJ) to investigate the Obama administrations actions to thwart the arrest and prosecution of individuals running drug trafficking and money laundering operations to fund Hezbollah. Recently uncovered evidence points very directly to a disturbing conclusion: that the Obama administration intentionally shielded the Iran-backed terrorist group, Hezbollah, from an ongoing investigation in order to secure the deeply flawed Iran Deal, said Rep. McSally. The American people deserve to know whether their President did indeed pick his political agenda over the safety of our country and our allies, allowing the worlds most dangerous terrorist group to continue to launder money and traffic illicit drugs to fuel their violence. This letter calls for an investigation into these incriminating facts. Our national security depends on it. Obamas nuclear deal with Iran was a bad deal in itself and new revelations of the illicit actions that were ignored to secure it are even worse. Unsurprisingly, the Obama administration put politics ahead of justice at the expense of national security. Weve got to ensure that painfully misguided decisions like this wont ever happen again, Rep. Ratcliffe said. Hezbollah is one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world. The allegations that Obamas administration derailed a major investigation into this barbaric terror group in order to secure the deeply flawed Iran Nuclear deal are shocking and infuriating. We need to get to the bottom of this. The American people deserve to know the truth, Rep. Pittenger said. The call for an investigation comes on the heels a report released this week that the Obama administration undermined Project Cassandra, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) campaign to target Hezbollahs drug trafficking operations. Despite evidence that Hezbollah was running a $1-billion-a-year drug and weapons trafficking operation, laundering money and engaging in other criminal activities, Obama administration officials didnt file criminal charges for fear of jeopardizing the prospects of securing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or Iran Nuclear Deal. The lawmakers, along with 18 of their colleagues, will formally call on the DOJ to launch an investigation to answer several questions surrounding the matter in January. The full text of the letter is available here or below. January 2, 2017 The Honorable Jeff Sessions Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Sessions, We are deeply disturbed by recent reports that illustrate the Obama Administrations efforts to undermine Project Cassandra, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) campaign to target drug trafficking operations by the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah. We write to inquire about the steps your Justice Department will take to address the consequences of this misguided decision. In 2008, the DEA found evidence that Hezbollah expanded its operations into drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Over the next eight years, DEA Agents used every tool in their disposal to track Hezbollahs illicit networks, culminating in the opportunity to file criminal charges against individuals and entities that profited from drug trafficking. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration allegedly instituted several roadblocks to prevent holding Hezbollah accountable for fear of jeopardizing the prospects of securing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran Nuclear Deal) with the Iranian regime. According to testimony presented to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, by an Obama-era Treasury official, Katherine Bauer, under the Obama administration these [Hezbollah-related] investigations were tamped down for fear of rocking the boat with Iran and jeopardizing the nuclear deal. Contrary to the narrative of proponents of the Iran Nuclear Deal that the agreement would change Irans behavior, Iran has responded by continuing its destabilizing foreign policy activities, while its proxy, Hezbollah, continues to provide weapons and training to anti-American militias. The result is the further undermining of Americas national security interests, the safety of the American people, and the security of our allies including Israel. Given the Trump Administrations desire to hold the Iranian regime and its proxies accountable, we urge you to conduct a full investigation into the decision-making of the Obama Administration Justice Department as it relates to Project Cassandra. As you conduct this investigation, several questions remain: Are you aware that the Obama Justice Department declined DEA requests to file criminal charges against Abdallah Safieddine, Hezbollahs Envoy to Iran? Are you aware that the Obama Justice Department declined DEA requests to file criminal charges against the Lebanese Canadian Bank and its associates? Which individual(s) within the Obama Justice Department were responsible for delaying prosecutions of key Hezbollah entities in the hope of securing Irans approval of the Iran Nuclear Deal? If that guidance or directive came from outside the Justice Department, who and where did it come from? What steps will your Justice Department take to ensure improved interagency cooperation to address the Hezbollah threat moving forward? We respectfully request answers to these questions in writing as well as a briefing on this matter at your earliest convenience. The security of the United States and the safety of the American people and our allies depend on a thorough investigation and corrective action to ensure that the Obama Administrations misguided policy is never implemented again. We appreciate your prompt consideration and look forward to your response on this matter. Our national security depends upon it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D80A4070-A845-40C9-94FF-1608B7838971,McCAIN BILL TO REAUTHORIZE FIRE & EMERGENCY RESPONSE GRANT PROGRAMS MOVES TO PRESIDENTS DESK FOR SIGNATURE,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John McCains (R-AZ) bipartisan bill to reauthorize vital programs for Americas firefighters and emergency response services is now headed to President Trumps desk for signature. McCains Fire Grants Reauthorization Act, cosponsored by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tom Carper (D-DE), would reauthorize the highly successful Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs though Fiscal Year 2023. These programs provide our nations more than one million fire and emergency services personnel access to the training, equipment and staffing they need to respond to emergency situations. Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect our citizens and keep our communities safe, said Senator McCain. Thats why we must give these brave individuals the training, resources and equipment they need for dangerous missions around the country. Im proud the President will soon sign our bill providing Americas 30,000 fire departments and emergency response services with the best possible preparation and resources. The primary goal of AFG is protect communities and firefighters from fire-related hazards by providing eligible fire departments the financial support to train, equip and properly resource Americas emergency personnel. The SAFER program provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help increase and maintain the number of trained firefighters in local communities. Language was added to the legislation in committee that will strengthen oversight and monitoring of the fire grants to minimize the risk of waste, fraud and abuse, and create training programs to assist fire departments in properly managing the grant awards. The first FIRE Act was passed out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in 2000 when Senator McCain served as Committee Chairman. He has continued to cosponsor legislation to reauthorize this vital fire grant program, including through legislation in 2013 that maintained the program through 2017. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FAA26F7F-E7FC-4E95-B6A3-D627E16D2535,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON THE PASSING OF BRUCE McCANDLESS,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on the passing of Bruce McCandless: Im deeply saddened by the passing of Bruce McCandless, a brilliant aviator and astronaut who dedicated his life to serving the country he loved. Bruce and I were both members of the Class of 1958 at the United States Naval Academy. As an undistinguished graduate of that class, I always looked up to Bruce not only for his incredible intellect, but also for his character and integrity, which embodied the highest values of the United States Navy. The son of a Medal of Honor recipient, Bruce excelled at everything he set out to do and spent his life serving a cause greater than himself. After finishing second in our class at the Naval Academy, he saw duty aboard the USS Forrestal as well as the USS Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was later selectedas the youngest member ofNASA Astronaut Group 5 and served as a mission control communicator when Neil Armstrong first stepped foot on the moon. Bruce is perhaps best known for carrying out the first untethered spacewalk. The iconic photo of Bruce soaring effortlessly in space has inspired generations of Americans to believe that there is no limit to the human potential. Bruce served his country with humility and dignity, and encouraged all of us to reach new heights. Cindy and I send our deepest condolences to Bruces wife, Ellen, their beloved children, and the entire McCandless family as they mourn the loss of an extraordinary man. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-short-term-funding-bill,Congressman Biggs' Statement on Short-Term Funding Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Biggs released the following statement after voting against theshort-termgovernment fundingbill: Since 1996, Congress has adopted over 100 continuing resolutions(CR), bypassing its responsibilities to authorizespendingunder regular order.In that same time,the national debt has nearly quadrupled, leading this country to the brink of financial bankruptcy. Once again, Congressis too afraid to make the tough decisions tobalance our budget. The House sent its appropriations bills to the Senate exactly fourteen weeks ago today. Instead ofdebatingthesebills, the Senatetook a pass. This isincrediblyirresponsible. The Senate must commit to passingtheir appropriations bills and balancing our federal budget. Ourgrandchildren's futuredepends on it. ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizonas Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3077,Tax Reform: They're Still Talking,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul A. Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,gosar,https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Here's what they're saying at home... Arizona Chamber of Commerce President and CEO — Glenn Hamer “The Tax Cuts and Jobs bill is the most important legislation passed by Congress to improve our economy since the 1986 tax overhaul signed into law by President Reagan.This is truly a once in a generation piece of legislation. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry commends Congressman Paul Gosar for voting for this bill. The legislation benefits all employers through lower tax rates and immediate expensing. It will benefit employees through higher paychecks and more opportunities in the workplace.” Arizona Free Enterprise Club President — Scot Mussi ""The historic Tax Cuts and Jobs bill will be a shot of adrenaline for Arizona's economy. The pro-growth individual and corporate tax cuts will result in more jobs, higher wages and surge of investment into our state.We applaud Congressman Paul Gosar for supporting the most significant overhaul of our tax code since 1986. This is an achievement that will reap benefits for hardworking taxpayers for years to come.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mcsally-works-prevent-arizona-being-penalized-going-extra-mile-comply,McSally Works to Prevent Arizona from Being Penalized for Going the Extra Mile to Comply with the Clean Air Act,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Representative Martha McSally today introduced legislation that would prevent the 9th Circuit from penalizing Arizona and other western states for going the extra mile to comply with the Clean Air Act. Her one-sentence bill will uphold the EPAs long-standing practice of allowing states to implement contingency measures early under the Clean Air Act. The Ninth Circuit gets 79% of its decisions overturnedand its no wonder, if all of their decisions are as unreasonable as this one, said Rep. McSally. States should not be penalized for going above and beyond to comply with the Clean Air Actbut that is exactly what this court ruling would do. No state should be punished for taking extra steps to be compliantbut even more unjust is the fact that this ruling puts those states, like Arizona, at a disadvantage. Its unfair that the CAA would apply differently to different states. This common sense, one sentence bill prevents an unnecessary downward spiral. A recent decision in the Ninth Circuit has thrown a long-standing EPA practice into question. For over 20 years, the EPA has allowed state and local governments to implement contingency measures early, that is, before such measures are required or triggered as a matter of law. Under the Clinton, Bush and Obama Administrations, the EPA allowed states early implementation of contingency measures, considering it illogical to penalize nonattainment areas that are taking extra steps to ensure attainment of the NAAQS. However, the Ninth Circuit courts recent decision, Bahr v. EPA, has undermined the EPAs long-standing approach, ruling that the EPA cannot approve contingency measures if they were implemented prior to an area failing to comply or attain a NAAQS. Because of this court decision, states and territories located in the Ninth Circuitwhich include Arizonamay face the disapproval of contingency measures. Disapproval of contingency measures triggers federal sanctions under the Clean Air Act and can create significant negative impacts on economic development. It would lead to tighter controls on business and industry, and even the loss of highway funds. This legislation proposes a simple, one-sentence fix to address the issues raised in Bahr. Specifically, it would enable contingency measures to be implemented early. Moving forward, it would ensure that a consistent policy is implemented across the country. This legislation preserves and does not alter the duty of a nonattainment area to comply with a NAAQS. States will still need to ensure that SIPs contain all measures that are required in order to demonstrate that they will attain a NAAQS by the applicable deadline.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8F5519E3-71E4-4043-855F-833E69501E85,"VIDEO: Flake Warns Against Dangerous, Hyperbolic Tax Reform Rhetoric",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the hyperbolic, counterproductive, and potentially dangerous rhetoric surrounding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The threat posed to all of us, and to the democratic process from giving in to extreme rhetoric is not theoretical. Some of us faced it on that baseball field in Alexandria in June, and all of us have witnessed its corrosive effect on Congress, said Flake. I urge my colleagues, all of us, let us end this practice where raw politics drowns out the supplications of the better angels of our nature. Let us all be a little more humble as to our predictive powers when it comes to placing a value on the work we do here. View video of Flakes remarks here.View a prepared transcript of his remarks below. *** Mr. President, six months ago, on a beautiful June morning just a few miles from here in Alexandria, Virginia, a man with a gun opened fire on me and several of my Republican colleagues. In the chaotic aftermath of that awful morning, the gunmans purpose slowly became clear. Because of our beliefs and political affiliation, this individual believed my colleagues and I deserved to die. Since that day, I have struggled to understand this thinking. How could any American look out onto a field that June morning where a bunch middle-aged men were playing baseball, and somehow see the enemy. Some of the bombastic rhetoric being offered in response to the tax reform bill passed this week has given me pause though. If you listen to some of the hyperbolic vitriol that opponents of this bill are producing, the attitude that nearly killed my friend Steve Scalise, and threatened many more lives, begins to make a perverse kind of sense. When respectable public figures go on television or take to Twitter and announce that thousands, if not millions, of Americans are going to die as a direct result of the passage of a tax reform bill, what impact do we expect this to have on the thinking of many Americans? If a person takes these outlandish statements as truth, attacking Members of Congress who supported the measure almost appears to be a moral action. This horrifying logic could lead someone to believe that killing a few legislators might save the lives of millions of Americans. Beyond the physical danger of promoting such misinformation, these claims also do grave harm to the legislative process. How are we expected to work together to achieve anything if one sides position is viewed as the end of America as we know it? One my colleagues called this tax reform bill, the worst bill in the history of Congress. Upon the bills passage, one media pundit went so far as to encourage young Americans to flee their country and declared, America died tonight. Full-throated and passionate debate should always be encouraged. We all love arguing the merits of supply-side economics, but this is not that. This is demonizing of the worst kind. It leaves all of us in this body unable to engage in the kind of negotiations and compromise Congress was created to foster. To be clear, this is not a problem of one party or one moment. During the public debate over the Affordable Care Act, members of my party engaged in similar tactics. I was in the House Chamber when one of my Republican Colleagues stood and yelled You lie! at the President of the United States. The accusation that passage of healthcare reform would result in so-called death panels was promoted far and wide by many Republicans. One conservative commentator suggested the government would begin educating seniors on how to end their own lives. A Republican legislator claimed the bill would put seniors in the position of being put to death by their government. This rhetoric was wrong then and it is wrong now. The threat posed to all of us, and to the democratic process from giving in to extreme rhetoric is not theoretical. Some of us faced it on that baseball field in Alexandria in June, and all of us have witnessed its corrosive effect on Congress. I urge my colleagues, all of us, let us end this practice where raw politics drowns out the supplications of the better angels of our nature. Let us all be a little more humble as to our predictive powers when it comes to placing a value on the work we do here. In reality, this legislation will probably not turn out to be as good as its proponents assert, nor as bad as its opponents contend. Mr. President, the country is watching. It is my hope that we, all of us, can eschew contempt and vitriol in our speech, and be more measured in our tone. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=264B5EE7-B2A0-49D8-B8C6-222590DCFD97,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON LATEST SERGEI MAGNITSKY ACT SANCTIONS,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration yesterday releasing five new sanctions designations under the 2012 Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act.Senators McCain and Ben Cardin (D-MD) co-authored the legislation: I commend the administrations decision to sanction five new individuals under the 2012 Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act. Corruption and human rights abuses have become rampant in Vladimir Putins Russia, and the Magnitsky Act serves as important tool in holding Putin and his cronies accountable. I hope that these sanctions will provide the Russian people with a small measure of justice that they are deniedunder the Putin regime, and bolster the efforts of those who carry on the fight for freedom in Russia and around the world. The designation of these individuals serves as a strong message to other would-be human rights abusers that they will face consequences for violating the basic rights and freedoms of the Russian people.It is important that the United States continue to uphold the values embodied by Sergei Magnitsky and enshrined in the Magnitsky Act: human rights, rule of law, and justice.I look forward to continueworkingwith the administration to ensure robust implementation of this vitally important law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=86DBDD4C-647A-454D-ACE2-D0712845791A,McCAIN ON IMPACT OF CONTINUING RESOLUTION ON MILITARY,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the impact of a Continuing Resolution on the military: I am profoundly disappointed that leadership in Congress and the White House failed to reach agreement on a budget deal.As we wait another four weeks in hopes that Congressional leaders negotiate a compromise, the military will work overtime to keep an already dire situation from getting worse. Readiness will continue to decline. Service members will not receive scheduled training. Ship maintenance backlogs will grow. All of this in the face of a world that only gets more dangerous and where threats continue to rise. As competitors like China, Russia, and North Korea continue to rapidly advance their military and modernize their weapons, the U.S. military will wait. The additional four week Continuing Resolution will have real consequences for the Department of Defense. It will prevent 48 new starts and 24 production increases. One particularly troublesome example of this is munitions. Earlier this year, military leaders all stressed the need to repair the munitions shortfall. As the Air Force described, Our use of munitions in operations is out-pacing production. The Army identified increasing procurement of munitions as its highest priority. However, the extended Continuing Resolution will cause delays to critical weapon systems, as DOD will be unable to award contracts to systems such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System or the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile. In a time when more service members are dying in routine accidents than in combat, and our sailors are working 100-hour weeks, asking the military to wait another four weeks for adequate funding is unacceptableand it is a dereliction of the first and foremost duty of Congress to provide for the common defense. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DEA274B3-6A11-4AB6-A358-91AAD348AC39,"McCAIN & CARDIN WELCOME GLOBAL MAGNITSKY SANCTIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSERS, CORRUPTION",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. SenatorsJohn McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, andBen Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,released the following statement today on the Trump Administrations announcement of the first list of sanctions designations for international human rights abusers and corrupt individuals under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Senators McCain and Cardin are the co-authors of the law: We wrote the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act last year because the United States must lead the world in using the power of our financial and legal institutions to hold human rights abusers and corrupt individuals accountable for their heinous crimes. We started advancing this important goal five years ago with the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act, to hold accountable the Russian officials who tortured and killed Sergei as well as those who act with impunity throughout the country, violating the basic rights of the Russian people. In Sergeis name, and in the spirit of the many unsung and unnamed individuals around the world who have suffered human rights abuse for uncovering corruption and fighting for freedom, the United States continues to support their efforts and seek accountability and justice with the Global Magnitsky sanctions out today. Thirteen people around the world have been targeted for their crimes today, as well as more than three dozen of their individual and organizational associates that fuel their criminal activities. While we would like to see a more geographically diverse and rigorous list going forward, including more of the individuals we highlighted to the Administration, overall we welcome this first edition of the Global Magnitsky list. In particular, we welcome the sanctioning of two individuals from Russia and Burma. Artem Chayka has used his position of familial privilege as the son of Russias Prosecutor General to steer government-contracting funds to his associates and punish competitors, fueling Russias widespread corruption. And Maung Maung Soe has played a leading role in the ethnic cleansing campaign Burma has carried out against the Rohingya people of Rakhine State. We thank the Administration for todays announcement, and express our gratitude to the career professionals whose expertise and dedication to justice made todays Global Magnitsky sanctions designations possible. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and the human rights community to end a global culture of impunity and ensure robust and comprehensive implementation of this landmark law. We will continue to conduct rigorous oversight of the Magnitsky laws to ensure that the United States remains a nation guided by its values and its respect for the rule of law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3076,Tax 2.0,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul A. Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,gosar,https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after passing tax reform for the second time. “I am proud to vote twice to allow Americans to keep more of their own money,” said Congressman Gosar. “No one knows how to spend your money better than you do. The federal government is too big and too wasteful, and this tax bill makes strides toward keeping the government out of your bank account.” “I am disappointed that an unelected official, the Senate Parliamentarian, was able to override the will of Congress and strip out key tax benefits for education,” said Gosar. “This is a good example of how the swamp really works. One person, accountable to no one, prevented millions of children from benefiting under the tax code. This is beyond sad.” “It was an honor to pass a tax reform providing relief for all Americans once, and it’s an honor to do it again.” Here’s what they’re saying back home: President & CEO of Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce — Lisa J. Krueger “The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce thanks the members of Congress that voted for pro-growth reform today. Congressman Paul Gosar has been a true partner and advocate for Lake Havasu City businesses in this effort to grow jobs, improve the economy, and to make Lake Havasu City and Mohave County a better place for families and for the places where we work.” Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party — Jonathan Lines “I’m proud of the delegation and especially my Congressman Rep. Paul Gosar for following through with this important legislation. This tax law will keep more dollars in Arizona and in the pockets of Arizona families."" Vice President of Southern Arizona Business Coalition — Rick Grinnell “Congressman Gosar understands big and small businesses are dependent upon each other to expand economic and employment opportunities. This long overdue tax relief provides a path to a stronger economy so all can benefit. Thank you Congressman Gosar for your continued fight to provide more opportunities for low and middle income families of our great state.” NFIB Arizona State Director — Farrell Quinlan “NFIB would like to thank Congressman Gosar for his support for the most important small business tax cut plan in more than 30 years. His support for Main Street businesses means they will be able to reinvest their money, grow, and create jobs.” Executive Director of Arizona Rock Products Association — Steve Trussell “The ARPA team understands the gravity of this tax bill becoming law. Congressman Gosar’s vote to enact a pro-growth, pro-jobs reform is a testament to his principled approach to supporting the economy. We expect this reform to greatly benefit middle class families and businesses across the Great State of Arizona” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=73F6812A-6609-4D6B-8702-EC5CFB947474,"Flake Statement on Tax Reform, Securing DACA Commitment",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today released the following statement: While I would have written a much different bill, this bill lowers the corporate tax rate in a manner that makes us globally competitive. I am also pleased that the Majority Leader has committed to bring the bipartisan DACA bill we are currently negotiating to the Senate floor in January. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=26BA6912-9A5A-42CC-80CA-DCDF48813E18,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION APPROVING THE SALE OF LETHAL DEFENSIVE WEAPONS TO UKRAINE,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on reports that the Trump administration has approved the sale of lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine: I welcome reports that the Trump administration has approved the sale of lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine. This decision is years overdue, but nonetheless, it comes at a pivotal moment. Ukrainians are enduring some of the worst fighting in several months as Russia has withdrawn its officers from a key ceasefire implementation mechanism and Russian-led forces have escalated their attacks in eastern Ukraine. At every turn, Vladimir Putin has chosen war instead of peace in Ukraine. So long as he makes this choice, the United States and the Free World should give Ukraine what it needs to fight back. That is why the reported decision to authorize the sale of sniper rifles and ammunition must only be a first step. Iurge the President to authorize additional sales of defensive lethal weapons, including anti-tank munitions, and to fully utilize security assistance funds provided by the Congress to enable Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. I also urge the President and congressional leadership to ensure that any budget deal fully supports the $350 million in security assistance for Ukraine authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act signed into law this month. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=973182D8-D214-463C-B6DC-F43E896999CB,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON PHOENIX CITY COUNCILS VOTE TO NAME SKY HARBOR TERMINAL IN HIS HONOR,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement on the Phoenix City Councils unanimous vote today to name Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in his honor: Im deeply humbled by the Phoenix City Councils decision to designate Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in my name. I have rarely felt at once so honored and yet so unworthy of an honor as I do today. I want to thank Mayor Greg Stanton and the entire Phoenix City Council for this privilege, one that is shared by my predecessor and a true Arizona giant, Barry Goldwater. The great honor of my life has been to serve the people of Arizona in the United States Congress and I will strive every day to prove worthy of that honor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/house-passes-trump-tax-cuts-arizona-delegation-splits-party-lines,House passes Trump tax cuts; Arizona delegation splits on party lines,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-biggs-bias-so-palpable-fbi-mueller-probe,"Rep. Biggs: 'The Bias Is So Palpable' In FBI, Mueller Probe",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-presidential-transition-teams-right-privacy,Congressman Biggs' Statement on the Presidential Transition Team's Right to Privacy,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Recently, we learned that the General Service Administration (GSA) inappropriately, and potentially illegally, released tens of thousands of private documents from Donald Trumps Presidential Transition Team (PTT) to Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Current law considers records produced by the PTT as private and they are afforded Fourth Amendment protections. These documents are not government property, and the GSA does not have the authority to release any of these records without due process. In August, Special Counsel Mueller requested that GSA release copies of the emails, laptops, cell phones, and other materials associated with 13 PTT members responsible for national security and policy matters. Contrary to legal precedent and prior direction from the GSA General Counsel, his Deputy General Counsel turned over mountains of private communications to Mueller. He did so without notifying the PTT or redacting any private, privileged information. Congressman Andy Biggs released the following statement The GSAs distribution of unredacted and private records is a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment. It appears that the request and acquiescence by the GSA Deputy General Counsel was done to fuel Special Counsel Muellers overly broad investigation. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 ensures that transition teams receive the right to privacy and I will introduce legislation to strengthen these rights, if necessary. I will also be sending letters to the General Services Administration and Special Counsel Mueller for clarification as to the basis of the request and transfer of these privileged documents. ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizonas Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-votes-pass-tax-reform-package-conference-report,Congressman Biggs Votes to Pass the Tax Reform Package Conference Report,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congressman Biggs voted YES on the conference report and released the following statement: This is an historic day. We promised our constituents we would cut taxes and reform our outdated tax structure. Today, we honored those commitments. I applaud my colleagues who have worked for many months and years to accomplish this objective. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide much-needed economic relief to American individuals, families, and businesses. Families will be able to save more money to send their children to college. We are already seeing the positive economic impact based on the promise of tax reform. When this bill is signed into law, we will see an even more robust economy. We understand that the tax cuts in this legislation belong to our constituents. Our constituents are better equipped than the federal government to stimulate our economy with their hard-earned money. While this package goes a long way to keeping our promise to the American people, there is still much work to be done. We must continue to simplify our tax structure. We must cut spending. And we must reform our broken welfare system. ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizonas Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3073,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Today, we made history.",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul A. Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,gosar,https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the passing of the Conference report to accompany HR 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “Today, we made history,” said Congressman Gosar. “I’m proud to have voted for the passing of a comprehensive, common sense and pro-growth tax reform. Until today, President Ronald Reagan was the last man to sit in the Oval Office with enough moxy and courage to reform our broken tax code. Today, his words ring true: “You can’t be for big government, big taxes and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.” “After 31 years, we finally accomplished our long-held goal to benefit the hard working American by reducing taxes and creating jobs,” said Gosar. “This bill will go to President Trump’s desk with years of work behind it, and I’m excited to see how it positively impacts the lives of everyday Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mcsally-votes-final-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,U.S. Rep. McSally Votes for Final Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representative Martha McSally today released the following statement on House passage of the conference report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Congress voted today to put our economy in afterburner. The status quo is not putting American families first. Right now lobbyists get loopholes, special interests get handoutsand families get penalized. Todays landmark legislation lowers taxes across the board, increases the standard deduction, and doubles the child tax credit for hard-working Arizona families so they can save and plan. Job creators will be able to invest more of their own money into hiring more people and rewarding their employees. This bill also preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit which I fought for in order to protect those facing costly child care. All told, a typical family of four earning $73,000 should see a $2,059 tax cut next year. This bill also includes a provision that I dedicate to the memory of Loren Thorson, a veteran from Green Valley who was committed to protecting seniors from hidden tax hikesthreatening their lifelong savings. It was Loren who alerted me toa little known but widely felt tax increase in Obamacare, and the need to extend the Medical Expense Deduction and shield seniors from even more taxes on their medical bills. In response, I introduced the Halt Tax Increases on Seniors and the Middle Class Act to extend the medical expense deduction and worked to include it in these tax cuts today. I wish Loren were still with us today to see how his tireless work will now impact the lives of every American family facing medical expenses. Its time we respect Arizonans time and return their money. When we last reformed the tax systemover 30 years agoit unleashed an explosion of growth and jobs in America. Lets do it again. To read Congresswoman McSallys op-ed fully outlining her support for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, CLICK HERE. Rep. McSally with Loren Thorson when she presented him with a Congressional Record honoring him for his role in shaping the Halt Tax Increases on Seniors and the Middle Class Act. To read her op ed in the Green Valley news on the importance of the medical expense deduction in Arizona, CLICK HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mcsally-statement-president-trump-s-national-security-strategy,U.S. Rep. McSally Statement on President Trumps National Security Strategy: Refreshing and Absolutely Necessary,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Representative Martha McSally today released the following statement in response to the Presidents speech outlining his national security strategy: Today we heard what our country has longed to hear from a Commander-in-Chief for the past eight years: a bold, proactive strategy to keep America safe and strong in an increasingly dangerous world. I commend President Trump for taking his duty seriously and delivering a plan to Congress in his first yearunlike the previous Administration, which ignored this legal requirement and only presented a national security strategy twice during two full terms in office. President Trump has already been leading with the pillars of this strategy by destroying ISIS safe havens in Iraq and Syria, protecting our nations border, and standing up to North Koreaas well as revisionist powers like China and Russia. As Chairwoman of the Border Security Subcommittee, I applaud him for rightly prioritizing regaining control of our own borders and revamping our flawed immigration system. As a retired Colonel and combat pilot, I appreciate his commitment to rebuild our neglected military so we remain the best in the world. And as a member of Congress, I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to implement the vision and strategy he outlined today. This President is focusing with resolve on the grave threats this nation face and the importance of protecting America and our clearly-defined interests Not only is his approach refreshing for the American people, it is absolutely necessary.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7AE6EBA2-D37E-4E61-B687-2D92C49177C5,STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR JOHN McCAIN,2017-12-17,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. At the request of Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and his family, Dr. Mark Gilbert, Chief of Neuro-Oncology at the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Cancer Institute, released the following statement today: Senator McCain has responded well to treatment he received at Walter Reed Medical Center for a viral infection and continues to improve. An evaluation of his underlying cancer shows he is responding positively to ongoing treatment. The office of Senator McCain also released the following statement: Senator McCain has returned to Arizona and will undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic. He is grateful for the excellent care he continues to receive, and appreciates the outpouring of support from people all over the country. He looks forward to returning to Washington in January. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mcsally-leads-bipartisan-effort-begin-re-winging-rest-10-fleet,U.S. Rep. McSally Leads Bipartisan Effort to Begin Re-Winging the Rest of the A-10 Fleet,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representative Martha McSally today led a bipartisan, bicameral group of 20 lawmakers in sending a letter request to Senate leadership and high ranking appropriators urging them to include funding for new wings for the A-10 fleet in any final FY18 spending package. The A-10 wing production line was shut down because the Obama Administration unsuccessfully attempted to mothball A-10s and cripple the fleet. These requested funds would jumpstart the production line again. Currently, 110 A-10 aircraftone-third of the fleetare in desperate need of wing set replacements or the Air Force will be forced to start grounding them. A requirement to start to finish re-winging the fleet was fully funded in the FY18 House and Senate National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs), the FY18 NDAA conference report, and the House-passed defense appropriations bill. However, Senate Appropriations neglected to include it in their funding bill,regardless of the fact that the Air Force has re-geared up the A-10 depot line in order to sustain the A-10 fleet indefinitely. Now that the Air Force has confirmed that it plans to maintain the A-10 fleet well into the foreseeable future, the remaining 110 wing sets must be delivered as soon as possible. The A-10 remains the only aircraft in the U.S. military specifically designed for Close Air Support (CAS) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). If one-third of the A-10 fleet were to be grounded, it would create a significant capability gap at a time when our service members are facing increasing threat environments,the lawmakers write in the letter. We urge you to fully fund this Air Force UPL list item as authorized/requested in any final spending package for FY18 in order to keep these battle-tested aircraft in the air and in the fight. As ofAugust 30thof this year, the Warthog had dropped roughly 20 percent of all munitionsmore than any other aircraftin the fight against ISIS. The lawmakers point out that the A-10 is currently one of the U.S. militarys most utilized aircraft across multiple theaters, crucial in contingency operations against North Korea, Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, and ISIS in the Middle East. Thanks to Rep. McSallys tireless efforts,Congress has taken clear and concrete steps to preserve the remaining A-10 fleet over the last several years. Since Congresswoman McSally was elected to the House of Representatives, she has effectively canceled the A-10s retirement and fully funded the fleet. She also worked to successfully establish a requirement for the Air Force in FY18 NDAA to maintain no less than 1,970 fighter aircraft, and the A-10 is a vital part of maintaining this force. The funding amount authorized for new A-10 wings in the House, Senate, and conference NDAAs and requested in the House defense appropriations bill would allow the revival of a wing production line and begin the process of supplying these remaining aircraft with the new wings they need to keep flying safely in the future. Politicos Morning Defense reported on Congresswoman McSallys letter this morning. The full letter text follows. View a PDF of the letterHERE. December 15, 2017 Senator Thad Cochran Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, House Appropriations Committee The Capitol, Room S-128 The Capitol, Room H-305 Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 Senator Patrick Leahy Representative Nita Lowey Vice Chairman Ranking Member Senate Appropriations Committee House Appropriations Committee The Capitol, Room S-128 1016 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 Chairman Cochran, Chairman Frelinghuysen, Vice Chairman Leahy, and Ranking Member Lowey: We write to express our grave concern regarding the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittees omission of the Air Forces Unfunded Priority List request for funding to restart A-10C Thunderbolt II wing production in its fiscal year 2018 (FY18) funding bill. The A-10C is currently one of the most utilized aircraft across multiple theaters, and this requirement was fully funded in the FY18 House and Senate National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs), the FY18 NDAA conference report, and the House-passed defense appropriations bill. We ask that this same level of funding be secured in any final FY18 spending package in order to prevent a critical capability gap in the operational fleet. As you may know, the Air Force has taken the A-10C out of sunset status (after mothballing the equivalent of five squadrons, leaving only nine deployable squadrons in the inventory) in the face of growing security threats and increased operational tempo in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Korean Peninsula. The A-10 Warthog has continued to be instrumental in U.S. contingency operations around the globe, including just south of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) for critical anti-armor capabilities against North Korea, deploying to Eastern Europe and the Baltics in the face of Russian aggression, conducting missions in the South China Sea in the face of illegal Chinese military expansion in the region, and fighting the Islamic State (ISIS). In fact, as of August 30th of this year, the Warthog had dropped roughly 20 percent of all munitionsmore than any other aircraftin the fight against ISIS, and had flown 14 percent of all sorties deployed since counter-ISIS operations began in 2014. Furthermore, the A-10 is uniquely designed for life-saving missions like Close Air Support (CAS) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). The former protects troops in harms way while the latter involves rescuing downed pilots or other isolated personnel from enemy territory before they become prisoners of war. A-10 pilots specifically train for these missions because only the A-10 has the lethality, loiter time, and survivability to succeed in each of these mission sets. Congress has taken clear and concrete steps to preserve the remaining A-10C fleet over the last several years. In FY16, Congress: fully funded the fleet, prohibited the use of any funds to retire any additional A-10s; required the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 171 combat-coded A-10s; and directed the Air Force to commission an independent assessment of the required capabilities and mission platform to replace the A-10. The FY17 NDAA and defense appropriations bill continued this trend by: preserving the current fleet of 283 A-10s; again requiring a minimum of 171 combat-coded A-10s; mandating adequate maintainers and a regular depot schedule; protecting A-10s in the boneyard from premature destruction; and asking for a plan in conjunction with the FY18 budget request to prevent any A-10s from becoming unflyable due to wing deterioration. Congress also required the Air Force to conduct a comparison or fly-off between the F-35A and the A-10C in CAS, CSAR, and Forward Air Control-Airborne (FAC-A) missions. This provision prevented any retirements until the full operational test and evaluation (OT&E) process for the F-35A is complete and an analysis is done by the Air Force on mission gaps. This exercise has yet to occur. The FY18 NDAA also established a requirement for the Air Force to maintain no less than 1,970 fighter aircraft. The A-10 is a vital part of maintaining this force. However, 110 A-10C aircraftone-third of the fleetare in desperate need of wing set replacements in order to safely continue mission assignments into the coming years. 173 A-10s have already received new wings. But, as the Air Force was considering whether to decommission the A-10 fleet, the contract for wing production was allowed expire before the remaining 110 wing sets could be completed. In September, Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, said the Air Force would be forced to start grounding some A-10s beginning in 2018 because their wings will have reached the end of their service life. Yet, in October, Gen. Pawlikowski also confirmed that the Air Force has re-geared up the A-10 depot line in order to sustain the A-10 fleet indefinitely. Now that the Air Force has confirmed that it plans to maintain the A-10 fleet well into the foreseeable future, the remaining 110 wing sets must be delivered as soon as possible. The A-10 remains the only aircraft in the U.S. military specifically designed for CAS and CSAR. If one-third of the A-10 fleet were to be grounded, it would create a significant capability gap at a time when our servicemembers are facing increasing threat environments. The funding amount authorized for new A-10 wings in the House, Senate, and conference NDAAs and requested in the House defense appropriations bill would allow the revival of a wing production line and begin the process of supplying these remaining aircraft with the new wings they need to keep flying safely in the future until we have a proven, tested replacement for its capabilities. Congress has clearly willed over recent fiscal years that the A-10C fleet be sustained in its entirety. Further, this wing funding was a top Air Force Unfunded Priority List item specifically added into both the FY18 House and Senate defense authorization bills, the FY18 NDAA conference report (which has been signed into law by President Trump), and the FY18 House defense appropriations bill, which passed the House in July. As such, we urge you to fully fund this Air Force UPL list item as authorized/requested in any final spending package for FY18 in order to keep these battle-tested aircraft in the air and in the fight. Sincerely, Martha McSally Johnny Isakson Member of Congress United States Senator David A. Perdue Walter B. Jones United States Senator Member of Congress Mike Turner Mike Coffman Member of Congress Member of Congress Vicky Hartzler Austin Scott Member of Congress Member of Congress Ruben Gallego Paul Cook Member of Congress Member of Congress Colleen Hanabusa Carol Shea-Porter Member of Congress Member of Congress Tom OHalleran Thomas Suozzi Member of Congress Member of Congress Matt Gaetz Don Bacon Member of Congress Member of Congress Jim Banks Earl L. Buddy Carter Member of Congress Member of Congress Adam Kinzinger Kyrsten Sinema Member of Congress Member of Congress Cc: Senator Richard Durbin Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Representative Kay Granger Chairwoman, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Representative Peter J. Visclosky Ranking Member, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Senator Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer Senate Minority Leader Representative Paul Ryan Speaker of the House Representative Kevin McCarthy House Majority Leader Representative Nancy Pelosi House Minority Leader",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-introduces-let-lenders-lend-act,Congressman Biggs Introduces the "Let Lenders Lend Act",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Biggs introduced the “Let Lenders Lend Act,” which permanently eliminates the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA). Congressman Biggs released the following statement: “In 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) developed rules to expand the scope of the HMDA, which was enacted in the 1970s to prevent discriminatory lending practices. It is not clear that adding more reporting requirements will have any measurable effect on preventing further instances of discriminatory lending. Instead, this requirement would double the paperwork that lenders fill out each time they offer a loan. This places an enormous, new regulatory burden on small and mid-size lenders. “I believe that Congress should determine appropriate banking regulations – not unelected bureaucrats at the CFPB. I trust that CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaney is committed to this principle, and I know he is already working to restore Article I authority to the legislative branch. However, it is incumbent on Congress to codify these necessary regulatory rollbacks into law. Earlier this year, the House passed the “Financial CHOICE Act” (H.R. 10), which includes a provision to delay implementation of this regulation until January 1, 2019. While this is a positive first step, I don’t believe this delay goes far enough. My bill will completely eliminate the HDMA rule to help, not hinder, lenders lend.” ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-praises-end-net-neutrality,Congressman Biggs Praises the End of Net Neutrality,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal the Obama administration’s Open Internet Order rule (also known as net neutrality). Congressman Biggs released the following statement: “Under Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership, the FCC has rightly stopped federal regulators from controlling our internet. The Obama administration’s net neutrality rule was one of the many examples of executive overregulation. Due to this interference, all internet consumers would see price increases, and the success of smaller Internet Service Providers (ISPs) would be stifled. Now, internet freedom has been restored. “The action by the FCC does not absolve Congress’ responsibility to codify these free-market protections into law. I am pleased to support Senator Mike Lee’s “Restoring Internet Freedom Act,” a one-paragraph bill that prevents the FCC from this type of overreach in the future. I will continue to work with my colleagues to pass this legislation on the House side.” ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=87B3C4CF-A364-42BC-B6F4-32E4EC6F1367,VIDEO: Flake Warns Against Withdrawing From NAFTA,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today spoke on the Senate floor to address the economic and security consequences if the United States withdraws from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). “Let's not be swayed by those who would have us believe that the impact of exiting this trade agreement would be somehow minor or short-lived,” said Flake. Video of Flake’s remarks can be viewed here.A transcript of prepared remarks can be viewed below. Background: On Aug. 14, 2017, Flake sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer highlighting Arizona’s priorities for the upcoming negotiations to strengthen and modernize NAFTA. To view the full text of the letter, click here. On July 24, 2017, Flake continued his NAFTA4AZ initiative by sharing personal stories of Arizonans whose lives have been positively impacted by NAFTA. Video and a transcript of Flake’s remarks can be viewed here. On May 31, 2017, Flake announced the launch of NAFTA4AZ. To view Flake’s video announcement, click here. On May 15, 2017, Flake and Sen. Deb. Fischer (R-Neb.) led a letter from 18 senators to Lighthizer stressing the positive economic impact of NAFTA. To view the full text of the letter, click here. On April 27, 2017, Flake spoke on the Senate floor outlining the economic benefits of NAFTA for businesses and consumers. To view the speech, click here. On Jan. 31, 2017, Flake, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Arizona Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Glenn Hammer wrote an op-ed for the Arizona Republic on the economic benefits of NAFTA. To read the op-ed, click here.   *** I rise today because I believe some in Washington are under an illusion about what would happen if we were to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA. Some people, inexplicably, think it would be a good thing. They believe the relationship between the United States, Mexico, and Canada is some kind of raw deal for Americans. In reality, Mexico spends 26 percent of their GDP purchasing goods from the U.S. while we spend less than one percent of our GDP purchasing goods from them. This threat of a dangerous trade deficit leaving Americans behind is nothing more than a myth. These folks also seem to think terminating NAFTA will have no lasting impact on the nation or its economy. These attitudes could not be further from the truth. Pulling out of NAFTA will have sweeping negative ramifications on Americans all over the county. Allow me to briefly describe what America would look like without NAFTA. It’s an America with fewer jobs and higher unemployment. Some of these jobs that are lost will not return for a generation, others will likely never return. It’s a poorer America. The Gross Domestic Product will drop. Much of the positive growth we have seen recently will be erased. In the last year we have seen impressive GDP growth and we have achieved it through strong, conservative policies. I hope that the days of one-percent growth are behind us but if we scrap NAFTA, that may not be the case. An America without NAFTA is one crippled by subsidies. I agree with my colleague from Kansas, and the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman, Senator Roberts. He recently explained that withdrawal from NAFTA would add to farmers’ demands for increased farm subsidies at a time when Congress simply cannot afford that. These farmers would much prefer to sell their crops for reasonable prices, but exiting NAFTA will leave them no choice other than to require additional economic protection through increased federal subsidies. These new farm subsidies will substantially grow the national debt and dramatically curtail any ability to rein in government spending. Without NAFTA we will find ourselves in a less secure America. Withdrawal from NAFTA will destabilize the Mexican economy, creating a crisis on the southern border. Terminating this agreement will seriously undercut the important progress that has been made over the past several decades improving drug enforcement and stabilizing the Mexican economy. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the number of people caught trying to illegally cross the border from Mexico has fallen to the lowest level in 46 years. However, if we pull out of NAFTA and allow Mexico to plunge into chaos and uncertainty it will undoubtedly drive that number up as more and more of their citizens flee to America. These are the real ramifications of terminating NAFTA. An America of high unemployment, low GDP, more federal subsidies, and increased illegal immigration. And all of this comes before we face the ultimate challenge of attempting to negotiate a new trade agreement to replace NAFTA. Anyone who suggests that process will be quick and easy is sadly mistaken. In today’s global economy people and nations have more choices than ever. For evidence of this, look no further than the disastrous decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Canada and Mexico, like the TPP nations, could decide to move ahead without the U.S. They could refocus their efforts on alternative markets and explore new trade partners.    Madame President, let’s not be fooled by those who would have us believe that the impact of exiting this trade agreement would be somehow minor or short-lived. Let’s not be misled by those who are under the illusion that negotiating an entirely new trade deal will be simple and painless.   In closing, we have recently seen those who espouse these radical protectionist policies fall flat. Let’s see them for the charlatans they are and choose not follow them into the abyss.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-biggs-statement-deputy-attorney-general-rosenstein-s,Congressman Andy Biggs Statement on Deputy Attorney General Rosensteins Anticipated Testimony,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will testify before the House Judiciary Committee. Congressman Biggs sits on this committee and will have an opportunity to question Mr. Rosenstein. Congressman Biggs released the following statement: “I look forward to welcoming Mr. Rosenstein to the House Judiciary Committee. I am disturbed that the Department of Justice has no apparent policy to vet prosecutors for conflicts of interest. This failure would never be tolerated in the private sector and has led to the persistent revelations of biases and conflicts within the Mueller team. “I am prepared to give Deputy Rosenstein the benefit of the doubt and hope he answers my questions honestly. However, if we do not receive satisfactory answers, starting today, I am fully prepared to support contempt of Congress charges against those withholding information from the American people.” ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-conference-committees-tax-reform-agreement,Congressman Biggs' Statement on Conference Committee's Tax Reform Agreement,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a House and Senate Conference Committee reached an agreement on their final tax reform package. This legislation will be reviewed by Congress in the coming days. Congressman Biggs released the following statement: “I commend my colleagues for their hard work to merge the House and Senate versions of tax reform. In the next few days, I will read through this new bill to analyze the effects of these policies on my district. I hope that all Americans will benefit from tax breaks in our final bill.” ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3059,Not Tired of Winning,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul A. Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,gosar,https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"What a difference a year makes. Under the Obama administration, our energy policy was a disaster. After one year under my Chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and one year of President Trump in the Oval Office, we are now producing record amounts of oil — up to 10.2 million barrels per day. This increased production means more energy for a lower cost and less dependence on hostile middle east countries. Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2A2759BE-1C3F-48EB-BDAF-95409811BE07,STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR JOHN McCAIN,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– The office of Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today: “Senator McCain is currently receiving treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center for normal side effects of his ongoing cancer therapy. As ever, he remains grateful to his physicians for their excellent care, and his friends and supporters for their encouragement and good wishes. Senator McCain looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C45E9D4B-15EA-4BC9-ABF7-A647CD1587B4,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON U.S. POLICY IN SYRIA,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on reports that the Trump administration will accept four more years of Bashar al-Assad’s rule in Syria: “Nearly seven years into the Syrian civil war, Bashar al-Assad has the blood of as many as half a million people on his hands. With the support of Vladimir Putin’s Russia, Assad has implemented a brutal reign of terror in Syria—including the use of chemical weapons against his own people—and secured his status as one of the world’s most murderous dictators. “Recent reports that the Trump administration is willing to accept four more years of Assad’s rule in Syria are deeply disturbing. If true, this will only validate the de facto policy of two successive U.S. administrations that have failed to do anything meaningful to end the slaughter in Syria. Until the United States demonstrates a firm commitment to defending the human rights of the Syrian people and securing our strategic interests in the region, this humanitarian tragedy will continue to grow. Putin’s visit to Syria this week was yet another symbol of how the absence of American leadership has allowed Russia to step in and help fill that void—to the detriment of both our interests and our values. “Assad’s continued rule will only lead to more violence and radicalization in Syria, and provide fertile ground for extremist groups to grow. U.S. policy in Syria should be clear: Assad must go. We must be willing to back that policy with a strategy for achieving a post-Assad Syria where Syrians can live in peace and security, free from terror. That cannot happen soon enough, and it certainly cannot wait four more years.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mcsally-locks-wins-troops-and-arizona-defense-authorization-bill,McSally Locks in Wins for Troops and Arizona in Defense Authorization Bill,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC— President Trump today signed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes defense spending at $634 billion and contains every single provision that Congresswoman McSally tirelessly fought to include for our troops and Arizona. Her measures include full protection and upgrades for the A-10, EC-130, missile defense, and increases for other defense assets throughout the state—including boosts to space-based missile defense and procurement of additional F-35 Lightning joint strike fighter jets and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. “American men and women are fighting to keep our country safe on the ground, sea, and in the air—but they are armed with decaying equipment, dwindling numbers, and feeble resources. Our military has consistently told us what they need to get the job done, and I am thankful our Commander-in-Chief recognizes the importance of partnering with Congress to give our armed forces the resources necessary to accomplish their mission,” said Rep. McSally. “Arizona is spearheading our national defense efforts. Our state is on the cutting edge of developing critical missile defense capabilities to protect America from a North Korea nuclear attack. Southern Arizona is home to cyber operations out of Ft. Huachuca’s NETCOM and the one-of-a-kind A-10 for Close Air Support. The only training location in the world for the F-35A joint strike fighter variant is right here at Luke Air Force Base. By investing in Arizona’s major defense assets, this bill stops the bleeding of our readiness crisis and invests in our troops so our military can continue to be the world’s premier fighting force.” The legislation increases the military’s end strength across all branches, prevents A-10s from being indefinitely grounded by beginning to re-wing the fleet, goes above and beyond the President’s request for missile defense pipelines, increases funding for RDT&E of electronic warfare—one of the key missions of Ft. Huachuca—and provides the biggest pay raise for the troops in eight years. It also includes Rep. McSally’s legislation to help prevent suicides and stop non-consensual pornography in the military. The final bill includes the following provisions, championed by Congresswoman McSally, and now enshrined in law: Statewide Impacts for Arizona Defense Industry Authorizes procurement of  90 F-35s (20 more than the President’s request) Provides for procurement of 71 AH-64E Apache helicopters (10 more than the President’s request) Adds $4.4 billion above the President's request to meet critical missile defense needs Improves Foreign Military Sales process to ensure our partners can procure U.S. defense products that support our strategic objectives and industry Authorizes additional funding for critical munitions in war reserves by improving manufacturing capacity of the munitions industrial base and accelerating long range precision fires programs Provides additional funding for guided multiple launch rocket systems tooling for increased capacity Provides for future continued Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) critical capacity by prohibiting retirement of the U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk, authorizing an additional $60 million for 6 Extended Range (ER) Improved Gray Eagle (IGE) Air Vehicles, and increasing funding for development of ISR sensors General Provisions addressing military personnel and readiness Approves a 2.4% pay raise for our troops.  It also extends special pay and bonuses for service-members Increases the size of Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard. These increases include the Chief of Staff of the Army’s unfunded requirement to grow the active Army by 10,000, the Army National Guard by 4,000, and the Army Reserve by 3,000 Includes the PRIVATE ACT, a bill authored by Rep. McSally to clarify when sharing intimate photos is a military crime Provisions impacting Arizona’s major military installations Ft. Huachuca Full funding for the missions at Ft. Huachuca Increased funding for total Army personnel at Ft Huachuca Increased funding for Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation to promote future growth for the missions at Ft Huachuca $30 million for a Ground Transport Equipment Building at Ft Huachuca Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Full funding for the A-10 fleet, including a $103 million Air Force Unfunded Requirement for new A-10 wing production, $17.5 million for other necessary upgrades, and $6 million for safety inspections Full funding for the EC-130H “Compass Call,” $108M to build two new aircraft, and a directive to the Air Force to report their plan to upgrade the aircraft for future threats $22 million for a General Instruction Building at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Luke Air Force Base Secures 20 additional F-35s for continuation and expansion of Fifth Generation future airpower Includes full funding for F-16 training mission Full funding for the missions at Luke AFB Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground Provides robust funding for the Marine Corp’s premier aviation training missions, including international partner training Includes funding to continue critical counter-unmanned aerial systems testing Amendments successfully offered by Congresswoman McSally Apache Amendment: Requires the Army and National Guard to brief Congress on a plan to address the shortage of about 230 active duty attack helicopter pilots NETCOM Amendment: NETCOM out of Ft Huachuca currently monitors 60% of Army Networks and is responsible for the entire Department of Army networks. This amendment consolidates the Army’s communications network into a single network that is secure, integrated, and standards-based—addressing security vulnerabilities Suicide Prevention Amendment: Extends a suicide prevention program that supports our National Guard and reserves military members through 2018 Gender Double Standards Amendment: Directs the Secretary of Defense to review instances where men and women in the military are held to double standards and brief the House Armed Services Committee on any differences the Secretary recommends retaining.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=625C138F-6946-4542-9B4B-85DBB5576B48,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNING INTO LAW THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on President Trump signing into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (NDAA): “I am encouraged that the President today signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, which authorizes nearly $700 billion of spending for national defense. The NDAA authorizes the resources and provides the policies necessary to begin the process of rebuilding our military—and it is the result of an open and bipartisan legislative process. “For too long, cuts to the defense budget have crippled military readiness and put the lives of our service members in danger. We have seen the results of those unconscionable budget cuts: sailors and marines are working 100-hour work weeks, the Air Force is short 1,500 pilots, only a handful of Army brigades are combat-ready, and more service members are being killed and injured in routine training accidents than by our enemies in combat. This is unacceptable and entirely avoidable. We cannot delay any longer in providing our service members the resources they deserve. “We must remember that the NDAA is only part of the solution to the problems facing our Armed Forces. Congress and the White House must expeditiously work to negotiate a bipartisan budget agreement to secure this critical funding for our military instead of again forcing the Department of Defense to tread water by passing another Continuing Resolution. A multi-year budget agreement providing substantial, sustained growth in defense spending is the only way to give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to keep us safe.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C5A24E2D-B28D-4CCF-8037-E8C2E6562051,McCAIN & CARDIN URGE PRESIDENT TRUMP TO RECOMMIT TO UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, sent a letter to President Trump today as the world marks the 69th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Human Rights Day this Sunday, December 10th. In their letter, the senators expressed concern about the Trump administration’s failure to strongly assert the United States’ commitment to human rights at home and abroad, and urged the President to recommit the nation to these fundamental values as we mark this important occasion. “Since its ratification nearly 70 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been a beacon of hope for the world’s most oppressed peoples. The declaration serves as the basis of our country’s human rights policy and the United States has continued to rely on its legal significance and international standing to advance human rights across the globe. However, for much of the past year, our national voice on international human rights issues has been largely silent,” the senators wrote. They continued: “This was strikingly apparent during your recent trip to Asia, where our delegation failed to raise major human rights concerns or name dissidents who languish in dark prisons across the region for no other reason than their brave defense of democracy and human rights. The Administration’s silence combined with confusing statements from Secretary Tillerson, who has suggested that our country’s fundamental values can be separated from the foreign policies we pursue, sows confusion both at home and abroad. At this time of increasing uncertainty and growing security challenges, it is imperative that we reassert the United States’ commitment to our human rights obligations, and ask other countries to join us in reaffirming the centrality of human rights as the cornerstone of peace and security.” The letter is below and here. December 8, 2017 President Donald J. Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20500 Mr. President: The world will mark the 69th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Human Rights Day this December 10. On this momentous occasion, we write to ask that you recommit our country to upholding human rights as one of our founding principles, and respectfully call on other countries to do the same. Since its ratification nearly 70 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been a beacon of hope for the world’s most oppressed peoples. The declaration serves as the basis of our country’s human rights policy and the United States has continued to rely on its legal significance and international standing to advance human rights across the globe. However, for much of the past year, our national voice on international human rights issues has been largely silent.  This was strikingly apparent during your recent trip to Asia, where our delegation failed to raise major human rights concerns or name dissidents who languish in dark prisons across the region for no other reason than their brave defense of democracy and human rights. The Administration’s silence combined with confusing statements from Secretary Tillerson, who has suggested that our country’s fundamental values can be separated from the foreign policies we pursue, sows confusion both at home and abroad. At this time of increasing uncertainty and growing security challenges, it is imperative that we reassert the United States’ commitment to our human rights obligations, and ask other countries to join us in reaffirming the centrality of human rights as the cornerstone of peace and security.  Sadly, disregard for fundamental freedoms and human dignity has too often become the norm. Iran, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, and Venezuela currently hold scores of political prisoners, torturing them and trampling on their fundamental freedoms. Sri Lanka, Burma, and China continue to repress their religious and ethnic minorities. Security forces in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have unlawfully detained and tortured civilians. The Philippines has reported an unprecedented number of extrajudicial killings by police. LGBT individuals are deprived of their basic human rights in dozens of countries. Worse still, at this time of growing human rights abuses, human rights organizations are being shut down at an alarming rate by countless repressive governments around the world. These are only a few of the many instances in which America’s voice cannot remain silent. Protecting human rights at home and abroad is important not only to our national character, but also to our security interests as countries that respect their citizens are less likely to breed terrorism and are better able to focus on political and developmental problems that otherwise undermine stability. Governments who respect human rights also serve as more capable and reliable partners when facing common security threats, and they help provide business climates in which bilateral trade and investment interests grow.  As President, we need your voice in strongly asserting our country’s respect for human rights at home and abroad. We ask that you use the upcoming anniversary of the Universal Declaration to reaffirm that no government can be legitimate if it abuses the people it is meant to serve – and that this rule is universal, without exception. Sincerely, John McCain                                                               Benjamin L. Cardin ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-statements?ContentRecord_id=234389C5-2A30-443D-91A7-5A8E219BE137,OPENING STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN AT HEARING ON DOD ACQUISITION REFORM,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered the following opening statement today at a hearing on Department of Defense acquisition reform: “The Senate Armed Services Committee meets today to receive testimony on the Department of Defense acquisition reform efforts. We welcome our witnesses: “Ellen Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; “Mark Esper, Secretary of the Army; “Heather Wilson, Secretary of the Air Force; and “James Geurts, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition. “Acquisition reform is one of the most important—and frustrating—topics this Committee addresses. For years, we have been warned that America is losing its technological advantage. I hope you all have seen the work by RAND on this topic. This is why the Department of Defense needs acquisition reform—not just for efficiency or to save money. Simply put, we will not be able to address the threats facing this nation with the system of organized irresponsibility that the defense acquisition enterprise has become. “We are still dealing with a trillion dollar F-35 program that continues to operate in dysfunction…the Air Force still subsidizes ULA for space launch with cost plus fixed fee contracts…the Army has sunk nearly $6.5 billion into WIN-T, a network that doesn’t work…and the Navy’s LCS program is delayed, the costs are now $6 billion and rising, and many of the key capabilities remain unproven. “That is why this Committee enacted the most sweeping acquisition reforms in a generation through the last two National Defense Authorization Acts. And yet, despite that legislation and in the face of our eroding military advantage, the Department has been unable—or unwilling—to change. “While the previous administration offered some rhetoric about reform, this Committee was disappointed that we saw no meaningful action. Though I remain deeply concerned about the state of our acquisition system, I am encouraged by the early signs from your team. It appears that you are beginning to make progress. “Let me remind you of our expectations:  “First, the Office of the Secretary of Defense needs to let the Services manage their programs. Congress has returned significant authority to the Services, but we will be watching closely to make sure that you do business differently and use that authority wisely. “Second, while we have empowered the Services, that doesn’t mean you can go and do whatever you like. The Services must let OSD set strategy and policy and do real oversight. That means being transparent—providing data to, and following the guidance set by, OSD. Again, we will be watching. This Committee takes its own oversight role seriously, and we will rely on you to keep us informed so that we can do our job. “Third, the experiment and prototype phases must move faster. Time is of the essence. The work of groups like DIUx, the Strategic Capabilities Office, and the Rapid Capabilities Offices should become standard practice, not work-arounds to the regular system. And we need these innovations for Major Defense Acquisition Programs, not just Science and Technology efforts. “Fourth, you need to be willing to take more risk and be willing to fail when you try new things. We recognize that Congress can make that difficult. Keep us informed of your plans so that we can work together and so that we’re not surprised when things don’t go exactly as planned. We would rather have a small failure that teaches us something early in the acquisition process than deal with a multi-billion dollar program that becomes ‘too big to fail.’ “Fifth, invest in the acquisition workforce and empower them to succeed. Too often we hear that acquisition personnel are unfamiliar with new authorities or are nervous about using them. “And finally, reform your organizations and business practices to simplify and move faster. The major changes we have instituted through legislation are intended to give you the opportunity to make more detailed changes in your organizations. This is an opportunity to update your organizational structures and internal processes accordingly.  “The Congress has provided you with all the tools you require. We expect you, as part of a new administration, to use these tools—unlike your predecessors. As you do so, you will have a willing partner in this Committee. If you choose not to take advantage of this opportunity, we will continue to push reform through legislation.  “Ultimately, reform is about leadership, which is why we’ve asked you as the senior-most leaders of your organizations to be here. I want to hear how you will lead your organizations and work together to create the structure and culture required to deliver our service members the technological advantages they expect and deserve.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A714F56A-90B8-4C1C-9367-C222A0AD5D35,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN OPPOSING THE CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on his opposition to the two-week Continuing Resolution: “For the past year, I have implored Congress and the White House to negotiate a bipartisan budget agreement, because without one, the military will be funded under a Continuing Resolution at the Budget Control Act levels. Now into the third month of our fiscal year, we must once again pass a Continuing Resolution while we await a budget agreement. That is both disappointing and unacceptable. “In a recent letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Secretary Mattis explained, ‘BCA-level funding reverses the gains we have made in readiness, and undermines our efforts to increase lethality and grow the force. Without relief from the BCA caps, our air, land, and sea fleets will continue to erode. BCA caps obstruct our path to modernization, and continue to narrow the technical competitive advantage we presently maintain over our adversaries.’ Our choice is clear: provide our military with the adequate, predictable funding they need or continue to watch as our military forces and our technological advantage erode. “Every day we spend on a Continuing Resolution is a day that our military must try to do more with less, modernization is delayed, and readiness is degraded. For that reason, I cannot support this Continuing Resolution. The President and an overwhelming majority of Congress agree we need to increase investment in the military to rebuild our forces. This will only be possible with a bipartisan budget agreement. I hope that following today’s meeting between Congressional leaders and the White House, that budget agreement will provide for substantial, sustained growth to defense spending for this year and next.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-president-trumps-decision-recognize-jerusalem,Congressman Biggs' Statement on President Trump's Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's Capital,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, President Donald Trump announced his administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to prepare to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Congressman Biggs released the following statement:   “I applaud President Trump’s action to implement the 1995 decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move our embassy to its rightful place in the city. Jerusalem is the historic capital of the Jewish people. I pray for a peaceful transition.”  ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://franks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-israel-allies-caucus-applauds-president-trump-s-historic-and-long,Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus Applauds President Trumps Historic and Long Overdue Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israels Capital and Move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Trent Franks,F000448,franks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Trent Franks, chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, released the following statement applauding President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and seat of government, and his call for plans to move the U.S.’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Rep. Trent Franks introduced bipartisan legislation in the House (H.R. 257) at the beginning of the 115th Congress which would specifically recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital. The bill would also revoke the waiver-authority presidents from both parties have been using since 1995 to avoid moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.  Israel is the world’s only Jewish state, and Jerusalem is the only functioning capital city in the world where the United States does not have an embassy (Taiwan being the other exception).   “We congratulate President Trump’s courage in recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and her seat of government.  This is an historic and long overdue decision. This recognition rectifies the seventy years of injustice in which the U.S. failed to extend the ancient international custom of maintaining our embassy in a nation’s declared capital – a courtesy we extend to some of the world’s most virulent actors.   “Many administrations have signed this shameful legal waiver which allows the President to avoid executing the statutory obligation to move our embassy to Jerusalem.  President Trump has chosen to do the right thing for Israel; it is long past time for the U.S. to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal and undivided capital.  While I wish he would have announced a more immediate relocation of our embassy, however, I am greatly encouraged by his decision to order the State Department to begin plans for a new embassy in Jerusalem.  Neither President Trump, nor the American people, should allow the U.S. to be shaken from our resolve by threats of terrorism by petty savages around the world and their enablers who now threaten us with violence for simply following standard diplomatic protocol with our friends in Israel.   “Israel is America’s most cherished ally; this move signals Israel’s sovereignty in Jerusalem. We look forward to seeing the U.S. embassy open there as soon as possible.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mcsally-applauds-president-s-decision-recognize-jerusalem-israel,U.S. Rep. McSally Applauds Presidents Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israels Capital,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative Martha McSally today commended the President on his decision to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “By relocating our embassy to Jerusalem, President Trump is doing what our country should have done two decades ago: fulfill our promise to our ally and formally recognize the Jewish State of Israel’s undivided capital,” said Rep. McSally. “Jerusalem is our ally’s capital, so that’s where our embassy should be. I applaud the President’s decision, which sends a strong and clear message to the international community that we are beginning a new chapter in our alliance, one in which America keeps our promises towards Israel and doesn’t waffle about where our true allegiance lies. The era of reneged commitments is finally over.” In 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, a law requiring America to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem or provide an explanation every six months outlining why doing so is not in the national security interests of the US. Since then, every president has exercised this waiver, citing national security interests. Rep. McSally is a cosponsor of legislation introduced by her Arizona colleague, Congressman Franks, that would not only require the U.S. to relocate the embassy by 2019 but also to recognize the sovereign status of an undivided Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and eliminate executive authority to waive funding limitations until the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. Since day one in Congress, McSally has worked to strengthen U.S. support for Israel. Not only has she personally visited Israel to hear first-hand from top Israeli and Palestinian officials about the region’s most pressing national security issues,  she also introduced a resolution expressing solidarity with the Israeli people, authored legislation to prevent the discrimination of Israeli-produced goods, and advocated for increased missile defense spending for Israel throughout the national defense authorization process—including the Iron Dome weapons system. Her state and district play a vital role in the alliance. David’s Sling, a missile defense system that is a major technology upgrade for the small country was co-developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and American defense contractor, Raytheon, which is located Tucson, Arizona.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=92707198-995B-4C72-B819-09BFB7E61201,McCAIN ON PRESIDENT TRUMPS DECISION TO RECOGNIZE JERUSALEM AS CAPITAL OF ISRAEL,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel: “I have long believed that Jerusalem is the true capital of Israel. However, issues surrounding the final and permanent status of Jerusalem must ultimately be resolved by Israelis and Palestinians as part of an internationally supported peace process. That is why today's policy announcement, as well as any future relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, should be part of a comprehensive diplomatic strategy in coordination with regional partners to achieve peace and security between Israelis and Palestinians.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/wtas-presidents-speech-salt-lake-city-ut,"WTAS: The President's Speech in Salt Lake City, UT",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A9B197A7-0368-48B4-9CA5-1155F90F577A,VIDEO: Flake Delivers Speech Pushing for DACA Solution,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today spoke on the Senate floor urging Congress to work together to pass a bipartisan solution to protect DACA recipients. “We don’t need partisan bills that send a message, we need bipartisan solutions that can pass the Senate. We have spent so much time operating under reconciliation that it’s worth reminding people that this measure will need 60 votes in order to succeed. That means, if we hope to protect DACA recipients, both sides need to compromise,” said Flake. Video of Flake’s remarks can be viewed here.A transcript of prepared remarks can be viewed below. *** I rise today with increasing concern about the uncertain future facing DACA recipients. There are nearly 800,000 DACA recipients. These are children who were brought across the border through no fault of their own, years and years ago. Nearly 800,000 across the country, nearly 50,000 just in Arizona alone. They have protections now from deportation, but those protections will run out around the first of March. Despite the sense of urgency to solve this problem by the end of the year, there is little legislative progress to show for it. The time has come for us to work together to deliver a real solution. We don’t need partisan bills that send a message, we need bipartisan solutions that can pass the Senate. We have spent so much time operating under reconciliation that it’s worth reminding people that this measure will need 60 votes in order to succeed. That means, if we hope to protect DACA recipients, both sides need to compromise.    These individuals who we seek to help are students and employees, colleagues, and friends. They know no other home but the United States. They have embraced the values of hard work and perseverance, and in turn, their communities have embraced them as their own. Some of the most compelling pleas on behalf of these young people have come from those who know them best. These kids are not just Americans in their own eyes. They are Americans in the eyes of their friends, classmates, teachers, and coworkers. We all recognize these kids were brought here through no fault of their own, and no one wants to see them deported. As the leaders of a nation of immigrants, we need to work together and deliver them a chance at a bright future. We need workable legislation that can realistically be passed and signed into law. We don’t need to make a statement, we need to make a law. There are many challenges facing us with regard to immigration, but protecting these young people should not be one of them. This should be the easy lift. Mr. President, I hope that we can all work together in a bipartisan way to find a solution for these kids that deserve a solution. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=67D570F8-53BE-42C7-9DFE-1604B153F765,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON IOCS DECISION TO BAN RUSSIA FROM 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the International Olympic Committee’s decision to ban Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics: “The International Olympic Committee’s decision to ban Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics is a welcome step in serving justice to Vladimir Putin’s government for its elaborate doping scheme in 2014. The IOC’s investigation and subsequent ruling reinforces years of reporting about Russia’s state-sponsored doping program, which cheated countless Olympic athletes out of the medals they deserved. Today’s announcement sends an important message to Putin’s Russia that being a member of the international community means abiding by rules, norms, and standards—and that anything less will not be tolerated. FIFA should add the IOC’s decision to the list of reasons why the 2018 World Cup should not be held in Russia.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BA03B1A6-F119-482E-9EDE-F2D3950A3EF8,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON THE IMPACT OF A CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on ongoing budget negotiations and the impact of a continuing resolution: “It is unfortunate and unacceptable that we find ourselves nearing the end of the calendar year and still do not have an agreement to fund the government for the current fiscal year. For nearly a decade, the lack of stable, sufficient, and predictable funding has had a devastating impact on our Armed Forces. More of our troops are now being killed and wounded in training and routine operations than in combat against our enemies. “That is why the congressional leadership and the President, when they meet on Thursday, must finalize a multi-year agreement to raise the budget caps for defense and ensure that our military is sufficiently funded. We need real, predictable growth in order to rebuild our military—as the President has repeatedly called for, our military leaders have consistently asked for, and an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of both sides of Congress has voted to authorize—and we need that growth both this year and next year.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/differences-house-senate-will-have-resolve-advance-tax-reform-bill,"The Differences House, Senate Will Have to Resolve to Advance Tax Reform Bill",2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-votes-go-conference-hr-1,Congressman Biggs Votes to Go to Conference on H.R. 1,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=56B00C0B-C737-4C56-BFCB-EA3B98A7546F,Flake Helps Secure Posthumous Bronze Star for Pearl Harbor Hero,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today applauded the U.S. Navy’s decision to award Pearl Harbor hero Joseph Leon George the Bronze Star Medal with V device for valor in recognition of his efforts in rescuing six injured sailors from the sinking USS Arizona. This September, Flake secured unanimous passage of a resolution honoring George’s heroism and expressing the Senate’s desire that the U.S. Navy reconsider a past decision not to decorate George because he defied orders to rescue those six sailors. George passed away in 1996 having never received official recognition for his life-saving actions at Pearl Harbor. Rear Admiral Matthew J. Carter, deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, will present the Bronze Star Medal to George’s daughter, Joe Ann Taylor, on December 7 during a ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Flake will be unable to attend the ceremony due to likely scheduled Senate votes. “This is a great day for those of us who have fought for recognition of the unquestionable courage and heroism demonstrated by Joseph Leon George during the attack on Pearl Harbor. I applaud the Navy’s decision to appropriately recognize George’s bravery and award him the Bronze Star,” said Flake. “It has been a privilege to join USS Arizona survivors Donald Stratton and Lauren Bruner – both heroes in their own right – and the families of Joe and the men whose lives he saved, to help secure this honor for Joe George.” George was serving as Boatswain’s Mate Second Class aboard the USS Vestal, a repair ship moored alongside the USS Arizona, when the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. When the Arizona suffered a direct hit by a Japanese bomb and began to sink, George spotted six severely injured sailors trapped in the Arizona’s anti-aircraft battery located one level above the control bridge - Seaman First Class Harold Kuhn, Seaman First Class Russell Lott, Gunner's Mate Third Class Earl Riner, Boatswain's Mate Second Class Alvin Dvork, Seaman First Class Donald Stratton, and Fire Controlman Third Class Lauren Bruner. Heroically, George first threw a heaving line between the two ships, enabling the wounded sailors to climb 70 feet hand-over-hand across the line to safety. Two of those sailors would succumb to their injuries in the weeks following the attacks, while the four others would recover, serve honorably during World War II, and go on to live long lives. In July, Flake committed to spearhead the resolution during a meeting with Stratton, Bruner, members of the George family, and multiple generations of children and grandchildren who owe their lives to George’s life-saving actions. The resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).     Background: On Aug. 2, 2017 Flake introduced a resolution to honor George and spoke on the Senate floor in support of the measure, describing the details of George’s heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. View Flake’s remarks here. On Sept. 7, 2017 Flake secured unanimous passage in the Senate for his resolution to honor George. Read more here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/letters?ContentRecord_id=0D25EF81-F6AA-4DCD-B556-905D128A5AEF,McCain Moran Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,There are no files to display,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/letters?ContentRecord_id=2B2AEF76-8DD6-412C-98C5-BEE1186B257E,McCain Moran Veterans Community Care and Access Act Key Highlights 12 4 17,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,There are no files to display,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/letters?ContentRecord_id=3DF4D0B4-2BAC-4CAE-897B-63DD51B3717E,AMVETS Support Letter 12-1-17,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,There are no files to display,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/letters?ContentRecord_id=C3A334B7-81CE-4D82-8909-50D095A99C1D,Concerned Veterans for America Support Letter 11-29-17,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,There are no files to display,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/letters?ContentRecord_id=D49788CF-9547-4334-83E6-834DD9EFDDCC,American Legion Support Letter 11-28-17,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,There are no files to display,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=325375EB-1A33-438C-BA40-71BCBB25FCAF,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON MURDER OF FORMER YEMENI PRESIDENT ALI ABDULLAH SALEH,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the murder of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh: “The murder of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh after his decision to seek compromise with coalition forces and pursue a resolution to the conflict proves that the Houthis and their Iranian sponsors have no interest in peace. His murder is a major blow to moderate forces on both sides of the conflict in Yemen, diminishing any prospect for imminent resolution and likely leading to further violence—to the detriment of the Yemeni people. Iran’s unchecked ambition and aggression in the region have led to unprecedented violence and a major humanitarian crisis in Yemen. I hope that Saleh’s supporters and allies will continue his recent efforts to confront the Houthis and seek a peaceful end to this deadly conflict.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5D9B8429-6F94-46AF-AAEB-DA470617D64D,SENATORS McCAIN & MORAN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REFORM VA INTO 21ST CENTURY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, have introduced the Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017, legislation that would transform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) into a modern, efficient and easy-to-use system that will increase veterans’ access to quality care. This legislation, S. 2184, would better integrate VA services and existing VA community care programs, such as the Veterans Choice Program, into an efficient and high-performing health care system. “In the wake of the scandal in care at VA hospitals in Phoenix and around the country, we vowed to guarantee our veterans timely access to quality treatment,” said Senator McCain. “The Veterans Choice Program was the first step in delivering on that promise, but much more needs to be done to provide all veterans a choice in when and where they receive care. Our bill would strengthen and improve the core elements of Choice by consolidating and streamlining the VA’s community care program. Moreover, the bill would deliver long overdue, critical reforms to the VA, including commonsense reporting standards that ensure cost-efficient care to our nation’s veterans. It’s time we transform the VA into a 21st century health care system, one that respects the dignity of our men and women in uniform and provides all veterans the quality health care they deserve.” “Since the creation of the Veterans Choice Program, Congress has repeatedly pushed the VA to make much-needed changes to its healthcare system,” said Senator Moran. “Far too many Kansas veterans have experienced unnecessary difficulties accessing the care they’ve earned from the VA, and I appreciate that they have shared their stories and empowered us to work on their behalf. Demand has demonstrated that veterans want and need healthcare options in their communities, but there must be reform at the VA to create a system that works for them. I’m proud to be introducing this transformative legislation with Senator McCain, whose advocacy for our veterans is unparalleled. This joint effort to reform the VA will offer veterans an integrated healthcare system within their community that reduces red tape, enhances their quality of life and provides care that is worthy of their service and sacrifice.” This legislation would ensure that veterans are the primary decision-makers concerning when and where they receive care. In addition, the bill would require the VA to use objective data on health care demand to set standards for access and quality, and to identify and bridge gaps in veterans’ care – whether in VA or community facilities. Importantly, the bill would ensure the VA promptly pays community providers, opens access to walk-in clinics, offers telemedicine, increases graduate medical education and residency positions for employees, and improves its collaboration with community providers and other federal agencies. This legislation is supported by the American Legion, AMVETS and Concerned Veterans for America. “On behalf of the 2 million members of The American Legion, I write to support your bill titled, Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017,” said American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan. “The bill, as currently written, would modify the already existing Choice program, providing veterans with the 21st Century medical system they rightfully deserve.” The American Legion’s full letter in support of the legislation is available here. “AMVETS is pleased to support the Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017. Veterans need health care, both inside and outside of the VA system of care,” said AMVETS National Executive Director Joe Chenelly. “This measure addresses funding, implements ongoing patient surveying in conjunction with community care teams, and devises re-evaluation of both VA and private sector care. Both need oversight. All veterans have a right to receive the quality health care they have earned, and we applaud the hard work and insight that has taken place for this type of measure to be created. We urge its swift passage and will assist however we can.” AMVETS’s full letter in support of the legislation is available here. “Despite tens of billions of dollars in budget increases for the VA over the past three years, there are still far too many veterans waiting long periods of time for critical appointments and still too frequent reports of veterans suffering as the result of substandard care at the VA,” said Concerned Veterans for America Executive Director Dan Caldwell. “The Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017 would change that by reforming how the VA delivers health care to our veterans. The legislation would give veterans more options in their healthcare and change how it is delivered. Additionally, the legislation creates a plan to combine multiple outside care programs at the VA that will reduce bureaucracy and streamline reimbursements to community providers… Concerned Veterans for America strongly supports this legislation and we thank you for leading on this important issue.” Concerned Veterans for America’s full letter in support of the legislation is available here. Read about the key highlights of the bill here. A detailed section-by-section description of the legislation is available here. The text of the legislation is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-senate-passage-tax-reform-package,Congressman Biggs' Statement on Senate Passage of Tax Reform Package,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"GILBERT, ARIZONA - The U.S. Senate passed its tax reform package early this morning, setting up a conference to reconcile differences between the bills. Congressman Biggs released the following statement: ""Kudos to the Senate for addressing tax reform and allowing the process to proceed. Though neither the House nor Senate bills are perfect, I remain hopeful that a conference committee will improve the final product. All Americans deserve a tax cut, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that our final bill maximizes economic prosperity for individuals, families, and businesses."" ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://franks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-franks-statement-senate-passage-republican-tax-reform-plan,Rep. Franks Statement on the Senate passage of the Republican Tax Reform Plan,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Trent Franks,F000448,franks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Trent Franks commented on the Senate passage of the Republican Tax Reform plan in the following statement:   “It is gratifying to see the Senate function properly and work to fulfill the request of the American people to lower taxes and allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money. I hope the feeling of accomplishment becomes addicting for Mitch McConnell and the rest of GOP leadership in the upper chamber and that they will do all they can to pass a full repeal of Obamacare, pass common-sense pro-life legislation like Pain-Capable and increase border security so Americans can feel safe again.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/house-conservatives-demand-answers-fbi-clinton-probe-fusion-gps,"House conservatives demand answers from FBI on Clinton probe, Fusion GPS",2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/house-gop-weighing-stopgap-bills-avoid-government-shutdown,House GOP weighing stopgap bills to avoid government shutdown,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://franks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-israel-allies-caucus-reacts-reports-trump-plans-recognize,Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus Reacts to Reports Trump Plans To Recognize Jerusalem as Israels Capital: No Space Between Israel and U.S.,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Trent Franks,F000448,franks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Reacting to reports that President Donald Trump plan on recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Congressman Trent Franks, chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, released the following statement lauding the president’s plans and urging the administration to move the U.S.’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Note that Rep. Trent Franks introduced legislation in the House (H.R. 257) that would specifically recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital.   “President Trump is right to proclaim Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israel is America’s most cherished ally in the world, and it is time the world understands there is no space between us. The president’s announcement will be a giant step in the right direction. Now it is time to do away with the biannual waver completely and unequivocally signal Israel’s sovereignty in Jerusalem by moving the U.S. embassy there as soon as possible.” ​",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mcsally-announces-tucson-based-company-wins-gsa-contract-douglas,Rep. McSally Announces Tucson-Based Company Wins GSA Contract for Douglas Port of Entry Feasibility Study,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative Martha McSally today announced that the Douglas Port of Entry is another step closer to modernization. U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded a Tucson-based architectural firm, Line and Space, with the contract for the feasibility study to evaluate necessary upgrades and expansions of the port. “GSA’s selection of a contractor shows that this feasibility study is on track and that the Douglas Port of Entry modernization project is progressing. After years of fighting to move this project forward, I am pleased to announce another step towards completion. Right now our Customs and Border Protection Officers are doing the best they can with an outdated and inadequate facility, but they are dealing with steep increases in two-way traffic and if this project is not completed, our port won’t be able to meet the minimum requirements to keep up. Modernizing our port and building a new one in Douglas is not just good for our local economy—it is necessary for our security. I won’t stop until this project is a reality,” said Congresswoman McSally. Built in 1933 and last renovated over twenty years ago, the Douglas Port of Entry has experienced a steady increase in traffic and is inadequately equipped to keep up with the demand. The City of Douglas has been attempting to secure the approval of a new Commercial Port of Entry since 2012—but once Congresswoman Martha McSally took up the cause on her first day in office, she has effectively driven the project forward. Rep. McSally worked with the Trump Administration to successfully secure funding for the feasibility study, which is a necessary step to move the modernization and expansion of the port forwards. The modernization project is expected to be completed within the next five years because she successfully pressed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to include it in their Five-Year Plan. ""We are pleased to see that the General Services Administration is moving forward with the feasibility study that will look at the investments needed to modernize the existing port of entry and the urgent need to relocate commercial traffic to a new port of entry.  Having Congresswoman McSally carrying the message on behalf of Douglas and the binational community helps us move forward with confidence.  Thanks to Congresswoman McSally for her work—we look forward to what this means for our city, economy, and security,” said Robert Uribe, Mayor for the City of Douglas.​ Under the terms of the contract, Line and Space will be tasked with preparing a list of building improvements necessary to modernize the Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry port with the project team and will develop a project priority that meets the mission requirements for the CBP and GSA. The Contractor will review maintenance service request logs, GSA building evaluation reports, facility condition assessments and any available technical studies with the project team.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mcsally-steinle-was-killed-because-laws-books-were-not-enforced,U.S. Rep. McSally: Steinle Was Killed Because the Laws on the Books Were Not Enforced,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative Martha McSally today joined Stuart Varney on Fox News to discuss the jury’s verdict on Kate Steinle and what it means for border security and sanctuary cities. “This is a shocking decision. This man came illegally to the United States five times, one time, at least, through Arizona. In the sanctuary city of San Francisco he had a detainer and federal officials begged ‘please, this man is a danger, hand him over to us’ and the city refused to,” said Congresswoman McSally.  “Kate Steinle was killed because the laws on the books were not enforced. The dangerous policies of sanctuary cities, like San Francisco, are not safe for Americans and their families.” The Congresswoman pointed to legislation she supports to cut off federal grants to sanctuary cities that do not enforce federal laws, as well as Kate’s Law, named after Kate Steinle, which will increase the penalties for deported aliens who try to return to the United States.    McSally also talked about the need to enforce border security. “We absolutely need to be increasing our border security to include physical infrastructures where necessary and additional technology so border patrol can do their job and stop the entry of illegal felons like him,” McSally said. Watch their exchange by clicking HERE or below:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=953023FC-72A2-432A-BB86-192A7396681B,Flake Statement in Support of Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today released the following statement: “For nearly two decades I have advocated for a lower corporate tax rate that will enable U.S. business to compete globally and reforms that will deliver a fairer, simpler tax code. “From the outset of the current debate on tax reform, my goal has been to ensure that Congress passes a tax reform package that is both fiscally-responsible and promotes economic growth. During the debate over the current bill, I’ve focused on two specific objectives. The first was to eliminate the $85 billion expensing budget gimmick in the bill. The second was to obtain a firm commitment from the Senate Leadership and the administration to work with me on a growth-oriented legislative solution to enact fair and permanent protections for DACA recipients. “Having secured both of those objectives, I am pleased to announce I will vote in support of the tax reform bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=9383FF40-6172-4556-9CCD-917087A5B2B1,"35TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS ON LAKE HAVASU - LAKE HAVASU, AZ",2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"35TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS ON LAKE HAVASU WHAT:Annual Parade of Light Boaats WHERE: Windsor Park, Lake Havasu State Park WHEN:December 1 - December 2, 2017 Description:Head to Lake Havasu to watch boats festively decorated with lights and Christmas tunes pass under the London Bridge Channel as the parade tours the lake. There will be many viewing areas are accessible from the Park!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6961BAE2-8FDB-4627-94C7-DADE1E774CA7,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON ROMANIAS GREAT UNION DAY,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today congratulating Romania on the 99th anniversary of the Great Union Day: “I extend my warmest wishes and congratulations to the people of Romania on the 99th anniversary of the Great Union Day. The United States and Romania enjoy a close and enduring partnership that is based on shared interests and shared values—freedom, justice, rule of law, and human rights. Since its independence, Romania has made remarkable progress in advancing its democracy and has served as an important model for the region and the world through its efforts to combat corruption. Its commitment to these principles has helped transform Romania into a more capable and reliable ally that has contributed above its weight to NATO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to U.S. missile defense programs. Ultimately, a strong and prosperous Romania will help ensure long-term stability and security in the region, advance the collective defense of the transatlantic, and strengthen the strategic partnership between our two countries.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/justice-department-expected-release-mueller-expenses-next-week,Justice Department is expected to release Mueller expenses next week,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-kate-steinle-verdict,Congressman Biggs' Statement on the Kate Steinle Verdict,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Biggs released the following statement on the Kate Steinle verdict: ""I can't even begin to imagine the heartbreak the Steinle family must feel tonight. This verdict was an absolute tragedy. ""Kate's death was truly preventable and due, in part, to the lax policies of the Obama administration and San Francisco's sanctuary city status. Kate's killer had been previously deported five times and had been released on the streets while he awaited a sixth deportation. ""Earlier this summer, the House of Representatives passed ""Kate's Law"" and ""Grant's Law,"" which would increase the penalties for illegal aliens in our country and keep criminally violent illegal aliens off of the streets as they await deportation. This legislation - and other immigration enforcement bills - sit idly in the Senate. Kate's death was tragic, but the inaction by the Senate to help prevent other crimes from illegal aliens is inexcusable. I call on my friends in the Senate to immediately take up these immigration bills and ensure that they receive swift consideration and a vote. We owe this to Kate, her family, and the countless other victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://franks.house.gov/mediacenter/articles/tax-reform-pro-growth-pro-adoption-pro-family,"Tax Reform: Pro-Growth, Pro-Adoption, Pro-Family",2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Trent Franks,F000448,franks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Note: This article was originally published at GOP.gov on November 30, 2017.   Today is the final day of National Adoption Month, and this year’s work on pro-family tax reform has only further bolstered my belief that the love of a family is a true gift, and one that is worth protecting. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is National Adoption Day. Families across the United States become larger and their hearts fuller because of the gift of adoption. With a promise to love and care for them, men and women of all walks of life finalize their adoptions, welcoming children into their forever families. In my role as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I’ve had the honor and privilege of witnessing this special moment and advocating for so many who are still trying to get there. Being in Congress, and having the trust of the people who sent us to serve them in the People’s House is a responsibility my colleagues and I take very seriously. Every vote, every decision, is made with them in mind. That’s why our tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, is focused on helping American families get ahead, when for too long we’ve had a tax code that barely lets them get by. With our legislation, which passed out of the House shortly before Thanksgiving, the average family of four would see a tax cut of $1,182. In my home state of Arizona, that amount is even larger: $2,170. We expand 529 savings accounts so parents are able to pay for education throughout their children’s lives, from kindergarten to college. We eliminate the marriage penalty, and repeal the Death Tax that unfairly punishes families for passing their farms and small businesses down to their children. Our bill expands the Child Tax Credit to $1,600 to help families better cover life’s expenses. By doubling the standard deduction, married couples can keep even more of their income — the first $24,000 are tax-free. We preserve the Adoption Credit, and establish a new Family Flexibility Credit. If two people in a family file taxes, this new Family Credit means $600 more in their annual income. That can make a big difference. And we unleash the American economy so that there are more opportunities to find work, grow businesses, and dream for a better tomorrow for you and your families. Our work isn’t finished, and we still have so many young people in need of forever families, but as National Adoption Month draws to a close, my heart is full of hope. I’m excited to see what the future holds for these families of all shapes and sizes. They, like so many others, are why I’m working with my colleagues to get tax reform to the President’s desk by the end of the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3031,Rep. Gosar's La Paz Bill Passes House Natural Resources Committee,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Paul A. Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,gosar,https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after H.R. 2630, La Paz County Land Conveyance Act, passed the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent: ""The overwhelming federal footprint in La Paz County leaves a mere six percent of land available for taxable use. Quite frankly, that's just not enough, making a land transfer necessary for economic and energy growth in the County,"" said Congressman Gosar. ""H.R. 2630 will allow the County to secure title to approximately 8,800 acres from the Bureau of Land Management for fair market value. The County can put this otherwise under-utilized land to more effective use by partnering with private renewable energy developers to create good-paying local jobs and build a diverse tax base to support basic public services."" ""We would like to congratulate Congressman Gosar on this important legislative milestone,"" said Supervisor D.L. Wilson, Chairman of the La Paz County Board of Supervisors. ""The La Paz County Land Conveyance Act will diversify our County's economic development opportunities and provide much needed jobs and services for our residents."" The bill, as amended, includes important language developed cooperatively with the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the County, which ensures any tribal artifacts found on the land conveyed will be treated respectfully in accordance with the customs of the tribe. “Thanks to Congressman Gosar’s leadership, La Paz County is poised to become a great partner with the Tribes in helping us protect our footprint on the land,” said Dennis Patch, Colorado River Indian Tribes Chairman. “Mohave culture places great spiritual value on the physical remnants of our ancestors, and the language included in this bill will help ensure our artifacts stay connected to the land. We are extremely grateful that our Congressman heard our concerns, and that he was willing to serve as a champion for our cause.” ""I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for this bill and look forward to getting it onto the House Floor and passed into law. The people of La Paz County deserve this,"" said Gosar. Background: H.R. 2630 will authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to La Paz County, Arizona, in order to create economic development opportunities and facilitate renewable electricity generation for the Western United States. The County will be required to pay fair-market value for the Land. La Paz County Supervisors have been working with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and interested parties on opportunities to foster economic development through renewable energy production. There are a number of precedent-setting examples of other western counties using legislation to seek the conveyance of federal lands to stimulate economic development in rural locations. H.R. 2630 will allow the County to purchase 8,800 acres of land from the BLM, which they intend to utilize through long-term, lease contracts with renewable energy companies to develop large-scale solar generation facilities. This development will help meet increasing local, regional and national demand for renewable power generation while also addressing the economic challenges inherent to a county with almost 95% of property owned by federal, state or tribal governments. The BLM-prepared map depicting the site of the proposed land conveyance can be found HERE. This bill was originally introduced on May 24, 2017. The full text of H.R. 2630 can be found HERE.Original cosponsors of the bill are Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-08).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dhs-acting-secretary-duke-agrees-rep-mcsally-diversity-visa-lottery,DHS Acting Secretary Duke Agrees with Rep. McSally: Diversity Visa Lottery Program is Rife with Fraud & Must End,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Elaine Duke agreed today with U.S. Representative Martha McSally that the Diversity Visa Lottery Program poses significant security concerns and should be eliminated. During a Homeland Security Committee hearing, Rep. McSally questioned the Acting Secretary on what changes need to be made to the U.S. immigration system in light of Sayfullo Saipov’s terror attack in New York City on October 31. During the hearing, Congresswoman McSally outlined her position on the problematic program. “Many vulnerabilities have been talked about today that radical Islamic terrorists can use and will use to hurt Americans and attack our way of life…one of those vulnerabilities was used just 30 days ago. We are an immigrant-friendly country—we admit one million immigrants each year. No other country that routinely admits immigrants hands out their visas based on chance and lottery,” said Congresswoman McSally. “We also see that the Diversity Program is rife with fraud,” responded Secretary Duke. “Today it would be better, but I agree with your sentiments on it that this is not the best use of our immigration system. Now we have biographics and the ability to search social media, but it is still one that would introduce risk.” “I recently introduced legislation to eliminate the lottery program and convert a portion of them to merit-based visas, which I believe is the right thing to do. President Trump has called for the elimination of this program. Do you all agree that the program should be eliminated?” the Congresswoman asked. “Yes, I support that,” Secretary Duke responded. McSally pointed to newly released State Department data showing that since 2007 nearly 29,000 foreign nationals from Syria, Sudan, and Iran—three countries designated by the U.S. as state-sponsors of terrorism—have become legal immigrants through this lottery program. The program’s fraud was highlighted earlier this month when the Justice Department stripped four Somali immigrants of their citizenship because they defrauded the program and lied about being a family. The October 31st attack was also not the first time that Americans have been killed at the hands of an individual who gained entry to the United States through the diversity visa lottery program. Congresswoman McSally’s legislation, the Protecting America and American Workers Act, which she introduced earlier this month, will completely eliminate the Diversity Visa Lottery Program by removing 26,000 visas altogether and converting the remaining 24,000 to merit-based employment visas—specifically EB1, EB2, and EB3 visas. McSally also questioned the Secretary on the MILITARY ACCESSIONS VITAL TO NATIONAL INTEREST (MAVNI) program designed to allow aliens to serve in the military were being appropriately vetted to prevent espionage and other risks to our national security. To view the full interaction, click below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-statements?ContentRecord_id=C303BCCE-0649-487D-BC58-53B6D83746AA,OPENING STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN AT HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered the following opening statement today at a hearing on future national defense strategy: “The Senate Armed Services Committee meets today to receive testimony from outside experts on recommendations for a future National Defense Strategy. We welcome our witnesses: “Thomas Mahnken, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments; “David Ochmanek, Senior Defense Research Analyst at the RAND Corporation; “Thomas Spoehr, Director at the Heritage Foundation; “Mara E. Karlin, Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins School Of Advanced International Studies; and “Mackenzie Eaglen, Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. “Last year, this Committee wrote into the National Defense Authorization Act a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a National Defense Strategy. The intent of this document was to prioritize a set of goals and articulate a strategy for the U.S. military to achieve warfighting superiority over our adversaries. The National Defense Strategy is part of this Committee’s broader effort to help guide the Pentagon to develop a more strategic approach in response to an increasingly dangerous world.  “Today’s hearing will afford us the opportunity to hear recommendations from our distinguished panel of defense experts on how the Secretary should rise to the challenge of crafting a National Defense Strategy. We will look to you for advice on how the Department should best allocate its resources to enhance the capacity and capability of the U.S. military in the era of great power competition. “To that end, we must begin by explicitly recognizing that great power competition is not a thing of the past. The post-Cold War era is over. Russia and China’s rapid military modernization programs present real challenges for the American way of war. Because of decisions we have made—and those we have failed to make—our military advantage is eroding. Congress is far from blameless, as we have for years prioritized politics over strategy when it comes to our budgeting decisions. “Next we must recognize that the window of opportunity to reverse the erosion of our military advantage is rapidly closing. Just as Congress has been part of this problem, so too do we have an obligation to be part of the solution. We must start doing our job again, pass budgets and go through the normal appropriations process, and provide our military with adequate, predictable funding. As the negotiations on a budget deal to increase the spending caps proceed, I know that the members of this Committee will be advocates for a defense budget at the level that an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of Congress voted to authorize in the NDAA—nearly $700 billion for the current fiscal year. “But we must be clear: we cannot buy our way out of our current strategic problem.  Even after Congress appropriates adequate funds, the Department will have a tough road to reverse current trend lines. Restoring readiness, modernizing the force, and reforming acquisition will all be necessary to renew American power. But ultimately, all of these efforts will be in vain without clear strategic direction. “The Secretary of Defense and his civilian leadership team must exercise real leadership when it comes to strategy, planning, and force development. They will have to make difficult choices and set clear priorities about the threats we face and the missions we assign to our military. That is what we have asked the Department to do in the National Defense Strategy. As Secretary Mattis and the rest of the Department of Defense make those hard choices—and especially as they identify necessary tradeoffs—they will find allies in this Chairman and this Committee. “We ask our witnesses to help this Committee and the Department think through these tough questions. How should the National Defense Strategy focus on building an effective force to counter threats from near-peer competitors such as Russia and China, as well as mid-level powers such as Iran and North Korea? How should the NDS address the challenges of counterterrorism and articulate a strategy for sustainable security in the Middle East region? Even as we advocate for increased defense spending, how do we realistically confront hard choices about tradeoffs? Simply put, what must we do to restore or enhance our ability to deter and defeat any adversary in any scenario and across the spectrum of military competition? And how should we devote our finite taxpayer dollars wisely to accomplish these goals? “Our global challenges have never been greater. Our strategic environment has not been this competitive since the Cold War. Without the margins of power we once enjoyed, we cannot expect to do everything we want everywhere around the globe. We must choose. We must prioritize. That is what the National Defense Strategy must do. “I thank our witnesses for their attention to these important issues and look forward to their testimony.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0FE35418-DA1E-4AAB-886B-03555C167AB9,SENATE PASSES McCAIN-HEITKAMP BILL TO EXPAND AMBER ALERT SYSTEM ON NATIVE AMERICAN RESERVATIONS,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– Last night, the Senate unanimously passed the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017, legislation cosponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) that would expand the AMBER Alert child abduction warning system on Native American reservations. Specifically, the legislation would clarify that Indian tribes are eligible for Department of Justice (DOJ) grants that help assemble AMBER Alert systems for law enforcement agencies. The DOJ currently operates a pilot program that offers AMBER Alert training services to Native American tribes, but the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017 would make that initiative permanent and enhance DOJ oversight of how the grants are used. The legislation would also reauthorize the DOJ grant program that assists state and local governments in developing and implementing AMBER Alert communication plans. These communication plans are used by law enforcement agencies to expedite child abduction alerts to the public. The bill would also require the DOJ to perform a needs assessment of AMBER Alert capabilities on Indian reservations.  “Last year, Navajo Nation was devastated by the abduction and murder of 11-year old Ashlynne Mike,” said Senator McCain. “In that high profile case, authorities did not issue an AMBER Alert for Ashlynne until the day after family members reported her abduction. According to FBI statistics, more than 7,500 Native American children are listed as missing in the United States today. We must protect the most vulnerable individuals in Indian Country, and this legislation is an important step forward in that effort.” “Native American children are some of the most vulnerable children in the country, yet there isn’t an AMBER Alert system in much of Indian Country, and that makes it very difficult to recover children who have been abducted or who have run away,” Senator Heitkamp said. “That must change, and that’s why I introduced this bipartisan bill with Senator John McCain to expand this lifesaving system to some of the most vulnerable children in our country – those in Indian Country. The Senate passing this bill is an important step forward, and I encourage the House of Representatives to pass it as soon as possible so the president can sign it in to law. This is part of a broader effort raise awareness and bring better systems of justice to Indian Country, and to give law enforcement agencies at all levels the tools they need to prevent crime and bring criminals to justice so we can keep all our communities strong and safe. Both this bill and Savanna’s Act which I introduced to help address the crisis of missing and murdered native women and girls would make important strides.” The legislation is here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=55167C16-F79C-4975-B394-217F7B9D325C,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON FAA & PHOENIX AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE FLIGHT PATH CHANGES AT SKY HARBOR,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on the agreement reached by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the city of Phoenix to address the 2014 flight path changes at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: “The agreement reached today by the FAA and the city of Phoenix is an important step forward in addressing the flight path changes at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. I’m especially pleased to see that the FAA will redraw its flight paths through a process that ensures Phoenix residents have an opportunity to make their voices heard. Since these changes went into effect, I’ve received hundreds of letters and phone calls from people living in the Valley regarding the increase in overhead noise. Last year, I worked to include a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that required the agency to review flight path changes at Sky Harbor and other airports, and take the necessary steps to mitigate any negative effects of these changes on local communities. It’s critical the FAA learns its lesson and fully engages with citizens in Phoenix and across the country before implementing new flight routes.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=58AA178E-8794-4075-A248-C765B2D44504,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON TAX REFORM,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today in support of the Senate tax reform bill: “After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to support the Senate tax reform bill. I believe this legislation, though far from perfect, would enhance American competitiveness, boost the economy, and provide long overdue tax relief for middle class families. “For too long, hardworking people in Arizona and around the country have not seen a raise in their paychecks. This bill would directly benefit all Americans, allowing them to keep a higher percentage of what they earn. According to the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation, every income bracket would see tax relief under this bill. The child tax credit would be doubled to $2,000 per child and the tax code would be substantially simplified.  “By lowering our high corporate tax rate to 20 percent, the bill would make our markets far more attractive for investment. It would also encourage American companies to repatriate assets now held overseas. Small businesses, which are vitally important to the dynamism of our economy, would also receive essential tax relief. Combined, these commonsense steps would promote economic growth and stimulate job creation here at home.   “For months, I have called for a return to regular order, and I am pleased that this important bill was considered through the normal legislative processes, with several hearings and a thorough mark-up in the Senate Finance Committee during which more than 350 amendments were filed and 69 received a vote.   “I have also argued that health care reform, which is important both to the well-being of our citizens and to the vitality of our economy, should proceed by regular order. This bill does not change that. As a matter of principle, I’ve always supported individual liberty and believe the federal government should not penalize Americans who cannot afford to purchase expensive health insurance. By repealing the individual mandate, this bill would eliminate an onerous tax that especially harms those from low-income brackets. In my home state of Arizona, 80 percent of people who currently pay the individual mandate penalty earn less than $50,000 per year. “Finally, I take seriously the concerns some of my Senate colleagues have raised about the impact of this bill on the deficit. However, it’s clear this bill’s net effect on our economy would be positive. This is not a perfect bill, but it is one that would deliver much-needed reform to our tax code, grow the economy, and help Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FF3B91BF-45C0-4B34-857C-1B161EA28306,McCAIN & FLAKE APPLAUD FY2018 INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS WILDFIRE FUNDING PROPOSAL,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) this week applauded a provision in legislation proposed by the Senate Appropriations Committee that would boost federal resources for wildfires. The provision in the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2018 would take an important step forward in ending chronic shortfalls in the Forest Service’s wildfire suppression budget. This year, the government spent a record-breaking $2.9 billion fighting wildfires, while Congress only appropriated $5 billion for the entire Forest Service budget. The resulting funding imbalance forces the Forest Service to cannibalize non-wildfire programs such as recreation, trail maintenance, and wildlife conservation – an increasingly common practice known as “fire-borrowing.” Today, more than 55 percent of the agency budget is devoted to wildfire suppression compared to 15 percent in the 1990’s. The provision would ensure that the Forest Service receives 100% of the funds it needs for wildfire suppression based on a 10-year average. The provision would also allow the Forest Service to tap supplemental emergency wildfire accounts using a more accurate wildfire budget predicator known as the FLAME forecast model. The bill’s funding structure is similar to legislation introduced in 2015 by Senators McCain, Flake and Barrasso, known as the FLAME Act Amendments. By appropriating emergency wildfire funding up front – rather than at the end – of a wildfire season, Congress can help prevent Forest Service fire-borrowing with increased certainty. “The Senate Appropriations Committee has taken a positive step forward in addressing the Forest Service’s fire borrowing issue,” said Senator McCain. “In addition to funding wildfire suppression, the long-term solution to reducing wildfire risk is prevention through industry-driven sustainable forestry. More than 20 percent of the pine forests in Arizona have been consumed by wildfire, which is reason enough to make forest ecosystem restoration a top priority at the Forest Service.” “After working for years to pass the FLAME Act Amendments, it’s encouraging to see the Interior Appropriations Committee put forward a like-minded, fiscally-responsible solution to fire-borrowing,” said Senator Flake. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-biggs-opening-statement-subcommittee-hearing-future-wotus,Congressman Andy Biggs Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on the Future of WOTUS,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -  Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05), chairman of the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment, delivered the following opening statement at this morning's subcommittee hearing, ""The Future of WOTUS: Examining the Role of States"": Welcome to today’s hearing, “The Future of WOTUS: Examining the Role of States.”  I want to thank our expert panel of witnesses for being here today and agreeing to testify about this important topic. The Waters of the United States rule, or WOTUS, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2015, amounted to one of the biggest federal overreaches in modern history.  Not only did the rule’s flimsy definitions and underlying science mean that the agency had the ability to regulate private land, but it also placed significant financial burdens on some of our country’s hardest workers. I am very pleased to have representatives here today from my home state of Arizona to discuss how this rule would affect them and what changes they believe would make water regulations better for this country. We all want to be good stewards of the environment.  We also want to be good stewards for the people we are here in Washington to represent.  When a federal agency overlooks the needs of American citizens, we in Congress have a duty to ask questions and address the concerns of our constituents. For example, when WOTUS was proposed there was a large outcry from stakeholders across the nation that the rule’s vague definitions regarding navigable water could include sometimes-dry drainage ditches on private farmland.  It is absurd to consider a dry ditch “navigable.”  Our nation depends on the hard work of farmers and ranchers: these men and women simply don’t have the time to deal with bureaucratic nonsense.  Of course, it’s not just them who suffer: costly and unnecessary government mandates have drastic economic impacts on each and every one of us. The shortcomings of WOTUS are so self-evident that it is not surprising this onerous rule has been challenged across the country. And now we can point to a very encouraging action from the new administration: President Trump recently issued an executive order directing EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to review the WOTUS rule.   I applaud the Administration for heeding the calls of Americans.  A revision to the 2015 rule is desperately needed to provide greater clarity to states and stakeholders.  Instead of rushing forward with burdensome federal regulations, the government needs to do its due diligence and propose a rule that is helpful, not harmful. Today we will hear ideas about how some of those fixes to the regulation should look.  Witnesses will inform Congress how federal water regulations affect them and what they need from the government to continue operating effectively. I look forward to a knowledgeable and substantive discussion.  With that I yield back and recognize the Ranking Member, Mrs. Bonamici, of Oregon, for her opening statement.  Click here to learn more about today’s subcommittee hearing. ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-applauds-committee-passage-amber-alert-indian-country-act,Congressman Biggs Applauds Committee Passage of the Amber Alert in Indian Country Act,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 2666, the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act. Congressman Andy Biggs, the bill’s sponsor, and Chairman Goodlatte released the following statements: “The AMBER Alert program has been remarkably successful since its inception, helping law enforcement and local communities locate more than 800 abducted children and return them to their homes. I was surprised to learn that this program did not extend to Indian countries, which is the reason why I introduced this bipartisan legislation. No child – regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or birthplace – should be outside the protection and jurisdiction of such a vital security resource. I am proud to lead this bill and am grateful for Chairman Goodlatte’s commitment to see this legislation through committee.” – Congressman Biggs “When a child is abducted, a difference of just a few minutes can mean life or death. It is imperative that law enforcement agencies are able to get the word out to the public as soon as possible in child abduction cases in order to help find the child and shield him or her from further harm. While our country has made great strides in alerting the public through the AMBER Alert system, it’s clear that more can and must be done, especially for Native American children. The AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act ensures that critical grants providing AMBER Alert systems are made available to Indian tribes. I thank Congressman Biggs for his devotion to our nation’s children and work on this bill, and call on the House of Representatives to pass it.” – Chairman Goodlatte ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-markup-amber-alert-indian-country-act,Congressman Biggs' Statement at Markup of the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Biggs delivered the following remarks during today's House Judiciary Committee’s markup of the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act (H.R. 2666). Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am honored to be the sponsor of the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act in memory of the life of Ashlynne Mike.  I want to thank the Chairman for hearing this bill today.  11 year-old Ashlynne lived in the Navajo Nation – the largest Indian Reservation in the United States – located in 4 states: Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.  Her favorite color was yellow, and she enjoyed playing music for her friends and family.  She was a kindhearted young girl who had enormous potential.  After school on Monday, May 2, 2016, while Ashlynne and her 9 year-old brother Ian played near the local bus stop, a stranger approached them and lured them into his vehicle by offering them a ride home.  He abducted the children and took them to a remote part of the reservation, where he abused Ashlynne, slaughtered her, and left her brother to fend for himself in the desert.  Ashlynne died alone.  Ashlynne was abducted around 4:00 P.M.  Her father filed a missing person report at 6:53 P.M., within 3 hours.  Unfortunately, authorities did not send an AMBER Alert until 2:30 A.M. on Tuesday – almost 10 hours after Ashlynne went missing.  According to law enforcement records, Tom Begay, Jr., Ashlynne’s perpetrator, admitted that Ashlynne was alive when he left her stranded. Mr. Chairman, had Indian Country been included as partners in the AMBER Alert Plans, law enforcement could have rescued Ashlynne in time, and she might still be alive today.  When a child is abducted, action in those first hours is crucial in their safe return.  The AMBER Alert program has proven effective at instantly providing information to the public to assist in the effort.  According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, of the AMBER Alerts issued in 2016, 94 percent of the recovered children were found within the first 72 hours, including 47 percent who were found within the first three hours.  Between 1997 and February 2017, the AMBER Alert program was credited with the safe recovery of 868 children.  It is obvious that AMBER alerts save lives.  Today we have the opportunity to ensure all children can benefit from the AMBER Alert program if necessary, no matter where they reside. My bill – the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017 – amends the PROTECT Act of 2003, which initially established the federal AMBER Alert program, by: Including our 567 federally recognized tribes as partners in the AMBER Alert program; Allowing the U.S. Attorney General to waive the 50/50 federal share cost for Indian tribes on a case-by-case basis; Requiring the U.S. Attorney General to examine and report back to Congress on specific readiness, education, training needs, technological challenges, or other obstacles specific to Indian tribes. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing this bill forward and acknowledging the importance of filling a gap in our AMBER alert system that could have prevented the death of Ashlynne.  I urge all the members of the committee to support this legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-resolution-crack-down-sexual-harassment-mcsally-s-support,House Passes Resolution to Crack Down on Sexual Harassment with McSallys Support,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative Martha McSally released the following statement today after the House passage of H. Res. 630—a measure she cosponsored to crack down on sexual harassment and require Members of Congress and their staff to regularly complete anti-harassment training: “Employers across this nation are required by various laws to prevent sexual harassment by providing mandatory training—and yet Members of Congress aren’t required to do the same thing to ensure safe work environments? The double standards and special treatment need to stop. Sexual harassment is intolerable in our military, it is intolerable in our schools, it is intolerable in private sector workplaces, and it should be intolerable in Congress. Members of Congress should never be above the law. Those who craft our laws must lead by example, and that’s what this resolution is about.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=79FA5B05-1D82-4880-A193-BEFE4FFFD148,Flake Statement on Proposed Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Plan,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today released the following statement on the Mexican Gray Wolf recovery plan proposed by the Fish and Wildlife Service:  “The Mexican Gray Wolf recovery plan proposed by the Fish and Wildlife Service is yet another federal regulatory nightmare for ranchers and Arizona’s rural communities. I am disappointed in the federal government’s decision to ignore productive comments to the draft recovery plan and the reasonable path to recovery laid out in the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Plan Act. I plan to continue my efforts to push for real recovery that takes into account the needs of the local stakeholders most impacted by this policy. ”  Background: On Sept. 6, 2017, Flake sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to highlight the comments on the draft recovery plan submitted by the Arizona Cattlemen’s Association. Read the letter here. On June 6, 2017, Flake sent a letter to the Arizona Cattlemen’s Association encouraging them to submit comments to the draft recovery plan. Read the letter here.  On Feb. 14, 2017, Flake and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) introduced the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Plan Act. Flake and McCain previously introduced the bill during the 114th Congress. Read more about the bill here.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=80231D98-F2DF-47FB-8CD8-4CA9A61CAB69,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON AIR FORCE FAILING TO REPORT CONVICTED SERVICE MEMBERS TO GUN DATABASE,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the Air Force's review that revealed dozens of cases in which the military failed to properly report convicted criminals to the federal gun background-check database: “Initial results of the Air Force review of criminal reporting to civilian law enforcement reveal a disturbing lack of compliance and accountability. The fact that the tragic neglect in the case of Devin Kelley was not an isolated incident but rather part of a systemic failure to comply with current policy must be a call to action. The right policy is only as good as its implementation. The Air Force must take corrective actions to ensure compliance with reporting policies and ensure that future neglect does not lead to another tragedy. “The Senate Armed Services Committee will continue to conduct rigorous oversight of the Air Force investigation and expects a full report on actions that will be taken to correct deficiencies. It is critical that each of the other military services and the Department of Defense as a whole take the steps necessary to ensure that similar mistakes have not occurred and will not occur in the future.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-historic-low-abortion-rate,Congressman Biggs' Statement on Historic Low Abortion Rate,2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a new report, showing that nationwide abortion rates have fallen to their lowest level since before Roe v. Wade. Abortion rates in Arizona dropped half of a percent during that timeframe. Congressman Biggs released the following statement: “The latest abortion statistics are extremely encouraging. These numbers are a testament to the diligence of pro-life advocates across the country. They have poured their hearts into raising awareness of the devastation of abortion on families. I am pleased that Arizona is one of the most pro-life states in the nation, and our policies help decrease the abortion rate. “The tide is turning. A new pro-life generation is committed to protecting our innocent, unborn children. We have an administration and U.S. Congress committed to a pro-life agenda. Our federal government is laying the foundation for Roe v Wade to be overturned by confirming Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court and remaking the federal judiciary with jurists who rely on the U.S. Constitution in making decisions. Congress must also assure that no taxes are given to Planned Parenthood. We have serious momentum, and I am pleased to stand with life in the 115th Congress.” ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=782033C8-D080-456E-9BCD-8AEE306E0C8A,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON GAO REPORT FINDING VA FAILED TO REPORT POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MEDICAL PROVIDERS,2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report finding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) failed to report 90 percent of potentially dangerous medical providers: “GAO’s recent report finding the VA failed to report 90 percent of potentially dangerous medical providers in recent years underscores the systemic problems that still plague this bureaucracy. It is unacceptable that the VA has neither followed nor enforced its own policies to protect veteran patients from doctors who are unfit to provide care. The VA must follow through on its pledge to investigate the circumstances that led to these failures and prevent them from happening again. Clearly, we still have a long way to go to truly reform the VA. As Congress finalizes legislation to transform the VA into a 21st century health care system, we must strengthen oversight and accountability at the VA and put the safety and wellbeing of our veterans first.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/trump-faces-make-or-break-meeting-congressional-leaders,Trump faces make-or-break meeting with congressional leaders,2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-biggs-supports-cfpb-acting-director-mick-mulvaney,Congressman Andy Biggs Supports CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaney,2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"GILBERT, ARIZONA - Congressman Biggs released the following statement to address the current transition at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: “I support President Donald Trump’s designation of Mick Mulvaney as Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The President was well within his constitutional right to make this appointment under the Vacancies Act. “The Obama administration created the CFPB to be one of the most powerful and least accountable agencies in U.S. history. The agency was designed not to be accountable to anyone, including the President and the U.S. Congress. I trust that Acting Director Mulvaney will refocus the CFPB’s efforts to actually protect consumers and away from a bureau that served the whims of their Director.” ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-statement-potential-daca-reform-spending-deal,Congressman Biggs' Statement on Potential DACA Reform in Spending Deal,2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – Congressman Biggs released the following statement on the potential inclusion of a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) deal in the end-of-year spending bill: “As Congress approaches another government funding deadline, I am encouraged by Speaker Paul Ryan’s comments that lawmakers are not planning to tie DACA reform to these negotiations. Congress should pass single-subject legislation, which maximizes the transparency of our votes to constituents. It would be a grave mistake to add DACA reform to the spending bill.   “Before we consider any immigration reform, we must secure our border and fully enforce all of our current immigration laws. We need to build the wall, increase the number of Border Patrol agents, and augment the technology along the border. The American people expect us to fulfill our commitments and we cannot shirk our responsibilities.” ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/what-thanksgiving-means-me-father-husband-and-congressman,"OP-ED: What Thanksgiving Means to Me as a Father, Husband, and Congressman",2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,1626 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9C8C70F7-DB65-455C-96B5-FD75175DE69A,STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON STATE DEPARTMENT DECLARING PERSECUTION OF ROHINGYA AS ETHNIC CLEANSING,2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the State Department’s decision to declare the persecution of the Rohingya community in Burma as “ethnic cleansing”: “The State Department's decision to condemn the Burmese military’s persecution of the Rohingya community as ‘ethnic cleansing’ is welcome, if long overdue. This statement makes clear the United States’ policy toward these crimes against humanity and must lead to demanding more accountability. The next step should be targeted sanctions against the military officials responsible for these atrocities, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to advance the Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act of 2017.   “The scale of destruction in Burma has been staggering. The military's brutal campaign has left hundreds of innocent men, women, and children dead, forced more than 600,000 from their homes, and razed dozens of villages through scorched-earth tactics intended to cleanse the Rakhine State of the entire Rohingya community. As a longtime supporter of Aung San Suu Kyi's struggle for freedom and human rights, I have expressed my disappointment in her failure to condemn these atrocities and called on her to take action to stop this humanitarian tragedy. “We cannot let another massacre occur as the world stands by and watches. The United States has a moral obligation to do all it can to prevent mass atrocities and make clear to those responsible for ethnic cleansing in Burma – and those who look to do the same elsewhere – that their actions will not be tolerated. Let this be the first step in ending impunity in Burma and holding all human right abusers accountable.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mcsally-moves-eliminate-diversity-visa-lottery-program,U.S. Rep. McSally Moves to Eliminate Diversity Visa Lottery Program,2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC–U.S. Representative Martha McSally last week introduced legislation to eliminate the visa program that allowed Sayfullo Saipov of Uzbekistan, an ISIS sympathizer, to enter the United States and kill eight people in a New York City terrorist attack on October 31. Her bill does away with the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program entirely and instead creates 24,000 additional employment-based visas. “In a world of advancing and intensifying globalized terror, it makes no sense that the United States forgoes our right to choose who we admit and instead blindly picks people randomly without regard to whether they have sponsors, skills, or a support system. Saipov proved again that it is dangerous to continue this flawed program,” said Congresswoman McSally. “America is a nation of immigrants, but we should welcome immigrants based on merit—not chance. By ending this program and instead creating more employment-based visas we can make our country safer while still opening our doors to people who will work hard towards a better future for their families and our country.” The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, created by the Immigration Act of 1990, makes 50,000 visas available annually using a lottery system intended to provide visas to natives of countries that are under-represented among immigrant admissions to the United States. However, now a large number of accepted entrants come from countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism and nations where ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations are operational. This program was used by Sayfullo Saipov of Uzbekistan, who is charged with plowing a truck into a crowd of pedestrians just a few blocks from the World Trade Center after being radicalized by ISIS. The terrorist attack carried out by Saipov in New York is not the first time Americans have been killed at the hands of an individual who gained entry to the United States through the diversity visa lottery program. It isn’t even the first time a terrorist from Uzbekistan entered because of this program. Additionally, the diversity visa lottery program was in the news again earlier this month when the Justice Department stripped four Somali immigrants of their citizenship because they defrauded the program and lied about being a family. Congresswoman McSally’s bill, The Protecting America and American Workers Act, will completely eliminate the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program by removing 26,000 visas altogether and converting the remaining 24,000 to merit-based employment visas—specifically EB1, EB2, and EB3 visas. CLICK HERE to view the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/opinion-editorials?ContentRecord_id=AD7737CB-02AE-4DA8-BECE-83EE3590F83F,"Op-Ed in The Economist's ""The World in 2018"": ""Defending the Liberal World Order""",2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The World in 2018: Defending the liberal world order By John McCain Monday, November 20, 2017 Seventy years ago, when announcing the Marshall Plan to deliver American assistance in rebuilding after the second world war, George Marshall began by stating simply: “The world situation is very serious.” That maxim rings more true as we head into 2018 than at any time since 1947. The world faces the most complex and daunting set of challenges in seven decades. As global leaders chart our political future, we would be well served by looking to our collective past. Leaders of the post-war era had seen the breakdown of the world order. They saw open markets give way to protectionism and poverty. They saw ethnic and nationalist passions give way to violence and misery. They saw the brutal ambition of hostile great powers give way to war and genocide. In the aftermath of that tragic era, those leaders forged a liberal world order that ushered in an unprecedented era of stability, security and prosperity. This new order rejected the principles that led to the failure of its predecessor. It was based not on ethno-nationalism, spheres of influence and might-makes-right imperialism, but rather on universal values, human rights, rule of law, open commerce and national sovereignty. This liberal order was not an accident. It was the result of vigorous, tireless efforts to advance, defend and preserve the values that provided its foundation. And now, that same task falls to those of us who believe a liberal democratic world is still the best chance of maintaining stability, ensuring security and expanding prosperity. In his speech, after identifying the obvious severity of the post-war situation, General Marshall continued: “I think one difficulty is that the problem is one of such enormous complexity that the very mass of facts presented to the public by press and radio make it exceedingly difficult for the man in the street to reach a clear appraisement of the situation.” We confront this same difficulty today. In recent years, we have seen the steady erosion of the liberal order and the institutions that protect it. Citizens of many nations have turned away from universal values and toward old ties of ethnicity, race and sectarianism. They have become increasingly resentful of immigrants, refugees and minority groups. They have turned inward economically and prioritised protectionism over integration. They have warmed to authoritarianism and embraced strongman politics. Most troubling, they seem to have given up on the very idea of liberalism itself, betraying the underlying will that is necessary to maintain any world order. We have seen the results at ballot boxes around the world—from the Brexit vote in Britain to the rise of populist movements and parties in Germany, France, Poland and Hungary; and of course in the United States, where voters chose an “America First” foreign policy rooted in nationalism and protectionism. There is plenty of blame to go around for this. As defenders of the liberal order, we grew complacent and made mistakes. At times we tried to do too much, and at others we failed to do enough. We lost touch with many of our people and were too slow to recognise and respond to their hardships. Now we must acknowledge these realities. But doing so does not mean losing hope and retreating. Don’t give in, take up the mantle This is the choice that faces all who believe in the liberal world order in 2018: to accept decline or to inspire revival. Will we allow the further erosion of the foundation of our security and prosperity, or recommit ourselves to its advancement? For the sake of future generations, we must not give in. We must take up the mantle of those who crafted the most successful compact in history and ensure it survives for another 70 years—and beyond. For our part, I know there is profound concern among our allies around the world that America will abdicate its global leadership. During times such as these, no one should make the mistake of betting against the United States. America remains the greatest democracy in the world, with the strongest military forces on the planet, and at its core still embodies the universal values that have always made us a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom. We have the opportunity to define the political trends of 2018. For those who will defend the liberal world order, we must be persistent and vigilant. We must revitalise our common moral purpose. We must believe that our values are worth fighting for. Marshall ended his speech by saying: “With foresight, and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties…can and will be overcome.” History has not taken that responsibility away from America, but it has called all those who share liberal democratic values to join our cause. Together, we can meet the challenges of today’s world, overcome the many threats we face and secure the blessings of liberty for future generations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcsally.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mcsally-statement-death-border-patrol-agent-rogelio-martinez,U.S. Rep. McSally Statement on the Death of Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez,2017-11-19,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,Martha McSally,M001197,mcsally.house.gov,,,legacy,"TUCSON, AZ—U.S. Representative Martha McSally, Chairwoman of the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee on the House Committee on Homeland Security, today released the following statement on the passing of Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez: “The senseless death of Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez, who was murdered along our southwest border in Texas, should be a wakeup call to our country that we must have the resolve to secure our border and protect Americans from deadly threats like these. We must provide our Border Patrol Agents with the strategy, tools, and resources they need to carry their crucial mission to keep our borders secure and our communities safe. They are on the frontlines, and they need us to have their back. My thoughts and prayers tonight are with the grieving family of Agent Martinez. He paid the ultimate price while serving to keep us safe. His partner is in serious condition and needs our prayers as well.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=092E6014-B23D-45D4-AC19-349845B2F19E,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON TAX REFORM,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on the Senate Finance Committee completing markup of tax reform legislation: ""I applaud Chairman Hatch and the Senate Finance Committee in taking another step forward in providing much-needed tax relief for hard working American families. I am pleased that the Finance Committee has followed the regular order by holding numerous hearings and spending four days debating the bill and considering amendments in committee. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I value the process of moving important pieces of legislation through regular order. I am hopeful that when we return from the Thanksgiving recess to consider tax reform on the Senate floor, we will see this process continue, with both sides of the aisle having sufficient opportunity to debate the merits of tax reform and offer amendments.""  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A33638DB-33A2-42CD-B646-463EC5026A87,McCAIN APPLAUDS CONFIRMATION OF ARIZONAN BRENDA BURMAN TO BE COMMISSIONER OF THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement on the Senate’s confirmation of Brenda Burman of Arizona to be the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Interior: “I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed Brenda Burman as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. Brenda is a highly qualified individual to lead the federal government’s top water agency. She previously served as the Bureau’s Deputy Commissioner and as counsel to former Senator Jon Kyl one of the nation’s foremost experts on federal and tribal water law. Brenda makes history as the first female to lead the Bureau of Reclamation. I thank my colleagues for supporting her confirmation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DA7348DA-27DB-4197-8318-4A95A32A2FCF,McCAIN & THORNBERRY STATEMENT ON BUDGET DEAL NEGOTIATIONS,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Representative Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, released the following the statement today on negotiations for a budget deal to increase the defense spending caps: “Large majorities on both sides of Congress have voted multiple times to support a $700 billion defense budget, including overwhelming, bipartisan votes in the House and Senate this week in support of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. In addition, the President himself has endorsed a defense budget at this level. “Through the National Defense Authorization Act, we believe that Congress has done its due diligence to authorize the appropriate level of funding based on threats, requirements, and missions. This was done following months of deliberative bipartisan oversight, hearings, and negotiations. We expect that any budget agreement will reflect the hard work that Congress has just completed and the reality of today’s dangerous world.  We cannot ignore the warnings of Secretary Mattis and our uniformed commanders. This era of forcing our troops to do more with less must come to end. We call on the negotiators to meet Congress’s constitutional obligation to give our troops the resources they need. We must not only set the conditions to pass an appropriations bill at the FY18 NDAA level, we must also ensure the necessary growth in FY19. Without that, President Trump’s promise to rebuild our military will be impossible.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z