Latest news with #AndyBiggs
Fox News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Fox News
SCOOP: Fiscal hawks fire warning shot at Senate GOP for pushing changes to Trump's $9.4B spending cuts bill
FIRST ON FOX: A group of House conservatives is warning the Senate to leave President Donald Trump's rescissions package intact as the deadline to consider the spending cuts looms large. Republicans have until the end of Friday to deal with the bill, the legislative version of the White House's request to claw back roughly $9.4 billion in funds already allocated by Congress. Senate Republicans have signaled the bill could change somewhat, however, after passing the House last month. "In order to facilitate President Trump's voter mandate, the Senate must pass the entire $9.4 billion of spending cuts in the rescission bill. Weakening any of these provisions would undermine both his leadership and the discipline our budget urgently demands," the letter said. "This week, the Senate has a chance to prove its commitment to the voters by passing the long-overdue cuts targeting wasteful, ideologically driven spending programs that have no place in a responsible budget." The letter is being led by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., a former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, and signed by 14 other Republican lawmakers. The bill that passed the House in mid-June would rescind $1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which doles out federal funding to NPR and PBS. The remaining $8.4 billion targets the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The cuts are part of some $190 billion that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formerly led by Elon Musk, identified as part of its mission to slash government waste. Trump allies are viewing it as a test run of sorts for what kind of spending cuts Congress' perilously slim GOP majorities can stomach. It barely passed the House in a 214 to 212 vote, with four House Republicans voting against it over various concerns, including the impact to local public news stations and funding for HIV/AIDS research in Africa, known as PEPFAR. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, told reporters last week the bill "needs some significant changes." "For example, I want to strike the rescission of funds for PEPFAR, which has an enormous record of success, having seen some 26 million lives over the course of the program," Collins said. "I can't imagine why we would want to terminate that program or the maternal and child health program, which is aimed at providing malnourished pregnant women with important vitamins that they need to deliver healthy babies." Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., meanwhile, said he was "looking at radio stations in some of the rural areas that do a lot of emergency services" when discussing what changes he'd want in the bill. Biggs' letter warned, "This rescission package just scratches the surface. The Left will howl, but this package only trims around the edges of a bloated federal spending apparatus. If Congress can't even support modest clawbacks, fiscal doom isn't speculative, it's inevitable." "President Trump has made it clear: Wasteful, unnecessary, or ideologically driven programs and spending must go. The House acted on this mandate. Now, the Senate must do the same. The House—and more importantly, the American people—will be watching," the lawmakers wrote. "This is a defining moment. Will the Senate stand firm, reject pressure to preserve the status quo, and reaffirm its commitment to leadership and fiscal responsibility? The answer will shape both the future of President Trump's presidency and the direction of our nation. Respect the President's plan. Preserve the cuts passed by the House." The rescissions process allows the president to request Congress block some of the discretionary funds it appropriates every fiscal year. A rescissions package must pass the House and Senate within 45 days of introduction to allow those funds to remain blocked, otherwise they must be released. However, the process also gives the party in power a fast track by lowering the Senate's threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51. House and Senate Republicans are both still dealing with razor-thin majorities of three votes each with full attendance, however, meaning any such vote is almost guaranteed to be close. Fox News Digital reached out to Senate Majority Leader John Thune's office for a response but did not immediately hear back.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump's big bill made it easy for Arizona congressmen to stick it to voters
Here's how we absolutely, positively know that Arizona Republican U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs, David Schweikert, Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, Abe Hamadeh and Juan Ciscomani sold out every person who voted for them and betrayed rural counties when they supported Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act: It is because the worst elements of the legislation — and there are a lot — won't kick into until after the 2026 midterms. Trump's toadies from Arizona were more than happy to shrivel under the thumb of Dear Leader and vote for the bill, knowing that he had provided them cover until after their next reelection campaigns. The billionaires will get their tax breaks right way, but the big pain to states like Arizona won't happen until after November 2026. Of course, by then the congressmembers who supported the bill will expect to have been reelected and can start laying out promises (that they won't keep) for 2028. In the meantime, Arizona will be one of the three hardest hit states when the $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid start taking effect. That's because Arizona is one of the few states with a so-called 'trigger law.' In our case, the state would automatically repeal our Medicaid expansion program if federal funding drops below 80%. According to KFF, formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 2.1 million people are enrolled in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS. That includes 754,600 children, 194,040 seniors and 172,480 people with disabilities. Under Trump's bill (approved by Republicans only) hundreds of thousands of those Arizonans could lose health care coverage. Seniors. Children. People with life-threatening conditions. Apparently, our GOP representatives in Washington are much more interested in saving their professional lives than in saving the actual lives of Arizonans. Their fealty is to Trump and Trump only. Opinion: Trump shows charity to none, malice to all And because Trump wanted to make sure that the wealthiest 1% got their massive tax cuts, our representatives wanted to make sure that the wealthiest 1% got their massive tax cuts — a total $117 billion in 2026 alone. After all, whom do you think finances political campaigns? Among other things, the massive Medicaid cuts are expected to cause numerous rural health care facilities around the country to close. That means even people with health care will have nowhere to get help. Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton said of his Republican colleagues, 'They're going to regret this vote. Not just politically, but on a moral level.' I doubt that. The Trump toadies are covered, politically, until after the next election. And to regret what they did on a 'moral level' they would need to have … well, morals. Reach Montini at Like this column? Get more opinions in your email inbox by signing up for our free opinions newsletter, which publishes Monday through Friday. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Big beautiful bill destroys Arizona Medicaid. GOP won't pay | Opinion
Fox News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Rep. Andy Biggs: Arizona Is Doing So Much Better Thanks To The Trump Administration's Border Crackdown
Arizona Republican Congressman Andy Biggs joins Fox Across America With guest host Rich Zeoli to shed light on how the Trump administration's clear strategy to curb illegal immigration is already having a significant impact on his state. 'They didn't release anybody. The federal government, the CBP, they didn't really anybody into the United States last month. Not one, not one person. And we have communities that saw literally millions of people pour through those communities during the Biden administration. And this, by the way, this particular governor didn't speak out, didn't do anything to help us. In fact, she got rid of, you know, cargo container barriers that had been put up. She got rid the border security task force. She got rid of all that. Total disaster. And the reality is, though, where we still have an issue is we do have places where there's no border fencing, no border wall, and they're conduits for human and drug trafficking. And so we see the evidence of that still, not nearly to the extent that we did when Joe Biden was president, and it's significantly better. But we really, my position as a guy who's lived in Arizona, you know, native of Arizona. I want that to stop. I don't want any of that trafficking coming through our state. Child, human, sex, drug, none of that trafficking do I want coming through our state.' Rep. Biggs Discusses The 'Big, Beautiful Bill' To hear what else they talked about, listen to the podcast!
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arizona's GOP delegation chose tax breaks for billionaires over clean energy jobs and public health
Photo by iStock / Getty Images Plus As a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience serving vulnerable communities across Arizona — in school clinics, long-term care facilities, and public health programs — I've dedicated my career to helping people live healthier, safer lives. I've worked with families struggling to find affordable care, seniors battling chronic health conditions, and children suffering from asthma worsened by air pollution. That's why I was deeply disappointed to see Arizona's Republican delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives vote in favor of what President Donald Trump is calling a 'big, beautiful bill.' There's nothing beautiful about it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This bill would add $3.8 trillion to the national debt in order to give massive tax breaks to billionaires — at the direct expense of hardworking Arizonans. Reps. Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani, Eli Crane, Paul Gosar and Abe Hamadeh shamefully supported this reckless plan, which guts essential programs that keep people healthy and safe. (Rep. David Schweikert slept through the vote, but said he would have backed it.) That includes slashing Medicaid and food assistance that countless Arizona families rely on. It also repeals clean energy investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These programs are creating jobs, improving air quality, helping combat Arizona's extreme heat and lowering energy costs for our communities. In just two years, the IRA has created nearly 19,000 clean energy jobs and generated $12.75 billion in investment for Arizona. These are real, tangible opportunities, especially in rural and underserved areas, where job growth and energy affordability are most needed. Rolling back these investments would halt progress, increase electricity bills, and eliminate job opportunities in Arizona's growing clean energy sector. This is particularly dangerous in a state like ours, where the climate impacts are not some distant threat, but our day-to-day reality. Arizona just experienced one of the hottest years on record, and extreme heat is now a leading cause of weather-related deaths. Seniors are especially vulnerable, and many already struggle to pay rising utility bills. Repealing clean energy incentives would worsen those burdens, put lives at risk, and raise energy costs by nearly $400 per household. Our summers are growing longer and hotter, and Arizona is home to some of the fastest-warming cities in the country. Heat-related illnesses have been increasing in tandem with these extreme events. This kind of heat can cause a range of serious health issues, from dehydration and exhaustion to life-threatening conditions like heatstroke. It also worsens chronic illnesses like heart and lung disease, which are common among older adults. Rising temperatures have also been linked to increased mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and even suicide. As extreme heat events become more frequent, health leaders and policymakers must take action now to protect both physical and mental well-being through informed, climate-resilient strategies. These clean energy investments are also key in reducing utility bills by making homes more energy-efficient and expanding access to affordable, clean energy. Through rebates, tax credits, and incentives for home upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels, the IRA empowers families — especially those in low-income and historically underserved communities — to reduce their energy consumption and save money each month. As climate-driven extreme heat becomes more frequent and severe, adopting stronger building codes and fully implementing IRA programs are essential to building resilience, protecting vulnerable communities, and easing financial burdens for those most at risk After a lifetime of work, our elders deserve dignity, not heatstroke and financial insecurity. As older adults, we also have a responsibility to protect future generations. Our choices today will determine whether our grandchildren inherit livable communities or face even more deadly heatwaves and health crises. Arizona's decision-makers should be fighting for policies that protect public health, economic security and our environment, not handing out tax breaks to billionaires while our communities suffer. The 'big, beautiful bill' does exactly the opposite. It's an attack on the people I've spent my life caring for — families, seniors, and those most vulnerable to both economic and environmental injustice. We deserve better. Arizona deserves leaders who will put people over profits and prioritize a healthier, more just future for all. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GOP ad war kicks off in heated battleground state primary: 'We've barely just begun'
EXCLUSIVE: The campaign advertising war has already kicked off in the Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary – over a year away from the August 2026 election. Turning Point PAC announced on Tuesday that they're launching a $500,000 media buy across platforms in support of Rep. Andy Biggs on "strategic cable, over-the-top, radio, and direct-to-voter placements" targeting Arizona voters. The ads will begin Tuesday and will air for the next 3.5 weeks. The ads will air on Fox News' local designated market area slots, conservative talk radio and streaming services in addition to targeted digital ads. "Andy Biggs was the best Senate President Arizona has had in decades and he has been President Trump's most reliable friend in Congress. He is Trump-endorsed, Charlie Kirk endorsed, and Turning Point Action endorsed," Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action and Turning Point PAC, said in a statement on Wednesday. "His campaign momentum is already building at an incredible clip and we've barely just begun. The media buy combined with Biggs's impressive earned media exposure shows how enthusiastic the grassroots is to make Andy Biggs the next governor of Arizona," he added. Trump Backs Republican Rivals In Arizona Governor's Race After Rep. Biggs Enters Contest: 'I Had A Problem' The effort's announcement comes as the group held a rally in support of Biggs over the weekend in the Phoenix area. Read On The Fox News App "To see a room packed with thousands of Biggs supporters this far out from the primary was truly historic, and it's proof of the grassroots energy that is already gathering behind his campaign," TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk said in a statement. The organization is headquartered in Arizona. "There isn't a world in which voters will not be aware of Andy Biggs being on the ballot, and the more who find out, the more his double-digit lead over all other competitors will grow. Andy Biggs is ready to bring a President Trump and Ron DeSantis level of leadership and competency to governing Arizona, and Turning Point is proud to get behind his campaign," Kirk continued. Conservative Group Debuts Major Ad Buy In Key Senators' States As 'Soft Appeal' For Hegseth, Gabbard, Patel In the primary, Biggs is running against Karrin Taylor Robson, a businesswoman and former Arizona Board of Regents member who sought the nomination in 2022 but lost to Kari Lake. A Taylor Robson ally said that she has been spending that amount of money weekly "talking to voters across all platforms." Her campaign recently touted a "multi-million dollar" ad buy with a commercial touting Trump's endorsement in April. "I'm proud and honored that President Trump has reaffirmed his endorsement of our campaign," Taylor Robson said in a statement at the time. "It's time that we take our message of America and Arizona First leadership to voters across Arizona. Katie Hobbs has been a disaster and has tried to stand in President Trump's way. As Governor, I will work with President Trump to build a stronger border, a stronger economy, and a stronger and safer Arizona." The Taylor Robson ally added that Turning Point's decision to spend on advertisements this early affirms that it's a competitive primary race. Rep. Andy Biggs Eyes Run For Arizona Governor, Says He Understands 'What The State Needs To Thrive' President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that he is backing both Biggs and Taylor Robson for governor, as whoever wins the primary will go up against Gov. Katie Hobbs in what's expected to be a highly competitive general election. "I like Karrin Taylor Robson of Arizona a lot, and when she asked me to Endorse her, with nobody else running, I Endorsed her, and was happy to do so," Trump said in a Truth Social post in April. "When Andy Biggs decided to run for Governor, quite unexpectedly, I had a problem — Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my Great Honor TO GIVE MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT TO BOTH. Either one will never let you down. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" the president added. The advertising push this early is a testament to the Grand Canyon State's competitiveness, as it was one of the most widely watched swing states in November, which Trump ended up sweeping. Cook Political Report currently ranks the governor's race as a article source: GOP ad war kicks off in heated battleground state primary: 'We've barely just begun'
