Press Releases
PASSED: House Approves Gallego’s Native American Child Protection Act with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) applauded passage of his Native American Child Protection Act (NACPA) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 378-32. “For too long, Congress has failed to uphold its promise to address the disproportionate levels of child abuse in Tribal communities,” said Rep. Gallego, former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples of the U.S. “My bipartisan Native American Child … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
Gallego, Adams, Hayes, Houlahan Introduce Bill to Strengthen Arizona’s Teacher Workforce
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), along with Alma Adams (NC-12), Reps. Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) reintroduced the Teacher Diversity and Retention Act, to invest in and expand America’s teacher workforce. “Too many Arizona students are in over-crowded classrooms or are being taught by teachers who aren’t fully qualified. We must address this teacher shortage for our kids’ future and our state’s economic future,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m proud to … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
Gallego Pushes House Appropriations Committee to Support Arizona Border Communities
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to leaders of the House Appropriations Committee and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, pushing the appropriators to increase funding and revise the formula for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program (SSP) — the funding program Arizona border communities rely on to address migrant crossings. Rep. Gallego writes: “As Arizona’s border sectors see increased activity and demand … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
On Call, Gallego Pushes Sec. Mayorkas to Support Arizona Border Communities
PHOENIX, AZ - In response to the recent street releases of migrants in southern Arizona, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) pushed Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on a one-on-one call. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03): “For months, Arizonans have borne the brunt of a national crisis and recent rapid street releases are only further straining our migrant-aid system. “On today’s call with Secretary Mayorkas, I stressed that DHS needs to surge resources and funding to … Continue Reading
September 13, 2023
Gallego Urges FEMA to Fix Burdensome Requirement That Could Cost Border Communities Funding
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell urging the Agency to fix a new documentation requirement that strains border communities and non-profits in Arizona, putting their funding at risk. Future rounds of funding under the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) will require local agencies to submit the unique A-number for each migrant they assist in order to qualify for reimbursement for … Continue Reading
September 13, 2023
Gallego Discusses Farming, Ranching Policy with Arizona Farm Bureau
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), met with leaders and members of the Arizona Farm Bureau. The Bureau is Arizona’s largest farm and ranch organization, with members from all parts of the state and agricultural sector. “Arizona farmers and ranchers grow our economy, create jobs, and keep our state and country fed,” said Rep. Gallego. “It was a pleasure to meet with the Arizona Farm Bureau today to discuss ways we can work together to support these goals. As Congress continues … Continue Reading
September 08, 2023
Gallego Stands Up for Arizona’s Wildland Firefighters at Press Conference
PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) met with dozens of Arizona wildland firefighters to discuss his efforts to secure their benefits, which are set to expire on September 30. Rep. Gallego then held a press conference where he touted the need to not only reauthorize the funding for federal wildland firefighters but to pass gold standard legislation called the Tim’s Act—which would make permanent the pay and benefits wildland firefighters received thanks to the Bipartisan … Continue Reading
September 06, 2023
Gallego Supports Push to Reduce Passport Backlog and Modernize Services
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) signed on to the Passport Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation to reduce the wait times for Arizonans attempting to renew their passports. “Processing delays at the State Department have caused countless Arizonans to miss family trips, special moments, and even the opportunity to see loved ones before their passing," said Rep. Gallego. “This is unacceptable and adds unnecessary stress on Arizonans. That’s why I’m backing this bill to bring down … Continue Reading
September 01, 2023
Gallego Announces Over $4 Million in Grant Funding Coming to Arizona for Overdose Surveillance
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) has announced $4,703,386 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the Arizona Department of Health Services’ efforts to track overdoses and surveil emerging drug threats. “Ending Arizona’s fentanyl crisis requires knowing and tracking the full scope of the epidemic," said Rep. Gallego. "With this funding, the Arizona Department of Health Services will be better equipped to study the root causes of the … Continue Reading
August 31, 2023
In Honor of National Black Business Month, Gallego Hosts Roundtable with Arizona Black Business Leaders
PHOENIX, AZ - As National Black Business Month ends, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) hosted a roundtable with Arizona Black business leaders. Participants included representatives from the Black Chamber of Arizona, Local First Arizona’s We Rise Program, Rehoboth Community Development Corporation, and Black entrepreneurs from a variety of businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and, for many, owning their own business is the key to their American dream. That’s especially true … Continue Reading
August 29, 2023
Gallego Introduces Legislation to Keep Arizona’s Water in Arizona and Crack Down on Water Abuse
PHOENIX, AZ – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), a House Natural Resources Committee member, introduced The Domestic Water Protection Act of 2023 today. The bill would stop the abuse of water resources by foreign governments in Arizona and other drought-stricken states. “Arizona’s water and crops belong in Arizona–not Saudi Arabia,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego. “No longer should foreign governments and companies be given sweetheart … Continue Reading
August 28, 2023
STATEMENT: Gallego Responds to Announced GM Closure in Chandler
Phoenix, AZ – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released the following statement in response to General Motors (GM) announcing its plans to close the company’s IT Innovation Center in Chandler, laying off more than 900 hardworking Arizonans. “My office has been in touch with leadership in Chandler about the announced closure of General Motors’ IT Innovation Center. Hundreds of hardworking Arizonans are expected to be impacted by these … Continue Reading
August 23, 2023
Rep. Gallego Stands up for Arizonans, Urges the Federal Trade Commission to Oppose Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Phoenix, AZ – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) wrote to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan urging the Commission to oppose Kroger Company’s potential acquisition of Albertsons Companies, Inc.—two grocery chains that have a presence in Arizona. In the letter, Gallego writes: “I fear that, without competition in the grocery sector, large chains like the proposed Kroger-Albertsons conglomerate could monopolize entire … Continue Reading
August 18, 2023
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Study the Effects of the Fentanyl Crisis on Taxpayers in America
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) introduced the Fentanyl Crisis Research and Evaluation Act. This legislation requires the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on how the fentanyl crisis is affecting various sectors of our society to understand its implications on American taxpayers. “To combat the fentanyl crisis effectively, we need to understand the full scope of the problem,” said Congressman … Continue Reading
August 12, 2023
Gallego Backs Bills to Support Arizona Downwinders
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced his support for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments and the Downwinders Parity Act - two bills to provide compensation and justice for Arizonans exposed to radiation from nuclear testing and uranium mining. “For years, Arizonans were the unwitting victims of dangerous radiation. Some were down in the mines, producing uranium, others were simply going about their day-to-day lives,” said Rep. Gallego. “Everyone who was exposed to … Continue Reading
August 11, 2023
Gallego Responds to Hobbs Extreme Heat Emergency Declaration, Calls for Federal Action
PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) issued the following statement after Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency to respond to Arizona’s record-breaking extreme heat. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03): “I just got off the phone with Governor Hobbs to thank her for taking this critical step to help keep Arizonans safe. The funds made available through this declaration are desperately needed by the many local entities that have … Continue Reading
August 10, 2023
Gallego Supports Comprehensive Overhaul of Federal Wildland Firefighter Pay and Benefits
PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced his support for the Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Pay Parity and Classification Act (Tim’s Act). The legislation was introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO). “As Arizona’s wildfire seasons become longer and more intense, wildland firefighters have stepped up - putting themselves at risk to protect Arizona homes and communities,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m proud to back Tim’s Act which will address … Continue Reading
August 09, 2023
Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Compensate Arizona Uranium Miners Exposed to Radiation
PHOENIX, AZ — Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) signed on to the Uranium Miners and Workers Act of 2023, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure fair compensation for illnesses experienced by Arizona miners who worked in uranium mines before proper safety procedures were established. “Arizona miners put themselves in harm’s way to support our state and nation’s economy,” said Rep. Gallego. “That’s why we need to ensure they are fairly compensated and have access to the care … Continue Reading
August 08, 2023
Gallego Applauds Biden for Establishing the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) applauded the Biden Administration for heeding the call of Tribal leaders and establishing the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) “The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world and the ancestral home of numerous tribes. It is also an economic driver for Northern Arizona, generating millions of dollars from … Continue Reading
August 08, 2023
Gallego Statement on Biden’s Arizona Visit
PHOENIX, AZ - Last night, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) spoke with President Biden following his arrival in Arizona. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) “I am grateful that President Biden has chosen to visit our state at this critical time. As Arizonans continue to deal with relentless extreme heat, I was grateful to have the opportunity to speak with the President about the need for FEMA to declare extreme heat a disaster. Just as northeasterners don’t have to … Continue Reading