WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) issued a statement following the passage of the most recent government funding package. It included $1,000,000 in Community Project Funding for the Tohono O’odham Nation Western Police & Fire Substation/Regional Emergency Operations Center. More information on the project can be found here.
“This federal funding will create a permanent base of operations and provide direct first responder services to the Nation’s western districts. I’m proud to support this investment that will expand critical infrastructure and emergency services for the Tohono O’odham Nation. Together, we’ll continue to build a healthier and safer community,” said Rep. Grijalva.
“Congressman Grijalva is a powerful advocate for border communities, and the Tohono O’odham Nation is grateful for his leadership in supporting funding for our Western Police & Fire Substation and Regional Emergency Operations Center. For too long, Tohono O’odham Police and Fire services have had to reroute over 100 miles to reach western communities on the Nation when roads are impacted by flooding and monsoon events. Once complete, this new facility will allow for direct emergency service to those communities, improving response times and saving lives,” said Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose.
This community investment follows $14.2 million in previously announced projects included in the first government funding package, more here.
In addition, House Democrats were successful in removing harmful extreme House Republican policies from the government funding package that attempted to criminalize abortion, slash efforts to fight climate change, and threaten our national security. The government funding package provides $650 million for the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which reimburses local governments and nonprofits that care for migrants after their release into the U.S. – a decrease from $800 million last fiscal year. Previous GOP proposals would have eliminated the SSP funding entirely.
Rep. Grijalva issued the following statement:
“Thanks to President Biden and Congressional Democrats, communities in Southern Arizona and non-governmental organizations that are on the frontlines will continue to receive much needed funding to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis at our Southern border. It’s clear that House Republicans want to further cut this critical program to cause chaos and exploit the humanitarian crisis for their political gain – it’s unconscionable,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I will continue to fight against cuts to this vital federal funding and advocate for Southern Arizona communities and organizations that offer assistance and temporary shelter to asylum seekers waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. As a nation, we cannot continue down a path where expanding private prisons, detaining more people, and increasing surveillance programs are part and parcel to how we operate. Long-term, we need real immigration reform that includes humane solutions, increases legal pathways, deals with root causes, and more resources and personnel to process the influx of migrants instead of Republicans’ detrimental funding cuts and failed enforcement-only policies.”
The legislation also includes over $400 million for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve the detection and seizure of fentanyl and other narcotics at ports of entry with installation of non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment. Rep. Grijalva previously urged Congressional appropriators to include this funding following reports that CBP lacked funding to install this critical equipment.
This legislation is expected to be taken up by the Senate today and signed into law by President Biden. A detailed summary of the bill is available here.