A bill to construct a new Veterans Center on 232 acres of land in Young, Arizona, the first of its kind to support rural veterans and their families, was introduced by Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) and has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The facility would be operated by Gila County and provide family housing, meeting and activity spaces, resource rooms, Veteran Ceremonial Grounds, and outdoor recreation.
“This veterans center is so crucial for rural veterans in northern Arizona who selflessly served our nation. I’m grateful to see my colleagues in the House recognize the significance of this land transfer,” said Crane. “This was the first piece of legislation I introduced and is a testament to the significance of northern Arizona’s veterans. Anytime Congress can vote on legislation that returns power to the states is a good thing. I’m grateful to House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman for his leadership and look forward to the advancement of this bill in the Senate.”
According to Crane’s office, the effort to get the new Veterans Center on its feet found unusual allies joined in a common cause with Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and former Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) getting the bipartisan ball rolling during the 117th Congress with Democrat Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) leading corresponding efforts in the Senate.
“America’s veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom, and Congress must do everything in its power to provide our servicemembers with proper care and opportunities. The commonsense, bipartisan land transfer provided by H.R.837 will do just that by opening up new experiences to veterans in the area for recreation and recovery.” House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman explained, “A veteran himself, Representative Crane has led on these issues this Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to get this bill through the Senate and signed into law.”
Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline, who testified before the House Natural Resources Committee, told Congress of the significant impacts and extensive resources the center would provide for veterans and their families in the region.
During his testimony, Rep. Crane said, “One of the things I love so much about this project, is that you’re not coming here, Mr. Cline, and asking the federal government for any money. You’re actually trying to take something that’s a beautiful piece of land that’s not being used anymore and revitalize it into something amazing for some of our nation’s finest individuals.”
“This site will only be one of two sites in Arizona. There’s one in the southern part of Arizona and one in the northern part […] It’s huge for our local community as well. We have a local veteran community of about 100 people right there in that small town. And then right there between us and Payson, there’s roughly another 5,000-7,000 more right there. Having this accessible, not only to the local members, the state members, the national members, but also, we’re adjacent to the White Mountain Apache Tribe that is not very far away that has a number of veterans in that reservation as well that have been big supporters of this project. It means everything to these folks,” said Cline.
Data from the Veterans Administration shows that by population density, as of 2019, veterans are most represented in Yavapai and Cochise Counties, the northern and southernmost counties respectively with between 11.78-14.45% of the population and between 14.46-16.74% of the population.
Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) announced the reintroduction of a bill to rollback and nullify Biden administration policies that flew in the face of the sovereignty of native American property owners and tribal governments.
The congressman explained the need for this corrective measure, saying in a press release, “Secretary Haaland and President Biden engaged in selective sovereignty driven by extremists with no concern for Navajo interests or the energy needs of all Americans.”
He continued, “I’m proud to reintroduce this bill that would invalidate the Biden admin’s meddlesome ban. Together, with the Trump Administration, I’m confident we will be able to advance tribal interests, unleashing energy sovereignty and prosperity.”
The bill was drafted in reaction to a 2023 Public Land Order that banned the resource development of 336,404.42 acres of federal mineral estate surrounding the Chaco Canyon National Historical Park until 2043, barring Navajo citizens allotted the land from profiting from any possible mineral leases.
At the time, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said, “The Navajo Nation attempted to compromise by proposing a 5-mile buffer as opposed to the 10-mile,” as reported by Cactus Politics. However, she continued, “The Biden Administration has undermined the position of the Navajo Nation with today’s action and impacted the livelihood of thousands of Navajo allotment owners and their families.”
Rep. @EliCrane_CEO has introduced legislation reversing a Biden Administration ban on mineral leasing land in Chaco Canyon, allowing the Navajo Nation to invest in energy development.
The Energy Opportunities for All Act would nullify and negate Public Land Order No. 7923, thereby declaring the restrictive order to “have no force or effect.”
During the 117th Congress, the House Committee on Natural Resources voted to bring the bill to the floor in a bipartisan decision after Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren offered his testimony in committee. Nygren said, “I appreciate Rep. Eli Crane for introducing this piece of legislation. The Navajo Nation continues to be an energy-producing tribal Nation. I support the Navajo people having a say in how their land and minerals are developed. In this case, the Navajo allottees have an important right to have their voices heard.”
Politico reported Friday that the Navajo Nation is also pursuing a route through the courts to fight the Biden administration’s action through a lawsuit filed in New Mexico Federal Court.
In the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court, the Navajo Nation argued, “From the very beginning of this process, Defendants have single-mindedly pursued an exact ten-mile buffer without sufficient analysis or explanation of why that particular number was chosen or how it relates the actual topography and geology of the landscape or the location of the Chacoan sites.”
The tribal leaders went on to allege that the Department of the Interior, under the previous administration, made the controversial decision without consultation from the tribe’s members to address the economic consequences to communities already beset by financial struggle.
Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs announced on Saturday to the Arizona Republican Party’s 2025 Statutory Meeting that, following his “Statement of Interest” to run against Democrat incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs, he is formally running for Governor of Arizona.
Biggs addressed the body, which re-elected AZGOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda, and made the announcement. Footage shared to X by Activist Nico Delgado captured the moment when Biggs told meeting attendees, “I am jumping in formally to the race for governor in 2026. Thank you.”
BREAKING: Congressman Andy Biggs officially announces that he is running for Governor of Arizona pic.twitter.com/veM2R9n1Zy
“I am jumping in formally,” he said. “It is now time to Make Arizona Great Again,” according to AZ Capitol Times. The outlet noted that Biggs first asked the party leaders if he should get a haircut before asking if they would support his bid for the 9th Floor.
In a follow up post to X later in the day, Biggs wrote, “It’s time to Make Arizona Great Again! I am excited to be in the race for Governor and look forward to serving all Arizonans! Sign my petition at http://biggsforarizona.com!”
It’s time to Make Arizona Great Again! I am excited to be in the race for Governor and look forward to serving all Arizonans!
In an exclusive AZ Free News poll conducted by Data Orbital, Biggs is dominating early polling with 31.7%, a commanding 19.3 point lead over Karrin Taylor Robson. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee trailed with 7.4%
A new poll shows @repandybiggs with a big lead over other potential GOP opponents in the 2026 race for AZ governor. The results saw Biggs take an early polling lead with 31.7%, Taylor Robson who had 12.4% support, & Yee trailed with 7.4% support.https://t.co/jlR5VXRdlU
A subsequent poll released by NicoPAC covered 512 Registered Voters in Arizona “weighed for race, age and gender following a mix of voter registration data, past election data from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office, and the ACS.” It saw Biggs take 58.5% with Taylor Robson dropping behind Yee at 8.8%, and the Arizona Treasurer climbing to double digits with 10.8%.
Biggs’ announcement was followed by Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk and was later supported by former his former congressional colleague Matt Gaetz.
In an interview with Steve Bannon’s War Room on Rumble prior to the formal announcement, Congressman Eli Crane also offered his tacit endorsement of Biggs telling Bannon, “I think Andy is the most conservative and probably the strongest member of the U.S. House. He was also President of the Senate in Arizona. He knows Arizona. He knows how the system works better than anybody. I don’t think anybody would do a better job. You know, he has my full support, and I know he has the support of the War Room Posse… I hope he pulls the trigger and goes all the way through with it.”
WATCH:
Former Arizona State Representative Austin Smith also shared his support in a lengthy post to X, writing in part that Arizonans “won’t have a revolving door of contract lobbyists on the 9th Floor deciding what legislation is signed and needs to be vetoed.”
Why @andybiggs4az is the right choice for Republicans in Arizona for 2026:
– effective, reliable and bonafide conservative vote in Congress.
– had the courage to vacate the chair during a do-nothing speakership.
The inauguration of President Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States was the most prominent over-arching news story of the day on Monday. The reactions of Arizona’s elected leaders ranged from joy, excitement, and relief to cautious rapprochement, vehement rejection, petulant accusations, and denial.
Support for Trump by Republican members of Congress and other prominent figures has been consistent in Arizona, while unexpectedly some Democrats have taken a moderate, even conciliatory stance toward the President.
Tucson-area Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani posted from within the Rotunda writing, “Honored to attend the inauguration of our 47th President — Donald J. Trump! And I look forward to working together and delivering for the American people[.] Congratulations, President Trump!”
Honored to attend the inauguration of our 47th President — Donald J. Trump! And I look forward to working together and delivering for the American people 🇺🇸
In a subsequent ‘selfie’ with Trump, Ciscomani quoted the President’s inaugural address writing, “’In America, the impossible is what we do best.’ —President Donald J. Trump [.] Now we get to work fighting for the American Dream!”
“In America, the impossible is what we do best.” —President Donald J. Trump
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) posted to the social network writing, “It’s a new day in America. Our long nightmare is soon over. 4 yrs of divisiveness, failures, corruption, weakness will be replaced w/ hope, strength, prosperity & American greatness. I look forward to working w/Pres Trump 2 make the future of this great country great, once again.”
Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) told AZCentral, “As President Trump retakes office, here’s my promise: I’ll work to find common ground when it’s in Arizona’s best interest.” Stanton emphasized that he would remain loyal to the “fundamental freedoms,” of Arizonans.
District 5 Republican Andy Biggs, who announced his exploration of a gubernatorial run on Tuesday, posted “Hail to the Chief,” and told Trump, “Welcome back, Mr. President.”
Freshman Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh appeared with Trump’s Voice of America Director Designee Kari Lake in a Newsmax spot during the President’s arrival at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He shared video to X writing, “We will pass President Trump’s America First Agenda as quickly as possible.”
Congressman Abe Hamadeh: “We will pass President Trump’s America First Agenda as quickly as possible.” pic.twitter.com/8ZBM3DgUjF
During the inaugural festivities, District 4 Rep. Eli Crane wrote, “We made it. Today is January 20th, and Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States. The greatest political comeback of all time. Now the real work begins. Let’s go!”
He added a short panoramic video of the Capital Rotunda’s interior in the lead up to the ceremony adding, “So thankful to all of the Arizonans that put in the work to get to this moment.”
Took a quick selfie video of the rotunda ahead of President Trump's arrival.
So thankful to all of the Arizonans that put in the work to get to this moment. pic.twitter.com/fIOTT8hqHN
Meanwhile Freshman Democrat Rep. Yassamin Ansari ,who took the seat of now-Senator Ruben Gallego, blew off the inauguration, eschewing it for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event in Phoenix. Posting to X, Ansari derisively noted the attendance of big tech figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, X’s Elon Musk, and Google’s Sundar Pichai: “Nothing to see here… just Donald Trump’s inauguration… front row featuring the richest men on Earth excited to get even richer at the expense of working people.”
Nothing to see here… just Donald Trump's inauguration… front row featuring the richest men on Earth excited to get even richer at the expense of working people.
Follow Democrat Rep. Raúl Grijalva issued a call for his fellow radical leftists to resist Trump writing, “Democrats must stand up to Trump’s worst impulses and grifting tendencies if we are to come away from this a stronger, more prosperous nation.” He also criticized Trump for his recent successful meme-coin launch, calling it a “brazen and unethical money grab.”
President Trump has begun his four years with a grift on the American people by launching a cryptocurrency the night before his inauguration. This is a brazen and unethical money grab that will leave his unsuspecting supporters to pay the tab.
Pointedly, the Arizona Democratic Party (ADP) opted not to mark the inauguration at all with neither a post to social media nor a press release on its website. Rather, the ADP chose to publish a post honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. almost as if in denial that the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States happened.
Republican Arizona Congressmen Andy Biggs (R-AZ-1), Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), and Eli Crane (R-AZ-05) have co-sponsored the first bill by freshman lawmaker, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX-26), the REMAIN in Mexico Act. If enacted, it would cement the first-term immigration policy championed by President-elect Donald Trump. They were joined by 77 other Republicans co-sponsoring the bill.
According to Gill, the “Remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the migrant protection protocols, was first implemented by the Trump administration in January 2019. This set of policies allowed federal authorities to return non-Mexican asylum-seeking illegal immigrants to Mexico to await immigration proceedings.
The new bill will require the Secretary of Homeland Security to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocol in accordance with 2019 Homeland Security documentation titled “Policy Guidance for Implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols.”
“President Trump’s Remain in Mexico policy was extremely successful, resulting in fewer illegal border crossings, fewer fraudulent asylum claims, and more deportations,” Gill explained in a statement. “But immediately after taking power in 2021, Democrats undid nearly all of President Trump’s border protection policies, unleashing mass chaos and destruction throughout our heartland.
Over the past four years, the Biden administration has allowed over 10 million illegal aliens to invade our country, and critics say it prioritized criminal illegal aliens over law abiding American citizens.
As a result, says Gill, “illegal aliens are murdering, raping, and pillaging American citizens.”
“This must end now,” Gill said. “The American people gave President Trump and Republicans a mandate to secure our border, and Congress must pass the REMAIN in Mexico Act as a first step to secure our border and fix the problems Democrats created in our country.”
In a statement to AZ Free News, Rep. Crane commented, “This legislation is common sense. It codifies one of President Trump’s most successful policies, which was foolishly reversed under the open-borders Biden regime.”
“It’s outrageous that some of our leaders can’t be trusted to prioritize the security of American citizens, making this legislation necessary,” continued Crane. “I’m proud to cosponsor this bill that puts America first.”
🚨Today, I introduced my first bill, the REMAIN in Mexico Act.
President Trump’s Remain in Mexico policy was extremely successful, resulting in fewer illegal border crossings, fewer fraudulent asylum claims, and more deportations.
— Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) January 9, 2025
In a subsequent interview with Newsmax, Gill wrote, “The REMAIN in Mexico Act is common sense legislation that would stop the deluge of illegal aliens pouring into our country. We now have over 80 Republican co-sponsors. I hope some of my colleagues from across the aisle will join us, but we can pass this bill with or without Democrat support.”
The REMAIN in Mexico Act is common sense legislation that would stop the deluge of illegal aliens pouring into our country.
We now have over 80 Republican co-sponsors.
I hope some of my colleagues from across the aisle will join us, but we can pass this bill with or without… pic.twitter.com/uTri4DeXdW
Fellow freshman Congressman Hamadeh shared the bill to X with a similar sentiment, “I’m proud to champion this vital bill to help keep our communities safe and codify the policy that made President Trump’s America much safer than Joe Biden’s.”
