Press Releases
Gallego, Lawler Call for Increased Security Funding for Nonprofit Institutions
Lawmakers emphasize need for additional funding in wake of recent terrorist attack against Israel WASHINGTON, D.C. - With heightened security concerns following the Hamas-led terrorist attacks against Israel and the ongoing war, Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) today called for the inclusion of additional funding for FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to help protect the American Jewish community from targeted hate crimes and domestic terrorism. “The … Continue Reading
October 12, 2023
Gallego Questions Department of Education on Student Loan Repayment Issues
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona seeking answers regarding issues with the resumption of student loan repayments. The letter follows reports that administrative errors and inadvertent use of outdated servicer formulas have led to inaccurate repayment amounts, incorrect monthly payment information, and borrowers receiving files with missing and incorrect information. In the letter Rep. Gallego writes: On behalf of … Continue Reading
October 12, 2023
Gallego, Gallagher Call on Biden Administration to Freeze Iranian Assets
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), ranking member of the House Armed Services subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, called for the freezing of Iranian assets, including the $6 billion that was recently unfrozen in a prisoner swap. "Iran has a long and storied track record of malign behavior and supporting terrorism worldwide, including Hamas and Hezbollah,” said Rep. Gallego.“As we learn more about Iran's role in these horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, one … Continue Reading
October 12, 2023
Gallego Announces $12 Million Coming to Arizona for Affordable Housing Development
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced that $12 million for affordable housing development is coming to Arizona through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). $9 million will be going to Phoenix-based Raza Development Fund and $3 million to San Luis-based Comite de Bien Estar. The funding is being provided via the CDFI Fund’s Capital Magnet Fund which helps create and preserve affordable housing for low-income … Continue Reading
October 11, 2023
Gallego: ‘We Will Stand with Israel. We will help them in this fight against terrorism. We will be there every step of the way.’
WASHINGTON, DC - Last night, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, joined MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss his commitment to stand with Israel and how his personal experience with urban combat informs the type of intelligence and specialized support he’s pushing for Congress to provide. Watch the full interview and see the transcript below. Lawrence O’Donnell Congressman Gallego, what can you tell us … Continue Reading
October 10, 2023
Gallego Holds One-On-One Call with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, today held a one-on-one call with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, to discuss the Hamas terrorist attacks and how Congress intends to support Israel. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03): "On a call today with Ambassador Herzog, I reassured him of my steadfast commitment to support our strong friend and longtime ally, … Continue Reading
October 10, 2023
Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming Commitment to Israel and Condemning Hamas
WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) today joined 391 of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle in a resolutionunderscoring the United States’ support for Israel, condemning Hamas’ brutal war on Israel, and mourning those who were killed. “The terrorist attacks by Hamas have left the world in shock as thousands of Israelis have been slaughtered, held hostage, and forced from their homes,” said Rep. Gallego. “The United States’ commitment to Israel is unwavering, and that’s why … Continue Reading
October 07, 2023
Gallego Statement on the Hamas Attacks Against Israel
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released the following statement after Israel was targeted in a deadly attack by Hamas. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego: “The unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli citizens are alarming and horrifying. My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this unprecedented time. “I stand with Israel and its right to defend itself from these heinous and widespread … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
Gallego Backs Bill to Expand Infertility Treatment Access for Arizona Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced his support for H.R. 544, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2023. The bill would expand coverage of infertility treatment, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Access to fertility services at the VA can be extremely difficult for veterans to qualify for, forcing many to forgo treatment or choose expensive, private options. “Veterans made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we … Continue Reading
October 05, 2023
Gallego Pushes the Department of Veterans Affairs to Speed Up PACT Act Processing
WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Sec. Dennis McDonough regarding recent reports that the Department is struggling to hire and retain veteran claims processors, negatively impacting the implementation of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act of 2022. “With nearly 500,000 veterans calling Arizona home, I was proud to fight for them to get the PACT Act signed into … Continue Reading
October 02, 2023
STATEMENT: Gallego on Gov. Hobbs Terminating Fondomente Lease
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released the following statement in response to Gov. Katie Hobbs terminating Fondomente’s lease in the Butler Valley and announcing Arizona would not renew the other leases that are set to expire in February 2024. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03): “Saudi Arabia should never have been to steal Arizona’s water. I applaud the Governor for terminating Fondomente’s lease, but we must ensure this can never happen in Arizona again by … Continue Reading
October 02, 2023
Gallego Stands Up for Arizona Seniors, Calls for More Clarity on Social Security Overpayment Process
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA) calling for more clarity on SSA’s overpayment claw-back waiver process and how it could affect Arizona’s 1.4 million Social Security recipients. As Rep. Gallego explains in the letter, “Regardless of the cause of the overpayment, when SSA becomes aware of a potential overpayment issue they alert the recipient of the error and how much the recipient owes back to SSA. Many of these overpayment … Continue Reading
October 02, 2023
Gallego, Stanton Announce Over $1 Billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for Arizona’s Highways
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) and Greg Stanton (AZ-04) announced $1,069,760,974 in funding for Arizona’s highways, bridges, and electric vehicle (EV) network thanks to the historic investments of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “Investing in Arizona’s highways and infrastructure is good for growing our economy, increasing tourism, and connecting families across the state,” said Rep. Gallego. “I am proud of our efforts to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure … Continue Reading
September 30, 2023
Gallego Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) voted to pass H.R. 5860, a continuing resolution to fund the federal government for an additional 45 days. He released the following statement. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) “Today, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to avert a government shutdown, but let’s be clear - we should never have had to wait to the 11th hour to make this happen. As Congress continues to debate funding over the next month, I’ll keep fighting … Continue Reading
September 29, 2023
Amid Looming Wildland Firefighter Pay Cuts, Gallego Seeks Wildfire Support from DOD
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin inquiring how the Department of Defense will provide support to states impacted by the rapidly approaching pay cliff for wildland firefighters. The temporary pay increase for wildland firefighters included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The United States Forest Service estimates that up to half of the wildland firefighter workforce will leave service if pay is cut. In the letter Rep. Gallego … Continue Reading
September 28, 2023
Gallego Celebrates Announcement of New McCain Library in Arizona
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) celebrated the announcement of the construction of the McCain Library in Phoenix, Arizona - a new 83,000 square foot library near Papago Park. “John McCain was a tireless fighter for Arizonans. This library is a fitting dedication to his legacy of service,” said Rep. Gallego. “Thanks to funds I helped pass in the American Rescue Plan, the McCain Library will provide technology, health care, and education access to thousands of Arizonans. I … Continue Reading
September 28, 2023
Gallego Moves to Lower Taxes for Arizona’s Broadband Grant Recipients
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) signed on to the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act (BGTTA), bipartisan legislation that would amend the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that funding for broadband deployment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) will not be considered taxable income. “For the more than 207,000 households in Arizona without home internet, our historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and American Rescue Plan are expanding … Continue Reading
September 27, 2023
Gallego Secures Over $2 Million in Emergency Border Funding from Homeland Security, Urges More
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced $2,263,885 in emergency funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support Arizona’s border communities as they address an increase in migrant crossings. The funding comes after Rep. Gallego pushed Sec. Mayorkas for additional funds for Arizona in a one-on-one call. Following the call, Rep. Gallego followed up with a letter to DHS requesting that Pima County be granted additional funding. “After pushing Sec. Mayorkas, the … Continue Reading
September 25, 2023
Gallego Addresses Fentanyl Epidemic at Press Conference with AG Mayes
PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) held a press conference to discuss his work at the federal level to address the fentanyl crisis and keep Arizonans safe. “The opioid epidemic has touched every Arizona community and demands that we come together to find common sense solutions,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m working to combat this crisis from every angle - stopping traffickers, supporting law enforcement, and working to provide lifesaving medications. I was honored to stand with … Continue Reading
September 21, 2023
Rep. Gallego Selected as Bicameral Negotiator on Annual Defense Bill; Giving Arizona a Seat at the Table
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution declaring Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) a conferee on the House and Senate conference committee for the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “As Arizona’s senior-most member to sit on either the House or Senate Armed Services Committees, I’ve worked to secure key wins for our state in this year’s NDAA. I look forward to advancing these bipartisan provisions in the conferenced bill so we can … Continue Reading