by Ethan Faverino | May 6, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved an amendment presented by Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) to accelerate recovery efforts in the Kaibab National Forest following the devastating White Sage Fire.
The amendment, included in the 2026 Farm Bill, grants the U.S. Forest Service critical emergency contracting flexibilities to bypass unnecessary bureaucratic delays and speed up restoration work in the fire-affected areas.
Modeled after the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, the measure targets nearly 60,000 acres impacted by the wildfire in Northern Arizona.
“Page, Fredonia, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, and other impacted communities were dealt a setback due to the devastating White Sage Fire,” stated Rep. Crane. “In response, I’m honored to have introduced and passed an amendment to help pave the way to a full and timely recovery.”
Key provisions of Rep. Crane’s Amendment (Sec. 8409 – Kaibab National Forest Restoration):
- Authorizes the use of emergency acquisition flexibility under federal regulations to contract for forest management restoration activities, rebuilding, planning, design of structures, ground improvements, and other recovery efforts.
- Removes the need for a Presidential emergency or disaster declaration, allowing immediate action to support local communities.
- Requires robust transparency through detailed reports to Congress every 180 days on expenditures, expected costs, cost overruns, contractor performance, potential conflicts of interest, waste/fraud/abuse, and project timelines.
- Includes a 12-month extension option if new wildfires impact ongoing recovery, subject to congressional approval.
- Sunsets the authority five years after enactment or upon completion of recovery efforts, whichever comes first.
In addition to his own amendment, Rep Crane signed on as the sole cosponsor of an amendment led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) to eliminate provisions that shielded pesticide companies from accountability while preserving critical public health protections. The measure restores Americans’ right to hold these companies accountable in court when their products cause harm.
He also cosponsored an amendment introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) to reform evidence standards for compensating ranchers for livestock losses caused by Mexican wolves.
“I’m also grateful for the leadership of Representatives Gosar and Luna, who successfully passed provisions that assist our ranchers and help protect our food supply,” added Crane. “These results advance critical priorities for rural Arizonans, and I’m thankful for the positive outcomes.”
The amendments now move forward as part of the broader Farm Bill package.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | May 1, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) introduced Kayleigh’s Law, a landmark federal legislation designed to provide survivors of dangerous crimes with permanent, lifelong protection from their convicted abusers by requiring courts to issue no-contact injunctions that remain in effect for the rest of the offender’s life.
Named after Kayleigh Kozak, an Arizona mother and prominent victim advocate who was sexually abused as a child by her teacher, the bill aims to end the repeated “legal tug-of-war” that forces survivors to return to court multiple times to maintain basic safety protections against their predators.
Kayleigh’s Law would mandate that federal courts impose lifetime no-contact injunctions against individuals convicted of federal sex crimes and violent felonies when requested by the victim or the government at sentencing.
The legislation builds directly on successful state-level reforms. Kayleigh’s Law has been enacted in Arizona and Wisconsin since 2022, where it has provided critical relief to survivors. In its first year alone in Arizona, the law enabled over 1,000 victims to secure lifetime protective orders against their abusers.
“As a former prosecutor, I know how vulnerable victims can be, how determined their predators often are, and how judges can frequently fail victims of crime. That is why we must require federal courts to impose these lifetime injunctions when requested by the government or the victim during sentencing,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “I have seen what victims go through as the predator’s adjudication process plays out, and I know how important it is for the victim’s healing process to begin. That process cannot be interrupted by their predators simply because our courts fail to take crime seriously and fail to impose lifetime injunctions.”
Kayleigh Kozak, whose personal experience drove the creation of the original state law, emphasized the lifelong impact of sexual violence.
“The harm caused by sexual assault is not temporary. It is lifelong,” stated Kayleigh. “The protections for those who have been sexually violated should be lifelong too. No survivor should have to repeatedly return to court just to request the continuation of a protective order from the person who was convicted of sexually violating them. Kayleigh’s Law ensures no victim ever has to endure the nightmare of continuously justifying their need for safety. When I was a little girl, I could not protect myself from the teacher who sexually abused me at school – but I can fight now to protect myself, other innocent children, and every victim.”
Under the federal proposal, the lifetime injunction would prohibit all forms of direct or indirect contact with the victim and would remain enforceable even after the offender completes prison, probation, or supervised release.
Original cosponsors of Kayleigh’s Law include Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), David Joyce (OH-14), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Barry Moore (AL-01), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chris Smith (NJ-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Greg Steube (FL-17), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), David Taylor (OH-02), and Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (MP).
Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) stated, “Kayleigh’s Law originated in Arizona and will uplift thousands of victims of unspeakable crimes. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this commonsense legislation to ensure victims of dangerous crimes can obtain lifetime protections against their abusers. Survivors should not be faced with uncertainty about those who have harmed them. Kayleigh’s Law will close critical gaps in federal law by strengthening protections, enhancing enforcement, and ensuring lasting safety for victims.”
Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) added, “Victims of violent crime and sexual assault deserve to have permanent, basic safety protections without having to repeatedly face their attacker in court. The emotional and psychological toll of these legal proceedings is high. Kayleigh’s Law gives victims one less thing to worry about by removing the fear and dread of reliving these experiences. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Hamadeh’s bill to ensure these criminals hold no power over their victims.”
The bill mirrors key elements of Arizona Statute (A.R.S. 13-719), which applies to dangerous offenses, serious/violent felonies, and specific sex offenses under Chapters 14 and 35.1. Injunctions issued under the law are effective immediately upon sentencing and do not expire for the predator’s natural lifetime.
Kayleigh’s Law is being introduced during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, underscoring its focus on empowering survivors and closing critical gaps in federal protections for victims of sexual assault and violent crimes.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Apr 28, 2026 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
U.S. Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ02) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District following an awards ceremony held in Prescott.
The event took place at the Phippen Museum, where students, families, and educators gathered to recognize outstanding artwork submitted by high school students from across the district.
“The Congressional Art Competition offers our talented high school artists the opportunity to showcase their skills, and it’s an honor to play a role in the process,” Crane said in a statement. “On behalf of my team, I am deeply grateful to the Phippen Museum, our partners in higher education, and our professional judges for collaborating on this great tradition. We also appreciate the teachers who encouraged their students to participate, as well as everyone who came out to celebrate this occasion.”
The annual Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage and recognize artistic talent among high school students.
Crane presented scholarship awards to selected student artists during the ceremony, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, Northern Pioneer College, and Yavapai College, honoring their work and participation in the competition.
Winslow High School student Lindsey Cox earned first place and was awarded a scholarship to Northern Arizona University for her piece “Albert Camus and His Cat.” Her painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will be honored at an awards banquet in Washington, D.C.
Jazmin Hunt, a Mingus Union High School student, won second-place honors with her piece, “Cat Eye,” and was awarded a scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Sarah Meyer, a Prescott High School student, was awarded third place for her piece “Desert Nightlife,” along with a scholarship to Yavapai College.
Honorable mention went to Prescott High School student McKenzee Stapleton, who earned a scholarship to Grand Canyon University, and the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the public, went to Mingus Union High School student Isabel McKean.
The event was supported by staff and volunteers at the Phippen Museum, as well as local artists who assisted in reviewing submissions and selecting winning pieces.
The Congressional Art Competition is held each spring in congressional districts nationwide, with winning artwork typically displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year as part of a national exhibition.
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 | Apr 23, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) introduced a bill to impose a three-year moratorium on H-1B visas while major reforms occur in the program.
The bill introduced Wednesday, the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, proposes a laundry list of program reforms to include:
- Reducing the annual H-1B cap from 65,000 (not including the 20,000 for advanced degree holders) to 25,000;
- Eliminating existing exemptions;
- Replacing the lottery system with a wage-based selection system;
- Requiring employers to certify inability to source qualified American workers;
- Requiring employers to prove no layoffs occurred;
- Setting the minimum H-1B wage at $200,000 per year;
- Barring H-1B workers from holding multiple jobs;
- Prohibiting third-party staffing agencies from employing H-1B workers;
- Prohibiting H-1B workers from bringing dependents into the country;
- Prohibiting federal agencies from sponsoring or employing nonimmigrant workers;
- Ending Optional Practical Training (OPT);
- Prohibiting H-1B holders from adjusting status to permanent residency; and
- Requiring nonimmigrants to depart the U.S. before changing to another nonimmigrant status.
Crane called the H-1B Program a “flawed process” that needed years of work to restore fairness in employment.
“The federal government should work for hardworking citizens, not the profit margins of massive corporations. We owe it to the American people to prevent the broken H-1B system from boxing them out of jobs they are qualified to perform,” said Crane. “The End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 would provide greater access to employment, strengthen protocols in the visa process, and prioritize the livelihoods of Americans.”
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) signed on as an original cosponsor, along with Republican Reps. Brandon Gill (TX), Wesley Hunt (TX), Tom McClintock (CA), Keith Self (TX), and Andy Ogles (TN).
Gosar expressed discontent with a program as a cost-saving measure for businesses at the expense of American employment rates.
“The H-1B program has been hijacked to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor — plain and simple. This bill slams the brakes on a system that’s rigged against our own people and puts American jobs first again,” said Gosar. “If a company can hire an American, they should. No loopholes. No excuses. We’re done subsidizing the outsourcing of our own workforce.”
An overhaul of the H-1B Program has been a priority for President Donald Trump.
Last September, the president imposed a $100,000 entry fee for new H-1B visa recipients. However, this fee doesn’t apply to those residing in the U.S., meaning a vast majority of H-1B holders are exempt.
New data on lottery pool entries and entry fee payments reflected that the entry fee had minimal impact on reducing H-1B visas.
Last week, Financial Express reported that the lottery pool reduced by about 27 percent, from 470,300 to 345,000 entries — still far above the 85,000 cap on visas. Only 85 entry fees have been paid.
Attorney General Kris Mayes sued the Trump administration over the fee in December. Mayes cited the need for foreign labor to staff rural school districts and the semiconductor industry.
In December, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would be amending program regulations by replacing the random lottery for a weighted selection to prioritize skills and wages.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 17, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ02) to speed recovery efforts at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon passed the U.S. House of Representatives with unanimous, bipartisan support.
According to a statement released by Crane’s office, the House approved the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, which aims to accelerate rebuilding efforts following the Dragon Bravo Fire that damaged infrastructure and surrounding areas in 2025.
The bill, cosponsored by Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ05), Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ09), seeks to streamline the federal contracting process by granting the National Park Service (NPS) emergency contracting authority to expedite recovery projects.
“Five months ago, I introduced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 after listening to folks on the ground who were directly impacted by this devastating fire,” Crane said in a statement. “Whether speaking with small business owners, local officials, or park staff, it became clear that removing red tape and bureaucratic hurdles would benefit all stakeholders. Today’s unanimous vote sends a clear message that America refuses to abandon our iconic landmarks and storied communities. This timely response would not be possible without the leadership of Chairman Westerman, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and everyone else who helped build this blueprint. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to embrace our strong momentum and send this critical bill to the president’s desk.”
In a post to X, Crane wrote, “It’s time for the Senate to harness this strong bipartisan momentum.”
The Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked by a lightning strike in July 2025, destroyed more than 100 structures on the North Rim, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. The damage disrupted tourism and impacted park employees, local businesses, and nearby communities that rely on visitation to the park.
Crane introduced the legislation on October 9, 2025, after meeting with park officials, local leaders, and business owners about recovery efforts in northern Arizona.
According to the text of the legislation, the measure authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use federal emergency acquisition flexibilities when contracting for recovery work within the affected areas of Grand Canyon National Park. The authority would apply to forest restoration, infrastructure rebuilding, and other recovery improvements.
The bill also requires the National Park Service to provide Congress with a comprehensive report every 180 days detailing recovery progress and federal expenditures.
The legislation advanced through the House Committee on Natural Resources with unanimous support before receiving approval from the full House. Local officials have expressed support for the measure, including the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, which endorsed the legislation during the legislative process.
The North Rim Restoration Act now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
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.
