Crane Rips GOP on USAID

Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) is criticizing fellow Republicans for failing to back his efforts to sharply cut funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), following renewed attention to the agency’s role in U.S. foreign aid.

Crane recently wrote on social media, “Sure wish my Republican colleagues would have helped my efforts to defund USAID in the 118th Congress.”

The congressman’s frustration traces back to 2023, when he joined an aggressive push to scale back or eliminate USAID. That year, Crane co‑sponsored legislation introduced by Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), H.R. 5108, which would have abolished USAID entirely, though the bill did not advance.

When that effort stalled, Crane supported deeper cuts through the appropriations process.

During consideration of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act in September 2023... READ MORE

Senator Mark Kelly: Trump thinks acting like Putin makes him look strong, but what he did in Venezuela has strategic implications he doesn’t understand. China could try to use it to justify going after Taiwan, or Russia could use it to justify escalation in Ukraine or even elsewhere. Trump doesn’t get that and it makes Americans and our allies and partners less safe.

Senator Ruben Gallego: Venezuela's freedom must come from the Venezuelans, not from the United States.

Representative Andy Biggs: The operation in Venezuela is a reminder that President Trump leads with resolve and will never hesitate to do what he thinks is best for American citizens. The criminal charges and indictments against illegitimate dictator Maduro form the legal basis for this law-enforcement operation with military protection. This action is within President Trump’s Article II executive authority. We have the strongest military in the world, and I’m thankful for our courageous service members’ safe return home. I look forward to continuing our work with President Trump and his team to enact the America First mandate voters delivered.

Representative Eli Crane: I think it’s safe to say that radical democrats and the legacy media were WRONG about Pete Hegseth. One year in, and it’s pretty clear that he’s really good at his job.

Representative David Schweikert: Nicholas Maduro was a dictator, a drug dealer, and a thug who needed to go. Thanks to our brave military, that has now happened. It is my hope that with the scourge of Maduro now removed, the Venezuelan people can choose a rightfully elected leader in a free and fair election.

Representative Greg Stanton: We need more Republicans in Congress to help reign in this president and re-establish the proper role of the U.S. Congress. This is not about partisanship; it’s about standing up for the Constitution, because the Constitution is worth fighting for.

Representative Yassamin Ansari: Trump is a madman. He’s done nothing-nothing-to make health care, housing, child care or utilities more affordable for Americans. And now “we’re in charge” of Venezuela? It doesn’t get more delusional or reckless than this.

Eli Crane Slams GOP Colleagues Over Previous USAID Legislation— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon—

US Captures Maduro in Surprise Military Strike, Ruben Gallego Speaks Against— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— American military forces launched a surprise attack on Caracas, Venezuela's capital city, ultimately capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Saturday morning. As of now, Maduro is aboard the USS Iwo Jima, heading to New York to face drug and weapons charges in federal court.

Healthcare Subsidies Expire, Greg Stanton Warns 400,000 Arizonans— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Hundreds of thousands of Arizonans are facing sharply higher health insurance costs in 2026 after enhanced federal subsidies expired on January 1, leaving families scrambling to afford coverage or consider dropping it altogether.

Katie Hobbs Takes Action to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) wants to keep workers safe during the state's scorching summers. She recently announced new recommendations from a special task force focused on preventing heat-related injuries and deaths on the job.

Maduro Says Venezuela is Open to Negotiate Agreement with U.S.— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Thursday that his government is open to talks with the United States to negotiate an agreement. The news comes after months of the U.S. military’s pressure campaign against ‘narco-terrorism’ tied to his government.

Trump Administration Rolls Back on Increased Tariffs Plans— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed a New Year’s Eve executive order delaying increased tariffs for a year on select items. The items include kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered furniture. The Trump administration has also rolled back levies on Italian-made pasta imports.

U.S. Military Confirms Five Killed in Alleged Narco Strikes— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— WASHINGTON – The U.S. military revealed Wednesday it struck five vessels over the course of two days. The military conducted the strikes on suspected narco-trafficking boats. The attacks killed a total of eight people, with some jumping overboard and possibly surviving.

Republicans Decry Minnesota Childcare Fraud Fiasco— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— A viral investigation into Minnesota's childcare assistance programs has drawn political attention, with Kari Lake, Senior Advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) calling for accountability, while Democratic lawmakers remain silent.

Juan Ciscomani Defends Trump's Cartel Policies— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— WASHINGTON– Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) addressed President Donald Trump's approach to targeting drug cartels in an exclusive interview with Cactus Politics, responding to criticism from House Democrats.

Juan Ciscomani Stresses Border Security Funding Ahead of Potential January 30th Shutdown— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— WASHINGTON– As Congress races against a January 30th deadline to keep the government funded, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) discussed federal border security spending and its impact on southern Arizona in an exclusive interview with Cactus Politics.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres