RIP Jesse Jackson

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), along with Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), expressed their condolences after news confirmed that civil rights activist and minister Jesse Jackson passed away at the age of 84.

Jackson's death was confirmed this week after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy... READ MORE

Senator Mark Kelly: Donald Trump is attacking the First Amendment at home and weakening America’s alliances abroad. We have to stop letting him get away with it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few months, it’s never back down to a bully.

Senator Ruben Gallego: Spent some time at the Phoenix Children’s Museum with Sydney and the kids. It’s such a great spot for kids to run around, get curious, and just be creative. I’m really proud of the work @Syd_Gallego does on the board to help keep this place thriving for Arizona families.

Representative Andy Biggs: I appreciate the continued vigilance of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police. Their actions deter crime and save lives.

Representative Paul Gosar: Yet, Democrats are more willing to shut down the government to shield violent illegal aliens than to stand with the victims and families whose lives have been destroyed by criminal activity.

Representative Eli Crane: Thank you to @POTUS and @SecVetAffairs for protecting veterans’ Second Amendment rights. With today’s announcement, the VA will no longer wrongfully refer veterans to the FBI’s NICS list, and those impacted will have their 2A rights restored.

Representative Juan Ciscomani: Great to be back at Mount Graham Regional Medical Center in Graham County. I appreciated the opportunity to tour the facility, see firsthand their Cath-Lab and meet with the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff who serve this community and rural Arizonans every day!

Representative David Schweikert: In about six and a half years the Social Security trust fund hits zero. It was never a vault. It is a pay-as-you-go promise with fewer workers under it every year. Pretending that math is optional is how you end up cutting the very seniors you claim to protect.

Representative Abe Hamadeh: In about six and a half years the Social Security trust fund hits zero. It was never a vault. It is a pay-as-you-go promise with fewer workers under it every year. Pretending that math is optional is how you end up cutting the very seniors you claim to protect.

Representative Yassamin Ansari: On my way to Ohio for the Oversight Committee’s deposition with Les Wexner—the man responsible for Epstein’s wealth. We’re going to follow the money, ask the hard questions, and keep pushing until the full truth about Epstein’s network is out in the open. I’ll keep you posted.

Representative Adelita Grijalva: Honored to join Ajo community members for the naming and dedication of a meeting room at the Ajo Business Support Center in memory of my dad, Congressman Raúl Grijalva.

Arizona Democrats Mourn the Death of Jesse Jackson— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich—

Democrats Issue Counteroffer on ICE Reforms Amid Funding Dispute— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— This week, Democrats sent a counterproposal on immigration enforcement reform to the White House and Republicans, the most recent offer in negotiations over how to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amid a partial government shutdown.

House Passes Steve Montenegro Bill Limiting Kris Mayes' Role in Law Enforcement— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-AZ) has introduced legislation that would remove Attorney General Kris Mayes' (D-AZ) office from legal decisions involving the state's top law enforcement agency, following remarks Mayes made about the use of force against police officers.

NAACP Asks Judge to Safeguard Against Data Misuse— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— The NAACP and other civil rights groups are requesting that a judge protect personal voter information that was obtained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from an election hub in Fulton County, Georgia.

Arizona Teacher Protest Mid-Class, Lawmakers Plan to Make That Illegal— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Two Arizona lawmakers are moving forward with legislation aimed at preventing teacher strikes and organized protests after a recent wave of coordinated sick-outs led to school closures across the state.

Iran Says Potential Energy, Mining, and Aircraft Opportunities Exist— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— Iran is pursuing a nuclear deal with the U.S. that will ensure economic benefits for both parties, according to an Iranian diplomat, as the US and Tehran are set to meet for their second round of talks in Switzerland.

Greg Stanton Pushes for Fair Colorado River Deal After Missed Deadline— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ) is urging swift action after states that depend on the Colorado River missed a key deadline to decide how to share its shrinking water supply.

David Schweikert Touts Competitive Edge Amid Karrin Taylor Robson's Departure from Governor's Race— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— The Republican race for Arizona governor is interchanging after businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson (R-AZ) dropped out, leaving Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) to battle for the nomination against current Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ).

Arizona Lawmakers Push for Major Changes at State Land Department— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona Republicans in both the House and Senate are moving to address long-standing problems at the Arizona State Land Department after years of concerns about how the agency operates.

Secretary Rubio Advances National Security Using U.S. Technology— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— The U.S. Department of State (DoS) announced on Feb. 16 that Secretary Marco Rubio’s National Security advancement in Central Europe through a Civil Nuclear Agreement.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres