Press Releases
Gallego Statement on Opposition to H.R. 8281
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released a statement following his vote against H.R. 8281. “Of course only U.S. citizens should vote,” said Rep. Gallego. “But this bill isn’t about that, it’s about making it harder for Arizonans to vote, including married women, servicemembers, Native Arizonans, seniors, and people with disabilities. This extreme bill’s only purpose is to disenfranchise tens of thousands of Arizonans, and I will not vote to take away the rights of Arizonans to … Continue Reading
July 02, 2024
Gallego Releases Statement on New Heat Protections for Workers and Communities, Calls for Continued Action on Extreme Heat
PHOENIX - Today, the White House announced new actions, including from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to protect workers and communities from extreme heat. In response, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released the following statement: “Any Arizonan who works outside knows how dangerous this time of year is, but for too long those dangers have been overlooked by the federal government. I am glad that the Administration … Continue Reading
June 28, 2024
Gallego Stands Up for Border Communities, Votes Against Bill that Would Slash Border Funding
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) voted against H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025. Following the vote, he released this statement: “Just like when they rejected the bipartisan border deal, this bill is proof that extremists in Congress have no interest in actually securing our border or helping border communities. It slashes funding for CBP and USCIS and provides no increase in the number of Border Patrol agents, meaning slower response times … Continue Reading
June 28, 2024
New Gallego Bill Advises Non-Citizens They Cannot Vote in Federal Elections
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) introduced the Voting Clarity Act of 2024, which would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to advise migrants seeking asylum that they are ineligible to vote in federal elections. “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and the right to vote is one of the greatest privileges of U.S. citizenship. That is why it is critical that those seeking to enter the U.S. are told clearly and upfront that they cannot vote in our … Continue Reading
June 27, 2024
As Wildfire Season Begins, Gallego, Neguse Lead Bipartisan Coalition in Calling for Swift Passage of Wildland Firefighter Pay Fix
WASHINGTON - Gathering at the Capitol this morning with visiting wildland firefighters, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) and Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) led a bipartisan coalition of members in calling for swift passage of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. “With wildfire seasons getting longer and more dangerous, wildland firefighters play an increasingly important role in keeping Arizonans safe. We should be supporting these brave men and women, but instead, they … Continue Reading
June 26, 2024
Gallego Discusses Lowering Costs, Protecting Arizona Consumers During Meeting with FTC Chair
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) met with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan to discuss ways to lower costs and protect Arizona consumers. During the meeting, Rep. Gallego highlighted his work to preserve competition and lower prices on housing, grocery essentials, ticket sales, health care, and more. “Arizona is booming, but too many families continue to struggle to afford their rent or their weekly trip to the grocery store,” said Rep. Gallego. “Protecting … Continue Reading
June 25, 2024
Congressman Gallego, Mayor Gallego Cheer Nearly $45 Million in Head Start Funding Coming to Arizona
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced $44,910,969 is coming to the City of Phoenix from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start. “Regardless of your ZIP Code or income level, every Arizona family deserves access to affordable child care and early education. Head Start helps provide that and so much more,” said Rep. Gallego. “From nutrition programs and health screenings to economic mobility counseling, Head Start seeks to engage and support the … Continue Reading
June 14, 2024
Gallego Statement on House Floor Vote on FY 2025 NDAA
WASHINGTON - Today, 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 against House passage of H. R. 8070, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. After the vote, he released the following statement: “On the House Armed Services Committee, we worked together to advance a strong, bipartisan NDAA - a bill which I was proud to support and which included … Continue Reading
June 12, 2024
Gallego Introduces Bill to Extend, Improve the Affordable Connectivity Program
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) introduced the Saving Americans' Valuable Earnings on the National Affordable Connectivity Program (SAVE on ACP) Act to strengthen the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), complete the equipment removal of China-based companies Huawei and ZTE, and allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reauction certain spectrum licenses to create more responsive networks for consumers. "The Affordable Connectivity Program saved Arizonans $17.1 … Continue Reading
June 12, 2024
Gallego Calls on Administration to Take Action on Arizona Gas Prices
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to take immediate action to provide the same relief in gas prices to Western states as was taken through Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve releases in late May. With the Rep. Gallego backed waiver on more expensive summer gasoline set to expire on the 15th, Arizona families may see rising costs without additional action. "Arizona families and business owners should not have to pay almost a dollar … Continue Reading
June 11, 2024
Gallego Junk Fee Provision Passes GOP-Controlled House to Crack Down on Hidden “Resort” Fees
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) cheered the House passage of a provision of his Junk Fee Prevention Act to crack down on hidden "resort" fees charged by hotels. H.R. 6543 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Today's vote follows passage in May of a similar Rep. Gallego provision prohibiting junk fees in event ticket sales. "Too many families have been there - you book a hotel at one price, but when you check out, you're hit with hidden fees that cause the cost of your … Continue Reading
June 06, 2024
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