Senator Gallego will push for amendments in budget package that will lower costs, help protect the border, and secure Arizona’s water future
WASHINGTON – Despite Republicans’ efforts to unilaterally give tax cuts to billionaires at the expense of Arizona families, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) will introduce 10 amendments to the Senate Republican-proposed budget resolution to strengthen national security, support working families, and address critical public health and environmental challenges.
These amendments put senators on the record for their commit to lowering costs, securing the border, safeguarding national security and protecting Arizona’s natural resources.
“The Senate should prioritize lowering costs for working families, securing our border, and protecting our communities. Instead, Republicans want to give tax cuts to Trump and his billionaire friends. Arizonans want cheaper groceries, the ability to buy a house, and a shot at the American dream. I’m introducing these amendments to make sure that their voices are heard in the Senate,” said Senator Gallego.
Senator Gallego’s amendments include provisions to:
Lower Costs for Working Families
Senator Gallego knows prices are too high for everything from eggs to housing, and he’s taking action to bring them down. He is leading the push to address avian flu and lower the price of eggs for hardworking Arizonans. He has called on the Trump Administration to mandate that chickens receive bird flu vaccines, which Mexico and parts of Europe have already done.
He has fought back against rising housing costs by calling out landlords who jack up rent on service members and urged the Federal Reserve to address how interest hikes affect make housing even more unaffordable for Arizonans struggling with rising housing costs.
He also pressed the Trump Administration over dismantling consumer protections which holds banks and credit card companies accountable for double-charging overdraft fees or stealing extra interest.
After gas prices in Phoenix jumped nearly 60 cents a gallon in just the past month, Senator Gallego urged the Trump Administration to take immediate action to lower costs for Arizonans.
Senator Gallego will continue fighting to lower the cost of living of everyday, hard-working Arizonans.
That’s why Senator Gallego will introduce amendments to:
- Point of order against legislation that would increase the cost of groceries for American families, including the cost of staples such as eggs and milk. Text
- Vaccinate the US chicken population against avian flu. Text
- Address the public health crisis of avian flu. Text
- Allocate more housing vouchers to fast-growing cities. Text
- Protect Medicaid expansion in states with trigger laws. Text
- Point of order against legislation that would increase energy costs for Americans, including monthly electricity bills, building materials, and transportation costs.
Secure the Border
Senator Gallego has plainly said that we have a crisis on our southern border, and that we need more border patrol, more customs agents, and more technology to check for fentanyl.
In just his first month in office, Senator Gallego cosponsored the Laken Riley Act, the HALT Fentanyl Act, the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act, the Stop Arming Cartels Act, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act, and the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act all to give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on down on traffickers, combat cartels and secure the southern border.
That’s why Senator Gallego will introduce amendments to:
- Prohibit the freezing or cancelling of funds or contracts for programs that combat cartels and illicit drug smuggling. Text
- Prioritize taking into custody noncitizens who have been convicted of a violent crime or pose a threat to public safety or national security. Text
Safeguard National Security
Senator Gallego is committed to keeping America strong and secure and protecting its standing around the world. He has made it clear that an American occupation of Gaza will fail in the Senate. At home, Senator Gallego spoke out against Trump’s threats to enter a trade war with Mexico.
A former Marine, Senator Gallego knows the importance of strengthening America’s global leadership. That’s why he will introduce amendments to:
- Ensure that US bases cannot be closed without 6-month notification. Text
Protect Arizona’s Natural Resources
Senator Gallego is fighting back against reckless cuts that threaten Arizona’s environment and water future. He called out Musk/Trump’s DOGE efforts to slash essential funds for the conservation of the Colorado River and efforts to roll back protections for Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.
He is committed to ensuring Arizona has the resources to secure its water for generations to come and protect communities from wildfires.
That’s why Senator Gallego will introduce amendments to:
- Ensure the distribution of funds for Colorado River water conservation projects. Text
- Improve wildland firefighter pay and benefits. Text
It’s not yet determined if Senator Gallego’s amendments will get floor votes as Senate leadership negotiates the final slate of amendments that will receive a vote.