WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego reintroduced legislation to transfer federal land to Gila County, paving the way for the development of a veterans retreat and community center to serve the nearly 5,500 veterans living in Gila County.  The bill directs the U.S. Forest Service to transfer 232.9 acres of underutilized National Forest land near Young, Arizona to Gila County. Once transferred, the site will be transformed into a dedicated space for veterans and their families to gather, participate in community events, and access mobile VA clinics, expanding access to critical health care services for rural veterans.  “Having a place to gather

LAVEEN — Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Arizonans at Cesar Chavez Park for the 73rd Annual Laveen BBQ. “This is what being an Arizonan is all about – coming together with family and friends to celebrate the rich diversity our community offers,” said Senator Gallego. “Thank you to the Laveen Community Council for putting this valued event on year after year.” Since 1952, the 100% community-run event has brought residents, neighbors, and families together for a day of food, games, and live music while supporting local small businesses across the state.  

Legislation Would Invest $60 Billion to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Restore Watersheds, Protect Communities, and Reduce Wildfire Suppression Costs. WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined a bicameral group of colleagues in reintroducing the Protect the West Act to invest $60 billion to reduce wildfire risk, restore watersheds, and protect communities in forests across the West.   “In Arizona and across the West, we face a rapidly growing backlog of projects for wildfire mitigation, drought resilience, and land restoration,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to help introduce the Protect the West Act which will finally give states and tribes the tools they need to take on these projects, all while creating good-paying