AZ Senate Majority Leader Applauds Trump’s FDA Commissioner Confirmation

AZ Senate Majority Leader Applauds Trump’s FDA Commissioner Confirmation

by | Apr 3, 2025 | News

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp, who has spearheaded a raft of medically-related legislation, hailed the confirmation of the new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.

Along with expressing her approval of Makary, Shamp emphasized her commitment to her “Make Arizona Healthy Again” Agenda, complementing the national policy of “Make America Healthy Again” undertaken by the Trump administration.

In a press release, the Arizona Senate GOP explained that as a perioperative nurse, Shamp “witnessed firsthand instances of corruption within the healthcare system, big companies using influence to impact state agency operations, as well as negligent government actions and overreach leading to negative health consequences for Arizonans.”

Shamp said in a statement:

“It’s time to clean up public health in our country, and Dr. Makary is the right man for the job. I am so excited to see him as our new FDA Commissioner. As an experienced surgeon, Dr. Makary has a lifetime of exceptional service in the field of health and wellness. He will undoubtedly help President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. carry out their goals to make America healthy again.”

She continued, “Our food supply is full of toxins and carcinogens. Americans are incredibly overmedicated. I look forward to seeing his great work at the FDA to address these critical issues, and I am proud to support the MAHA movement with state legislation that is in lockstep with the goals of the Trump Administration to create a healthier society.”

As previously reported by AZ Free News, Shamp’s bill, SB 1586, is designed to create legal protections for children and teens who have been subjected to so-called ‘gender transition procedures,’ setting the ground work for potential medical malpractice litigation. Shamp also co-sponsored HB 2164, introduced by her Rep. Leo Biasiucci, to “ban ultra-processed foods containing harmful additives from being served in public school meals.”

In addition, Shamp has also introduced or co-sponsored several healthcare reform measures including: SB 1102, to prevent insurance companies from acting as the “middleman” from “unwarranted interference in the doctor-patient relationship,” which was signed into law last week; SB 1235, protecting the State of Arizona from potential anti-trust lawsuits by restructuring health regulatory boards; and HB 2165, which would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollees from purchasing soda with taxpayer funded SNAP benefits.

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.

Bill To Restrict SNAP Purchases Of Soda Winding Through Arizona Legislature

Bill To Restrict SNAP Purchases Of Soda Winding Through Arizona Legislature

by | Mar 26, 2025 | News

By Jonathan Eberle |

The Arizona State Senate is considering a bill that would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to purchase soda. House Bill 2165 (H.B. 2165) directs the state’s Department of Economic Security (DES) to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the restriction.

The measure, which has already passed in the Arizona House of Representatives by a vote of 32-27-1, would require the DES Director to request the waiver. If granted, the purchase of carbonated beverages containing more than one gram of added sugar or artificial sweeteners would be banned for SNAP recipients. If the waiver is denied, the bill mandates that Arizona reapply annually until it is approved.

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded initiative that assists low-income households in purchasing groceries. The program currently allows for the purchase of a variety of food products, including bread, meat, dairy, and infant formula, but excludes items such as alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, and non-food goods.

Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes healthier choices for low-income families and ensures that taxpayer-funded benefits are used for nutritious food. Critics, however, contend that the restriction unfairly targets SNAP recipients and could create logistical challenges in enforcing the ban.

The bill was assigned to the Senate’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee for further consideration. If passed and signed into law, the restriction would take effect following the USDA’s approval of the waiver.

The financial impact of the legislation is expected to be minimal, as no additional costs to the state’s General Fund have been identified. The debate over the bill is expected to continue as lawmakers weigh the balance between nutritional policy and personal choice.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.