Rep. Grijalva Grills Trump and Republicans on the House Floor over the Iran War & Affordability Crisis

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Grijalva spoke on the House floor about the reckless war in Iran, which is exacerbating the affordability crisis here at home. $22.8 billion taxpayer dollars have already been spent on the war. This morning, reports surfaced that the Pentagon intends to request an additional $200 billion.

You can view her full remarks here.

I rise today on behalf of Southern Arizonans who are being squeezed to the brink—families who cannot keep up with rising healthcare costs, soaring gas prices, and a future that feels further and further out of reach.

Working families are struggling to get by. But instead of relief, they are being ignored—all while Trump and House Republicans continue to serve their billionaire friends and special interests.

Nearly 60% of families in this country are living paycheck to paycheck.

Yet there is always money for war, but never enough for the urgent needs of everyday people here at home.

The American people want healthcare, not warfare.

This war alone has cost us $22.8 billion. Think about that—$22.8 billion. That kind of investment could have provided Medicaid to over 6 million children, funded Head Start for 1.3 million families, canceled $20,000 in student debt for one million borrowers, or funded the ACA premium assistance that Republicans refused to extend.

These are the investments Southern Arizonans—and Americans across this country—want to see.

Working people are not interested in funding another endless war while they struggle to fill their gas tanks and pay their bills.

Instead of putting billionaires first, Congress should focus on policies that make people’s lives better.

It’s time to start putting the American people first.

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