by Alison Furno | Oct 31, 2025 | Opinion
By Alison Furno |
As an Arizonan, a small business owner, and a concerned citizen, I’m deeply troubled by how the Left’s government shutdown is hurting our communities. Every day Washington fails to act, hardworking Arizonans pay the price.
Military families at bases like Luke and Davis-Monthan, air traffic controllers keeping our skies safe, National Guard members protecting our borders, and countless small business owners are being forced to shoulder the consequences of political inaction—many continuing to serve without pay or any certainty about the future. Furloughed federal workers in Tucson and Phoenix are dipping into savings just to cover groceries, while delayed permits and contracts grind local projects to a halt.
I run two small businesses here in Arizona—a volleyball coaching company and a social media management brand—so I see firsthand how government shutdowns ripple through real lives. They slow things down, shake confidence, and make it harder for families and business owners to plan ahead. When federal payments stall, suppliers wait longer to get paid, employees across industries worry about their next paycheck, and everyday customers start cutting back. It’s working families, small businesses, and community builders who feel it most—while politicians argue over deadlines and programs they created themselves.
Let’s rewind to March 2021. President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan—a massive spending package sold as emergency relief. Hidden inside was an expansion of premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, increasing federal payouts to insurers and expanding who qualifies. These subsidies were supposed to be temporary bridges to help Americans get through the pandemic. Yet years later, some in Washington are treating them as untouchable—willing to shut down the government rather than let them expire.
These subsidies were never meant to be permanent, and they can’t be sustained responsibly. The Congressional Budget Office projected that making them permanent would add over $34 billion to the federal deficit in the next decade.
Even worse, these handouts have distorted the healthcare market. When the government guarantees bigger subsidies no matter the cost, insurers and providers raise prices—knowing taxpayers will cover the difference. Executives pocket bonuses, red tape piles up, and real healthcare workers get squeezed. What was supposed to make care “affordable” has instead insulated the system from competition and transparency, driving costs higher for everyone not lucky enough to qualify for the subsidies.
The hard truth is that the Affordable Care Act never lived up to its name. It drove up prices and created layers of bureaucracy. Now, temporary subsidies—originally sold as short-term relief—are being treated as permanent entitlements. Holding the government and everyday Americans hostage over these failed policies is simply wrong.
Senators Kelly and Gallego, you represent a state known for independence and common sense. The House has already passed a clean Continuing Resolution to fund the government and end this unnecessary pain. Support it. Reopen federal agencies. Let our military families breathe easier, our air traffic controllers get their paychecks, and our small businesses plan for the future without Washington’s chaos.
Arizona’s working people have carried enough. It’s time for our leaders to choose stability over subsidies, solutions over gridlock, and the Grand Canyon State over partisan games. End the shutdown now.
Alison Furno is an Arizona Resident, Small Business Owner, and Independent Women’s Network Phoenix Co-Leader.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 19, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Last week, Congressman Abe Hamadeh joined his fellow Republicans in passing the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a bipartisan vote of 231-196 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The landmark legislation delivers critical support for Arizona’s military communities, service members, and defense industry. Hamadeh’s vote reflects his commitment to strengthening national security and prioritizing the needs of his constituents in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
“I am proud of the work we have done on the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to support military families through a pay raise, restore America’s fighting forces, and secure our border,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “This legislation will get our service members what they need, when they need it, while supporting America’s manufacturers and workers.”
In a post to X, Hamadeh’s office wrote, “Congressman Hamadeh understands that Border Security is National Security, which is why he supports the FY26 NDAA to secure America’s borders. This means it fully funds the deployment of troops to the border and authorizes nearly $1 billion to combat drug traffickers.”
The FY26 NDAA, shaped through bipartisan collaboration, streamlines military procurement processes, delivering over $20 billion in savings while ensuring critical investments in Arizona’s military installations and defense innovation. Congressman Hamadeh’s leadership secured several key provisions that directly benefit Arizona’s service members, military bases, and defense industry.
Hamadeh’s office emphasized the key wins for Arizona in the FY26 NDAA. They highlighted two provisions impacting Luke Air Force Base in particular. The first is a provision requiring the Secretary of the Air Force to produce a detailed report on the operational impacts, workforce demands, and costs before any downgrade of leadership at major bases like Luke Air Force Base. This will ensure the base, a critical hub for training and operations, retains its one-star general leadership. The second provision addresses HVAC issues at the West Valley Air Force Base.
In broader moves for his district, Hamadeh worked with Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) to secure a provision eliminating burdensome regulations that required license holders to “babysit” machine guns during fitment and testing. This change will save Arizona’s defense industry, particularly in Congressional District 8, significant costs while boosting efficiency.
Hamadeh added additional provisions as well to invest in cutting-edge gyroscopes produced in Congressional District 8, enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellite imagery, fast-tracking the customization of jet engine production in Phoenix for use in collaborative combat aircraft, and increasing the acquisition of dump trucks for the Arizona Army National Guard.
Working in bipartisan cooperation alongside Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05) and Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Hamadeh also secured an order for three additional conversions of AH-64D to AH-64E Apache helicopters, saving jobs at Mesa’s remanufactured Apache production line, which had been at risk of shutting down. In collaboration with Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Hamadeh included a provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to report on suicide prevention resources under The Brandon Act, named after Congressional District 8 service member Brandon Caserta, who tragically died by suicide.
Hamadeh emphasized the collaborative nature of the NDAA, stating, “I am grateful to my colleagues for their bipartisan support of Arizona’s military installations and innovators.”
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 Ethan Faverino | Jul 21, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has delivered a landmark victory for Arizona’s military community, bases, and defense industry through the passage of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
During an intense 13-hour amendment process, Congressman Hamadeh delivered over 30 bipartisan provisions, securing critical investments and reforms for Arizona’s servicemembers, veterans, and defense sector.
“I am grateful to my fellow Arizonans and members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation for their input and support of these monumental achievements for our state. They range from investing in cutting edge technology for our warfighters, to preserving our rich military history, to making sure service members are not financially burdened when they want to bring family pets home from abroad,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “My constituents and American voices are being heard on the issues that these amendments address to make sure that we are spending the taxpayers’ money carefully and in a way that addresses the critical national defense and quality of life issues of today and tomorrow.”
Key wins for Arizona’s 8th District include:
- Suicide Prevention Oversight: mandates a Department of Defense report on suicide prevention resources under The Brandon Act, honoring AZ-08 servicemember Brandon Caserta, who was sadly, a victim of suicide. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Protecting Luke Airforce Base Leadership: This requires a report on the operational and cost impacts of downgrading leadership at Luke Airforce Base.
- Next-Generation Body Armor: Directs a report on innovative body armor development by Peoria based company, TYR Tactical, to counter advanced threats form adversaries like China and Russia.
- Improving Industry Regulations: Eliminates burdensome red tape for machine gun testing, benefiting AZ-08’s savings and national defense industry. Co-led with Rep. Ron Davis (D-NC).
- U.S.–Mexico Airspace Cooperation: Explores unprecedented collaboration with Mexico to enhance training capabilities at Luke Airforce Base, MCAS Yuma, and Ft. Huachuca while addressing border drone threats.
- Reliable Air Conditioning at Luke Airforce Base: Addresses critical HVAC failures to improve conditions for servicemembers, especially during the hot summers of Arizona.
- Submarine Air Recycling Innovation: Supports AZ-08 innovators developing cleaner, more reliable air recycling systems for submarines.
- Advanced Satellite Technology: Promotes AZ-08’s production of cutting-edge gyroscopes to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Statewide Impact for Arizona:
- Protecting Ft. Huachuca’s Electronic Proving Ground: Prevents 44% staff cuts with a required review before reductions are finalized. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Saving Mesa’s Apache Helicopter Jobs: Secures orders for three additional AH-64D to AH-64E conversions, preserving jobs. Co-led by with Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Greg Stanton (D-AZ).
- Preserving Aviation History: Frees five T-37 jets from Tucson’s boneyard for restoration by the Arizona Aviation Historical Group to promote STEM and recruitment. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Western Training Range Complex: Directs the Department of Defense to link Arizona bases for joining warfare simulations. Co-led with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
- Securing Ft. Huachuca’s Water Access: Ensures water availability for the base and surrounding communities against environmental lawfare.
- Improving Safety at Barry M. Goldwater Range: Distributes $1.1 million for network coverage to prevent accidents and curb smuggling.
- Commending Davis-Monthan’s New Special Operations Wing: Reinforces Congressional support for the new Air Force Special Operations Wing.
- Advancing Autonomous Robotics: Recognizes Arizona’s leadership in developing swarm-capable autonomous ground vehicles.
- Strengthening Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs: Requires a briefing on integrating units like Buckeye’s 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion into Army initiatives.
- Expanding Air National Guard Refueling Fleet: Raises the floor for refueling tankers, supporting Phoenix’s 161st Air Refueling Wing.
- Countering Cross-Border Tunnel Threats: Extends partnerships with Israel to address Arizona’s emerging tunnel threats.
- Standard Missile-6 Production: Supports Tucson’s missile production with a report and investment to reduce bottlenecks.
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft Propulsion: Fast-tracks jet engine production in Phoenix for autonomous aircraft.
- Increased Dump Truck Investment: Boosts acquisition of safer, reliable dump trucks for Arizona’s Army National Guard.
- Directed Energy Weapon Development: Sends demand signals for counter-drone directed energy weapons developed in Arizona.
- Regenerative Space-Based Solar Production: Requires a briefing on space solar manufacturing, where Tempe is the center of technology innovation.
- Irregular Warfare Consortium: Commends Arizona State University’s Department of Defense Irregular Warfare Center and requires a briefing on its long-term strategy.
- Addressing Missile Inventory Shortfalls: Applauds the Enterprise Test Vehicle program and directs a briefing on innovative air vehicle production processes.
National Security Advancements:
- Pets Are Family: Extends Fly America Act exemptions to allow Department of Defense personnel to travel with up to three pets on foreign airlines, aligning with State Department policies and supporting military families’ quality of life.
- Security Clearance Reform: Requires a report to address delays, improve transparency, and ensure a robust pipeline of cleared personnel to meet future defense needs.
- Global Threat Response: Authorizes a one-year extension of the counter-ISIS train and equip program in Iraq and Syria, reducing U.S. boots on the ground while preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State.
- High-Altitude Balloons and Platforms: Requires a report from the Secretary of Defense on current efforts and future potential of high-altitude platforms, ensuring the U.S. maintains a competitive edge in advanced surveillance capabilities.
- U.S. Leadership in Space-Based LiDAR: Directs the Air Force and Space Force to provide a briefing on strategies to sustain U.S. dominance in space-based LiDAR for high-resolution observation, targeting, and object identification, countering China’s advancements.
- Oversight on Military “Titling” Practices: Requires a review of unjust “titling” practices, recommendations to protect servicemember privacy from adverse consequences, and exploration of expungement and redress mechanisms. Coordinated with Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL).
Congressman Hamadeh’s unanimously passed amendments reflect collaboration with Arizona’s congressional delegation. He looks forward to partnering with Senate colleagues to deliver these provisions to President Donald Trump’s desk, advancing Peace Through Strength.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Jul 16, 2022 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Despite dedicating nearly two decades of his life to the military, one Phoenix man learned Wednesday that he may not receive the military benefits he’s earned, due to the COVID-19 vaccine and a Fox News interview. The fate of the man, an Air Force Master Sergeant named Nick Kupper, and thousands of other military members rests in the court system through ongoing cases like Doster v. Kendall.
Of well over 2.1 million American troops (over 1.3 million active duty and over 795,000 reserves), over 113,700 troops (5 percent) aren’t vaccinated. Nearly 269,000 troops (over 12 percent) are partially vaccinated, and 1.7 million troops (82 percent) are fully vaccinated. Of those who are partially vaccinated, only about 20,000 were granted temporary or permanent exemptions. However, it appears that those were exemptions in name only due to multiple reports that the exemption recipients were already scheduled to end their service.
Kupper appeared on Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s show, “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” last Thursday. He shared that several legislators were intervening in cases like his, but not enough to stop a forced mass military exodus that he warned would be detrimental for national security.
“After 19 years they’re going to throw everything away that I’ve worked for,” said Kupper. “This is not a problem to be solved for tomorrow, or the next day — this is a problem right now. You’re talking about over 10 percent of your military is looking to be canned right now. I mean, if I were China or if I were Russia, I’d be chomping at the bit right now.”
WATCH KUPPER’S TUCKER CARLSON INTERVIEW HERE
Kupper shared on Wednesday that he received his separation package for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine as well as a Department of Defense (DOD) letter of reprimand for appearing on Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s show. Kupper disclosed that the DOD accused him of aiding our enemies through his interview.
Kupper was relying on the retirement medical benefits to mitigate costs for his daughter’s disabilities.
However, the DOD determinations in Kupper’s case may not be set in stone. On Thursday, Ohio Southern District Court Judge Matthew McFarland issued an injunction preventing the Air Force from punishing those who sought a religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine. That impacts around 10,000 service members nationwide.
McFarland was appointed in 2019 by former President Donald Trump under the bipartisan recommendation of Ohio Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
The Air Force will have until July 21 to contend McFarland’s ruling. If unsuccessful, then the injunction becomes permanent.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by AZ Free News | Jun 7, 2021 | News
Soon the 425th Fighter Squadron, a Republic of Singapore air force F-16 Fighting Falcon training unit currently based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, will be calling Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas home.
The Department of the Air Force has selected Ebbing as the preferred location to establish an F-35 Lightning II training center for Foreign Military Sales participants.
This decision, according to the Air Force, comes after several U.S. ally and partner nations showed interest in conducting F-35 training at a U.S.-based F-35 training facility. Ramp and airspace capacity constraints at Luke AFB limit expansion.
The Ebbing training center will have capacity for up to 36 fighter aircraft.
“The F-35 program is a multi-service, multi-national effort that dramatically increases interoperability between the U.S. and other F-35 partner nations,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth in a press release. “We are fully committed to the F-35 as the cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s fighter fleet and look forward to building stronger relationships with nations who want to work by our side.”
Following this decision, the Department of the Air Force will conduct an environmental impact analysis to confirm Ebbing ANGB can support the new F-35 and F-16 missions.
The Department of the Air Force anticipates making the final basing decision in spring 2023.
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