by Matthew Holloway | Jun 9, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ02) introduced the bipartisan Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 alongside Arizona Democrats Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ04), Senator Mark Kelly, and Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. In the proposed legislation, the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMDP) within the EPA, launched in 2020 under by President Donald Trump, would be codified into law.
The OMDP, which enhances coordination between federal, state, and tribal agencies in hardrock mining cleanup, would establish congressional oversight of the office as well.
According to Crane, the codification of the OMDP under this bill would:
- “Encourage the EPA to prioritize responsible mine cleanup in Arizona over green initiatives,
- Ensure proper congressional oversight of its progress,
- Bolster the OMDP’s outreach to ensure that local and Tribal authorities have a seat at the table for cleanup projects that impact their health and environment,
- Provide guardrails to keep the office’s efforts focused on mine cleanup.”
“As we work to support domestic mining of critical minerals, it’s crucial that we remain committed to doing so responsibly. The consequences of poor stewardship are detrimental for the health and safety of those living in rural Arizona, particularly on the Navajo Nation,” Rep. Crane said in a statement. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that would help ensure reasonable and timely cleanup and increased congressional oversight of the process.”
In a post to X, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren publicly announced his support for the measure and thanked Rep. Crane and his co-sponsors.
“I want to thank Congressmen Eli Crane and Greg Stanton, Senators Mark Kelly and Cynthia Lummis, and all those involved in the introduction of the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act. This legislation is a critical step forward in addressing the long-standing health and environmental impacts of abandoned hardrock mines, especially on the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.
“By codifying the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains at the EPA, this bill ensures Tribal nations like ours have a meaningful voice in mine cleanup efforts that directly impact our communities. We have lived with the consequences of these abandoned sites for far too long—this act represents accountability, cooperation, and real progress. Ahéheeʼ to everyone who has helped move this issue forward.”
“Abandoned hardrock mines put Arizona communities—especially Tribal nations—at a high risk of exposure to substances that are hazardous to their long-term health,” Rep. Greg Stanton said. “Our bipartisan legislation works to swiftly and responsibly mitigate this environmental threat, and makes sure Tribal and local authorities have a stronger voice in the process.”
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 31, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), created in 1983 as a “resource for information related to democracy worldwide,” has found itself in the crosshairs of Arizona Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ02). Crane has introduced the Defund the National Endowment for Democracy Act of 2025, a measure designed to strip the private institution of all taxpayer funding on the basis that it “evolved into a key contributor to global censorship campaigns, domestic propaganda, and regime change politics.”
In a statement released Thursday, Crane told supporters, “I’m proud to introduce this sensible measure to ensure that American resources are no longer used to support this organization’s anti-American objectives. Hardworking citizens should not be forced to foot the bill for anything that undermines freedom of speech and liberty.”
He continued, “The National Endowment for Democracy has strayed far from its original mission. We owe it to the American people to protect their interests and put an end to this disgusting waste of their money.”
In an in depth investigation published in August 2024, Tim Meisburger wrote for The Heritage Foundation that although the NED is required to be bipartisan, “[it] is led and staffed almost entirely by Democrats, and its board members and ‘experts’ have sought to delegitimize the Republican party.”
The report laid out in detail that through a series of grants, the NED “has supported development of the international ‘disinformation industrial complex’—including one grantee that sought to censor and suppress conservative speech in the United States in advance of the 2020 and 2022 elections.” It also added that starting in 2019 during the hotly contested 2020 Presidential Election, the endowment’s budget nearly doubled, exploding from $180 million annually to $300 million.
The report further observed the integration of the NED within the bureaucratic ecosystem of the Department of State, which during the first Trump administration maintained a character largely hostile to the president. Meisburger wrote, “Legislation requires the NED to ‘consult with the Department of State on any overseas program funded by the Endowment prior to the commencement of the activities of that program.’”
Statements from prominent board members Anne Applebaum and Rachel Kleinfeld cited in the report from Heritage are particularly alarming, with Applebaum saying of Republicans that “they aren’t even a legitimate political party.” While Kleinfeld wrote, “The embrace of violence and intimidation as a political tactic by a faction of the GOP will cause violence of all types to rise—against all Americans.” She added, “I am a Democrat, and I believe that that is very important right now: because the Republican party is in thrall to this anti-democratic force.”
Of the ostensibly Republican members of the board, which is statutorily split along partisan lines, only a single member donated to President Trump’s campaign “while others made significant contributions to Never Trump political action committees and candidates,” suggesting a strong sentiment against Trump-supporters.
Posting to X on Thursday Crane wrote, “We must end this disgusting waste of taxpayer resources.”
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 | 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 22, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The office of Arizona Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ02) issued a call on Tuesday for Veterans, Gold Star Families, and Active-Duty Spouses to apply for the exclusive Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program to bring one of them into Crane’s Prescott office in a two-year paid position.
The applicant chosen will take on the responsibility of managing veteran-related casework and serve as a liaison between Rep. Crane’s constituents and federal, state, and local agencies.
According to Crane’s office, “The G&G CAP was established to create employment opportunities for veterans, Gold Star families, and active-duty spouses within the U.S. House of Representatives. Selected candidates will work directly for a Member of Congress as part of their office staff.”
The duties of the role may also include, serving as a liaison to local veterans organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, as well as, attending local events and meetings. The role boasts a salary starting at $54,000 annually.
In his announcement, Congressman Crane said, “As a veteran myself, I know firsthand the challenges and bureaucratic hurdles within our system. Our nation’s heroes deserve nothing less than the highest quality of service, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the care and support they need.”
He added, “I’m proud to partner with the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program to provide veterans and military personnel with first-class assistance. I encourage dedicated patriots to apply for this essential role in my office.” Potential applicants may apply online.
To be eligible, veterans must be: “Honorably discharged; released from active duty within the last six years; and pay grades at or below E-5/O-3/W-2.” However, “Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program.”
For Gold-Star families: the surviving spouses, children and step-children, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-siblings of a veteran who died in the line of duty while serving in the Armed Forces or from a service-connected disability are eligible to apply.
Spouses of active duty servicemembers must be wed to an active duty service member working for the military full-time and “and are subject to permanent change of station or permanent change of assignment orders upon completion of each tour of duty.” Spouses of servicemembers subject to Title X mobilization are not eligible.
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 4, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ2) is bringing attention to a “robust border security funding package” that advanced out of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
The funding recommendation proposes massive investments in physical barriers at the border, the improvement of existing facilities, a major manpower investment, including retention bonuses and signing incentives, as well as an urgently needed overhaul of border surveillance technology.
“As Arizona’s only member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I’m proud to support President Trump and his team as they secure the border. By heavily investing in overlapping deterrents, our plan will significantly reduce human trafficking, fentanyl overdoses, and unlawful entries,” said Rep. Crane.
“This package will provide reinforcements for our brave agents on the ground and fortify our defenses for years to come. I appreciate Chairman Green’s leadership and look forward to sending the President long-overdue assistance.”
Among the recommendations, the Committee advanced an allocation of $46.5 billion for an “integrated border barrier system—an advanced solution that includes not only physical infrastructure but also technological enhancements.”
According to the Committee, the improvements will include: “internally reinforced steel bollards, fencing, all-weather access roads, lighting, surveillance cameras, and other cutting-edge technologies to support real-time monitoring and response.”
In terms of physical barriers, the package would allocate $46.5 billion for:
- Completion of 701 miles of primary wall
- Construction of 900 miles of river barriers
- Construction of 629 miles of secondary barriers
- The replacement of 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers.
Technological advances would include a $2.7 billion investment in:
- Ground detection sensors
- Integrated surveillance towers
- Tunnel detection capability
- Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
- Enhanced communications equipment.
In terms of personnel-facing investments, the package directs $4.1 billion toward filling the need for “additional Frontline CBP Personnel,” $2 billion for annual Retention Bonuses for existing personnel, and signing incentives for new hires.
“After hours of Democrat objections to commonsense border security funding, Homeland Security Committee Republicans held the line to advance budget recommendations that provide Customs and Border Protection with the resources needed to continue President Trump’s success in securing our border for years to come,” said Chairman Mark E. Green.
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.
