Op-Eds
Time and again, cartel members and human smugglers have shown they have no regard for human life. They weave through traffic at breakneck speeds to avoid capture and deliver their illicit contraband. They are chased by law enforcement through neighborhoods and on highways.
The consequences of these high-speed chases are devastating and often end in tragedy.
In 2022, Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez was killed in the line of duty. He was chasing a group of illegal migrants — fleeing by vehicle — who had crossed the border near Mission, Texas.
'It’s time for Washington to roll up its sleeves, rise to the challenge, and ensure that our best days are still ahead of us'
As a Dad of six young children, I understand firsthand the need to balance the budget each month to make sure the needs of my family are met. Whether at the grocery store or the gas pump, it is a constant effort to stretch every dollar and avoid living beyond our means — a reality that millions of hardworking Americans face each day.
The American dream is our national ethos, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve today. Families are struggling, and younger people are not being set up for success, largely due to a broken economy. Mortgage interest rates have increased, gas prices have soared, groceries cost 25.8% more than in 2020 and a college degree no longer guarantees a job after graduation.
As a nation, we owe our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. Their unwavering commitment to service and dedication to our country is a testament to their patriotism and the reason we can enjoy the freedoms we deeply cherish. Caring for those who defended our nation is not a responsibility we take lightly. As members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, we are committed to continue pursuing efforts that empower our veteran community as they transition back into civilian life and beyond.
Water is our most precious resource. It sustains life, fuels our ecosystems, powers industry, and nourishes our crops and livestock. As Arizona’s economy and population continues to grow, the continued success of our state relies on our ability to protect our water supply. This means strengthening infrastructure and investing in conservation and drought resiliency efforts to safeguard our supply for generations to come.
America’s southern border is in crisis and our public lands are bearing the brunt. The policy failures of the Biden-Harris administration have made communities in my district less safe and harmed the environment along the southern border. In Arizona, more than 80 percent of public lands are managed by federal land agencies, like the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
“¿En que otra parte del mundo podríamos tener nuestra historia?”
That’s what my father said to me the day before I set out on this journey.
“Where else in the world could we have our story?” he asked in Spanish. “We came to this country, we immersed ourselves in the culture, we learned English, became U.S. citizens… I drive a bus most of my life, and now my son has a shot at becoming a member of the United States Congress. Nowhere else!”
Just a little over six months ago, the world witnessed as Israel was terrorized at the hands of Iran-backed Hamas. October 7, 2023, will go down as the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The unprovoked attacks – egregious acts of war – cannot and will not be forgotten.
This week Congress passed legislation that fulfills one of its constitutionally enumerated powers: H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is a crucial piece of legislation passed annually to support our men and women in uniform, outline our national security priorities, and ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world.
Arizonans send their tax dollars to Washington, D.C., with the expectation that their money will be used to enhance infrastructure, support public services and benefits, and invest in the well-being and future prosperity of their community.