by Ethan Faverino | Aug 26, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-01) introduced the Cybercrime Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025 (H.R.4988).
This legislative measure is to counter the rising tide of foreign cyberattacks targeting American citizens and infrastructure.
The bill, referred to the Committee of Foreign Affairs, revives Congress’s constitutional authority under Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 to issue letters of marque and reprisal, empowering the President to commission private cyber operators to disrupt foreign criminal enterprises engaged in cybercrimes. The legislation comes in response to alarming data from the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, which recorded 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime, with reported losses exceeding $16 billion— a 33% increase from 2023.
The top cybercrimes included phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches, with investment fraud involving cryptocurrency leading to over $6.5 billion in losses.
Americans over 60 were hit hardest, suffering nearly $5 billion in damages.
California, Texas, and Florida reported the highest number of complaints, with many attacks traced to state-linked “scam-farms” in nations like Myanmar and North Korea. Continuing into 2025, Arizonans 60-69 have already lost $12.5 million in the first quarter alone, due to fraud.
Congressman Schweikert stated, “Criminal syndicates backed by foreign governments are using cyberspace to prey on American seniors, steal intellectual property, and undermine national security. Our current tools are failing to keep pace. This legislation allows us to effectively engage these criminals and bring accountability and restitution to the digital battlefield by leveraging the same constitutional mechanism that once helped secure our nation’s maritime interests.”
H.R. 4988 authorizes the President to issue letters of marque and reprisal to private entities, enabling them to target individuals or foreign government-linked enterprises involved in cybercrimes such as fraud, ransomware, cryptocurrency theft, identity theft, and unauthorized access to computers or sensitive data.
These operations, conducted under strict federal oversight and requiring security bonds to ensure compliance, aim to seize assets and disrupt criminal activities outside U.S. borders.
The bill defines cybercrimes broadly, covering offenses like accessing a computer without authorization (to obtain national security information, to obtain personally identifiable information, to engage in fraud, or to transmit a program, code, or command), trafficking in passwords without authorization, pig butchering scam, ransomware attack, cryptocurrency theft, or identity theft.
Congressman Schweikert added, “Americans deserve protection from digital predators who exploit outdated laws and hide in foreign jurisdictions. This proposal harnesses innovation and constitutional authority to respond to the modern crisis of cybercrime.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 14, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
U.S Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) has reintroduced H.R. 4235. This is a bipartisan bill to designate the United States Postal Service facility at 100 N. Taylor Lane in Patagonia, Arizona, as the Jim Kolbe Memorial Post Office.
The reintroduction aligns with what would have been former Congressman Jim Kolbe’s 83rd birthday on June 28, 2025. Congressman Kolbe passed away on December 3, 2020.
The bipartisan effort is co-sponsored by Representatives Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ).
This legislation was introduced in the 119th Congress, 1st session and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
The bill includes two key provisions:
- That the post office at 100 N. Taylor Lane in Patagonia, Arizona, will be officially named the Jim Kolbe Memorial Post Office.
- That any mention of the facility in laws, maps, regulations, documents, or other U.S. records will reflect its new designation as the Jim Kolbe Memorial Post Office.
Jim Kolbe, a native of Patagonia, represented southeastern Arizona in Congress for 11 terms from 1985 to 2007.
Prior to Congress, Kolbe served in the Arizona State Senate from 1977 to 1982 and began his career as a U.S. House page.
He was also a Navy veteran who served from 1967 to 1977 including in Vietnam.
Congressman Kolbe was a respected statesman known for his leadership on the House Appropriations Committee, where he was the chairman of one of its 12 subcommittees.
Congressman Ciscomani praised the former Congressman by saying, “Jim Kolbe lived a life of service dedicated to not only our state but our country as a whole. He was a Navy veteran who represented Arizona as a true statesman, leading in foreign affairs, trade, and fiscal discipline, while staying true to his values. He continues to inspire my own service in Congress and his impactful leadership will long be remembered.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | May 24, 2025 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ was passed in a late-night round of voting in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday with near-unanimous support from Republicans. The massive and wide-reaching budget reform bill now moves to the Senate
Two House Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Warren Davidson (R-OH), opposed the measure. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) voted ‘Present’ and two Congressmen, Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and David Schweikert of Arizona, reportedly missed the vote accidentally, but would have voted in favor.
Commenting on the result of the vote, Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Thursday morning, “I just want you to know for the record, we really had 217 votes this morning. Andrew Garbarino did not make it in time. He fell asleep in the back, no kidding. I’m going to strangle him. But he’s my dear friend.” He added, “David Schweikert was going to vote and slipped his card in right at the last minute so it looks like a razor thin margin, 215 to 214 and one present, it was really 217.”
The remaining members of the Arizona House Republican Caucus: Reps. Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani, Paul Gosar, Eli Crane, and Abe Hamadeh all voted in favor. Arizona Democrat Reps. Yassamin Ansari and Greg Stanton both joined their party opposing the measure.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh posted to X Thursday detailing the bill’s primary benefits, “Congressman Hamadeh proudly voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, keeping his promise to fully fund and advance President Trump’s incredible America First agenda. The bill:
• Delivers Permanent Tax Cuts
• Eliminates Taxes on Tips and Overtime
• Provides Tax Relief for Seniors
• Boosts Economic Growth and Wages
• Supports Small Businesses and Manufacturers
• Enhances Family and Education Benefits
• Promotes Border Security and Energy
• Reduces Federal Spending
And so much more.”
President Donald Trump celebrated the contentious bill through the House in a post to Truth Social writing,
“’THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ has PASSED the House of Representatives! This is arguably the most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country!
“The Bill includes MASSIVE Tax CUTS, No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, Tax Deductions when you purchase an American Made Vehicle, along with strong Border Security measures, Pay Raises for our ICE and Border Patrol Agents, Funding for the Golden Dome, ‘TRUMP Savings Accounts’ for newborn babies, and much more! “
The President offered praise for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Republican leaders saying, “Great job by Speaker Mike Johnson, and the House Leadership, and thank you to every Republican who voted YES on this Historic Bill! Now, it’s time for our friends in the United States Senate to get to work, and send this Bill to my desk AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! There is no time to waste.”
Trump concluded with an admonishment of Congressional Democrats saying, “The Democrats have lost control of themselves, and are aimlessly wandering around, showing no confidence, grit, or determination. They have forgotten their landslide loss in the Presidential Election, and are warped in the past, hoping someday to revive Open Borders for the World’s criminals to be able to pour into our Country, men to be able to play in women’s sports, and transgender for everybody. They don’t realize that these things, and so many more like them, will NEVER AGAIN happen!”
Looking forward toward the bill’s progress through the Senate, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at Thursday morning’s press briefing, “We can celebrate this pass in the House for a couple of hours, but now it’s time for the Senate to get to work. The president has great relationship with … Senate Majority Leader [John] Thune, and of course, so many friends on the Senate side of the Hill. And he’s expecting them to get busy on this bill and send it to his desk as soon as possible.”
As reported by ABC News, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Wednesday that “there are things that we need to adjust or modify or change,” noting that Speaker Johnson “fully understands and accepts that.”
The bill may face serious challenges in the Senate where the current budget plan holds a trillion-dollar discrepancy with the House bill. Sen. Rand Paul explained, “[The] House bill is going to add about $4 trillion to the debt ceiling. The Senate bill adds $5 trillion. There’s nothing fiscally conservative about expanding the debt ceiling more than we’ve ever done it before. This will be the greatest increase in the debt ceiling ever, and the GOP owns this now … the deficit this year will be $2.2 trillion. The GOP owns that now too.”
Rep. David Schweikert was also skeptical about the Senate’s budget plan saying in an April 5th statement, “To say I’m disappointed with the Senate’s deeply unserious budget resolution would be an understatement. We are faced with an existential threat to both the short-term and long-term prosperity of America that requires a real solution, showing we are serious about slowing the growth of spending in the federal budget. With just $4 billion in cuts— equal to less than a single day’s worth of borrowing {about 20 hours}— the Senate budget resolution is more business as usual at a time when that’s exactly what we’re trying to avoid.”
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) was more optimistic telling reporters, “A lot of it looks pretty good,” adding that the House bill is a “good start.”
Given the narrow majority in the Senate, Majority Leader Thune can only lose 3 votes to pass the bill.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | May 24, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Democrat Rick McCartney, the founder of Phoenix-based advertising company InMedia, has become the fifth Democrat candidate to challenge incumbent Congressional District 1 Republican Rep. David Schweikert. McCartney, 58, joins fellow Democrats Amish Shah, Brian Del Vecchio, Marlene Galán-Woods, and Jonathan Treble in the upcoming Democratic primary to determine who will challenge the seven-term incumbent Republican budget hawk.
According to the Cook Political Report, Schweikert’s District is an R+1, classified in 2026 as a toss-up district despite the Republican’s 3.8 point victory in 2024 over Shah.
McCartney is an LGBTQ activist and has chaired the board of one-n-ten, “the largest organization supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Arizona,” according to his campaign website. In his bio he describes the campaign as “personal,” with his campaign stating, “As gay men, Rick and his husband stand in the crosshairs of Donald Trump’s assault on vulnerable communities.” He also chaired the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board, and is likely familiar to local Democrats.
But this was where the specifics from McCartney’s campaign ended. The site, appearing to be an early build, is bereft of policy planks or campaign goals other than to “stand up to Trump and end his lawless assault on vulnerable communities,” or claiming to know “what Arizona workers and businesses need to succeed,” and touting “lower prices, a growing economy, and jobs with good benefits.”
Speaking with AZCentral McCartney said, “What we’re seeing with Donald Trump right now is just very destructive to a lot of the great things that we’ve been working on here in this district.” As noted by the outlet, he is in quite deep with the Democrat powerbrokers of the state, joining elected officials on international trips with Governor Katie Hobbs and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego according to his LinkedIn.
Reporter Laura Gersony noted that McCartney also boasts “relationships with well-connected political donors and philanthropists.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Staff Reporter | May 15, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Former state lawmaker Amish Shah, a Democrat, announced his intent to again challenge Congressman David Schweikert in 2026.
Shah failed to defeat Schweikert in last November’s general election, despite attempts to style himself as an independent to Maricopa County voters.
The former state lawmaker spread the news of his intent to run to The Arizona Republic. Shah said the voters must have regrets for electing Schweikert.
“I see a country that is in chaos,” said Shah. “I don’t think this is what people voted for.”
Shah indicated he may take a more openly progressive approach to his second run against Schweikert. Shah emphasized his defense of abortion access, specifically to the abortion drug mifepristone, and a desire for “actually getting stuff done for the people” rather than his view of Schweikert’s approach to office “just talking about stuff.”
“Instead of fighting for Arizonans, too many of our leaders are standing by and choosing to do nothing as we are confronted with some really serious challenges,” said Shah.
Shah also criticized Schweikert’s continued support for President Donald Trump’s economic policies. Schweikert, vice chair of the Joint Economic Committee and member of the Ways and Means Committee, has indicated some reservations about the president’s tariffs and the ongoing trade war.
“[W]e see uncertainty injected into the environment, where businesses are afraid to invest,” said Shah. “[Schweikert] should have been out there saying, full-throatedly, that for the people of CD1, this is going to cause them massive disruption. It’s going to cause economic harm.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists named Shah “Legislator of the Year” for his successful defense of the abortion pill, mifepristone, during the 2022 legislative session.
That year, Shah also cosponsored a bill to expand anti-discrimination laws to cover gender identity and sexual orientation advanced by former House Speaker Rusty Bowers, a Republican. Shah also put forth bills to redefine marriage within the state constitution.
Prior to his run last year, Shah openly situated himself within the socialist camp of the Democratic Party.
Shah headlined a 2019 town hall for then-presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, organized by the Phoenix Democratic Socialists of America and Progressive Democrats of America, where he advocated for government-run universal healthcare.
The year before that, Shah proposed ending capitalism and, in its place, implementing socialist policies.
Schweikert defeated Shah with 52 percent of the vote: a lead of about 16,600 votes. That lead made theirs one of the narrowest federal races — second only to the contest between incumbent Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani and another repeat Democratic challenger, Kirsten Engel (in that race, Ciscomani led Engel by just over 10,800 votes).
Shah lost despite having outspent Schweikert by several million, per Federal Election Commission (FEC) data. Shah’s campaign spent over $6.2 million on his race, while Schweikert’s campaign spent over $4.2 million.
There are other Democrats vying to challenge Schweikert: Tammi Medlin, Marlene Galan-Woods, Brandon Donnelly, and Brian Del Vecchio.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
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