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/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-about-colorado-river-basin-water-security-and,What They Are Saying About the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – Following Congressman Andy Biggs’s (AZ-05) introduction of the Colorado River Basin and Infrastructure Act, several public officials expressed their support for the landmark legislation. The bill would expand water supplies, accelerate critical infrastructure projects, and strengthen long-term water security throughout the Colorado River Basin. “The Colorado River powers Arizona’s homes, farms, factories, and critical industries that keep America strong. Prolonged drought is pushing the system to the brink; we can’t sit back while levels keep dropping,”said Congressman Abe Hamadeh.“That’s why Congressman Hamadeh joined @RepAndyBiggsAZ's bipartisan effort demanding emergency funding for infrastructure upgrades, conservation, and long-term planning in the Colorado River Basin.” “Arizona can’t make it rain or snow, but we can take action to secure our water future,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “Arizona has known for years that shortages could put the Central Arizona Project at risk. Valuable time to develop alternative supplies has already been lost, and we cannot afford to lose any more. That’s why we worked with Congressman Biggs to make sure Arizona’s priorities helped shape this federal plan.” “Congressman Biggs has put forward a serious proposal that addresses the problem Arizona should have started preparing for years ago: we need more water,” House Speaker Steve Montenegro said. “For too long, the discussion has centered on how to divide a declining supply. This legislation takes a better approach by removing unnecessary federal delays and putting real resources behind projects that can increase supply. Long-term water augmentation is the path forward.” “Our job is to make sure Arizona families and businesses have reliable water without driving up costs,” said Senate President Pro Tempore and Natural Resources Committee Chairman T.J. Shope. “We cannot solve a water shortage by arguing over smaller and smaller shares of the river. We need to make the pie bigger, and this bill gives Arizona and the other Basin states practical ways to bring more water into the system.” “We need to stop trading paper around and start bringing new, real wet water into the state. Congressman Biggs’ plan prioritizes just that,” House Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter said. “Instead of focusing on scarcity, as Governor Hobbs has done by instituting water-use moratoriums and vetoing bills designed to authorize access to new water, Biggs’ bill plans for prosperity and abundance through the development of new water sources.” “Expanding water supply should be a bipartisan priority,” House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee Chairman Gail Griffin said. “We need a long-term solution that protects the Colorado River system and works for everyone who depends on it. House and Senate Republicans support Congressman Biggs’ legislation and will continue working on state policies that protect existing residents, increase supply, and support rural economies.” “Congressman Biggs’ bill rewards states that invest in their own water future, and Arizona is ready,” said Representative Alex Kolodin. “Governor Hobbs has spent four years managing scarcity instead of building supply. Her Colorado River talks stalled without a deal that enforces the Compact or that requires the Upper Basin to share in cuts. And when the Legislature sent her bills to develop new supplies, including brackish groundwater legislation I helped advance, she vetoed them and dismissed the idea as ‘wishful thinking.’ Arizona is less prepared today as a result. Congressman Biggs is doing what the Governor should have done years ago: putting real money and real urgency behind new water, and doing it in a way that benefits every Basin state. That is a win-win approach, and it is the one Arizona needs. The affordability and long-term future of our state depend on it.” “Pinal County already understands that conservation alone is not a long-term water strategy,” Representative Chris Lopez said. “Our farmers, irrigation districts, cities, and water leaders have worked hard to stretch the supplies we have while looking for new ones. We are and continue to be the leader in water conservation and investment among Colorado River Basin states, allowing us to grow our population and economy while using less water today. Congressman Biggs’ legislation builds on that record by allowing us to conserve what we have, build the infrastructure we need, and bring new wet water into the system.” In addition to the endorsements from these officials, the Arizona Farm Bureau came forward with its appreciation of the legislation: “Arizona Farm Bureau supports efforts to strengthen Colorado River water security and advance the infrastructure investments necessary to protect the long-term water needs of Arizona and the entire Basin. We appreciate Congressman Andy Biggs’ leadership in introducing the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act and his recognition that addressing the Colorado River’s challenges requires meaningful action, long-term planning, and solutions that expand our water resources.” “The status quo is not sustainable, and Arizona’s agricultural producers cannot afford to be left carrying an ever-increasing share of the burden,” said Arizona Farm Bureau President John Boelts. “Agriculture is essential to Arizona’s economy, food supply, rural communities, and national food security. Any effort to address the Colorado River’s future must recognize agriculture’s significant contributions, protect agricultural water access, and ensure producers have a meaningful seat at the table. Arizona farmers and ranchers have already demonstrated their willingness to be part of the solution but conservation alone cannot replace the need for investment in water augmentation, infrastructure, and reliable supplies. We urge policymakers to pursue durable, collaborative solutions that strengthen the Basin’s water security while safeguarding the ability of Arizona agriculture to continue producing food and sustaining our rural communities for generations to come."" Read Congressman Biggs's introductory press release here. Read the bill here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/persistence-pays-ciscomani-celebrates-service-dog-victory-during-national,Persistence Pays Off: Ciscomani Celebrates Service Dog Victory During National Service Dog Month,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - Every September, National Service Dog Month recognized the vital role service dogs played in the lives of Americans with disabilities. Representative Juan Ciscomani highlighted his bipartisan efforts to ensure students, researchers, veterans, and other individuals with disabilities were not unnecessarily prevented from pursuing opportunities in STEM and research because they relied on service dogs. Earlier this year, Ciscomani successfully led a bipartisan effort to secure greater clarity surrounding federal guidance on service dogs in laboratory settings at universities and other research facilities. His advocacy followed concerns raised by Joey Ramp-Adams and others who faced barriers stemming from an outdated loophole from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. ""Service dogs are a lifeline to millions of Americans,"" said Juan Ciscomani. ""When I first met Joey Ramp-Adams and Sampson in 2024 where I first learned about a bureaucratic-outdated loophole that limited students who work in labs ability to bring their service dogs, I knew we had to fight to change this loophole. With the partnership of Joey, I fought to ensure this priority became a reality for students not only in Arizona but across the country. This National Service Dog Month, I’m so proud that our persistence paid off and we were able to secure this win for students and will continue fighting for a more inclusive future for all."" Ramp-Adams applauded Ciscomani’s advocacy and credited his persistence in addressing barriers disabled scientists and veterans face. ""As an advocate for the disabled community, we want to personally thank @RepCiscomani for doing what too many don’t—listening, following through, and standing firm when it mattered most. We reached out with a problem that was costing disabled scientists—including many veterans—the opportunities they earned and deserved. He listened. He made a promise. And then we worked together—consistently, persistently— to make this happen. This was not easy. It was an uphill fight against some of the most powerful institutions in science, the @CDCgov and @NIH where outdated interpretations were driving exclusion. For two years, he and his staff stayed committed. He pushed for clarity where there was ambiguity. He honored his word when it would have been easier not to. Because of that persistence, we now have a path forward—one grounded in risk assessment, not exclusion for our veterans and disabled community who are seeking science or STEM academics or careers. This is what real leadership looks like,"" said Joey Ramp-Adams. ​Ramp-Adams later took to X thanking Ciscomani for his work once again: ""Without Rep. Ciscomani’s persistence over nearly three years, this resolution may never have been achieved. His leadership, advocacy, and bipartisan approach helped establish a national standard for inclusion that can no longer be ignored. Opening doors that should never have been closed. Thank you, sir!"" Since 2024, Ciscomani has been an unwavering champion for individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs. He fought tirelessly to ensure these Americans would never again face categorical exclusion from STEM fields or research environments because of outdated or misapplied CDC and NIH policies. Fueled by the concerns raised by Joey Ramp-Adams and other advocates, Ciscomani pressed federal agencies for action. His persistence paid off with federal guidance being ultimately revised to affirm that service animals are allowed in laboratory settings, with access determined by individualized risk assessments rather than discriminatory blanket bans. This decisive update not only reinforced that service animals are protected disability accommodations but also established that access decisions must be anchored in individualized risk assessments, not misinterpretations of outdated language. This much needed update resulted in opened doors for students, veterans, and researchers with disabilities nationwide, and stands as a testament to the power of determined leadership. Ciscomani's commitment to individuals with disabilities in Arizona is clear through his continuous support of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center Program in Tucson and Arizona Industries for the Blind. Earlier this year, he celebrated the program’s 30th anniversary and visited the AbilityOne Base Supply Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, recognizing its vital impact. Nationally, AbilityOne employs over 36,000 people, including approximately 2,500 veterans, and is the largest source of employment for both the blind and individuals living with disabilities. During National Service Dog Month, Ciscomani highlighted the impact of his advocacy and the importance of ensuring Americans who relied on service dogs could pursue an education, build careers, and contribute to their communities without unnecessary barriers. Watch a video from Rep. Ciscomani highlighting his legislative victory for service dogs during National Service Dog Month HERE or BELOW. Image ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-that-dhs-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/,"Gallego, Colleagues Demand that DHS Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 29 of their Democratic colleagues demanded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants, release funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported and disputed claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states. They criticized DHS attempts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information for its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite acknowledging problems with faulty data. The senators also objected to the Department’s new election-related conditions retroactively applied to FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, a program that provides states with funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other serious threats. By withholding this critical funding from states imposing conditions not authorized by Congress, Mullin is putting Americans’ safety at risk for political leverage. The senators called on Mullin to immediately provide all information substantiating his July 17, 2026, allegations regarding noncitizens who registered to vote, rescind FEMA Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a), and release all withheld funds to states without further delay; and provide information about the “Unlawful Voter Initiative” and immediately cease its activities. “The 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters,” the senators wrote. In addition to Gallego, Peters, Padilla, Durbin, and Schumer, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-prevent-chinese-optical-transceiver-usage-in-the-united-states/,"Gallego, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Prevent Chinese Optical Transceiver Usage in the United States",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Legislation would restrict adversary-linked technology from sensitive federal networks while strengthening trusted U.S. and allied supply chains WASHINGTON – Last week, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in the federal government’s most sensitive national security systems. Chinese manufacturers have become major suppliers of optical transceivers, creating U.S. reliance on these critical components which move data through high-speed fiber-optic networks, including the networks powering artificial intelligence. Because advanced transceivers can contain reprogrammable firmware, their use in national security networks can create potential supply-chain and security risks. The bill extends an existing federal procurement restriction for semiconductors to covered optical transceivers used in critical systems. It gives suppliers five years to develop compliant sources and provides waivers where necessary to protect supply and national security. “Optical transceivers are a critical part of America’s modern communications infrastructure, and we need to make sure that infrastructure is secure,” said Senator Gallego. “Our reliance on China to produce these transceivers creates a serious national security vulnerability. This legislation protects our most sensitive systems and invests in Arizona manufacturers, who are already helping build a secure supply chain here at home.” “We shouldn’t rely on China for technologies that are essential to our national security,” said Senator McCormick. “This bipartisan bill will help secure our networks and give American manufacturers—including the incredible companies and workers we have right here in Pennsylvania— the opportunity to step up, build more of this technology at home, and compete.” “Critical government communication and information systems must be safe, reliable, and free of any foreign interference, but the use of Chinese technology undermines that mission,” said Senator Cornyn. “I am proud to cosponsor Senator McCormick’s Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, which will extend the commonsense procurement restrictions I worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA and support American jobs.” “Fiber-optic networks are the digital highways that make our economy run at the speed of light,” said Senator Fetterman. “Just like we use American-made steel to build federal highways and bridges, we should also be using American-made equipment in our fiber-optic networks wherever possible. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure our critical information networks do not rely on Chinese-made optical transceivers.” The Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Actwould close that gap by extending safeguards Congress has already established for Chinese semiconductors to optical transceivers used in national security systems. The legislation would: Prohibit federal procurement of covered optical transceivers for national security systems, building on the existing federal framework restricting certain Chinese semiconductors. Cover InnoLight, Eoptolink, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as additional adversary-linked companies designated by the Secretary of War or Secretary of Commerce, including covered transceivers that incorporate their firmware, software, or components. Provide a five-year transition period before the prohibition takes effect,allowing trusted American and allied manufacturers time to expand production while minimizing disruptions to federal supply chains. Direct the Department of Commerce to assess U.S. and allied production capacity and develop a strategy to strengthen trusted optical transceiver supply chains. Permit limited, renewable waivers when no trusted alternative is available,with each waiver reported to Congress.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-senate-democrats-demand-vought-abandon-any-and-all-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding/,"Gallego, Senate Democrats Demand Vought Abandon Any and All Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Lawmakers emphasize need for Republicans to join Democrats and support new guardrails in law to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH WASHINGTON – Last week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and 28 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant-making process. Reports indicate the Trump administration is considering an executive order to establish an external committee of unqualified political appointees which would be able to veto any awards selected by the NIH and panels of scientific experts. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown repeatedly that it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers wrote. “Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.” The lawmakers note that reports that the Trump administration has paused plans for an executive order to scrutinize NIH grants are little relief given the president’s long string of attacks on the agency: “That such an Executive Order was considered at all makes clear that despite Congress acting to temporarily block OMB’s proposed rule, this administration intends to continue to pursue efforts to undermine NIH and its grantmaking process. If not by Executive Order or a new government-wide rule, the Trump administration will simply pursue alternative administrative means that put politics over science and undermine the biomedical research enterprise we have built in this country over more than a century that is the envy of the world.” The senators explained that given the administration’s attacks, it’s critical Congress take additional steps to put guardrails in place—something Senate Democrats have been pushing to do over the last 18 months: “Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.” “We write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH’s grant-making decisions — whether that’s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means—that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration’s nonstop attacks on the NIH—the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives,” the lawmakers concluded. In addition to Senators Gallego, Murray, and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-demand-that-dhs-halt-2026-election-interference-efforts/,"Kelly, Colleagues Demand that DHS Halt 2026 Election Interference Efforts",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 29 of their Senate Democratic colleagues demanded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately halt the Department’s efforts to assert federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators demanded information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote and called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants and release funding to states, and end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported and disputed claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states. They criticized DHS attempts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information for its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite acknowledging problems with faulty data. The senators also objected to the Department’s new election-related conditions retroactively applied to FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, a program that provides states with funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other serious threats. By withhold this critical funding from states imposing conditions not authorized by Congress, Mullin is putting Americans’ safety at risk for political leverage. The senators called on Mullin to immediately provide all information substantiating his July 17, 2026, allegations regarding noncitizens who registered to vote, rescind FEMA Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a), and release all withheld funds to states without further delay; and provide information about the “Unlawful Voter Initiative” and immediately cease its activities. “The 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters,” the senators wrote. This letter continues Kelly’s fight to protect free and fair elections from the Trump Administration’s attacks. In April, Kelly introduced the bipartisan Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to block Trump’s unconstitutional executive order targeting mail and absentee ballots. Kelly also demanded that USPS follow the law and not implement that unconstitutional executive order. Alongside Senator Gallego, Kelly demanded an immediate end to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) sham investigation into the 2020 presidential election results in Arizona based on debunked conspiracy theories. In June, Kelly introduced the Protect Our Polls Act to stop the president from using military or federal law enforcement to intimidate voters and interfere with elections. In August, Kelly demanded the Trump Administration stop illegal voter roll purges before the 2026 midterm elections. In addition to Kelly, Peters, Padilla, Durbin, and Schumer, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/support-rolls-in-from-labor-workforce-leaders-for-kellys-make-ai-work-for-americans-act/,"Support Rolls in from Labor, Workforce Leaders for Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Last week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure companies benefiting the most from AI pay their fair share and invest in American workers. The bill establishes a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers, job seekers, and communities as the economy changes. Since its introduction, the bill has received broad support from national and local labor and workforce organizations and leaders. See what supporters of the Make AI Work for Americans Act are saying here: “Innovation and safety are not opposing concepts; they’re two sides of the same coin. That is why law and regulation, not just unbridled markets, are so important. Technology is rapidly transforming our lives—particularly our security, our classrooms, our workplaces, and our entire economy—but for it to be tenable, it must work for working people. Sen. Mark Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act ensures that a Big Tech tax contributes directly to the workers and communities navigating this transition. By creating the AI Horizon Fund and bringing labor and workers to the table, this bill invests in America by preparing people at every stage of their careers with the skills, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers. “The Make AI Work for Americans Act recognizes the critical nature of ensuring that AI protects and creates good jobs while prioritizing putting working people at the table for responsible implementation,” saidSean M. O’Brien, General President,Teamsters. “We commend Senator Kelly for his work in drafting legislation that focuses on the dignity of work and creates pathways to protect workers and support them as their job evolves. That’s the approach we need to earn workers’ trust and grow the American middle class.” “As AI transforms the American workforce, people deserve a voice in what comes next. Senator Kelly’s legislation holds big tech companies accountable for how AI affects workers and their communities. That’s especially important in Arizona, where many are concerned about what this technology means for their jobs. This bill is a strong step forward,” said Jim McLaughlin, President, UFCW Local 99. “As we move into the future with a strong AI presence, Teamsters Local 104 supports Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act. While corporations deter the working class from thriving, this bill will establish a fund to protect workers and support apprenticeships. Unions built this country, and with Senator Kelly’s bill, unions will continue to thrive for generations to come. As we see increased deployment of AI, it is essential that working people are not left behind, and that new technologies come with good jobs and the requisite training to help workers move forward. We appreciate Senator Kelly’s focus on these key issues,” said Karla E. Schumann, Secretary-Treasurer, Principal Officer, Teamsters Local 104. “A safe AI future and a fair AI economy are two sides of the same promise. With one in five American workers expected to be Latino by 2030, our community has an enormous stake in seeing that promise kept. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act ensures that as the AI industry grows, so do our investments in the workers who power the American economy. This legislation invests in paid service-to-career pathways, community college and apprenticeship programs, and capital for new small businesses. It gives workers who lose their jobs real stability as they retrain and find their next opportunity; and it helps close the digital divide by supporting digital access for participants, building AI literacy into our workforce system, and making resources available to people with limited English proficiency. It also gives workers and civil rights organizations a seat at the table as AI enters the workplace. This legislation lays the foundation for modernizing how we support workers and workplaces in the age of AI. UnidosUS is proud to endorse it and urges Congress to pass it,” saidEric Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, UnidosUS. “Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the nature of work, and our workforce development systems must evolve alongside it. JFF is proud to support the Make AI Work for Americans Act, which invests in the systems already serving workers while expanding access to education and training, strengthening service-to-career pathways, supporting entrepreneurship, and helping workers navigate technological change. We applaud Senator Kelly’s leadership in advancing a vision for AI that puts workers at the center and helps ensure technological progress creates greater economic opportunity for people and communities across the country,” said Maria Flynn, President and CEO, Jobs for the Future (JFF). “The greatest barrier to older Americans participating in the AI economy is not their willingness to learn, but access to opportunities. Older Americans are ready to embrace AI and develop the skills needed to succeed in a changing workplace. What they need is access to training and investments in their potential. Our economy cannot afford to overlook this extraordinary source of talent,” said Gary. A. Officer, Founder & CEO, CWILabs. “Arizona’s community colleges are where technological change becomes opportunity for students, workers, and employers. Across our eleven independent college districts, preparing people for an AI-driven economy means connecting accessible education with the skills employers need. We support the Make AI Work for Americans Act’s workforce provisions, particularly its investment in community college programs, employer partnerships, and services that help students complete their education and move into meaningful careers. We appreciate Senator Kelly’s recognition that workers need opportunities to build new skills throughout their lives. From our largest cities to our rural and tribal communities, America’s leadership in AI will depend on investing just as boldly in people as we do in technology,” saidEric A. Heiser, PhD, President & CEO, Coconino Community College, Chair, Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4). Click here to read the full text of the bill, here for a section-by-section, and here for a one-pager.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-stanton-grijalva-kelly-gallego-push-for-federal-funding-to-restore-grand-canyon-after-floods-wildfires,"Ansari, Stanton, Grijalva, Kelly, Gallego Push for Federal Funding to Restore Grand Canyon After Floods, Wildfires",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Yassamin Ansari,A000381,ansari.house.gov,ansari,https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lawmakers call for resources to repair damaged infrastructure, restore visitor access, and support long-term recovery after successive disasters WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), alongside Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), urged House and Senate appropriators to provide additional federal resources to restore the Grand Canyon National Park following the catastrophic August flooding and last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the lawmakers called for sufficient funding to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, address ongoing hazards, safely restore visitor access and services, and support the park’s long-term recovery. “Over the past year, Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscapes have suffered a devastating series of disasters that have damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted communities across the region,” the lawmakers wrote. “These successive disasters have created recovery needs that cannot be adequately addressed through existing National Park Service resources.” On August 29, 2026, severe flash flooding tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, causing extensive damage to trails, bridges, and critical water infrastructure. The flooding damaged the water intake and pipeline that supply the South Rim and forced closures and restrictions across the park. The National Park Service continues recovery and repair work, including efforts to restore a reliable water supply and repair damaged infrastructure. The flooding comes as the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities continue recovering from last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. The Dragon Bravo Fire burned nearly 150,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 buildings and structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, while the White Sage Fire forced evacuations around Jacob Lake and temporarily cut off access to the North Rim. The lawmakers warned that the effects of these disasters are compounding. Damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire increased the risk of flash flooding and debris flows in North Rim watersheds, creating new threats to infrastructure and visitor safety even as recovery from the fires continues. “A year after the fires, these same communities are being asked to recover from another major disaster before the last recovery is complete,” the lawmakers wrote. “We strongly urge the Committee to ensure sufficient funding is available to address the emergency response, repair, reconstruction, and long-term recovery needs resulting from the August 29 flooding and the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires.” The Grand Canyon supports nearly 10,000 local jobs and generates approximately $1 billion in economic output. The lawmakers emphasized that closures of trails, lodging, and other portions of the park have consequences for workers, families, and businesses across northern Arizona and southern Utah. Read the full letter HERE. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9518,Gosar Introduces VA Hiring Integrity Act to Keep Convicted Fraudsters Off VA Payroll,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Paul A. Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,gosar,https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement in response to introducing H.R. 10556, the VA Hiring Integrity Act of 2026, legislation that would prohibit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from hiring or retaining individuals who have knowingly committed fraud involving federal funds. “Veterans who risked their lives to defend our country deserve to know that the people entrusted with their care and benefits can be trusted. It is unacceptable for someone who has committed fraud against the federal government to turn around and collect a federal paycheck—especially from the very department responsible for serving our veterans. The need for stronger hiring protections is clear. A 2023 VA OIG report found four individuals on the Veterans Health Administration payroll who appeared on the HHS OIG exclusion list, including one convicted of health care fraud. The VA removed them only after the OIG identified the problem. As the VA itself recognizes, fraud, waste and abuse undermine the integrity of the agency and erode the trust veterans place in it. My legislation gives the VA a common-sense tool to remove bad actors and protect veterans and taxpayers. There should be no such thing as a federal job for someone who has defrauded the federal government. We need to put veterans first, protect taxpayer dollars and make sure the VA has the authority it needs to deal with fraud and abuse,” stated Congressman Gosar. “Veterans have tremendous potential to continue serving and strengthening their communities long after they leave the military, and they deserve a VA that helps them do just that,” added Michael Nudo, Federal Legislative Liaison for Concerned Veterans for America. “The VA Hiring Integrity Act is a commonsense safeguard that helps ensure bad actors don’t undermine the care and support veterans need to thrive and continue contributing to our country.” Background: Under the VA Hiring Integrity Act, an individual would be prohibited from employment at the VA if their conduct resulted in: A criminal conviction for fraud, theft, bribery, kickbacks, false statements, conspiracy to commit such offenses, or similar crimes involving federal funds; A final civil judgment establishing liability under the False Claims Act; or Exclusion from federal health care programs as listed by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The bill also preserves due process protections. The VA would be required to establish an internal grievance process for health care employees subject to the legislation, ensuring the law is applied based on documented conduct and cannot be weaponized for political purposes by changing administrations. Original Cosponsors (34): Alford, Baird, Bean, Bergman, Biggs (SC), Bilirakis, Bost, Brecheen, Burchett, Carter (GA), Cloud, Davidson, Edwards, Fine, Finstad, Fry, Harrigan, Lawler, Luttrell, Mann, McDowell, McGuire, Messmer, Miller (OH), Moore (NC), Murphy (NC), Norman, Obernolte, Rose, Self, Sessions, Van Duyne, Van Orden, Wittman",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-justice-applaud-fcc-for-efforts-to-prevent-call-center-jobs-offshoring-improve-customer-service/,"Gallego, Justice Applaud FCC for Efforts to Prevent Call Center Jobs Offshoring, Improve Customer Service",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Jim Justice (R-WV) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr applauding the commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on call center onshoring. If finalized, the rule would encourage telecommunications providers to move customer service jobs back to the United States, improving customer experience and service. The letter follows last year’s introduction of the senators’ Keep Call Centers in America Act which, among other provisions, would give customers the right to transfer to a U.S.-based human representative for assistance. “As the bipartisan Senate sponsors of the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025, we are pleased by the FCC’s meaningful efforts to address offshoring in the call center industry. We thank you for attention to this important topic,” the senators wrote. Starting in the mid-1990s, many companies shifted customer service operations overseas to low-wage countries and increasingly automated front-line United States-based agents. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a loss of another 150,000 United States-based call center jobs by 2033 at current trends. The letter comments on four specific components of the NPRM, encouraging provisions that mimic those detailed in their Keep Call Centers in America Act: Disclosure of Foreign-Based Call Center Operations and Right to Transfer:The senators urge, as part of the final rule, that the commission add a requirement that call centers disclose the country in which an agent is located. The senators also called for the creation of a standardized, specific text for providers to use in their disclosure and set standards to assist providers with compliance. Use of Machine-Based Systems for Customer Service: The senators urged consideration of a right-to-transfer requirement that would give consumers the right to transfer to a human representative for those centers which utilize artificial intelligence (AI)/machine-based systems. Onshoring Call Centers Handling Americans’ Sensitive Information: The senators voiced support for the NPRM’s proposal allowing only United States-based call centers to handle inquiries that involve customers’ sensitive personal information — including passwords, bank and credit card information, and Social Security numbers — due to potential security risks and enforcement difficulty associated with offshore operations. Determining Costs and Benefits: The senators urged the commission to consider the beneficial economic, consumer, and productivity impacts associated with onshore operations when determining the costs and benefits of the NPRM.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-gallego-resolution-honoring-life-and-legacy-of-senator-jon-kyl/,Senate Passes Gallego Resolution Honoring Life and Legacy of Senator Jon Kyl,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate passed Senator Ruben Gallego’s (D-AZ)bipartisan resolution honoring the life, service, and legacy of the late former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl. Gallego introduced the resolution alongside Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), with every member of the Senate co-sponsoring the resolution. The resolution recognizes Kyl’s decades of public service to Arizona and the country, including his work on water policy, crime victims’ rights, national security, defense, and intelligence. Kyl represented Arizona for four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before serving three terms in the U.S. Senate, where he rose to serve in party leadership. Following the death of Senator John McCain in 2018, Kyl returned to the Senate to once again represent Arizona. “Former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl was a great man that put the needs of Arizonans at the center of his career. He never wavered in the fight for Arizona’s water future, including securing one our country’s largest tribal water rights settlements,” said Senator Gallego. “He deserves recognition for his almost 30 years in Congress and his ability to work across the aisle for the good of all Americans.” “Senator Kyl served Arizona with distinction in Congress for nearly three decades. His landmark work securing historic Tribal water settlements shaped our state in ways that will last for generations. He was a true public servant who loved Arizona, and his legacy will endure.” said Senator Kelly. “Senator Kyl was a strong voice on America’s global leadership and a strong leader in our Republican conference. I appreciated his friendship and the opportunity to work alongside him in the Senate, including on the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He had strong Iowa roots, too, growing up in Bloomfield while his father represented Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our bipartisan resolution honors his life of service as we all continue to pray for his family,” said Senator Grassley. “Today we honor my dear friend, Jon Kyl, whose decades of principled leadership and devoted public service leave an enduring legacy in Arizona and across our country. When Arizona needed him once again following John’s passing, Jon answered the call—a reflection of his deep commitment to the state he served so faithfully. Arizona has lost one of its finest public servants, but Jon’s legacy of integrity, leadership, and service will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Ambassador Cindy McCain. After leaving elected office, Kyl continued his public service, including as vice chair of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States. His legacy in Arizona continues through the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy and the Kyl Institute for National Security at the University of Arizona.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-stanton-ansari-grijalva-press-trump-administration-for-answers-on-proposed-data-center-on-public-lands/,"Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Press Trump Administration for Answers on Proposed Data Center on Public Lands",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Lawmakers seek transparency on four Arizona proposals covering more than 3,000 acres of federal public land Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, alongside Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), pressed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for answers after reporting revealed that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is weighing data center-related proposals on federal public land. The proposals, not previously made public, show that the Trump administration is considering 12 data centers and data center-related infrastructure projects covering more than 17,600 acres of federal public land across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Four of the proposed data centers and related infrastructure projects are in Arizona, and they would span more than 3,000 acres of federal public land here. In the letter, thelawmakers raisequestions about how these data center proposals were fast-tracked by Trump’s Executive Order 14318; how the projects will be implemented; and what this could mean for environmental reviews, public oversight, and Arizona’s water and energy resources. “Arizonans are entitled to transparency and robust public review as BLM considers such developments on our federal lands,” the lawmakers wrote. The delegation requested a congressional briefing before any of the proposed Arizona projects move forward. By October 2, 2026, they demand that Secretary Burgum provide information on: All data center proposals and candidate parcels under consideration in Arizona. The permitting and environmental review required for each proposal, including whether BLM intends to use categorical exclusions or other expedited procedures. Opportunities for public participation and consultation with Tribal governments, local governments, and elected officials; and the projected water demand, water source and peak electric load associated with each proposed project.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-kelly-resolution-honoring-life-and-legacy-of-senator-jon-kyl/,Senate Passes Kelly Resolution Honoring Life and Legacy of Senator Jon Kyl,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Every member of the Senate joined Kelly’s bipartisan resolution honoring Kyl’s decades of service to Arizona and the country This week, the Senate passed Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s bipartisan resolution honoring the life, service, and legacy of the late former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl. Kelly introduced the resolution alongside Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), with every member of the Senate co-sponsoring the resolution. The resolution recognizes Kyl’s decades of public service to Arizona and the country, including his work on water policy, crime victims’ rights, national security, defense, and intelligence. Kyl represented Arizona for four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before serving three terms in the U.S. Senate, where he rose to serve in party leadership. Following the death of Senator John McCain in 2018, Kyl returned to the Senate to once again represent Arizona. “Senator Kyl served Arizona with distinction in Congress for nearly three decades. His landmark work securing historic Tribal water settlements shaped our state in ways that will last for generations. He was a true public servant who loved Arizona, and his legacy will endure,” said Kelly. “Former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl was a great man that put the needs of Arizonans at the center of his career. He never wavered in the fight for Arizona’s water future, including securing one our country’s largest tribal water rights settlements,” said Gallego. “He deserves recognition for his almost 30 years in congress and his ability to work across the aisle for the good of all Americans.” “Senator Kyl was a strong voice on America’s global leadership and a strong leader in our Republican conference. I appreciated his friendship and the opportunity to work alongside him in the Senate, including on the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He had strong Iowa roots, too, growing up in Bloomfield while his father represented Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our bipartisan resolution honors his life of service as we all continue to pray for his family,” said Grassley. “Today we honor my dear friend, Jon Kyl, whose decades of principled leadership and devoted public service leave an enduring legacy in Arizona and across our country. When Arizona needed him once again following John’s passing, Jon answered the call—a reflection of his deep commitment to the state he served so faithfully. Arizona has lost one of its finest public servants, but Jon’s legacy of integrity, leadership, and service will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Ambassador Cindy McCain. After leaving elected office, Kyl continued his public service, including as vice chair of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States. His legacy in Arizona continues through the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy and the Kyl Institute for National Security at the University of Arizona.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/support-rolls-in-from-academic-experts-ai-researchers-for-kellys-make-ai-work-for-americans-act/,"Support Rolls in from Academic Experts, AI Researchers for Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"This week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure companies benefiting the most from AI pay their fair share and invest in American workers. The bill establishes a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers, job seekers, and communities as the economy changes. Since its introduction, the bill has received broad support from national academic leaders. Here’s what academic leaders are saying about the Make AI Work for Americans Act: “Ensuring that AI brings broad-based benefits is the defining challenge of our era. That task starts in the labor market, where we must make sure AI complements workers rather than simply displacing them, and creates pathways to better, well-paid careers. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act is a major step in this direction: it encourages the development and deployment of pro-worker AI; improves worker training; and strengthens the safety net so that nobody falls through the cracks,” said Daron Acemoglu, Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Daron Acemoglu on X: I am delighted to see lawmakers start tackling the problem of how to make AI’s benefits more broadly shared. This requires both a change in the trajectory of AI in a more pro-worker direction, and more and better investments in worker skills, as Senator Kelly’s bill emphasizes. “The biggest economic question of our era is whether we use AI merely to replace people or to expand their capabilities to do new things, creating more widely shared prosperity. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act shapes that choice in the right direction: investing in workers, boosting entrepreneurship, modernizing the safety net, and exploring new approaches such as wage insurance. I’m delighted to support this thoughtful legislation,” saidErikBrynjolfsson, Director, Stanford Digital Economy Lab. “At a time when many are urging our policymakers to take AI’s potential disruption seriously, it is good to see in this legislation a set of policies aimed at mitigating AI’s negative impacts on workers—from those just starting out to those displaced mid-career,” saidErika McEntarfer, former Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),Tad and Dianne Taube Policy Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. “Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act represents a major step forward in rejecting an AI future that concentrates gains for the few while leaving millions of hard-working Americans behind. The Act provides admirably detailed revenue proposals to ensure that those profiting from AI-induced displacement of workers, help fund a major increase in opportunities for workers to transition to new careers, start new businesses, attain National Service jobs while also ensuring that unemployment benefits are substantial enough to support a worker’s family while they strive to attain these new jobs. Importantly, Senator Kelly’s call for a major expansion of National Service jobs could provide entry level workers being squeezed out by AI the chance to both serve their country and gain valuable work experience, judgment and managerial skills,” saidGeneSperling, Director of the National Economic Council for Presidents Clinton and Obama, Senior Advisor to President Biden, Director of the Economic Dignity Lab at McCourt School at Georgetown. Gene Sperling on X: Kudos to @SenMarkKelly for not waiting for major AI job dislocation to start laying the foundation for putting jobs & workers first. His bill admirably lays out specific AI revenue sources to fund not only needed training, but also National Service jobs & entrepreneurship. “Artificial intelligence is changing how we learn, work, and create at an accelerated pace that demands we evolve in the way we manage this moment,” said MichaelCrow, President, Arizona State University, whose PhD in public administration was focused on science and technology policy. “Senator Mark Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act is a critical step forward at an inflection point in AI’s progress, recognizing the need to equip Americans with the tools to navigate and participate in an economy being reshaped by this technology. The bill addresses AI literacy, workforce training, postsecondary education, and the needs of mid-career workers, presenting solutions that reflect the scale of the challenges ahead. ASU understands the fundamental responsibility of higher education to lead in a time of rapid technological change, and we are committed to helping drive the education and workforce approaches presented in this legislation.” Michael Crow on X: As AI transforms how we work, we need to be equally focused on expanding the opportunities people have to learn, adapt and succeed. I appreciate Sen. Mark Kelly advancing this important conversation. “Arizona’s community colleges are where technological change becomes opportunity for students, workers, and employers. Across our eleven independent college districts, preparing people for an AI-driven economy means connecting accessible education with the skills employers need. We support the Make AI Work for Americans Act’s workforce provisions, particularly its investment in community college programs, employer partnerships, and services that help students complete their education and move into meaningful careers. We appreciate Senator Kelly’s recognition that workers need opportunities to build new skills throughout their lives. From our largest cities to our rural and tribal communities, America’s leadership in AI will depend on investing just as boldly in people as we do in technology,” saidEric A. Heiser, PhD, President & CEO, Coconino Community College, Chair, Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4). “As we continue to learn what the impacts of artificial intelligence will be on American workplaces, one thing is clear: we must ensure workers are protected. The Make AI Work for Americans Act provides new resources to support workers by creating an AI Horizon Fund that can expand workforce development, create opportunities for small businesses, and shore up the safety net—all paid for by leading AI firms,” said Heather Boushey, Professor of Practice, Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, University of Pennsylvania. “How we support workers through the AI transition is one of the defining economic challenges of our time. I applaud Senator Kelly for putting forward economically sound legislation that is grounded in a clear understanding of how workers move through the labor market and uses the full set of tools we have to support workers at every stage of their careers,” said Neale Mahoney, Professor of Economics and Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University. “The legislation introduced by Senator Kelly is a timely and urgently needed step toward building labor market resilience and modernizing the institutions that build and protect American talent. The federal trust fund envisioned by this legislation is a model at the right time to confront a moment of deep uncertainty for workers while connecting them to good jobs. While predicting the magnitude of the effect of AI on the labor market is impossible, the range of potential disruption could occur on a scale comparable to the largest changes in employment and the nature of work in our history. More importantly, these disruptions may occur rapidly, and indeed the scenarios of greatest disruption might be those with the lowest lead-time to respond. Already, the half-life of skills in the labor market is evolving faster than our legacy systems can track. This tension between speed and uncertainty means that while the effect of AI is a fast-moving target about which we are still learning, policy to protect workers and empower them with skills cannot afford to simply take a “wait and see” approach. The workforce provisions of this legislation offer a platform to proactively strengthen and build the institutions that will be needed if AI is to be a driver of shared prosperity,” said Professor Christophe Combemale, Carnegie Mellon University Engineering and Public Policy. “I appreciate Senator Kelly’s leadership on preparing Arizona’s workers and communities for the AI transition. His focus on workforce training, apprenticeships and stronger university-community college partnerships aligns directly with the work the University of Arizona is doing across our state,” said Suresh Garimella, President,University ofArizona, Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. “Navajo Technical University applauds Senator Kelly for introducing the Make AI Work for Americans Act. As the nation races to build an AI-ready workforce, Native communities must be included. This legislation’s focus on workforce training funding, rural broadband access, and higher education partnerships is the kind of investment that ensures AI’s benefits reach Indian Country. At NTU, we are preparing the next generation of Diné engineers, data scientists, and technologists. This Act would help us scale that work and make sure Native students have a seat at the table as this technology reshapes the workforce. We urge Congress to move swiftly to pass it,” said Elmer Guy, President, Navajo TechnicalUniversity. “Diné College views the AI Workforce for Americans Act as a significant opportunity to translate AI workforce policy into education, industry-recognized credentials, employment, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity for the Navajo Nation—while ensuring that Diné sovereignty, Indigenous knowledge, language, and Tribal data are protected,” said Arlando Teller, Director of Legislative & Government Affairs, Diné College. “Senator Kelly has been thoughtfully wrestling with the concerns that real Americans are facing with the adoption of AI — job displacement, costs, and ensuring that the benefits of this technology don’t just accrue to the few. This keeps the focus on ensuring Americans win,” said Mieke Eoyang, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, Visiting Professor, Carnegie Mellon University’s Institute for Strategy & Technology, Senior non-resident fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies Institute on America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs. “Public choices shape how technological revolutions affect society. With artificial intelligence poised to reshape our economy, we urgently need political leaders to come forward with ideas for steering this transformation toward shared prosperity. Senator Kelly advances this vital national conversation at a pivotal moment with proposals to expand opportunity for workers, strengthen career ladders, and help communities adapt and thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy,” said Ramin Toloui, Distinguished Policy Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. “In the Make AI Work for Americans Act, Senator Kelly demonstrates a forward-looking plan to help mitigate the adverse impacts of AI adoption on our workforce. Key to this vision is worker empowerment through training, education, and increased AI literacy. The whole country will benefit from the proposed creation of best practices for the safe and responsible integration of AI in the workplace. With this Act, Senator Kelly prioritizes worker support and opportunities by defining a path to stabilization and flourishing,” said Kiri Wagstaff, AAAI Fellow and Special Advisor on AI for the OSU Libraries, Oregon StateUniversity. Click here to read the full text of the bill, here for a section-by-section, and here for a one-pager.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-marks-president-xis-visit-highlighting-record-china-and-ccp,Congressman Biggs Marks President Xi’s Visit by Highlighting Record on China and the CCP,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – As Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the United States, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) highlighted his record in the U.S. House of Representatives to address national-security, economic, and strategic concerns involving the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “The United States should always pursue diplomacy from a position that protects our sovereignty, national security, and the interests of the American people,”said Congressman Biggs.“President Xi’s visit is an important reminder that while we should seek productive relations wherever possible, Congress must remain clear-eyed about the actions and ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party. For years, the CCP has sought to expand its influence abroad, gain access to sensitive American technology and research, dominate critical supply chains, and pressure Taiwan. I will always support policies designed to protect the United States from these vulnerabilities and strengthen America’s ability to compete with China on the world stage.” In 2019, Chinese government officials sent a letter to Congressman Biggs, requesting that he “not make any contact with officials of Taiwan.” This aggressive outreach took place around the time of the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, when Congressman Biggs attended a celebratory reception in the Phoenix area. Congressman Biggs penned a national op-ed in response. Throughout his five-term tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Biggs has introduced, cosponsored, or supported numerous measures addressing threats and strategic challenges involving China and the CCP, including: Stop CCP VISAs Act – Cosponsored legislation restricting certain student and exchange visas for nationals of the People’s Republic of China seeking to conduct research or pursue courses of study in the United States. FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act Mining Engineering Amendment – Secured a bipartisan amendment addressing the substantial disparity between the American and Chinese mining engineering workforces and strengthening the pipeline of American mining engineers essential to critical mineral independence and national security. Protecting Domestic Mining Act – Supported legislation aimed at accelerating the federal permitting process for domestic mining and mineral-processing projects, strengthening American critical mineral supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign competitors. Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025 – Supported House-passed legislation addressing the role of Chinese entities in the production and trafficking of illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the United States. Legislation Supporting Taiwan – Supported congressional efforts strengthening America’s relationship with Taiwan and countering pressure from Beijing, including legislation concerning Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. Stop China’s IP Theft Act – Repeatedly cosponsored legislation targeting specified members of the Chinese Communist Party in response to the theft of American intellectual property and technology. Preventing Malign CCP Influence on Academic Institutions Act – Cosponsored legislation requiring greater transparency concerning relationships between American colleges and universities and entities affiliated with the Chinese government, Chinese Communist Party, and People’s Liberation Army. No Taxpayer Funding for the Chinese Communist Party Act – Cosponsored legislation addressing U.S. taxpayer-funded research and federal funding that could benefit the Chinese Communist Party or entities connected to the People’s Republic of China. No American Land for Communist China Act – Cosponsored legislation restricting certain Chinese Communist Party-linked individuals and entities from acquiring real estate adjacent to sensitive federal lands. Resolution Addressing the Strategic Challenge from China – Introduced a congressional resolution warning about the long-term strategic challenge posed by the People’s Republic of China, including its military expansion, cyber activities, intellectual property theft, pressure on Taiwan, and efforts to expand its global influence. ###",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-champions-arizonas-public-lands-bipartisan-national-public-lands-day,Ciscomani Champions Arizona’s Public Lands in Bipartisan National Public Lands Day Resolution,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - In advance of National Public Lands Day, Representative Juan Ciscomani, alongside Representative Dina Titus (D-NV), introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize the vital significance of America’s public lands. H.Res. 1585 calls on all Americans to visit, celebrate, and champion these irreplaceable natural resources. National Public Lands Day, observed each year on the fourth Saturday of September, serves as a national rallying point to honor the recreational and economic benefits our public lands provide to Arizonans. This year, National Public Lands Day falls on September 26th. ""Our public lands are truly a national treasure,"" said Rep. Ciscomani. ""For Arizonans, places like Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, and Chiricahua National Monument are more than beautiful landscapes. They are treasured parts of our local communities, our heritage, and our way of life. I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution recognizing the tremendous value our public lands bring to our great nation. I’m grateful for the incredible organizations working to protect these special places and keep them accessible for the next generation of Americans to enjoy."" ""Public lands are central to our national heritage,"" said Congresswoman Titus. ""They are our common ground as Americans, owned by the people and preserved for generations. They include places that represent our culture and history, are engines for rural and national economies, and are hallowed ground for tribes. It is my hope that people will take this day to visit our forests, our wild and scenic rivers, our national monuments and conservation areas. It is a day to recognize the beauty of this nation."" ""Public Lands are America’s best idea. Americans of all political stripes have long fought to protect this sacred birthright, which belongs to us all. We must celebrate them and vigorously defend them at all costs,"" said Rep. Vasquez. ""As a hunter and angler, public lands hold a special meaning for me, as they do for New Mexicans and Americans across the West. I encourage everyone to enjoy this Public Lands Day and fight to retain our unique American outdoor heritage."" ""Public lands are a uniting force in our communities and our country, and we applaud the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Titus, Vasquez and Ciscomani in introducing a resolution that brings Congress together in recognition of National Public Lands Day and the importance of these treasured landscapes to all Americans,"" said David Feinman, vice president of government affairs, Conservation Lands Foundation. ""For generations, Hispanic communities across the Southwest have depended on public lands for our livelihoods, traditions, and ways of life. Our connection to these landscapes is grounded in querencia, a deep sense of belonging to the land, and herencia, the heritage we inherit and our responsibility to pass it on. HECHO proudly supports this resolution, which honors the cultural, historical, ecological, and economic significance of our public lands and the need to care for them for those who come after us,"" said Camilla Simon, Executive Director, HECHO. ""Now, more than ever, it’s critical for Americans to get outside and show their love and support for our treasured public lands. These rivers, canyons, mountains, forests, and all the lands in between are held in the public trust for all of us to use and enjoy. On this Public Lands Day, we must reaffirm that keeping these places open and accessible to the public is a core American value,"" said Kabir Green, Director of Federal Affairs for Nature, Natural Resources Defense Council. Leaders of public lands protection and conservation in Arizona are voicing support for this resolution. ""America’s public lands belong to all of us, and keeping them protected, accessible, and healthy is a responsibility we share across generations. National Public Lands Day is a chance to celebrate these incredible places and the people who work every day to conserve them. We applaud Representatives Ciscomani, Vasquez, and Titus for their bipartisan leadership and for recognizing the enduring value of our public lands,"" said Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director, Arizona Wildlife Federation. ""This resolution highlights the value of each American's birthright to recreate on public lands and the benefits they provide to our economy. Thank you, Representative Ciscomani, for continuing to be a public lands champion, helping to protect our hunting and fishing heritage in Arizona and nationwide,"" said Nathan Rees, Arizona State Director, Trout Unlimited. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Ciscomani has been a relentless champion for the protection of America’s public lands. As co-lead of the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act, he has worked tirelessly across the aisle to defend public lands from exploitation and ensure their preservation. A committed advocate for Arizona’s public lands, Ciscomani introduced H.R. 6380 to elevate Chiricahua National Monument to full National Park status. This move, which has already passed the House this year, secures stronger protections and national recognition for this treasured landscape. As Vice Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus and an active member of the Public Lands Caucus, Ciscomani remains vocal in his mission to safeguard Arizona’s natural heritage and guarantee these lands stay protected and accessible for generations to come. Endorsing Organizations of the Resolution: Get Outdoors Nevada, Friends of Avi Kwa Ame, Conservation Lands Foundation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), Nevada Conservation League, Indigenous Voices of Nevada, Trout Unlimited, Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition and National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). ###",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-honors-fallen-american-heroes-ahead-gold-star-mothers-day,Ciscomani Honors Fallen American Heroes Ahead of Gold Star Mother’s Day,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - Ahead of Gold Star Mother’s Day, Representative Juan Ciscomani is honoring the mothers and families who have endured the unimaginable loss of a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed annually on the last Sunday of September, falling on September 27 this year. The day honors mothers who have lost a child while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and was officially designated by Congress in 1936 before being proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. ""Today we pause to honor and remember the Gold Star Mothers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. A mother should never have to get the devastating phone call telling her that her son or daughter has fallen while responding to the call to serve our country. And although we can never completely fathom the pain such a loss causes, we can ensure that these mothers know they are not carrying it by themselves,"" said Rep. Ciscomani. ""For every hero who has died, there is a family which passes on their tradition of service. These mothers have shown incredible strength and resilience in facing an unimaginable loss. It is this strength that reminds us of the love which unites a family and of the courage required to carry on that love."" Ciscomani has made honoring America’s fallen heroes and standing with their families a priority in Congress. He recently joined a number of colleagues to introduce H.Res. 1552, which recognizes September 20 through September 26, 2026, as “Gold Star Families Remembrance Week,” ensuring the sacrifices of Gold Star Families are remembered and honored by communities nationwide. He encourages all Arizonans to reflect on the meaning of Gold Star Mother’s Day and to reach out to Gold Star families in their communities, offering words of gratitude and acts of kindness. ""Their children gave their all in order to defend our freedoms,"" said Ciscomani. ""There is no sacrifice a family can make for our country that is greater than this. And the same responsibility lies upon the rest of us, as to remember these American heroes who made the sacrifice possible. We must express our gratitude to these American heroes and to their families, a gratitude which can never actually, truly be repaid. Let us honor the lives they led, remember the sacrifices they made, and ensure that their legacies are kept alive."" Gold Star Families carry the legacy of America’s fallen service members every day. During Gold Star Families Remembrance Week and on Gold Star Mother’s Day, the nation pauses to honor their sacrifice and express its enduring gratitude to those who have given so much in defense of our freedoms. Representative Ciscomani remains committed to ensuring Gold Star Families are recognized, supported, and remembered not just on these solemn days, but throughout the year. Watch a video from Representative Ciscomani in honor of this year’s Gold Star Mother’s Day HERE or BELOW. Image ###",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-co-leads-bipartisan-call-gao-investigation-blm-wild-horse-sales,Ciscomani Co-Leads Bipartisan Call for GAO Investigation into BLM Wild Horse Sales,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - Representative Juan Ciscomani, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, co-led 17 of his colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Sale Program. This request comes after alarming reports that federally protected wild horses have entered the slaughter pipeline. The lawmakers’ call follows recent New York Times reporting that raised concerns about BLM’s sale practices and questioned whether existing safeguards are adequately protecting wild horses and burros from being transferred to buyers who ultimately send them to slaughter. The lawmakers are asking GAO to conduct an independent review of BLM’s sale authority, purchaser screening and monitoring practices, enforcement procedures, and compliance with federal laws and congressional directives. ""It’s long past time to fix the ongoing failures in how America’s wild horses are managed. For years, across both Republican and Democrat administrations, we’ve seen alarming reports of hostility toward these animals and serious questions about how the Bureau of Land Management is carrying out its responsibilities. This cannot be a partisan issue. It’s a stewardship issue. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to demand accountability, protect our wild horses, and push for real solutions that address the problem head-on,"" said Congressman Juan Ciscomani. ""We now know what we have long suspected — that the BLM has been selling off wild horses that end up in slaughterhouses,"" said Congresswoman Dina Titus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus. ""This practice must end now. I am leading my Congressional colleagues in demanding an investigation of the Wild Horse and Burro Sale Program to ensure wild horses and burros received the protections they are guaranteed by federal law."" ""Our laws demand that we protect wild horses, not send them to slaughter. Congress has always worked in a bipartisan manner to protect these animals, and we need accountability and oversight at the Bureau of Land Management immediately. We hope this request will force the Administration to do the right thing,"" said Congressman Mark Pocan. ""The GAO investigation is a critical step toward uncovering and eliminating abuses within the Sale Authority Program, abuses documented through AWHC’s longstanding investigation and recently brought to national attention by The New York Times. No federal program should allow America’s treasured and legally protected wild horses and burros to be funneled into the slaughter pipeline,"" said Patricia Miller, Chair, Board of Directors & Executive Director, American Wild Horse Conservation. ""We are deeply grateful to Representative Dina Titus and her fellow Congressional Wild Horse Caucus co-chairs, Representatives Ciscomani, Cohen, and Pocan, for leading this essential oversight effort and advancing the agency accountability and lasting reform necessary to ensure these animals receive the protections promised to them under federal law."" ""America’s wild horses are an irreplaceable part of our nation’s heritage and belong to the American people. Slaughter is not a management tool, and Congress has made clear these iconic animals are to be protected, not destroyed with taxpayer dollars. We are grateful to Congresswoman Dina Titus for her leadership, and to her colleagues for requesting a GAO audit of the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program. This review will help bring greater transparency and accountability to the Sale Authority Program and move us toward humane, effective solutions. Slaughter is never the answer, and we must work together to find a better path forward,"" said Manda Kalimian, Founder and President of Rewilding America Now. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, Ciscomani is leading the charge to protect America’s wild horses and burros. Working across the aisle, he partnered with Reps. David Schweikert, Dina Titus, and Steve Cohen to champion meaningful reform with H.R. 4356, the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025. This legislation would ban helicopter roundups and require innovative, humane alternatives including new opportunities for traditional cowboys. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-sen-wyden-introduce-bill-to-protect-social-security-benefits-from-garnishment,"Rep. Grijalva, Sen. Wyden Introduce Bill to Protect Social Security Benefits from Garnishment",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva and Senator Ron Wyden introduced the Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act, legislation to restore protections for Social Security and other earned benefits from garnishment. The bill would repeal provisions added in 1996 that allowed the federal government to reduce Social Security benefits to collect delinquent federal non-tax debts, such as student loans. The legislation would restore the protections originally provided under the Social Security Act and extend those protections across Social Security, Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung benefits. “Social Security is not a handout — it is a benefit earned over decades of hard work. Retirees deserve to know that money will be there when they need it,” said Rep. Grijalva. “At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, seniors living on fixed incomes can’t afford to have their Social Security benefits taken away. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Wyden to protect these critical benefits that retirees have earned.” “Social Security should not be able to garnish benefits that American workers earned over a lifetime of hard work on account of outstanding student debt or other federal loans,” said Senator Wyden. “With inflation and rising costs of living, Congress must take the financial burden off struggling seniors and Americans with disabilities at risk of seeing their Social Security benefits cut. That's why I am proud to introduce legislation that will ensure that Americans’ benefits are protected from garnishment, providing greater peace of mind to seniors in their retirement."" By the numbers: For millions of adults, Social Security is their sole source of income and for more than 63% it makes up over half of their retirement income. Garnishment can be financially devastating. According to the CFPB, the total amount of Social Security benefits the Department of Education collected between 2001 and 2019 through the offset program increased from $16.2 million to $429.7 million. In 2019, the average amount collected from individual beneficiaries was $186 per month. Read the full text of the bill here. Read a one-pager of the bill here. The bill has been endorsed by the following organizations: Social Security Works, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), AFL-CIO, Justice in Aging, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/at-united-nations-general-assembly-gallego-criticizes-president-trumps-foreign-policy-blunders-pushes-for-ai-oversight/,"At United Nations General Assembly, Gallego Criticizes President Trump’s Foreign Policy Blunders, Pushes for AI Oversight",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Gallego joined international leaders, met with media, and spoke on issues regarding AI and National Security. NEW YORK — This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) attended the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York City, where he shored up America’s diplomatic relationships with key allies in a series of bilateral meetings — including with Foreign Ministers from Mexico, Poland, and Estonia — and called out the Trump administration for their approach to the war in Iran, among other engagements. Senator Gallego began his trip by speaking on AI infrastructure at the Concordia Annual Summit. Senator Gallego joined panelists to speak about the investments, partnerships, and policy decisions required to develop resilient AI infrastructure while balancing sustainability, supply chain security, and global competitiveness. He highlighted the need to require frontier AI companies to report when malign actors access their models, called for stronger export controls to keep advanced chips out of adversaries’ hands, and called for a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on AI. Senator Gallego was joined on the panel by CEO of Datasection Inc. Norihiko Ishihara, and Vice President of Global AI Initiatives at NVIDIA Calista Redmond. Former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs and Vice Chair for the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Paula Dobriansky moderated the discussion. Senator Gallego along with Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, Norihiko Ishihara, and Calista Redmond Senator Gallego made the following statements: On Congress striking a balance of regulation and innovation regarding AI: “I think we have to play a very big role in this, and I think we have to have the controlling role. Again, not to the point where we kill innovation, but at the same time, we also have to guard against potential bad breakouts — models that could go bad. “On the benefit side, I think the most important thing is to actually share it across all of society. One of the things we’ve seen in the past, especially when it came to the advent of social media and technology, is that the wealth, concentration, and benefits were all kind of centered in certain population hubs. One of the lessons we should learn from that is trying to figure out how we can make AI — whether it’s open source or closed source — more universal.” On requiring AI companies to report the use of its technology by malign actors:“One of the things that I’m working on right now is to make sure that if you do have a bad actor that breaks into, you know, and starts using your frontier models, that you need to make the government aware of that. There is no requirement right now for anybody to actually make us aware if a bad actor actually has access to some very sophisticated, eventually, weaponry. “What I am pushing is for us to actually create a select committee in the House and the Senate. The reason being is because AI is going to go into a lot of worlds, not just tech.” Later in his trip, Senator Gallego met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Radosław Sikorski, to discuss strengthening the NATO alliance and supporting Ukraine’s war against Russia to safeguard democracy around the globe. Senator Gallego with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Radosław Sikorski Senator Gallego also met with Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco Álvarez, to discuss strengthening and streamlining U.S.–Mexico cross-border commerce and travel to power economic and job growth in both countries, especially in Arizona’s border communities. Senator Gallego meets with Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco Álvarez During a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, Senator Gallego discussed security on NATO’s eastern flank, efforts to deter and increase pressure on Russia, Europe’s growing role in its own defense, and developments in the Middle East. The senator also reaffirmed his support for the Baltic Security Initiative, which he authored as co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. Senator Gallego with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Margus Tsahkna, photo courtesy of office of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia The senator also met with State Secretary in the German Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr, where he discussed the importance of the U.S.–German alliance to transatlantic security, the role of U.S. troops in Germany in deterring Russian aggression, and the strength of NATO. The senator also reaffirmed his commitment to the historic U.S.–German partnership and emphasized that the relationship between the two countries will endure beyond any one administration. Later, Senator Gallego joined MS NOW’s “All In with Chris Hayes” and “Morning Joe” to speak out against President Trump’s war in Iran — including responding to comments made during his address at the UN General Assembly that he would “annihilate” the country and drive it “into hell” — and recap highlights of his trip. MS NOW: All in with Chris Hayes On Republicans only now speaking out against the Iran War: “Courage is found when session is out. All… of those Republicans literally are saying this as soon as Speaker Johnson has said we’re not coming back to vote anyway. There’s even no way to actually test them, right? MS NOW: Morning Joe",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-arizona-democrats-press-trump-administration-for-answers-on-proposed-data-center-on-public-lands/,"Gallego, Arizona Democrats Press Trump Administration for Answers on Proposed Data Center on Public Lands",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Lawmakers seek transparency on four Arizona proposals covering more than 3,000 acres of federal public land WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego joined Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) in pressing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for answers after reporting revealed that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is weighing data center-related proposals on federal public land. The proposals, not previously made public, show that the Trump administration is considering 12 data center and data center-related infrastructure projects covering more than 17,600 acres of federal public land across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Four of the proposed data centers and related infrastructure projects are in Arizona, and they would span more than 3,000 acres of federal public land here. In the letter, the lawmakers raise questions about how these data center proposals were fast-tracked by Trump’s Executive Order 14318; how the projects will be implemented; and what this could mean for environmental reviews, public oversight, and Arizona’s water and energy resources. “Arizonans are entitled to transparency and robust public review as BLM considers such developments on our federal lands,” the lawmakers wrote. The delegation requested a congressional briefing before any of the proposed Arizona projects move forward. By October 2, 2026, they demand that Secretary Burgum provide information on: All data center proposals and candidate parcels under consideration in Arizona. The permitting and environmental review required for each proposal, including whether BLM intends to use categorical exclusions or other expedited procedures. Opportunities for public participation and consultation with Tribal governments, local governments and elected officials. The projected water demand, water source and peak electric load associated with each proposed project.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-celebrates-passage-of-resolution-celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month/,Gallego Celebrates Passage of Resolution Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Arizona’s first Latino senator, applauded the passage of a resolution out of the United States Senate that recognizing and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions that the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to American achievements, culture, and history. “As the son of a Colombian mother and a Mexican father, this month is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of generations of Latino families who have called this country home. My family, like so many others, worked tirelessly to ensure I had a shot at the American Dream, and I see that same determination in the Latino families I meet across Arizona,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to give our community the recognition it deserves.” The resolution was led by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Rick Scott (R-FL) and was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-stanton-ansari-grijalva-push-for-federal-funding-to-restore-grand-canyon-after-floods-wildfires/,"Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Push for Federal Funding to Restore Grand Canyon After Floods, Wildfires",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Lawmakers call for resources to repair damaged infrastructure, restore visitor access, and support long-term recovery after successive disasters WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), alongside Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), urged House and Senate appropriators to provide additional federal resources to restore the Grand Canyon National Park following the catastrophic August flooding and last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the lawmakers called for sufficient funding to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, address ongoing hazards, safely restore visitor access and services, and support the park’s long-term recovery. “Over the past year, Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscapes have suffered a devastating series of disasters that have damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted communities across the region,” the lawmakers wrote. “These successive disasters have created recovery needs that cannot be adequately addressed through existing National Park Service resources.” On August 29, 2026, severe flash flooding tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, causing extensive damage to trails, bridges, and critical water infrastructure. The flooding damaged the water intake and pipeline that supply the South Rim and forced closures and restrictions across the park. The National Park Service continues recovery and repair work, including efforts to restore a reliable water supply and repair damaged infrastructure. The flooding comes as the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities continue recovering from last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. The Dragon Bravo Fire burned nearly 150,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 buildings and structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, while the White Sage Fire forced evacuations around Jacob Lake and temporarily cut off access to the North Rim. The lawmakers warned that the effects of these disasters are compounding. Damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire increased the risk of flash flooding and debris flows in North Rim watersheds, creating new threats to infrastructure and visitor safety even as recovery from the fires continues. “A year after the fires, these same communities are being asked to recover from another major disaster before the last recovery is complete,” the lawmakers wrote. “We strongly urge the Committee to ensure sufficient funding is available to address the emergency response, repair, reconstruction, and long-term recovery needs resulting from the August 29 flooding and the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires.” The Grand Canyon supports nearly 10,000 local jobs and generates approximately $1 billion in economic output. The lawmakers emphasized that closures of trails, lodging, and other portions of the park have consequences for workers, families, and businesses across northern Arizona and southern Utah. Earlier this year, Gallego and Kelly introduced the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act to cut red tape and speed up cleanup and restoration by providing the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service with emergency contracting authority.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-celebrates-passage-of-celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-resolution/,Kelly Celebrates Passage of Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Senate colleagues passed a resolution recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every year from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions that the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to American achievements, culture, and history. “Arizona’s Hispanic community has shaped our state and made it stronger. They’re small business owners, teachers, servicemembers, community leaders, and hardworking families who contribute to Arizona every day,” said Kelly. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate those contributions and recognize the generations of Hispanic Arizonans who have made our state what it is today.” “The Hispanic community in the United States is an integral part of the American story,” said Cortez Masto. “This month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by Latinos, celebrate our accomplishments, and continue building a better future. This month and every month, I’m proud of my Latina heritage.” “Florida’s Hispanic communities are a vital part of what makes the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Hispanic Americans have shaped Florida’s history, boosted our economy, and strengthened our communities – helping fuel the promise of the American Dream for countless Floridians. I’m proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in leading this resolution to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the incredible history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida and across our nation,” said Scott. In addition to Kelly, Cortez Masto, and Scott, the resolution was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-stanton-ansari-grijalva-push-for-federal-funding-to-restore-grand-canyon-after-floods-wildfires/,"Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Push for Federal Funding to Restore Grand Canyon After Floods, Wildfires",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Lawmakers call for resources to repair damaged infrastructure, restore visitor access, and support long-term recovery after successive disasters Read in KNAU: Kelly leads push for additional Grand Canyon recovery funds Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, alongside Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), urged House and Senate appropriators to provide additional federal resources to restore the Grand Canyon National Park following the catastrophic August flooding and last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the lawmakers called for sufficient funding to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, address ongoing hazards, safely restore visitor access and services, and support the park’s long-term recovery. “Over the past year, Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscapes have suffered a devastating series of disasters that have damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted communities across the region,” the lawmakers wrote. “These successive disasters have created recovery needs that cannot be adequately addressed through existing National Park Service resources.” On August 29, 2026, severe flash flooding tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, causing extensive damage to trails, bridges, and critical water infrastructure. The flooding damaged the water intake and pipeline that supply the South Rim and forced closures and restrictions across the park. The National Park Service continues recovery and repair work, including efforts to restore a reliable water supply and repair damaged infrastructure. The flooding comes as the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities continue recovering from last summer’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. The Dragon Bravo Fire burned nearly 150,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 buildings and structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, while the White Sage Fire forced evacuations around Jacob Lake and temporarily cut off access to the North Rim. The lawmakers warned that the effects of these disasters are compounding. Damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire increased the risk of flash flooding and debris flows in North Rim watersheds, creating new threats to infrastructure and visitor safety even as recovery from the fires continues. “A year after the fires, these same communities are being asked to recover from another major disaster before the last recovery is complete,” the lawmakers wrote. “We strongly urge the Committee to ensure sufficient funding is available to address the emergency response, repair, reconstruction, and long-term recovery needs resulting from the August 29 flooding and the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires.” The Grand Canyon supports nearly 10,000 local jobs and generates approximately $1 billion in economic output. The lawmakers emphasized that closures of trails, lodging, and other portions of the park have consequences for workers, families, and businesses across northern Arizona and southern Utah. Kelly has continued pushing to restore the Grand Canyon and support northern Arizona communities. Earlier this year, Kelly and Gallego introduced the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Actto cut red tape and speed up cleanup and restoration by providing the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service with emergency contracting authority.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-introduces-bill-to-make-sure-big-tech-pays-fair-share-and-invests-in-american-workers/,Kelly Introduces Bill to Make Sure Big Tech Pays Fair Share and Invests in American Workers,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"The Make AI Work for Americans Act would require companies benefiting the most from AI to invest in American workers Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure companies benefiting the most from Artificial Intelligence (AI) pay their fair share and invest in American workers. The bill establishes a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers, jobseekers, and communities as the economy changes. AI is moving fast, creating uncertainty and already changing our economy and the way we work. As the technology reshapes the American workplace, the infrastructure support for workers must evolve too. This bill forces the companies driving the AI boom to invest in workers to make sure they have real options. The Make AI Work for Americans Act builds on Kelly’s AI for America roadmap, which he released last year, and laid out a broader push to ensure AI benefits all Americans, not just large companies and CEOs. “Big Tech stands to make enormous profits, while workers are facing real uncertainty about what AI will mean for their jobs and their futures. The Make AI Work for Americans Act makes these companies contribute to helping workers prepare for what comes next. That means giving Americans real choices, whether that’s learning a new skill through a union training program or community college, finding a good-paying job, serving their community, or starting a business of their own. As AI changes our economy, workers and their families should come first, not the bottom lines of tech CEOs,” said Kelly. The Make AI Work for Americans Act is supported by America’s Service Commissions, American Federation of Teachers, Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4), Arizona State University, Center for American Progress, Chicanos Por La Causa, CWI Labs, Diné College, Gila River Indian Community, Hustle PHX, InnovateEDU, Jobs for the Future (JFF), Local First Arizona, National Employment Law Project (NELP), Navajo Technical University, Teamsters, Teamsters Local 104, UFCW Local 99, UnidosUS, University of Arizona, and Voices for National Service. “It’s critical that legislators in Washington and in state capitols around the country begin to act now to help Americans make a successful transition to an AI economy. We can’t leave workers behind — as we have in the past — if we want to win the global AI competition. I applaud Senator Kelly for his leadership on this issue in Congress and for his legislation to make sure that AI works for working people,” said Gina Raimondo, CEO, RAISE US, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce. “Senator Mark Kelly has introduced legislation that says the companies profiting from artificial intelligence have an obligation to the workers that technology displaces. His bill puts real money behind job training, behind paid work that carries a credential, and behind a stronger safety net for people who lose employment through no fault of their own,” said Reverend Al Sharpton, President, National Action Network. Click here to read NAN’s full letter of support. “Innovation and safety are not opposing concepts; they’re two sides of the same coin. That is why law and regulation, not just unbridled markets, are so important. Technology is rapidly transforming our lives—particularly our security, our classrooms, our workplaces, and our entire economy—but for it to be tenable, it must work for working people. Sen. Mark Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act ensures that a Big Tech tax contributes directly to the workers and communities navigating this transition. By creating the AI Horizon Fund and bringing labor and workers to the table, this bill invests in America by preparing people at every stage of their careers with the skills, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers. “The Make AI Work for Americans Act recognizes the critical nature of ensuring that AI protects and creates good jobs while prioritizing putting working people at the table for responsible implementation,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “We commend Senator Kelly for his work in drafting legislation that focuses on the dignity of work and creates pathways to protect workers and support them as their job evolves. That’s the approach we need to earn workers’ trust and grow the American middle class.” “The public is looking for Congress to step up quickly to make sure AI development and deployment benefits workers, not just wealthy investors and executives. Senator Kelly’s bill offers many good ideas to push AI adoption in a pro-worker direction,” said Bharat Ramamurti, former Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council. “The companies that are ushering in AI should pay to fix the societal harms it will cause. Senator Kelly’s legislation is built on that idea. This bill puts industry dollars into supporting workers whose jobs are changing and gives everyone the resources to adapt. It will take effort from private companies and government leadership to make sure this technology develops responsibly, and I believe this bill is the right way to start,” said Jon A. Shirley, former President,Chief Operating Officer, and Director of Microsoft. “Artificial intelligence is poised to reshape our economy in ways we can’t yet predict, and we need to prepare now so that Arizonans aren’t left behind. I’m grateful to Senator Kelly for his leadership on this issue. Arizona is fortunate to have him fighting for our workers,” said Kris Mayes, Attorney General, Arizona. “On behalf of the Gila River Indian Community, I support Senator Kelly’s leadership in introducing the Make AI Work for Americans Act. It is time for Congress to make sure that AI advancements are made in a thoughtful and deliberative manner that protects our people, our environment, and our workforce. It is critical that as Congress develops AI policies and laws that tribal governments are included and can ensure our communities and our workforce are both protected and can advance as AI evolves. Senator Kelly’s legislation would ensure that the American workforce, including the tribal workforce, has opportunities to grow with AI advancements through every stage of their career by providing training and workforce opportunities for apprentices, new and existing workers, and entrepreneurs. The legislation carefully balances the U.S. labor market needs to create employment pathways while ensuring consistent monitoring of AI advancements to ensure that as AI evolves it isn’t just big companies who benefit. I applaud Senator Kelly’s strategic approach to ensuring workforce protections at a time when AI is evolving at a rapid pace. The Community looks forward to working with Senator Kelly as he advances this bill in Congress,” said Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River Indian Community. “I appreciate Senator Kelly’s commitment to making sure some of the profits from artificial intelligence are invested in American workers who will be deeply impacted by changing technology,” said Kate Gallego, Mayor, City of Phoenix. “The future of work cannot be shaped without workers at the table. As AI changes our workplaces, workers in Tucson and across the country deserve access to the skills, support and opportunity to build a stable future paid for by the AI corporations. Senator Kelly’s bill centers workers and families in our national response,” said Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson. “A safe AI future and a fair AI economy are two sides of the same promise. With one in five American workers expected to be Latino by 2030, our community has an enormous stake in seeing that promise kept. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act ensures that as the AI industry grows, so do our investments in the workers who power the American economy. This legislation invests in paid service-to-career pathways, community college and apprenticeship programs, and capital for new small businesses. It gives workers who lose their jobs real stability as they retrain and find their next opportunity; and it helps close the digital divide by supporting digital access for participants, building AI literacy into our workforce system, and making resources available to people with limited English proficiency. It also gives workers and civil rights organizations a seat at the table as AI enters the workplace. This legislation lays the foundation for modernizing how we support workers and workplaces in the age of AI. UnidosUS is proud to endorse it and urges Congress to pass it,” said Eric Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, UnidosUS. “Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the nature of work, and our workforce development systems must evolve alongside it. JFF is proud to support the Make AI Work for Americans Act, which invests in the systems already serving workers while expanding access to education and training, strengthening service-to-career pathways, supporting entrepreneurship, and helping workers navigate technological change. We applaud Senator Kelly’s leadership in advancing a vision for AI that puts workers at the center and helps ensure technological progress creates greater economic opportunity for people and communities across the country,” said Maria Flynn, President and CEO, Jobs for the Future (JFF). “Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act is a series of policy proposals focused on what Americans will need most in the AI age. If AI has the transformative impact on our society that those who are building it say it will, we will need new ideas and a safety net for our workforce, small businesses, and more. This bill focuses on how to deliver real benefits to Americans impacted by AI and makes sure companies pay their fair share to ensure that AI works for all of us. It’s refreshing to see real leaders rising to the challenge of the AI age and we applaud the Senator for his efforts,” said Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress. “AmeriCorps and the nation’s state service commissions connect service to careers, provide hands-on experience, skill development, and pathways to meaningful work. We applaud Senator Kelly’s leadership in introducing the Make AI Work for Americans Act and his recognition of the National Service for America’s Future program to expand paid service opportunities that lead to credentials, careers, and durable skills. As technology reshapes the workplace, national service can play an important role in preparing workers and strengthening communities. State service commissions stand ready to help turn this vision into opportunities that meet local workforce needs across the country,” said John Kelly, CEO, America’s Service Commissions. “Ensuring that AI brings broad-based benefits is the defining challenge of our era. That task starts in the labor market, where we must make sure AI complements workers rather than simply displacing them, and creates pathways to better, well-paid careers. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act is a major step in this direction: it encourages the development and deployment of pro-worker AI; improves worker training; and strengthens the safety net so that nobody falls through the cracks,” said Daron Acemoglu, Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “The biggest economic question of our era is whether we use AI merely to replace people or to expand their capabilities to do new things, creating more widely shared prosperity. Senator Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act shapes that choice in the right direction: investing in workers, boosting entrepreneurship, modernizing the safety net, and exploring new approaches such as wage insurance. I’m delighted to support this thoughtful legislation,” said Erik Brynjolfsson, Director, Stanford Digital Economy Lab. See what stakeholders are saying about Make AI Work for Americans Act here. Background: The Make AI Work for Americans Act establishes the AI Horizon Fund, a dedicated federal trust fund to support American workers. The leading companies who benefit most from the development and uptake of AI will contribute to the Fund through three taxes on excess profits, digital ad services, and AI usage. The Fund is overseen by a 15-member Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, whose members will include AI experts and, representatives from labor, higher education, and workforce development. The AI Horizon Fund’s primary purpose is to serve workers throughout different stages of their careers, from first-time jobseekers to individuals with decades of experience. The legislation will support workers by investing Fund dollars to: Expand existing workforce development, education, research, economic development, and labor market programs. Establish a new National Service for America’s Future program to create paid service-to-career opportunities to help workers earn a credential, certification, or engage in a registered apprenticeship while serving their community. Expand opportunities for people to start their own small businesses by providing resources for entrepreneurship training, technical assistance, and start-up capital. Shore up the safety net by increasing the unemployment benefit to make up for 75 percent of workers’ wages for 26 weeks. Update our workforce development system to give more workers access to training and codify investments in community college partnership training programs, which can more quickly respond to changes in employer need and labor market demand. The Make AI Work for Americans Act expands on Kelly’s ongoing efforts to ensure AI works for all Americans. Kelly has introduced legislation to strengthen U.S. national security from AI-related threats, such as thebipartisan Advanced AI Security Readiness Act to direct the NSA to protect America’s AI systems from theft or sabotage by foreign adversaries. Kelly has also worked to ensure AI is used responsibly in the military, introducing two bills this year to preserve human judgment and accountability as AI is integrated into the military, which were both included in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act for 2027. Kelly has pushed to support workers as AI reshapes the economy, introducing the AI DATA Act this year to improve our understanding of how AI is changing jobs, skills, and the workforce so policymakers and workers can prepare. Kelly has also worked to protect seniors from the risks of AI, introducing the bipartisan Aging with AI Act to research how AI tools impact older Americans, and the bipartisan Senior Chatbot Protection Act requiring companies to provide clear disclosures and end deceptive design practices for AI chatbots.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://crane.house.gov/2026/09/23/rep-cranes-house-passed-border-tunnel-bill-gains-momentum-with-senate-companion/,Rep. Crane’s House-Passed Border Tunnel Bill Gains Momentum with Senate Companion,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Elijah Crane,C001132,crane.house.gov,crane,https://crane.house.gov/media/,scraper,"On March 10, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the Subterranean Border Defense Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) to strengthen congressional oversight of illicit cross-border tunnels. The bill earned strong bipartisan support with a 402-1 vote on the House floor. Last week, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced a companion bill in the Senate, marking key progress in the effort. Since 1990, law enforcement has discovered more than 200 illicit tunnels along the southwest border. Transnational criminal organizations rely on these passages to smuggle drugs, weapons, currency, and people. Earlier this year, a Homeland Security Task Force investigation uncovered a nearly 2,000-foot tunnel stretching from Tijuana to a storefront near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and reaching a depth of 55 feet. The operation led to the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine valued at an estimated $45 million. Rep. Crane believes that as enforcement above ground drives down unlawful entries, traffickers and cartels will continue to adapt by turning to unconventional methods of evading frontline personnel. The Subterranean Border Defense Act builds on Section 7134 of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). That provision directed the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security’s Under Secretary for Science and Technology, to develop a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Under the law, the plan was required to address the following: Setting risk-based criteria to prioritize the identification, breach, assessment, and remediation of tunnels Promoting innovative technologies to carry out that work while reducing the impact on surrounding communities Establishing processes for sharing tunnel location, operations, and technical information Providing Border Patrol sector chiefs with periodic indicators of the tunnel types found in their sectors to educate field personnel Assessing technology and staffing needs, including position descriptions, specialized skills, and full-time personnel levels by Border Patrol sector for counter-tunnel operations However, the NDAA required CBP to report to Congress on the plan’s implementation only once. Rep. Crane’s bill would close this gap by converting that one-time requirement into an annual one. The legislation would direct CBP to submit a report to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs every year. As a result, lawmakers would receive regular updates on CBP’s efforts to counter tunnels infiltrating the United States, allowing them to craft policy based on the latest findings rather than outdated information.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-calls-for-ai-safeguards-ahead-of-trump-xi-meeting,Stanton Calls for AI Safeguards Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Ahead of Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) joined his Democratic colleagues on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party to call for the United States and China to reach an agreement on basic artificial intelligence safeguards. Stanton emphasized that AI should be a major part of the two leaders’ conversations and stressed the need for the two countries to work together to prevent catastrophic misuse of the rapidly developing technology, drawing attention to the risks Washington and Beijing share. This follows Stanton’s efforts ahead of the summit to ensure AI safety receives the immediate attention in Washington it deserves. Last week, he joined 26 of his Democratic colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to urge the administration to pursue sustained, substantive U.S.-China dialogue on AI safety risks and prioritize those issues in the upcoming bilateral summit. Stanton also joined 106 of his colleagues in urging Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the House back into session to address the risks posed by advanced AI, including mass cybersecurity breaches and the development of biological or chemical weapons. Full text of Stanton’s remarks as prepared is below, and video is HERE. — Thank you to our witnesses for joining us today. Tomorrow, leaders of the two most powerful AI nations on earth will sit across from each other. They’ll talk about trade, tariffs and Taiwan. . . but if they walk away without real progress on AI, they will have missed the mark. I believe America can and will win the AI race, and I believe we have a duty to do so in a way that protects the interests of the American people. In America, innovation and safety go hand in hand. We can and must do both. But President Trump’s full steam ahead, safety be damned approach to AI has to change. The consequences of inaction are incredibly serious. Here at home, American workers are unprotected as AI rapidly transforms entire economies. American intellectual property is open to theft through distillation and other unauthorized use. Beijing has their own concerns. But where our two nations need to come to a common understanding is the threats posed by a rogue actor using this technology for malicious ends. Our critical infrastructure . . . including our energy grid . . . are exposed to AI-powered cyberattacks that could have catastrophic consequences for our communities. That is why an agreement on basic safeguards between Trump and Xi is so critically important. And a promise to keep talking is not an agreement. Every month we wait to act, these problems get harder to fix. I recognize it won’t be easy. In just the past few weeks, the Trump administration has accused Chinese AI companies of stealing intellectual property by distilling leading U.S. AI models . . . threatening sanctions. Beijing, for its part, has accused Washington of deliberately hindering Chinese AI development, seeing appeals for a slowdown as a way for the U.S. to lock in American companies’ lead. But neither Washington nor Beijing wants a rogue actor using AI to launch a cyber attack that takes down the global economy, or to build and release a bioweapon. That shared concern is where cooperation has to start. Question 1: Mr. Sheehan, tell us more about what you call “AI safety in parallel,” where the U.S. and China develop their own safeguards while sharing information and best practices. What are two or three concrete standards you believe both countries could find common ground, and what would meaningful cooperation on those standards look like? Thank you. There is a contradiction between Trump’s safety be damned approach and his decision to ease access to advanced American chips. If China’s progress is the reason we supposedly cannot slow down for safety, why is the administration helping supply the technology that supports their progress? That’s why I have been clear that we must prohibit the sale of the most advanced chips to China and apply those same prohibitions to all arms-embargoed nations. Thank you.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-leads-arizona-democrats-in-pressing-trump-administration-for-answers-on-proposed-data-center-on-public-lands,Stanton Leads Arizona Democrats in Pressing Trump Administration for Answers on Proposed Data Center on Public Lands,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) led Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) in pressing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for answers after reporting revealed that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is weighing data center-related proposals on federal public land. The proposals, not previously made public, show that the Trump administration is considering 12 data center and data center-related infrastructure projects covering more than 17,600 acres of federal public land across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Four of the proposed data centers and related infrastructure projects are in Arizona, and they would span more than 3,000 acres of federal public land here. In the letter, the lawmakers raise questions about how these data center proposals were fast-tracked by Trump’s Executive Order 14318; how the projects will be implemented; and what this could mean for environmental reviews, public oversight, and Arizona’s water and energy resources. “Arizonans are entitled to transparency and robust public review as BLM considers such developments on our federal lands,” the lawmakers write. The delegation requested a congressional briefing before any of the proposed Arizona projects move forward. By October 2, 2026, they demand that Secretary Burgum provide information on: All data center proposals and candidate parcels under consideration in Arizona; The permitting and environmental review required for each proposal, including whether BLM intends to use categorical exclusions or other expedited procedures; Opportunities for public participation and consultation with Tribal governments, local governments and elected officials; and The projected water demand, water source and peak electric load associated with each proposed project. The letter to DOI Secretary Burgum is HERE.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-banking-colleagues-demand-public-hearing-on-prediction-markets-following-reports-of-a-republican-only-roundtable-with-industry-executives/,"Gallego, Banking Colleagues Demand Public Hearing on Prediction Markets Following Reports of a Republican-only Roundtable with Industry Executives",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Following reports of Chairman Scott’s plan to hold a Republican-only private roundtable with prediction market executives, all eleven Banking Democrats call for a transparent, public hearing on the industry’s impacts. WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and his Democratic colleagues on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee wrote to Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) requesting a public hearing on prediction markets following recent reports that he plans to hold a Republican-only roundtable this week on prediction markets with industry, including representatives from Kalshi. “It is important for the Senate Banking Committee to hold a public hearing about how these markets are impacting consumers and our financial system,” wrote the Banking Committee Democrats. “Security-based prediction markets are a growing segment of the financial sector that institutional and retail investors are increasingly exposed to. These markets offer event contracts tied to corporate performance indicators, which could meet the definition of security-based swaps that would be subject to SEC regulation.” “Experts warn that prediction markets are prone to encourage market manipulation and insider trading; and early research indicates that ‘profits are highly concentrated in a small fraction of users, while the majority lose money,’” the senators continued. “In the interest of transparency, we ask you to hold a public committee hearing on this critical topic and allow all members of the Committee to participate,” the senators concluded. In addition to Senator Gallego, the letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). Senator Gallego has consistently urged federal regulators to follow the law and prohibit gaming and sports prediction market contracts. Read the full letter HERE.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-coons-warren-wyden-introduce-bill-to-impose-sanctions-on-israeli-settlement-construction-in-the-e1-area-of-the-west-bank/,"Gallego, Coons, Warren, Wyden Introduce Bill to Impose Sanctions on Israeli Settlement Construction in the E1 Area of the West Bank",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced legislation to impose sanctions on companies and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced tenders to allow companies to bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement of the E1 settlements in August 2025, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly stated: “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not by slogans but by deeds. Every settlement, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.” “For decades, Democrats and Republicans alike have pushed for a two-state solution. Proposed Israeli construction of new settlement homes in the E1 area would cut off East Jerusalem from the West Bank and threaten a viable Palestinian state. It’s a step in the wrong direction,” said Senator Gallego. “This legislation sends a clear message to Prime Minister Netanyahu: the United States stands firmly behind a two-state solution as the only path to real peace and security for all.” “For decades, American presidents from both parties have warned successive Israeli governments that construction in E1 threatened the viability of a Palestinian state and was unacceptable to the United States,” said Senator Coons. “As Palestinian civilians face a campaign of devastation and fear from violent extremist settlers, the United States must send a strong message that this behavior is unacceptable and that it remains committed to freedom, security, prosperity and self-determination for all Israelis and Palestinians.” “The E1 settlement project is a move towards de facto annexation of the West Bank, and those who choose to facilitate settlement construction should understand that they risk losing access to the U.S. financial system,” said Senator Warren. “The United States must use all diplomatic and economic tools available to counter rapid settlement expansion and extremist settler violence in the West Bank, spiraling trends that will only undermine the prospect of lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.” “Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult,” said Senator Wyden. “The United States must stand up against Netanyahu’s campaign of violence and aggression against Palestinian civilians and sanction individuals and companies that are complicit in this unlawful action.” The bill would impose sanctions on any foreign person that the Secretary of the Treasury determines to have been responsible for or complicit in the construction of any Israeli settlements or related structures in the E1 area of the West Bank, including by submitting a bid for E1 tenders. It would also impose sanctions on those who attempt to organize, direct, finance, or facilitate the transfer of Israeli civilians into E1 settlements. In addition to Senators Gallego, Coons, Warren, and Wyden, the bill is also cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-gallego-calls-congressional-republicans-cowards-for-only-now-condemning-the-iran-war/,WATCH: Gallego Calls Congressional Republicans “Cowards” for only now Condemning the Iran War,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"NEW YORK – During his visit to the United Nations General Assembly, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined MS NOW and slammed congressional Republicans for speaking out against the Iran War only after Speaker Mike Johnson sent members home until after the November midterm elections, denounced Trump’s imperialism in Venezuela to enrich American corporations, recapped his meetings with world leaders, and gave his reaction to President Trump saying he will “annihilate” Iran. MS NOW: All in with Chris Hayes On cowardly Republicans only now speaking out against the Iran War: “Courage is found when session is out. All three of those Republicans literally are saying this as soon as Speaker Johnson has said we’re not coming back to vote anyway. There’s even no way to actually test them, right? “Let’s just be honest, they’re just a bunch of cowards. They’ve been literally living in this cowardly way this whole time. The American public have been hurting the whole time. Our families have been hurting, especially those that serve overseas. “And now when it’s convenient, now when they can’t actually be called to the carpet to actually answer for this, they are seeking kind of the last-minute reprieve to be able to say, look at me, I am now independent of this man. On Trump using the United States military in Venezuela enrich American corporations: “As someone who, unfortunately, had to see the outcome of really bad wars, a war that we are chasing just for profit—a war that only benefits a bunch of big oil executives and anyone else whose family ends up using insider trading to actually pump up their own portfolios, it’s disgusting. “When we’re using our military to basically enrich ourselves and enrich our rich, crony oligarchs who are in charge of this country, then we actually don’t have the friends we need when things really go bad. “So, when we’re attacking a country to basically be colonial, to bring back this imperialistic point of view that some of Latin America is very, very used to and pretty aware of, it only makes sure that we have fewer and fewer friends going into the future, when we need more and more friends going into the future—especially if we want to actually deal with China.” On the Pentagon’s disregard for the lives of our service members: “They’re not actually looking at these men and women as actual human beings. They’re looking at them as numbers and as political tools. That’s the grander problem. “But the fact is, the way they’re treating them, it reminds me of what I dealt with and the fact that, you know, my friends—the way they died, how we died—we were basically treated as just kind of a side spectacle to this bigger issue, this bigger war. And this is what’s happening again.” MS NOW: Morning Joe On if the United States will come to aid Poland, a NATO member, if Russia invades them: “So if you talk to Poland, they do believe we’ll come there. But what they’re afraid of, because of this kind of inconsistency from this president, is that Russia’s going to make a mistake. They’re going to make a miscalculation, and that’s how most wars start, actually, is through massive miscalculation. “Now, the Polish government — the military is the strongest it’s ever been. It’s actually one of the fastest-growing economies. Their military is modernizing very quickly. They will be able to defend themselves, but the best wars are the ones that you never start, or you never have to get into. And they’re afraid that this president’s instability, his lack of leadership, his inability to actually stand up to Putin, is actually going to encourage them to actually attack or anything else.” On what the United States needs to end the war in Iran: “There is no way out of this unless we go really, really deeper and deeper into war, which the American public doesn’t want, and I don’t think it actually ends up getting us where we want. “The problem is you have [Steve] Witkoff, right? Witkoff is a real estate lawyer—like, salesman, zoning training. Why is he and the other son-in-law negotiating for the United States right now. “These are not the best negotiators we should be sending to. We need to sit down and have long-term negotiations, and we’re not getting that right now. We’re not getting the smartest people in the room. Actually, we’re getting part of the dumbest people in the room. And we’re going against some of the best negotiators that Iran has offered.” On Senator Gallego’s reaction to Trump saying he will “annihilate” Iran after he dodged serving in the Vietnam War: “Well, there’s a lot of people that avoided the Vietnam War, but there’s very few people that avoided the Vietnam War and then look at war in such a positive manner and use terms like ‘annihilation.’ “You know, seeing 18, 19-year-old boys having to make some really hard decisions, some life-and-death decisions at the last minute, and then seeing some of these politicians, when I got back, kind of treat us as if we’re just like toys and that somehow our decisions didn’t have consequences. And we have consequences. I still carry the consequences from the war. “It’s going to affect these men and women forever, and it’s going to affect our country forever. And not just, obviously, our men, but even there, as much as I tried to help the Iraqis, certainly there was a lot of downsides, and there were some bad effects that happened there. I can’t imagine we want to do that to another society willingly, especially people that just aren’t even involved in this war, just civilians.”",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-at-the-atlantic-festival-kelly-discusses-service-leadership-and-his-fight-for-everyday-americans/,"ICYMI: At The Atlantic Festival, Kelly Discusses Service, Leadership, and His Fight for Everyday Americans",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly spoke at The Atlantic Festival in New York about how his experiences as a Navy pilot and NASA astronaut have shaped his approach to leadership and public service. In conversation with author Mark Leibovich, he also discussed the war with Iran, the challenges facing servicemembers and military families, and his work in the Senate to address the real problems facing everyday Americans. Sen. Kelly speaks to Mark Leibovich at the Atlantic Festival. Credit: Marc Patrick BFA Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: Onthe state of American democracy… “I am incredibly concerned about the direction of this country. I’m concerned about the damage they’re doing. After all the decades I spent in the military, I care so much about our servicemembers and the armed forces. “Our kind of democracy, I think, is the best approach to this…It’s worked for 250 years. I’d like to see another 250 years at least after this, maybe longer, but we’re in a pretty perilous place right now. Don’t forget, it wasn’t that long ago that the President of the United States sent the Director of National intelligence to Fulton County, Georgia, to grab thousands and thousands of ballots. Why did he do that? Well, we don’t know for sure. But it certainly has something to do with trying to interfere in the mechanism of our democracy, our electoral system… “I’m very concerned about where we are and where we’re going. I think we’ll probably get through this, probably. It’s going to take a lot of us. It’s going to take a lot of hard work.” Onwhyhe’sfighting for a better future for his granddaughtersand all young Americans… “I’ve been a public servant most of my adult life. I care so much about this country. I have two daughters, Now, I have two granddaughters. One is going to be a month-old tomorrow. And I worry about the future for them. I want them to have opportunities like I had. And young people today, they don’t have those same opportunities. This is going to be the first generation that is probably going to be worse off than their parents were. And the thing is, that is fixable. We know what we have to do to fix it. We got to stop giving big, giant tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, and we got to prioritize the needs of most of the country and hard-working people and middle-class Americans. That’s what we have to do. If we could get the money out of politics, we can solve a lot of these problems.”",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-kellys-new-ai-bill-puts-american-workers-first/,ICYMI: Kelly’s New AI Bill Puts American Workers First,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"“We could have a lot of job disruption, and for that we need a plan. It seems that everybody understands that except possibly the president and the people around him.” In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360º to highlight the urgent need to act on AI to make sure it benefits all Americans, not just big companies. Kelly discussed his Make AI Work for Americans Act, legislation he will introduce Thursday to help ensure working Americans benefit from the changing economy. Sen. Kelly speaks to Anderson Cooper. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: On why we need to act on AI now… “Democrats, Republicans, independents all think that this is getting to the point where we need to act and act soon. Even the CEOs of the AI companies, the frontier or the big companies that create these large language models, are asking for regulation. “I think this is a competition with the Chinese, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have guardrails in place… As a former test pilot and astronaut, even the stuff that’s low probability with a catastrophic result, you got to come up with some mitigation for that and try to prevent it from happening. And I think about this the same way, but for some reason, and I don’t quite understand it yet, the president just wants us to go full speed, as fast as we possibly can, and don’t consider the negative side of this. Hey, I want this to work. I think there’s huge benefits for the American people. But at this point, especially on the job loss piece of this, I want to see these Big Tech companies chip in and I want to see the government put in the guardrails in place so we don’t have a catastrophic outcome.” Onhow his AI Horizon fund works… “The centerpiece of this is the AI Horizon Fund, which will collect money from Big Tech in three ways with three different taxes: a usage tax, a digital advertising tax, and what’s essentially an excess profits tax. And then that revenue can be applied so people who lose their jobs will have options on things that they could do. They could decide to go to community college and get additional training. They could go to national service program that would end in some kind of certification. They could get help starting a small business. There’s also enhanced unemployment insurance as part of that, if somebody needs that. “We could have a lot of job disruption, and for that we need a plan. It seems that everybody understands that except possibly the president and the people around him.”",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-joins-bipartisan-5g-and-beyond-caucus-fight-reliable-internet-across,Ciscomani Joins Bipartisan 5G and Beyond Caucus to Fight for Reliable Internet Across Rural Arizona,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani today joined the bipartisan Congressional 5G and Beyond Caucus, an effort to expand connectivity. For Southern Arizona, reliable internet access is increasingly essential. As schools, health care providers, businesses, and government services continue moving online, reliable broadband is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity for families and communities to stay connected and access the opportunities of an increasingly digital economy. ""I’m proud to join the bipartisan 5G and Beyond Caucus because reliable internet is no longer an optional luxury for Arizonans. It is a necessity,"" said Rep. Ciscomani. ""From school and telehealth appointments to running a small business and accessing essential services, families across Southern Arizona depend on reliable connectivity every day. I have heard directly from communities, especially in the greater Sierra Vista region, about the need for better coverage, and I am committed to bringing those voices to Washington and fighting for the investments needed to make reliable connectivity a reality in every corner of Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District."" ""Wireless communications is part of the infrastructure that determines where businesses invest, where innovation happens and where good jobs are created. Congressman Ciscomani’s participation in the bipartisan 5G and Beyond Caucus is an important opportunity to keep Southern Arizona's metropolitan and rural communities at the table as the next generation of wireless technology takes shape. We appreciate his engagement and leadership on an issue that will have real implications for our region’s competitiveness and for our nation's security,"" said Ted Maxwell, President of Southern Arizona Leadership Council. ""As a co-chair, I am proud to welcome to the 5G and Beyond Caucus Rep. Ciscomani, an effective legislator with a proven track record of delivering results. Ensuring that the United States leads in developing future wireless communications networks is essential to our economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. The 5G and Beyond Caucus plays an instrumental role in advancing policies that enable future generations of wireless communications networks to reflect American leadership, resilience, and ingenuity,"" said Rep. Tim Walberg. ""I'm proud to welcome Congressman Ciscomani to the 5G and Beyond Caucus. We need to ensure the United States remains a leader on the forefront of innovation and competition and plays a leading role on international wireless standards as we navigate this increasingly competitive market. With Congressman Ciscomani's partnership, we will keep working to ensure our policy choices today will have lasting impacts on the global 5G technology development of tomorrow,"" said Congresswoman Dingell. Expanding connectivity in rural communities has been a top priority for Rep. Ciscomani in Congress. Recognized as the most bipartisan member in Arizona, he has worked across party lines to introduce the Connecting Our Neighbors to Networks and Ensuring Competitive Telecommunications (CONNECT) Act which is aimed at improving access to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, making federal broadband funding more accessible for small providers, local governments, nonprofits, and cooperatives. It will also streamline permitting requirements to expedite broadband projects in rural areas. ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-reacts-to-planned-expansion-of-florence-detention-facility,Rep. Grijalva Reacts to Planned Expansion of Florence Detention Facility,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the below statement following new reports (here and here) that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $1.2 billion contract for the expansion of an existing detention facility in Florence, Arizona. A project scope for the planned expansion can be accessed here. Previously, DHS announced plans for new detention facilities in Marana and Surprise, Arizona, however both projects have faced strong opposition from local residents and legal hurdles, leaving their future unclear. “After local residents overwhelmingly opposed ICE’s plans for massive new detention centers in Marana and Surprise, the Trump Administration is quietly moving to expand existing facility capacity in Florence. At the same time, people already in Arizona detention centers can’t get clean drinking water, edible food, or adequate medical care. DHS should be fixing these appalling conditions — not preparing to funnel another $1.2 billion in taxpayer dollars into expanding Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation machine.” ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-delivers-key-arizona-priorities-in-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill,Stanton Delivers Key Arizona Priorities in Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Includes Additional $151 Million for Critical Water Infrastructure; Resources for Drought-Stricken Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) celebrated the final passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 out of the House of Representatives. As the only Arizona member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Stanton helped shape the bipartisan legislation to authorize critical water infrastructure projects in Arizona and across the Southwest through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The bill is now headed to the Senate. Stanton spoke on the House floor ahead of passage, saying, “My home state of Arizona has faced more than a quarter century of drought. Water stewardship and conservation are core parts of our culture.” He continued, “These federal investments are mission-critical to help us ensure reliable water services for our residents and businesses.” To address water and wastewater infrastructure needs across Arizona, Stanton secured several Arizona wins in the final bill, including: Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority. Adds $151,598,000 to Stanton’s signature Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority (AZEI), bringing the program’s total authorization to $401 million. Stanton created the program during his first term to help small, rural, and Tribal communities fund critical water infrastructure projects. Since 2020, it has funded more than 30 water conservation and reuse projects across Arizona, including water lines, wells, wastewater systems and aquifer recharge projects—helping communities get the most out of every drop of water. Prioritizing Tribal Water Rights. Secures $10 million for the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) to support water infrastructure projects that will affirm historic water rights and support water conservation efforts through new diversion dam and canal projects. Tribal Partnership Project Completion. Directs the USACE to expedite the completion of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project with the Gila River Indian Community, a first-of-its-kind tribal partnership with the Los Angeles District of USACE. When completed, 962 feet of solar panels above the GRIC’s irrigation canals will provide the Community with a steady source of renewable energy while conserving water. Tres Rios Completion. Directs the USACE to expedite the completion of the Tres Rios ecosystem restoration project in Phoenix, which will restore and revitalize several miles of the Salt and Gila River corridors. Tres Rios is part of Rio Reimagined, an ongoing effort along the Rio Salado that was spearheaded by the late Sen. John McCain and Rep. Ed Pastor. More than $100 million in federal funding has already been invested in the project, but construction stalled after reaching its federal authorization limit. Stanton secured $1.8 million in federal funding in 2022 to complete the necessary work to adjust that limit and move the project toward completion. Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resilience. Creates a new office at the USACE that specializes in conservation to work directly with local communities facing severe drought and shore up water supplies. Studies and Projects on Drought Resiliency. Creates a new Continuing Authority Program that allows the USACE to work with communities on small-scale drought resilience studies and projects, like addressing invasive salt cedar or constructing water storage projects. Disaster Debris Removal. Revises the USACE emergency debris removal contracts following floods to minimize harmful impacts to private property, key habitats, and wildlife. This will help Arizona communities recovering from floods to rebuild safely and quickly. Water Storage Capacity Pilot Program. Directs the USACE to establish a pilot program to allow states to remove sediment from Corps-owned reservoirs to restore storage capacity. Expedites Dozens of Arizona Projects. Directs the USACE to expedite 28 additional Arizona-specific projects and studies across the state, including flood control, water and wastewater infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration projects. These projects include the Ak-Chin Levee in Pinal County, the McCormick Wash in Globe, the Cave Buttes Dam, the Corazon de los Tres Rios del Norte plan in Pima County, the Winslow Levee, and Rio de Flag flood control project in Flagstaff. A section-by-section HERE. A ‘by the numbers’ HERE.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-on-senate-floor-kelly-calls-for-urgent-action-on-ai-announces-new-make-ai-work-for-americans-act/,"WATCH: On Senate Floor, Kelly Calls for Urgent Action on AI, Announces New Make AI Work for Americans Act",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"“The alarms are sounding. The signals are clear. No one else is coming to the rescue. Mr. President, it has to be us.” Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly took to the Senate floor to call on Congress to address the growing challenge of AI and to announce the introduction of the Make AI Work for Americans Act, landmark legislation designed to make sure Big Tech pays their fair share and invests in the American workforce. Sen. Kelly speaks on the Senate floor. Kelly drew on his experience as a Space Shuttle commander to describe the current moment: “I happened to be the last person to sit in the Commander’s seat of Space Shuttle Endeavour. It’s hard to describe how it feels to be strapped to four and a half million pounds of fuel, waiting for three main engines and two solid rocket boosters to ignite beneath you… These last few weeks—as engineers, researchers, and CEOs have all been shouting about AI becoming a threat to humanity’s very survival—I feel like I’m back in that seat, with the Master Alarm blaring and systems failing. And nobody is steering the ship.” Kelly laid out what his bill would do: “I’m introducing The Make AI Work for Americans Act to make sure workers aren’t left behind, and that Big Tech pays their fair share. These companies are getting rich off of a technology trained on the wealth of humanity’s research, knowledge, and work. Our ideas and discoveries. My bill would require them to give some of that wealth back to us by investing in the American worker through an AI Horizon Fund.” Kelly pointed to broad and bipartisan support for AI regulation: “Eighty percent of Americans want us to step in and regulate AI. Eighty percent. I hear it from Arizonans every day. They’re worried. They wake up wondering if today’s the day their job just gets automated away. Wondering if their kids are going to have careers in the future or have a future at all. Americans across the spectrum want us to step in. Republicans. Democrats. Independents. All of them. The tech industry itself. Communities worried about data centers. Families who just want to be able to sleep at night. All of those groups would like regulation. It seems like the only people who don’t want guardrails happen to be working in the White House. So, what’s the holdup?” Kelly closed with a call to action:“The alarms are sounding. The signals are clear. No one else is coming to the rescue. Mr. President, it has to be us. So, let’s be the leaders this country elected. Let’s get this done now.”",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-min-demand-law-school-admission-council-restore-accounts-improperly-restricted-based-on-iranian-nationality,"Ansari, Min Demand Law School Admission Council Restore Accounts Improperly Restricted Based on Iranian Nationality",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Yassamin Ansari,A000381,ansari.house.gov,ansari,https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Dave Min (CA-47) sent a letter to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) President and CEO Sudha Setty demanding that LSAC immediately review and restore accounts improperly restricted based on Iranian nationality or heritage. The reported restrictions have affected U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other individuals residing in the United States during a crucial point in the law school admissions cycle. The lawmakers’ letter follows reports that LSAC broadly suspended accounts belonging to individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage after the Office of Foreign Assets Control suspended Iran General License G, under its Iran Sanctions program. The members emphasized that federal sanctions rules restrict certain services provided to Iran, the Government of Iran, or persons in Iran, but do not make Iranian nationality alone a basis for prohibiting services. In their letter, the lawmakers write, “LSAC's broad suspension of the accounts of all individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage regardless of residence is an egregious overcompliance that has unfairly targeted impacted American citizens and residents based on national origin alone.” They further state, “These suspensions occurred at a particularly consequential point in the admissions cycle and created uncertainty regarding candidates' ability to sit for scheduled examinations, access their accounts and application materials, and meet admissions deadlines. For candidates with an imminent examination or application deadline, restoring an account several days later may not fully remedy the resulting harm.” “At its core, this is about equal access to legal education and the danger of treating Iranian nationality as a proxy for sanctions risk. Institutions should determine whether a restriction is legally required based on each person’s individual circumstances, not impose sweeping restrictions and place the burden on applicants to prove that the restrictions should have never applied to them. IABA was privileged to share its legal analysis of this matter and the experiences of affected community members with the Congressmembers' offices. We are grateful to Congresswoman Ansari and Congressman Min for bringing attention to this injustice and advocating for the students affected.” said Payam Saljoughian, President of the Iranian American Bar Association Read the letter HERE and below. Dear President Setty, We write regarding alarming reports that the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has broadly suspended the accounts of individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals otherwise residing in the United States. While we understand that these actions were taken with the aim of complying with the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) suspension of General License G under its Iran Sanctions program, we are deeply concerned by LSAC’s apparent practice of identifying individuals for account restriction based on Iranian nationality rather than making an individualized determination based on where an individual actually resides and whether any other legally relevant nexus to Iran exists. The Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) restrict certain services provided to Iran, the Government of Iran, or persons in Iran. Importantly, however, these provisions do not make Iranian nationality, standing alone, a basis for prohibiting services. That distinction is particularly important following OFAC’s August 24, 2026 suspension of Iran General License G, which had expressly authorized certain educational and testing services for individuals located in Iran or located outside Iran but “ordinarily resident” in Iran. While the term ""ordinarily resident” is not defined under the ITSR, it is clear that Iranian nationality alone does not meet this requirement. Indeed, the ITSR defines a U.S. person as “any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.” Thus, individuals of Iranian nationality who are also U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise present in the United States qualify as U.S. persons for the purposes of the ITSR. The suspension of General License G removed an authorization that had extended to individuals meeting those location- or residence-based criteria; it did not transform Iranian nationality itself into a prohibited sanctions nexus. As such, LSAC’s broad suspension of the accounts of all individuals of Iranian nationality or heritage regardless of residence is an egregious overcompliance that has unfairly targeted impacted American citizens and residents based on national origin alone. Our offices have heard from several U.S. citizens and residents of Iranian nationality or heritage who had their accounts suspended without warning on September 9th and September 10th. This has caused widespread distress among aspiring law students, as it has caused significant disruption to their law school application process through no fault of their own. These suspensions occurred at a particularly consequential point in the admissions cycle and created uncertainty regarding candidates’ ability to sit for scheduled examinations, access their accounts and application materials, and meet admissions deadlines. For candidates with an imminent examination or application deadline, restoring an account several days later may not fully remedy the resulting harm. We are also concerned by reports of markedly different treatment of similarly situated candidates. Some individuals reportedly had their accounts restored almost immediately after contacting LSAC and establishing U.S. citizenship or residence; others received no meaningful response, conflicting or inaccurate information, substantial delays, or even instructions suggesting that they should not appear for a scheduled examination. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about whether LSAC had established a uniform compliance policy and review process before suspending the accounts, and whether LSAC representatives were provided adequate and consistent guidance for responding to affected individuals. We have also learned that LSAC’s restrictions are not limited to account access. Students have reported that, even after access to their LSAC accounts was restored, they remained unable to submit law school applications through LSAC’s system. This suggests that restoring account access does not necessarily restore full access to LSAC’s services or remedy the disruption caused by the initial restriction. For applicants facing approaching admissions or scholarship deadlines, any continued inability to submit applications may result in significant and potentially irreparable consequences. We remain deeply concerned that these restrictions appear to have been and continue to be imposed based on Iranian nationality or heritage, rather than on an individualized assessment of residence or any other legally relevant sanctions nexus. The apparent use of Iranian nationality or heritage as a proxy for Iranian residence raises serious national-origin discrimination concerns, particularly where U.S. citizens and permanent residents reportedly have been affected without an individualized determination of residence or sanctions status. OFAC announced the suspension of General License G on August 24 and provided a wind-down period through September 8. LSAC therefore had approximately two weeks to evaluate the regulatory change, determine which candidates were actually affected, seek clarification or guidance if necessary, establish a review process, and notify potentially affected candidates. Instead, the reported suspensions began immediately after the wind-down period and immediately before scheduled examinations. The fact that there were no apparent efforts made by LSAC during this period to determine whether individuals were ordinarily resident in Iran, or give them a warning before suspending their accounts, is troubling. The result has been to shift the burden onto U.S. citizens and residents to prove that they are entitled to access LSAC services after their accounts have already been restricted. Accordingly, we urge LSAC to: Immediately review and restore improperly restricted accounts. LSAC should promptly review, and where appropriate restore, the accounts of U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other individuals residing in the United States whose accounts have been restricted solely or principally because they are Iranian nationals. Disclose the criteria used to identify accounts for restriction. LSAC should provide a clear explanation of the criteria used to identify the accounts selected for restriction, including whether LSAC relied on nationality, country of birth, ancestry, names, languages, address or location information, or any other screening criteria or data points. Explain LSAC’s preparations during the wind-down period. LSAC should describe what steps it took between August 24 and September 8 to evaluate and implement the suspension of General License G, including whether it sought guidance from OFAC or other sanctions counsel, and why affected candidates were not provided advance notice or an opportunity to establish their eligibility before their accounts were restricted. Establish a clear and expedited review process for affected candidates. LSAC should implement and publicly communicate a prompt process through which affected candidates can establish their eligibility and obtain restoration of their accounts, particularly where an examination or admissions deadline is imminent. Provide uniform guidance to LSAC representatives handling these matters. LSAC should ensure that candidates receive consistent and accurate information regarding the basis for any restriction, the documents necessary to resolve it, their ability to sit for scheduled examinations, and the expected timeframe for review. Ensure that candidates are not penalized. LSAC should ensure that candidates do not suffer adverse consequences from missed examinations, application deadlines, reporting deadlines, or other disruptions resulting from an erroneous suspension, delayed review, or inaccurate instructions provided by LSAC. We look forward to your response, and ask that you provide a response no later than September 28, 2026. Sincerely, Yassamin Ansari Member of Congress Dave Min Member of Congress Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more. ###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-demands-immediate-release-of-ahmed-soliman-following-reports-of-beating-imprisonment,"Rep. Grijalva Demands Immediate Release of Ahmed Soliman Following Reports of Beating, Imprisonment",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the below statement following new reports (here, here, and here) that Ahmed Soliman was “hooded, bound, and beaten with guns and shoved down a flight of stairs,” and is at risk of torture. Ahmed was recently arrested by local authorities after speaking out about the conditions he and other detainees who were deported from the U.S. face at a decommissioned hotel in Equatorial Guinea. “I am horrified by disturbing new reports of Ahmed being hooded, bound, and beaten. I fear his life is in immediate danger. The Trump Administration deported Ahmed into harm’s way and bears full responsibility for his cruel treatment — and for what happens to him next. The Administration must act immediately to secure Ahmed’s release before it is too late, along with the release of others being involuntarily held in Equatorial Guinea. Moreover, DHS must immediately cease this shameful and illegal practice of third-party country deportations.” ###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-introduces-english-language-learner-education-package-to-support-students-families-and-educators,"Rep. Grijalva Introduces English Language Learner Education Package to Support Students, Families, and Educators",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva introduced a package of English Language Learner bills, comprehensive legislation that includes the Reaching English Learners Act, the Families Learning and Understanding English Together (FLUENT) Act, and the Supporting Young Language Learners’ Access to Bilingual Education (SYLLABLE) Act. English Learners (ELs) make up 10.6% of the nation's K-12 population, totaling over 5 million public school students. This diverse demographic spans one in ten students nationwide, including native speakers of Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and many other languages. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the high school graduation rate for ELs sits at just 68 percent, compared to 85 percent for their non-EL peers. Together, these bills would provide sustained investments in programs, partnerships, and services that support English learners, their families, and the educators who serve them. The package includes: The Reaching English Learners Act would strengthen partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-need local educational agencies through competitive grants. The U.S. Department of Education reports that 32 states and the District of Columbia lack enough qualified EL educators. These grants would help pre-service teachers obtain English as a Second Language (ESL) licensure and prepare more educators to meet the needs of English learners. The Families Learning and Understanding English Together (FLUENT) Act would expand literacy services for families of English learners with unmet literacy needs. By increasing access to literacy education and resources, the bill would help families strengthen educational, social, and economic opportunities. The Supporting Young Language Learners’ Access to Bilingual Education (SYLLABLE) Act would strengthen bilingual education through targeted investments in dual-language immersion programs and support innovative strategies at local educational agencies serving students from low-income communities, communities of color, and English learner backgrounds, particularly students in preschool through fifth grade. The bill would help expand opportunities for students to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competency while preparing them to succeed in an increasingly multilingual workforce. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, and that starts with ensuring that our schools have the proper resources to teach students of all backgrounds,” said Rep Grijalva. “English learners bring so much to our classrooms, communities, and workforce. We should be investing in their success, and supporting their families and the educators who help them thrive. This package is about giving every student a fair shot and building stronger schools and communities for all of us.”",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-celebrate-passage-of-wildfire-prevention-bill-from-committee/,"Gallego, Colleagues Celebrate Passage of Wildfire Prevention Bill from Committee",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Last week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) John Curtis (R-UT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Boozman (R-AR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) in celebrating the unanimous passage of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. This bipartisan legislation would streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. “Forest management is difficult, but it is much easier and safer to deal with the root of wildfires than trying to suppress them when they are threating our lands and communities. This is a safety issue that the nation needs to address now, especially for places like Northern Arizona,” said Senator Gallego. “Prescribed burns are proven to work, and streamlining this process will only make America safer.” “In Arizona, we know just how catastrophic wildfires can be. One of the best tools we have to reduce wildfire risk and the damage it wreaks is prescribed fires. But right now, federal air quality rules can make it harder for states to use prescribed fire proactively,” said Senator Kelly. “The WEPA gives states greater certainty that they won’t be penalized under the Clean Air Act for responsibly using prescribed burns to reduce the risk of a much larger and more destructive wildfires. This is a commonsense change that will help us keep our communities safe and our forests healthy.” “Today’s unanimous approval by the Committee brings us one step closer to addressing the glaring irony in our current environmental regulations: They deter prescribed burns due to pollution concerns, practically guaranteeing catastrophic wildfires that emit far more carbon than proactive management ever would,” said Senator Curtis. “I thank my colleagues for their work and support and look forward to the bill’s passage by the full Senate.” “The unanimous passage of the WEPA through the EPW Committee represents a key step toward implementing common-sense solutions that will help states more effectively prevent wildfires and protect their land and communities. I am grateful to Senator Curtis and Senator Merkley for their leadership on this bill, and I look forward to supporting its passage through the full Senate,” said Senator Capito. “As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter, and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats. Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels,” said Senator Merkley. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the use of prescribed burns and establish the Smoke Ready Communities Program, which is based on provisions from my Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act. As our Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act moves closer to becoming law, we are on the way to supporting more prescribed fire on the landscape—an essential forest management activity—while giving our communities the resources to plan and prepare for smoke events, protecting public health and saving lives.” “Empowering states to proactively manage forests will reduce the frequency and devastation that wildfires increasingly inflict on communities. I am pleased the EPW Committee reached strong, bipartisan consensus around this commonsense solution and appreciate Sen. Curtis’ leadership on this critical issue,” said Senator Boozman. “Year after year, increasingly devastating wildfires ravage our public lands and communities, so it’s critical we act with urgency,” said Senator Padilla. “Today’s unanimous Committee vote to advance WEPA will allow more prescribed fire to be deployed on the landscape and help prevent or mitigate wildfires. I am proud to see our bill advance as we work to be proactive in responding to the wildfire crisis instead of waiting to respond after disaster strikes.” Senator Gallego has long been a leader in strengthening the federal and state response to wildfires. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed his Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act which provides recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-rosen-colleagues-urge-doj-to-fully-staff-essential-immigration-program/,"Kelly, Rosen, Colleagues Urge DOJ to Fully Staff Essential Immigration Program",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and a group of their Senate colleagues demanded Attorney General Todd Blanche restore full functionality of an essential immigration program that gives access to legal support for migrants who would otherwise not have access to it. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Recognition and Accreditation (R&A) program authorizes qualified non-attorney individuals who work or volunteer at nonprofit organizations to provide legal support to immigrants. However, due to severe staff cuts by the Trump administration, there are currently only two employees left in the program, neither of whom has authority to approve or deny new applications, limiting the number of qualified non-attorneys who may provide legal assistance to immigrants. “According to the DOJ website, the R&A program ‘aims to increase the availability of competent immigration legal representation for low-income and indigent persons, thereby promoting the effective and efficient administration of justice’,” wrote the senators. “Unfortunately, the DOJ’s own actions have undercut the stated intent of this program, with CBS News reporting earlier this year that the DOJ reassigned lawyers who were responsible for renewing and approving applications, leaving the program with only two employees, neither of whom have the authority to approve or deny new applications.” “By training and accrediting individuals who are not attorneys, the R&A program helps reduce swelling court backlogs and allows immigrants to gain access to quality legal assistance for their asylum,” the senators continued. “We urge you to undo the Department’s harmful staffing cuts and reassignments and either reinstate or train the necessary staff to restore the program’s ability to process both new and renewal applications for individuals and nonprofit organizations in a timely manner.” This letter builds on Kelly’s efforts to fix the broken U.S. immigration system and support the communities it affects. Kelly has previously blasted the administration on its treatment of immigrants and has called for an immigration system that enforces the law without tearing families apart. This year, he introduced the bipartisan State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act to give states more flexibility and say on welcoming immigrants into their communities to help address workforce shortages. In addition to Kelly and Rosen, the letter was signed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Angus King (I-ME), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-kelly-defends-free-press-calls-out-administration-for-prioritizing-appearances-over-truth/,"WATCH: Kelly Defends Free Press, Calls Out Administration for Prioritizing Appearances Over Truth",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"“This President and the Secretary of Defense, they clearly do not like accountability. They don’t like criticism. They don’t want the American people to even have the facts. This is how democracies die.” In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined MS NOW’s Deadline: White House to defend the essential role of the press in American democracy after President Trump targeted news organizations for coverage he didn’t like. Kelly urged journalists to keep holding the government accountable no matter the circumstances. Kelly also called out the administration over reports that more servicemembers have died amid the war with Iran than previously disclosed. Sen. Kelly talks to Nicolle Wallace on Deadline: White House. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: On theservicememberswho havegiven their livesamid Trump’s war in Iran… “Real leaders, great leaders, are not worried about sharing bad news. Leadership means you want to be transparent with the people you are leading. And this president and the Secretary of Defense, they clearly do not like accountability. They don’t like criticism. They don’t want the American people to even have the facts. This is how democracies die. I feel so awful for the family members who are losing loved ones in this war. Parents, brothers and sisters and children, that it was unnecessary.” “Of course he doesn’t care. He’s called dead marines ‘suckers and losers.’ People who paid the ultimate price, who fought for this country in our time of need. ‘Suckers and losers.’ I care. I care about all of our servicemembers. I served in the United States Navy for 25 years. Every member of our military who are willing to put their lives on the line deserve to have a Commander-in-Chief that cares about them, that has the ability to make good decisions, that knows when it is worth it to put their lives on the line for our national security, and when it just doesn’t make sense. And this time, with this war in Iran, there was no reason he had to do this.” OnHegseth gutting military leadership… “Pete Hegseth is in charge, and that’s why this has been such a disaster. That’s why we’ve lost a portion of a generation of leadership within the military. He fires people that he thinks are not sufficiently loyal to him and the President. He fires women because of their gender. He fires Black admirals and generals because of the color of their skin. “He cares about appearances… He doesn’t want people to know how many service members are dying, paying the ultimate price, defending our nation. For them, it is all about—this is all a show. That’s what happens when the country elects a guy who is a reality TV show star… they think of this as a production.” On his message to the press to keep holding this administration accountable… “I hope you double down, you and CNN and POLITICO and other news organizations on the accountability part of your job—keeping any government, this one, the one before it, regardless of who is in the White House. Your job is to inform the American people and I know that just got a lot harder for you, but I hope under these adverse circumstances that you’re in, you will figure out ways to report to your viewers what is happening inside this government. These are challenging times, but like my wife says, we are up to the challenge.”",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-supports-critical-legal-case-free-exercise-religious-liberty,Congressman Biggs Supports Critical Legal Case for Free Exercise of Religious Liberty,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – Alongside dozens of colleagues from the U.S. House and Senate, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) joined an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court of the United States in Grand v. City of University Heights, supporting an individual’s constitutional right to host a prayer meeting in his home and protections afforded under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA). In 2021, Daniel Grand, an Orthodox Jew, sought to convene an informal prayer group at his home in University Heights, Ohio. After learning of the planned gatherings, city officials sent Grand a cease-and-desist letter prohibiting him from hosting the prayer group. Grand initially sought a permit that would allow the group to meet in his home but withdrew his application after learning that obtaining the license would require his family to move out of the residence. Lower federal courts subsequently dismissed Grand’s case because he did not complete the permitting process, prompting his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court has agreed to hear the case later this year. “Religious liberty was one of the foundational principles our Founders sought to protect when establishing our constitutional system of government,” said Congressman Biggs. “The First Amendment and subsequent federal laws have protected generations of Americans in the free exercise of their faith without government intrusion or interference. No local government should be permitted to undermine or eliminate that fundamental right. I am honored to stand with Daniel Grand in his fight to freely exercise his religion within his own home, just as our Founders intended.” As the Members of Congress write in their brief, “Congress designed RLUIPA to enhance—not restrict—religious freedom. Courts that impose an atextual finality requirement turn that design on its head. Their wait-and-see approach forces claimants to shoulder ongoing burdens on religious exercise while local zoning processes run their course. This Court should restore what those courts have taken away and hold that claimants may seek relief under RLUIPA as soon as government action substantially burdens their religious exercise.” Read the brief here. ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-champions-passage-landmark-water-resources-development-act-secures,"Ciscomani Champions Passage of Landmark Water Resources Development Act, Secures Wins for Southern Arizona",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - Rep. Juan Ciscomani celebrated the passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (H.R. 9497), by a vote of 415-9. The bill includes provisions Ciscomani secured that will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to launch new water projects in Arizona, strengthen the region’s water supply, improve flood protection, and better prepare communities for drought. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is typically passed every two years. It authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to start new water projects and updates policies for existing programs. While WRDA doesn’t provide funding directly, it makes projects eligible for future federal funding. This legislation tackles Arizona’s biggest water challenges, including flood management, water supply, drought and wildfire preparedness, and infrastructure investment for local communities. ""Southern Arizona leads the way in water conservation, and I’m fighting every day to make sure we stay ahead,"" said Congressman Ciscomani. ""This bill is a direct result of listening to our communities, turning Arizona priorities into action, and getting things done. I fought hard to secure crucial provisions that will strengthen the infrastructure families rely on in our district, safeguard Pinal County from devastating floods, invest in Tucson’s water future, and deliver resources for rural communities. With the House’s passage, it’s time for the Senate to step up and deliver for Arizona."" Specific water provision secured by Ciscomani in the bill: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk management in Dudleyville, Arizona. Establishes the Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency in the Corps Directorate of Civil Works. Directs the Secretary, at the request of a non-Federal sponsor, to develop wildfire contingency strategies for water resources development projects that identify both wildfire risk and possible wildfire mitigation measures. Directs the Secretary to research and develop activities on, and test the effectiveness of, natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies in arid, semi-arid, and drought-prone areas. Creates multiple program offices within the Directorate of Civil Works, including a new Water Supply Office to help non-Federal sponsors coordinate with the Corps on water supply projects. This WRDA package includes wins for Arizona, Ciscomani secured: Specifically, this bill authorizes new and modified environmental infrastructure, including: Authorizes $23,125,000 for Western Rural Water which will help modernize drought-strained systems, improve agricultural irrigation efficiency, and ensure long-term water security for rural families. Authorizes $23,125,000 for Tucson, Arizona which will help ease infrastructure strains caused by commercial growth and ensure dependable water services for the community. Authorizes $7,000,000 for a new authority in Pima County, Arizona which will allow Pima County to replace a water conveyance system that delivers water to all major public uses in Tucson Mountain Park and address Lee Moore Wash by providing critical bank protection. Local leaders are praising Rep. Ciscomani’s relentless advocacy for Arizona: ""During high-frequency storm events in Dudleyville, residents along the Welton Wash corridor experience severe flooding, causing floodwaters to overtop the local roads, making them impassable and impacting the safety and economy of residents,"" said Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller. ""Representative Ciscomani led an effort in the House WRDA bill to secure language to advance development of a flood control project to protect the town of Dudleyville from catastrophic floods, and we greatly appreciate Representative Ciscomani’s steadfast leadership in moving this critical project forward."" ""Congressman Ciscomani has been instrumental in securing much-needed infrastructure funding for Pima County. By securing a $7.5 million authorization for continued environmental infrastructure projects in the House-passed WRDA bill, he continues to help us fund critical infrastructure projects. I am grateful for Congressman Ciscomani’s continued leadership in improving the lives of Pima County residents,"" said Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher. ""I applaud Congressman Ciscomani for including $30 million in environmental infrastructure (Section 595) funding for Santa Cruz County in the House-passed WRDA bill, H.R. 9497. With the recent flooding along the Nogales Wash, it has become more imperative that we address this critical infrastructure need before another catastrophic flood causes even more extensive damage. This $30 million funding authorization will help ensure that we can continue to address these challenges and protect the surrounding businesses and communities from the effects of this potentially devastating flooding. Again, I am thankful for Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership and support in protecting Santa Cruz County’s residents, property, and businesses,"" said Santa Cruz John Fanning Supervisor of Santa Cruz. ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1012,Vital Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling in the Middle East,2026-09-19,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Abraham J. Hamadeh,H001098,hamadeh.house.gov,hamadeh,https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The following information is provided by my office from the U.S. Department of State: Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports. This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions. For Country Specific Assistance: Bahrain: U.S. Embassy Manama: +973-1724-2700, ManamaConsular@state.gov U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada). Egypt: U.S. Embassy Cairo: + 20-2-2797-3300 U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada). Iran: Embassy of Switzerland Foreign Interests Section in Tehran: tehran.fi@eda.admin.ch U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada). Israel, West Bank, and Gaza: Israel Police: call 100 Israel Ambulance: call 101 U.S. Embassy Jerusalem: JerusalemACS@state.gov U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv: TelAvivACS@state.gov U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada). Jordan: U.S. Embassy: Amman, Jordan Al-Umawyeen 37, Amman, Jordan Phone number (emergencies during business hours): +962 6 590-6000 Phone number (emergencies after business hours): +962 6 590-6500 Email: Amman-ACS@state.gov U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada). Kuwait: Call 112 in case of emergency requiring police, ambulance, or fire services. U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada. U.S. Embassy Kuwait: KuwaitACS@state.gov. Lebanon: U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada. U.S. Embassy Beirut: +961-4-543-600, BeirutACS@state.gov Oman: Dial 9999 for emergency services in Oman U.S. Embassy Muscat, Oman: 968 2464-3400; MuscatACS@state.gov U.S. Department of State: call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada Qatar: U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada) U.S. Embassy Doha: + 974-4496-6000, ACSDoha@state.gov Saudi Arabia: U.S. Embassy Riyadh Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (11) 835-4000 Email: RiyadhACS@state.gov U.S. Consulate General Jeddah Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near new American School building, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000 Email: JeddahACS@state.gov U.S. Consulate General Dhahran The Consulate is located off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road on the corner of Salah Addin Al Ayoubi Road and Abu l’baba Al Aslami Street. Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700 Email: DhahranACS@state.gov U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada) UAE: Dial 999 for emergency services in UAE. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai by visiting https://ae.usembassy.gov/services/, scroll down to the U.S. Citizen Services Navigator, and clicking on your preferred location. U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi emergency number: +971-2-414-2200 U.S. Consulate General Dubai emergency number: +971-4-309-4000 U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada)",1,2026-09-20T09:37:28Z,2026-09-20T09:38:59Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggss-statement-continuation-maricopa-county-monitor,Congressman Biggs's Statement on Continuation of Maricopa County Monitor,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Late last week, U.S. District Judge Murray Snow continued the grift of the federal court monitor in Maricopa County, who has far outlived his original purpose while costing county taxpayers $350 million for more than 13 years. Since this monitorship began, about $32 million has been paid directly to the monitor’s firm, with a demand granted by the Court that the County have zero oversight into the bills the monitor submits. The prolonged intervention has also worsened deputy attrition and recruitment challenges, affecting MCSO’s ability to serve county residents. With the support of the U.S. Department of Justice, Maricopa County sought to end the order after three new sheriffs and near compliance to the court’s order. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) issued the following statement: “I am profoundly disturbed that a court has allowed this rogue federal monitor to remain in place in Maricopa County. The monitor’s continued existence in our county and propensity for moving the goalposts from his original charge exploits taxpayers and undermines the brave work of law enforcement. This most-recent ruling underscores the need for the Senate to pass my Monitor Accountability Act, which sets common-sense and clear rules for courts’ use of federal monitors. I stand with the people and law enforcement officers of Maricopa County!” Earlier this year, a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Monitor Accountability Act, which was sponsored by Congressman Biggs. The bill sets clear rules for courts’ use of federal monitors. If enacted into law, the Monitor Accountability Act would require federal district courts to follow common-sense rules when appointing monitors to oversee state or local government agencies. This legislation includes the following terms: Term limits: Monitors may serve no more than five years and cannot be reappointed under the same court order, preventing long‑term control by any single individual. No revolving door: Successive monitors cannot come from the same law firm or employer, ensuring independence. Fee caps & transparency: Monitor compensation is capped and courts encouraged to require pro bono or reduced-cost work to control costs and ensure transparency. Public input: Courts must announce the proposed monitor and allow public comment before appointment. Off-ramp for states / localities: A monitorship may only be extended if the state or locality has not achieved substantial and sustained compliance, preventing open‑ended oversight. Judicial transfer: After six years, the case must be reassigned to a different judge to avoid prolonged control by a single court. Retroactive fix: Immediately covers monitorships older than six years, including Maricopa County, triggering required replacement of both monitor and judge. Major law enforcement agencies announced support for the Monitor Accountability Act. The Monitor Accountability Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate for consideration by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA). ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://crane.house.gov/2026/09/18/rep-crane-helps-secure-wins-for-rural-arizona-in-house-passed-water-resources-bill/,Rep. Crane Helps Secure Wins for Rural Arizona in House-Passed Water Resources Bill,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Elijah Crane,C001132,crane.house.gov,crane,https://crane.house.gov/media/,scraper,"On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 415-9. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) supported the legislation, which authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) projects to improve America’s ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection, and other infrastructure. Congress has passed a WRDA every two years since 2014. Each bill works in two stages. First, it authorizes a feasibility study for a proposed project. After the Corps completes that study and issues a favorable Chief’s Report, the project is authorized for construction. Costs are typically split between the Corps and a non-federal sponsor, such as a city, county, or Tribal government. This year’s bill authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed projects, along with 14 construction-ready projects the Corps has already vetted and cleared. Rep. Crane supported a new Arizona project authorization: Dudleyville, Pinal County – new flood-control project authorization He also helped secure funding eligibility for three Arizona flood-control projects under the bill’s continuing-authority programs, which let the Corps act without a separate site-specific authorization: Ak-Chin Levee, Pinal County Lower Santa Cruz River, Pinal County McCormick Wash, Gila County Furthermore, Rep. Crane helped secure four new environmental-infrastructure authorizations for Arizona communities, totaling $54 million: Cottonwood, Yavapai County – $10 million Gila County – $24 million Gila River Indian Community, Maricopa and Pinal Counties – $10 million Maricopa, Pinal County – $10 million The bill also raised the environmental-infrastructure authorization ceilings for two existing Arizona programs, clearing the way for larger federal investments as project costs rise: Flagstaff, Coconino County – increased from $5 million to $13.9 million Winslow, Navajo County – increased from $3 million to $9 million Beyond these authorizations, Rep. Crane pushed for expedited completion of several Arizona projects that were already authorized under prior WRDAs. These provisions don’t create new authority, but they direct the Corps to move faster on work that’s already on the books: Little Colorado River, Navajo County Rio de Flag, Flagstaff, Coconino County Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, Maricopa and Pinal Counties Cottonwood, Yavapai County House passage of H.R. 9497 comes the same week as a major water security conference in Arizona. The National Rural Water Association’s WaterPro Conference brought the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Glen Smith and state directors from across the country to Phoenix. Arizona State Director Lori Urban helped coordinate the visit, where attendees toured rural Arizona infrastructure projects, including the Superior Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Tri-Cities Regional Sanitary District. Through these engagements, personnel saw Arizona’s successful federal partnerships firsthand, serving as a model for the rest of the country. “The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 authorizes significant investment for rural Arizona through flood mitigation projects, upgraded wastewater treatment systems, and infrastructure. This legislation reinforces Arizona’s proactive approach to water management and successfully prioritizes often-overlooked communities. None of this would have been possible without the advocacy and dedication of our local and state partners who worked tirelessly to build momentum behind these projects. Through this team effort, the investments this must-pass bill puts on the books will have a meaningful impact on communities throughout rural Arizona,” said Rep. Crane. “Addressing McCormick Wash is critical to protecting residents, businesses, public infrastructure, and emergency access in the City of Globe from flooding while supporting the long-term safety and economic vitality of our community. Congressman Crane understands the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, and his continued advocacy for the city is making a real difference. We appreciate his partnership and look forward to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move this project forward as quickly as possible,” said Globe Mayor Al Gameros. “The City of Flagstaff extends its sincere gratitude to Congressman Crane for his leadership in securing key provisions within the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. By directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to adjust the cost framework for the Rio de Flag project, this legislation marks a major step forward for this long-awaited initiative. This provision underscores the vital need to safeguard our residents, local businesses, and essential infrastructure from future flood risks. We thank Congressman Crane for his steadfast commitment to Flagstaff and look forward to partnering with the Army Corps to deliver this critical community investment,” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett. “We are grateful to Congressman Crane for his leadership in securing language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Winslow Levee Project. This provision recognizes the importance of protecting our residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure from future flooding while helping move this long-awaited project forward. On behalf of the City of Winslow, I thank Congressman Crane for his continued commitment to our community and look forward to working with the Corps to deliver this critical investment,” said Winslow Mayor Roberta “Birdie” Cano. “I am grateful for Congressman Crane’s leadership in securing authorization language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 for the Army Corps environmental infrastructure program specifically for Cottonwood. Congressman Crane recently visited the City and saw firsthand that we need significant upgrades to our water and waste water infrastructure to protect citizens and businesses alike. This provision is a positive step in protecting current and future Cottonwood residents. Again, I thank Congressman Crane for his continued commitment to our community and look forward to working with the Corps to deliver this critical investment,” said Cottonwood Mayor Ann Shaw.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-raises-alarm-on-deteriorating-conditions-at-eloy-detention-center,Rep. Grijalva Raises Alarm on Deteriorating Conditions at Eloy Detention Center,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Detainees have reported no access to drinking water, edible food, or AC Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva took to the House floor to sound the alarm about deteriorating conditions at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, following multiple reports her office has received from family members of detainees and their lawyers. They report detainees receiving only “ice chips” instead of proper drinking water, inedible food, and several housing units without air conditioning. Rep. Grijalva has completed five oversight visits of immigration detention facilities since taking office, including her first oversight visit as a Congresswoman to the facility in Eloy, which ultimately led to the release of Julia “La abuela” Benitez, a 79 year-old Cuban asylum seeker with dementia who was held there for nine months. In July, 120 detainees signed a letter outlining human rights abuses by the guards at the Eloy facility, which is privately operated by Core Civic. Watch the full speech here. A copy of her remarks are below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm about deteriorating conditions at the Eloy Detention Center. My office has received multiple reports from the family members of people in detention and their lawyers that detainees are being denied access to proper drinking water. Instead, they are being given one cup of “ice chips” per day. In fact, I just met with Sonya, the wife of Yari, who was diagnosed with leukemia and is currently being held at Eloy. Her wife told her that detainees are only being given ice chips for water, which they have to wait until they melt. Two housing blocks are also without air conditioning. This is an outrage. At least 57 people have already died in ICE custody this year – 4 of them in Arizona. This number is likely higher. How many more human beings need to die before we do something? This is a moral failure. I’m calling on DHS to immediately address these conditions and ensure that all detainees have access to safe drinking water, edible food, and humane living conditions.” ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-at-hudson-institute-senators-kelly-and-young-discuss-their-ships-for-america-act/,"ICYMI: At Hudson Institute, Senators Kelly and Young Discuss Their SHIPS for America Act",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Kelly: “When I got here to the Senate in 2020, one of the problems I wanted to try to solve is this national security problem and economic security problem of not having a robust shipbuilding and shipping capacity to get stuff across the oceans.” In case you missed it, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN) participated in a fireside chat to discuss their SHIPS for America Act at the Hudson Institute’s “Fixing Shipping and Shipbuilding: Plotting the Course Ahead” event. Kelly spoke about how the legislation would revitalize America’s shipbuilding industry and create good-paying skilled jobs while addressing a growing national security threat he has been working on since first being sworn into the Senate. Sens. Kelly and Young speak at the Hudson Institute. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: On his family’s maritime history and why he introduced the SHIPS for America Act… “For me this goes back over four decades. I graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1986… I also come from a little bit of a maritime background. My grandfather was on a Liberty ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean multiple times and survived during World War Two. My other grandfather, on my dad’s side, was on a destroyer escort in the Pacific and the Atlantic, escorting Liberty ships…This goes back generations in my family. “When I was flying off of the USS midway in Operation Desert Storm, we basically moved a good portion of the U.S. Army, and the Marine Corps, and the Air Force, and we moved all that combat power overseas. At the time, we had about 400 ocean going merchant ships, U.S. flagged, U.S. crude. Now we’re down to 80. So, when I got here to the Senate in 2020, one of the problems I wanted to try to solve is this national security problem and economic security problem of not having a robust ship building and shipping capacity to get stuff across the oceans. It’s a national security problem for our country, and it’s getting worse every single year. “Now we’re working across to get this across the finish line. And if we don’t, and we wind up in a major conflict with a near-peer adversary, and you get beyond maybe the first weeks of a conflict and things aren’t going well, we’re going to be wishing that we solved this problem decades ago.” On a young woman welder whose life was transformed by the industry… “I was at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard, visiting and toured some of the training ships that are being built for the maritime academies…Some of the South Koreans were so excited to have the opportunity to expand that shipyard. “I’ll never forget this woman who was welding a hull together. And she was in her twenties. And I asked her what was she doing before she had this job? And she was a nanny for a family and she wasn’t paid well. She liked the kid, she said. But it wasn’t a career and she was kind of lost. And then she found this advertisement to learn how to weld and does not look like your typical welder. And she was like “I think I could do this” and just loved it. Was paid well, was able to buy a house. Not a lot of nannies out there and afford to buy a house. I imagine you can repeat that kind of story over and over again in an industry that is growing as we expand these, these opportunities. It could be transformative for so many people’s lives.” On his call to action for everyone who wants to see this legislation pass… “Make phone calls, send letters, show up, tell people. This is the moment… This is an all hands on deck moment here for this legislation. Be relentless. Don’t take no for an answer. Keep banging on the door and we can get this done. But it’s going to take an entire team. I hate to say, this being from the Navy, but it’s going to take an army.”",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-kelly-blasts-trump-admin-for-caring-more-about-appearances-than-accountability-as-new-images-emerge-of-iran-war-damage/,ICYMI: Kelly Blasts Trump Admin for Caring More About Appearances Than Accountability as New Images Emerge of Iran War Damage,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"“We have 18 dead Americans. We have 700 injured. For what? For higher gas prices and diesel prices for farmers and gas prices for the American people.” In case you missed it, on MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psaki, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly blasted President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for caring more about how things look than what is actually happening in the Iran war as new images emerged of drone and missile attack damage to U.S. positions. He also criticized Trump’s dismissal of the cost of the war while leaving the American people to foot the bill for a conflict he started with no plan or end in sight. Sen. Kelly talks on The Briefing with Jen Psaki. Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below: OnTrump dismissing theimpact of the Iran war on servicemembers… “This president calls this ‘small potatoes.’ I mean, here’s a guy, here’s a president who spent most of his adult life sitting on a gold toilet. Of course this is not a big deal to him. This is somebody else’s kid, not his children, going off to fight. He’s a president who avoided service himself. Made up a story about bone spurs. But those bone spurs don’t prevent him from golfing every weekend at the age of 80.” On Hegseth and Trump caring more about appearances than doingwhat’sexpected of them… “What you don’t expect is having the lack of leadership in the Pentagon that would, under normal circumstances, own up to what the situation is and what is happening on the ground, would brief the press, would brief members of Congress who have oversight responsibility, would let us know what is actually happening, would let the American public know. They like nice imagery. They like when things look good. If something doesn’t look good, they’re going to try to convince you that it’s something else. They’re going to suppress it. They certainly didn’t want these images to get out, but it’s dangerous to be there. Servicemembers are at risk.” On thereal costof Trump’s war for the American people… “We have 18 dead Americans. We have 700 injured. For what? For higher gas prices and diesel prices for farmers and gas prices for the American people. And the cost of food is going up. Americans can’t afford their lives. Millions kicked off a health care snap. Benefits gone for so many children because as president wanted to give a big giant tax cut to his wealthy friends.” OnTrump saying high gas prices willgo downlike a “a rocket ship inreverse” … “Well, a rocket ship in reverse is a catastrophe. It is a catastrophic mishap. It’s a crash. He obviously didn’t mean that. He doesn’t really care. When you’re as wealthy as Donald Trump, especially now, after 600 days or so in office, this time around, he’s billions of dollars richer, the price of gas goes up. Doesn’t affect his family members, doesn’t affect any of his friends. If it goes from costing you $140 to fill up your tank when it used to be $80, that’s not a big deal to any of the people around him. You know it’s who’s a big deal to? The rest of America. Hardworking people that are just trying to get by and can’t afford rent now… That has a fundamental and significant impact in their lives when that happens.”",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-slotkin-colleagues-demand-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war/,"Kelly, Slotkin, Colleagues Demand Answers from Hegseth on Cost of Iran War",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"This week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and a group of their colleagues demanded Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. In their letter they also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, Kelly and his colleagues note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” The senators highlighted the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The senators are requesting that the Department of Defense provide: A detailed breakdown of all direct and indirect costs of military operations against Iran to date, including damage to installations, aircraft, and equipment. A full accounting of the $67 billion supplemental request, specifying what covers past costs versus future operations. A detailed plan for how the Pentagon intends to spend the remaining $34 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “Despite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent,” continued the senators. “Congress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.” Kelly has been outspoken about the war since it began, criticizing the administration for launching it without a clearly defined strategy or exit plan. In July, Kelly demanded from Pete Hegseth a full and accurate accounting of all servicemembers who were killed, wounded, and injured in support or in connection with Operation Epic Fury. In addition to Kelly and Slotkin, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John W. Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Timothy Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacklyn Rosen (D-NV), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-leads-house-in-demanding-trump-act-now-on-ai-global-security,Ansari Leads House in Demanding Trump Act Now on AI Global Security,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Yassamin Ansari,A000381,ansari.house.gov,ansari,https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Ansari’s Letter Signed by More Than 40 House Colleagues WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) led more than 40 of her House colleagues in demanding President Donald Trump to lead an international effort to establish global rules on artificial intelligence. Ansari’s letter comes as House Republicans cut the congressional work schedule short and sent members home, even as AI experts and industry leaders are issuing increasingly urgent warnings about the national security and societal risks posed by rapidly advancing AI. In their letter, the lawmakers write, “As AI rapidly advances in the U.S. and around the globe, your administration must immediately initiate dialogue with allies, and also competitors and adversaries, to engage in comprehensive and urgent negotiations regarding the future of AI. These much-needed negotiations will enhance our economic competitiveness while preserving global national security for generations to come.” They further state, “True global security in the untested and fast-advancing field of AI requires stability, predictability, and strategic restraint. Without deliberate multilateral mechanisms for coordinated restraint and calculated risk reduction, the race by multibillion dollar companies to deploy ever-more powerful models risks inadvertently triggering a global economic disruption, attacks on critical infrastructure, the spread of supercharged disease, dangerous military miscalculations, and other potentially devastating impacts for humanity.” Ansari’s letter is co-signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), J. Correa (CA-46), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Pablo Hernández (PR-At Large), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Sarah McBride (DE), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Norton (DC), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Frederica Wilson (FL-24) The letter is also endorsed by Demand Progress and Foreign Policy for America. Read the letter HERE and below. Dear Mr. President, In the wake of recent alarming revelations by leading AI experts at Anthropic, OpenAI, and other companies, we write to you as members of Congress who maintain our dedication to preserving American leadership in critical and emerging technologies, but are nonetheless deeply concerned by emerging signs of highly capable frontier Artificial Intelligence and its ramifications. As AI rapidly advances in the U.S. and around the globe, your administration must immediately initiate dialogue with allies, and also competitors and adversaries, to engage in comprehensive and urgent negotiations regarding the future of AI. These much-needed negotiations will enhance our economic competitiveness while preserving global national security for generations to come. True global security in the untested and fast-advancing field of AI requires stability, predictability, and strategic restraint. Without deliberate multilateral mechanisms for coordinated restraint and calculated risk reduction, the race by multibillion dollar companies to deploy ever-more powerful models risks inadvertently triggering a global economic disruption, attacks on critical infrastructure, the spread of supercharged disease, dangerous military miscalculations, and other potentially devastating impacts for humanity. We strongly urge your administration to lead a coordinated international effort to establish a global framework to guide the development of this technology and a shared vision for AI end-use — engaging our strongest allies, such as the European Union, as well as formidable global competitors, particularly the People’s Republic of China. In these multilateral fora, the most immediate priorities should be: Engaging in direct, strategic stability talks with peers and competitor nations, particularly the PRC, to establish bilateral and multilateral communication channels and verification mechanisms aimed at preventing AI-driven escalation during geopolitical crises, similar to historic arms control risk-reduction frameworks conducted during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Protecting and enhancing global cybersecurity capabilities alongside our allies to harden critical digital infrastructure against AI-driven threats, such as state-sponsored, cross-border, and complex cyberattacks. Establishing a clear universal consensus to prevent increased risks from specific domains that carry catastrophic risks, including nuclear or chemical weapons command-and-control systems, the production of biohazards and deadly viruses, or be granted autonomous military strike authorization. Partnering with and supporting international monitoring organizations to standardize and share safety testing and incident-reporting protocols for the next-generation of highly-capable AI models, ensuring that American developers are not undercut by bad actors operating under lower safety standards while also ensuring that all actors are engaged in the best practices, aligning AI safety standards across the world designed to keep us all safe. Technology should work for society, not threaten us all. The United States led the world in revolutionary international frameworks for nuclear safety and aviation standards without sacrificing domestic strength. Likewise, we must lead with the creation of global rules of the road to prevent the proliferation of uncontrollable highly capable frontier AI. The results for not doing so could otherwise be catastrophic. Thank you for your leadership and attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to working together to safeguard our nation's technological future. Sincerely, Yassamin Ansari Member of Congress Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggss-statement-passing-former-us-senator-jon-kyl,Congressman Biggs’s Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the family of former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl announced his passing at the age of 84. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) issued the following statement: “For almost three decades, Jon Kyl served the people of Arizona in the U.S. House and Senate with distinction, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to our state. He was an exemplary public servant who understood Arizona, fought tirelessly for our interests, and approached his responsibilities with humility and conviction. I was honored to serve alongside Senator Kyl in Congress during his return to the U.S. Senate in 2018. I greatly valued his wisdom and his deep understanding of the critical issues facing our state. “Senator Kyl leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service to Arizona and our nation. His example demonstrated that public service can be carried out with principle, dignity, and a genuine devotion to the people one represents. My prayers are with his beloved wife, Caryll, their children, grandchildren, and the entire Kyl family as they mourn his passing. May Senator Kyl always be remembered as a servant leader who loved Arizona and dedicated so much of his life to making our state and country stronger.” ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-releases-statement-following-passing-senator-jon-kyl,Ciscomani Releases Statement Following the Passing of Senator Jon Kyl,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani released the following statement today after the passing of his dear friend, Senator Jon Kyl. ""Senator Jon Kyl was an influential leader for Arizona and a true statesman who dedicated his life to serving the people in our state and our country with the highest possible standard. To his wife, Caryll, family and friends, Laura and I extend our deepest condolences. Arizona has lost a giant today."" Senator Jon Kyl’s legacy of public service will live on through the lives he impacted and the ways in which he helped move Arizona forward. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-votes-keep-data-center-costs-arizonans-utility-bills,Ciscomani Votes to Keep Data Center Costs Off Arizonans’ Utility Bills,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Representative Juan Ciscomani voted in favor of the bipartisan H.R. 9340 Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed the House in a vote of 417 to 3. This legislation would ensure large data centers pay their fair share for energy and grid infrastructure their operations require, instead of passing those costs to families and small businesses. ""Across Arizona’s Sixth District, families and small businesses are already feeling the pressure of rising electricity costs. We cannot allow rapid data center development to come at the expense of affordable energy or leave hardworking Arizonans footing the bill for the massive amount of power these facilities require. I have raised this issue with House leadership because Arizona communities deserve a voice in how growth happens in their own backyards. Data centers should pay their own way, not drive-up utility costs for the families and businesses that call our communities home. Arizona has an opportunity to welcome new innovation and economic development while protecting ratepayers. That means bringing local communities, state and federal leaders, utilities, industry, and other stakeholders to the table to find a responsible path forward that prioritizes local control and makes sure the costs of data center growth are not passed on to Arizona families,"" said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. This bill requires state utility regulators to establish rules ensuring large-load customers, including data centers, pay for new power generation, transmission, and other grid upgrades needed to serve their facilities. The bill now advances to the Senate. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1007,Congressman Hamadeh Introduces the CATFISH Act to Protect Seniors from Financial Fraudsters,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Abraham J. Hamadeh,H001098,hamadeh.house.gov,hamadeh,https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the CATFISH Act of 2026, legislation aimed at protecting senior citizens from financial fraudsters. Congressman Hamadeh introduced the bill in response to constituent concerns about the increasing number of cases in which vulnerable senior citizens are targeted by criminals using fake online identities, known as “catfishing,” to steal money or personal data. The Federal Bureau of Investigation advises that these “catfishing” con artists are present on most dating and social media sites. Identity theft through this method is becoming a national crisis. In 2024, Americans age 60 and older reported losing $2.4 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Experts estimate that the true annual cost of fraud against seniors exceeds $82 billion, as many victims never report their losses. These “catfish” schemes are commonly operated by transnational criminal organizations, which rely on prepaid gift cards, digital payment platforms, and cryptocurrency transfers to move stolen funds beyond the reach of victims and law enforcement. “My team has received many requests for assistance from constituents who have been victimized themselves or are loved ones of seniors who have been victimized by these sophisticated criminals. The stories are heartbreaking,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “For too many seniors, these losses mean depleted retirement accounts, delayed medical care, diminished independence, and financial devastation that is unrecoverable. These often-devastating crimes can be prevented, and my legislation aims to do just that.” The CATFISH Act of 2026 would: • Train frontline employees to recognize fraud • Provide seniors with fraud warnings before money is lost • Establish anti-fraud standards for financial institutions • Encourage best practices to prevent losses • Study additional remedies for victims of fraud",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-celebrates-committee-passage-of-his-bipartisan-bill-to-extend-terrorism-risk-insurance/,Gallego Celebrates Committee Passage of His Bipartisan Bill to Extend Terrorism Risk Insurance,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Nearly 60 percent of American businesses that rely on terrorism risk insurance could be left without coverage if Congress fails to act WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), along with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC), celebrated the unanimous passage of their Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 out of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs — bipartisan legislation that would safeguard the availability of terrorism risk insurance coverage. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, many insurance companies began excluding terrorism risks from commercial insurance policies, leaving businesses and industries without access to coverage. Since insurance is a precondition for commercial lending and real estate transactions, this gap in coverage threatened broad economic damage across real estate, construction, energy, transportation, and related industries. Congress responded by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA), creating a federal reinsurance backstop to stabilize the private market and ensure that commercial policyholders could continue to obtain terrorism risk coverage. The private insurance market has relied on the TRIA backstop ever since. When TRIAbriefly lapsed in December 2014, terrorism exclusions that insurers had pre-filed with state regulators took effect automatically, making terrorism coverage effectively unavailable across commercial policies nationwide. As a result, terrorism risk coverage was removed from policyholders immediately and without notice. Given that the current threat landscape remains elevated, allowing a similar lapse in terrorism coverage would expose policy holders to unnecessary financial risk and uncertainty. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 would extend TRIA by seven years. Acting before the program expiration date of December 31, 2027, provides long-term market certainty and would prevent policyholders from facing a gap in coverage. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 is supported by: The American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism, Commercial Real Estate Finance Council, Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Nareit, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Real Estate Roundtable, and Reinsurance Association of America.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-pentagon-provide-real-cost-of-iran-war/,"Gallego, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Provide Real Cost of Iran War",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and 44 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also criticized the Department of Defense (DOD) for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, Gallego and his colleagues note that deployments — including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne — have been repeatedly extended and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” the senators wrote. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. “Despite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent,” the senators continued. “Congress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.” The senators are requesting that the DOD provide: A detailed breakdown of all direct and indirect costs of military operations against Iran to date, including damage to installations, aircraft, and equipment. A full accounting of the $67 billion supplemental request, specifying what covers past costs versus future operations. A detailed plan for how the Pentagon intends to spend the remaining $34 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-issue-statement-on-continued-commitment-to-pass-clarity-act/,"Gallego, Colleagues Issue Statement On Continued Commitment To Pass CLARITY Act",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) issued the following statement regarding the CLARITY Act: “Democrats have spent the last two years working to pass crypto legislation that would expand opportunity, protect consumers, punish bad actors, create regulatory certainty, and include strong, commonsense ethics provisions for elected officials. “This week was a setback, but not the end of that important work. We remain committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to get this legislation passed.”",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kellys-office-helps-arizonans-resolve-issues-with-federal-agencies/,Kelly’s Office Helps Arizonans Resolve Issues with Federal Agencies,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Recent casework helped Arizonans recover withheld benefits and military back pay, secure caregiver support, and receive long-awaited World War II medals Every day, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s office helps Arizonans across the state resolve issues with federal agencies and access the benefits they have earned. Recent cases include recovering Social Security benefits and $11,500 in military back pay, securing caregiver support for a disabled veteran, and helping a Flagstaff family receive World War II medals that had never been issued. These are just a few examples of the work Kelly’s office does year-round to help Arizonans navigate federal agencies and get the answers, benefits, and services they deserve: Social Security Lyubov from Phoenix contacted Senator Kelly’s office after the Social Security Administration incorrectly included a Holocaust restitution payment when calculating her income and resources, even though federal law excludes these payments from determining federal benefits. The error resulted in the agency withholding $99.40 from her monthly benefit. After Kelly’s office provided supporting documentation to the agency, Social Security corrected her record and returned the benefits that had been withheld. Veterans Affairs Pam from Buckeye contacted Senator Kelly’s office after spending two years trying to secure respite caregiver services through the Department of Veterans Affairs for her disabled veteran husband. After Kelly’s office contacted the VA, the agency approved the services, allowing Pam to travel with her husband and receive caregiver support while tending to other family responsibilities. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the assistance. The burden that you relieved for us is incalculable. It’s an honor to have you as my senator,” said Pam. Military Records and Pay Staff Sergeant Baltazar from Tucson contacted Senator Kelly’s office after a long-standing error in his military records incorrectly listed his time in service as beginning in 2019, despite serving continuously in the U.S. Army since 2011. The error affected his pay, benefits, and career progression and remained unresolved despite years of attempts to correct it. After Kelly’s office contacted the Department of the Army and followed up on the case, Baltazar’s service record was corrected, and he received $11,500 in back pay. “After such a long and frustrating journey, having this finally settled is a massive relief for me and my family,” said Baltazar. “I truly believe I could not have gotten this resolved without your office’s intervention and support. Thank you for having my back.” World War II Medals Stewart from Flagstaff met Kelly’s staff during a visit to Meteor Crater and shared that his father’s World War II medals had never been issued. After years of trying to obtain the medals, including contacting several congressional offices, Kelly’s office contacted the Army on his behalf, and the Army issued and mailed the medals to Thomson. “Thank you so much for this quick and positive outcome. I can’t wait to inform three generations of family members,” said Stewart.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-kelly-talks-to-abc15-arizona-about-urgent-need-to-act-on-ai/,WATCH: Kelly Talks to ABC15 Arizona About Urgent Need to Act on AI,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"This week, Senator Mark Kelly spoke to ABC15 Arizona’s Nick Ciletti about the urgent need for Congress to protect Americans by putting guardrails on AI. Last year, Kelly released AI for America, a roadmap to make sure AI benefits workers and to protect them from the worst outcomes it could lead to. Since then, he’s introduced the AI DATA Act to track AI’s impact on the workforce, the Aging with AI Act and Senior Chatbot Protection Act to protect seniors, the Advanced AI Security Readiness Act to protect America’s AI systems from theft or sabotage by foreign adversaries, the WARP Act to preserve warfighter skills and readiness, and the Ultimate Human Responsibility in Defense Systems Act to keep humans accountable as AI is integrated into the military. Sen. Kelly talks to Nick Ciletti on ABC15 Arizona. Watch the full interview here. See key excerpts below: On Congress’s responsibility to act on AI before bad outcomes happen… “There are things we can do and that we should do, and we need to act… The other CEOs of the frontier AI companies need to get on board with this. They can put in the guardrails themselves, but we can’t count on them to do that. And it’s the responsibility of the U.S. Senate and the House and the Administration.” On whether we can pursue AI’s benefits while doing it responsibly… “We have to put some restrictions on these companies. The companies are starting to ask for these things. They want regulation. They want guardrails in place. We have to be able to mitigate for bad outcomes before they actually happen.”",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-introduces-colorado-river-basin-water-security-and,Congressman Biggs Introduces the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) introduced the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act to expand water supplies, accelerate critical infrastructure projects, and strengthen long-term water security throughout the Colorado River Basin. The landmark legislation comes as prolonged drought, historically low reservoir levels, and the failure of the Basin states to reach a long-term consensus agreement have created significant uncertainty about the future of the Colorado River. The bill focuses on increasing water supply by investing in water augmentation, storage, desalination, recycling, treatment, and conveyance infrastructure. “The goal of this legislation is simple: add new water, strengthen the Basin, and protect the farms, communities, and military installations that depend on the Colorado River,” said Congressman Biggs.“After the Basin states were unable to reach a long-term consensus agreement and the Bureau of Reclamation imposed significant new reductions on Lower Basin water deliveries for 2027 and 2028, it became more apparent than ever that Congress must pursue solutions that increase water supplies and provide greater long-term certainty.” If enacted into law, the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act would: 1. Cut federal red tape so water projects get built faster. The bill exempts water‑supply projects from NEPA and imposes clear permitting deadlines. Agencies must make completeness decisions within 30 days and final decisions within 180 days. The bill also allows a wider range of feasibility and impact‑analysis studies to be used, so project sponsors do not have to redo years of engineering work. And for major federal projects, the bill provides congressional pre‑authorization, preventing the long delays that often occur while waiting for separate approval. Together, these reforms move projects from concept to construction without years of delay. 2. Create a federal program to build new water supply. The bill establishes a Basin‑wide Water Augmentation Fund and a generous 2:1 federal cost share, allowing states, Tribes, cities, utilities, and private partners to build desalination, reuse, storage, conveyance, aquifer recharge, salt cedar removal, and other supply‑side projects. This is the largest federal investment ever aimed directly at adding new water to the Colorado River system. 3. Launch major federal infrastructure projects across the Basin. The bill authorizes and accelerates federal construction in the Upper and Lower Basins. It includes: Restoring the Yuma Desalting Plant to full capacity. Binational desalination with Mexico to reduce U.S. treaty delivery obligations. California ocean‑discharge capture to convert wasted stormwater and wastewater into usable supply. Arizona and Nevada augmentation projects that move straight from feasibility to construction. Upper Basin development projects that increase reliable supply without reducing downstream deliveries. “My bill offers a path forward by investing in new water, modernizing critical infrastructure, and removing unnecessary federal barriers that can delay projects for years, continued Biggs.“Increasing the amount of water available to the Basin will bolster our single-family housing market, and strengthen food security, economic security, and national security throughout the American Southwest. Congress and the people we serve cannot simply wait for relief from the drought or conserve our way out of this crisis. We must think big, be leaders, and deliver real solutions that will bring relief for decades to come. I urge my colleagues to act quickly and send this legislation to the President’s desk.” Over the past several years, Congressman Biggs has worked to advance solutions that strengthen Arizona’s water security, improve existing infrastructure, develop new water supplies, and provide relief to communities and stakeholders affected by prolonged drought conditions and reductions in Colorado River water deliveries. Those efforts include: In March 2026, Congressman Biggs led Arizona’s Republican Members of Congress in submitting a formal comment letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum expressing serious concerns about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. In April 2026, Congressman Biggs co-led a letter with Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-09) to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, successfully urging the Bureau of Reclamation to release federal funds to address the ongoing drought across the Colorado River Basin. Reclamation announced they would release $450 million – $350 million of which will flow to Lower Basin States. Earlier this summer, Congressman Biggs led a letter to U.S. House leadership, urging the inclusion of funds in the recently introduced emergency funding package to address the increasingly dire condition of the Colorado River Basin. The funding would support water infrastructure, investments, upgrades, and long-term planning for the future of this vital resource. In addition to these efforts, Congressman Biggs worked behind the scenes meeting with federal, state, and local stakeholders to put Arizona in the best-possible position for this new framework. Read the text of the bill here. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-backs-bipartisan-effort-keep-am-radio-available-every-arizonan,Ciscomani Backs Bipartisan Effort to Keep AM Radio Available to Every Arizonan,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - As some automakers phase out AM radio in new vehicles, Representative Juan Ciscomani backed a bipartisan effort to ensure continued access for Arizonans. This comes after a report showed an alarming trend that out of 20 of the world’s leading carmakers, eight have removed AM broadcast radio from their electric vehicles. The recent push to maintain AM radio access comes as vehicle technology rapidly evolves. As automakers innovate and add new features, some traditional technologies are being left behind, raising concerns about losing vital communication channels. This legislative move follows growing national attention to the issue and mounting public concern about whether the general public can receive timely emergency information effectively. ""AM radio has been a reliable source of news and information for Americans for decades, especially in rural communities like those I represent,"" said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. ""I have heard directly from Arizonans about the importance of keeping AM radio in our cars. We can embrace new technology and innovation without leaving behind a proven resource that families, farmers, ranchers, and communities rely on, especially when emergencies strike. This is about making sure Arizonans have access to the information they need, when they need it the most."" The President of the Arizona Public Media Association has recognized the significance of this issue and has voiced their staunch support for the bill. ""We want to thank Congressman Ciscomani for his vote in support of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,"" said Tregg White, President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association. ""AM radio has long served as the backbone of America’s emergency alert infrastructure and remains a key source of news and information for citizens across Arizona, including in rural, agricultural, and Native American communities."" Today’s passage of the legislation marks the first step forward in addressing the needs of communities that depend on AM radio, particularly in regions where digital infrastructure may be limited or unreliable. The bipartisan AM for Every Vehicle Act would require automakers to include AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no additional cost to consumers. ​As the legislation passes the House and gains momentum at the federal level, the Senate will now take it up. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-pleas-for-safety-of-ahmed-soliman-arizonan-in-danger-after-deportation-to-equatorial-guinea,Rep. Grijalva Pleas for Safety of Ahmed Soliman; Arizonan in Danger After Deportation to Equatorial Guinea,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva issued a video statement pleading for the safety of Ahmed Soliman, a 30-year-old Arizonan who has lived in the United States since he was four years old but was deported to Equatorial Guinea, a country he has zero ties to. A judge determined he could face torture or death if returned to his birth country of Egypt because he is gay, so the Trump administration deported him instead to Equatorial Guinea. According to the Arizona Daily Star, on Friday Ahmed was arrested by local authorities in Equatorial Guinea after he spoke out about the inhumane conditions he and other detainees faced in their confinement – including being threatened at gunpoint – at a decommissioned hotel surrounded by armed guards. His phone was confiscated, cutting off his ability to communicate with the outside world. His current condition is unknown.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1009,House Passes Legislation Targeting Fraud in Federally Funded Programs,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Abraham J. Hamadeh,H001098,hamadeh.house.gov,hamadeh,https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation cosponsored by Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026, was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday. The legislation makes permanent the newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The legislation would establish an Assistant Attorney General, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, to lead DOJ efforts to investigate, prosecute, and prevent fraud within federally funded programs. “I want to thank my colleagues for passing this critical legislation,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “The criminals, who have created the need for this enforcement effort, have not only stolen taxpayer dollars, but have victimized the most vulnerable in our society by depleting the resources allocated for their needs.” “Just this week, a criminal, who is a resident in my district, was charged with fraudulently billing Arizona’s federally funded Medicaid agency, AHCCS, of more than $33 million in one year alone,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “He specifically targeted AHCCCS enrollees who were covered under the American Indian Health Care Program. He exploited vulnerable people to buy expensive property and luxury items. These federal funds are finite, so not only did he target a vulnerable population, but his thievery also serves to weaken the crucial safety net Americans need for education, medical care, retirement, and more.” Congressman Hamadeh is one of 4 cosponsors on this crucial legislation alongside Reps. Schmidt (R-KS), Hageman (R-WY), and Fischbach (R-MN). Background: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced this year the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice, tasked with investigating and prosecuting those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 would establish a permanent National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice. This division will: o Streamline federal fraud investigations o Lead efforts to investigate, prosecute, and remedy fraud o Oversee fraud investigations across multiple agencies o Work with other DOJ components to identify common fraud schemes o Propose future legislative/regulatory reforms to fix vulnerabilities in the system o Advise the Attorney General on fraud investigations",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/,"Gallego, Colleagues Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), and a bipartisan group of 152 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-reconvene-essential-travel-and-tourism-board/,"Gallego, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Reconvene Essential Travel and Tourism Board",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and five more of their Democratic colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging the Department of Commerce to reconvene an essential travel and tourism board amidst a decline in international tourism to the United States. The U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) has provided a valuable forum for leaders across the travel and tourism industry to share their insight into the challenges facing the sector and provide direct input on federal tourism policy. However, this board has not met once since the start of President Trump’s second term, despite stark decreases in domestic and international tourism nationwide due to Trump administration policies. “The travel and tourism industry is a vital part of our economy, supporting millions of jobs for Americans and sustaining many of our nation’s communities, making travel slowdowns all the more devastating,” wrote the senators. “Policymakers need to hear from industry leaders when making decisions that could have broad economic consequences, and without that input, legislators and the Administration risk making decisions without a full understanding of how they could affect the travel and tourism industry.” Senators Gallego, Rosen and Klobuchar were joined by Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/,"Kelly, Colleagues Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"This week, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA), members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), and a bipartisan group of 154 other lawmakers urged the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose CEO began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024, shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” In the Senate, in addition to Kelly, Padilla, and Schiff, the letter was signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In the House, in addition to U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21) and Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), the letter was signed by 123 other representatives.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-help-secure-nearly-10-million-in-fema-reimbursements-for-pima-county/,"Kelly, Gallego Help Secure Nearly $10 Million in FEMA Reimbursements for Pima County",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"After years of advocacy, senators help secure funding for Pima County’s efforts to provide shelter to legally processed asylum seekers during height of border crisis Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reimbursed Pima County approximately$6.1 million for eligible costs incurred in fiscal year 2023 and an additional $3.5 million for fiscal year 2024—nearly $10 million combined. The reimbursements follow years of advocacy by Kelly and Gallego, who have pressed FEMA to fulfill its commitment to reimburse Pima County and Arizona non-profit organizations for eligible costs under the federal Shelter and Services Program (SSP). In July, the senators demanded that FEMA process and reimburse all outstanding eligible SSP claims. “The federal government made a commitment to reimburse Pima Country when the community stepped up to the plate during a difficult time,” said Kelly. “Senator Gallego and I pushed for this long overdue reimbursement, and we won’t give up until every Arizona organization gets paid.” “Pima County stepped up when the federal government asked them to, and for over two years, they waited for Washington to keep its promise and pay the bill,” said Gallego “I wasn’t going to let Arizona communities that did the right thing get left holding the bag. We kept pushing FEMA to do its job, and now Pima County is getting the nearly $10 million it was owed.” Background: Congress created the SSP with bipartisan support to provide funding to local governments and service providers for short-term emergency services, including food and shelter, for asylum seekers who had been legally processed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a time when the border was in crisis. Pima County and other Arizona non-profits used the funding to provide temporary shelter, food, transportation, and other basic services, preventing hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from being released onto the streets of Arizona border communities without support. The Trump administration froze SSP funding, betraying the commitment made to localities and nonprofits that stepped in to support the federal government during the border crisis. Pima County continued its efforts seeking reimbursement for eligible expenses the county incurred under the government’s grant. Kelly and Gallego are also working with World Hunger Ecumenical Arizona Task Force (WHEAT) and other Arizona organizations still awaiting reimbursement under the federal program. The senators will continue pressing FEMA to resolve all outstanding eligible reimbursement requests and ensure Arizona communities and nonprofits receive the funding they are owed.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kellys-bipartisan-wildfire-prevention-nuclear-fuel-bills-advance-out-of-committee/,Kelly’s Bipartisan Wildfire Prevention & Nuclear Fuel Bills Advance Out of Committee,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Watch Senator Kelly’s remarks during the committee hearing in support of his bills here Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act and MORE American Fuel Act advanced out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act would make it easier for states and communities to use prescribed fires to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, while the MORE American Fuel Act would modernize the federal approval process to safely expand domestic uranium enrichment and reduce reliance on foreign nuclear fuel. Both bills are now eligible to receive a vote on the Senate floor. “In Arizona, we know just how catastrophic wildfires can be. […] One of the best tools we have to reduce wildfire risk and the damage it wreaks is prescribed fires. But right now, federal air quality rules can make it harder for states to use prescribed fire proactively,”said Kelly during his remarks at the committeehearing. “The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act fixes that. It gives states greater certainty that they won’t be penalized under the Clean Air Act for responsibly using prescribed burns to reduce the risk of a much larger and more destructive wildfire. This is a commonsense change that will help us keep our communities safe and our forests healthy.” Kelly continued, “Energy demand is growing in Arizona and across the country. We need more reliable, affordable, and abundant power on the grid, and nuclear energy should be part of that solution. But building more reactors won’t mean anything if we don’t have the fuel to operate them. Our bill modernizes that process while keeping the safeguards that protect communities firmly in place. It preserves environmental reviews, strengthens public notification, and maintains the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s full regulatory authority. The goal is simple: move projects forward faster without cutting corners.” TheWildfire Emissions Prevention Actwould: Make it easier for states to use prescribed fires as a proactive tool to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Provide greater certainty that states will not be penalized under the Clean Air Act for responsibly using prescribed burns for wildfire management. Preserve EPA’s role in overseeing air quality, protecting public health, and maintaining strong pollution-control safeguards. Kelly introduced the bipartisan legislation with Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Boozman (R-AR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). TheMORE American Fuel Actwould: Allow applicants to begin construction of uranium enrichment facilities, at their own financial risk, after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dockets an application. Preserve public participation and require advance written notification to state, local, and Tribal governments before pre-license construction begins. Maintain environmental review before uranium can be enriched or stored at a facility. Preserve the NRC’s full authority to review, approve, deny, condition, inspect, and oversee uranium enrichment facilities. Kelly introduced the bipartisan legislation with Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have also joined the legislation as cosponsors. Watch Senator Kelly’s remarks here. Read the full text of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act here and the MORE American Fuel Act here.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-celebrates-20-million-doe-investment-power-arizonas-mining-comeback,Ciscomani Celebrates $20 Million DOE Investment to Power Arizona’s Mining Comeback,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Representative Juan Ciscomani is celebrating the $20 million Department of Energy investment in the University of Arizona’s School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources. ""This $20 million investment is a gamechanger for Arizona,"" said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. ""The Department of Energy and Interior has been a tremendous partner in recognizing Southern Arizona’s role in leading the resurgence of domestic mining. As one of Arizona’s Five C’s, copper is a cornerstone of our state’s economy, and the University of Arizona is leading the way in preparing the next generation of workers and advancing the technology we need to strengthen America’s critical mineral supply chain. This investment will help create opportunities for hundreds high-paying jobs, strengthen our workforce and keep Arizona at the forefront of domestic mining."" Leaders at the University of Arizona have also emphasized how important this $20 million investment is for the future of American critical minerals. ""This award is a tremendous milestone for the University of Arizona and for the future of American critical minerals,"" said Suresh Garimella, University of Arizona President. ""As one of the nation’s top mining schools, the University of Arizona is well positioned to help secure America’s critical mineral supply,” said Kray Luxbacher, head of the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources. ""This investment will strengthen workforce training and advance technologies that improve mining safety and efficiency. We are grateful to the Department of Energy for this award and to Congressman Ciscomani for his continued support of mining education and workforce development."" Ciscomani has consistently advocated for the resurgence of domestic mining as a central part of America’s effort to strengthen its critical mineral supply chain. Earlier this year, Ciscomani hosted a mining roundtable with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, bringing together local leaders and stakeholders to discuss Southern Arizona’s mining industry, workforce and the need for greater federal investment. Since then, Ciscomani has continued elevating these priorities with federal leaders, helping turn a priority first raised by Arizona leaders into a $20 million investment that will strengthen the region’s mining industry and workforce. Read local coverage by KVOA HERE. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/house-unanimously-passes-stanton-s-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-native-american-health-care-outcomes,House Unanimously Passes Stanton’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Native American Health Care Outcomes,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House unanimously passed U.S. Representative Greg Stanton’s (AZ-04) bipartisan legislation to improve health outcomes for Native American communities. The late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) championed this proposal, first introducing legislation in 1994. It passed the Senate five times, including when efforts were made to include it in the Affordable Care Act, but the bill never received a vote in the House. Stanton and Joyce have continued Sen. McCain’s legacy by introducing similar legislation in the last two Congresses. H.R. 741, the Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025, elevates the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This creates a direct line of communication to the Secretary on all matters related to Indian health policy, shaping federal health care policy to directly address health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The Assistant Secretary would work to enhance the government-to-government relationship between Indian Tribes and the United States, increase access and collaboration among agencies within HHS as Indian health policy and budgets are developed, and ensure these issues are a priority in current and future administrations. Stanton spoke on the House floor ahead of passage, saying, “The federal government has a sacred trust obligation to provide health care to native communities. And for far too long, we have fallen short of meeting it.” He continued, “As an Assistant Secretary, the head of IHS would finally have the pay and hiring authorities needed to tackle chronic workforce shortages and disparities in access to care. It means faster hiring, better retention, and a direct line to the Secretary on every matter affecting Indian health.” Video of Stanton’s speech is HERE. Native communities in Arizona and across the country continue to face significant disparities in access to quality health care. IHS has long struggled with chronic underfunding and staffing shortages that have left critical health needs unmet. In fiscal year 2023, IHS health care expenditures amounted to just over $4,000 per patient, compared with more than $13,400 in health care spending per person nationwide in 2022. Native American advocacy groups, including the National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Health Board, and National Council of Urban Indian Health support the bipartisan effort.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-statement-on-failed-clarity-act-cloture-vote/,Gallego Statement on Failed CLARITY Act Cloture Vote,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement after voting against cloture on the CLARITY Act: “All President Trump wants is for the Senate to give him time to crime, and I won’t support any piece of legislation that enables him. Just as Democrats and Republicans were making progress to address ethics concerns, Republican leadership ended talks and forced a vote. They were never serious about bipartisan negotiations. “This legislation failed squarely because Republicans refuse to say no to the president. It takes 60 votes to pass a bill, and instead of spending their time twisting themselves into knots to appease President Trump, Republicans should have worked more closely with Senate Democrats to craft a bill that could pass with strong ethics provisions.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-gallego-calls-for-senate-committee-to-rein-in-ai-celebrates-supreme-courts-mail-in-voting-decision/,"WATCH: Gallego Calls for Senate Committee to Rein-in AI, Celebrates Supreme Court’s Mail-in Voting Decision",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Last night, on MSNOW’s “The Weeknight,” Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) echoed his call to establish a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence to rein-in the technology — largely in response to a former Anthropic researcher quitting his role and warning of an industrywide rush to build AI systems that can improve themselves and, in turn, destroy humanity — and applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from implementing President Trump’s executive order restricting vote-by-mail ahead of the midterm elections. WATCH: MS NOW’s The Weeknight On getting all stakeholders together to regulate AI: “We need experts to come in and talk to us—the people who are skeptics, the people who want to regulate, and the people who have a vision for AI. The problem that we have right now is that we don’t know enough… We need to be bringing the best minds around us and figure out how to put up guardrails, and how to do it quickly. “I’m glad that they [the AI companies] are coming out, but can we really trust people that have an interest, a very corporate—corporate interest for them, for whatever outcome, right? They have to respond to corporate shareholders. We have to respond to the American public, right? I have to make sure that whatever outcome that we decide to put together for these guardrails aren’t designed basically to cover their asses for whatever they mess up later, right? On the first steps a Senate Select Committee would take: “The first thing we would fix is: get the people around you, besides those three [Musk, Dario, Altman], to give you the information you need to know how bad this is and where this is going. “Step two is: Are we looking too small? You know, this is going to have to end up being an international agreement, right? Where we have to talk to not just China, the European Union, other friends and allies, to make sure that we all are staying together on this. Because if there’s any type of leakage, if any types of these agents go rogue, they’re not going to care if this was created in China. They will go after the United States and go after China later, or at the same time.” On President Trump dismissing concerns over AI: “This is why I’m very much in favor of putting a commission together that is akin to the 9/11 Commission to come up with the recommendations that we need, to put into text and move fast. And if their president doesn’t want to vote for this, then we have the votes to override that president because it is bad. “The voter is really scared about what’s happening right now. They’re scared that their jobs are going to be taken, that their lives are going to be taken. What we understand is humanity could be totally gone within a couple of years.” On the victory in the Supreme Court over mail-in voting decision: “That’s good for the voters. And look, Arizona—80% of voters in Arizona vote by mail. The vote-by-mail system was started by Republicans. It’s safe. It’s secure. We don’t need last-minute chaos going into an election that’s less than 60 days away. “Let’s continue moving forward. The Postal Service is there to deliver mail. They’re not there to decide who can get ballots or not. That’s the job of the secretaries of state.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-help-secure-nearly-10-million-in-fema-reimbursements-for-pima-county/,"Gallego, Kelly Help Secure Nearly $10 Million in FEMA Reimbursements for Pima County",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"After years of advocacy, senators help secure funding for Pima County’s efforts to provide shelter to asylum seekers during height of border crisis WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reimbursed Pima County approximately $6.1 million for eligible costs incurred in fiscal year 2023 and an additional $3.5 million for fiscal year 2024 — nearly $10 million combined. “Pima County stepped up when the federal government asked them to, and for over two years, they waited for Washington to keep its promise and pay the bill,” said Senator Ruben Gallego. “I wasn’t going to let Arizona communities that did the right thing get left holding the bag. We kept pushing FEMA to do its job, and now Pima County is getting the nearly $10 million it was owed.” “The federal government made a commitment to reimburse Pima Country when the community stepped up to the plate during a difficult time,” said Senator Kelly. “Senator Gallego and I pushed for this long overdue reimbursement, and we won’t give up until every Arizona organization gets paid.” The reimbursements follow years of advocacy by Senators Gallego and Kelly, who have pressed FEMA to fulfill its commitment to reimburse Pima County and other Arizona non-profit organizations for eligible costs under the federal Shelter and Services Program (SSP). In July, the senators demanded that FEMA process and reimburse all outstanding eligible SSP claims. Congress created SSP with bipartisan support to provide funding to local governments and service providers for short-term emergency services, including food and shelter, for asylum seekers who had been legally processed by the Department of Homeland Security at a time when the border was in crisis. Pima County and other Arizona non-profits used the funding to provide temporary shelter, food, transportation, and other basic services – preventing hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from being released onto the streets of Arizona border communities without support. The Trump administration later froze SSP funding and questioned whether recipients had facilitated illegal immigration. Pima County disputed those allegations and continued seeking reimbursement for eligible expenses. Gallego and Kelly are also working with World Hunger Ecumenical Arizona Task Force (WHEAT) and other Arizona organizations still awaiting reimbursement under the federal program. The senators will continue pressing FEMA to resolve all outstanding eligible reimbursement requests and ensure Arizona communities and nonprofits receive the funding they are owed.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-stanton-kelly-gallego-announce-2-million-federal-investment-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu,"Ansari, Stanton Kelly, Gallego Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Yassamin Ansari,A000381,ansari.house.gov,ansari,https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego today announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project will test emerging water treatment technologies and validate them at ASU's Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. “In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and build the economy of the future through advanced semiconductor manufacturing, we must ensure that growth is sustainable,” said Rep. Ansari. “The federal dollars my colleagues and I secured will help do exactly that and ASU is a critical partner in driving the research, innovation, and commercialization needed to reduce water use and strengthen our resilience. Our future depends on it."" ""Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water,"" said Rep. Stanton. ""This investment puts ASU's researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That's how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona."" “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Senator Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and protecting our water supply. It’s a win for Arizona.” “Making Arizona’s semiconductor manufacturing industry even more water efficient will allow us to continue to create good-paying jobs and protect our state’s water supply,” said Senator Gallego. “Thanks to this project, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in community-beneficial innovation.” ""ASU looks forward to putting this federal investment to work advancing technologies that can help semiconductor manufacturers use water more efficiently and strengthen the resilience of chip production in Arizona,"" said Arizona State University President Michael Crow. ""Arizona's water security and the nation's focus on semiconductor manufacturing capacity depends on the leadership of policymakers and we appreciate the support from Senators Kelly and Gallego and Representatives Stanton and Ansari in recognizing the importance of this work. By developing and testing promising water reuse technologies in a semiconductor manufacturing environment, ASU can help advance these solutions for commercial use."" The project will advance promising technologies from early-stage research toward commercial readiness through two phases: developing and integrating emerging treatment technologies into a mobile, pilot-scale demonstration testbed, and validating them in manufacturing-representative conditions at the MTW facility. Quarterly stakeholder reviews will guide which technologies advance to pilot-scale demonstration, where researchers will quantify water savings, cost reductions, and operational benefits. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and commercial deployment, the project is expected to benefit semiconductor fabs seeking to reduce water use and improve resilience, while generating new intellectual property that can be licensed to start ups and established water-technology firms. ###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-statement-on-epa-decision-to-roll-back-power-plant-emission-rules,Rep. Grijalva Statement on EPA Decision to Roll Back Power Plant Emission Rules,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"“The Trump administration is once again prioritizing corporate profits over lower utility bills and the health of working families,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Instead of investing in cheaper clean energy solutions, Trump is propping up dirty and expensive fossil fuel plants in order to appease his donors. Arizonans deserve clean air and lower utility bills – not handouts to the coal industry. We should be moving forward on clean energy and stronger protections, not turning back the clock.”",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://stanton.house.gov/2026/9/stanton-ansari-kelly-gallego-announce-2-million-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu,"Stanton, Ansari, Kelly, Gallego Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego today announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project will test emerging water treatment technologies and validate them at ASU's Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. ""Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water,"" said Rep. Stanton. ""This investment puts ASU's researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That's how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona."" “In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and build the economy of the future through advanced semiconductor manufacturing, we must ensure that growth is sustainable,” said Rep. Ansari. “The federal dollars my colleagues and I secured will help do exactly that and ASU is a critical partner in driving the research, innovation, and commercialization needed to reduce water use and strengthen our resilience. Our future depends on it."" “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Senator Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and protecting our water supply. It’s a win for Arizona.” “Making Arizona’s semiconductor manufacturing industry even more water efficient will allow us to continue to create good-paying jobs and protect our state’s water supply,” said Senator Gallego. “Thanks to this project, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in community-beneficial innovation.” ""ASU looks forward to putting this federal investment to work advancing technologies that can help semiconductor manufacturers use water more efficiently and strengthen the resilience of chip production in Arizona,"" said Arizona State University President Michael Crow. ""Arizona's water security and the nation's focus on semiconductor manufacturing capacity depends on the leadership of policymakers and we appreciate the support from Senators Kelly and Gallego and Representatives Stanton and Ansari in recognizing the importance of this work. By developing and testing promising water reuse technologies in a semiconductor manufacturing environment, ASU can help advance these solutions for commercial use."" The project will advance promising technologies from early-stage research toward commercial readiness through two phases: developing and integrating emerging treatment technologies into a mobile, pilot-scale demonstration testbed, and validating them in manufacturing-representative conditions at the MTW facility. Quarterly stakeholder reviews will guide which technologies advance to pilot-scale demonstration, where researchers will quantify water savings, cost reductions, and operational benefits. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and commercial deployment, the project is expected to benefit semiconductor fabs seeking to reduce water use and improve resilience, while generating new intellectual property that can be licensed to start ups and established water-technology firms.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-stanton-ansari-announce-2-million-federal-investment-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu/,"Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari, Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) along with Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project will test emerging water treatment technologies and validate them at ASU’s Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. “Making Arizona’s semiconductor manufacturing industry even more water efficient will allow us to continue to create good-paying jobs and protect our state’s water supply,” said Senator Gallego. “Thanks to this project, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in community-beneficial innovation.” “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Senator Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and protecting our water supply. It’s a win for Arizona.” “Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water,” said Rep. Stanton. “This investment puts ASU’s researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That’s how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona.” “In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and build the economy of the future through advanced semiconductor manufacturing, we must ensure that growth is sustainable,” said Rep. Ansari. “The federal dollars my colleagues and I secured will help do exactly that and ASU is a critical partner in driving the research, innovation, and commercialization needed to reduce water use and strengthen our resilience. Our future depends on it.” “ASU looks forward to putting this federal investment to work advancing technologies that can help semiconductor manufacturers use water more efficiently and strengthen the resilience of chip production in Arizona,” said Arizona State University President Michael Crow. “Arizona’s water security and the nation’s focus on semiconductor manufacturing capacity depends on the leadership of policymakers and we appreciate the support from Senators Kelly and Gallego and Representatives Stanton and Ansari in recognizing the importance of this work. By developing and testing promising water reuse technologies in a semiconductor manufacturing environment, ASU can help advance these solutions for commercial use.” The project will advance promising technologies from early-stage research toward commercial readiness through two phases: developing and integrating emerging treatment technologies into a mobile, pilot-scale demonstration testbed, and validating them in manufacturing-representative conditions at the MTW facility. Quarterly stakeholder reviews will guide which technologies advance to pilot-scale demonstration, where researchers will quantify water savings, cost reductions, and operational benefits. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and commercial deployment, the project is expected to benefit semiconductor fabs seeking to reduce water use and improve resilience, while generating new intellectual property that can be licensed to start ups and established water-technology firms.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-gallego-calls-for-immediate-congressional-oversight-and-regulation-on-ai/,WATCH: Gallego Calls for Immediate Congressional Oversight and Regulation on AI,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"‘This is more akin to Dr. Frankenstein telling us the monster is loose. Help me stop the monster.’ WASHINGTON – In response to former Anthropic researcher quitting his role and warning of an industrywide rush to build AI systems that can improve themselves and, in turn, destroy humanity, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has spoken out on the need for immediate congressional oversight. WATCH: State of the Union with Jake Tapper On the imminent danger of artificial intelligence: “This is not previous tech. Previous tech could not make a decision to kill us. When we turned on the internet it did not have autonomy. When we created the nuclear weapon, the nuclear weapon did not have the decision-making power to drop a nuclear weapon. AI has the capability and will have the capability to make decisions like that. This is more akin to Dr. Frankenstein telling us the monster is loose. Help me stop the monster.” On the need of his proposed bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence: “Speaker Johnson is not meeting the moment. Trump’s not meeting the moment. The Senate and Congress are not meeting the moment. We need to get together as fast as possible with the smartest people, with the skeptics, with the people that want to regulate, the people that want to actually deal with this, people that are going to figure out how to actually have the perfect balance. We can’t just use this idea that if we do this, we’re somehow going to lose to China because AI does not care once it becomes fully dangerous whether we are Chinese or American. That’s the danger of this. Everyone’s thinking about this in a way that is based on old tech and not what’s going towards the future. This is why we need to get the people in the room. “The way we are going about this is that we are hoping that some committee in the House or the Senate is just going to come together with some staffers and put together the framework that’s going to go into place maybe three years from now. We don’t have that time. Dr. Frankenstein is telling us the monster has escaped. Help us stop this.” See additional coverage below:",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-senator-gallego-unveils-his-plan-to-strengthen-americas-education-system/,What They Are Saying: Senator Gallego Unveils his Plan to Strengthen America’s Education System,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released his new plan to reform and strengthen America’s public education system. The four-pillar plan, “Class in Session: A Plan to Fix America’s Public Education System,” provides a pathway to bolster public education for every American student — especially those in rural, tribal, and high-poverty communities who often face barriers that extend beyond the classroom. Read the full plan HERE. Since its release last week, the plan has received support from AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, National Education Association (NEA), Arizona Education Association (AEA), Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED), The School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), Somerton School Board President Juan Castillo,and Flagstaff Unified School District Superintendent Michael A. Penca. Here’s what they are saying: NEA AZ: “Senator Ruben Gallego is making clear that solving challenges facing public education requires more than talking about the problem—it requires real commitment to investing in students, educators, and the public schools they rely on. From the educator retention crisis and the rising cost of entering the teaching profession to student mental health, academic recovery, and ensuring every student has a pathway to college or a career, this initiative recognizes the interconnected challenges our public schools are facing” said AEA President Marisol Garcia. “Senator Gallego has consistently stood up for public schools and public educators, and we welcome his continued leadership in advancing a national education agenda that invests in people and communities at the heart of our public education system.” Somerton School Board President Juan Castillo: “As a lifelong educator and school board president, I strongly support the priorities outlined in this plan. Investing in our educators, protecting vital programs such as Title I and IDEA, expanding afterschool and summer learning, and preparing students for college and careers are essential to the future of Arizona. Every student, regardless of their ZIP code, background, or family income, deserves access to a high-quality public education and the opportunity to succeed.” JTED: “Pima JTED applauds Senator Ruben Gallego’s comprehensive Education Plan for strengthening public education and ensuring all students have the opportunity to improve their lives through a quality education” said CEO and Superintendent Kathy Prather. “We can attest to the need to address inequities in teacher pay to attract and retain talented educators, and we have proven that enhancing and supporting Career and Technical Education helps students develop the academic, technical, and workplace skills needed for a successful life.” See additional coverage below of Senator Gallego’s education plan: AZ Mirror: ‘We can’t just be anti-Trumpers’: Gallego pitches education vision for Democratic majority [Caitlin Sievers, 9/8/2026] If Democrats take control of one or both chambers of Congress in November, U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego wants to be ready. On Tuesday, Gallego released a wide ranging plan to reverse President Donald Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, and to improve public education across the country with increased support from the federal government. “We can’t just be anti-Trumpers,” Gallego told the Arizona Mirror. “We have to actually have a vision of where we want to go with education.” KTAR News: Sen. Ruben Gallego unveils 4-part plan to restore America’s public education system [Shira Tanzer, 9/14/2026] U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego has introduced a four-part plan to restore the public education system across the country. The Arizona Democrat’s goal is to increase access to education for every student, including those in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas, as well as to improve teacher retention, protect education funding and create school-to-workforce pathways. Gallego told KTAR News 92.3 FM that the plan was created to improve schooling nationally, but it’s also personal. “I have a 9-year-old boy. I worry about his education all the time,” he said. “And I have two other kids that are coming right behind him that will be starting school not too long after. And so, this is really a reflection of my worries about them, my hopes for them — and for the millions of other American kids too.”",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-stanton-ansari-announce-2-million-federal-investment-to-advance-water-reuse-technology-for-semiconductor-manufacturing-at-asu/,"Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Advance Water Reuse Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing at ASU",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), along with Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), announced $2,062,000 in federal funding for Arizona State University (ASU) to develop, test, and demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies designed for semiconductor manufacturing. The award, made through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was secured as congressionally directed spending championed by the Arizona delegation. The project tests emerging water treatment technologies and validates them at ASU’s Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe, generating the real-world performance data industry needs to adopt water-saving solutions at scale. The work aims to help fabs improve conservation while strengthening the reliability of domestic semiconductor production. The legislation builds on Kelly’s work to bring manufacturing back to America. In 2022, Kelly’s CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law, which has significantly boosted domestic semiconductor manufacturing. “Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly,” said Sen. Kelly. “This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and protecting our water supply. It’s a win for Arizona.” “Making Arizona’s semiconductor manufacturing industry even more water efficient will allow us to continue to create good-paying jobs and protect our state’s water supply,” said Sen. Gallego. “Thanks to this project, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in community-beneficial innovation.” “Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water,” said Rep. Stanton. “This investment puts ASU’s researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That’s how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona.” “In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and build the economy of the future through advanced semiconductor manufacturing, we must ensure that growth is sustainable,” said Rep. Ansari. “The federal dollars my colleagues and I secured will help do exactly that and ASU is a critical partner in driving the research, innovation, and commercialization needed to reduce water use and strengthen our resilience. Our future depends on it.” “ASU looks forward to putting this federal investment to work advancing technologies that can help semiconductor manufacturers use water more efficiently and strengthen the resilience of chip production in Arizona,” said Arizona State University President Michael Crow. “Arizona’s water security and the nation’s focus on semiconductor manufacturing capacity depends on the leadership of policymakers and we appreciate the support from Senators Kelly and Gallego and Representatives Stanton and Ansari in recognizing the importance of this work. By developing and testing promising water reuse technologies in a semiconductor manufacturing environment, ASU can help advance these solutions for commercial use.” Background: The project will advance promising technologies from early-stage research toward commercial readiness through two phases: developing and integrating emerging treatment technologies into a mobile, pilot-scale demonstration testbed, and validating them in manufacturing-representative conditions at the MTW facility. Quarterly stakeholder reviews will guide which technologies advance to pilot-scale demonstration, where researchers will quantify water savings, cost reductions, and operational benefits. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and commercial deployment, the project is expected to benefit semiconductor fabs seeking to reduce water use and improve resilience, while generating new intellectual property that can be licensed to start-ups and established water-technology firms.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/arizona-industries-for-the-blind-honors-rep-yassamin-ansari-as-an-abilityone-congressional-champion,ARIZONA INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND HONORS REP. YASSAMIN ANSARI AS AN ABILITYONE CONGRESSIONAL CHAMPION,2026-09-12,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Yassamin Ansari,A000381,ansari.house.gov,ansari,https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHOENIX — Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) presented U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) with the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award on September 10, 2026, The award was presented during a visit to AIB’s Phoenix facility, where Rep. Ansari met with AIB team members and learned how their work supports federal customers and demonstrates the capabilities of people who are blind. “Congressional champions play an important role in protecting employment opportunities and ensuring the AbilityOne Program remains a dependable resource for federal customers,” said David Steinmetz, Community and Public Relations Manager for Arizona Industries for the Blind. “We appreciate Congresswoman Ansari taking the time to meet our team members, learn about their experiences and recognize the value they bring to Arizona and the nation.” “I am honored to receive the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award from Arizona Industries for the Blind,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. “AIB team members demonstrate every day that people who are blind bring valuable skills, talent and dedication to our workforce. I remain committed to supporting policies that expand employment opportunities and ensure that every person has the opportunity to achieve greater independence through meaningful work.” The AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate a commitment to the AbilityOne Program and the employment of people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Through the AbilityOne Program, AIB team members provide essential products and services to federal and military customers. AIB’s operations include warehousing and distribution, packaging, kitting, document imaging and Base Supply Center services. Photo description: Arizona Industries for the Blind President and CEO Chris LaFollettte stands besides Representative Yassamin Ansari as she holds the framed AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award, presented on September 10, 2026 at AIB headquarter. The award recognizes Rep. Ansari’s commitment to improving the lives of Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities and her support of the AbilityOne Program. David Steinmetz, AIB Public Policy Manager, stands behind them. About Arizona Industries for the Blind",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-commemorates-25th-anniversary-september-11-attacks-honors-victims,"Ciscomani Commemorates 25th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks, Honors Victims, Survivors, and First Responders",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani is commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 today in remembering the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives, honoring the survivors who continue to carry the scars of that day, and recognizing the brave law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and ordinary Americans who ran toward danger when our nation needed them most. ""In a matter of hours, nearly 3000 innocent Americans lost their lives. Families lost mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends, and our entire country came together in a way we had not seen in generations. I still remember seeing the news for the first time that day and watching the images coming out of New York. We saw firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary Americans running towards danger. They didn't know what awaited them in that scene; that very courage came at an unimaginable cost. Too many heroes never made it home. Too many families waited for loved ones who would never walk through that door again. And for the families who lost someone that day, September 11th did not end 25 years ago. The grief, the empty chair at the table, the birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, all without someone they love. Those losses are carried every single day with them. 25 years later, a new generation is growing up that did not experience September 11th firsthand. Many were not even born yet. It is our responsibility to tell them what happened, to never forget,"" said Rep. Ciscomani. Among those being remembered on the anniversary is Welles Remy Crowther, known as the ""Man in the Red Bandana."" At just a mere 24 years old, Crowther was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower when the attacks occurred. He used a red bandana to cover his face from the smoke and helped lead others to safety before ultimately losing his own life when the tower collapsed. His red bandana became the symbol by which survivors later helped identify the anonymous hero who had guided them to safety. Crowther was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this week for his extraordinary acts of courage that day. As part of his commitment to honoring the legacy of September 11, Ciscomani has supported bipartisan legislation recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those who responded that day and standing with those who continue to live with the consequences of their service. Congressman Ciscomani has voiced his support for the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 1993), bipartisan legislation commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks and honoring the victims, survivors, first responders, and law enforcement officers whose courage defined that day. The representative is also a cosponsor of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 (H.R. 1410), bipartisan legislation addressing funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical monitoring and treatment to responders and survivors suffering from health conditions associated with their exposure following the attacks. Watch a video from Congressman Ciscomani commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 HERE or BELOW. Image ###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-celebrates-new-wildcat-welcome-center-at-the-university-of-arizona,Rep. Grijalva Celebrates New Wildcat Welcome Center at The University of Arizona,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Tucson, AZ — On Wednesday, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the University of Arizona’s new Wildcat Welcome Center, a dedicated space designed to welcome prospective students and their families to campus. The center will provide a central and welcoming space where prospective students and their families can learn more about the University of Arizona and experience its community and culture firsthand as they navigate the college decision-making process. It also features gathering spaces for visiting high school groups and workshops focused on academic programs, financial aid, student life, the application process, and other resources available to prospective students. “Two of my top priorities on the Education and Workforce Committee are investing in higher education and ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This Center will provide students and their families with a place to learn about the application process, financial aid, and academic programs. I congratulate the University of Arizona in opening this new space to help students take the next step in furthering their education.”",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-condemns-proposed-expansion-of-border-patrol-checkpoints-across-southern-arizona,Rep. Grijalva Condemns Proposed Expansion of Border Patrol Checkpoints Across Southern Arizona,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Adelita S. Grijalva,G000606,grijalva.house.gov,grijalva,https://grijalva.house.gov/media,scraper,"Tucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement condemning the proposed expansion of U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints in Southern Arizona, including the expansion of existing sites along Interstate 19 and on West Arivaca Road, and the establishment of a new site near Three Points. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s Acquisition Planning Forecast System, the I-19 project could cost upwards of $50 to $100 million. “CBP is proposing to spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars expanding and establishing new checkpoints while refusing to provide the public with basic answers about why these projects are necessary in the first place. DHS and CBP have more money than they know what to do with thanks to the more than $200 BILLION in new funding that Congressional Republicans have appropriated. At a time when working families are struggling to get by, this is an outrageous waste of taxpayer dollars.” “If the Trump administration was serious about border security, some of these resources would be going towards modernizing our ports of entry by improving staffing and infrastructure, especially considering that the overwhelming majority of illicit fentanyl seized by DHS is intercepted at our ports.” “I stand firmly with the residents, farmers, workers, businesses, and local leaders who are fighting this expansion. I will continue to push back against these projects and against the idea that federal agencies can come into our communities, spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on wasteful projects, and simply ignore the people who will have to live with the consequences.”",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/,Kelly Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center: “Twenty-five years ago,nearly 3,000people were killed in an act of terror. Today, we remember those we lost, their families, the first responders who showed extraordinary courage, and the thousands more whose lives were changed forever. “I piloted the first Space Shuttle mission after 9/11, STS-108. Aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, our crew carried three flags representing the places where lives were lost that day: an American flag recovered from Ground Zero, an American flag flown over the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and a U.S. Marine Corps Colors flag recovered from the Pentagon. We also carried thousands of smaller American flags and other tributes honoring those we had lost. “I’llnever forget seeing those flags in orbit with the Earth behind them. Less than three months after the worst attack in history on American soil, carrying those flags was a powerful reminder of what our country had been through and what we stood for. “In the face of unimaginable loss, Americans came together. We looked out for one another, honored those who served, and showed the world that an attack meant to divide and weaken us would not succeed. “Twenty-five years later, that spirit of service, courage, and unity stillrepresentsthe best of America. It is something we should never take for granted.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-now-accepting-applications-military-service-academy-nominations,Ciscomani Now Accepting Applications for Military Service Academy Nominations,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani is now accepting applications for military service academy nominations for the class of 2031. If you know a current senior in high school considering an application to one of our nation’s prestigious military service academies, now is the time to contact the congressman’s office. In order to receive an appointment to a military service academy (United States Military Academy at Westpoint, United States Naval Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy) students must receive a nomination from their U.S. Representative or one of their two U.S. Senators. ""One of my favorite parts of the job is connecting with students across Arizona’s 6th District who feel called to serve our nation through military service academy nominations,"" said Rep. Ciscomani. ""Throughout my time in office, I have seen dozens of bright and driven young men and women apply for a nomination. Although each of them has had a unique story, they all have one thing in common: wanting to serve. It is a distinct honor to nominate students across the district who represent the values of honor, integrity, and service, and I look forward to the many outstanding students who will apply for a nomination this year."" Congressman Ciscomani’s office and Arizona’s 6th Congressional District has a strong history of students applying for and receiving nominations and appointments. In the three years the congressman has been honored to provide nominations to students, his office has had 46 appointments to military service academies. The deadline to apply for nomination for Congressman Ciscomani’s office is Thursday, October 29th. Read more about nominations HERE and find the application HERE. Contact Nancy Heiser, who runs the office’s nomination process, with any questions or for more information at Nancy.Heiser@mail.house.gov or 520-881-3588. Additionally, the congressman is proud to host an Academy Day each year, typically in April, for younger high school students interested in military service academies. The event brings together representatives from each of the academies, as well as the University of Arizona ROTC to present information on their programs and the opportunities available. Academy Day is a great way for students and parents to meet the liaison officers in person and get answers to their questions from experts. Be on the lookout for information in the spring regarding Congressman Ciscomani’s next Academy Day event. ###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-at-jfk-library-kelly-speaks-on-public-service-courage-and-lessons-in-leadership/,"ICYMI: At JFK Library, Kelly Speaks on Public Service, Courage, and Lessons in Leadership",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Mark Kelly,K000377,www.kelly.senate.gov,markkelly,https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined author Rye Barcott for a conversation at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston to talk about his upbringing and living a life of service in the Navy, at NASA, and now in the U.S. Senate. Kelly shared the courage and leadership he’s seen in others over the course of his life, from his mom becoming the first female police officer in West Orange to his 39-year-old commanding officer during Operation Desert Storm and the Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6th. He also reflected on the example of courage of his wife, Gabby, who never backed down after she was injured and who continues to live a life of service. Sen. Kelly speaks to Rye Barcott at the JFK Presidential Library. Credit: Jill Person Photography. Watch the full interview here. See key excerpts below: Onwatching his mother break barriers… “A lot of my inspiration comes from my mom…She was five foot nothing. When I was a young kid, she had two jobs at the same time. She was a secretary and a waitress. Neither of them paid well…She decided to become a police officer like my dad, but this was New Jersey in the 1970s. For a woman to become a cop, it was very difficult. She had to pass a test, including a physical fitness test that was clearly designed for men. I’d watch my mom out there for months practice in the backyard. She had to get over the seven foot, two-inch wall. My dad built one in our backyard to help her between two trees. Made it an inch higher. When she finally took this test, she got over in a faster time than all of the men and became the first female police officer in New Jersey. “So, I saw, from my mom, the power of having a goal, a strategic goal, and then having the right plan. And if you execute that plan, you could actually achieve something. So, I learned that from my mother, and it’s something I carried to through my life all the way to today.” Ontrue leadership… “I learned that the most effective teams are ones that will work together, where people can make the effort to make an input, and you’ve got a boss that will listen to you. “I used to tell my crew members, my shuttle crew members, when I got assigned as the Commander of two shuttle missions. One of the first things I would do, first meeting I would have with them, I’d sit them down and I would say, ‘You are required to question my decisions, not optional…But if you think we should be doing something differently at either safety or mission success, you have to tell me about it and we’re going to figure it out together.’ I don’t have such an ego that it’s going to bother me to have to change my mind and say to one of my crew members, ‘Yeah, you’re right, we shouldn’t be doing this this way. I’m wrong on this issue.’ “When you see leaders in our government who don’t take the input and think they know more than everyone about everything, that is a problem and it’s dangerous. And it’s what has gotten into the situation where we find ourselves in today. We’re in a at war with Iran, there was no strategic goal, there was no plan, there was no timeline, there was no exit strategy, and now we’re stuck…That’s what happens when you have a leader who believes they know better than everybody else.” Onwhy Gabby is his greatest example of courage… “Gabby was, I think, one of the hardest working members of Congress, and I thought her future was unlimited in service to the country…Just watching the courage that she displayed after she was injured, that’s what taught me so much about resilience. Never giving up, never backing down, never going away. “Even today, she continues to go to PT and speech therapy. She travels the country half of the time trying to solve this issue of gun violence that makes this nation stand out in the worst of ways. And I just see that in her. So, when it comes to me, when something gets hard, like if anything gets hard, all I got to do is think about my wife and there’s no room for me to complain in my house, about anything. And I think she’s such a great example of really somebody I consider a hero.” Onthe insult of Trump pardoning January 6thrioters… “The president of the United States sent a mob for one branch of government to attack the other branch of government because he didn’t like the outcome of an election. Think about that for a second. I mean, he sent an army at us to try to convince Mike Pence not to do his job. “The courage that day was, in my view, certainly, it was the Capitol Police officers who fought for our democracy and some of them gave their lives… And for this government, then, this President, we have now, to pardon those criminals? It’s so insulting to every police officer in our country. As the son of two cops, I don’t think I’ve ever seen something so insulting from a leader. To pardon thousands of individuals, many of which assaulted police officers.” On his advice for young people trying to find courage… “Find good people to be around, stick up for the folks that are struggling out there. I always encourage young people to stick up for the people that are really struggling. And I think it’s courageous to do that. Push back against when the when the mob is walking off in some direction, you don’t have to go with the mob. You don’t have to be with the crowd. You can stand out on your own. And it’s sometimes very hard to do, but you’ll probably be glad you did it.”",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-conducts-surprise-oversight-visit-at-ice-phoenix-field-office,Ansari Conducts Surprise Oversight Visit at ICE Phoenix Field Office,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AZ,Yassamin Ansari,A000381,ansari.house.gov,ansari,https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHOENIX – Yesterday, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) conducted her first oversight visit at the ICE Phoenix Field Office. This was Ansari’s thirteenth overall visit to detention facilities. “With Donald Trump and Stephen Miller's fascist and extremist mass deportation agenda with arbitrary quotas constantly that they are trying to hit, we know that rules have been broken and norms have been broken left and right, and we know that especially inside the detention centers in Arizona,” said Rep. Ansari. “I will continue to conduct this oversight. I do not support the fact that Donald Trump, with the support of every single Republican here in Arizona and Republicans in Congress, have now given 250 billion dollars to ICE and to CBP to terrorize people in communities.” Ansari’s oversight visit followed recent reporting from the Arizona Mirror that, between December 2025 and March 2026, ICE agents called 911 on 11 separate occasions to request medical assistance for detainees. The facility has no beds, no on-site medical services, limited access to food, and no showers accessible to detainees, despite holding times averaging more than 20 hours. WATCH Transcript of Ansari’s press conference remarks following her oversight visit: I conducted an oversight visit today at the Phoenix Field Office here in downtown Phoenix. This was my 13th oversight visit at an ice facility, and the reason I decided to come to this facility today was largely because of the reporting that the Arizona Mirror and other outlets have have done about the alarming conditions inside the facility, specifically the fact that between December of 2025 and March of 2026, we know there were 11 calls made to 911 for people having things like seizures and people having medical issues. The capacity is 155 people. My visit today was unannounced, and so ICE and nobody here knew that I was coming. The holding rooms look very similar to the way AROCC, which is the ICE holding facility in Mesa. There's a variety of rooms. They tell you exactly what the capacity in each room is, and within each holding cell there is a toilet, and there's water for the detainees who are held there. There's also designated rooms for family units, and there are some smaller cells in cases where I did learn that a minor could be held here, they would be put by themselves in one of those smaller cells. Unfortunately, with the Donald Trump Administration, with Donald Trump and Stephen Miller's fascist and extremist mass deportation agenda with arbitrary quotas constantly that they are trying to hit, we know that rules have been broken and norms have been broken left and right, and we know that especially inside the detention centers in Arizona, those include Eloy and the Florence Correctional Center, especially at the facilities that are run by these private prison companies, we know that people are being treated incredibly inhumanely. That there is a severe lack of access to quality medical care. That there is medical neglect. Nationally, there have been over 52 deaths in ICE custody since the Trump Administration began its reign of terror in January of 2025. That is unacceptable. I will continue to conduct this oversight. I do not support the fact that Donald Trump, with the support of every single Republican here in Arizona and Republicans in Congress, have given now 250 billion dollars to ICE and to CBP to terrorize people in communities to lock people up inside these detention centers to kill people with a lack of proper medical care and all of that while ripping away healthcare and food assistance from millions of Americans. I want to remind people that here in Arizona, we're seeing some of the worst impacts of these cuts. We have over 400,000 people who've lost access to food assistance here in the state of Arizona. 200,000 of those being children, and we will continue to fight to make sure that there are basic standards of human dignity met anywhere that our taxpayer dollars are funding. IN PRINT AZMirror: Ansari makes surprise visit to Phoenix ICE facility after Mirror report [Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, 9/9/26] When speaking with the Mirror, Ansari said she hopes her Republican colleagues also perform their oversight duties, and she warned about the possible sanitized tours that the agency provides to members of Congress. ICE previously moved detainees prior to visits. “I absolutely urge my Republican colleagues to conduct an oversight visit,” Ansari said. “I think it is really important but what I think is more important than going is getting an authentic sense of what is going on and not accepting a standard tour by the staff members of these facilities but actually talking with detainees.” KTAR News: Rep. Yassamin Ansari says ICE was allowed to ignore detainee limits for a year [David Iversen, 9/9/26] Rep. Yassamin Ansari conducted an unannounced oversight visit Wednesday at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Phoenix Field Office, where said she discovered that the Department of Homeland Security had quietly waived time and capacity limits at detention facilities nationwide for roughly a year. This is her 13th oversight visit at an ICE facility. “Up until a couple of months ago, DHS from the highest levels had sent down a waiver to every single ICE facility across the United States to say that it’s okay if the time limit for someone being held somewhere, the capacity limits are broken, and that waiver no longer exists,” Ansari said. “It was removed.” ABC15: Congresswoman Ansari conducts surprise inspection of Phoenix ICE office [Manuelita Beck, 9/9/26] “There is so little visibility to the average American of what’s going on, and when so much of our taxpayer dollars are funding these facilities, it is incumbent upon members of Congress to keep conducting oversight,” she told reporters after her tour. KJZZ: Rep. Ansari pays surprise visit to Phoenix ICE field office following reports of long detentions [Camryn Sanchez, 9/9/26] “I feel like every time we do an oversight visit, we’re informed of a new rule of what we can or cannot do and talking with people here is one of the things that we’re no longer allowed to do,” Ansari said. Ansari says under the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security has undeniably violated the rules many times over. “We know that especially inside the detention centers — in Arizona those include Eloy and the Florence Correctional Center — especially at the facilities that are being run by these private prison companies, we know that people are being treated incredibly inhumanely,” Ansari said. Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more. ###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1005,Congressman Hamadeh Condemns Iranian-Backed Houthis for Seizing Red Sea Port,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Abraham J. Hamadeh,H001098,hamadeh.house.gov,hamadeh,https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) condemns the Iranian-backed Houthis and is calling for swift action in response to their terroristic seizure of the port of Mocha. “The seizure of the strategic port of Mocha in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemeni control is a direct assault on regional security, freedom of navigation, and the global economy. The Houthis are an armed extension of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The seizure of this port puts Saudi Arabia directly in harm’s way and we must stand with our allies in the region,” sated Congressman Hamadeh. “The Houthis must face decisive consequences, and Tehran must understand that the era of attacking America and our allies through proxies is over. America First doesn't mean America alone. Congressman Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, knows first-hand the ravages committed by the Houthi terrorists from his service time in Saudi Arabia. In 2021, then-Captain Hamadeh was deployed to the Middle East when the Houthis conducted multiple high-profile attacks against civilian Saudi Arabian and coalition targets in the Gulf. In February 2025, Congressman Hamadeh introduced H.R. 1250, requiring the imposition of sanctions with respect to the officials, agents, or affiliates of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, for acts of international terrorism. In April 2025, Congressman Hamadeh reached across the aisle to work with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) to introduce the Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement (PEACE) Act, which will strengthen U.S. diplomatic engagement by institutionalizing training on the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements at the U.S. State Department. BACKGROUND ""Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthis attacked four cities in the south of U.S. ally Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, wounding more than 70 people and setting oil installations ablaze in what appeared to be a major expansion of the six-month-old Middle East war,"" reported USAToday. ""The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's populated areas including the capital, said they had launched a broad operation deep into Saudi territory. They used drones and missiles to strike a Saudi airbase in the southern city of Khamis Mushait, and targets belonging to Saudi Arabia's state oil company in nearby Abha, Najran on the Yemeni border, and Jazan, a major Red Sea port city that houses a large refinery and power plant.""",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ciscomani-celebrates-grand-opening-wildcat-welcome-center-university,Rep. Ciscomani Celebrates Grand Opening of the Wildcat Welcome Center at the University of Arizona,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Ciscomani joined the Wildcat community today for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the University of Arizona’s new Wildcat Welcome Center, a space dedicated to welcome prospective students and their families to campus. ""It was an honor to join the Wildcat community for this momentous occasion,"" said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. ""The new Wildcat Welcome Center will serve as the gateway for prospective Wildcats and their families, providing an engaging first look at all the University of Arizona has to offer. As the first stop on campus, it will set the stage for countless students’ journeys to becoming Wildcats."" The Wildcat Welcome Center, located inside the Student Union Memorial Center, will serve as the central hub for campus tours, enrollment events, workshops, and student experiences. Future Wildcats and their families will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant University of Arizona community and culture. Completed at the outset of the fall semester, the center is now the home base for student ambassador-led campus tours. As Arizona’s only member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Ciscomani has championed federal investments that strengthen the University of Arizona’s leadership in innovation, research, and workforce development. Most recently, Rep. Ciscomani championed $2 million for Applied Hypersonics and Directed Energy Integration, which will support workforce development in these critical fields by providing state-of-the-art testing and manufacturing equipment for hypersonics and directed energy research. The investment has already cleared its first major legislative hurdle and remains a priority in the ongoing appropriations process. ""The University of Arizona is preparing the next generation for the jobs and industries of the future, and I am proud to advocate for the federal investments that make this work possible,"" said Rep. Ciscomani. ""From welcoming future Wildcats to advancing groundbreaking research, we are ensuring Arizona remains a leader in innovation and opportunity. As a proud U of A alum, I am committed to keeping our university a premier destination for Arizona students and all those looking to join the Wildcat family."" The Sept. 9 grand opening celebration included remarks from university leaders, appearances by Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat, a performance by the Sunnyside Unified School District Mariachi Band, a ribbon cutting, an open house reception, and student ambassador-led tours. Read local coverage of the event HERE and HERE. ###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-demand-postal-service-halt-implementation-of-unconstitutional-vote-by-mail-restrictions/,"Gallego, Colleagues Demand Postal Service Halt Implementation of Unconstitutional Vote-by-Mail Restrictions",2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and John Fetterman (D-PA) in demanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) immediately halt implementation of President Trump’s unlawful vote-by-mail executive order and rescind its recently finalized rule on federal ballot mail. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner and the USPS Board of Governors, the senators warned that the Postal Service’s efforts to fundamentally change how absentee ballots are processed and delivered just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections risks disenfranchising millions of eligible voters and disrupting the smooth administration of the elections. The lawmakers are also demanding the Postal Service provide overdue answers about what legal authority permits it to regulate federal election mail, its new ballot verification processes, and the operation of its Federal Ballot Mail Portal, as well as its efforts to comply with federal court orders. “Despite repeated warnings from Congress and court orders not to implement the President’s unlawful directives to regulate mail-in voting, the Postal Service continues to carry out these actions, which will undermine peoples’ faith in the upcoming elections,” the senators wrote. “If the Postal Service does not immediately reverse its current course, it will inflict lasting harm to our democracy and permanently damage a storied American institution.” On August 21, USPS finalized a rule to implement President Trump’s vote-by-mail executive order that would require states to provide absentee voter rolls to the federal government and comply with new ballot standards, while giving USPS the authority to verify and refuse to deliver ballots that do not meet its requirements. The senators argue that neither the President nor USPS has the legal authority to regulate absentee voting and noted that despite previous commitments to Congress that it would abide by judicial injunctions, the Postal Service finalized the rule while subject to a federal court order prohibiting it from doing so. The Postal Service’s rule is also being challenged in several ongoing federal lawsuits, where the legality of the Administration’s vote-by-mail directives remains under review. This letter continues Gallego’s fight to protect mail-in voting from the Trump Administration. Earlier this month, he also released a statement in response to the whistleblower complaint from someone at the USPS. Also this month, he went on MS NOW’s Morning Joe to discuss the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Trump’s mail-in voting executive order. Read the full text of the letter HERE.",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-urges-senate-leadership-to-establish-bipartisan-senate-select-committee-on-artificial-intelligence/,Gallego Urges Senate Leadership to Establish Bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging them to support the establishment of a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence beginning at the start of the next Congress. This follows recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal that former Anthropic researcher, Jacob Coxon, quit his role and warned of an industrywide rush to build AI systems that can improve themselves and, in turn, destroy humanity. In response to his departure, Evan Hubinger — a top scientist at Anthropic — wrote that there is a more than ten-percent chance AI destroys humanity in the next decade, with no plan in place at the company to tackle the problem. “AI is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies in human history. It has already accelerated drug discovery, expanded access to expert-level knowledge across numerous different fields, and improved productivity across industries, with one leading estimate suggesting the technology could raise global GDP by as much as 7 percent or nearly $7 trillion over a ten-year period,” Senator Gallego wrote.“But the same technology also presents serious and rapidly evolving challenges to our workforce, national security, elections, privacy, critical infrastructure, children, and the safety of the public. Senator Gallego continued: “Congress does not need to resolve every disagreement among experts about timelines or probabilities to recognize that both the upside and the downside of this technology warrant an urgent and comprehensive response.” Senator Gallego detailed how the committee should be explicitly bipartisan in membership and leadership, have subpoena power, and be charged with producing actionable legislative recommendations. He also insisted that it must hold hearings in response to national security concerns; respond to AI’s effect on American workers and the economy; asses the risks to children, consumers, privacy, civil rights, elections, and critical infrastructure; examine the energy and infrastructure demands of AI; and study how the United States can establish safeguards while also remaining the leaders in AI’s development. “Artificial intelligence is moving quickly. Congress must move with it,” concluded Senator Gallego. Click to read the full text of the letter HERE.",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-arizona-gallego-meets-with-workers-manufacturers-first-responders-and-community-leaders/,"In Arizona, Gallego Meets with Workers, Manufacturers, First Responders and Community Leaders",2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Gallego also visits AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, met with firefighters, and attend the Coconino Couty State Fair ARIZONA— This past weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) conducted congressional oversight at the AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, attended Labor Day celebrations, and met with Valley residents and small businesses before heading to Flagstaff to attend the Coconino County State Fair. Gallego began Thursday morning by meeting with officials and touring the AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, where he focused on strengthening congressional oversight, increasing transparency into ICE’s operations, and ensuring humane standards and accountability in federal immigration enforcement. Following the tour, Gallego traveled to ISOLA HQ in Chandler, a manufacturer of components essential to printed circuit boards (PCBs). During the visit, the senator highlighted his bipartisan Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act, which would help ensure we have the domestic capacity of PCBs to match the output of semiconductors made in America and shore up a critical component of the national security supply chain. Senator Gallego Tours Isola in Chandler, AZ “[The work ISOLA HQ does] is very important because we have this global competition against China,” said Senator Gallego. “There’s only a certain number of manufacturers and suppliers that can meet the demand we need when it comes to high-tech military technology. That’s why supporting these American companies, making sure they stay in American hands, remain innovative, and are able to grow is very important—not just for our economy, but for our national security.” Afterwards, Gallego visited the Intel Ocotillo Campus, in Chandler to tour their semiconductor manufacturing operations. Intel’s investment in Arizona is estimated to support 3,000 manufacturing jobs and 7,000 construction jobs thanks to smart industrial policies like the CHIPS and Science Act. Senator Gallego meets with Intel Ocotillo leadership on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 Gallego also stopped at Latina and family-owned restaurant, Elmer’s Tacos, located in Chandler. After ordering lunch, Gallego met co-owner Lisa Cuen-Rodriguez and presented her with a certificate of recognition and spoke about the challenges of small business ownership. Senator Gallego presents a certificate of recognition to Elmer’s Tacos co-owner Lisa Cuen-Rodriguez On Friday, the senator participated in a Labor Day appreciation visit with workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He met with airport workers, thanked them for their contributions, and recognized the essential role they play in keeping Arizona’s transportation infrastructure and economy moving. He also spoke at the Arizona AFL-CIO’s Labor Day lunch, telling union members, “America needs a strong labor force, the backbone of a functioning society. Together, we must strengthen the ability of working people to build a middle-class life. They deserve an economy that works for them too.” He continued: “Thank you to the labor unions who continue to demand a fair deal. Thank you to the millions of people who get up every morning, go to work, take care of their families and keep our communities and our country moving.” Senator Gallego meets with workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Also, on Friday, Gallego visited Valley Metro’s Operations and Maintenance Center in Phoenix. While there, he toured the facility and met with the Valley Metro Team and Board Members. After, he congratulated Valley Metro for being named “2026 Outstanding Public Transportation System” by the American Public Transportation Association and gave them a framed congratulatory letter. Gallego then attended a gathering of the Alzheimer’s Association Arizona Chapter,where they discussed the ASAP Act, which Senator Gallego cosponsored. He heard from volunteer advocates about their experiences with Alzheimer’s disease and the needs of Arizona families and caregivers, while learning more about the Chapter’s local initiatives and efforts to support patients. “The ASAP Act is giving patients more time with their loved ones. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association toward a future where families no longer have to live with the devastating impact of this disease — and where we ultimately find a cure,” said Senator Gallego. On Saturday, Senator Gallego met with firefighters from the Coconino National Forest and received a briefing on ongoing wildland firefighting efforts. He also participated in a demonstration focused on wildfire response and forest restoration on public lands, and discussed next steps Congress can take to strengthen wildfire prevention and preparedness. Senator Gallego and his family meets with firefighters Gallego ended the state trip attending the Coconino County State Fair where he met with Coconino County Board Chair Patrice Hortsman and Vice-Chair Jeronimo Vasquez. They discussed the need to preserve access to critical rural health care for Coconino County residents amid Medicare cuts, as well as efforts to strengthen the region’s economy as recent wildfires, flooding, and staffing cuts at Grand Canyon National Park have impacted tourism revenue. Senator Gallego used the visit to meeting local vendors and small business owners, while enjoying the Fort Tuthill Military History Museum and with his family. Senator Gallego attends the Coconino County State Fair",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-supports-asus-bid-establish-new-american-defense-center,Congressman Biggs Supports ASU’s Bid to Establish New American Defense Center,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA. – This month, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) led a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth supporting Arizona State University’s (ASU) application to establish the Applied Research for Manufacturing Operational Readiness (ARMOR) Center at ASU’s Polytechnic campus in Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District. The proposed center would strengthen Arizona’s manufacturing sector and defense industrial base while advancing technologies critical to America’s military readiness. The U.S. Army is seeking to establish a new national ARMOR Center to accelerate the transition of cutting-edge manufacturing research into capabilities that strengthen military readiness and the American defense industrial base. The center would serve as a trusted government partner, coordinating research and helping move promising technologies into the Army’s Organic Industrial Base, defense contractors, and other manufacturing partners. ASU’s proposed ARMOR Center would create an end-to-end pipeline to advance technologies from applied research and development through maturation, qualification, scaling, and ultimately deployment into military manufacturing and sustainment operations. Establishing the center at ASU’s Polytechnic campus would further position Arizona as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and defense technology while strengthening the state’s growing defense industrial base. “Led by institutions and companies like Arizona State University, our state continues to position itself at the forefront of America’s defense industrial base,” said Congressman Biggs. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have been pleased to support projects and initiatives that strengthen our national defense and help safeguard our citizens, freedoms, and interests. ASU is well positioned to lead this important effort, and I am hopeful the administration will select its proposal to establish the ARMOR Center here in Arizona.” Congressman Eli Crane co-led the letter. Read the letter here. ###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-not-to-axe-protections-for-americas-remaining-wild-public-forests/,"Gallego, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration Not to Axe Protections for America’s Remaining Wild Public Forests",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Popular Roadless Rule conservation measure protects 44 million acres of pristine U.S. Forest Service lands from destructive and expensive roadbuilding, logging, and supports outdoor recreation economy WASHINGTON – Last week, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 38 of their Senate colleagues and dozens of House members in sending a bicameral letter calling on the Trump Administration to end its efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has shielded approximately 44 million acres of the most pristine and treasured areas within the National Forest System from roadbuilding and logging. In Arizona, the Rule protects 1,174,000 acres of Inventoried roadless Areas. “Since its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states,” wrote the Senators. “These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities. Iconic landscapes such as the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the George Washington National Forest in Virginia exemplify the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of these lands.” The letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz goes on to note the habitat protection, wildfire mitigation, and economic benefits of the Roadless Rule. The Roadless Rule enjoys strong public support, as evidenced by the overwhelming majority of 2.5 million comments submitted on the Roadless Forest Protection Rule since it has been enacted — more than 95%— were in support of protecting roadless areas. A March 2019 poll by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that three out of four respondents said they supported keeping roadless forest protections, while only 16% opposed it. That level of support changed little between respondents living in rural or non-rural areas and across party affiliation and political views. “Over the past 25 years, the rule has helped protect watersheds, biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity by limiting road construction and large-scale logging in undeveloped areas,” continued the Senators. “Forest Service data show that watersheds within roadless areas are far more likely to be in ‘properly functioning’ condition compared to those outside of them, which are more often classified as ‘at risk’ or ‘impaired.’” “The conclusion is clear: the Roadless Rule is effective, widely supported, and essential to responsible forest management. Rescinding it would undermine decades of progress and impose unnecessary environmental and fiscal costs,” concluded the Senators. Last year, Senators Gallego and Cantwell, along with Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act to permanently codify the Roadless Rule. Read the full text of the letter HERE.",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-gallego-unveils-plan-to-reform-strengthen-americas-public-education-system/,"Senator Gallego Unveils Plan to Reform, Strengthen America’s Public Education System",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,www.gallego.senate.gov,gallego,https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Gallego’s four-pillar framework details his commitment to improving America’s public schools for every student WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released his new plan to address America’s failing public education system. The four-pillar plan, “Class in Session: A Plan to Fix America’s Public Education System,” provides a pathway to bolster public education for every American student — especially those in rural, tribal, and high-poverty communities who often face barriers that extend beyond the classroom. “Even though I grew up poor, I was lucky enough to get a good enough education, make it to Harvard, and eventually become a U.S. Senator. Every kid deserves that same fair shot. Instead, Donald Trump’s gutting of the Department of Education has left our most vulnerable students behind,” said Senator Gallego. “My plan not only reverses these cuts but also provides a path forward for our nation’s public schools, including by eliminating federal funding for vouchers, increasing teacher pay, tackling student absenteeism, and setting up workforce training programs.” Senator Gallego’s plan: Protecting and Investing in Public Education: Protect the federal role in public education by strengthening the Department of Education and ensuring programs such as Title I, IDEA, Impact Aid, the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), Secure Rural Schools (SRS), and E-Rate continue to serve the communities that depend on them Investing in and Strengthening the Teacher Workforce: Work with states and school districts to improve teacher compensation and working conditions, including teacher health and wellness while expanding preparation programs including residencies and locally based preparation programs, financial aid, mentorship, and leadership pathways. Supporting Student Success and Well-Being: Address learning loss, chronic absenteeism, and student mental health by investing in full-service community schools, as well as investing in afterschool learning, tutoring, summer learning, mental health professionals and other school-based support. Preparing Students for College, Careers, and the Workforce: Expand access to college and career advising, dual enrollment, career and technical education, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities.",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z