Recent Columns

Franks in the News -- Week of 5/6/12

Fri, 11 May 2012 20:11:32 +0000

D.C. Lawmakers Protect Wildlife, Ignore Unborn Babies

Doesn’t human life, especially at its most vulnerable, deserve the same protection if not more than the life of a raccoon or a skunk? I would wager to say the average person would answer yes, but the Council of the District of Columbia, and the District’s non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, have a different response.

US, UK governments to meet to discuss electromagnetic threats to grid

Franks is author of the Secure High-Voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage Act, or SHIELD ACT, which would authorize FERC without notice to order emergency measures to protect the reliability of either the bulk-power system or the defense-critical electric infrastructure whenever the president issues a written directive or determination identifying an imminent grid security threat.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona Honored with Goodwill® Advocacy Leader Award The Flagstaff Goodwill has had several local representatives tour its operations, including Rep. Paul Gosar (R-1) and Rep. Trent Franks (R-2). Gosar was the keynote speaker for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Safeway training center, a mini Safeway located within the walls of the Goodwill headquarters. Franks toured a job connection, one-stop training center, which is an inclusive center for people seeking education, career and job training help, including resume and interview preparation assistance.

Hearing for D.C. Abortion Bill Set for Next Week

A House Judiciary Committee panel will hold a hearing next week on a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks in the District of Columbia.

Six congressmen push appropriators to fund MEADS

The April 20 letter surfaced the same week that the House will consider a bill that would shut down funding for the Medium Extended Air Defense Systems, known as MEADS, which is being developed by Lockheed Martin Corp. with funding from the U.S., Germany and Italy.

House pushes Obama administration to consider tactical nukes in South Korea

Frustration with North Korea's ongoing nuclear weapons and missile programs has pushed Congress to reopen the debate in Washington over whether the United States should reintroduce tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea.

House OKs spending bill — first of the year

Republicans voting against the bill were Reps. Justin Amash (Mich.), Paul Broun (Ga.), John Campbell (Calif.), John Duncan (Tenn.), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Trent Franks (Ariz.), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.), and Tom McClintock (Calif.).

Africa: Members of Congress Champion Efforts to Prevent and Treat HIV

Washington, D.C. — In advance of Mother's Day, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) and mothers2mothers (m2m) today welcomed the announcement of a House resolution reaffirming U.S. leadership in efforts to achieve an HIV-free generation.

Congress' end to earmarks changes Ariz. lobbying efforts

Phoenix received more than $1 billion in federal funds for the current fiscal year for a spectrum of federal programs, most of which provide social services for low-income residents.

Franks in the News -- Week of 4/29/12

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:30:43 +0000

Nevada, Arizona lawmakers tout Interstate 11

WASHINGTON - Nevada and Arizona lawmakers are pressing Congress to designate an interstate highway link between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Arizona, Nevada seek interstate designation for 'Canamex Corridor'

According to the Canamex Corridor Coalition’s website, the corridor extends from Nogales, AZ, to Phoenix, northwest to Las Vegas, picking up I-15 to Salt Lake City, through Idaho Falls, ID, and through Montana to the border with Alberta, Canada.

Gosar to lead Fast and Furious ‘special order’ on House floor next week, demands Democrats support justice for Brian Terry A Gosar spokesperson told TheDC that other House members who have confirmed they’ll participate in the special order include Arizona Rep. Trent Franks, Texas Rep. Bill Flores, Georgia Rep. Lynn Westmoreland and Mississippi Rep. Alan Nunnelee.

Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Marks 25th Anniversary of Memorial Day Demonstration Events With Parents of Afghanistan POW Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl May 25-27, 2012, in Washington, D.C.

D.C. Lawmakers Protect Wildlife, Ignore Unborn Babies

Franks in the News -- Week of 4/22/12

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:13:08 +0000

California and Its Gender-selective Abortions

Gen. Dempsey: US in for 'wild ride' in the Middle East over the next decade

FBI implements Obama's politically correct counterterrorism training

Shifting guidelines prompt calls for ROE reform

Advocates seek constitutional amendment on crime victims’ rights

Eighty-one Republican members of Congress, including Arizona Rep. Trent Franks, Rep. Lamar Smith (Texas) and Rep. Steve King (Iowa), have filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the Arizona law and calling Obama’s argument that it pre-empts federal law “without merit.” Almost 70 Democratic members have filed another brief arguing just the opposite.

Tribute for Survivors of Crime

Pro-Lifers Won't Let D.C. Get Clean Budget Autonomy Bill

Advocates seek constitutional amendment on crime victims' rights

Arizona law already has similar provisions, dubbed the Victims' Bill of Rights, but Montgomery said a federal constitutional amendment would change the way crime victims are treated nationally.

U.S. Must Join Other Nations Banning Sex-Selection Abortion

Often the only exception is for sex-linked genetic disorders. These countries have said loud and clear that choosing which children get to live and which ones are slated to die based simply on their gender is an evil their society will not tolerate.

Race and Sex Based Discrimination Illegal … Except for Abortion

Federal law and 92 percent of states’ laws allow abortions to be committed even if it is just because of an unborn baby’s race or sex.

ACLJ Optimistic Supreme Court Will Uphold Arizona Immigration Law

The brief argues the appeals court decision "sets up an untenable conflict between Congressional immigration policy and Administrative 'priorities' that the separation of powers doctrine requires the Administration to lose."

Conference “US-Azerbaijan Relations: Vision for Future” held in Washington

Congressman from Arizona Trent Franks widely spoke about the US-Azerbaijan security cooperation.

Ben Quayle Defends Internet Security Bill Known as "CISPA," but Promises Amendment Proposal Over Privacy Concerns

Pro-Abortion Congressman Fails Abortion 1001

What is CIANA? It is a modest attempt to deal with the truth that not all states require notification of or consent from at least one parent, or authorization from a court, prior to performance of an abortion on a minor.

Azerbaijani-US conference held in Washington - PHOTOS

Franks in the News -- Week of 4/15/12

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:33:14 +0000

Political Sparring Stalls House Judiciary Markup

At issue was a reconciliation submission, to the Committee on the Budget, of the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011.

Japanese soldiers to receive recognition for their service

Due to their increasing age, many of the Japanese Americans veterans who served in these units were unable to attend the CGM ceremony in Washington D.C. Therefore, Arizona Japanese American veterans who served in the 100th, 442nd or MIS will be presented locally with their CGMs.

Doc's 'Gender Selection' Ad Raises Ethical Debate

A doctor in Washington state is advertising that he can deliver dreams to expectant parents through gender selection...

Franks in the News -- Week of 4/8/12

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:18:33 +0000

Inaugural launch held for Operation American Patriot

Since its inception in September 2011, Operation American Patriot has assisted more than 500 veterans and organized several training seminars for the law enforcement agencies in the Valley.

Arizona to have turnover on Capitol Hill

Sex-Selection Abortion Used in US, Already Skewing Gender Ratio

Turnover is likely Arizona election outcome

Why Islamophobia Must Fail - The Case of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Rep. Trent Franks, Rep. John Shadegg and Rep. Paul Broun: supporters of the CAIR congressional investigation.

Arizona Right to Life Backs Jeff Flake for Senate Seat

Congressman Flake recently co-sponsored Congressman Trent Franks’ (AZ-02) bill, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 3803), which recognizes the pain that unborn humans feel at 20 weeks gestation and beyond.

Meet Congress's Kate Middleton

But when it comes to having the same name as the duchess of Cambridge, Capitol Hill’s own Kate Middleton — who serves as press secretary for Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) — seems to be a pretty good sport.

Christian Massacres: A Result of U.S. Foreign Policy

Flights to Nowhere Cost Taxpayers over $6 Million a Year in Arizona

Franks in the News -- Week of 4/1/12

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:55:28 +0000

Congressman Trent Franks’ field rep to visit Tuesday

Signs and Wonders 04.02

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Trent Franks, R-Ariz., thinks hauling young girls across state lines for abortions without their parents’ knowledge or consent is a bad idea. So he’s worked hard to pass CIANA, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, to make this behavior a crime.

Fetal pain

Congress explores options for soldiers burned by rules of engagement

A young U.S. Marine officer whose career was jeopardized after he ordered his men to fire upon a tractor in Afghanistan to keep the Taliban from using it has seen his cause taken up by members of Congress who are drafting legislation that would give combat troops accused of violating stringent rules of engagement a military hearing outside the chain of command.

MAYOR TALKS ABOUT WASHINGTON, D.C., TRIP

Georgia Legislature Passes Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Abortion transport bill moves forward in House

WASHINGTON (BP) -- A bill that would criminalize transporting a minor across state lines in certain situations with the intent of obtaining an abortion has advanced in the House of Representatives.

Arizona lawmakers question health pact

First F-35A open house is a big one

The Wigwam Resort is a big place, and it was just right for the first of four open houses being held in Arizona by the U.S. Air Force for comments on its environmental impact study of the F-35A training basing at Luke Air Force Base.

Franks in the News -- Week of 3/25/12

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:23:34 +0000

Johnson tells caucus federal policy blocks prosperity

Budget Reveals Conservatives’ Distrust of Leaders

Republican leaders racking up ‘yes’ votes on Rep. Ryan’s budget

A Rocky—But Successful—Road for the Ryan Budget Through the House

Travel Lobby Rallies Senate Support for Visa Reform Bill

House Panel OKs Bill to Stop Secret Abortions on Teenagers

House Republicans add Pinterest to social media strategy

Reps Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) and Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) became the latest members of Congress to start "pinning" this week.

Rep. Trent Franks: Congress Should Hold Hearing on Obama's 'Give Me Space' Request to Russians

Rep. Trent Franks: Congress Should Hold Hearing on Obama’s Russian Fiasco

Representative Gosar Recognized for Pro-jobs Position By US Chamber

Gingrich poised to push ahead after huddling with backers

Spirit of Enterprise Awards 2011

Franks in the News -- Week of 3/11/12

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:59:11 +0000

House Judiciary Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act Chaired by Pro-life Congressman Trent Franks (R-Az), the subcommittee heard testimony on the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) sponsored by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fl.).The bill would require any abortionist to notify a parent before performing an abortion on a minor who is a resident of another state, with certain exceptions.

Congressman Paul Gosar: 'The Status Quo Isn't Good Enough'

That is why Congressman Trent Franks, Jeff Flake and I, have introduced the "Northern Arizona Mining Continuity Act," legislation that would reverse the Administration's land grab and lock up.

Federal lawmakers to hold hearing at Ariz. Capitol

Friday, March 16, 2012, Congressman Trent Franks will join Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) and Members of the Congressional Western Caucus from Arizona at a hearing to be held in Phoenix entitled, “Washington Barriers to Prosperity and Property Rights in Arizona.” Members and witnesses, including Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, will examine the Obama Administration’s environmental and natural resource policies and their impacts on jobs, economic growth and private property rights across the West and specifically in Arizona. The hearing will shed light on specific examples, the extent of the problems, and help facilitate a discussion on what needs to be done to fix them.

Brewer to address state lawmakers on property rights

Franks in the News -- Week of 3/4/12

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:33:52 +0000

New Dem emphasis on social issues pushes churches into 2012 election

Elected officials mum on Arpaio investigation

Congressman Trent Franks Endorses Congressman Paul Gosar for Re-Election in AZ-4

Will Arizona representatives respond to Arpaio?

Abortion and Food Stamps Don’t Elevate the Black Community

Recently, they released their crock-umentary “A Vital Service” featuring an all-black “cast” extolling the virtues of an organization that profits from killing, disproportionately, black babies. Targeting black people is nothing new. Planned Parenthood’s been doing it since its founder, a member of the deeply racist American Eugenics Society, started recruiting black ministers and influential leaders to tout her (false) birth control solution to poverty. This week, the Negro Project 2.0 has taken a deeper dive into the surreal.

D.C. activists to congressman: ‘Don’t be a wiener’

In response to the protest, Mr. Franks‘ office said the congressman has the constitutional right to execute legislative authority over the District.

DC Vote Targets Trent Franks Over Fetal Pain Measure

Happy 100th Birthday, Arizona!

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:10:15 +0000

For many years the people in the New Mexico and Arizona Territories petitioned Congress seeking admission into the Union. During the late 19th Century various members of Congress introduced bills in support of statehood for Arizona and New Mexico, but none were approved. Despite widespread concern over Arizona's constitutional provision for the recall of judges, Congress passed H.J. Res. 14, "to admit the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as States into the Union." On August 15, 1911, President William Howard Taft vetoed the statehood resolution in large part because Arizona's constitution allowed for the recall of judges, a provision that he stated went against the need for an independent judiciary.

Immediately after Taft vetoed the resolution providing for statehood for New Mexico and Arizona, Congress passed S. J. Res. 57, admitting the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as states conditioned upon Arizona voters' adoption of an amendment to the constitution removing the judiciary recall provision. President Taft approved the resolution on August 21, 1911. On February 14, 1912, Taft signed the proclamation making Arizona the 48th state, and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the union.

At the time of its statehood, Arizona epitomized the economic promise of the American West. Rich in natural resources, the state quickly earned its reputation as the home of the Five C’s – copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate. Its people reflected the rich history and heritage of the Southwest, from the influences of its Native American and Hispanic cultures to the adventurous spirit of its early prospectors, ranchers, and farmers. All embraced Arizona’s rugged and rich environment to create a unique and prosperous lifestyle.

Arizona was founded on rugged individualism matched with hard work and vision. It was this indomitable spirit that shaped and molded our state into the place we now call home. I would like to thank not only the people that make up this beautiful state but Arizona's elected leaders, Federal and State, including Arizona's governor, Jan Brewer.

I have known Governor Brewer for 30 years; she is a dear friend. Her graceful leadership directly aided Arizona to a balanced budget – improving Arizona’s position -- and incomes -- through an agenda of economic competitiveness -- reforming education and state government -- and a renewed fight for states’ rights.

Under her leadership, Arizona is now creating jobs -- 46,000 of them in the last year alone. In fact, Arizona’s job growth ranks 7th best in the nation.

If one thing is certain, it is that Arizonans are determined. Our people are Western strong. With the Centennial upon us, let us proudly celebrate the obstacles we have overcome, the progress we have made and the opportunities we have created over the past 100 years.

May God continue to bless and protect you and your families, our 100-year-old State of Arizona and the United States of America.