Press Releases
Gallego, Stanton, Grijalva Call for Immediate House Vote on RECA Extension and Expansion Legislation
WASHINGTON — In a letter to House leadership this week, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07) called for an immediate vote on bipartisan Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act expansion and extension legislation. This bill would ensure all Arizona ‘Downwinders’—people exposed to cancer-causing ionized radiation from atmospheric weapons tests conducted by the U.S. government—are recognized and justly compensated. “Without action in the House, … Continue Reading
June 04, 2024
Gallego Statement on Biden Border Executive Order
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released the following statement in response to the border executive order announced by President Joe Biden today. “We have to do more to address the crisis at Arizona’s border, especially in the wake of politicians putting partisan games ahead of finding solutions by once again blocking the bipartisan border deal in the Senate. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but we still have more work to do. We also need to hire more border … Continue Reading
May 31, 2024
Rep. Gallego, Mayor Orsborn Celebrate Gallego-Secured Law Enforcement Funding
BUCKEYE - Gathering at Buckeye City Hall, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn, and Buckeye Police Chief Bob Sanders celebrated increased federal funding for local law enforcement - secured by Rep. Gallego - and recommitted to additional investments in Arizonans’ safety. “Whether you live in downtown Phoenix, a growing community like Buckeye, or a rural county - you deserve to feel safe at home, at work, and at school. It’s first responders who make that a reality, and we … Continue Reading
May 29, 2024
Gallego Calls On IRS to Cut Costs for Arizonans, Expand and Improve Direct File Program
PHOENIX - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) called on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel to expand and improve the Direct File program that was launched this past tax season. Arizona was one of 12 states to participate in the pilot program. “For those not using Direct File, the tax filing process can often be both time-consuming and expensive. Direct File is the first program of its kind to allow taxpayers to file their taxes directly … Continue Reading
May 23, 2024
Gallego Calls for Action on Chronic Absenteeism
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona calling on the Department to do more to address the issue of chronic absenteeism. A student is typically considered chronically absent if they are absent from school for more than ten percent of school days by the end of the year. In Arizona, the percentage of chronically absent students was 28 percent in the most recent year on record, more than double the rate of the school year before the … Continue Reading
May 23, 2024
Gallego Celebrates Wins in Committee-Passed Defense Budget
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), a Marine Corps combat veteran and ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, which includes key provisions he authored and championed. “I am proud to have once again voted to advance a strong, bipartisan NDAA that supports our troops, stands up to our adversaries and competitors, and protects our national security,” … Continue Reading
May 22, 2024
Gallego Leads Push to Increase Energy Assistance for Arizonans
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) led a letter with Reps. Raul Grijalva (AZ-07) and Greg Stanton (AZ-04) to House Appropriations Committee leadership urging them to change appropriations language that has prevented Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds from reaching more eligible Arizona households. This change would result in home energy cost savings for families across Arizona, particularly during extreme summer heat waves. “Temperatures are quickly rising … Continue Reading
May 22, 2024
Gallego Introduces Two Bills to Address Arizona’s Border Crisis, Mitigate Broken Asylum System
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) introduced the Direct Hire Actand the Screening Efficiency Act, both aimed at speeding up migrant processing and providing relief to Arizona’s frontline border communities. “Arizonans deserve real solutions to the crisis at our southern border, which is why I’m fighting to tackle it from every angle, including providing additional resources to federal officials and first responders in our border communities,” said Rep. Gallego. “Today, I’m proud … Continue Reading
May 16, 2024
Gallego Backs Legislation to Promote Airline Transparency, Put Money Back in Arizonans’ Pockets
PHOENIX — Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) signed on as an original backer of the Enhancing Transparency from Airlines (ETA) Act to promote airline transparency and protect passengers. “Arizonans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to get the money an airline owes them,” said Rep. Gallego. “Travel delays and cancellations are enough of a headache without having to fight for compensation or decipher confusing refund rules. Arizonans deserve to get their money back in their pockets, not a … Continue Reading
May 15, 2024
Gallego Provision to Crack Down on Hidden Junk Fees Passes Republican-Led House with Overwhelming Support
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) cheered the House passage of a key provision of his Junk Fee Prevention Act to crack down on hidden fees charged by ticket sellers - all part of his efforts to cut costs for everyday Arizonans. “We’ve all been there - you select a concert ticket at one price, but by the time you get to check out, fees have made the cost nearly double,” said Rep. Gallego. “But it’s not just ticket sellers that are abusing hidden junk fees. I’ll keep fighting to … Continue Reading
May 15, 2024
On Peace Officers Memorial Day, Gallego Pushes to Commemorate Officers Who Defended the Capitol on January 6th
WASHINGTON - On Peace Officers Memorial Day, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) is asking why a Congressionally mandated plaque honoring the officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021, has not yet been installed. Rep. Gallego was on the House Floor defending Arizona’s election results when rioters attacked on January 6th and saw firsthand the heroic actions of Capitol Police, Metro Police, and other officers. “Over 100 Capitol Police officers and dozens of Metropolitan Police officers were … Continue Reading
May 14, 2024
During National Police Week, Gallego Announces Efforts to Recruit, Train, Retain More Law Enforcement Officers
WASHINGTON - During National Police Week, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), a Marine Corps combat veteran and member of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, announced his efforts to address the ongoing law enforcement shortage and recruit, train, and retain officers. “As communities across Arizona face a growing officer shortage, we must step up to keep Arizonans safe and help departments with training and hiring,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m proud to have delivered more federal dollars in this … Continue Reading
May 10, 2024
Gallego Statement on DHS Proposed Rule to Streamline Asylum Processing
PHOENIX - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s new proposed rule aimed at streamlining asylum processing. Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03): “Since the fall of Title 42, I have repeatedly urged the Administration to address the border crisis, and today’s announcement is a needed step to help relieve the pressure on our frontline border communities and swiftly remove those who pose a threat to … Continue Reading
May 09, 2024
During Older Americans Month, Gallego Takes Action to Protect Seniors’ Financial Security
PHOENIX - During Older Americans Month and on National Scam Survivor Day, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced steps to protect Arizonans from financial scams. According to the?FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, more than 100,000 retirees reported being victims of scams, resulting in over $3.4 billion stolen. The situation was particularly stark in Arizona, which ranked fourth in number of reports at 5,003 and sixth in losses at nearly $128 million. Increasingly, social media is being used to … Continue Reading
May 08, 2024
Gallego Announces Nearly $12 Million Coming to Communities Across Arizona for Affordable Housing
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced that communities across Arizona will receive $11,821,480 in Public Housing Repair funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “Solving Arizona’s housing crisis means tackling the issue from all sides. That includes ensuring our supply of public housing is safe and available for the families and seniors who need it most,” said Rep. Gallego. “Thanks to critical funding I helped pass, I am proud to announce … Continue Reading
May 02, 2024
As Arizona Heats Up, Gallego Rolls Out Report on Efforts to Combat Extreme Heat
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released a report detailing his extensive work to combat the causes and consequences of extreme heat. “In Arizona, extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable - it’s deadly,” said Rep. Gallego. “Despite extreme heat's safety and economic impacts, Arizona communities are left to respond without federal support. As my new report details, I’m fighting for forward-thinking, comprehensive solutions to help Arizonans stay cool and healthy - even in the … Continue Reading
April 30, 2024
Gallego Backs Bipartisan, Bicameral Push for Speaker Johnson to Hold Vote on Senate-Passed RECA Legislation
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) signed a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately act to pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (RECA). This legislation would reauthorize and strengthen the RECA program which was approved by the Senate with strong bipartisan support in March. This legislation is critical for communities and individuals who have suffered from the consequences of the United States' nuclear testing … Continue Reading
April 30, 2024
Reps. Gallego, Kelly, Waltz Call Out National Guard for Continued Delays Paying Owed Bonuses
WASHINGTON - Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Trent Kelly (MS-01), and Michael Waltz (FL-06) sent a letter to National Guard Bureau Chief General Daniel R. Hokanson demanding to know why the Guard continues to fail to fully pay reenlistment bonuses owed to more than 13,000 servicemembers and expressing concern that servicemembers are now being forced to cut through bureaucratic red tape to receive what they are owed. “Civilians are not required to navigate through an extensive, months-long … Continue Reading
April 26, 2024
STATEMENT: Gallego on the Train Derailment on the Arizona-New Mexico State Line
PHOENIX — Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released the following statement in response to the train derailment on the Arizona-New Mexico state line: "The train derailment on the Arizona-New Mexico state line is incredibly concerning, and I am closely monitoring the situation. I am in communication with Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, who relayed that the federal government will do what it can to deploy the necessary resources and personnel to contain the derailment and any potential … Continue Reading
April 25, 2024
NEW: EPA Grants Waiver to Lower Gas Prices at Gallego’s Urging
PHOENIX - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for granting a fuel waiver for Maricopa County, as well as portions of Pinal and Yavapai Counties, to lower gas prices in Arizona. “Arizonans should not be forced to pay unreasonably high gas prices due to a delay in gasoline delivery,” Rep. Gallego said. “That’s why I pushed the EPA to do what was right and waive the requirements that would’ve led to skyrocketing prices. If these delays continue, … Continue Reading