Press Releases
Rep. Gallego Leads AZ House Democrats to Request FEMA Testing Blitz in Arizona
PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), and Greg Stanton (AZ-09) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator Peter Gaynor asking them to work together to facilitate a "massive testing blitz" in Arizona."Given that the state is so far behind the testing capacity needed to adequately respond to this crisis, … Continue Reading
July 07, 2020
ICYMI: Rep. Gallego Secures Provisions for Tribal Governments in House Infrastructure Package
PHOENIX, AZ - On Friday, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) voted to pass H.R. 2, a $1.5 trillion infrastructure package that makes long overdue investments in affordable housing, broadband deployment, clean energy, running water and our nation's roads, bridges, schools, and public transit systems.The package included the Tribal Wildlife Corridors Act, authored by Rep. Gallego, which improves federal support for the creation and maintenance of wildlife corridors on and around Tribal lands. The … Continue Reading
July 07, 2020
Rep. Gallego Helps Secure Additional COVID-19 Testing Site in Phoenix
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement after Walgreens agreed to add an additional COVID-19 testing site at a location the Congressman requested. Arizona has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 positive cases amid a massive state-wide testing shortage."I am pleased to have partnered with Walgreens to bring another COVID-19 testing location to Phoenix, given the massive demand in my district," Rep. Gallego said. "This location is accessible, centrally located, and … Continue Reading
July 06, 2020
Rep. Gallego Helps Secure Additional COVID-19 Testing Site in Phoenix
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement after Walgreens agreed to add an additional COVID-19 testing site at a location the Congressman requested. Arizona has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 positive cases amid a massive state-wide testing shortage."I am pleased to have partnered with Walgreens to bring another COVID-19 testing location to Phoenix, given the massive demand in my district," Rep. Gallego said. "This location is accessible, centrally located, and … Continue Reading
July 06, 2020
ICYMI: Rep. Gallego Secures Provisions for Tribal Governments in House Infrastructure Package
PHOENIX, AZ - On Friday, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) voted to pass H.R. 2, a $1.5 trillion infrastructure package that makes long overdue investments in affordable housing, broadband deployment, clean energy, running water and our nation's roads, bridges, schools, and public transit systems.The package included the Tribal Wildlife Corridors Act, authored by Rep. Gallego, which improves federal support for the creation and maintenance of wildlife corridors on and around Tribal lands. The … Continue Reading
July 02, 2020
House Passes FY 2021 NDAA with Key Gallego Provisions
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Armed Services Committee unanimously advanced the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, including several key provisions introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)."Once again, the Armed Services Committee came together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act in strong bipartisan fashion. The language in this year's bill will help preserve our national security, improve our military readiness, modernize … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Amendment Would Prevent Trump from Ordering Troop Reduction in Germany
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced an amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would protect U.S. troops levels and infrastructure in Germany and Europe as part of a larger allied support effort by the House Armed Services Committee and Congress at large.Rep. Gallego introduced the amendment in response to news that President Trump intended to cut the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany by 9,500 and in the wake of reports that the … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Leads Push to Confirm U.S. Support of Baltic Allies Against Russian Threats
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced an amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) expressing support for coordinated action to ensure the security of our Baltic allies against Russian threats."In the days following reports that Russia placed bounties on the heads of U.S. troops, Americans should have seen their President closing ranks with our European allies in NATO and improving our defense-in-depth and alliance network. He's refused to do so," … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Passes Amendments to Strengthen US-Taiwan Relationship
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Armed Services Committee passed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the United States and Taiwan in order to protect our national security and businesses and to improve responses to future pandemics.The first amendment requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to explore development of a U.S.-Taiwan medical … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Fights for Smarter Reenlistment Policy on Marijuana Use
For Immediate Release: July 1, 2020Contact: christina.carr@mail.house.gov | (202) 225-4065WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), that would encourage the military services to implement policies allowing individuals to reenlist even if they admit to having used marijuana.Mr. Gallego's amendment would allow an individual to rejoin the military if that person … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Passes Amendment to Allow Camp Navajo Land Conveyance to AZ National Guard
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) that would permit transfer of land at Camp Navajo, Arizona from the U.S. Army to the State of Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.This narrowly tailored land transfer would allow for select commercial activities to take place on parts of Camp Navajo while still allowing the Department of Defense to safely … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Provision to Restore Stars and Stripes Funding Included in House Defense Budget Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Armed Services Committee begins its markup the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision authored by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) that would restore federal funding for Stars and Stripes."Stars and Stripes was a treasured link to home when I was stationed in Iraq and Okinawa," said Rep. Gallego. "Thousands of troops around the globe rely on them for the kind of news that just isn't covered elsewhere - stories from American bases, the … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Provision to Reinforce U.S. Military Presence in South Korea in House Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Armed Services Committee marks up the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision authored by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) that would recommit the United States to maintaining a robust military presence in South Korea for the foreseeable future.Rep. Gallego's provision requires that U.S. active duty forces in the Republic of Korea not fall below 28,500 troops without a certification by the Secretary of Defense that any drop below that … Continue Reading
June 29, 2020
Gallego Provision to Halt All A-10 Warthog Divestment in House Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) announced that the Chairman's Mark of the House Armed Services Committee's version of the National Defense Authorization Act includes full protection of the A-10 Warthog. This provision, if agreed to by the Senate and signed into law, will keep all Warthogs flying to protect Arizonans and Americans everywhere.The Senate's version of the NDAA failed to stop the Air Force from preparing A-10s for retirement or putting them into long term storage. "The … Continue Reading
June 18, 2020
Rep. Gallego Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision to Protect Dreamers
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's ruling against President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:"In reversing President Trump's decision to end DACA, the Supreme Court affirmed today what we already knew: The Trump Administration is both incompetent and incredibly cruel. In today's decision, the Court shines the light on another of Trump's decisions that was made for purely political … Continue Reading
June 11, 2020
Rep. Ruben Gallego to Gov. Ducey: What’s Your Plan to Address the Rise in COVID-19 Cases?
PHOENIX, AZ - Today Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) sent a letter to Governor Doug Ducey asking how he plans to address the recent rapid rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in Arizona and criticizing the Governor's lack of response to the growing problem."I am concerned that your administration has recently failed to underscore the seriousness of the growing public health emergency that our state is experiencing with COVID-19," he wrote. "I urge you to do more to emphasize the seriousness of the … Continue Reading
June 09, 2020
Rep. Ruben Gallego Welcomes New St. Vincent de Paul/CVS Health COVID-19 Testing Site in Phoenix
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement after St. Vincent de Paul and CVS Health announced they would launch rapid COVID-19 testing for the uninsured at the Virginia G. Piper Medical & Dental Clinic in Phoenix. Licensed health care providers from CVS Health's Minute Clinic and CVS Pharmacy employees will staff the testing operation. Rep. Gallego worked with St. Vincent de Paul and CVS health to identify a location for the new testing site in Arizona's 7th … Continue Reading
June 05, 2020
Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Continuing Coronavirus Threat in Arizona
PHOENIX, AZ - Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement in response to news that more than 1,000 Arizonans have died as a result of COVID-19."As Arizona passes the grim milestone of 1,000 COVID-19 deaths with more than 1,500 new cases in a single day, it is important to emphasize that our state is still in the midst of a pandemic and experiencing a growing public health emergency. I urge everyone to please follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, … Continue Reading
June 04, 2020
Rep. Gallego Leads Members of Congress in Letter to Pompeo: Keep Russia Out of the G7
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and eight Members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asking him to retain the policy of excluding Russia from the group of Seven (G7) unless and until its policy of state-directed destabilization of the United States and other countries is substantively changed.The letter comes in response to reports that the Trump Administration is seeking to readmit Russia to the G7 as part of a broader expansion of the bloc."This … Continue Reading
June 01, 2020
Rep. Gallego Calls on Congress to Lead on Transformational Criminal Justice Reform
PHOENIX, AZ - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement urging Congress to lead on transformational criminal justice reform, detailing measures that he believes must be included in any plan:"While the President continues to stoke the flames of division, fear, and racial tension, Congress must lead our nation during this time of crisis," Rep. Gallego said. "We must work to heal the festering wounds that structural racism, systemic inequalities, and injustice have caused … Continue Reading