url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/blue-dogs-urge-biden-prioritize-bipartisan-legislation-pandemic-response,"Blue Dogs Urge Biden to Prioritize Bipartisan Legislation for Pandemic Response, Recovery",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Members of the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden Tuesday requesting that he prioritize bipartisan legislation dealing with novel coronavirus pandemic response and recovery. The letter highlighted the coalition's policy priorities for the 117th Congressional session, including fiscal responsibility, pandemic crisis relief, job creation, government reform and holding foreign adversaries accountable, according to the text of the letter. We firmly believe that in order to make lasting progress, Congress must pursue bipartisan policies that can be implemented, while prioritizing those that pertain to the pandemic response and the economic recovery, the text of the letter read. The American people have sent a clear message: Democrats and Republicans must govern together responsibly. The letter was signed by all members of Blue Dog Coalition, listed as follows: Reps. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz., Lou Correa, D-Calif., Anthony Brindisi, D-N.Y., Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., Ed Case, D-Hawaii, Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, Charlie Crist, D-Fla., Jared Golden, D-Maine, Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Brad Schneider, D-Ill., Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and Mike Thompson, D-Calif. In the letter, the coalition requests that any COVID-19 crisis relief measures signed by Biden contain stronger oversight measures to ensure taxpayer dollars are going to the right places. Further, the coalition noted the need for Congress to take measures to reform the redistricting process, strengthen inspectors general, increase federal transparency and incentivize Congress to pass budget and appropriations bills punctually. To build upon already-passed coronavirus relief legislation, the coalition requested that any new bills pertaining to pandemic response include significant investments in health care, clean energy, education, job training, small businesses, manufacturing and infrastructure in order to sustain middle-class growth in the long-term. Additionally, the Blue Dogs' letter addressed the unsustainable fiscal path taken to swiftly address pandemic relief during the 116th Congressional session. The coalition seeks to tackle the ballooning national debt by exclusively pursuing balanced, bipartisan measures in any upcoming relief measures. The 117th Congress is going to be narrowly divided, with a slim Democratic majority in the House, and, at best, a narrow Senate majority, the text of the letter continued. Our nation faces major challenges as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Americans are sick of Congress playing partisan games. Pursuing partisan legislation that cannot make it to your desk for your signature will not only hinder our nation's recovery, it will further feed into the divides in our country. Now more than ever we must demonstrate to the American people that cooler heads can prevail and that government can indeed work for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/o-halleran-says-900-billion-relief-bill-will-benefit-tribal-lands,OHalleran says $900 billion relief bill will benefit tribal lands,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. U.S. Rep. Tom O' Halleran voted to approve funding for the $900 billion coronavirus aid bill. The measure passed the House of Representatives and Senate, and President Donald Trump signed the bill Dec. 27. The measure approves sending $600 to every adult and every child; a family of five would get $3,000. People would get less if an individual made $75,000 or more and couples would get less if they made $150,000 or more. The bill would also help with funding for businesses and the unemployed. Trump had threatened to veto the bill and delayed signing it because he said he wanted $2,000 per person instead of $600. The House of Representatives voted 327-85 and 359-53 in two separate bills for the coronavirus aid funding. The Senate combined the two and approved the measure by a 92-6 vote. O'Halleran, who represents Arizona Congressional District One, which includes the Navajo and Hopi nations, said that if Trump had vetoed the coronavirus funding effort that Congress had enough votes to override his veto. It would not be constructive for the American people, he said. According to O'Halleran, Democratic leadership was originally attempting to get $2,000 per person in order to help businesses and individuals. There are too many people out of work. The coronavirus had a profound impact on the economy, he said. We've had several hard months. O'Halleran said it has been difficult to get Republican leadership to vote on the Heroes Act when Democrats were proposing $2,000 per person. Trump had also threatened to shut down the government if he didn't get the increase in funding for the relief bill. O'Halleran said the Trump administration has made no indication until this point that they wanted more money per individual. He said the Republican leadership in Congress would not even agree to the $600 per person until they entered the negotiation talks. People have suffered longer because the Senate and the President wouldn't act, he said. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a recently elected Arizona Democrat, said in a news release that he voted for the measure. This emergency relief will protect jobs and bolster our economy by helping those who need it most right now individuals who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, small businesses working to make payroll, and families behind on rent or unable to put food on the table, he said. Kelly stated that Arizona's tribal communities have been hit especially hard by the pandemic and have battled the virus with too little help from the federal government. Through work across the aisle with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and others, we were able to ensure that there is dedicated funding for tribal health care, education, broadband and other needed relief to continue fighting this pandemic, he said. In addition to the $600 per person, the bill also extends the timeline for tribal governments to spend coronavirus relief funds, giving the tribes more time to plan how the funding will be spent. The bill will also help with an agreement of water coming from Mexico to Utah to help with water issues. The bill will also appropriate $3.4 billion more funds for the Indian Health Service, appropriate $1 billion for sanitation and water delivery to reservations, supply more funding for broadband on reservations to help students with their educational needs, add $300 per week for those on unemployment in addition to unemployment benefits people receive from the states, add 15 percent for people receiving funding for food and gives $75 billion for Bureau of Indian Education schools. O'Halleran said this funding is in addition to normal funding, not in replace of it. O'Halleran stated the final bills passed by Congress was a bipartisan agreement as the Democrats wanted $2,2 trillion in the overall spending bill, but settled for $1.3 trillion in the negotiations. He said more funding for vaccines are needed as the government approved spending $400 million on the vaccines which is enough for 200 million of the 303 million people in America. According to O'Halleran, Pfizer offered the government another 100 million vaccines, but the Trump administration didn't want to purchase it. We need vaccines faster. During an emergency you don't act based on what you hope happens. This was not the way to address it, he said. O'Halleran said he is concerned about the deficit, but the alternative to not funding the coronavirus relief package was worse, since it would leave people out on the street and hungry. If the coronavirus goes up, we need to address it, he said. O'Halleran is particulary concerned about restaurants since 110,000 restaurants across the country have closed down. One bill that would help enormously, he said, is an infrastructure bill that has been sitting in the Senate for several years. Infrastructure means fixing bridges and roads, and would create a lot of jobs. He said much of the proposed $1.5 trillion would go for projects on rural tribal lands. Additionally, O'Halleran applauded the recent appointment of Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) to Secretary of the Interior. O'Halleran serves on the agriculture and energy and commerce committees and will work with Haaland on Native American, forest service and national park issues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-votes-deliver-2000-americans-override-ndaa-veto,"OHalleran Votes to Deliver $2000 to Americans, Override NDAA Veto",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to override President Trump's veto of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, legislation to fund our military operations at home and abroad, provide a 3% pay increase for servicemembers, and authorize funding to strengthen America's ability to respond to a potential COVID-19 resurgence and other infectious diseases in the future. I'm disappointed that any American president would vote against a pay raise for our troops and am relieved to be back in Washington today to override this veto, said O'Halleran. Politically-motivated attacks that undermine the well-being and financial security of our brave servicemembers and military families are unacceptable; this critical, bipartisan legislation needs to be signed into law as soon as possible. Today, O'Halleran also voted in favor of theCaring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act, a bill to increase the value of economic impact payments (EIPs) provided in the previously passed end-of-year COVID relief package so that each eligible family member receives $2,000, up from $600. Text of the CASH Act is availableHERE. The partisan, back-and-forth nonsense that has surrounded a new COVID aid bill for months is beyond frustratingit is a national embarrassment, continued O'Halleran. I am calling on the Senate to immediately take up and pass this legislation to distribute the kind of direct payments my colleagues and I have been advocating for since May. On December 24, House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to pass legislation that would allocate $2,000 direct payments to Americans. Last week, PresidentTrump threatened to oppose H.R. 133, the $2 trillion joint pandemic aid and government funding bill, because it included only $600 in direct payments rather than $2,000. The president did not involve himself in the negotiations, allowing his administration to agree upon the $600 amount. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/23/icymi-rep-kirkpatrick-az-colleagues-deliver-funding-victory-to-launch-new-expanded-tourism-program/,"ICYMI: Rep. Kirkpatrick & AZ Colleagues Deliver Funding Victory to Launch New, Expanded Tourism Program",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"New pilot program projected to generate millions of dollars for Arizona's economy (Washington, D.C.) The new federal spending bill passed by Congress Monday night includes a provision for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to initiate a pilot program to expand travel opportunities for travelers from Mexico, a move that could generate up to $181 million dollars in additional spending in just the first year alone. Every year, thousands of frequent, shortterm visitors travel from Mexico into Arizona to conduct business, visit family and friends, or shop at local stores thereby contributing directly into the local economy. Currently, pre-cleared travelers with U.S.-issued Border Crossing Cards cannot travel beyond Tucson or Yuma. The new legislation, which was originally introduced by Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-09) as H.R. 5405, the Southwest Tourism Expansion Act, would allow those visitors with the card to travel anywhere in Arizona and New Mexico. As a representative of a district that shares a border with Mexico, I know first hand the direct, real and positive impact of cross-border exchange in our region, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. Expanding the accessibility of our state to our southern neighbors will enrich our tourism industry, bolster our local economy and strengthen our relationship with Mexico. I'm proud to have worked with fellow members of the Arizona delegation and my colleagues on the Appropriations committee to get this much-needed provision added to the final package. Our state benefits in so many ways from our strong relationship with Mexicoand this pilot program will strengthen those ties, said Rep. Greg Stanton. This is a critical first step to expand the travel zone to those with valid Border Crossing Cards, and it's going to open Arizona to more business, more tourism, and more economic opportunities. Modernizing and expanding Arizona and Mexico's approved cross border travel fuels jobs, promotes commerce, and expands economic opportunity across our state, said Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema. Arizona's economic growth has been created largely in part by our welcoming business environment and tourist attraction, said Rep. Schweikert. By expanding the accessibility for our neighbors in Mexico across the state we will continue to grow our economy and help support local businesses, I am pleased to see this legislation in the final package, and look forward to seeing the economic growth it will provide for Arizona. Tourism is Arizona's largest industry, with 194,000 jobs statewide, generating $26.5 billion in direct travel spending and $3.78 billion in tax revenue last year. A University of Arizona study conducted found that expanding the border zone to the entire state could generate up to $181 million in annual additional spending, bringing the total projected spending of Mexican visitors to Arizona to nearly $3.1 billion and a total jobs impact of 31,766. These numbers would be expected to increase each year. The measure has broad statewide support among Maricopa Association of Government's (MAG) many partners, including the Arizona Councils of Governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, the Arizona Tourism and Lodging Association, and the city of Nogales, Arizona.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-gallego-statement-passing-councilmember-and-vice-mayor-calvin-goode,Rep. Gallego Statement on the Passing of Councilmember and Vice Mayor Calvin Goode,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"PHOENIX, AZ Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement: I'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a good friend and a Phoenix icon, Councilmember and Vice Mayor Calvin Goode. For more than five decades, Calvin tirelessly served our community, first in our schools and then in City Hall. He took tough stances and fought with courage to improve the city he loved- despite the fact that our city and community hadn't always treated him and those who looked like him or shared his background with fairness and equity. He left our neighborhoods and this world better than he found it, and that is a legacy that his family, his friends, and all who knew him should hold dear. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/breaking-congress-approves-sinema-shaped-bipartisan-energy-package,BREAKING: Congress Approves Sinema-Shaped Bipartisan Energy Package,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 23, 2020 WASHINGTON The bipartisan energy package passed by Congress includes Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema's energy priorities that create jobs and grow Arizona's economy. Sinema secured her bipartisan Solar Energy Research and Development Act, Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act, and her Integrated Energy Systems Act in the bipartisan package. This important energy package includes our bills to expand job opportunities for Arizona. The bill's passage boosts Arizona's solar development and helps secure Arizona's energy future, said Sinema. Sinema's Solar Energy Research and Development Act, included in the energy package, renews and modernizes the Solar Energy Technology Program, increasing resources to Arizona's government, universities, and companies to help develop solar technology. The package improves Arizona's competitiveness in solar manufacturing and deployment. Arizona ranks third in the nation in solar energy production, and is expected to add another 2,769 million watts of solar energy over the next five years. Sinema's Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas Act (LEADING ACT), included in the package, incentivizes research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. The LEADING Act promotes the continued use of natural gas to keep energy bills low, maintain Arizona's energy security, and protect the environment. Sinema's bipartisan Integrated Energy Systems Act, establishes a research and development program at the U.S. Department of Energy to analyze energy systems integration, including emission-reducing energy resources and nuclear hybrid energy systems. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/22/rep-kirkpatrick-votes-to-pass-omnibus-appropriations-and-coronavirus-relief-package-2/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Votes to Pass Omnibus Appropriations and Coronavirus Relief Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Democrats Secure Substantial Investments in Critical Priorities; Legislation Provides $900 Billion in Urgent Coronavirus Relief WASHINGTON Tonight, Rep. Kirkpatrick issued the following statement after the passage of the omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The measure was considered as a divided question, with Divisions B, C, E, and F being agreed to on a bipartisan 327 to 85 vote and the remainder of the legislation being adopted on a bipartisan 359 to 53 vote. Tonight we completed the long awaited appropriations process. As Arizona's appropriator, I'm proud of the work my office has done to ensure our state receives the resources it needs and deserves. This spending package invests in the American people, in our national defense, economic opportunity projects, and strengthens programs for our vulnerable communities. I look forward to sharing more of the specific Arizona funding wins over the next few days, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. The more than $1.4 trillion fiscal year 2021 appropriations omnibus furthers House Democrats' commitment to investing For The People with substantial increases to non-defense spending alongside small increases for defense-related programs. In addition to the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, the spending package contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Now, the COVID-19 relief part of this bill is not perfect but action is urgent. In Arizona, we have seen some of the worst devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, relief for southern Arizona families has been long overdue. My colleagues and I have been fighting hard and long to pass a COVID relief bill and I am relieved we can finally deliver something today. While we did not secure every priority we sought, we are now successful in providing temporary relief, said Rep. Kirkpatrick.This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local businesses. The spending package also includes a number of other matters outside the Appropriations Committee's jurisdiction and negotiated by bipartisan, bicameral leadership. The text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is available here. The joint explanatory statement for Front Matter is here, Division A here, Division B here, Division C here, Division D here, Division E here, Division F here, Division G here, Division H here, Division I here, Division J here, Division K here, and Division L here. A division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the authorizing matters is here. One-page fact sheets on critical Democratic priorities included among the appropriations provisions, the coronavirus relief provisions, and the authorizing matters are here, here, and here respectively.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2020/12/22/congressman-schweikert-announces-key-provisions-included-end-year/,Congressman Schweikert Announces Key Provisions Included in End of Year Legislation,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert announced a number of critical provisions that he introduced or co-sponsored were included in the final end-of-year package being voted on by Congress. “I am very pleased to see many pieces of legislation I introduced or co-sponsored included in the final package being voted on by the House of Representatives today. This package should have been approved months ago, as many of our small businesses are closing permanently and too many hard-working Americans are still out of work. I urge my colleagues to focus on targeted solutions in our appropriations measures to help support government operations and the American people.” Multiple pieces of legislation authored and co-sponsored by Congressman Schweikert were incorporated into the legislative package including: H.R. 6821, bipartisan legislation to ensure businesses are allowed to deduct their expenses if they utilized a PPP. In August, Congressman Schweikert wrote a letter to Congressional leadership specifically requesting this fix be included in the end-of-year relief package. Reducing Medical Expense Deduction Income Threshold, legislation to provide financial relief to American families facing the burden of high health care costs by permanently reducing the income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5%. Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act, provides temporary additional funding to support older foster youth, kin caregivers, at-risk families, state courts, adoptive families, and foster care prevention services, and allows older youth to remain in foster care during the pandemic. H.R. 5405 Southwest Tourism Expansion Act, Expansion of Arizona and New Mexico Border Zone Travel. Under current policy, eligible Mexican nationals can travel in certain areas of Arizona and New Mexico for up to 30 days. With CBP increasing security due to the recurrent vetting of travelers, this policy focuses on efficiencies and has shown both a decrease in costs to CBP and an increase in revenue to local economies in those states as a result of additional opportunities for freedom of movement. H.R. 3607, the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act, which reauthorizes and expands Department of Energy (DOE) research, development, and demonstration programs for fossil energy programs including carbon capture and storage technologies, methane leak detection and mitigation, and further research into carbon dioxide removal technologies; H.R 1166, the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act, supports carbon utilization and direct air capture research, and turn captured carbon dioxide into a beneficial resource and economic opportunity while reducing emissions. The bill would also support federal, state, and non-governmental collaboration in the construction and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) facilities and carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. Carbon Removal Program, to examine the methods, technologies, and strategies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a large scale. Additionally, it establishes a Carbon Dioxide Removal Task Force to advise the Secretary of Energy on matters pertaining to carbon dioxide removal, identify barriers to the advancement of carbon dioxide removal projects, and tools for advancing and deploying such projects; H.R. 5905, Joint Long-Term Storage Act, which directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to run pilot projects of long-duration energy storage technologies. Additionally, it requires the DOE and Department of Defense (DOD) to work together on joint long-term energy demonstration projects, which will increase cooperation while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently and accelerate commercial deployment of long-duration energy storage technologies to increase energy resilience and security; and Study on Blue Hydrogen technology, to look at the benefits of blue hydrogen technology and how that can further enhance the deployment and adoption of carbon capture and storage. To read the full text of the end-of-year package, click HERE. ### Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-ensures-lower-santa-cruz-river-basin-flood-control-plan-completion,Sinema Ensures Lower Santa Cruz River Basin Flood Control Plan Completion,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In Congressionally-approved bipartisan water bill, Sinema secured a provision directing the Army Corps to finish its flood control plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally-approved bipartisan Water Resources Development Act that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its flood control study and plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County. A flood control plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin will protect Arizona families, farmers, tribal communities, and small business owners from dangerous and costly floors and help Pinal County's economy continue to grow, said Sinema. Following Kyrsten's urging, the Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its flood control study and plan for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County. This river basin currently has no flood control system in place, leaving the City of Maricopa, the Gila River Indian Community, and the surrounding farmland at risk of severe flooding. The Army Corps is currently working with stakeholders to finalize a flood control plan, and the Sinema's provision encourages Army Corps to move expeditiously to finalize its flood control plan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-legislation-strengthens-arizonas-water-supply-through-removal-salt-cedars,Sinema Legislation Strengthens Arizona’s Water Supply Through Removal of Salt Cedars,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema secured provisions removing invasive salt cedar trees from the Gila River in Congressionally-approved Water Resources Development Act WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally-approved Water Resources Development Act that strengthens Arizona's water supplies and addresses drought conditions through the removal of invasive salt cedars. Arizona's future depends on securing our water supply. Eradicating salt cedars will restore our waterways and ensure Arizona has the resources to address drought conditions so we can continue expanding opportunities across our state, said Sinema. The proliferation of Salt Cedars in the Gila River has turned our oasis in the desert to a wildfire and flood hazard. Meanwhile the Salt Cedars have consumed millions of acre feet of water and crowded out native vegetation to the point where large sections of the Gila River are now monocultures that can't support native wildlife. We are very grateful to Senator Sinema for introducing the Drought Relief Through Innovative Projects (DRIP) Act and its inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). This legislation will serve Buckeye, the state of Arizona and the Southwest United States well. Thank you Senator Sinema for your time and effort, said City of Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn. For decades, invasive salt cedar trees have depleted Arizona's water resources, crowded out native plants, increased flood risks, and created a greater fire risk for Arizona communities, especially in Buckeye and other communities along the Gila River. Sinema ensured the bipartisan, Congressionally-approved Water Resources Development Act authorizes the US Fish and Wildlife Service to spend up to $10 million each year to remove and replace invasive plant species, prioritizing salt cedars, in riparian areas in the Lower Colorado River Basin. This language is inspired by Kyrsten's DRIP Act, which authorizes a similar $10 million pilot program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-secures-expedited-completion-rio-de-flag-flood-control-project-bipartisan-water-bill,Sinema Secures Expedited Completion of Rio de Flag Flood Control Project in Bipartisan Water Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act passed Congress with bipartisan support WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally passed Water Resources Development Act that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project. Completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project will protect the Flagstaff community from catastrophic floods, spur job growth, and encourage infrastructure development. I'll continue working with local leaders in Flagstaff and with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure the project's completion, said Sinema. Because of Senator Sinema's steadfast and consistent support for expediting completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project, it will protect over half of the City's residents from a catastrophic flood when it is completed in the next several years. We can't thank Senator Sinema enough for her efforts to secure these needed funds, said Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans. Senator Sinema has long been a friend of Coconino County and northern Arizona. As such, she knows that catastrophic flood is the number one public safety risk in the County. Expedited completion of the Rio de Flag project will help protect a majority of residents in the Flagstaff area while protecting the Southside neighborhood from historic annual flooding and economic disadvantage, said Coconino County Board Chair Liz Archuleta. The Rio de Flag flood control project will mitigate potential flood damage caused by heavy rain or snowmelt that flows into the Rio de Flag. Following a request from Sinema, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it would provide $52 million for the project's completion. The Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act further supports the project by directing Army Corps to expedite the completion of the project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-secures-tonto-creek-flood-mitigation-bipartisan-water-resources-bill,Sinema Secures Tonto Creek Flood Mitigation in Bipartisan Water Resources Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema-backed Water Resources Development Act includes first step toward federal funding of the projects legislation passed Congress and heads to President's desk to be signed into law WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a Tonto Creek flood mitigation measure in the Water Resources Development Act, which passed Congress with bipartisan support and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Flood mitigation along Tonto Creek will protect the health and safety of Arizona families. I'll keep working across the aisle and with local stakeholders to make Tonto Creek safer for Arizonans, said Sinema. Following Kyrsten's urging in February, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study for flood risk management in Tonto Creek, AZ. This is the first step to securing Army Corps funding to help either construct a Tonto Creek bridge, or take other steps to mitigate the flooding risk along Tonto Creek. In May of this year, Sinema wrote Department of Transportation Secretary Chao in support of the Gila County's application of the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to fund the Tonto Creek Bridge project. In her letter, Sinema highlighted the safety concerns that limit access to schools, jobs, and health care facilities in the Tonto Basin community. Sinema added that the construction of the bridge would also lead to economic growth and encourage private investment on the non-federal land in Gila County.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-strengthens-arizonas-water-security-through-bipartisan-water-resources-bill,Sinema Strengthens Arizona’s Water Security Through Bipartisan Water Resources Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema secured Arizona priorities in the Water Resources Development Act WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a number of Arizona priorities in the Water Resources Development Act, which passed Congress with bipartisan support and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Arizona's future depends on protecting and strengthening our water security. Working across the aisle and with local Arizona stakeholders, I'm proud to have secured critical priorities in this legislation that will fuel jobs, restore our waterways, address drought conditions, and expand opportunity across our state, said Sinema. Sinema secured the following priorities for Arizona in the Water Resources Development Act: Flood Mitigation along Tonto Creek: Following Kyrsten's urging in February, the bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study for flood risk management in Tonto Creek, AZ. This is the first step to securing Army Corps funding to help either construct a Tonto Creek bridge, or take other steps to mitigate the flooding risk along Tonto Creek. Rio de Flag Completion: Earlier this year, Kyrsten secured funding for the Rio de Flag project, and the Water Resources Development Act further supports the project by directing Army Corps to expedite the completion of the project. Removal of Salt Cedars to Improve Arizona's Water Supply: For decades, invasive salt cedar trees have depleted Arizona's precious water resources, crowded out native plants, increased flood risks, and created a greater fire risk for Arizona communities, especially in Buckeye and other communities along the Gila River. The bill authorizes the US Fish and Wildlife Service to spend up to $10 million each year to remove and replace invasive plant species, prioritizing salt cedars, in riparian areas in the Lower Colorado River Basin. This language is inspired by Kyrsten's DRIP Act, which authorizes a similar $10 million pilot program. Construction of the Little Colorado River Levee Project: Following Kyrsten's urging, the bill authorizes the Army Corps to begin construction on the Winslow Levee project outside the City of Winslow in Navajo County. Congressional authorization is needed before work can begin on this project. This project will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in Winslow, and protect the BNSF Southern Transcon rail line (which is one of the busiest rail lines in the country). Completion of Flood Control Study for Lower Santa Cruz River: Following Kyrsten's urging, the bill directs the Army Corps to expedite the completion of its flood control study for the Lower Santa Cruz river basin in Pinal County. This river basin currently has no flood control system in place, leaving the City of Maricopa, the Gila River Indian Community, and the surrounding farmland at risk of severe flooding. Army Corps is currently working with stakeholders to finalize a flood control plan, and the bill encourages Army Corps to move expeditiously to finalize its flood control plan. Water control Manual Update for Roosevelt Dam: Sinema secured language allowing SRP to pay the Army Corps to improve the manual for Roosevelt Dam and save more water for cities in the Phoenix area. Rural Water Projects: Sinema secured inclusion of Arizona and $150 million annually for Arizona in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program for rural water projects. Sinema has long worked to advance commonsense solutions to secure Arizona's water future. Last year, Sinema introduced the DRIP Act, which equips communities in Arizona, and across the country, to address drought conditions and strengthen water supplies. Additionally, Sinema helped get the Drought Contingency Plan across the finish line in the Senate. Sinema also cosponsored the bipartisan Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act, which allows Arizona cities, tribes, and water providers access to critical funding to secure the state's water future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/winslow-levee-project-construction-secured-sinema-bipartisan-water-resources-bill,Winslow Levee Project Construction Secured by Sinema in Bipartisan Water Resources Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 22, 2020 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a provision in the Congressionally-approved bipartisan Water Resources Development Act that authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction on the Winslow Levee Project to reduce the risk of flooding in Winslow. Working across the aisle and with local Arizona stakeholders, we secured approval so the Army Corps can begin construction on the Winslow Levee to keep Arizonans safe from floods, said Sinema. Following Kyrsten's urging, the Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Army Corps to begin construction on the Winslow Levee project outside the City of Winslow in Navajo County. This project will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in Winslow, and protect the BNSF Southern Transcon rail line--one of the busiest rail lines in the country. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/21/rep-kirkpatrick-votes-to-pass-omnibus-appropriations-and-coronavirus-relief-package/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Votes to Pass Omnibus Appropriations and Coronavirus Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Democrats Secure Substantial Investments in Critical Priorities; Legislation Provides $900 Billion in Urgent Coronavirus Relief WASHINGTON Tonight, Rep. Kirkpatrick issued the following statement after the passage of the omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The measure was considered as a divided question, with Divisions B, C, E, and F being agreed to on a bipartisan 327 to 85 vote and the remainder of the legislation being adopted by a bipartisan 359 to 53 vote. Tonight, we completed the long awaited appropriations process. As Arizona's appropriator, I'm proud of the work my office has done to ensure our state receives the resources it needs and deserves. This spending package invests in the American people, in our national defense,economic opportunity projects, and programs for our vulnerable communities. I look forward to sharing more of the specific Arizona funding wins over the next few days,said Rep. Kirkpatrick. The more than $1.4 trillion fiscal year 2021 appropriations omnibus furthers House Democrats' commitment to investing For The People with substantial increases to non-defense spending alongside small increases for defense-related programs. In addition to the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, the spending package contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Now, the COVID-19 relief part of this bill is not perfect, but action is urgent. In Arizona, we have seen some of the worst devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, relief for southern Arizona families has been long overdue. My colleagues and I have been fighting long and hard to pass a COVID relief bill and I am relieved we can deliver something today. While we did not secure every priority we sought, we are now able to provide temporary relief,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local businesses. The spending package also includes a number of other matters outside the Appropriations Committee's jurisdiction and negotiated by bipartisan, bicameral leadership. The text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is availablehere. The joint explanatory statement for Front Matter ishere, Division Ahere, Division Bhere, Division Chere, Division Dhere, Division Ehere, Division Fhere, Division Ghere, Division Hhere, Division Ihere, Division Jhere, Division Khere, and Division Lhere. A division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions ishere. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions ishere. A division-by-division summary of the authorizing matters ishere. One-page fact sheets on critical Democratic priorities included among the appropriations provisions, the coronavirus relief provisions, and the authorizing matters arehere,here, andhererespectively.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-votes-secure-new-aid-american-families,OHalleran Votes to Secure New Aid for American Families,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted in favor of H.R. 133: new legislation to address the public health and economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic and to fund the government through September 30, 2021. While I am beyond relieved we've finally passed a new, bipartisan deal for struggling families, businesses, and hospitals, this is no victory; it is merely delivering the bare minimum for the American people, said O'Halleran. Today, we finally did what should have been done months ago. Since we passed the CARES Act in March, I've worked with a bipartisan, bicameral group to come to the table, stay at the table, and work to restart negotiations. While today's package is not the totality of relief that is needed, I'm pleased we are finally moving in the direction we desperately need to go. In May, O'Halleran voted to pass the Heroes Act, a $3 trillion package to follow the CARES Act and throw a lifeline to families struggling to put food on the table due to no fault of their own, along with an updated Heroes Acta $2.2 trillion iteration of the originalwhich O'Halleran voted for in October. The Senate refused to take up either measure. Within today's joint COVID-19 aid package and omnibus is $120 billion in Unemployment Insurance an additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits expanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits; a second round of Economic Impact Payments $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year, $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and a $600 payment for each child dependent, meaning a family of four will receive $2,400; $69 billion for vaccines, COVID-19 testing and tracing $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines, $9 billion for vaccine distribution, and roughly $22 billion to help states with testing, tracing and COVID-19 mitigation of this total, $2.5 billion will be sent out as grants specifically targeted at needs in underserved areas, including rural communities; $325 billion in new small business aid $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofits, $20 billion for new EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities, $3.5 billion for continued SBA debt relief payments, and extension of the refundable Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC); $25 billion for emergency federal rental assistance and an extension of the existing CDC eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021 $800 million reserved for Native American housing entities; $82 billion for states, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education that have all been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic $818.8 million in relief for outlying areas and the Bureau of Indian Education; $26 billion in nutrition assistance $13 billion to increase SNAP benefits by 15%, provide additional funding for food banks and senior nutrition programs, and to ensure college students have access to SNAP and $13 billion for direct payments, purchases and loans to farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic; $10 billion in emergency funds for the childcare sector $250 million for Head Start providers to ensure they are able to continue to safely serve low-income children and families; and $45 billion for transportation, including $15 billion for airline payroll support, $1 billion for airline contractor payrolls, $14 billion for transit and $10 billion for state highways. While today's legislation addresses some concerns, it comes nowhere close to addressing all concerns, remarked O'Halleran following the vote. I never want to see the kind of partisan procrastination we dealt with all summer hamstring our ability to function as a Congress again. Lawmakers in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle need to wake up to the reality that these bills are life or death for the families we are sworn to representthe nurse working around the clock, the mother feeding her children on food stamps that are running out, the manager unable to pay his employees. We've let them down this year and we must do better, period. Also within the legislation are important measures O'Halleran secured for Arizona's First Congressional District, including the legislative base of O'Halleran's HR. 7557, which extends the deadline by which funds provided to tribes by the Coronavirus Relief Fund in the CARES Act must be spent; $7 billion in broadband improvement and implementation, including $3.2 billion in emergency funds for low- income families to access broadband, $1 billion in tribal broadband funding, $250 million dollars in telehealth funding, $65 million to complete nationwide broadband maps to more effectively disperse funding to the areas that need it most, $2 billion to small telecommunication providers to rip out Huawei/ZTEequipment to replace it with secure equipment, and a new $300 million grant program to fund broadband in rural areas; O'Halleran's Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act (H.R. 4447), which will expand the adoption of energy storage technologies necessary to save renewable energy for consumers in rural areas; O'Halleran's Tribal Power Act (H.R. 5541), which will help electrify Indian Country by expanding the availability of renewable energy infrastructure and increasing resources for the Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy; the bipartisan NoSurprises Act, which will endsurprise medicalbills for patients, ensuring they are only responsible for their usual in-network cost-sharing amounts and deductibles; reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indiansand extension of the mandatory funding for Community Health Centersfrom 2021 to 2023, both of which were introduced by Rep. O'Halleran; $243.2 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, a $25.3 billion increase above FY 2020; and 1,000 new Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) residency positions, including some specifically allocated to rural areas, the first expansion of the GME program in nearly 15 years. Congress needs to look in the mirror and identify why this national emergency was not continually addressed over the course of this unprecedented year, continued O'Halleran. We need to make swift and permanent changes to identify what led us here, address this government dysfunction, and regain the trust of the Americans who sent us here to work for them. I stand ready and willing to work with anyone of any party to do so and look forward to introducing new legislation next Congress that will address this dysfunction. View the text of the legislation, HERE. For a one-page summary of the appropriations provisions, click HERE. For a one-page summary of COVID-19 relief provisions, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-schweikert-announces-key-provisions-included-end-year,Congressman Schweikert Announces Key Provisions Included in End of Year Legislation,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman David Schweikert announced a number of critical provisions that he introduced or co-sponsored were included in the final end-of-year package being voted on by Congress. ""I am very pleased to see many pieces of legislation I introduced or co-sponsored included in the final package being voted on by the House of Representatives today. This package should have been approved months ago, as many of our small businesses are closing permanently and too many hard-working Americans are still out of work. I urge my colleagues to focus on targeted solutions in our appropriations measures to help support government operations and the American people."" Multiple pieces of legislation authored and co-sponsored by Congressman Schweikert were incorporated into the legislative package including: H.R. 6821, bipartisan legislation to ensure businesses are allowed to deduct their expenses if they utilized a PPP. In August, Congressman Schweikert wrote a letter to Congressional leadership specifically requesting this fix be included in the end-of-year relief package. Reducing Medical Expense Deduction Income Threshold, legislation to provide financial relief to American families facing the burden of high health care costs by permanently reducing the income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5%. Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act, provides temporary additional funding to support older foster youth, kin caregivers, at-risk families, state courts, adoptive families, and foster care prevention services, and allows older youth to remain in foster care during the pandemic. H.R. 5405 Southwest Tourism Expansion Act, Expansion of Arizona and New Mexico Border Zone Travel. Under current policy, eligible Mexican nationals can travel in certain areas of Arizona and New Mexico for up to 30 days. With CBP increasing security due to the recurrent vetting of travelers, this policy focuses on efficiencies and has shown both a decrease in costs to CBP and an increase in revenue to local economies in those states as a result of additional opportunities for freedom of movement. H.R. 3607, the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act, which reauthorizes and expands Department of Energy (DOE) research, development, and demonstration programs for fossil energy programs including carbon capture and storage technologies, methane leak detection and mitigation, and further research into carbon dioxide removal technologies; H.R 1166, the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act, supports carbon utilization and direct air capture research, and turn captured carbon dioxide into a beneficial resource and economic opportunity while reducing emissions. The bill would also support federal, state, and non-governmental collaboration in the construction and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) facilities and carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. Carbon Removal Program, to examine the methods, technologies, and strategies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a large scale. Additionally, it establishes a Carbon Dioxide Removal Task Force to advise the Secretary of Energy on matters pertaining to carbon dioxide removal, identify barriers to the advancement of carbon dioxide removal projects, and tools for advancing and deploying such projects; H.R. 5905, Joint Long-Term Storage Act, which directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to run pilot projects of long-duration energy storage technologies. Additionally, it requires the DOE and Department of Defense (DOD) to work together on joint long-term energy demonstration projects, which will increase cooperation while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently and accelerate commercial deployment of long-duration energy storage technologies to increase energy resilience and security; and Study on Blue Hydrogen technology, to look at the benefits of blue hydrogen technology and how that can further enhance the deployment and adoption of carbon capture and storage. To read the full text of the end-of-year package, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-covid-19-relief-package-american-people-expected-more,Stanton on COVID-19 Relief Package: ‘The American People Expected More’,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Greg Stanton today issued the following statement ahead of a vote on the final stimulus agreement, which he will support. The final agreement on the $900 billion package was reached last night, and the House and Senate are set to vote on it today. “It has been nearly nine months since the Senate has been willing to pass COVID relief, and frankly, the American people expected more than what this package delivered. There is much that will provide a strong boost to Arizona’s economy: essential funds for testing and delivering the vaccine; reviving the Paycheck Protection Program; and supporting small businesses previously left behind—including more independent businesses and live music venues. But for many who need help the most, what they got today is just not enough. A $600 stimulus check and unemployment benefits at $300 a week is not nothing—but for a lot of people struggling to make ends meet, it sure feels that way. That the Senate only agreed to such a meager relief after issuing an ultimatum to include a corporate meal tax write-off is an egregious misplacement of priorities that shocks the conscience. We can’t allow this to be the last relief package for the American people. We need to immediately get to work on another plan to deliver additional much-needed support to workers and families first thing in January.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-covid-19-relief-package-american-people-expected-more,Stanton on COVID-19 Relief Package: ‘The American People Expected More’,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Greg Stanton today issued the following statement ahead of a vote on the final stimulus agreement, which he will support. The final agreement on the $900 billion package was reached last night, and the House and Senate are set to vote on it today. It has been nearly nine months since the Senate has been willing to pass COVID relief, and frankly, the American people expected more than what this package delivered. There is much that will provide a strong boost to Arizona's economy: essential funds for testing and delivering the vaccine; reviving the Paycheck Protection Program; and supporting small businesses previously left behindincluding more independent businesses and live music venues. But for many who need help the most, what they got today is just not enough. A $600 stimulus check and unemployment benefits at $300 a week is not nothingbut for a lot of people struggling to make ends meet, it sure feels that way. That the Senate only agreed to such a meager relief after issuing an ultimatum to include a corporate meal tax write-off is an egregious misplacement of priorities that shocks the conscience. We can't allow this to be the last relief package for the American people. We need to immediately get to work on another plan to deliver additional much-needed support to workers and families first thing in January.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/key-arizona-health-security-and-education-priorities-included-sinema-end-year-appropriations-bills,"Key Arizona Health, Security, and Education Priorities Included by Sinema in End-Of-Year Appropriations Bills",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sinema secures resources making health care more affordable and accessible, bipartisan border security initiatives, support for Arizona's military installations, education funding, and investment in Arizona's infrastructure in annual spending bills WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured a number of Arizona priorities in the end-of-year appropriations bills that passed the Senate tonight. Building bipartisan coalitions and staying focused on getting things done for Arizonans allowed us to make health care more affordable and accessible, strengthen our border security, support our servicemembers, expand job opportunities, and ensure everyday Arizona families have the resources they need to get ahead, said Sinema. Amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Sinema ensured critical emergency health care preparations and funding were included in this year's appropriations bills. Sinema helped secure $705 million for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement to ensure Arizona is ready in a public health emergency like COVID-19. Sinema also helped secure $300 million in hospital preparedness funding to ensure rural and local health care centers across Arizona have the resources needed to care for Arizonans and save lives. Sinema secured the passage of key border security proposals that will help secure Arizona's borders, including her bipartisan Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act. Sinema's bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess technology gaps along the southwest border and determine how it could address them. The package also includes language that echoes her bipartisan CBP Hiring and Retention Innovation Act to improve the hiring and retention of Customs and Border Protection agents and officers. Sinema also successfully secured critical funding for Yuma Proving Ground, Fort Huachuca, and the Arizona National Guard in Tucson to ensure Arizona servicemembers have the resources needed to keep America safe and secure. Additionally, Sinema secured a number of priorities strengthening Arizona's water security, fueling jobs, and expanding opportunity through the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, and she included in the Energy Act section of the bill her Solar Energy Research and Development Act, increasing resources to Arizona's government, universities, and companies to help develop solar technology. Thanks to Sinema's leadership, the Impact Aid Program, which ensures schools on federal, military, and tribal lands are equipped to provide Arizona students with a quality education, received an increase of $20 million. Sinema also secured the following priorities: Securing Arizona's Border: The package includes her bipartisan Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act. Sinema's bills requires DHS to identify border security technology gaps and develop a strategy to meet them. This will focus important attention on America's ports of entry and ensure technology is deployed where it is most needed, keeping Arizona's communities safe. Sinema secured language mirroring her CBP Hiring and Retention Innovation Act. Sinema's language directs Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use more analysis and flexibility when evaluating hiring and staffing needs. The language ensures CBP is recruiting and retaining quality employees, especially in rural areas. Sinema secured a provision in the Fiscal Year 2021 Homeland Security spending bill requiring the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to conduct an analysis of language access programs within DHS, helping ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely. Ensuring Arizona Veterans Receive the Care and Benefits They've Earned: Sinema secured $10.3 billion for mental health programs for veterans, including $1.9 billion for suicide prevention and treatment programs. Sinema secured $32 million for Child Development Centers for Arizona veterans. Sinema secured language supporting her Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support legislation. Specifically, Sinema ensured cross-collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Labor and partnership with community non-profit programs, including faith-based programs, that provide wraparound employment and counseling services to veterans and their families, including high-risk veterans, to ensure they have a successful transition to civilian life. Sinema secured language ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs provides an update on these efforts to Congress. Sinema secured $300 million for the VA Office of Rural Health and Rural Health Initiative, helping ensure veterans across rural Arizona have access to health services. Supporting Arizona's Military Community: Sinema secured resources for Arizona's military community including: $37.5 million for Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems used at Fort Huachuca. The resources secured will help Army units conduct advanced intelligence collection and electronic warfare. $850 million for KC-135 tanker aircraft. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a proven and crucial airframe for aerial refueling used by the Arizona National Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing located at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. Their mission is important to support training at Luke AFB, DM AFB, MCAS Yuma, and other units across the Southwestern United States. $950 million for Crashworthy, Ballistically Tolerant Fuel Systems, ensuring Arizona servicemembers' aircrafts are safe and secure. Funding for the remanufacture of the AH-64E, which is the most up-to-date model of the Army's Apache attack helicopter. Sinema secured nearly $65 million for Yuma Proving Ground including: $14 million for military construction of a Ready Building the Military Free Fall School at Yuma Proving Ground. The Ready Building will consist of twelve 20-person sleeping bays, multi-purpose/dining area, day rooms, latrines, locker rooms and showers, laundry room, reception area, student luggage storage room, covered training area, and building support space. It will provide permanent facilities and infrastructure for living and sleeping areas for an average daily load of 202 students attending the Military Free Fall School at Yuma Proving Ground. $49.5 million for military construction of a Special Operations Forces Hangar at Yuma Proving Ground. Sinema secured $18.1 million in military construction for a Tucson National Guard Readiness Center. The construction of a 86,759 square foot National Guard Readiness Center will support training, administrative, and logistical requirements for the Arizona Air National Guard. This facility will be built on state land and designed to meet mission requirements for the 222 Transportation Company. Sinema secured $33.7 million for military construction on the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Laboratory Building at Fort Huachuca, which will consolidate the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JTIC) operations, which are currently located in temporary trailers, into a modern facility at Fort Huachuca. JITC testbed facility will provide global testing capabilities, which extends to the entire spectrum of DoD, Federal government, private industry, and allies in support of commands and control, intelligence and defense reform initiative. Sinema secured $318 million in funding for the SM-3 II-A missile program, which will allow production of the most advanced U.S. missile defense interceptor to continue at Tucson's Raytheon Technologies. Making Health Care More Accessible and Affordable for Arizona Families: The bill includes a total of $7.9 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen public health efforts and infectious diseases (including coronavirus and influenza). Sinema secured $695 million for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program, which invests in Arizona to ensure state and local health departments have the resources to prepare for and respond to health emergencies. Sinema supported $2.8 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to support vaccine development, influenza preparedness, and to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile. The bill includes $7.5 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration, which supports $1.7 billion for community health centers and $975 million to improve maternal and child health programs. Sinema supported $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health, and more than $3 billion to support Alzheimer's and related dementia research. Sinema also supported additional medical research on diseases of significant impact to service members and their families, including $150 million for breast cancer research, $175 million for traumatic brain injury, $115 for overall cancer research, and $110 million for prostate cancer research. Sinema supported $2.3 billion for programs supporting older Americans for nutrition and family caregiver programs, home and community-based services, and strategies to help older Americans and people with disabilities live independently in their communities. Creating Opportunities for Arizonans: Sinema secured reforms that simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), reducing the burdensome, 108-question form to just 36 questions. These commonsense changes make it easier for Arizona students and families to apply for federal financial aid and access the benefits and opportunities they deserve. Sinema delivered $7 million in funding for the Open Textbook Pilot, a program to reduce textbook costs for Arizona students by promoting the use of free textbooks and open educational resources. Arizona State University is a pilot participant. Lowering textbook costs eases financial burdens on Arizona students and their families. Sinema secured $1.5 billion in Impact Aid funding, ensuring Arizona schools on federal, military, and tribal lands are equipped to provide Arizona students with a quality education. Arizona is the second largest Impact Aid recipient in the country, serving 76 Arizona public district and charter schools with 34,131 students who live on Native American or federal lands, whose parents serve in the military or work on federal lands, or who live in low-rent housing. Sinema secured $10.7 billion to help Head Start programs continue providing Arizonans high-quality early childhood education. Sinema secured $29 million for the Ready-To-Learn Television program, helping increase Arizona student academic achievement through the development and distribution of educational video programming for preschool and elementary school children and their parents, caregivers, and teachers. Sinema secured $450 million in Charter School Grants. Sinema secured $1 billion in funding for the TRIO program, providing additional academic support to Arizona high school students, college students, and veterans. Sinema secured $855 million for affordable housing for Arizona seniors. Sinema secured $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, which provided $160 million to Arizona communities in 2020. Sinema secured $1.35 billion for affordable housing for Arizonans through the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Sinema secured $114 billion in food assistance, $25 billion for child nutrition programs, $325 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to support seniors, and $6 billion for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Sinema secured $3.75 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help Arizona families pay their electric bills. Ensuring Resources for Tribal Communities in Arizona: Secured funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities, supporting Dine College, San Carlos Apache College, and Tohono O'odham Community College in Arizona. Ensured the Bureau of Indian Affairs will fully explain its plans to replace tribal public safety and justice facilities for the Hopi Tribe, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Sinema helped eliminate the funding cap on the amount that Indian Health Services can spend to demolish health care facilities, ensuring the San Carlos Apache Tribe can demolish an old IHS building on tribal land. Sinema secured $4 million for the EPA to continue cleaning up the Animas River following the Gold King Mine Spill, which affected Navajo Nation communities in Arizona. Sinema secured the requirement that DHS must develop a training program for staff who interact with tribal members and governments. Sinema secured funding for Indian Health Services to assist in addressing the lack of running water for many communities on tribal reservations. Expanding Arizona's Space and Aviation Research and Innovation: Sinema secured full funding for the University of Arizona's Near Earth Object Surveillance Mission, which will bring millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs to southern Arizona, and further solidifies Arizona as one of the leading centers for space research in the country. Sinema secured full funding for Arizona State University's Psyche Mission, which will build and launch a probe to Psyche, a giant metal asteroid in the asteroid belt. This is the first NASA Discovery class mission fully led by a University, and helps solidify ASU's leading role in space innovation. Sinema secured $172.8 million for the FAA Contract Tower Program, which will help ensure flight path safety for Arizona's seven Contract Towers. Sinema secured $5 million in Aviation Workforce Development Programs, ensuring the aviation industry is staffed with qualified aviation personnel. Sinema secured $40 million for the FAA's NEXCOM program, which improves flight safety by improving Air Traffic Control radio technology. Securing Arizona's Water and Energy Future: Sinema ensured the Bureau of Reclamation can transfer up to $5.5 million to the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund, funding a number of water projects and tribal settlements in Arizona. Sinema secured $30 million for infrastructure projects in areas with prolonged drought, including well construction projects authorized by the Drought Contingency Plan. Sinema ensured the Army Corps will prioritize funding for projects removing non-native salt cedars and replacing them with native plants, helping strengthen Arizona's water supply. Sinema secured flood mitigation measures along Tonto Creek, the Lower Santa Cruz River, and the Little Colorado River. Sinema secured continued support from the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the Rio de Flag project. Sinema secured the inclusion of her Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Actlegislation that settles the Navajo Nation's water claim in Utah. Sinema secured inclusion of Arizona and $150 million annually for Arizona in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program for rural water projects. Sinema secured a mechanism and funding for Yuma water users to improve water infrastructure to create jobs and support the agriculture economy. Sinema secured language allowing SRP to pay the Army Corps to improve the manual for Roosevelt Dam and save more water for cities in the Phoenix area. Sinema secured her Solar Energy Research and Development Act, which renews and modernizes the Solar Energy Technology Program, increasing resources to Arizona's government, universities, and companies to help develop solar technology. The bill improves Arizona's competitiveness in solar manufacturing and deployment. Arizona ranks third in the nation in solar energy production, and is expected to add another 2,769 million watts of solar energy over the next five years. Sinema also secured her bipartisan Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas Act (LEADING ACT), which incentivizes research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. The LEADING Act promotes the continued use of natural gas to keep energy bills low, maintain Arizona's energy security, and protect the environment. Sinema secured the passage of her bipartisan Integrated Energy Systems Act, which establishes a research and development program at the U.S. Department of Energy to analyze energy systems integration, including emission-reducing energy resources and nuclear hybrid energy systems. Strengthening Arizona's Infrastructure: Sinema secured $49 million for the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to repair the international sewage line between Nogales, Mexico and Nogales, Arizona. The bill also included language ensuring border security needs will continue to be a key part of this initiative. Sinema secured $1 billion for national infrastructure programs, including BUILD grants which help fund infrastructure projects across Arizona. Sinema secured $562 million for transit infrastructure funding, helping Arizona cities improve public transit systems. Sinema secured the inclusion of her Airport Infrastructure Readiness (AIR) Act to provide certainty for Arizona airports about 2021 funding levels.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-backed-coronavirus-response-package-providing-relief-arizona-advances,Sinema-Backed Coronavirus Response Package Providing Relief for Arizona Advances,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Package includes Sinema's priorities boosting resources for Arizona hospitals and health care workers; immediate assistance for Arizona families, small businesses, and workers; investment in broadband for Arizona students Relief legislation was shaped by Sinema and her colleagues' bipartisan negotiations WASHINGTON A coronavirus response bill supported by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema, which includes investments in Arizona's hospitals and health care workers and immediate economic assistance for Arizona families, workers, and small businesses, is advancing toward a final vote. The package was shaped in part by bipartisan negotiations by Sinema and a group of her Senate colleagues. Today's bipartisan agreement is a necessary next step providing critical support to Arizona families, employers, and front line health workersand more must be done. As I've said for months, the only way to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save Arizona jobs is through bipartisan cooperation. I'll continue working closely with Arizona communities and my colleagues in the Senate to secure additional relief and set Arizona up for a full economic recovery, said Sinema. Over the past few weeks, Sinema worked around-the-clock with a group of bipartisan Senators led by Senators Joe Manchin and Susan Collins to find areas of compromise on a coronavirus relief bill, keeping pressure on Congressional leaders to reach a deal. The Senators' bipartisan proposal was an important step to break through partisan gridlock and deliver critical support to Arizonans. Sinema was also among a group of bipartisan negotiators who reached a final coronavirus relief compromise earlier this week. Today's coronavirus relief package includes the following priorities Sinema helped secure: Increased Testing, PPE, and Vaccine Funding for Front Line Health Care Workers The bipartisan bill includes $69 billion in health funding overall for vaccines, public health, and support for health care workers, with most funds going to states and localities to prioritize local needs such as: nursing home, congregate care settings, and home based care. Vaccines: Nearly $20 billion is provided for the procurement of vaccines and treatments and $8.75 billion to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lead efforts to distribute, monitor, and track coronavirus vaccine efforts, including $4.5 billion in direct aid to states, localities, and tribes. This includes $300 million specifically directed to ensure coronavirus vaccines reach high-risk and underserved rural and minority communities. PPE: More than $3 billion to restock the Strategic National Stockpile with personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure Arizona has the masks, gloves, gowns, and other PPE to keep front line health workers and patients safe. Testing/Tracking: More than $22 billion to states is included for testing, infection tracking, and other measures to slow the spread of the virus. $2.5 billion will be included specifically to meet the needs of underserved communities. Mental Health and Substance Abuse: $4.5 billion will be dedicated for mental health programs and substance abuse programs, including for fighting the opioid epidemic. Health Care Providers: The package includes $9 billion in support of health providers, including $3 billion for the Provider Relief Fund, to delay harmful cuts to providers caring for vulnerable populations (including Medicare sequestration and Disproportionate Share Hospital payments), and to increase payments to physicians. Protecting Arizonans from Surprise Billing: Sinema also worked with a bipartisan group of colleagues to ban surprise medical bills, and provide a pathway for providers and insurers to work out disputed payments, without putting patients in the middle. A separate provision also eliminates Medicare copays for certain colorectal cancer screenings, which mirrors a bill Sinema has supported, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. The bill also extends Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients, policy similar to the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act. Extending Crucial Health Programs: Three year funding extensions for Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education, the Special Diabetes Program, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and the National Health Service Corps are included. Addressing Arizona's Provider Shortages: The legislation creates 1,000 new Graduate Medical Education (GME) slots nationwide to increase the number of physicians training in the United States. Sinema has championed a similar bill, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, which increases the number of medical training positions in areas with a physician shortage. Also included are provisions to support Arizona's rural hospitals and providers, including promoting rural hospital GME opportunities to encourage new physicians to stay and practice in rural communities where they trained, and expanding access to rural health care and mental telehealth services (similar to provisions from the Sinema-backed CONNECT for Health Act). Renewed Support for Small businesses $325 Billion for small businesses: The legislation includes $284 billion for the PPP and set asides for very small businesses, $20 billion for new EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities, $3.5 billion for SBA debt relief, $15 billion for grants for shuttered venue operators, and $2 billion for enhanced SBA lending. Expanded PPP eligibility: The bill makes 501(c)(6) nonprofits, including destination marketing organizations, local newspapers, and TV and radio broadcasters eligible for the PPP. Second Draw PPP loans: The relief bill allows second draw loans for small businesses with 300 or fewer employees that suffered a decrease in revenues in any quarter of at least 25 percent. Expands covered expenses: The bill includes operations, property damage, supplier costs, and worker and customer protections under covered expenses. Protects deductibility of businesses expenses: The legislation instructs the IRS that small businesses can write off costs paid for with PPP loans. Creates a grant program for shuttered venue operators: A new grant program will provide needed capital to live entertainment venues, performing arts centers, museums, and movie theaters forced to close or limit operations. Streamlined forgiveness for Arizona's smallest businesses: The legislation limits the forgiveness application to one page for those businesses with loans up to $150,000. Continued Unemployment Insurance Assistance and Direct Payments to Arizona Families The bill contains $286 billion to boost Unemployment Insurance and direct payments to ensure all eligible Arizonans get needed support to pay their bills and stay in their homes. Unemployment Insurance: The bill includes an extension of pandemic-related unemployment assistance, including the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUAA) program which provides UI benefits to the self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, and other part-time workers. It provides an additional $300 per week to supplement unemployment benefits, starting after December 26, 2020 and ending March 14, 2021. Both FPUC and PUA benefits will be available for a total of 50 weeks, instead of the previous maximum of 39 weeks. Direct Payments: Eligible adults making up to $75,000 a year will receive a second round of stimulus payments of $600 each, couples making up to $150,000 a year will receive $1,200, and child dependents will be eligible for $600. Payments will phase out for higher incomes. Individuals with Social Security numbers in mixed status households will be newly eligible for stimulus payments, including those from the CARES Act. Importantly, the bill includes provisions similar to a bill championed by Sinema, the Automatic Cash Assistance Act to allow recipients of Social Security, railroad retirement, and veterans disability benefits to automatically receive stimulus payments. Other Assistance: The package also includes $25 billion in rental assistance to help struggling Arizonans stay in their homes, $13 billion for emergency food assistance (including for food banks and senior meal programs), $10 billion to child care providers that working families depend upon, and $250 million for Head Start providers to safely serve low-income families. Targeted Tax Relief for Arizona Businesses and Families: Deferred Payroll Taxes: The legislation ensures that federal employees and servicemembers who had their payroll taxes temporarily deferred in 2020 according to the President's executive order, will now have until December 31, 2020 to repay deferred amounts. Preventing Tax Increases for brewers, distillers, and wineries: Sinema was successful in including provisions of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act to protect Arizona small business owners, including the over 90 registered breweries in the state supporting nearly 44,000 Arizona jobs. Investing in Distressed and Rural Communities: The bill includes a five year extension of the New Markets Tax Credit that Sinema supported (New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act). Helping Workers Pay Back Student Loans: Includes provisions from the Sinema-backed Employer Participation in Repayment Act, to allow employers to provide student loan repayment benefits through 2025. Extending Solar Credits: The legislation extends the 26 percent investment credit for solar projects that began construction by the end of 2022, and a 22 percent rate for solar projects that began construction by the end of 2023. Expanding the ERTC: The relief bill extends and expands the CARES Act Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) to help more workers stay connected to the workforce and help more small businesses and nonprofits across the country. Tax Relief for Families: Many families faced a significant drop in income or job loss in 2020, putting at risk money they had saved for health and child care expenses, as well as certain family tax benefits. The bill includes provisions from proposals supported by Sinema, the Dependent Care Expense Relief Act and the Fair FSAs Act to allow families to roll-over remaining funds from Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Care FSAs. The bill also allows eligible families to use their 2019 reported earned income to calculate their 2020 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit in order to maximize their benefits. Expanded Broadband Service for Arizona Students, Telehealth, Low-Income Families, and Rural and Tribal Communities Increase Broadband Access and Affordability: The bill includes $7 billion to expand broadband access and help Arizonans stay connected. Help Low-Income Arizonans Stay Connected: The legislation includes $3.2 billion for low-income families through a $50 or $75 monthly benefit to stay connected. Supports Telehealth: The relief bill stablishes a $250 million grant program at the FCC to increase capabilities for telehealth providers. Address Tribal Connectivity Challenges: The bill creates a $1 billion fund dedicated solely to address the significant challenges of connectivity for tribal communities. Rural Broadband Expansion: The legislation establishes a $300 million for rural broadband expansion through public/private partnerships. Supporting Arizona Transportation Workers and Strengthening State and Local Transportation Systems Federal Investment for Transportation: The bill includes $45 billion for transportation priorities across multiple modes of transportation. Rehire Aviation Workforce: Extends a federal CARES Act program that will allow employers to rehire aviation workers and protect aviation jobs through at least March 31, 2021. Provides Support for Struggling Transit Systems: Dedicates $14 billion to support transit priorities and continue service for transit systems with fewer riders during the pandemic. Airports and Airport Businesses: The bill dedicates $2 billion to support airports and airport concessionaires struggling due to decreased passenger traffic. Continues State Highway Projects: The bill directs $10 billion to support state highways projects to improve infrastructure and boost employment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sinema.senate.gov/sinema-urges-watchdog-review-strengthen-arizona-schools-against-cyber-threats,Sinema Urges Watchdog Review to Strengthen Arizona Schools Against Cyber Threats,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Kyrsten Sinema,S001191,www.sinema.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema requested the Government Accountability Office to review efforts by the Departments of Education and Homeland Security to assist Arizona school districts in securing themselves from cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of security as schools have transitioned to more online schooling during the COVID pandemic. Sinema additionally requested recommendations on how to improve federal cybersecurity support for school districts. Securing Arizona schools from cyber attacks protects both students and teachers during online learning, which has grown during the coronavirus pandemic, said Sinema, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. The FBI has been issuing warnings of potential increased ransomware attacks during the pandemic. Arizona school districts have experienced ransomware attacks in the past, with the most recent in 2019 where the Flagstaff Unified School District was targeted. Click HERE to read Sinema's letter. Issues",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-applauds-25-million-awarded-throughout-arizona-address-violence,OHalleran Applauds $2.5 Million Awarded Throughout Arizona to Address Violence Against Women,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) applauded the announcement of $2.5 million in funding authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) awarded to 22 organizations throughout Arizonaincluding six organizations in Arizona's First Congressional Districtthat address sexual assault, domestic violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and dating violence. As a former law enforcement officer, I have seen firsthand the uniquely heinous kind of damage domestic and sexual violence can do to survivors and families, said O'Halleran. Today, I am pleased to see much-needed funding headed to Arizona organizations that are working tirelessly to ensure survivors can access the resources, support, and protection they need. We must permanently reauthorize VAWA and continue the fight for change at every level. In Arizona's First Congressional District, funding was awarded to: Against Abuse, Inc., Casa Grande, AZ Alice's Place, Inc., Winslow, AZ Gila River Health Care, Sacaton, AZ Navajo County Attorney's Office North Country HealthCare, Flagstaff, AZ Victim Witness Services for Coconino County, Flagstaff, AZ The following organizations in Arizona were also awarded funding: Amberly's Place Family Advocacy Center Arizona Department of Public Safety Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council BLOOM365 City of Prescott Police Department Family Violence Center, Arizona State University Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona Mariposa Community Health Center New Life Center Pinal County Attorney's Office Prescott Valley Police Department Prevent Child Abuse Arizona Sojourner Center Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Southern Arizona Children's Advocacy Center Surprise Prosecutor's Office Today's funding was awarded via the Arizona STOP Violence Against Women Grant program funded by the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women, authorized by the Violence Against Women Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-exasperated-delayed-relief-and-funding-bill-disappointed-kick-can,"OHalleran Exasperated by Delayed Relief and Funding Bill, Disappointed in Kick-the-Can Continuing Resolution Process",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONTonight, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.J.Res. 107, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, funding the government at current levels through midnight on Sunday, December 20, 2020. Following the vote, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement: This is ridiculous; leadership of both Houses and both parties have promised the introduction of a bipartisan funding measure and a new deal on COVID-19 aid by tonight's deadline. As I've said before, this kick-the-can process of funding the greatest nation on earth by days and weeks is completely unacceptable, keeping our military, federal agencies, and health centers hamstrung from planning for our country's future. While I am voting in favor of this measure tonight to ensure hardworking Arizonans aren't forced to face another disastrous government shutdown just before the holidays, I remain exasperated by this process of partisan procrastination, with Americans left in the dark. We must stay here, work, debate, and compromise until we have a deal for suffering families, hospitals, businesses, seniors, and students. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/rural-arizona-leaders-praise-stanton-s-leadership-deliver-federal-resources,Rural Arizona Leaders Praise Stanton’s Leadership to Deliver Federal Resources for Critical Water Infrastructure,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Ahead of Congress’s final consideration of the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Rep. Greg Stanton hosted a roundtable with local leaders and other stakeholders to discuss the bill’s impact in Arizona communities. The bill unanimously passed the House of Representatives last week and included several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Stanton. WRDA will invest in critical Arizona infrastructure through projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The final package included $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program, a provision based on Stanton’s Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act. “Our small rural and tribal communities across Arizona often lack the significant financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructure,” Stanton said during the virtual roundtable. “My provision in WRDA prioritizes our rural areas by providing a new federal resource for our cities, counties, tribes and rural water districts across Arizona to tap to address their critical water infrastructure needs.” The roundtable included Maricopa Mayor Christian Price; Buckeye Councilmember Clay Goodman; city officials from Prescott, Tolleson and Flagstaff; Colonel Julie Balten, commander of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and senior members of the Corps; and representatives from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Arizona Water Association, Rural Water Association of Arizona and Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. “I would like to personally thank Congressman Stanton for his leadership on issues affecting the state of Arizona and, in particular, his focus on transportation and infrastructure issues,” said City of Maricopa Mayor Christian Price. “Because of his leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his ability to secure a new $150 million environmental infrastructure provision in WRDA, Arizona can now qualify for these important projects. This is critical to fast-growing communities such as Maricopa where a flood plain divides our City in two as we search for creative solutions to eliminate the catastrophic and costly flooding while adding environmental and recreational amenities to our City that will attract more residents.” “As Prescott grows, we’ve made maintaining our water and infrastructure a priority,” said Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli. “This bill will help fund those necessary projects to improve our water systems, ensuring the city can keep up with demand and preserve our natural resources for years to come.” “The city of Tolleson is profoundly grateful for Congressman Stanton's championship for Arizona’s inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act,” said Tolleson City Manager Reyes Medrano. “This legislation will significantly augment Tolleson's ability to continue to serve communities well beyond its municipal boundaries by taking full advantage of the economies of scale that reside in West Valley cities and towns. Congressman Stanton's efforts will enable the provision of affordable water services for all Arizonans.” “Providing efficient delivery of services—especially water and wastewater management—is one of the most important functions of local governments,” said Tom Belshe, Executive Director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. “But too often, cities and towns don’t have the room in their budgets to make much needed repairs to their aging water infrastructure. Federal investment is a necessity for our communities to provide the best possible customer service to their residents, and the League is grateful to Congressman Stanton for his strong leadership on this bill.” “The Inter Tribal Association of Arizona (ITAA) wholeheartedly supports Congressman Greg Stanton in his effort to address water-related environmental infrastructure challenges that exist on tribal lands in Arizona through the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act,” says Maria Dadgar, Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. “The pandemic has brought focus to the longstanding issue of inadequate drinking water and wastewater systems on tribal lands and the long-term investments this legislation supports will be key to addressing these challenges.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/rural-arizona-leaders-praise-stanton-s-leadership-deliver-federal-resources,Rural Arizona Leaders Praise Stanton’s Leadership to Deliver Federal Resources for Critical Water Infrastructure,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ahead of Congress's final consideration of the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Rep. Greg Stanton hosted a roundtable withlocalleadersand other stakeholders to discuss the bill's impact in Arizona communities. The billunanimously passedthe House of Representatives last week and included several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Stanton. WRDA will invest in critical Arizona infrastructure through projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The final package included $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program, a provision based on Stanton's Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act. Our small rural and tribal communities across Arizona often lack the significant financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructure,Stantonsaid during the virtual roundtable. My provision in WRDA prioritizes our rural areas by providing a new federal resource for our cities, counties, tribes and rural water districts across Arizona to tap to address their critical water infrastructure needs. The roundtable included Maricopa Mayor Christian Price; Buckeye Councilmember Clay Goodman; city officials from Prescott, Tolleson and Flagstaff; Colonel JulieBalten, commander of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and senior members of the Corps; and representatives from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Arizona Water Association, Rural Water Association of Arizona and Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. I would like to personally thank Congressman Stanton for his leadership on issues affecting the state of Arizona and, in particular, his focus on transportation and infrastructure issues, saidCity of MaricopaMayorChristian Price. Because of his leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his ability to secure a new $150 million environmental infrastructure provision in WRDA, Arizona can now qualify for these important projects. This iscritical to fast-growing communities such as Maricopa where a flood plain divides our City in two as we search for creative solutions to eliminate the catastrophic and costly flooding while adding environmental and recreational amenities to our City that will attract more residents. AsPrescottgrows, we've mademaintainingour waterandinfrastructure a priority, saidPrescottMayor GregMengarelli.This bill will help fundthose necessaryprojects to improve our water systems, ensuring the city can keep up with demand and preserve our natural resourcesfor years to come. The city of Tolleson is profoundly grateful for Congressman Stanton's championship for Arizona's inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act, saidTolleson City ManagerReyes Medrano. This legislation will significantly augment Tolleson's ability to continue to serve communities well beyond its municipal boundaries by taking full advantage of the economies of scale that reside in West Valley cities and towns. Congressman Stanton's efforts will enable the provision of affordable water services for all Arizonans. Providing efficient delivery of servicesespecially water and wastewater managementis one of the most important functions of local governments, saidTomBelshe, Executive Director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. But too often, cities and towns don't have the room in their budgets to make much needed repairs to their aging water infrastructure. Federal investment is a necessity for our communities to provide the best possible customer service to their residents, and the League is grateful to Congressman Stanton for his strong leadership onthis bill. The Inter Tribal Association of Arizona (ITAA) wholeheartedly supports Congressman Greg Stanton in his effort to address water-related environmental infrastructure challenges that exist on tribal lands in Arizona through the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act, saysMariaDadgar, Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. The pandemic has brought focus to the longstanding issue of inadequate drinking water and wastewater systems on tribal lands and the long-term investments this legislation supports will be key to addressingthese challenges. Waterandwastewater infrastructureis essential to keep ourwaterwaysclean and our communities healthy. During these trying times when it is critical to ensure proper treatment both in our water and wastewater this is a much-needed tool for our communities who are looking for help. Thank you for all your hard work and considerations, saidJasonJoynes,Executive Director of theRural Water Association of Arizona.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-urges-president-trump-veto-end-year-omnibus-spending-bill,Congressman Biggs Urges President Trump to Veto the End-of-Year Omnibus Spending Bill,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Andy Biggs led a letter to President Donald J. Trump, urging him to veto the end-of-year omnibus spending bill expected to pass through Congress in the coming days. Representatives Chip Roy (TX-21), Jody Hice (GA-10), Ted Budd (NC-13), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Scott Perry (PA-10), Steve King (IA-04), Randy Weber (TX-14), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04), Ted S. Yoho D.V.M. (FL-03), and Louie Gohmert (TX-01) co-signed the letter. Read the text of the letter below: December 16, 2020 President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, We write to urge you to veto the end-of-the-year omnibus spending bill. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is yet again giving us a massive take-it-or-leave-it bill, negotiated behind closed doors, that expands government, spends at record levels well above 2011 base cap levels, and funds unnecessary or even harmful federal programs. Most of all, this bill continues to pile massive amounts of debt on top of the more than $27.5 trillion we already owe. It is noteworthy that Speaker Pelosi saw her Democrat majority significantly shrink in the 2020 election. Now she is trying to pass a massive spending bill that fully funds an agenda rejected by the American people, without allowing any debate or amendment whatsoever by the full body of the House of Representatives. The incoming 117th Congress should address the outstanding spending issues for fiscal year 2021 by passing individual appropriations bills through the normal legislative process, giving all members an opportunity to participate in the lawmaking process – and preventing the disenfranchisement of millions of Americans who have no say. In order to allow that process to happen, a short-term continuing resolution may be necessary until the new Congress is sworn is and ready for business. After signing the March 2018 omnibus package, you rightfully said ""I say to Congress: I will never sign another bill like this again. I'm not going to do it again. Nobody read it. It's only hours old. Some people don't even know what is in — $1.3 trillion — it's the second-largest ever."" This bill promises to be even larger, exemplifying everything that is wrong with the swamp politics of Washington, D.C. Particularly at a time when our federal government is spending trillions of dollars on an emergency basis, we should be doing the hard work of finding offsetting savings elsewhere. Instead of making any good faith effort to find savings, this omnibus bill spends every penny of the existing – but elevated multiple times over – budget caps that were enacted before the coronavirus epidemic. Your veto will send a resounding message to both Republicans and Democrats in Congress to negotiate better budgets for the American people. It is also important to note that a vote for this bill – or signing it into law – represents acceptance of long-standing policies that are clearly observable to be harmful to America. Supporting this is a vote to fund an education system that is failing to educate our children while teaching them that America is evil; it is a vote to fund grants to states that run a badly broken election system; it is a vote to fund a healthcare system that empowers insurance companies at the expense of hard-working Americans; it is a vote to underfund border security and empower cartels; it is a vote to continue war without so much as a debate much less a vote on a new AUMF for our men and women in uniform; it is a vote to fund Planned Parenthood; and, among many other things, it is a vote to send money to state and local agencies that are perpetuating the shutdowns that are destroying our way of life. We cannot continue to fund programs that are not serving hardworking Americans. Mr. President, we thank you for continuing to fight for the American people and our constituents. Our country will be better off if you veto this omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal year 2021. We will strongly support your efforts to demand better from the fiscally irresponsible Congressional leadership. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/17/icymi-rep-kirkpatrick-and-arizona-delegation-democrats-urge-state-action-on-rental-assistance-eviction-prevention/,ICYMI: Rep. Kirkpatrick and Arizona Delegation Democrats Urge State Action on Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick and her Democratic colleagues in the Arizona delegation wrote a letter to Governor Ducey for answers on how the State is working to prevent Arizonans from losing their homes as the eviction moratorium expires. While the Representatives are working to provide assistance on the federal level, they urged Governor Ducey to ensure that the funding allocated to Arizona is being used equitably and effectively, as Congress intended. Arizona is experiencing a striking and deadly second wave of COVID-19 cases, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium expiration date is rapidly nearing. There has not been an extension of the moratorium on the state level, either. According to reports by Arizona 211, more than one-third of calls received are urgent requests related to housing, and 66% of housing calls specifically address needing rental assistance,the Representatives wrote in their letter.We are concerned that despite the evident need for additional housing and rental assistance to stave off economic disaster and unthinkable hardship for families, funding is being diverted to state agencies outside the scope of congressional intent while Arizonans struggle to maintain their homes. It is critical to provide the necessary resources to Arizonans facing housing insecurity during this unprecedented public health crisis,the Representatives continued.We seek information on what additional plans the state has to help families facing eviction, landlords unable to pay mortgages, and those desperately seeking some form of relief to stay safe in their homes. No one should be unhoused in the middle of a global pandemic,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.My colleagues and I receive countless calls from frightened Arizonans who are concerned about their housing situation. It's not the time to sit idly by we need immediate and holistic action to keep people in their homes until we emerge from this crisis. To read the full letter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ohalleran-calls-governor-create-more-transparent-organized-vaccination-plan,"O'Halleran Calls on Governor to Create More Transparent, Organized Vaccination Plan",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, following this week's Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, and expected EUAs of additional vaccines, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) sent a letter to Governor Doug Ducey expressing concern with the Arizona Department of Health Services' Draft COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, requesting answers about critical infrastructure that must be in place to vaccinate seven million Arizonans over the next six months. As we prepare for what will undoubtedly be a complicated vaccination process, we must ensure that community health centers and other medical facilitiesmany of which have already been stretched thin by this public health crisis have the support they need to safely and rapidly vaccinate families and seniors throughout Arizona's rural, tribal, and vulnerable communities, said O'Halleran. This distribution process must be transparent and organized so that Arizonans in every corner of our state are informed and able to receive the vaccine safely, as soon as possible. In the letter, O'Halleran asks the Governors' office to Clarify and specify the state's prioritization of who will receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly as doses are limited; When are all individuals in the 1A category expected to be vaccinated? How will individuals in the 1B and 1C category be prioritized? Detail how the is state planning on working with CHCs, Rural Hospitals, and other health care providers to ensure that all Arizonans, including those in rural areas, are able to be properly vaccinated as resources allow; Confirm if additional resources necessary to build proper refrigeration facilities and train health care workers to ensure that initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are stored properly; Insist that a comprehensive public relations campaign be prepared to ensure that Arizonans are aware that the vaccine is safe and to provide broader information as to when members of the public will be able to receive the vaccine; and Detail how the state is planning on coordinating with tribal and rural health officials to ensure hard-to-reach populations can be vaccinated. View O'Halleran's full letter, HERE. Today's correspondence follows two unanswered letters sent to Governor Ducey requesting regular member and staff meetings throughout the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-gallego-mullin-bill-boost-resources-urban-indian-health,"House Passes Gallego, Mullin Bill to Boost Resources for Urban Indian Health Organizations",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, H.R. 6535, the Coverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Act introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), passed the House by voice vote. H.R. 6535 would expand Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage to urban Indian health organizations, creating parity within the Indian Health System and giving urban programs a desperately needed boost in resources as they suffer shortages, closures, and financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian Health System, commonly referred to as the ITU system, is made up of the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal health programs, and urban Indian organizations (UIOs). UIOs provide culturally competent care for the over 70 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives who live in urban centers. Despite this, UIOs are the only branch of the ITU system not currently eligible for coverage under FTCA. As a result, these frontline health programs spend up to $250,000 annually on liability policies funds that could otherwise be spent directly on patient care. The Coverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Act not only undoes the unfair and impractical disparate treatment of urban Indian organizations under FTCA, but it provides a much-needed infusion of resources to these programs, including Native Heath in my District, that are on the front lines of this pandemic. said Rep. Gallego, Chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples. We cannot afford to leave urban Indians without access to care during and beyond this public health crisis. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support of this bill and I call on the Senate to send it to the President's desk immediately. Urban Indian Health Centers play a critical role in providing health care to Native Americans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mullin said. Our bill ensures they are covered by the FTCA so they won't have to use their limited resources to cover costly liability lawsuits. I want to thank Congressman Gallego and Senators Lankford and Smith for working with me on this bipartisan legislation that will improve health care for Native Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2020/12/17/schweikert-sinema-lead-arizona-congressional-delegation-ensuring-arizona/,"Schweikert, Sinema Lead Arizona Congressional Delegation Ensuring Arizona Providers Receive Coronavirus Relief",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema partnered in a bicameral, bipartisan effort to ensure Arizona Medicaid providers receive their full share of coronavirus Provider Relief Funds (PRF). “We are concerned the current reconciliation of CARES Act funding requirements will disproportionally affect Arizona hospitals that continue to operate tirelessly to serve their communities through the end of the pandemic and beyond,” wrote the Arizona Delegation. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) launched “HEALTHII” – a program, approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), that helps close the Medicaid payment-to-cost shortfall for hospitals and increase Medicaid reimbursements to try and address doctor shortages. The delegation’s letter comes after leaders heard directly from Arizona hospitals who were concerned these supplemental payments would cut into future or recent PRF payments, when compared to 2019 revenue. If HEALTHII payments are counted as new revenue—compared to a 2019 baseline when the program did not exist—it could result in lower provider relief assistance. As a result, this cuts the effectiveness of both programs (HEALTHII and Provider Relief Funds), which are intended to target two different issues. Provider Relief Fund payments are intended to address revenue losses from the pandemic, while HEALTHII payments address low Medicaid reimbursements. Read the full letter HERE. ### Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/schweikert-sinema-lead-arizona-congressional-delegation-ensuring-arizona,"Schweikert, Sinema Lead Arizona Congressional Delegation Ensuring Arizona Providers Receive Coronavirus Relief",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema partnered in a bicameral,bipartisan effort to ensure Arizona Medicaid providers receivetheir full share of coronavirus Provider Relief Funds (PRF). We are concerned the current reconciliation of CARES Act funding requirements will disproportionally affect Arizona hospitals that continue to operate tirelessly to serve their communities through the end of the pandemic and beyond, wrote the Arizona Delegation. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) launched HEALTHII a program, approved by the CentersforMedicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), that helps close the Medicaid payment-to-cost shortfall for hospitals and increase Medicaid reimbursements to try and address doctor shortages. The delegation'sletter comes after leaders heard directly from Arizona hospitals who were concerned these supplemental payments would cut into future or recent PRF payments, when compared to 2019 revenue. If HEALTHII payments are counted as new revenuecompared to a 2019 baseline when the program did not existitcouldresultin lower provider relief assistance. As a result, this cuts the effectiveness of both programs (HEALTHII and Provider Relief Funds), which are intended to target two different issues. Provider Relief Fund payments are intended toaddress revenue losses from the pandemic, while HEALTHII payments address low Medicaid reimbursements. Read the full letterHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-sends-veterans-package-including-gallego-bill-president-s-desk,House Sends Veterans Package Including Gallego Bill to Presidents Desk,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House passed by voice vote a comprehensive veterans' legislative package, H.R. 7105, that included Rep. Gallego's bill H.R. 4908, Native American VeteranParity in Access to Care Today (PACT) Act. The package also includes provisions supported by Congressman Gallego to assist homeless veterans, improve women's access to the VA, enhance benefits to veterans and their families, and help student veterans who've been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. H.R. 4908 was first introduced by Rep. Gallego last year after an October 2019 hearing in which he called out the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for its unconstitutional practice of charging American Indian and Alaska Native veterans a copayment for receiving care at the VHA. The bipartisan measure would bring the VHA in line with the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations by prohibiting the VA from charging copays to Native veterans. America's trust and treaty obligations guarantee Native Americans access to health care free of cost and, accordingly, they are not charged copays at federally-funded Indian Health Service and Tribal health facilities. Despite this, Native veterans who seek care at the VHA are currently subject to these out-of-pocket costs. Rep. Gallego made the following statement: As Chairman of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples and a veteran myself, I am deeply proud to have worked with my colleagues, Indian Country, and the VA to send this critical provision to the President's desk. Native Americans have fought in every American conflict since the American Revolution over a century before they were even granted citizenship. They also serve our country at higher rates than any other demographic group. It is long past time we kept our promises to them in return for their patriotic service and ensured that Native veterans have access to the health care they are owed both as veterans and as Native Americans. I urge the President to sign this policy and this package into law as soon as possible. Rep. Ruben Gallego serves as Chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples. He is a Marine Corps combat veteran.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2020/12/12/congressman-schweikert-releases-statement-applauding-surprise-billing/,Congressman Schweikert Releases Statement Applauding Surprise Billing Agreement,2020-12-12,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) released the following statement applauding key House and Senate Committees recently introduced legislation to protect patients from surprise billing and provide transparency for medical payment disputes. “I am very pleased to see us come together to end surprise billing and provide patients with the transparency they deserve when receiving care. This legislation is far overdue, and will put patients first. Americans can now be taken out of the negotiation process, and start a visit with an understanding of the services they are being provided. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to provide accessible, convenient, and affordable care.” Background: The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute process including: Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider. Prohibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care. Creates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient. Under the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens. If the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties. Following an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days. Provides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers. Empowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status. As part of the legislative agreement, the package includes a long-term extension of expiring public health programs, including: Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs. Legislative text is available HERE. Section-by-section is available HERE. ### Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-senate-passes-congressman-biggs-bill-honor-fallen-chandler-hero,U.S. Senate Passes Congressman Biggs' Bill to Honor Fallen Chandler Hero,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4983 – To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Gilbert, Arizona, as the ""Staff Sergeant Alexander W. Conrad Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic."" This legislation unanimously passed the U.S. House on September 23. On June, 8, 2018, Staff Sergeant Conrad, of Chandler, died in Somalia from injuries sustained from indirect enemy fire, while assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, in support of Operation Octave Shield. His service includes two tours in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, and Meritorious Service Medal. This legislation was endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Department of Arizona, Vietnam Veterans of America – Arizona State Council, and Concerned Veterans for America – Arizona, Disabled American Veterans – Department of Arizona, Military Officers Association of America – Arizona Council of Chapters, and the American Legion – Department of Arizona, . Congressman Biggs issued the following statement: ""I'm grateful for the unanimous support for passage of this legislation from my colleagues in the House and Senate. Staff Sergeant Conrad was an American hero, who sacrificed his life for the cause of freedom. His life and courage deserve honor and recognition for years on end. I hope that everyone who visits the Southeast Valley Veterans Affairs clinic will take time to reflect on the service of Staff Sergeant Conrad – and the service of all who continue to wear our nation's uniform."" ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-schweikert-releases-statement-applauding-surprise-billing,Congressman Schweikert Releases Statement Applauding Surprise Billing Agreement,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) released the following statement applauding key House and Senate Committees recently introduced legislation to protect patients from surprise billing and provide transparency for medical payment disputes. ""I am very pleased to see us come together to end surprise billing and provide patients with the transparency they deserve when receiving care. This legislation is far overdue, and will put patients first. Americans can now be taken out of the negotiation process, and start a visit with an understanding of the services they are being provided. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to provide accessible, convenient, and affordable care."" Background: The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute process including: Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider. Prohibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care. Creates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient. Under the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens. If the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties. Following an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days. Provides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers. Empowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status. As part of the legislative agreement, the package includes a long-term extension of expiring public health programs, including: Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs. Legislative text is available HERE. Section-by-section is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gop-rep-corrects-democratic-myths-about-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,GOP Rep Corrects Democratic Myths About the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"14500 N. Northsight Blvd. Ste. 221 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: (480) 946-2411 Fax: (480) 946-2446 For security and to ensure that your needs are met, visitors to the District Office should call, 480-946-2411 to speak with a staff member about establishing an appointment within normal operating hours.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-introduces-prescription-freedom-act,Congressman Biggs Introduces the Prescription Freedom Act,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Biggs introduced the Prescription Freedom Act, which would eliminate federal prescribing requirements within six months of enactment, while maintaining important pro-life protections. Congressman Biggs offered the following statement: ""When it comes to healthcare reforms, I have long been a champion of freedom. In 2018, I was honored to watch President Trump sign my Right to Try Act into law, which granted critically ill patients access to potentially life-saving medications that are safe but have not gone through the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) entire multi-year review process. More recently, I introduced legislation to eliminate burdensome FDA oversight of emerging medical technologies. ""Now I want to eliminate federal control over prescribing. For over eighty years, we have been operating under the nanny-state mentality that Washington bureaucrats know what drug choices are best for patients. But as the coronavirus pandemic has shown, that clearly isn't the case. ""Even if we think beyond the coronavirus, there is no reason to believe that federal prescribing requirements are inherently beneficial to patients. If federal prescribing requirements are eliminated, patients will almost certainly continue to consult with doctors before taking any potentially risky medications; for their part, the pharmaceutical companies will continue to be incentivized to produce the best-possible and most transparent warning labels to protect their reputations and limit any potential liability. The difference will be that there will be fewer lawyers, lobbyists, and bureaucrats delaying access, driving up costs, and limiting choice. ""Instead, I want patients and consumers to benefit as much as possible from an open marketplace. And if any challenges remain, my bill will not preclude states from legislating to meet local needs."" ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4141,Representative Paul Gosar Introduces H.R. 8897 FIREBREAK Act,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul A. Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,gosar,https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after introducing The Future Innovations Regarding Essential Biodefense Responses Equipment and Knowledge (FIREBREAK) Act: “The men and women of our Armed Forces have been at the forefront of this pandemic. The FIREBREAK Act will give our military the tools that they need to stay safe during a future pandemic and will also provide a rapidly developed response needed to prevent economic shutdown and save human lives. As Westerners, we know the crucial role that firebreaks play in containing wildfires. Containing the spread of pandemics should be no different,” said Congressman Paul Gosar. Background: The FIREBREAK Act would direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program for the development of rapid and cost-effective countermeasures to pandemics. This legislation would continue the work of DARPA’s Pandemic Prevention Platform (P3). DARPA’s P3 program supports military readiness and stability through the pursuit of novel methods to dramatically accelerate discovery, integration, pre-clinical testing, and manufacturing of countermeasures against infectious diseases. This program confronts the reality that Department of Defense personnel are often among the first exposed to outbreaks of diseases with pandemic potential around the world, such as our troops stationed in the Pacific when the current pandemic emerged. Making the P3 program permanent will ensure that we are prepared to defend our troops against any disease.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/breaking-house-passes-o-halleran-bill-electrify-indian-country,BREAKING: House Passes OHalleran Bill to Electrify Indian Country,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5541, the Tribal Power Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) that ensures tribal communities can access affordable, reliable energy sources. The legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Markwayne Mullin (R-OK-02) and passed on voice vote. While nationwide electrification began in the 1930s, many Native American communities still lack basic access to electricityas many as 15,000 families on the Navajo Nation alone,said Rep. O'Halleran, following the voice vote.Now more than ever before, we must ensure tribal communities have the federal support they need to build out electrification operations, update and expand new energy infrastructure, and are not left behind as our energy market evolves toward renewable energy sources. I was honored to see my bill pass today with broad, bipartisan support. The Tribal Power Act aids tribal energy development by: reauthorizing the Department of Energy's Indian Energy Education Planning and Management Assistance Program at $30 million annually from FY 2021-2025; granting the Director of the Office of Indian Energy the authority to reduce the cost share threshold required for grants awarded under the program to 10% if a tribe meets established criteria for severe financial need; and requiring the Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the availability and reliability of electricity for those residing in tribal communities or on tribal land. In addition to these legislative initiatives, the Department of Energy is also required to identify barriers and provide recommendations to Congress to improve access to reliable electricity service on tribal lands. Rural and tribal communities far too often struggle with outdated and inadequate infrastructure, and often stand to gain the most from innovative solutions and investment, continued O'Halleran. This year, as COVID-19 has hit tribes disproportionately hard, we must ensure that economic hardship is not a barrier to the electrification of Indian Country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-statement-continuing-resolution,OHalleran Statement on Continuing Resolution,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, following House passage of H.R. 8900, legislation funding the government through December 18, 2020 at current funding levels, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement: While I am relieved our brave servicemembers and hardworking federal employees aren't entering into another disastrous government shutdown just before the holidays, this kick-the-can approach of endless continuing resolutions is outdated and ineffective. We have a responsibility to pass a bipartisan budget that invests in the future of our country, and it must be done on time every year. Additionally, too many Arizonans are entering this holiday season having lost a loved one to COVID-19; we need to get a new coronavirus aid package done for Americans, and we cannot in good conscience leave Washington without delivering for the families we were elected to represent. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rio-de-flag-tonto-creek-projects-fast-tracked-o-halleran-supported-bill,"Rio de Flag, Tonto Creek Projects Fast-tracked in OHalleran-supported Bill",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONLast night, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to pass S. 1811, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020. The comprehensive water legislation improves our water infrastructure, strengthens America's competitive edge by investing in our ports, harbors, and waterways, increases federal coordination with tribal communities, and makes updated water, wastewater, and groundwater infrastructure more affordable. O'Halleran fought for the legislation to include language that prioritizes two flood control projects in Arizona's First Congressional District, expediting the Rio de Flag project in Flagstaff and authorizing important studies to begin the project in Tonto Creek in Gila County. Arizonans know that water is the lifeblood of the Southwest. Last night, I was proud to vote in favor of this bipartisan legislation that prioritizes the responsible use of, investment in, and conservation of our most precious resource, said Rep. O'Halleran. Much work is left to be done to secure safe, clean water for families across our state, combat our decades-long drought, and address the negative effects climate change has had on our communities. Text of the legislation is available, HERE. Arizona flood control projects are listed on page 152. Earlier this year, O'Halleran announced $21 million in Department of Transportation grants to construct a bridge over Tonto Creek, where three children died in flood waters last spring. Long an advocate for prioritization of the Rio de Flag project, O'Halleran secured $52 million in funding for the initiative through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this February. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-votes-against-ndaa,Congressman Biggs Votes Against the NDAA Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6395 Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. Congressman Biggs voted against this conference report and issued the following statement: I support our military and have voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act in previous years. However, this year's version of the NDAA was chalked full of special and anti-American interests that I could not, in good conscience, vote to support. Both the policies and the process are broken for this NDAA, and the House must begin to consider this bill under an open rule process. The considerations under the NDAA are too important for them not to warrant honest and open debate. The NDAA fails to prioritize strong border security operations along the southern border. It allows our endless wars to continue into perpetuity. It did not include my amendment that would have required the Department of Defense to report to Congress on defense spending by allied countries. And it authorizes the repeal of the Chief Management Officer position one of the only offices at DOD that saves us money. Due to these reasons, and others, I was forced to oppose this conference report. I support President Trump's promise to veto this legislation once it reaches his desk, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that Congress will not be able to override his veto. We can and must do much better for our troops. I hope my Democrat colleagues will come back to the table and work with us to give our troops the very best from the United States Congress. ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-votes-against-ndaa-conference-report,Congressman Biggs Votes Against the NDAA Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6395 – Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. Congressman Biggs voted against this conference report and issued the following statement: ""I support our military and have voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act in previous years. However, this year's version of the NDAA was chalked full of special and anti-American interests that I could not, in good conscience, vote to support. Both the policies and the process are broken for this NDAA, and the House must begin to consider this bill under an open rule process. The considerations under the NDAA are too important for them not to warrant honest and open debate. ""The NDAA fails to prioritize strong border security operations along the southern border. It allows our endless wars to continue into perpetuity. It did not include my amendment that would have required the Department of Defense to report to Congress on defense spending by allied countries. And it authorizes the repeal of the Chief Management Officer position – one of the only offices at DOD that saves us money. ""Due to these reasons, and others, I was forced to oppose this conference report. I support President Trump's promise to veto this legislation once it reaches his desk, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that Congress will not be able to override his veto. We can and must do much better for our troops. I hope my Democrat colleagues will come back to the table and work with us to give our troops the very best from the United States Congress."" ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/08/rep-kirkpatrick-secures-arizona-victories-in-final-ndaa-passage/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Secures Arizona Victories in Final NDAA Passage,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Introduced Amendments for A-10 Transparency and Wildlife Protections (Washington, D.C.) Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick joined her House colleagues to pass the Conference Report on H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2021. The NDAA authorizes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021, including approximately $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). Rep. Kirkpatrick's two Arizona centric amendments were successfully included in the final passage of the bill. The bill passed the House with a 335-78 bipartisan vote, overriding the President's veto authority. This year's NDAA included an impressive list of key Democratic priorities, such as creating a more inclusive and diverse military, establishing norms to counter racism and extremism, providing a pay raise for our troops, making investments in military infrastructure, improving sexual assault prevention and response programs, as well as authorizing hazard duty pay for service members in harm's way. The NDAA we passed today honors our values, strengthens our security, and advances America's leadership in the world,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.Seeing all of the provisions come together, from providing more Veterans assistance to taking strides on climate change, has been an incredible experience and a meaningful one. Additionally, two of Rep. Kirkpatrick's amendments made it into the final billone that would ensure greater transparency from the Air Force with the A-10 re-winging effort, and another to support the Sentinel Landscape partnership. The A-10 amendment will require a report to the congressional defense committees on the progress the service has made toward the A-10 re-winging. The Sentinel Landscape partnership at Fort Huachuca is a popular local collaboration that would protect wildlife habitat while also ensuring military readiness. Rep. Kirkpatrick's amendment would help facilitate the Sentinel Landscape partnership by making it easier for the Department of Defense to partner with other federal agencies. Our military installations in Southern Arizona are a critical part of our state's economy and our national security,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.I am proud that both of my amendments made their way through the House and Senate and will now reach the President's desk for his signature. Our amendments are focused on transparency and collaboration, and I look forward to continuing that work and delivering more victories to our home state. To view Rep. Kirkpatrick's A-10 amendment, clickhere. To view Rep. Kirkpatrick's Sentinel Landscape partnership amendment, clickhere. The full conference report is availablehere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-nearly-200-million-rural-broadband-arizona,OHalleran: Nearly $200 Million for Rural Broadband in Arizona,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that nearly $200 million in federal funding had been awarded by the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to build high-speed broadband networks in 129,445 locations throughout Arizona. Last year, O'Halleran sent a bipartisan letter to the FCC requesting procedures for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of the funds for rural broadband deployment to ensure networks constructed with such funds are of the highest quality and provide the speeds necessary to improve the quality of life for families throughout rural America. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the urgent need to address the dire inadequacy of access to quality broadband in rural communities, as families increasingly rely on the internet to work, learn, and receive health care safely, said O'Halleran. I am pleased that the FCC heeded my urgent request to connect more rural families to the high-speed internet they need, and I will continue to provide oversight of the FCC as we take important steps toward closing the digital divide in Arizona. A total of $195,847,668.40 in support funds were awarded through the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction to 7 bidders in Arizona to serve 129,445 locations throughout the state. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-votes-give-troops-pay-raise,OHalleran Votes to Give Troops a Pay Raise,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to pass the bipartisan Conference Report on H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The annual legislation includes a 3% pay increase for servicemembers, authorization of funding to strengthen American ability to respond to potential COVID-19 resurgence and other infectious diseases in the future, and improvements to military family paid maternal and paternal leave, child care, and sexual assault prevention and response programs within the U.S. armed forces. Within the bill are several Arizona-specific wins O'Halleran helped to secure, including: a Land Conveyance at Camp Navajo from the U.S. Army to the State of Arizona for Arizona National Guard Training purposes, and defense industrial base economic development purposes; expansion of contracting budget authority for the F-35 program; protections for the A-10 Warthog aircraft and the KC-135 refueling aircraft from retirement by the Air Force or DOD, which will keep many jobs in Arizona; theO'Halleran-cosponsored Seeding Rural Resilience Act, which will help to reduce the growing rate of suicide in rural areasparticularly farming and agricultural production communitiesacross the country. With the passage of today's NDAA we are ensuring our military remains the strongest in the world and giving our servicemembers amuch-deserved pay increase, said O'Halleran following the floor vote. I was pleased to see my initiatives that will cut red tape and expand economic development opportunity for Arizonans by increasing military-civilian operation coordination, and our bill to address the growing crisis of rural suicide, were also included in this year's package. A tailored land transfer at Flagstaff's Camp Navajo will allow for select commercial activities to take place on parts ofthe basewhile still allowing the Department of Defense to safely carry out its missions there, empowering Camp Navajo to utilize excess storage capacity to pursue economic development opportunities beneficial to boththe baseand the northern Arizona community. A summary of the FY2021 NDAA is available, HERE. I am disappointed to see my legislation to protect the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities from uranium mining and my bill to provide expanded compensation to 'downwinder' individuals who suffer from complications associated with uranium exposure was not included in our final package, continued O'Halleran. However, I will keep fighting for these important initiatives and am pleased that our annual NDAA process was completed in a bipartisan, bicameral manner, with the voices of many incorporated at the table. An earlier version of the legislation included the O'Halleran-backed Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act and Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2020/12/08/congressman-schweikerts-legislation-included-national-defense/,Congressman Schweikert’s Legislation Included in National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert announced the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes his legislation, H.R. 7139, the Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act, as well as three amendments he introduced to promote innovation and military readiness. The Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act, would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to commission a study on China’s influence in setting global standards for emerging technologies. “I am pleased to see each of these pieces of legislation included in the final text of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These sections will promote innovation and national security while ensuring the United States will remain a leader on the global stage.” Background: The Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act, which was introduced by Rep. Schweikert and Rep. Ami Bera, was also included on the House GOP’s China Task Force Report list of recommendations for Congress to consider. This bill also has a recently introduced Senate companion bill, S. 4901, led by Sens. Cortez-Masto and Portman. Additional amendments included: Study and report on increasing telehealth services across Armed Force; Fully funds the Navy’s Direct Air Capture and Blue Carbon Removal Technology Program; and Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress regarding recommendations on cyber hygiene practices for the DOD. ### Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-schweikerts-legislation-included-national-defense,Congressman Schweikert's Legislation Included in National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman David Schweikert announced the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes his legislation, H.R. 7139, the Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act, as well as three amendments he introduced to promote innovation and military readiness. The Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act, wouldrequire the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to commission a study on China's influence in setting global standards for emerging technologies. ""I am pleased to see each of these pieces of legislation included in the final text of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These sections will promote innovation and national security while ensuring the United States will remain a leader on the global stage."" Background: The Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act, which was introduced by Rep. Schweikert and Rep. Ami Bera, was also included on the House GOP's China Task Force Report list of recommendations for Congress to consider. This bill also has a recently introduced Senate companion bill, S. 4901, led by Sens. Cortez-Masto and Portman. Additional amendments included: Study and report on increasing telehealth services across Armed Force; Fully funds the Navy's Direct Air Capture and Blue Carbon Removal Technology Program; and Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress regarding recommendations on cyber hygiene practices for the DOD. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-backed-bill-spur-growth-semiconductor-manufacturing-passes-house,Stanton-Backed Bill to Spur Growth In Semiconductor Manufacturing Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"With a strong bipartisan majority, the House today passed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included an initiative pushed by Rep. Greg Stanton that will support Arizona’s growing semiconductor sector. Title XCIX of the bill, Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America, is based on legislation co-sponsored by Stanton and a bipartisan group of nearly 30 House members. It authorizes new federal funding for semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research initiatives to strengthen American leadership in chip technology—innovations critical to the future of our economy and national security. “Greater Phoenix is an ideal market for high-tech and semiconductor companies—and when those companies build and scale in our region, they add new, quality jobs and lift up our local economy,” Stanton said. “CHIPS for America creates new federal investments to support the construction of manufacturing facilities in one of our state’s fastest-growing industries.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-s-arizona-focused-water-bill-included-bipartisan-infrastructure-package,Stanton’s Arizona-Focused Water Bill Included in Bipartisan Infrastructure Package That Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"The House today unanimously passed the final Water Resources Development Act of 2020, which contained several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Rep. Greg Stanton – including $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program that the first-term congressman has been pushing for more than 18 months. The new measure is based off of Stanton’s bill H.R. 2206, the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act, and will help local governments better meet their infrastructure needs and protect water supplies by providing financial assistance for water-related infrastructure projects. Local projects could include water supply, storage, and treatment; surface water protection, and wastewater treatment and related facilities. The legislation has earned widespread support from communities across the state, water associations, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. “In Arizona, water is essential to our way of life, and the Water Resources Development Act ensures we have the resources we need to invest in our desert state’s future,” said Stanton. “I’m especially proud that this bill includes an initiative that will lift small and rural communities across Arizona that lack the financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructure—and help them get the resources they so desperately need.” The larger bipartisan legislation authorizes funding for water resources projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is the result of months of negotiations between the House and Senate. Stanton, the only member representing Arizona on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, fought hard to include projects of significance to Arizona communities in the House-passed version as well as the final negotiated agreement. This final legislation includes several Stanton-backed projects that will make a difference in the state: Directs the Corps of Engineers to expedite completion of a report needed to continue construction of the Tres Rios ecosystem restoration project. The Tres Rios Wetlands are a part of Rio Reimagined, an ongoing green infrastructure project along the Rio Salado spearheaded by the late Sen. John McCain and Rep. Ed Pastor. Specifically, the project is designed to provide flood control protection and the use of treated effluent from a regional wastewater treatment facility to restore hydrological connectivity and sustain fish and wildlife habitat. Authorization for construction of a flood control project for the Little Colorado River, consisting of new and reconstructed levees to protect the community of Winslow and other parts of Navajo County. The current levee system is at risk of overtopping or failing in a 100-year flood, leaving approximately 2,700 properties and 1,600 structures, including almost all of the community’s critical public facilities—hospitals, schools, nursing homes and utilities—vulnerable. This important project significantly reduces the threat to the community and surrounding areas. Directs the Corps to expedite completion of the flood study for the Lower Santa Cruz River. The basin, which includes parts of Pinal County, the City of Maricopa, and the Gila River Indian Community, is one of the fastest growing regions in Arizona. Despite a long history of flooding in the area, no flood control projects have been constructed. Repeated flooding could result in $186 million in damages, according to Army Corps of Engineers estimations. The package now heads to the Senate for passage before heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-backed-bill-spur-growth-semiconductor-manufacturing-passes-house,Stanton-Backed Bill to Spur Growth In Semiconductor Manufacturing Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"With a strong bipartisan majority, the House today passed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included an initiative pushed by Rep. Greg Stanton that will support Arizona's growing semiconductor sector. Title XCIX of the bill, Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America, is based on legislation co-sponsored by Stanton and a bipartisan group of nearly 30 House members. It authorizes new federal funding for semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research initiatives to strengthen American leadership in chip technologyinnovations critical to the future of our economy and national security. Greater Phoenix is an ideal market for high-tech and semiconductor companiesand when those companies build and scale in our region, they add new, quality jobs and lift up our local economy, Stanton said. CHIPS for America creates new federal investments to support the construction of manufacturing facilities in one of our state's fastest-growing industries. Earlier this year, the global Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. announced plans to build a $12 billion advanced chip factory in Phoenix, a development that helped solidify Arizona's reputation as a high-tech leader.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-s-arizona-focused-water-bill-included-bipartisan-infrastructure-package,Stanton’s Arizona-Focused Water Bill Included in Bipartisan Infrastructure Package That Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House today unanimously passed the final Water Resources Development Act of 2020, which contained several provisions to benefit Arizona that were championed by Rep. Greg Stanton including $150 million for a new Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure program that the first-term congressman has been pushing for more than 18 months. The new measure is based off of Stanton's bill H.R. 2206, the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act, and will help local governments better meet their infrastructure needs and protect water supplies by providing financial assistance for water-related infrastructure projects. Local projects could include water supply, storage, and treatment; surface water protection, and wastewater treatment and related facilities. The legislation has earned widespread support from communities across the state, water associations, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. In Arizona, water is essential to our way of life, and the Water Resources Development Act ensures we have the resources we need to invest in our desert state's future, said Stanton. I'm especially proud that this bill includes an initiative that will lift small and rural communities across Arizona that lack the financial resources in their budgets to make much needed repairs or replace their aging infrastructureand help them get the resources they so desperately need. The larger bipartisan legislation authorizes funding for water resources projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is the result of months of negotiations between the House and Senate. Stanton, the only member representing Arizona on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, fought hard to include projects of significance to Arizona communities in the House-passed version as well as the final negotiated agreement. This final legislation includes several Stanton-backed projects that will make a difference in the state: Directs the Corps of Engineers to expedite completion of a report needed to continue construction of the Tres Rios ecosystem restoration project. The Tres Rios Wetlands are a part of Rio Reimagined, an ongoing green infrastructure project along the Rio Salado spearheaded by the late Sen. John McCain and Rep. Ed Pastor. Specifically, the project is designed to provide flood control protection and the use of treated effluent from a regional wastewater treatment facility to restore hydrological connectivity and sustain fish and wildlife habitat. Authorization for construction of a flood control project for the Little Colorado River, consisting of new and reconstructed levees to protect the community of Winslow and other parts of Navajo County. The current levee system is at risk of overtopping or failing in a 100-year flood, leaving approximately 2,700 properties and 1,600 structures, including almost all of the community's critical public facilitieshospitals, schools, nursing homes and utilitiesvulnerable. This important project significantly reduces the threat to the community and surrounding areas. Directs the Corps to expedite completion of the flood study for the Lower Santa Cruz River. The basin, which includes parts of Pinal County, the City of Maricopa, and the Gila River Indian Community, is one of the fastest growing regions in Arizona. Despite a long history of flooding in the area, no flood control projects have been constructed. Repeated flooding could result in $186 million in damages, according to Army Corps of Engineers estimations. The package now heads to the Senate for passage before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. Full text of the conferenced bill is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/stanton-mask-denying-governors-can-t-be-trusted-future-federal-covid-relief,Stanton: Mask-Denying Governors Can’t Be Trusted With Future Federal COVID Relief Funds,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Bad-actor states and cities that refuse to enact mask mandates to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 should not receive money from Congress in future relief legislation, Rep. Greg Stanton said today. One of the most effective ways for local governments to control the spread of the virus is to require residents to wear masks in public places. Research and public health data show communities with mask mandates saw drops in their transmission rates and COVID-19 cases. But because some local leaders – including Arizona’s governor – have refused to acknowledge and embrace the most basic science and enact statewide mask mandates, Congress must provide an economic incentive so that more states will adopt common-sense policies, Stanton said. “Some officials have made this pandemic worse by refusing to accept basic science, and their increasingly poor decision-making is killing people, overwhelming hospitals, costing jobs, and will soon put more people on the streets,” said Stanton. “They’ve used federal funds to bail out their own budgets rather than invest in the testing, contact tracing, unemployment support and rental assistance our economy needs.” “Congress has a responsibility to put resources in the hands of those who are taking this crisis seriously and these bad actors can’t be trusted,” Stanton said. When Arizona’s cases spiked 151 percent in June, Stanton released a five-step plan to control the virus’ spread and was the first federal official to call for a statewide mask mandate. Following Stanton’s call to action and pressure from local leaders that followed his call, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order that rescinded his preemption of cities to implement local health measures, and allowed them to enact mask mandates. Cases then dropped 75 percent across the state over the next few weeks. An October report authored by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and members of the Arizona Department of Health Services, including director Dr. Cara Christ, found that mask mandates were effective in controlling and decreasing the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. Researchers found similar results in 15 other states and Washington D.C., and as cases rose across the country in late October, 11 of the 15 states with the highest case totals that month did not have a mask mandate in place. Three of those states have since enacted mask mandates. But as the nation experiences a second wave of COVID cases, Ducey has held steadfast in refusing to adopt the science-backed measure. There is a significant lack of testing and contact tracing resources in Arizona, and positivity rates have climbed to alarming numbers. In Arizona, counties and localities that introduced mask mandates have recorded lower case totals and infection rates than those that did not.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-mask-denying-governors-can-t-be-trusted-future-federal-covid-relief,Stanton: Mask-Denying Governors Can’t Be Trusted With Future Federal COVID Relief Funds,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bad-actor states and cities that refuse to enact mask mandates to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 should not receive money from Congress in future relief legislation, Rep. Greg Stanton said today. One of the most effective ways for local governments to control the spread of the virus is to require residents to wear masks in public places. Research and public health data show communitieswith mask mandates saw drops in their transmission rates and COVID-19 cases. But because some local leaders including Arizona's governor have refused to acknowledge and embrace the most basic science and enact statewide mask mandates, Congress must provide an economic incentive so that more states will adopt common-sense policies, Stanton said. Some officials have made this pandemic worse by refusing to accept basic science, and their increasingly poor decision-making is killing people, overwhelming hospitals, costing jobs, and will soon put more people on the streets, said Stanton. They've used federal funds to bail out their own budgets rather than invest in the testing, contact tracing, unemployment support and rental assistance our economy needs. Congress has a responsibility to put resources in the hands of those who are taking this crisis seriously and these bad actors can't be trusted, Stanton said. When Arizona's cases spiked 151 percent in June, Stantonreleased a five-step plan to control the virus' spread and was the first federal official to call for a statewide mask mandate. Following Stanton's call to action andpressure from local leaders that followed his call, Arizona Gov. DougDuceyissued an executive order that rescinded his preemption of cities to implement local health measures, and allowed them to enact mask mandates. Cases then dropped 75 percent across the state over the next few weeks. An October reportauthored by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and members of the Arizona Department of Health Services, including director Dr. Cara Christ, found that mask mandates were effective in controlling and decreasing the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. Researchersfound similar resultsin 15 other states and Washington D.C., and as cases rose across the country in late October,11 of the 15 states with the highest case totals that month did not have a mask mandate in place. Three of those states have since enacted mask mandates. But as the nation experiences a second wave of COVID cases,Duceyhas held steadfast in refusing to adopt the science-backed measure. There is a significant lack of testing and contact tracing resources in Arizona, and positivity rates have climbed to alarming numbers. In Arizona, counties and localities that introduced mask mandates have recorded lower case totals and infection rates than those that didnot.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-introduces-legislation-repeal-outdated-national-voter,"Congressman Biggs Introduces Legislation to Repeal the Outdated National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (""Motor Voter"")",2020-12-05,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Biggs introduced legislation to repeal the outdated National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (""Motor Voter""). This bill would restore states' rights to conduct elections and allow them to enforce state laws that eliminate voter fraud opportunities. In 2004, Arizona passed Proposition 200 to require proof of citizenship before voting. However, under a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court interpretation of Motor Voter, the state is required to allow individuals who can't prove their citizenship, though claim to be citizens, to obtain a ballot to vote in federal elections. Repealing Motor Voter would allow states to take the lead in closing this gap in the law. U.S. Representatives Scott Perry (PA-10), Tom McClintock (CA-04), Randy Weber (TX-14), Mo Brooks (AL-05), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Steve King (IA-04), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Morgan Griffith (VA-09) co-sponsored this legislation. Congressman Biggs issued the following statement: ""Election integrity is central to the bedrock of our constitutional republic. Currently, though federal law requires an individual to be a U.S. citizen to vote in federal elections, it requires states to accept merely a signed attestation from an individual that he or she is a U.S. citizen – without any further proof of citizenship. This lax procedure, to register individuals to vote in states that have strict citizenship requirements for voter registration, is a threat to the integrity of our elections. ""Americans of all political leanings deserve to know that our elections were carried out with the utmost integrity. That's why I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this legislation to ensure that states, and not the D.C. swamp, uphold election integrity and restore trust at the ballot box for each of its residents."" ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/12/south-central-light-rail-granted-530-million-federal-funds-complete,South Central Light Rail Granted $530 Million in Federal Funds to Complete Construction,2020-12-05,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to provide nearly $530 million through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program to fund the design and construction of Phoenix’s South Central Light Rail Extension. Rep. Greg Stanton long advocated for support for the project during his time as Phoenix mayor and continued to fight for federal funds as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This critical federal investment will secure light rail’s future in South Phoenix,” said Stanton. “Years of work and advocacy have made this massive infrastructure project possible. And when it’s complete, light rail will be a new connection to South Phoenix that opens new economic opportunities.” Stanton advocated for federal funding for the project as well as increased resources for the CIG program. In July, Congressman Stanton supported the fiscal year 2021 Transportation Appropriations bill that provides $2.175 billion for the CIG program. The Federal Transit Administration within the Department of Transportation submitted a 30-day Congressional notice of their intent to award a Full Funding Grant Agreement on Friday. This is the final step before the agreement is signed and funds are transferred to the City of Phoenix. “It is thrilling to see this grant agreement, which comes at a time when investment could not be more important, said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Thank you to our federal partners including our Arizona Senators and Representatives Stanton and Gallego for this important investment.” The balance of funds needed to fully complete the light rail extension—about $815 million—will come from several federal and local sources: the Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Block Grants, City of Phoenix Proposition 104 sales tax revenues, and Maricopa County Proposition 400 Public Transportation Excise Tax revenues.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/south-central-light-rail-granted-530-million-federal-funds-complete,South Central Light Rail Granted $530 Million in Federal Funds to Complete Construction,2020-12-05,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to provide nearly $530 million through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program to fund the design and construction of Phoenix's South Central Light Rail Extension. Rep. Greg Stanton long advocated for support for the project during his time as Phoenix mayor and continued to fight for federal funds as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This critical federal investment will secure light rail's future in South Phoenix, said Stanton. Years of work and advocacy have made this massive infrastructure project possible. And when it's complete, light rail will be a new connection to South Phoenix that opens new economic opportunities. Stanton advocated for federal funding for the project as well as increased resources for the CIG program. In July, Congressman Stanton supported the fiscal year 2021 Transportation Appropriations bill that provides $2.175 billion for the CIG program. The Federal Transit Administration within the Department of Transportation submitted a 30-day Congressional notice of their intent to award a Full Funding Grant Agreement on Friday. This is the final step before the agreement is signed and funds are transferred to the City of Phoenix. It is thrilling to see this grant agreement, which comes at a time when investment could not be more important, said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. Thank you to our federal partners including our Arizona Senators and Representatives Stanton and Gallego for this important investment. The balance of funds needed to fully complete the light rail extensionabout $815 millionwill come from several federal and local sources: the Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Block Grants, City of Phoenix Proposition 104 sales tax revenues, and Maricopa County Proposition 400 Public Transportation Excise Tax revenues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-urges-bipartisan-bicameral-compromise-covid-19-relief,"OHalleran Urges Bipartisan, Bicameral Compromise on COVID-19 Relief",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) joined his colleagues in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats focused on finding common ground on our nation's toughest challenges, at a press conference to present their $908 billion, four-month, COVID-19 emergency relief framework. Following the event, O'Halleran released the following statement: This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended American life. Tens of millions are unemployed, beloved mom-and-pop businesses have closed their doors for good, and we've lost over 270,000 mothers, grandfathers, friends, and neighbors. Today, over 13 million individuals in the U.S. have tested positive for this virus, and our hospitals are reaching a breaking point yet again. This is long overdue; both housesof Congress are at the table to debate and discuss much-needed coronavirus aid, but this is only a starting point. Much more needs to be done to address this deadly pandemic in the coming months and I stand ready and willing to work with anyone to secure results for Arizona families. As I said at today's press conference, we cannot leave until we get this done. A breakdown of the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found HERE. The Framework was introduced in the Senate by a bipartisan groupSenators Joe Manchin (WV), Susan Collins (ME), Mark Warner (VA), Bill Cassidy (LA), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Angus King (ME), Mitt Romney (UT), and Maggie Hassan (NH). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2020/12/04/schweikert-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-group-48-lawmakers-calling/,"Schweikert Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of 48 Lawmakers in Calling for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage in End of Year Legislation",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert joined 48 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the CONNECT for Health Act have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services. This provision was included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. “It has been incredible to see the expansion and appreciation for telehealth services being utilized since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Schweikert. “This technology has the ability to provide a comfortable, and accessible tool for patients to connect with their doctors, and must be further expanded beyond this crisis. I am pleased to see this healthcare technology widely supported amongst my colleagues, and look forward to continuing our work on the Telehealth Caucus to ensure every American has access to their healthcare.” In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic.. Schweikert was joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.), Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Elise M. Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.). To read the full text of the letter, click here. ### Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/schweikert-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-group-48-lawmakers-calling,"Schweikert Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of 48 Lawmakers in Calling for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage in End of Year Legislation",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -Today, Congressman David Schweikert joined 48 lawmakers incalling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from theCONNECT for Health Acthave allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services. This provision was included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. ""It has been incredible to see the expansion and appreciation for telehealth services being utilized since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,""said Schweikert. ""This technology has the ability to provide a comfortable, and accessible tool for patients to connect with their doctors, and must be further expanded beyond this crisis. I am pleased to see this healthcare technology widely supported amongst my colleagues, and look forward to continuing our work on the Telehealth Caucus to ensure every American has access to their healthcare."" In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic.. Schweikert was joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.), Tom O'Halleran (D-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Elise M. Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.). To read the full text of the letter, clickhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/03/rep-kirkpatrick-fights-for-land-ports-of-entry-funding-in-final-fy2021-funding-bill/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Fights for Land Ports of Entry Funding in Final FY2021 Funding Bill,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Emphasizes urgent need for modernization of Arizona LPOEs (Washington, DC) Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick and her colleagues sent a letter to House and Senate leadership emphasizing the need to include $2.8 billion for land ports of entry (LPOE) modernization in the FY2021 appropriations funding bill. In July, Rep. Kirkpatrick was successful in securing funding for Land Ports of Entry projects within the 2021 budget, which passed the House in the summer and made its way to budget negotiations in the Senate. I have toured our Southern Arizona ports it is clear they are no longer suitable for the high volume of traffic that flows through them every day,said Rep. Kirkpatrick.Between commercial trade, cross-border tourism and economic activity, and CBP monitoring, it is clear we desperately need modernized ports, especially in Douglas. Securing the funding needed to modernize Arizona's land ports of entry has been my top priority since the start of the appropriations process, and I will continue fighting until we see it through. LPOEs are critical to national security and local economies,expressed the Representatives. The vast majority of trade with Mexico and Canada two of the nation's three largest trading partners flows through LPOEs, which facilitate vital economic activity while providing Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) the facilities and tools necessary to regulate flow in and out of our country. Many LPOEs have aged and are no longer suitable to process the volume of traffic that flows through them every day. Three of the fifteen LPOEs on the Financial Services and General Government's priority list are in Arizona: the San Luis Port of Entry and the commercial and non-commercial ports in Douglas. I was able to make strides in committee and get the funding passed in the House budget but now it's time to carry out the mission through the end. I am fighting tooth and nail to get the funding LPOEs need all the way through and included in the final FY2021 budget,explained Rep Kirkpatrick. While we are aware of budget limitations, we believe that modernizing LPOEs should be a top priority,the Representatives wrote in their letter.With modernized LPOEs, we will increase economic activity and development while enhancing border and national security. As such, we respectfully request that you work to include the House-passed language for LPOEs and support funding of $2.8 billion for this activity in the FY 2021 omnibus appropriations bill. Read the full text here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/over-5-million-headed-arizona-community-health-centers,Over $5 Million Headed to Arizona Community Health Centers,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had awarded over $5 million in new grants to community health centers (CHCs) in Arizona's First Congressional District. This year, Arizona community health centers have been stretched thin as they work to provide hundreds of thousands of Arizonans with the critical care and resources they need during this public health crisis, said O'Halleran. Now, more than ever before, we must ensure that CHCs have the funding and support they need to continue to serve Arizona families and to support the doctors, nurses, and staff working tirelessly on the frontlines of this pandemic. A grant of $2,154,131 was awarded to Marana Health Center in Marana and a grant of $3,289,877 was awarded to North Country Healthcare in Flagstaff through the HHS Health Center Cluster grant program. Last year, O'Halleran re-introduced legislation to ensure community health centers across the nation are fully funded. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-announces-over-1-million-tribal-head-start-programs-az-01,OHalleran Announces Over $1 Million for Tribal Head Start Programs in AZ-01,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had awarded a grant of over $1 million to support Head Start programs for the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Last year, Head Start and Early Head Start programs provided essential support and services for over 19,000 families in Arizona, said O'Halleran. This year, as we work to address COVID-19, we must honor tribal sovereignty and ensure Native Nations are empowered to make the right decisions for education in their individual communities. I am working to make sure Head Start programs have the funding they need to continue to serve struggling families and kids during this pandemic. A grant of $1,171,091 was awarded to the White Mountain Apache Tribe to support the development and expansion of the tribe's Head Start programs. This year, O'Halleran joined a group of colleagues on aletter to Congressional leadership to urge full funding for Head Start programs as child care providers adapt to COVID-19 and work to continue serving vulnerable families. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2020/12/02/congressman-david-schweikert-announces-chief-staff-departure/,Congressman David Schweikert Announces Chief of Staff Departure,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) announced the departure of his Chief of Staff Katherina Dimenstein, who has served as Schweikert’s longtime senior aide, at the end of this week. Dimenstein departs the office after having served as Chief of Staff since July of 2018, previously serving as Legislative Director during the 115th Congress. As Chief of Staff, Dimenstein managed all Washington, D.C. office operations and Schweikert’s legislative priorities on the Ways and Means Committee. “I want to thank Katherina for her dedication and service to Arizona’s 6th District over the last eight years. She did an outstanding job for our office, especially her excellent work on promoting strong trade relationships for Arizona and helping modernize our tax code through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She’s an incredibly valued member of our team, and we will miss her.” said Congressman David Schweikert “I am incredibly thankful for Congressman Schweikert’s support as I move on to this next step in my career. It has been an honor to work for David, and alongside the best team on Capitol Hill. David provided me the incredible opportunity to serve the people of Arizona, and I am forever grateful for his trust and support. I look forward to continuing to follow David’s work to provide opportunity and success for all Arizonans.” said Katherina Dimenstein The Congressman’s long time District Director and Deputy Chief of Staff Kevin Knight will take over as Acting Chief of Staff. ### Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-david-schweikert-announces-chief-staff-departure,Congressman David Schweikert Announces Chief of Staff Departure,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) announced the departure of his Chief of Staff Katherina Dimenstein, who has served as Schweikert's longtime senior aide, at the end of this week. Dimenstein departs the office after having served as Chief of Staff since July of 2018, previously serving as Legislative Director during the 115th Congress. As Chief of Staff, Dimenstein managed all Washington, D.C. office operations and Schweikert's legislative priorities on the Ways and Means Committee. ""I want to thank Katherina for her dedication and service to Arizona's 6th District over the last eight years. She did an outstanding job for our office, especially her excellent work on promoting strong trade relationships for Arizona and helping modernize our tax code through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She's an incredibly valued member of our team, and we will miss her. said Congressman David Schweikert I am incredibly thankful for Congressman Schweikert's support as I move on to this next step in my career. It has been an honor to work for David, and alongside the best team on Capitol Hill. David provided me the incredible opportunity to serve the people of Arizona, and I am forever grateful for his trust and support. I look forward to continuing to follow David's work to provide opportunity and success for all Arizonans. said Katherina Dimenstein The Congressman's long time District Director and Deputy Chief of Staff Kevin Knight will take over as Acting Chief of Staff. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-requests-doj-investigate-us-representative-bill-pascrell,Congressman Biggs Requests DOJ Investigation of U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell for Possible Civil Rights Violations,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Andy Biggs sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, urging him to investigate U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell for possible civil rights violations in his efforts to obtain the disbarment of certain members of President Trump's legal counsel in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, solely because those attorneys attempted to represent President Trump in his efforts to secure the integrity of the 2020 Presidential Election. Representatives Warren Davidson (OH-08), Andy Harris (MD-01), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), and Randy Weber (TX-14) co-signed the letter. Read the text of the letter below: November 27, 2020 The Honorable William Barr Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Barr, We urge you to investigate Representative Bill Pascrell for possible civil rights violations in his efforts to obtain the disbarment of certain members of President Trump's legal counsel in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, solely because those attorneys attempted to represent President Trump in his efforts to secure the integrity of the 2020 Presidential Election. On November 20, Representative Pascrell sent a letter to the State Bar of Arizona, the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, the Office of the Bar Counsel of Nevada, the State of New York Grievance Committee, and the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, accusing the attorneys of filing frivolous lawsuits and requesting that each agency commence an immediate investigation of their actions and consider sanctions for their conduct up to and including revocation of their licenses to practice law in your jurisdiction. The President has every right to petition the courts to ensure that every legal ballot is counted and to challenge any illegal votes. And, he has the right to retain counsel to represent him. In turn his attorneys must be free to zealously advocate for the protection of the President's rights. He is attempting to bar the President from legal counsel and take away the livelihood of attorneys who have represented the President. The efforts to disbar the President's lawyers simply for representing the President is designed to impede the rights of the President and his counsel. It appears to violate the civil rights of the President and his attorneys. Accordingly, we urge you to investigate whether Representative Pascrell's injudicious and seemingly malevolent actions have violated the civil rights of the President and his counsel. Sincerely, Andy Biggs Member of Congress Warren Davidson Member of Congress Andy Harris Member of Congress Debbie Lesko Member of Congress Randy Weber Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-requests-doj-investigation-us-representative-bill-pascrell,Congressman Biggs Requests DOJ Investigation of U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell for Possible Civil Rights Violations,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Biggs sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, urging him to investigate U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell for possible civil rights violations in his efforts to obtain the disbarment of certain members of President Trump's legal counsel in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, solely because those attorneys attempted to represent President Trump in his efforts to secure the integrity of the 2020 Presidential Election. Representatives Warren Davidson (OH-08), Andy Harris (MD-01), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), and Randy Weber (TX-14) co-signed the letter. Read the text of the letter below: November 27, 2020 The Honorable William Barr Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Barr, We urge you to investigate Representative Bill Pascrell for possible civil rights violations in his efforts to obtain the disbarment of certain members of President Trump's legal counsel in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, solely because those attorneys attempted to represent President Trump in his efforts to secure the integrity of the 2020 Presidential Election. On November 20, Representative Pascrell sent a letter to the State Bar of Arizona, the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, the Office of the Bar Counsel of Nevada, the State of New York Grievance Committee, and the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, accusing the attorneys of filing ""frivolous lawsuits"" and requesting that each agency ""commence an immediate investigation of their actions and consider sanctions for their conduct up to and including revocation of their licenses to practice law in your jurisdiction."" The President has every right to petition the courts to ensure that every legal ballot is counted and to challenge any illegal votes. And, he has the right to retain counsel to represent him. In turn his attorneys must be free to zealously advocate for the protection of the President's rights. He is attempting to bar the President from legal counsel and take away the livelihood of attorneys who have represented the President. The efforts to disbar the President's lawyers simply for representing the President is designed to impede the rights of the President and his counsel. It appears to violate the civil rights of the President and his attorneys. Accordingly, we urge you to investigate whether Representative Pascrell's injudicious and seemingly malevolent actions have violated the civil rights of the President and his counsel. Sincerely, Andy Biggs Member of Congress Warren Davidson Member of Congress Andy Harris Member of Congress Debbie Lesko Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/2020/12/01/rep-kirkpatrick-voices-support-for-tucson-mayor-regina-romeros-curfew-request-to-curb-the-spread-of-covid-19/,Rep. Kirkpatrick Voices Support for Tucson Mayor Regina Romeros Curfew Request to Curb the Spread of COVID-19,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ann Kirkpatrick,K000368,kirkpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cites need to take vigorous action against the alarming rate of spread in Southern Arizona (Washington, D.C.) Today, Representative Kirkpatrick released the following statement in support of Tucson Mayor Romero's request for the establishment of a mandatory curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19. I stand in solidarity with Mayor Romero's decision to request a nightly curfew to help stop the spread of this deadly virus, said Rep. Kirkpatrick. In a time of crisis, we need to rely and base decisions on facts. The truth of the matter is that COVID-19 is spreading at an increasingly alarming rate throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona, and something must be done. There are now 40,000 reported cases in Tucson and there have been 700 deaths. The city has witnessed a record number of cases per day, and hospitals could reach their capacities this week. The Mayor's requested curfew would start at 8 p.m. beginning Tuesday, December 1 and would be in place through December 22. It would prohibit all persons from being present on any public street or in any public place, with exceptions for law enforcement, emergency and medical personnel, people performing essential functions, and unhoused people. We are at an inflection point, and our actions today will determine what happens in the next three weeks, announced Mayor Romero. My colleagues on the council and I are asking each and every Tucsonan to do their part to slow the spread, especially for our family and friends working in our hospitals. We need statewide action, and I strongly urge Governor Ducey to act swiftly to protect the health of Arizonans. Mayor Romero has shown strong leadership throughout the entirety of the pandemic, and as a result, she has been more successful in slowing the spread than the Governor has at the state level, added Rep. Kirkpatrick. We've seen the data. Masks work. Social distancing works. Small measures advised to us by health experts go a long way in stopping the spread of this disease. The Mayor's suggested curfew will have positive and critical long-term effects on our community, and I hope that City Council will approve this measure for the benefit of all Tucsonans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-biggs-introduces-resolution-censure-us-representative-bill,Congressman Andy Biggs Introduces Resolution to Censure U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – Congressman Andy Biggs introduced a resolution to censure U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell for conduct that threatens the livelihoods of American citizens in a way that is not befitting an elected Member of the House of Representatives. Representatives Warren Davidson (OH-08), Andy Harris (MD-01), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), and Randy Weber (TX-14) co-sponsored the resolution. Read the text of the resolution below: Resolution Censuring Representative Bill Pascrell Whereas on November 20, 2020, Representative Bill Pascrell sent a letter to the State Bar of Arizona, the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, the Office of the Bar Counsel of Nevada, the State of New York Grievance Committee, and the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, to file a complaint against attorneys in each jurisdiction representing the campaign of President Donald J. Trump. Whereas Representative Bill Pascrell's letters accuse the attorneys of filing ""frivolous lawsuits"" and requests each state agency ""to commence an immediate investigation of their actions and consider sanctions for their conduct up to and including revocation of their licenses to practice law in your jurisdiction."" Whereas President Donald J. Trump's campaign has a legal right to sue to ensure that each legal vote is counted and to challenge any illegal votes. Whereas each candidate running for public office in each state has the right to pursue every legal option to ensure ballot integrity and fair elections. Resolved, That –",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/house-republicans-introduce-resolution-censure-democrat-lawmaker-bullying-trump,House Republicans introduce resolution to censure Democrat lawmaker for bullying Trump legal team,2020-11-29,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to censure (i.e., formally reprimand) a Democrat official in the chamber who is trying to get Rudy Giuliani's law license cancelled because of the ex-NYC mayor's efforts in contesting the 2020 election results. Far-left Democrat Bill Pascrell prompted the GOP censure motion after he filed complaints against Giuliani and 22 other Trump campaign attorneys with the bar associations (sometimes known as grievance committees or by other names), the regulatory organizations that supervise lawyers, in New York Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada. Theoretically, these complaints could lead to disbarment, which means the revocation or suspension of the state licenses necessary to practice law. According to U.S. Rep Pascrell, in what sounds like a classic case of projection, the Trump lawyers are supposedly guilty of filing frivolous lawsuits and trying to help Trump steal the election and dismantle democracy. House Resolution 1241, introduced by GOP Reps. Andy Biggs, the chair of the Freedom Caucus, along with colleagues Warren Davidson, Andy Harris, Debbie Lesko, and Randy Weber, points out that President Donald J. Trump's campaign has a legal right to sue to ensure that each legal vote is counted and to challenge any illegal votes; andeach candidate running for public office in each State has the right to pursue every legal option to ensure ballot integrity and fair elections. Pascrell, a longtime politician who represents a blue district in north Jersey, should be censured for conduct that threatens the livelihoods of American citizens in a way that is not befitting an elected Member of the House of Representatives, the resolution concludes. If the resolution gains approval, the House Speaker would be required to formally rebuke Pascrell during a legislative session. With the Democrats holding on to a narrow majority in the House after GOP gains, the chances of this occurring are slim to none, assuming the resolution even ever emerges from the ethics committee. Pascrell, whose relentlessly anti-Trump Twitter feed almost sounds like a parody account, earlier this month called for the criminal prosecution of the POTUS and members of his administration for innumerable crimes against the U.S. In another example of apparent projection, Pascrell, 83,doubled-downon calling for the Trump lawyers to lose their ability to continue in their profession, and by extension, deny the president his day in court. In response to the resolution, Pascrell insisted that Donald Trump and his minions are trying to steal the election after getting blown out by President-elect Joe Biden. His lawyers filing frivolous lawsuits in taxpayer-funded courts are accomplices to Trump's assault on American democracy and they must be held accountable.I have proudly called for them to lose their law licenses.Fascist wannabes won't muzzle my free speech or stop me trying to defend our republic. Those supporting this pathetic resolution are complicit in Trump's attempt to become a dictator. Jonathan Turley, the prominent George Washington Univ. law professor and a self-described liberal, is taking a dim view of Pascrell's attempt to put the barristers out of business. What Pascrell is doing is undermining our legal system by using his office to advance a campaign targeting lawyers and legislators who raise objections to his party prevailing in the presidential electionthis is raw retaliation and intimidation to deter the use of our legal process. When such actions were taken against lawyers representing civil rights groups and others in the 1960s, it was correctly denounced as an outrageous abuse of our legal system. Now that Republican lawyers are being targeted, it has become a campaign supported by members of Congress, thousands of lawyers, and the media. What Pascrell is doing is a dangerous form of demagoguery that should be denounced by people of good-faith regardless of their political affiliations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/gop-congressman-wants-house-censure-pascrell-trying-get-giuliani-disbarred,GOP congressman wants House to censure Pascrell for trying to get Giuliani disbarred,2020-11-28,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) today lashed out at a Republican congressman from Arizona who wants the House to censure him for seeking to disbar former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and 22 other attorneys who have filed lawsuits seeking to change the results of the election, which Joe Biden won, in favor of President Donald Trump. Fascist wannabes won't muzzle my free speech or stop me from defending our republic, Pascrell said. Those supporting this pathetic resolution are complicit in Trump's attempt to become a dictator. The resolution, introduced on Friday by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona), alleges that Trump's campaign has a legal right to sue to ensure that each legal vote is counted and to challenge any illegal votes. Biggs and four other GOP House members, want to censure Pascrell for conduct that threatens the livelihoods of American citizens in a way that is not befitting an elected Member of the House of Representatives. Each candidate running for public office in each state has the right to pursue every legal option to ensure ballot integrity and fair elections, Biggs' resolution reads. Pascrell dismissed the actions by the Republicans. Donald Trump and his minions are trying to steal the election after getting blown out by President-elect Joe Biden, the 12-term congressman said. His lawyers filing frivolous lawsuits in taxpayer-funded courts are accomplices to Trump's assault on American democracy and they must be held accountable. I have proudly called for them to lose their law licenses. The bid by Biggs is unlikely to prevail in a Democratic-controlled Congress, and would be an uphill battle anyway. Just seven congressmen have been censured in the last 100 years, all for ethics issues. The first censure in Conrgess came in 1832 when Rep. William Stanberry, a New Jersey native who grew up in Essex County, was disciplined for insulting the Speaker of the House. A congressman from Ohio at the time, Stanberry got in hot water for saying that Speaker Andrew Stevenson his attention was too frequently turned from the chair you occupy toward the White House. His censure was for the use of unparliamentary language. That wasn't Stanberry's only problem during his six years in Congress. He also scuffled with the legendary Sam Houston, then a former House member from Tennessee who would later serve as governor of Texas and president of the Republic of Texas. Stanberry accused Houston of defrauding Native Americans. Houston called him a rascal and hit him with his cane. Stanberry pulled out his gun, but it misfired. Stanberry lost his bid for re-election that year. Co-sponsoring the resolution to censure Pascrell: Reps. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio); Andy Harris (R-Maryland); Debbie Lesko (R-Arizona); and Randy Weber (R-Texas).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/ohalleran-co-sponsors-bill-benefit-electric-car-industry,O'Halleran co-sponsors bill to benefit electric car industry,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON As Lucid Motors gets closer to rolling out new vehicles at its electric auto manufacturing plant in Casa Grande, U.S. Rep. Tom O'Halleran is co-sponsoring legislation that would fund more vehicle charging stations. This week O'Halleran, D-Ariz., and Rep. Michael C. Burgess, D-Texas, introduced HR 8807, the Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act. The bill would create a $10 million grant program to assist localities and electric utilities to identify the locations for electric vehicle charging stations in their communities. According to a press release, O'Halleran and Burgess' legislation would assist communities in saving money on transportation costs, reducing environmental impacts from tailpipe emissions and gaining access to new, cutting edge transportation technology by providing consumers and developers better, data-driven, more publicly accessible information, allowing them to make the best planning and investment decisions for their individual needs, and creating new, American manufacturing jobs in the process. As our transportation sector evolves with several automated car manufacturing facilities already contributing to the economy of our growing state we must ensure that long-overlooked areas and rural districts like Arizona's First are not left behind, said O'Halleran. Our bill ensures that both communities and the private sector can identify priority areas to make the best investments in the EV industry. This growing market is taking action to lower emissions and combat climate change while bolstering our transportation economy and opening up new, good-paying jobs for Arizonans. It's a win-win-win. The legislation has received the support of industry experts as well as energy and climate nonprofits. Electric vehicles, EVs, hold immense promise for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, but concern about the ability to recharge an EV when needed is currently an obstacle to their widespread adoption, said Heather Reams, executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. The Lucid Motors factory is North America's first purpose-built all-EV manufacturing facility. As completion is expected to finish up this year, the production line includes equipment from suppliers in the United States, Germany, South Korea, Mexico and Japan. The plant could end up employing up to 2,000.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-burgess-introduce-bill-create-jobs-electric-vehicle-market,"OHalleran, Burgess Introduce Bill to Create Jobs in Electric Vehicle Market",2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) and Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) introduced H.R. 8807, the Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act (EV MAP Act). The bill would create a $10 million grant program to assist localities and electric utilities to identify the locations for electric vehicle charging stations in their communities. O'Halleran and Burgess' legislation will assist communities in saving money on transportation costs, reducing environmental impacts from tailpipe emissions, and gaining access to new, cutting edge transportation technology by providing consumers and developers better, data-driven, more publicly accessible information, allowing them to make the best planning and investment decisions for their individual needs, and creating new, American manufacturing jobs in the process. View text of the bill, HERE. As our transportation sector evolveswith several automated car manufacturing facilities already contributing to the economy of our growing statewe must ensure that long-overlooked areas and rural districts like Arizona's First are not left behind, said O'Halleran. Our bill ensures that both communities and the private sector can identify priority areas to make the best investments in the EV industry. This growing market is taking action to lower emissions and combat climate change while bolstering our transportation economy and opening up new, good-paying jobs for Arizonans. It's a win-win-win. Electric vehicles are a growing part of our nation's auto fleet in the 21stcentury, said Burgess. Several auto manufacturers are already expanding their electric vehicle product lines. These innovative vehicles hold the promise to create many new manufacturing jobs here in the United States and answer consumer demands for lower overall energy costs while reducing auto emissions. The EV MAP Act addresses one of the most pressing issues EV owners have range anxiety. This small investment will provide more accessible information for EV owners and infrastructure developers to make better decisions within a free market, without massive taxpayer spending or heavy-handed federal mandates. The legislation has received the support of industry experts as well as energy and climate non-profits: Jim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association: ""Electric cooperatives are investing in electric vehicle infrastructure to meet the evolving expectations of their consumer-members andcommunities. One potential challengeto broad rural consumer adoption of EVs is a clear understanding ofwhen and where public charging stations will be needed. This legislation will helpalleviatethat obstacle to EV deployment and helpelectric cooperativesmake informed investments in charging infrastructure.We applaud Reps. O'Halleran and Burgess for their leadership in advancing this critical technology. Elgie Holstein, Senior Director for Strategic Planning, Environmental Defense Fund: The bipartisan Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act (EV MAP) is an important step toward a clean and dependable transportation system. Identifying and mapping the needs of electric vehicle owners and other stakeholders will be important in order to build out a national network of charging and related infrastructure that can adequately support growing numbers of clean vehicles.In addition to research, we will also need substantial investment as we move towards the goal of a clean transportation system that benefits our economy, reduces climate pollution and helps foster healthier communities. Representatives Tom O'Halleran and Michael Burgess, M.D. deserve credit for their effort to build support for these smart, pro-jobs policies. Heather Reams, Executive Director, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions: Electric vehicles, EVs, hold immense promise for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, but concern about the ability to recharge an EV when needed is currently an obstacle to their widespread adoption. America should pursue policies that support the expansion of this technology according to free-market principles, and the grant program envisioned under the Electric Vehicle Mobility Area Planning Act (EV MAP Act) is one such piece of commonsense legislation. The EV MAP Act would support a data-driven analysis of where electric vehicle charging stations should be located based on where they will be most needed and most useful. This will empower investors and private sector companies to confidently build out this infrastructure in an informed manner and open up more transportation choices for all Americans without adding to the taxpayer's burden. Brian Wolff, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and External Affairs at the Edison Electric Institute:""EEI's member companiesAmerica's investor-owned electric companiesare leading a clean energy transformation by continuing to reduce carbon emissions in our sector and by helping other sectors transition to clean, efficient electric energy. Across the country, EEI's members are partnering with communities and stakeholders to support transportation electrification and the growth of the EV charging infrastructure needed for passenger vehicles, as well as fleets of every kind. We thank Congressmen Tom O'Halleran and Michael Burgess for their leadership in introducing the EV Map Act and for their efforts to ensure we have the right public policies in place to enable widespread electric transportation."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/gop-rep-says-americans-choose-freedom-after-more-2-million-fly-over-weekend,GOP Rep. Says 'Americans Choose Freedom' after More than 2 Million Fly over Weekend,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"ARepublican congressman said Americans had chosen freedom after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) revealed that more than two million travelers had passed through their checkpoints over the weekend leading up to the Thanksgiving holidays. Reacting to the figures posted on social media, Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona simply tweeted: ""Americans choose freedom."" He backed the decision of millions of flyers after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned against Thanksgiving travel last Thursday. TSA data from Saturday and Sunday shows that more than two million passengers were screened over the weekenda notable increase on the two-day totals stretching back to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. When the totals for Friday are included, the TSA figures show that more than three million passengers were screened between Friday and Sunday. Roughly twice as many passengers traveled over the same days last year. The CDC said last week that the ""safest way"" for Americans to celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays was to remain in their households to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as cases spike across the country. ""Travel may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19,"" the CDC's Thanksgiving guidelines read. ""Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year."" The guidelines later advise travelers to always wear a mask on public transport, adhere to the usual social distancing rules and to get a flu shot before they return home for Thanksgiving celebrations. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director, told Americans to use ""common sense"" when deciding whether or not to embark on trips over the holidays, and repeated CDC advise to wear a face mask in public spaces. ""Even if it's a very small group, to the extent possible, keep the mask on,"" Fauci told CBS. ""Nothing is going to be perfect in this. Obviously, it's kind of difficult to be eating and drinking at a dinner with a mask on."" The leading infectious disease expert added that the risk of infection would be lower if people planning to gather quarantined and got tested for COVID-19 before grouping together. However, he did note that it was not ""risk-free"" as there would still be a window for infection to take place. At the time of writing, the U.S. has recorded more than 12.2 million COVID-19 infections since the outbreak of the disease earlier this year. More than a quarter of a million have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. so far, but the vast majority of those infected have recovered.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/opening-117th-congress-will-be-different-due-pandemic,Opening of 117th Congress will be different due to pandemic,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"More complicated is planning for the swearing in of members. Members in Washington can be sworn in groups, Hoyer said. But the tricky part is figuring out how to accommodate those who are unable to travel for health reasons. The issue was raised before, and the parliamentarian ruled you had to be there. He ruled essentially you couldn't be sworn through television, Hoyer said. So I don't know exactly how we're going to do it for people who are unable to come. While that hasn't been resolved, Hoyer said he personally doesn't see why swearing in couldn't be conducted virtually if we can vote virtually and make big decisions virtually. Under the Constitution, opening day of each Congress is supposed to be Jan. 3. In 2021 that falls on a Sunday, so leaders are likely to move the date to Jan. 4 or Jan. 5, which requires both chambers passing a resolution agreeing to the date change. We've changed it before, Hoyer said. I've been here, as you know, 40 years. I can't remember ever being sworn in over a weekend. In addition to the speaker's election and swearing in of members, the House also typically passes its rules package on the opening day of each new Congress. In 2019 the package was split into multiple votes and passed over two days. Rules ChairmanJim McGovern, D-Mass., on Friday told CQ Roll Call he's hoping to have a package to present to the Democratic Caucus in a couple of weeks. We've opened it up and asked people for their advice and their guidance, he said. And everybody has an idea. Some of them are good ideas, some of them are OK ideas, some of them are really bad ideas, but we're vetting them all. So, it's just taking us a little while. Because the 117th Congress follows a presidential election, the House and Senate by law are supposed to hold a joint session to count the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6. Hoyer said he'd like to prevent all members from being on the floor for that, but social distancing could prove complicated if any members want to raise objections. Usually, as I recall, everybody is not in the chamber for the counting, he said. But usually there's never any controversy. President Donald Trump is contesting the election results in the courts and on Twitter, but so far he's produced no evidence of widespread fraud. And on Friday he brought Republican state lawmakers from Michigan to the White House in an apparent effort to lobby them to overturn the state's results. If all those efforts fail as expected, Trump could lean on his allies in Congress to object to the counting of Electoral College votes in a last-ditch effort to protest the results. I don't know what I'm going to do. That's down the road still, House Freedom Caucus ChairmanAndy Biggs, R-Ariz., told CQ Roll Call on Friday. I haven't really thought about that other than I know that in 2000 they objected repeatedly on Bush, he said, referring to House members who objected to counting votes for George W. Bush but were not able to get a senator to join them. One senator and one House member can join together to submit in writing an objection to the counting of any electoral votes. If an objection is raised, the joint session recesses and each chamber meets separately to deliberate and vote. Both chambers must agree to the objection or it fails and the counting resumes. The Democrat-led House is unlikely to agree to any objections, but the process of having to consider objections and abide by social distancing would be cumbersome. I hope that by the time we get to the counting that we will have resolved the controversies, the courts will have thrown all this junk out and somehow cooler minds will prevail, Hoyer said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/republicans-accuse-democrats-hypocrisy-thanksgiving-restrictions,Republicans Accuse Democrats of Hypocrisy With Thanksgiving Restrictions,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"Several top Republican politicians have hit out at Democrats for imposing restrictions on travel and gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving, accusing them of hypocrisy and violating the Constitution. Nevada on Sunday limited private gatherings with more than 10 people following similar restrictions in Minnesota, Oregon, Michigan, and Kentucky. Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, warned that the state's case rate growth is at wildfire levels even outpacing neighboring states, such as Arizona. All available models indicate that Nevada is in a red zone'and our health experts anticipate continued case growth based on current trends. Democrats attend birthday parties indoors, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said on Fox News on Sunday, in an apparent reference to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. But expect you to celebrate Thanksgiving alone outside. Americans are tired of the hypocrisy. This has gotten so ridiculous and we forget this is America, he continued. When the first lockdown happened, the attorney general of the United States sent out a memo to all U.S. attorneys near the end of the memo he had a great line. He said, The Constitution is not suspended during a crisis.' And amen to that. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., added: Many in mainstream media, bureaucrats, & radical leftists cannot stand that Americans are making their own, free decisions by traveling for Thanksgiving. Expect a historic War on Christmas in return. Opponents of freedom will be thirsty for revenge on freedom-loving Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5149,Rep. Grijalva Leads Arizona House Democratic Delegation in Demanding Answers on Delays in Unemployment Benefits to Arizonans,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva led Arizona's House Democratic delegation in a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia demanding answers on why so many Arizonans have yet to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds they are entitled to under the CARES Act in a timely manner. The lawmakers expressed concern that overblown claims of fraud and cumbersome identification requirements are monopolizing valuable staff time at state unemployment program offices and resulting in incredible delays for families desperately seeking their earned unemployment insurance benefits. The letter comes at the heels of an Arizona Department of Employment Services' announcement to implement mass identification rechecks without addressing major issues with severe delays in benefits. Numerous constituents have reported upwards of five month delays in receiving a response from DES, problems accessing the helpline, unclear and nonexistent timelines in receiving benefits, and a lack of any system to resolve disputes despite submitting all requested documentation. Constituents have also reported being flagged for reasons such as identical passwords. The DES press release on the ID.Me system claimed mass fraud while citing convoluted data not necessarily identifying actual fraudulent activity. The lawmakers wrote: While Arizona recently implemented a new service with ID.me that will allow applicants to access their benefits and claims in a timely manner, Arizonans continue to encounter challenges while navigating this new system. The Arizona Republic reported that, as of November 6, 2020, over 2700 regular unemployment claims had waited more than three weeks to be paid.6 Unfortunately, these delays continue to cripple local economies. If workers are unable to buy goods and services, businesses cannot hire, retain, or pay their workers. This perpetuates uncertainty in an already floundering economy. We are writing to ask you for information so that our constituents may receive the benefits they are entitled to in a timely manner while still ensuring accuracy in the dispersal of those claims. By providing the data detailed above, we will know how state unemployment program offices and their staff have been held up due to the need for training on new and complicated processes. The lawmakers asked for answers by December 11, 2020. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/11/stanton-calls-medicare-open-enrollment-extension-ensure-seniors-stay-covered,Stanton Calls for Medicare Open Enrollment Extension to Ensure Seniors Stay Covered During COVID-19 Crisis,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"To help protect seniors’ access to health care coverage, Rep. Greg Stanton called for an extension to the Federal Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment Period deadline. Stanton made the request yesterday in a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma. The current deadline to enroll is December 7. “As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and in-person resources remain severely limited, Arizonans looking to enroll in Medicare face multiple barriers that hinder their ability to enroll by the current deadline—potentially causing a delay in health care coverage when they need it most,” Stanton writes. “I strongly believe that the current Medicare Open Enrollment period should be extended to ensure that seniors, who remain one of the most vulnerable populations to this virus, have the coverage they need.” Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, all 42 of Arizona’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) community partners in Maricopa County, which normally provide in-person assistance and counseling to seniors during Open Enrollment, are closed and unable to provide face-to-face assistance. SHIP and its community partners play a key role to bridge the technology gap for first-time enrollees and seniors. Additionally, seniors and those assisting them have reported issues with the Medicare Plan Finder’s online tool produced by CMS, in which the website displayed confusing, incomplete or inaccurate information for 9 days. In response, some states even paused enrollment as CMS worked to resolve the issue. In his letter, Stanton calls for, at minimum, a 9-day extension to account for the error. The letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/stanton-calls-medicare-open-enrollment-extension-ensure-seniors-stay-covered,Stanton Calls for Medicare Open Enrollment Extension to Ensure Seniors Stay Covered During COVID-19 Crisis,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"To help protect seniors' access to health care coverage, Rep. Greg Stanton called for an extension to the Federal Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment Period deadline. Stanton made the request yesterday in a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma. The current deadline to enroll is December 7. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and in-person resources remain severely limited, Arizonans looking to enroll in Medicare face multiple barriers that hinder their ability to enroll by the current deadlinepotentially causing a delay in health care coverage when they need it most, Stanton writes. I strongly believe that the current Medicare Open Enrollment period should be extended to ensure that seniors, who remain one of the most vulnerable populations to this virus, have the coverage they need. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, all 42 of Arizona's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) community partners in Maricopa County, which normally provide in-person assistance and counseling to seniors during Open Enrollment, are closed and unable to provide face-to-face assistance. SHIP and its community partners play a key role to bridge the technology gap for first-time enrollees and seniors. Additionally, seniors and those assisting them have reported issues with the Medicare Plan Finder's online tool produced by CMS, in which the website displayed confusing, incomplete or inaccurate information for 9 days. In response, some states even paused enrollment as CMS worked to resolve the issue. In his letter, Stanton calls for, at minimum, a 9-day extension to account for the error. The letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-applauds-continued-withdrawal-american-troops-middle-east,Congressman Biggs Applauds Continued Withdrawal of American Troops from Middle East,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Department of Defense Acting Secretary Christopher Miller announced that the Trump administration would continue to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. According to the acting secretary, there would be 2,500 troops left in both Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2021. Congressman Biggs issued the following statement: ""Today is a great day for our nation and for the men and women who serve in our military. For almost two decades, American troops have occupied Afghanistan and Iraq – at great cost to our nation both in lives and in dollars. Our men and women in uniform deserve to fight constitutionally sanctioned wars where American interests are on the line. American servicemembers have fought valiantly in the Middle East, but the current stage of these conflicts can no longer justify the tremendous sacrifices made by our troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. ""Since taking office, President Trump has kept his promises to withdraw our troops from the Middle East and to stop America's involvement in endless wars. President Trump understands that our troops should only be used to defend American interests where there is an immediate or ongoing threat to our citizens or allies. And President Trump knows that our propensity for endless wars has bankrupted our grandchildren's financial futures. I am grateful for the president's courage and commitment to his promises, and I look forward to the return of our troops."" Last week, Congressman Biggs sent a letter to President Trump, asking him to continue to strategically draw down our nation's military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq. ### Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://stanton.house.gov/2020/11/house-passes-stanton-backed-bill-provide-emergency-relief-tribal-nations-after,House Passes Stanton-Backed Bill to Provide Emergency Relief to Tribal Nations After Inaction by Trump Administration,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,stanton,https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bill cosponsored by Rep. Greg Stanton that will significantly help tribal nations with the financial burden of fighting COVID-19. The FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020, H.R. 8266, eases COVID-19-related financial burdens on state, local, and tribal governments by increasing the federal cost share of FEMA assistance from 75 to 100 percent. Stanton repeatedly pushed for the cost share adjustment in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and was an original cosponsor of the bill after the Trump Administration refused to take action on the issue. In April, Stanton and more than 175 of his House colleagues urged the Trump Administration to eliminate the non-Federal cost share, noting the severity and magnitude of the crisis. Stanton also echoed Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez’s request that the Administration waive the local cost share to help the Nation fight the pandemic, which the Administration had the authority to do on its own without congressional approval. Stanton’s request went ignored by the White House. “Tribal communities, including the Navajo Nation, have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19. As cases surge to record levels across the country, the federal government has a duty to leverage the full weight of its resources to help tribal communities battle this pandemic,” Stanton said. “After months of inaction by this Administration, I’m proud the House has taken this long-overdue step and I hope the Senate acts swiftly to pass this life-saving legislation.” The bill now heads to the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://stanton.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-stanton-backed-bill-provide-emergency-relief-tribal-nations-after,House Passes Stanton-Backed Bill to Provide Emergency Relief to Tribal Nations After Inaction by Trump Administration,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,AZ,Greg Stanton,S001211,stanton.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bill cosponsored by Rep. Greg Stanton that will significantly help tribal nations with the financial burden of fighting COVID-19. The FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020, H.R. 8266, eases COVID-19-related financial burdens on state, local, and tribal governments by increasing the federal cost share of FEMA assistance from 75 to 100 percent. Stanton repeatedly pushed for the cost share adjustment in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and was an original cosponsor of the bill after the Trump Administration refused to take action on the issue. In April, Stanton and more than 175 of his House colleagues urged the Trump Administration to eliminate the non-Federal cost share, noting the severity and magnitude of the crisis. Stanton also echoed Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez's request that the Administration waive the local cost share to help the Nation fight the pandemic, which the Administration had the authority to do on its own without congressional approval. Stanton's request went ignored by the White House. Tribal communities, including the Navajo Nation, have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19. As cases surge to record levels across the country, the federal government has a duty to leverage the full weight of its resources to help tribal communities battle this pandemic, Stanton said. After months of inaction by this Administration, I'm proud the House has taken this long-overdue step and I hope the Senate acts swiftly to pass this life-saving legislation. The bill now heads to the Senate. Full text of the bill is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/andy-biggs-and-co-want-full-audit-maricopa-countys-vote-ok-me-conditions,Andy Biggs and co. want a full audit of Maricopa County's vote? OK by me (with conditions),2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Great Arizona Sharpie Conspiracy ran dry. Cries of bias, green button errors and glitches in the tabulation equipment have gone nowhere. We are now up to Lawsuit No. 3 in the Republican Party's effort to overturn Arizona's vote for Joe Biden, this one objecting to Maricopa County's hand audit of a sampling of the vote by voting center rather than by precinct. But even if Republicans win the lawsuit, it won't satisfy them. So now comes Plan D. Or is it E? Republican Reps. Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar and David Schweikert are nowcalling for a full hand auditof Maricopa County's election results. Americans and Arizonans must have full confidence in our election processes and systems in order to maintain the bedrock of our constitutional republic, Biggs said, in a statement on Monday. Although Arizona conducts elections with far more transparency and accountability than other states, there have been some issues raised about the integrity of some of our election systems within the state. The only real issue being this: Trump didn't win. The last lawsuit involved 191 votes So now they're asking for a hand check of every one of the more than two million votes cast in Maricopa County. Hundreds of voters in Maricopa County have signed affidavits alleging their ballots cast in the November 3 election may have been discounted, they wrote, in a letter on Friday to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Every voter has the right to know that his or her ballot was accurately tabulated. That's apparently a reference to last week's green button lawsuit alleging that voters were not given a chance to fill out new ballots when tabulation machines flagged their ballots for errors. The state Republican Party set up a website to find voters who claimed to be victims of green button mischief. The Trump campaign and the GOP, in thatlawsuit, claimed the president lost potentially thousands of votes when poll workers prompted voters to press the green button and submit their flagged ballots, invalidating their vote in whichever race the error was made. Only it wasn't potentially thousands of votes that Trump lost. It was 191 votes votes that presumably would have been split between the two candidates and the lawsuit fizzled within days of being filed. A hand audit was a 100% match Now we are, according to the congressmen, back up to hundreds of voters who say their ballot may have been discounted. So theywant a hand count of every ballot in the county. All two-plus million of them. There is nothing in state law that requires it. There is no evidence of fraud or error that warrants it. In fact, the hand audit of roughly 8,000 early and polling place votes the one mandated by state law and witnessed by representatives of both parties turned up a 100% match with the results tabulated by Dominion Voting Systems equipment. That's because the problem wasn't with the machinery. It was with the candidate. Trump just flat out lost Arizona and his most ardent supporters cannot accept that. A manual audit of ballot images will provide full transparency of Maricopa County's election results, the congressmen wrote. This will ameliorate concerns voters have expressed, will tamp down rumors, and will assuage the concerns of non-Arizonans calling our election results into question. A full count won't change the outcome I can't imagine that the Board of Supervisors will go along with the request, given the fact that no problems were found during the sample audit. And given the fact that even if every one of those ""hundreds of voters"" who claim their ballots ""may have been discounted"" are right in their suspicions, Trump still lost the county by 45,109 votes. And I really can't see the supervisors going along with it given the fact that the GOP-dominated board actually handled oversight of Election Day voting this year rather than have Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, do it. Still, I know that Biggs is correct. Many Arizona votershave indeedlost faith in our elections process,thanks to the non-stop conspiracy theories that have been thrown out over the last two weeks by Trump and Republican party leaders. Do it, but only if we have these 4 things So, in the interest of restoring faith in our democratic process, thesupervisors should go along with the request of Biggs et al, to do a hand audit of every vote. I would, however, require four things from the congressmen: 1.Provide actual evidence that fraud and/or widespread errors exist. Tweets don't count. 2.Pay up front the millions of dollars it will cost to conduct this hand audit, which, by the way, must be completed by Nov. 23. 3.Agree to accept the results of whatever portion of the vote can be audited by Nov. 23. This shouldn't be an attempt to delay the inevitable but to restore the faith in our elections system. 4. And finally, offer a guarantee that when the audit is done and Biden is once again declared the winner, the Paul Gosars and the Kelli Wards of the world will cease with the crybaby conspiracy theories, accept the will of the people and move on. Your candidate lost. It happens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/arizona-lawmakers-push-space-command-headquarters,Arizona lawmakers push for Space Command headquarters,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"PHOENIX Members of Arizona's congressional delegation are advocating for the state to be selected as the location ofthe permanent headquarters of the U.S. Space Command. The offices of Republican U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko and Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said the lawmakers on Friday sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett advocating for the selection of an Arizona site and requesting a meeting to discuss Arizona's qualifications. The other delegation members who also signed the letter were Republican Reps. Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar and David Schweikert and Democratic Reps. Ruben Gallego, Ann Kirkpatrick, Tom O'Halleran and Greg Stanton. The lawmakers' letter said many Arizona cities meet the specified qualifications and that Arizona would be the perfect location for the command's headquarters because of its many aerospace and defense contractors, good climate and existing military installations. Those installations include Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Luke Air Force Base in metro Phoenix, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and the Army's Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista. Peterson Air Force Basein Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been designatedthe command's initial quarters. President Donald Trump formally launched Space Command in December. The goal is to improve the organization of U.S. military space operations and accelerate technical developments. The new command will draw elements from across the military services. It will have the same status as other headquarters such as U.S. Cyber Command, Special Operations Command and Strategic Command. There is also a Space Command within the Air Force. It also is based in Peterson. Ohio and Kansas are amongother statesseeking the U.S. Space Command's new quarters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/trump-order-further-troop-withdrawal-afghanistan-iraq-inauguration-report,"Trump to order further troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iraq before inauguration: Report",2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump is preparing to announce as early as this week that the U.S. will withdraw thousands of troops fromIraqandAfghanistanjust days before Inauguration Day in January, moving to fulfill a campaign promise but also sparking fierce blowback from some of his top political allies. The looming drawdown, first reported by CNN, suggests that the newPentagonleadership Mr. Trump has installed is ready to bring down the number of troops stationed in the region despite pushback from officials and experts who warn that a U.S. presence is still needed to defend national interests and defend longtime allies facing very real threats. According to multiple reports, the Defense Department has issued a warning order to commanders to start drawing up plans to roughly halve the number of U.S. combat troops inAfghanistanto 2,500, and to reduce the Iraqi deployment by a third, also to 2,500 troops, by Jan. 15 five days before presumptive President-electJoseph R. Bidentakes office. U.S. forces have been inAfghanistanfor nearly two decades, making it the longest war in American history. U.S. troops spearheaded the invasion that toppledIraq's Saddam Hussein in 2003, left for a few years early in the Obama administration, and returned toIraqin force in 2014 to deal with the rise of Islamic State. The drawdown move comes despite barely veiled warnings from topPentagongenerals that a drawdown especially inAfghanistan could leave U.S. troops and U.S. allies exposed at a perilous time. A peace deal betweenTrump administrationandAfghanistan'sTalibaninsurgency, struck last February, calls for an end to America's military presence in exchange for guarantees theTalibanwill not permit the country to be a safe haven for al Qaeda and other terrorist groups and that the radical The U.S. had about 12,000 troops in the country when the deal was signed. The number is now about 4,500. There are roughly 3,000 U.S. troops inIraq, down from more than 5,000 last year. Administration officials have previously said the number of troops inAfghanistanwill be down to 2,500 by early year, but Mr. Trump last month abruptly said on Twitter that he wanted all forces home by Christmas far earlier than the mid-2021 deadline for full withdrawal laid out in the U.S.-Talibandeal. Presumptive President-electJoseph R. Bidenhas previously stated that he supports ending the nearly two-decade old war but a limited presence should be maintained inAfghanistanfor counterterrorism efforts. Americans are rightly weary of our longest war; I am, too, Mr.Bidensaid ahead of the election. But we must end the war responsibly, in a manner that ensures we both guard against threats to our homeland and never have to go back. The White House orPentagonhave yet to formally comment on the reports, but the anticipated announcement has already divided Republicans on Capitol Hill. It's time to bring our troops home fromAfghanistanandIraq, tweeted Rep. Andy Biggs, Arizona Republican, adding that Mr. Trump is honoring his pledge to stop America's endless wars and bringing our brave men and women home. But others, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, are cautioning against an early exit. The consequences of a premature American exit would likely be even worse than President Obama's withdrawal fromIraqin 2011, which fueled the rise of ISIS and a new round of global terrorism, Mr. McConnell said Monday in an unusually pointed speech on the Senate floor. It would be reminiscent of the humiliating American departure from Saigon in 1975, he continued. The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul, also issued a rebuke of the rumored plans. A premature U.S. withdrawal would not only jeopardize the Afghan government's ability to negotiate, but would endanger U.S. counterterrorism interests, the Texas Republican said. We need to ensure a residual force is maintained for the foreseeable future to protect U.S. national and homeland security interests and to help secure peace forAfghanistan. In Brussels, a spokeswoman for NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg revealed Monday that the NATO chief had spoke to Mr. Miller late last week about the situation inAfghanistan, sounding a cautionary note over the mission that includes troops from a large number of NATO countries. No NATO ally wants to stay any longer than necessary, spokeswoman Oana Lungescu told reporters in Brussels. At the same time, we want to preserve the gains made with such sacrifice, and to ensure thatAfghanistannever again becomes a safe haven for terrorists that can attack the United States or any other NATO ally. No more perpetual war' The reports come just days after Mr. Trump's new acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller called for an end to the era of perpetual war and to bring American troops home. Mr. Miller, a military veteran and counterterrorism official who was tapped for his new post after the abrupt firing of Mark Esper last week, made it crystal clear in a message toPentagoncolleagues over the weekend that he shares Mr. Trump's view that endless wars abroad are not in America's interest. We are not a people of perpetual war it is the antithesis of everything for which we stand and for which our ancestors fought, he wrote. All wars must end. Ending wars requires compromise and partnership. We met the challenge; we gave it our all. Now, it's time to come home. Mr. Miller did not explicitly mentionAfghanistan, but it's clear that is theadministration's top priority in terms of troop withdrawals. Although the reasoning behind Mr. Trump's eleventh-hourPentagonreshuffling remains unclear, critics have said that it would be a mistake for the president to install Mr. Miller and a series of newly minted senior aides simply to conduct a faster exit. The accelerated withdrawal, however, contradicts the guidance from topPentagonbrass, including Gen. Frank McKenzie, who leads U.S. forces in the Middle East. Earlier this year, Gen. McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, told a congressional panel that conditions on the ground will dictate the number of U.S. forces on the ground inAfghanistan, depending on the level of violence in the country. At the time, Gen. McKenzie said that the level of violence was too high to carry out a further drawdown. Last month, the Mr. Trump's own special envoy for peace negotiations with theTalibanand Afghan government, veteran diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad, warned of distressingly high levels of violence that remain in the country, with theTalibanand government forces routinely engaged in attacks and Islamic State having staged some spectacular terror strikes in the heart of Kabul. Although the updated pullout has assured some military leaders that a level of counterterrorism forces will be able to remain in the region, skepticism remains that the ambitious timeline may not be logistically attainable. We're not going to leave anything behind that somebody could use against us in another time and another place, Gen. McKenzie said in September. So that's actually a huge logistics effort and it is continuing now. ThePentagonhas been steadily closing smaller forward based inIraq, as the Baghdad government has taken over the fight against Islamic State elements. But analysts warn that Islamic State is far from finished and thatIraqis facing internal and external pressure from its neighbor Iran to break away from Washington. The Iraqi government has tried to balance the competing pressures from the U.S. and Iran, but Iran's official press reported that Tehran is now pressing for a new defense cooperation agreement even as the U.S. deployment is set to go down. The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, on Sunday told reporters that a draft agreement between the two countries is in its final stages. Once signed, the partnership could present a new challenge for Mr.Bidenonce he assumes office as tensions between the U.S. and Iran have soared throughout theTrump administration. Gen. Baqueri said that the agreement would bolster Iraqi security as the number of U.S. forces in the country is expected to decrease as the region faces a resurgence of terrorism.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-requests-100-audit-maricopa-county-arizona-ballots,"Congressman Biggs Requests 100% Audit of Maricopa County, Arizona Ballots",2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The Honorable Clint Hickman Chairman, District 4 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors The Honorable Steve Chucri Supervisor, District 2 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors The Honorable Steve Gallardo Supervisor, District 5 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors The Honorable Jack Sellers Vice Chairman, District 1 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors The Honorable Bill Gates Supervisor, District 3 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Dear Chairman Hickman and members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Thank you for your vigilance in working to ensure Arizona's election is fair and accurate. We appreciate the dedicated effort required to manage an election of this scale in Arizona's largest county, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our thoughts on how best to move forward. More than 3.2 million ballots were cast for the presidential election in Arizona, with more than 63 percent of those cast in Maricopa County. Yet hundreds of voters in Maricopa County have signed affidavits alleging their ballots cast in the November 3 election may have been discounted. Every voter has the right to know that his or her ballot was accurately tabulated. Arizona state law sets out various mechanisms to root out fraud and protect the integrity of the results. While the election margins may not be narrow enough to trigger a recount, you are permitted to conduct a 100 percent manual audit. State law requires a manual audit of a minimum number of ballots cast, both those cast early and those cast in-person on election day (A.R.S. § 16-602(B), (F)). The law does not, however, impose a ceiling on the number of ballots that may be manually audited. Maricopa County has full authority to require a 100 percent audit of ballots cast, allowing tabulators to review ballot images and compare the results to current totals. The narrow margin that currently exists between the two presidential candidates, together with questions regarding anomalies and potential errors, is more than enough reasoning to conduct a manual audit of ballot images. A manual audit of ballot images will provide full transparency of Maricopa County's election results. This will ameliorate concerns voters have expressed, will tamp down rumors, and will assuage the concerns of non-Arizonans calling our election results into question. Please use your statutory authority to compel the County Recorder to commence and complete a manual audit of ballot images. Thank you for your leadership and consideration. All the best, Andy Biggs Member of Congress Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://ohalleran.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/o-halleran-eager-return-washington-address-covid-19,"OHalleran Eager to Return to Washington, Address COVID-19",2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Tom O'Halleran,O000171,ohalleran.house.gov,,,legacy,"VILLAGE OF OAK CREEKToday, following news that the U.S. reported 150,000 new coronavirus cases, more than 67,000 people with COVID-19 were hospitalized, and nearly 13,000 in ICUs, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) released the following statement: The COVID-19 crisis continues to worsen, as predicted earlier this year. As a former police officer, Idedicatedmy career to working to protect and save lives. The goals of good governance are the same: serving and protecting the people we represent to the best of our abilities. This, however, isnotthe reality that Americans have endured this year. This administration and Senate leadership continue to withhold passage of a new COVID aid package, leaving Arizona families, businesses, and frontline workers to rely on the benefits they received all the way back in May, many of which have run out, including some that ended before August. In all, millions of Americans have been seriously impacted by the health effects of COVID-19, and, according torecent data fromthe National Institute of Health, 'up to 60% of people who contract COVID-19 will have long-term heartdamage, whether or not they experienced any symptoms.' These numbers and scientific discoveries are serious. Senate leadership, though, has not taken this seriously. The Senate Majority Leader confessed he wanted to wait until after the election to look at an aid package. In other words, he played politics at the risk of Americans' lives and livelihoods. Earlier this year, the House passed multiple bills to protect American lives, but they sit in the Senate. There is no reason for Americans to wait six months and counting to address this much-needed aid. During this time, millions of our fellow citizens have contracted this disease, over 167,000 have died, families have been devastated, our economy is still at risk, and our health care system is starting to become overwhelmed again as cases quickly rise. All of this and more because of the Senate leadership's declared decision that put politics above people. The Senate and administration need to proceed without delay to aid our fellow citizens. We need to come together to pass a new aid package and we need to do it in a bipartisan, bicameral waynow. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-gallego-bill-ensure-timely-accessible-health-care-native,"House Passes Gallego Bill to Ensure Timely, Accessible Health Care for Native American Veterans",2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Ruben Gallego,G000574,rubengallego.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, H.R. 6237, the PRC for Native Veterans Act introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. The PRC for Native Veterans Act would require the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to reimburse the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribally-run health facilities for purchased and referred care (PRC) used for Native American veterans. H.R. 6237 clarifies that VHA is responsible for reimbursing not only direct care to Native veterans provided by a Tribe or IHS, which is current policy, but specialty and contract care provided through a Tribe or IHS. Reimbursing IHS and Tribes for PRC is absolutely vital in making sure Native veterans have timely, affordable access to the care they need, especially during a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted Native American communities. Rep. Gallego, Chairman of the House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the U.S., made the following statement: Native American communities have an incredible history of service to our nation, having fought for America in every war since the American Revolution. In return, it is long past time we keep our promise to Native veterans by ensuring they have access to the timely, high-quality health care that they are owed both as Tribal members and as American heroes. That is why I am proud to see the PRC for Native Veterans Act pass the House today. I look forward to the Senate taking swift action to ensure this bipartisan, commonsense policy is signed into law this year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/lawmakers-want-arizona-picked-space-command-headquarters,Lawmakers want Arizona picked for Space Command headquarters,2020-11-15,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"PHOENIX (AP) Members of Arizona's congressional delegation are advocating for the state to be selected as the location of the permanent headquarters of the U.S. Space Command. The offices of Republican U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko and Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said the lawmakers on Friday sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett advocating for the selection of an Arizona site and requesting a meeting to discuss Arizona's qualifications. The other delegation members who also signed the letter were Republican Reps. Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar and David Schweikert and Democratic Reps. Ruben Gallego, Ann Kirkpatrick, Tom O'Halleran and Greg Stanton. The lawmakers' letter said many Arizona cities meet the specified qualifications and that Arizona would be the perfect location"" for the command's headquarters because of its many aerospace and defense contractors, good climate and existing military installations. Those installations include Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Luke Air Force Base in metro Phoenix, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and the Army's Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista. Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been designated the command's initial quarters. President Donald Trump formally launched Space Command in December. The goal is to improve the organization of U.S. military space operations and accelerate technical developments. The new command will draw elements from across the military services. It will have the same status as other headquarters such as U.S. Cyber Command, Special Operations Command and Strategic Command. There is also a Space Command within the Air Force. It also is based in Peterson. Ohio and Kansas are among other states seeking the U.S. Space Command's new quarters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-andy-biggs-asks-trump-withdraw-troops-afghanistan-iraq-time-holidays,"Rep. Andy Biggs asks Trump to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Iraq in time for holidays",2020-11-12,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Andy Biggs wants President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq before the holidays. In a letter to Trump datedWednesday,Biggs, R-Ariz., characterized the service members' exit from the countriesa ""gift"" for the upcomingseason. In the letter, Biggs asks Trump to ""look abroad and continue to strategically draw down our nation's military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq."" Biggs cites the lack of progress in counterterrorism, nation-building efforts and the human and financial cost of the war as reasons to continue thewithdrawal of U.S. troops. ""Nation-building doesn't work, as you immediately recognized upon taking office: Afghanistan and Iraq today are clearly not beacons of democracy, stability, or prosperity, despite the thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars we have sacrificed to try to remake these countries,"" Biggs said in the letter. The U.S. has spent or obligated $6.4 trillion dollars on fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan through 2020, according toBrown University. Additionally, at least 800,000 people have been killed by war violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemenand Pakistan, with more than 310,000 civiliansbeing killed since 2001. Biggs claimed that the Taliban retain control of much of Afghanistan with no change in the situationsince 2001. Biggs said that the achievementsthe U.S. have made in Iraq were not worth the cost. ""Today, Iraq's government is shaky at best, addicted to continuing foreign assistance, and easily susceptible to pressure from outside actors, especially Iran,"" he wrote. Biggsclarified that his comments in the letter were not a criticism of the service members who have served in the Middle East and other overseas engagements. ""Instead, it is an indictment of Washington's broken foreign policy establishment, which is dominated by arm-chair idealists who never seem to grasp the messy realities on the ground,"" he wrote. The U.S. first entered the war in Afghanistan 19 years ago after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In February, the U.S. entered an agreement with the Taliban that soughtto reduce the amount of violence in the war and withdraw the remaining U.S. troops by April 2021. However, in October, Trumptweetedthat service members in Afghanistan should be home by Christmas, a sentiment shared by Biggs in his letter. ""I urge you to continue to aggressively pursue these and all other related efforts in the coming weeks,"" Biggs said in the letter.""What greater gift could we give the American people as we head into the holiday season?""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-calls-sends-letter-president-trump-about-troop-withdrawals,Congressman Biggs Sends Letter to President Trump about Troop Withdrawals in the Middle East,2020-11-12,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"GILBERT, ARIZONA Yesterday, Congressman Andy Biggs sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump, asking him to continue to strategically draw down our nation's military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq. Read the text of the letter below: November 11, 2020 President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC Dear Mr. President: Under your leadership, our nation has achieved unprecedented prosperity. Now, as we observe Veterans Day, I hope you will look abroad and continue to strategically draw down our nation's military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have both been enormously costly in lives and dollars. In the case of Afghanistan, instead of merely conducting counterterrorism operations in the wake the September 11, 2001, attacks, our troops engaged in full-scale nation-building efforts both before and after the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden in neighboring Pakistan, a supposed ally of the United States. Having now lasted over 19 years, the war in Afghanistan has been the longest overseas conflict in American history. But, sadly, the situation on the ground today looks much the same now as it did back in 2001, with the Taliban in control of much of the country. And then there is Iraq. Over the last 18 years, our forces toppled Saddam Hussein's government and successfully fought terrorists of many different stripes in Iraq, including the Islamic State. But these achievements have simply not been worth the cost. Instead of focusing on limited aims, we fell into the same nation-building, peacekeeping trap in Iraq that ensnared us in Afghanistan, even after major combat operations officially ended in 2011. Today, Iraq's government is shaky at best, addicted to continuing foreign assistance, and easily susceptible to pressure from outside actors, especially Iran. Nation-building doesn't work, as you immediately recognized upon taking office: Afghanistan and Iraq today are clearly not beacons of democracy, stability, or prosperity, despite the thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars we have sacrificed to try to remake these countries. None of this is a criticism of our brave men in women in uniform, who have performed heroically in these and all other overseas engagements. Instead, it is an indictment of Washington's broken foreign policy establishment, which is dominated by arm-chair idealists who never seem to grasp the messy realities on the ground. I commend your efforts so far to bring our engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq to an end, including your bold decision to open negotiations with the Taliban and your ambitious plan to remove thousands of United States servicemembers from these two countries. I urge you to continue to aggressively pursue these and all other related efforts in the coming weeks. What greater gift could we give the American people as we head into the holiday season? Sincerely, Andy Biggs Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-sends-letter-president-trump-about-troop-withdrawals-middle,Congressman Biggs Sends Letter to President Trump about Troop Withdrawals in the Middle East,2020-11-12,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – Yesterday, Congressman Andy Biggs sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump, asking him to continue to strategically draw down our nation's military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq. Read the text of the letter below: November 11, 2020 President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC Dear Mr. President: Under your leadership, our nation has achieved unprecedented prosperity. Now, as we observe Veterans Day, I hope you will look abroad and continue to strategically draw down our nation's military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have both been enormously costly in lives and dollars. In the case of Afghanistan, instead of merely conducting counterterrorism operations in the wake the September 11, 2001, attacks, our troops engaged in full-scale nation-building efforts both before and after the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden in neighboring Pakistan, a supposed ally of the United States. Having now lasted over 19 years, the war in Afghanistan has been the longest overseas conflict in American history. But, sadly, the situation on the ground today looks much the same now as it did back in 2001, with the Taliban in control of much of the country. And then there is Iraq. Over the last 18 years, our forces toppled Saddam Hussein's government and successfully fought terrorists of many different stripes in Iraq, including the Islamic State. But these achievements have simply not been worth the cost. Instead of focusing on limited aims, we fell into the same nation-building, ""peacekeeping"" trap in Iraq that ensnared us in Afghanistan, even after major combat operations officially ended in 2011. Today, Iraq's government is shaky at best, addicted to continuing foreign assistance, and easily susceptible to pressure from outside actors, especially Iran. Nation-building doesn't work, as you immediately recognized upon taking office: Afghanistan and Iraq today are clearly not beacons of democracy, stability, or prosperity, despite the thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars we have sacrificed to try to remake these countries. None of this is a criticism of our brave men in women in uniform, who have performed heroically in these and all other overseas engagements. Instead, it is an indictment of Washington's broken foreign policy establishment, which is dominated by arm-chair idealists who never seem to grasp the messy realities on the ground. I commend your efforts so far to bring our engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq to an end, including your bold decision to open negotiations with the Taliban and your ambitious plan to remove thousands of United States servicemembers from these two countries. I urge you to continue to aggressively pursue these and all other related efforts in the coming weeks. What greater gift could we give the American people as we head into the holiday season? Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5147,Rep. Grijalva Statement on Republican Attempts to Dismantle the Affordable Care Act in the Supreme Court,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"TUCSON Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, under a newly-cemented conservative majority, heard oral arguments for California v. Texas, a case brought by Republican state officials that would end the Affordable Care Act. The Trump Administration is a supporter of the Republican-led case that would gut consumer protections for those with preexisting conditions and immediately result in 21 million uninsured Americans. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement: It is the epitome of cruelty that the Trump Administration and Republican leaders are trying to rip lifesaving healthcare away from millions of Americans in the middle of a pandemic and economic crisis. Despite a greater need than ever to ensure comprehensive coverage for all Americans, Trump and his enablers have chosen to prioritize their own political interests over the health and well-being of American families. While they've spent over a decade complaining about it, they don't even have a plan to replace it. It's the height of irresponsibility. The Affordable Care Act has exponentially expanded access to meaningful healthcare for millions of Americans. It ended discrimination against those with preexisting conditions, increased access to preventative care, and expanded Medicaid to cover more people. Numerous court challenges have upheld its constitutionality, and I urge the Supreme Court to base their ruling on the facts and the law, not political considerations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5146,Rep. Grijalva Congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on Victory in the 2020 Election,2020-11-07,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"TUCSON Today, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement on President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris' historic victory in the 2020 election: After four years of division, hate, and the outright assault on our values and institutions, the American people have firmly rejected President Trump.They braved a pandemic, the weather, and voter suppression efforts to cast their ballots and vote toward moving our country in a different direction, one that celebrates our diversity, humanity, and the dignity of every person. This is a win for science-based solutions to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and safely returning our students to school and putting our families back to work. It's a win for real action to combat the climate crisis and protect our planet and environment for generations to come. It's a win for transforming our immigration system into one that puts families first. But this isn't just a win for Biden supporters, it's a win for all Americans who love this country, love their neighbors, and want to see everyone not just scaping by to survive, but thrive. The American people have spoken, and I urge President Trump to respectfully concede and commit to a peaceful transition of power that all other Presidents have undertaken since the founding of our country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=13&itemid=5145,Rep. Grijalva Condemns Trump's Premature Declaration of Victory: 'An Assault on Our Republic and a Threat to Everything We Stand For',2020-11-04,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,AZ,Raúl Grijalva,G000551,grijalva.house.gov,,,legacy,"TUCSON Last night, President Donald Trump declared victory in the 2020 Presidential Election before millions of ballots were counted in key states. In response, Rep. Ral M. Grijalva issued the following statement: In our democracy, elections are decided by the votersnot by edicts from any one candidate. Record numbers of voters have cast their ballots for new leadership led by Vice President Joe Biden & Senator Kamala Harris. We must wait until every vote is counted. For four years, we have witnessed Donald Trump denying reality, abusing his power, inciting bigotry, and corrupting our institutions. He's waged a war against mail-in ballots, deployed a band of thieving lawyers to suppress the vote, and repeatedly incited his supporters to doubt the legitimacy of the election if he loses. These latest attempts to undermine the election are an assault on our republic and a threat to everything we stand for. We will not allow President Trump to steal this election from the voters who overcame a pandemic and multiple barriers to voting to make their voices heard. We will fight the President's dishonesty, ego, and cowardice with truth, decency and democracy on our side. Every American who casts their ballot, whether in person, by mail, by dropbox, or drive-thru will have their vote counted. They will decide the next President, not Donald Trump. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-send-letter-attorney-general-barr-about-potential-riots,Congressman Biggs Sends Letter to Attorney General Barr about Potential Riots on Election Day,2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,,,legacy,"GILBERT, ARIZONA Today, Congressman Andy Biggs sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr, urging him to use the tools at his disposal at the Department of Justice to stop any potential criminal behavior stemming from riots on Election Day to ensure order on American streets. Read the text of the letter below: November 2, 2020 The Honorable William P. Barr Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Barr: For the past few months, Americans have watched as extremist groups and violent rioters seized on the legitimate protests of law-abiding Americans as an opportunity to commit violence and sow discord across our country. We've witnessed billions of dollars in property damage done to small businesses, historical monuments defaced and torn down, and acts of violence committed against our law enforcement and those within our community. Now, as our nation approaches Election Day, we are being told that violent rioters, potentially numbering in the tens of thousands, are planning to descend upon our nation's capital if President Donald Trump is elected to a second term in the White House. News reports and other documents indicate that these rioters will target the White House, the Capitol, and Republican buildings and citizens throughout Washington, D.C. It is worth noting that there are no such credible threats of similar violence by supporters of President Trump in the event that former Vice President Joe Biden wins the election. I write to urge you to use the tools at your disposal at the Department of Justice to stop any potential criminal behavior stemming from these planned gatherings and ensure order in our streets. Please describe what plans you have in place to ensure the safety of our nation's capital, its residents, and our federal and local institutions. Sincerely, Andy Biggs Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-sends-letter-attorney-general-barr-about-potential-riots,Congressman Biggs Sends Letter to Attorney General Barr about Potential Riots on Election Day,2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – Today, Congressman Andy Biggs sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr, urging him to use the tools at his disposal at the Department of Justice to stop any potential criminal behavior stemming from riots on Election Day to ensure order on American streets. Read the text of the letter below: November 2, 2020 The Honorable William P. Barr Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Barr: For the past few months, Americans have watched as extremist groups and violent rioters seized on the legitimate protests of law-abiding Americans as an opportunity to commit violence and sow discord across our country. We've witnessed billions of dollars in property damage done to small businesses, historical monuments defaced and torn down, and acts of violence committed against our law enforcement and those within our community. Now, as our nation approaches Election Day, we are being told that violent rioters, potentially numbering in the tens of thousands, are planning to descend upon our nation's capital if President Donald Trump is elected to a second term in the White House. News reports and other documents indicate that these rioters will target the White House, the Capitol, and Republican buildings and citizens throughout Washington, D.C. It is worth noting that there are no such credible threats of similar violence by supporters of President Trump in the event that former Vice President Joe Biden wins the election. I write to urge you to use the tools at your disposal at the Department of Justice to stop any potential criminal behavior stemming from these planned gatherings and ensure order in our streets. Please describe what plans you have in place to ensure the safety of our nation's capital, its residents, and our federal and local institutions. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2020/10/30/congressman-schweikert-applauds-house-gop-commitment-defeat-virus-and/,Congressman Schweikert Applauds House GOP Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) released the following statement applauding introduction of H.R. 14, House Republicans Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act. This legislation is comprised of provisions introduced by Members on the Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, and Appropriations Committee. This bill includes H.R. 7714, legislation introduced by Congressman Schweikert to reduce the current 7.5 percent income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 5 percent for years 2020 and 2021, and make the 7.5 percent income threshold permanent for all other years. “I am proud to see my legislation to reduce the medical expense deduction threshold for Americans battling high-medical costs, especially during the pandemic, included in H.R. 14, the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act. Each provision in this bill will continue our much-needed work to defeat this virus, help individuals safely return to work, and support our businesses working hard to re-open. I urge my Democratic colleagues to join us in passing this bipartisan legislation to support our communities and further grow the economy.” For a section-by-section break down of the bill, click HERE. To view full text of the bill, click HERE. Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-schweikert-applauds-house-gop-commitment-defeat-virus-and,Congressman Schweikert Applauds House GOP Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) released the following statement applauding introduction of H.R. 14, House Republicans Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act. This legislation is comprised of provisions introduced by Members on the Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, and Appropriations Committee. This bill includes H.R. 7714, legislation introduced by Congressman Schweikert to reduce the current 7.5 percent income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 5 percent for years 2020 and 2021, and make the 7.5 percent income threshold permanent for all other years. ""I am proud to see my legislation to reduce the medical expense deduction threshold for Americans battling high-medical costs, especially during the pandemic, included in H.R. 14, the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act. Each provision in this bill will continue our much-needed work to defeat this virus, help individuals safely return to work, and support our businesses working hard to re-open. I urge my Democratic colleagues to join us in passing this bipartisan legislation to support our communities and further grow the economy."" For a section-by-section break down of the bill, click HERE. To view full text of the bill, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z