The Week in Review 

Happy Friday!

I hope you had a wonderful week. I am grateful to serve you all in the 119th Congress. Read below to see what I’ve been working on this week.

Government Shutdown Resources and Guidance

Today is day 38 of the Schumer Shutdown—it’s officially the longest government shutdown in United States history. I voted YES on legislation to fund the government through November 21, 2025, which ultimately passed the House of Representatives, but Senate Democrats blocked this approach. As a result, we remain at an impasse until at least 60 Senators agree to advance a funding bill to the President's desk.

While many federal agencies will face disruptions during this period, my offices remain operational. If you are in need of assistance with casework, please call my Mesa district office at (480) 699-8239 or visit my website. My staff and I are here to help.

For your awareness, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and VA medical care will remain operational during the shutdown. Other agencies are actively coordinating their plans until spending resumes. For agency-specific details, visit each department’s .gov site (e.g. www.dhs.gov or www.va.gov). 

The programs listed below will remain operational, but the agencies in charge of them will see workforce shortages until the shutdown is resolved. This is not a full list, but an overview of key services:

• Medicare and Medicaid benefits
• Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
• VA medical care and benefits (some regional offices may close)
• Disability payments
• Mail delivery
• Federal law enforcement and military operations
• Federal employee retirement payments
• Air travel
• Student aid, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
• Visa and passport services (longer wait times are possible)

Information for Federal Employees:

For the foreseeable future, many federal employees will be furloughed. Others will be required to work but may experience a delay in their paycheck until a funding agreement is reached. All federal employees will receive back pay under federal law.

I have requested that my salary be withheld until Democrats open up the government. I’ll keep you posted.

Below are helpful links with more information:

• OPM Operating Status
• OPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance
• Thrift Savings Plan - Lapse in Appropriations

Again, my offices will continue to operate as usual for as long as this Democrat shutdown lasts. We will never stop working for the great people of Arizona’s Fighting Fifth Congressional District.

Leading Bipartisan Solution
for Tribal Cultural Parole Fees

I introduced the Tribal Parole Fee Relief Act, bipartisan legislation to create a narrow, two-year exception to the Department of Homeland Security’s parole fee for individuals entering the United States to participate in a sacred Tribal or religious ceremony, cultural exchange, or celebration.

This legislation was developed in close coordination with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the House Judiciary Committee, and other key stakeholders. The bill ensures that federally recognized Tribes with trust land along the Southwest border can continue vital cultural and religious practices while maintaining strong accountability measures.

Under the bill, eligible participants must pass a background check, present a written request from the sponsoring Tribe, and be enrolled in a cultural participant program. A reduced $200 fee will apply in place of the full DHS parole fee.

This legislation provides meaningful relief to Tribal members seeking to uphold their sacred traditions while ensuring the process remains secure, limited in scope, and accountable. I appreciate the collaboration of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and others who helped shape this solution.

The bill may be read here.

Letters and Legislation

Bills Sponsored:

• H.R. 5904 - Tribal Parole Fee Relief Act

Bills Cosponsored:

• H.Res. 858 - A resolution to impeach James Boasberg, US District Court Chief Judge for the District of Columbia
• H.R. 5890 - No Tax-Exemptions for Terror Act (Rep. Roy)

Letters Cosigned: 

• Letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committee Leadership Urging Inclusion of Provisions to Repeal 1991 and 2001 AUMFs in 2026 NDAA

Apply to Intern in My
Washington, D.C. or Mesa Office

I am excited to share that applications are open for spring internships in both my D.C. and district offices! If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about congressional work while aiding my team in a variety of tasks, please visit my intern portal to submit your application and review other important details.

Top Media Appearances of the Week

I joined Saturday Agenda with Rob Astorino to discuss the ongoing Schumer Shutdown. Click the image below to watch part of the segment:

I joined The Conservative Circus with James T. Harris to discuss President Trump’s request to abolish the filibuster. Click the image below to listen to the segment:

I joined Newsmax with Chris Salcedo to discuss Operation Arctic Frost and Congress’s responsibility to hold bad actors accountable. Click the image below to watch part of the segment:

Tweet of the Week

Constituent Services

Flags
Would you like to purchase a flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol? Flags flown over the Capitol include a certificate, which may be personalized for a particular person, event, or organization. Click here to learn more about purchasing a flag.

Please note that we will not be able to fulfill flag requests until government funding is approved.

Internships
If you or someone you know is interested in completing an internship in either my Mesa or Washington, D.C. office, they can apply directly on my website. 

Help With a Federal Agency 
If you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. For example, my office routinely helps constituents with issues involving the Veterans Administration, the IRS, the Social Security Administration, the State Department, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can learn more by visiting my website.

Click here to find out more information about my office’s services. 

Tours and Tickets

Interested in touring the White House or U.S. Capitol? As constituents of the Fifth Congressional District, you may request tickets and tours for various Washington D.C. destinations from my office. 

All tickets are provided to constituents on a first-come, first-served basis, so request tickets early.

Click here for more information.

Please note that Capitol and White House tours are not available during a lapse in appropriations. If you have a tour scheduled, my office will be in touch to reschedule for a new date.