by Matthew Holloway | Jul 24, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has launched his second attempt to unseat Republican Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ02). In response, the Congressman blasted Arizona Democrats, saying they “have hit rock bottom, which is exactly where they found Jonathan Nez.”
The Navajo Democrat was handily defeated by Crane in a 9-point race in 2024, outperforming former Vice President Kamala Harris by 3.5 points and exceeding then-Democrat Senate candidate Ruben Gallego in Arizona’s 2nd District.
In a lengthy interview with the Arizona Republic, Nez told the outlet, “Reintroducing myself and introducing myself is going to be priority this time. It seems like it’s been a long time, but it’s only been seven months of this administration… but as you know, and the people in this country know, there’s a lot of changes with policies and laws that are negatively impacting people every day, hardworking people.”
In a statement released Tuesday, Crane wrote:
“The Democratic Party has no leader, no message, no policy agenda, and no candidates. They’ve resigned themselves to the same old, tired talking points being spewed by the same old extreme liberals.
“They have hit rock bottom, which is exactly where they found Jonathan Nez – still licking his wounds after learning the hard way rural Arizona does not want to be represented by a never-Trump radical. I welcome a rematch with Nez and relish the opportunity to remind voters just how out-of-touch he truly is on taxes, on spending, on border security, on crime, and on energy.”
Crane’s campaign noted in a press release that as far as fundraising is concerned, Crane outraised Nez by over $3 million in the 2024 campaign and has raised more than $2.65 million year-to-date with $1.2 million already in his war chest.
As reported by AZ Free News in April, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced that it is targeting the congressional districts of Congressmen David Schweikert (AZ-01), Eli Crane (AZ-02), and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) in 2026, listing Congressional District 2 as among the “competitive” districts and classifying Rep. Crane as “vulnerable.”
However, the rosy projections of recently ousted former Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Robert E. Branscomb seemed to ignore that Rep. Eli Crane’s District 2 seat, which has historically seen zero Democrat wins in the last nine races, was designed by Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission to hold a 7.2% vote spread competitively. Crane beat that spread by nearly two points in 2024.
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 | Jun 29, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In 2015, a federal investigation found that the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) body scanners consistently failed to detect dangerous objects and concealed weapons as much as 96% of the time. In response, Arizona Republican Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ02) has introduced the Aviation Risk Mitigation and Security (ARMS) Act to compel TSA to share its test findings with Congress.
According to a release from Congressman Crane, the 2015 investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General into the efficacy of the agency’s Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) resulted in the TSA terminating the collection and submission of testing data and classifying its findings.
“This lack of transparency leaves significant gaps in our security,” Crane’s office said, “especially given that U.S. airports still rely on AIT to screen passengers and luggage.” The Congressman’s staff explained that Congress must have access to the latest data in order to guarantee TSA has the tools it needs to successfully identify and neutralize any threats.
“I’m proud to introduce legislation requiring the TSA to provide Congress with updated covert testing data. In light of the legitimate security risks outlined in a recent DHS advisory bulletin, we cannot afford to remain in the dark about where the system is failing,” Crane said. “The ARMS Act would strengthen congressional oversight and lay the groundwork for meaningful solutions. We have a duty to mitigate the TSA’s longstanding deficiencies, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this timely measure.”
Crane cited the increased risks presented in a recent National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security which warned of “violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence,” in response to President Donald Trump’s targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear weapons production facilities.
In a post to X announcing the ARMS Act, Crane wrote, “Under the Obama administration, the DHS Office of the Inspector General found that in 96% of instances, TSA Officers using Advanced Imaging Technology failed to detect hidden threat items.
“The ARMS Act would enhance TSA transparency and allow the Homeland Security Committee to properly ensure we are doing everything possible to keep the American people safe.”
He added, “We have a duty to mitigate the TSA’s longstanding failures, and this bill would lay the groundwork for meaningful solutions. We can’t afford to remain in the dark about where the system is failing.”
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 | 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.
