WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Border Patrol Recruitment Enhancement Act to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hire qualified agents and officers faster and address its persistent staffing shortage. The bill would allow CBP to waive the polygraph requirement for certain pre-vetted applicants who currently serve or have served in law enforcement or the military. “CBP is stretched thin, and the hiring system is part of the problem. We’re losing qualified applicants to red tape and delays,” said Senator Gallego. “If you’ve already served in the military or law enforcement, we shouldn’t be making you jump through unnecessary hoops just to serve your country again. I’m

Seventeen Arizona students landed at Sky Harbor International Airport this morning after the Senators pushed officials for their safe and expedited departure from Israel PHOENIX – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced the successful and safe return of 33 American students, including 17 from Arizona, who were evacuated from Israel amidst the recent conflict with Iran. The offices of Senators Gallego and Kelly worked closely with U.S. officials and the families to get them safely back to American soil.   “No parent should have to endure the fear and uncertainty of having their child caught in a conflict zone,” said Senator Gallego. “My office worked around the clock,

WASHINGTON – As antisemitic incidents continue to rise across the United States,Senator Gallego (D-AZ) backed two pieces of legislation to combat this growing trend and support Jewish communities. “Right now, Jewish communities across the country are facing real threats. Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have skyrocketed in recent years, and they’re becoming deadlier. That’s why I’m supporting this legislation to condemn this violence and make it clear that antisemitism has no place in Arizona, in our country, or anywhere in the world,” said Senator Gallego.   The Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act would strengthen Holocaust education at public schools and increase awareness of Holocaust educational resources available