Press Releases
Gallego, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Trump Administration Reverse Cuts to the Phoenix VA
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Gallego (D-AZ) joined members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation in writing to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to demand that the administration reverse their proposed staffing and benefits cuts to the VA. The letter was also signed by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03). “We write with concern about reports that the Veterans Affairs (VA) Phoenix Health Care System plans to lay off 15% of its staff—around 800 employees—including providers and support staff as part of VA’s planned reduction in force,” the lawmakers write. “This will lead to delays in care that will hurt Arizona veterans and erode
Gallego, Cramer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Home Appraisal Process
WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced the bipartisan Appraisal Industry Improvement Act to address the nationwide shortage of licensed home appraisers and improve access to housing in rural and tribal communities in Arizona. “Appraisals are a critical part of the home buying and selling process, but right now a shortage of licensed appraisers is delaying home purchases and raising costs for Arizonans, particularly in rural and tribal areas,” said Senator Gallego. “As I work to ensure the dream of homeownership is within reach for every hardworking family, I’m proud to help introduce this commonsense, bipartisan bill to boost the appraisals workforce and improve service to underserved
Gallego Statement on Secretary Collins’ SVAC Appearance
WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement on VA Secretary Doug Collins’ first appearance in front of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee since his confirmation hearing: “Veterans in Arizona and across the country are watching this Administration dismantle the VA they rely on, and they’re terrified. Today I heard Secretary Collins say he’s prioritizing veterans, but under his leadership, providers at the Phoenix VA are being fired, veterans are losing access to care, and suicide prevention programs are at risk. “The Trump Administration told the Phoenix VA Medical Center to identify 15% of their staff for layoffs. The idea that you can cut