Biggs on Drones

Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) chaired a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing on the malicious use of drones and other unmanned aircraft (UAs), where the witnesses said the United States is not prepared ahead of major events where drones can be a threat.

Rep. Biggs was the final member of Congress to ask questions, beginning with witness Sergeant Robert Dooley, who is the Statewide UAS / C‑UAS Coordinator within the Office of Emergency Operations, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

"Has a framework been established that clarifies indemnification and liability provisions for law enforcement interacting with drones, other than just general qualified immunity?" Rep. Biggs asked.

Sgt. Dooley said that while a law enforcement toolkit describing approved actions exists, no part of it deals with mitigation and detection... READ MORE

Senator Mark Kelly: Great meeting with Ambassader Yui about Taiwan’s partnership with Arizona’s semiconductor industry. The United States and Taiwan have a shared commitment to innovation, education, and democracy and together we’ll create good paying jobs and strengthen our shared economic and national security.

Senator Ruben Gallego: The decision to decertify Colombia comes after tireless work behind the scenes. Last month, Senator Bernie Moreno and I went on an official trip to Colombia to speak with members of government and business leaders in advance of this deadline. All things considered, the decertification with the one-year national interest waiver is a good compromise. I urge the Colombian government to use this opportunity to show how serious they are about cracking down on coca growth. I look forward to continuing working to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.

Representative Andy Biggs: The Left has dehumanized conservatives because of our political views. In doing so, they have made us all potential victims of atrocious acts.

Representative Eli Crane: Had a chance to sit down with the leadership of Page and Kayenta Unified School Districts today to discuss the importance of Impact Aid.

Representative Juan Ciscomani: PASSED: Two bipartisan bills I lead passed the House yesterday!   H.R. 3579 – Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act to improve oversight of this critical program H.R. 3951 – Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act to expand access to disability exams for rural vets   With nearly 80,000 veterans in AZ06, both bills reflect a simple commitment: EVERY veteran deserves the tools, care, and support they earned in service to our country.

Representative Abe Hamadeh: Congressman Hamadeh has family that comes from Syria, comes from Venezuela, places where political violence has become the norm. He refuses to let the United States of America head down that path. We need to make it clear to the left that political differences aren’t worth killing each other over. It’s going to take a new generation of leadership unafraid to speak their mind and work together to save the country we love.

Representative Greg Stanton: Horrible news. My thoughts are with Brenna Kulikowski and Damon Thompson's loved ones, and their colleagues at the Timber Mesa Fire District. Thank you to the firefighters who heroically put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Representative Yassamin Ansari: Today marks the third anniversary of the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman who was killed by the Islamic Republic's barbaric “morality police.” Her senseless death ignited the #WomanLifeFreedom movement, uniting millions of Iranians in the fight for freedom in Iran. As Phoenix Vice Mayor, I commissioned the Woman, Life, Freedom mural in Phoenix to honor Mahsa, as well as the courage and resilience of Iranian women. Now in Congress, I introduced a bipartisan measure to establish a U.S. Special Envoy for Women, Girls, and Human Rights in Iran. As the first Iranian-American Democrat elected to Congress, I will never stop fighting for the cause of freedom and democracy for the people of Iran.

Andy Biggs Chairs Hearing on Malicious Drone Use— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich—

Juan Ciscomani Introduces Bill Protecting Against Healthcare Premium Spikes— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) is introducing a bipartisan bill protecting small businesses, seniors, and families from healthcare premium spikes.

Thousands Gather at ASU to Honor Charlie Kirk in Growing Gen Z Conservative Movement— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona State University hosted a vigil this week to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was assassinated on September 10th. The event drew approximately 7,000 attendees to Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, demonstrating the significant impact Kirk had on young conservatives.

Fatal Accident Claims Two Arizona Firefighters— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Two firefighters with the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District died in a traffic collision while on duty over the weekend. The third person also involved in the accident on State Route 260 near Show Low has also passed away.

Tom Horne Introduces Apprenticeship Initiative to Address Teacher Shortage— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona's education chief, Tom Horne, has initiated a new program aimed at addressing the state's teacher shortage. The program operates as an apprenticeship, where individuals earn a salary while gaining practical experience to become teachers.

Memphis Receives Federal Crime-Fighting Task Force Under Trump— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— President Donald Trump announced the formation of a federal task force to address crime in Memphis, Tennessee, making it the second city to receive federal intervention following Washington, D.C.

Ruben Gallego Demands Trump Administration Adequately Protect Federal Firefighters— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spearheaded a recent letter to several Trump Administration figures demanding they ensure that federal firefighters are adequately protected from smoke inhalation and other health hazards.

Abe Hamadeh Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Abraham Accords— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) celebrated the 5th anniversary of the Abraham Accords this week, sharing that "five years on, and on the verge of a historic expansion, we celebrate this singular diplomatic achievement."

Governor Hobbs Accelerates Energy Development and Lower Costs for Arizonans— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Over the weekend, Katie Hobbs signed an executive order  aimed at expanding Arizona's energy capacity and reducing costs for residents and businesses as Arizona faces rapidly growing demand.

Biggs Reintroduces Bill to Eliminate Federal Education Standards and Expand School Choice— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona Representative Andy Biggs has introduced new legislation that would change how the federal government handles education funding and oversight. H.R.83 would reduce federal control over schools and give parents more choices about their children's education.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres