Recent Blog Posts

How deep does the stimulus rabbit-hole go? 'Who knows, man? Who knows?'

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:58:20 +0000

By Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) - 11/19/09 08:00 AM ET

Reports are surfacing about hundreds of fake Congressional Districts appearing on the list of locations where stimulus funds are being spent. (Note also that the fake Congressional districts in dispute on are in addition to the phony jobs being listed in legitimate districts.)

Ed Pound, Director of Communications for Recovery.com-- President Obama's stimulus "transparency" website-- uttered a scintillatingly clear response when asked about how these fictitious districts were receiving federal stimulus funds:

"...Who knows, man? Who really knows?"

Just another illustration of the prescient clarity we are learning to expect from the Obama Administration.

The same individual also admitted in a response to an inquiry from Rep. Darrell Issa that he could not certify whether the number of jobs "saved or created" by the stimulus, as reported on Recovery.gov, was accurate. He replied, "No, I am not able to make this certification.”

Thankfully for government bureaucrats, accuracy is not a requirement for websites specifically designed to provide transparency. In fact it seems that the jobs "saved or created"-- and even many of the Congressional Districts in which they are created-- are so transparent, they're invisible.

Arizona, for instance, is now the proud host of 86 Congressional Districts. A whopping $34 MILLION stimulus dollars were spent in Arizona's 86th's Congressional District, for a total of-- how many?-- ZERO jobs.

We also have a "00" Congressional District, in which another $600K spent has been spent to create fictitious jobs.

State/Territory Summaries:

Top Congressional Districts           Jobs                      Amount
4th congressional district              10,034.8              $1,772,338,156
7th congressional district              735.3                    $394,080,874
1st congressional district               909.4                    $217,071,244
5th congressional district              137                       $145,399,210
6th congressional district              81                          $89,641,748
2nd congressional district             135.3                    $86,400,240
8th congressional district         106.2                    $50,624,970
3rd congressional district              86                          $42,422,493
86th congressional district            0                            $34,412,126
40th congressional district            0                            $1,280,838
9th congressional district              2                            $905,475
15th congressional district            30                          $761,420
00 congressional district          8                            $599,061
78th congressional district            0                            $490,482
38th congressional district            5                            $391,139
11th congressional district            5                            $288,020
29th congressional district            0                            $148,482
36th congressional district            0                            $81,071
50th congressional district            0                            $70,000
52nd congressional district           7                            $59,414
25th congressional district            0                            $57,194
18th congressional district            1                            $32,878

And in an interview with ABC News, Chris Whitley with Head Start responded to a question on how Head Start somehow misreported the number of jobs it had created with stimulus funds as "317," when in fact that number was the amount of standing employees who had received a one-time pay raise of 2.3%. Whitley stated, "...it wasn't illegal, immoral or unethical. And they told me to do it, so I did it."

If this is true, it would appear that the helpful folks at the other end of the Stimulus Help Line are actively instructing people to disregard the actual numbers and submit fictitious jobs claims, seemingly in the interest of trying to salvage any disintegrating claims of stimulus success by the Obama Administration.

Just today, a newly released GAO report shows that more than 58,000 reported stimulus jobs came from projects that have not yet spent any stimulus funds. That is one out of every 10 jobs the White House says were "saved or created."

These are only a few of the "reporting errors" surfacing with increasing frequency in the wake of the most recent jobless report, which revealed a 10.2% unemployment rate despite the President's assurance that it would not climb over 8% if Congress would rush to pass the $800 deficit bill (during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression.)

The question is no longer whether the stimulus has worked.

Now the only question is how deep this ridiculous stimulus rabbit-hole really goes.

The Death Tax is a "Double Tax"

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:09:53 +0000

By Rep. Trent Franks 12/11/09 10:21 AM

Red County

During my tenure in Congress, I have seen my share of misleading bill names. Members of Congress unsurprisingly tend to use the most flowery language possible when naming their bills, attempting to cast their proposals in a positive light, potentially glossing over any shortcomings with clever wordplay. But H.R. 4154, the "Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act" is one of the most egregious examples in recent memory of misleadingly named legislation.

The assertion that this bill serves to relieve the tax burden on "families, farmers, and small businesses" is both laughably absurd and completely false. Not only does H.R. 4154 NOT relieve the tax burden on those mentioned, it actually worsens it.

In this instance, the logic behind the Democrats' choice of bill name is amusing. For decades, Republicans have fought for a full repeal of the "estate tax," more accurately called the "death tax." With this goal in mind, under the 2001 Bush tax cuts, the death tax was set to steadily decline, leading up to 2010, during which no death tax would be imposed. However, because of the way the legislation was written, the death tax would go back up to Clinton-era levels in excess of 50% in 2011.

Instead of acting to extend Republicans' 2001 legislation to decrease the death tax and, at the very least, allowing the death tax rate to continue its downward spiral or, better yet, finally doing away with the tax completely, House Democrats decided to make the death tax permanent at a rate of 45%. The argument, then, is that since the death tax rate would have increased, had Congress done nothing, Democrats are actually doing Americans a FAVOR by making the tax permanent, at the ostensibly "low" rate of 45%.

In short, they are saying, "Well, making the death tax permanent is non-negotiable, but we are feeling generous, so instead of charging you 50%, we will only charge you 45%." A 45% tax is the Democrats' idea of tax "relief."

And as burdensome as the death tax would be, it is especially egregious in that the tax is, by its very nature, more unfair than most. The death tax differs in that it taxes someone's entire estate after they die. It is essentially a "double tax;" Americans are already taxed on the money they spend, the money they earn, the money they save, etc...when they are alive. The death tax is the government's second pass -- an attempt to squeeze every penny it can out of someone's estate, before it is passed along to loved ones (after which, of course, it will be taxed yet again, if the money from the estate is spent).

Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." It used to be, however, that, at the very least, death earned you respite from the government's never-ending taxes. But now, in a feat that only Congressional Democrats could achieve, the federal government, discontent with merely overtaxing you while you are alive, is even taxing the dead.

Wallow Fire

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:26:03 +0000

The Wallow Fire, already the second most destructive fire in Arizona's history, continues to sear through several mountain communities in the eastern half of our state.

What allegedly started as a small camp fire has scorched approximately 348,000 acres, or 525 square miles, so far. Many evacuees are growing fearful that the tenacious flames will not wane. Over 3,000 fire personnel are on the ground utilizing bulldozers, fire engines and helicopters trying to contain the fire.

Today, as the fire threatens to cross into New Mexico, my prayers go out to the evacuees, their families and those working together to extinguish this menace.

Here is an informative site that can direct you to answers and different ways you can help:

http://www.azein.gov/azein/default.aspx

On the Right Tack

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:47:41 +0000

In a recent article, "Gosar, Franks on wrong tack," an editorial writer poised the question to her readers: If you think the sweetest sound at the Grand Canyon is the buzz of aircraft motor, not nature, then Arizona Congressmen Paul Gosar and Trent Franks are on your side.

In reality, if you think the sweetest thing about government agencies is their ability to kill family businesses while spending even more tax payers' dollars, then quite possibly this article might be what was sitting next to your coffee the morning of July 29th.

The attack here isn’t on the Grand Canyon, it’s on the US Air Tour Industry that has been providing the elderly, physically limited and time constrained international visitors, the eagle eye view of the Grand Canyon since the late 1930’s.

For the last 17 years the Air Tour industry has met the National Park Service (NPS) standard for “substantial restoration of natural quiet” as defined by the National Park Service by restoring quiet to 50% of the park 75% of the time. This fact was scientifically validated in 2008 by the Volpe Institute in their report to the NPS and the FAA. Though now, NPS is proposing to change the threshold from 50 to 67% by imposing broad new flight restrictions on all air tours from Northern Arizona and Southern Nevada. This will result in significant economic harm on the air tour operators as well as significant job losses impacting over 1,200 employees.

Over the last decade, the National Park Service record will confirm that there have been virtually no visitor written objections to the noise impact of the air tours from the millions of visitors that visit the popular National Park destination.

Air tour operators are prepared to work with the NPS to undertake additional and reasonable measures to improve the soundscape at Grand Canyon still but not at the expense of families' livelihoods. The industry has already accepted caps on the number of flights, curfews to protect visitor experience after sunrise and before sunset, the elimination of many air tour routes, minimum flight altitudes, and flight free zones that protect about 87 percent of the park.

All in all, this preferred alternative is nothing more than a blatant attempt by a government agency to change the rules of the game after their conditions have already been met. I cannot support regulations that terminate American jobs, nor can I allow more tax payer dollars to be siphoned where they need not be.

Franks in the News -- Week of 9/11/11

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:31:52 +0000

Arizona lawmakers disappointed by Obama's jobs, spending plan

WASHINGTON- Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, called the newest plan a "miniature stimulus program that he (Obama) said would be paid for, but he wouldn't tell us how."

Other Republicans echoed the complaint that the president's plan was more of the same, pointing to the administration's previous economic stimulus plan.

Asbestos fraud the subject of House hearing
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A House subcommittee plans to hold a hearing on fraud and abuse in the asbestos compensation system on Friday. The House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution is holding the hearing at 10 a.m. It is titled "How Fraud and Abuse in the Asbestos Compensation System Affect Victims, Jobs, the Economy and the Legal System."

FOES DIG IN AGAINST URANIUM-MINING PLAN

Letters of opposition to the withdrawal entered onto the record during the proceedings included correspondence from Congressman Trent Franks, R-Ariz., and Congressman Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; another signed by 13 U.S. Senators including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Sen. John Kyl, R-Ariz., Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah and Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; Mohave Livestock Association and Mohave County Farm Bureau, Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey; and Arizona Republican Gov. Jan Brewer.

Congress Creates Bipartisan HIV/AIDS Caucus, 30 Years After HIV Discovery

WASHINGTON -- The first ever bipartisan congressional HIV/AIDS caucus officially launched on Thursday, 30 years after the human immunodeficiency virus was first identified.

Led by House members Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), the group marks the first time Republicans have joined with Democrats to create a group aimed at eradicating AIDS, which has claimed 25 million lives around the globe since 1981. Prior to Thursday, similar groups in Congress contained only Democrats.

ACLJ & Members of Congress, Nearly 60,000 Americans Urge Supreme Court to Uphold Arizona Immigration Law

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2011 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representing 59 members of Congress [including Arizona Representative Trent Franks] and nearly 60,000 Americans, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) today urged the Supreme Court to hear a case involving the Obama Administration's challenge to several key provisions of Arizona's law targeting illegal immigration.

Congressman Franks, Mayor Scruggs, tribal reps hold press conference

Congressman Trent Franks (R-Dist. 2), along with Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, representatives from Arizona's tribes, and other state and local representatives will hold a press conference 10 a.m. Sept. 16 to announce the introduction of the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act, which would prohibit Class II and Class III (Las Vegas-style) gaming on any replacement lands located in Pinal, Pima, and Maricopa counties, which are taken into trust by the Department of Interior.

House Members Launch Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus

Trent Franks (R-AZ), launched the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. Speaking at the press conference, each of the co-chairs signaled their determination to put an end to the epidemic, and pledged to work together to achieve that goal. Jeffrey S. Crowley, White House Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, joined the Caucus Co-Chairs and spoke briefly about the importance of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and thanked the members and advocates for keeping up the pressure to ensure funding for implementation of the NHAS.

Franks in the News -- Week of 9/18/11

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:56:40 +0000

Rep. Trent Franks unveils bill targeting casino

GLENDALE- U.S. Rep. Trent Franks unveiled a bill Friday to stop what he called an “illegal” Indian casino proposed near Glendale. Franks, R-Ariz., was joined by state and local lawmakers and tribal representatives as he spoke to about 100 people gathered at a news conference at the Glendale Media Center. Franks’ bill would modify a 25-year-old settlement between Congress and the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Franks outlines measure to block Glendale casino

Glendale resident Nancy Robinette is against the Tohono O’odham’s plans for a casino-resort at 91st and Northern avenues; though she is quick to point out she has no issues with gambling. Robinette was one of dozens in attendance for Rep. Trent Franks’ press conference Friday morning to formally announce the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act. Franks, flanked by local, state and tribal legislators and leaders, said he is pursuing the legislation because he believes the Tohono O’odham are overreaching.

Help Stop Casino Near Glendale Homes and Schools

Friday, Arizona Congressman Trent Franks – strongly supported by Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, members of the Glendale City Council, representatives from Arizona’s tribal nations, and other federal, state and local representatives – introduced the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act. Franks’ proposal will stop one tribe, the southern Arizona Tohono O’Odham Nation, from opening an illegal casino in the middle of Glendale, near homes, schools and small businesses.

Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Launched

Joining Congresswoman Lee at the event and as founding co-chairs of the Caucus were Congressman Jim McDermott (D-CA) and Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ). Representative Franks observed that there are some issues on which Members of Congress “can find great common ground” and HIV/AIDS was one of them.

Franks to Sebelius: Preserve Medicare Part D

The Medicare Part D program is performing much better than anyone would have predicted…the efficient delivery of the drug benefit through competitive private plans in a consumer driven market vindicated the design of the drug program. Medicare Part D created a competitive marketplace for private drug plans and its success is undeniable.

House committee passes E-Verify after two days of debate

CRONKITE NEWS- Arizona’s 2008 E-Verify law was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, which said that states have the right to revoke businesses licenses if they are found hiring undocumented workers. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, said states should have that right, but he defended a federal bill in the meantime.

GOP House leaders rebuked on spending

WASHINGTON POST- ...Many Republicans considered the figure a cap and believed their party should push for deeper cuts at every turn. Fifty had signed a letter last week urging deeper cuts, and 48 voted against the measure. “There has to be that moment where we say ‘no, this is not what is necessary, and we’re going to have to work for something better,’ ” said Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), who opposed the bill.

House Conservatives Vote Down Boehner’s Continuing Resolution That Permitted Funding For Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, Palestinian Authority…

Among the leading conservatives opposing it were Rep. Steve King (R.-Iowa), Rep. Louie Gohmert (R.-Texas), Rep. Joe Walsh (R.-Ill.), Rep. Jeff Flake (R.-Ariz.), Rep. Trent Franks (R.-Ariz.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R.-Ohio), the chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, which is the organization of House conservatives. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R.-Minn.) and Rep. Ron Paul (R.-Texas), who are campaigning for president, did not vote.

For Restless Lawmakers, Accord Proves Elusive

NEW YORK TIMES- Republicans for their part think that if they hold strong to the principles that they believe got them elected — budget cutting and deficit reduction — any hardball tactics will be rewarded. “I know this is going to sound really partisan,” said Representative Trent Franks, a Republican from Arizona. “But I think if people think about the possibility of the re-election of President Obama,” they will ignore the rancor and pull the lever for Republicans again, he said.

GOP wins back nearly half of defecting Republicans in CR vote

THE HILL- House GOP leaders early Friday morning managed to win back almost half of the 48 Republicans who handed their leadership an embarrassing defeat by voting against a continuing resolution Wednesday night.

Board looks at proposed legislative district maps

KINGMAN- Based on the 2010 census, Arizona picked up a ninth congressional seat. Currently, U.S. Congressional District 2 includes all of Mohave County and part of western Maricopa County. U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, represents District 2.

Franks in the News -- Week of 9/25/11

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:45:18 +0000

Arizona lawmaker wants Fast and Furious papers from Obama

U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., wants the Obama administration to release all its documents and data for its ill-fated Operation Fast and Furious gun-running investigation.

Congressman Condemns 'Shameful, Cowardly' Sentencing of Christian Iranian Pastor Nadarkhani

WASHINGTON, DC -- "Nonetheless, I am still compelled to remind an ostensibly modernized government that it is shameful and cowardly to kill an innocent person for merely practicing his faith," Congressman Trent Franks (AZ02) said.

Iran Pastor Remains on Death Row; Prayers Urged

GOSPEL HERALD - In a statement Wednesday, Congressman Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) accused the Iranian government of hypocrisy for "disregarding one of the most fundamental human rights: the ability of the Iranian people to freely choose a faith of their choice."

Working to save the life of a Christian pastor in Iran

WASHINGTON - A week ago, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was a relatively unknown Christian facing execution for his faith under Iran’s interpretation of Sharia law. Few people knew his name, and almost no one was aware of the fate that awaited him. His only hope was and still is an immense amount of international pressure on the Iranian government to prevent the first apostate execution in Iran in over twenty years.

Congress Launches Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus

THE AIDS BEACON - Five representatives of Congress announced the launch of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus last week. The goals of the Caucus are to maintain U.S. leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the U.S. and internationally and to prepare for the International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C., next year. The Caucus is co-chaired by Representative Jim McDermott from California, Representative Trent Franks from Arizona, and Representative Barbara Lee from California.

Franks in the News -- Week of 10/2/11

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:01:26 +0000

U.S. support for Iranian pastor continues to grow

Washington (CNN) - Calls to stop the execution of Yousef Nadarkhani, an Iranian pastor, continue to grow after a week in which demands for leniency came from the highest levels of the U.S. government.

An EMP Attack on America?

We are woefully unprepared, even though solutions are cheap and near at hand. This is why Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) and several colleagues have proposed legislation known as the SHIELD Act (H.R. 668) that would promulgate standards necessary to protect the grid and require the utilities to install hardware solutions to protect the main components of the grid.

Arizona tribes, lawmakers spar in Washington over proposed Glendale casino

Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, told a House Indian and Alaska Native Affairs subcommittee that his bill is the only way to protect a compact among Arizona's tribes to limit casino development in metro Phoenix. He said his bill would prevent extensive "reservation shopping" by tribes creating reservation land within cities.

Republicans blast new Arizona congressional map, IRC

U.S. Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl, Gov. Jan Brewer, U.S. Reps. Ben Quayle, Jeff Flake, Trent Franks and Paul Gosar and Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin (all Republicans) issued similar statements Wednesday afternoon at nearly the same time blasting the map proposed the Independent Redistricting Commission.

Republicans rip Arizona congressional map

Led by Gov. Jan Brewer, the state’s Republican congressional delegation Wednesday unleashed a barrage of criticism at a proposed new congressional map that would govern elections for the next decade.

Lawmakers, Experts Advocate Against Military Spending Cuts

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), a participant on the panel, warned that the super committee’s deliberations may result in “gutting our military to the point of transforming the unipolar superpower of the world into a regional power.”

Franks in the News -- Week of 10/9/11

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:39:59 +0000

Providing for the Common Defense: The First Duty of the “Supercommittee”

Congressman Trent Franks (R–AZ), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, reminded the audience of the lessons of history. He pointed out how the hollow force in the post–Vietnam era led to the disastrous military debacle dubbed Desert One. A myopic focus on the financial situation in the 1930s led to underfunding the U.S. military; as a result, the U.S. was ill-prepared for World War II.

Trent Franks to Obama: Time to set an ultimatum on Iran

Arizona Rep. Trent Franks slammed the Obama administration Wednesday, calling for an ultimatum on Iran. “If this effort had been successful, it would have constituted an act of war against the United States of America, and it should demonstrate Iran’s true intentions toward America in the clearest possible terms, even to this administration.”

Between the Lines: Rep. Trent Franks Thinks DOJ Overstepped Role

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) accused the Justice Department of overstepping its "efforts to shape the process" of redistricting in his home state. "We've asked the department to clarify what their actions are in that regard," Franks said in a phone interview last week. "It was a response to a belief on our part that they planned to shape that process."

House GOP calls on Obama administration to explore Iran, Mexico drug cartel connections

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) argued that the Obama administration has yet to indicate it is properly concerned with how these events are tied together, and said more pressure needs to be brought on Iran as a start.

Feds order Milwaukee to provide ballots, voting rules in Spanish

For the first time the federal government will require that the City of Milwaukee provide ballots and other voting information in Spanish in future elections because of the growth in the number of predominantly Spanish-speaking residents in the city. The language requirement has drawn fire from some Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), who said it would create additional burdens for state and local budgets already facing financial problems.

OVERNIGHT ENERGY: On BP spill, the gang’s all here

Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) introduced legislation Wednesday to prevent the Interior Department from banning new uranium mining claims on 1 million acres of land near the Grand Canyon National Park for the next 20 years. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar took emergency action in June to extend an existing ban on new uranium mining claims in the region for six months while the Interior Department mulls a plan to block mining on the land for 20 years. Salazar said the 20-year ban is the Interior Department’s “preferred alternative.”

Abortion foes use live ultrasounds to highlight anti-abortion-rights legislation

WASHINGTON D.C.- Though all 535 members of Congress were invited to attend the “Voices from the Womb,” only House Reps. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Tom Marino (R-Pa.), Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and a representative from Rep. Michele Bachmann’s office spoke before the crowd of more than 100 anti-abortion-rights advocates.

Republican lawmakers seeking to block Grand Canyon area mining ban

GOP U.S. Senators John McCain of Arizona, Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee, both of Utah, and Republican Congressmen Trent Franks, Jeff Flake, Paul Gosar, David Schweikert, and Ben Quayle, all of Arizona, and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, have introduced legislation to prevent the U.S. Department of Interior from withdrawing from mining and exploration of 1 million acres surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park.

Franks in the News -- Week of 10/16/11

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:48:53 +0000

Rep. Trent Franks Praises Passage of Free Trade Agreements

Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) released the following statement in support of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea, which passed last night.

Congress takes on Arizona Strip mining issues

KINGMAN - The issue of if uranium mining, or any mining, should be allowed in the land surrounding the Grand Canyon has turned into a battle of the bills in Congress. Rep. Trent Franks' bill also accuses the Interior Department of ignoring the Arizona Wilderness Act of 1984. The act states that any public land in the Arizona Strip area that is not part of a national park or monument is open to mining, grazing and other uses, Johnson said.

Border security discussion at state capital Monday

Prior to the press conference, a round table discussion will be held where we will discuss what can be done to protect and secure the southern border. Joining in the discussion will be; Congressman Trent Franks, Senate President Russell Pearce, Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs, Senator Sylvia Allen, Senator Gail Griffin, Rep. John Fillmore, Rep. David Stevens, border Sheriff Larry Dever, and members of law enforcement and border patrol organizations.

Heroes of Operation Persian Gulf

Recalling the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of Iran's Islamic revolution, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said: "As the imam said, Israel must be wiped off the map."

"If they are committed enough to try to foment an attack here, and literally try to blow up the Israeli embassy here, or kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S., let me suggest to you that the intent is so clear that our entire focus now should be upon dealing with the capacity.” Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.)

Franks weighs in on F-35

Congressman Trent Franks commented this week on the mission at Luke Air Force Base and the scheduling of the F-16 squadrons’ move to Holloman Air Force Base once the F-35 Lightning II lands at the base in Glendale.

Franks in the News -- Week of 10/21/11

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:56:44 +0000

Senators, congressmen introduce Northern Arizona Mining Continuity Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and U.S. Congressmen Trent Franks (AZ-02), Rob Bishop (UT-01), Jeff Flake (AZ-06), Paul Gosar (AZ-01), David Schweikert (AZ-05) and Ben Quayle (AZ-03) recently introduced the Northern Arizona Mining Continuity Act of 2011. This legislation will stop the U.S. Department of the Interior from banning mining in a vast area of Arizona, and killing jobs in the uranium mining industry.

Bilingual election ballots an important step forward

Rep. Trent Franks, R-AZ, fears that it would create additional burdens for state and local budgets, which are already facing financial problems. Sue Edman, executive director of the Milwaukee’s Election Commission, noted that enactment may be more of an administrative challenge than a fiscal one.

FEATURED HEARING: JUDICIARY SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION

Rep. Trent Franks's subcommittee gather to hear testimony from Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Colby May of the American Center for Law and Justice. Franks and other conservatives are concerned about government programs infringing on religious liberty.

Congressman Franks listens to Uganda's Childrens Choir

Stearns' gun bill moving along

In final committee hearings on the bill earlier this month, Franks proposed a slight change in language — covered in just eight words — that critics maintain was a significant departure from Stearns' original proposal.

ACLJ & 105 Members of Congress Urge Supreme Court to Declare ObamaCare Unconstitutional

(Washington, DC) - The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional law, today urged the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a Florida case challenging ObamaCare on behalf of Congressman Trent Franks as well as more than 100 members of Congress and tens of thousands of Americans. In an amicus brief filed today, the ACLJ urged the high court to hear the case and declare the entire health care law unconstitutional.

Rep. Trent Franks Supports H.R. 1904 – Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act

Just as relying on foreign oil imports threatens national security, relying on foreign copper suppliers threatens U.S. industry. The United States must use domestic resources to meet that growing demand and this legislation is a major step in the right direction. The project could produce enough copper equal as much as 25 percent of the current U.S. demand.

Arizona officials still ‘in the ring’ for uranium mining

According to a press release from Denison Mines, Arizona 1 received the 2010 U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration Sentinel of Safety award in small underground metal category. The award was received Wednesday.

Franks in the News -- Week of 10/30/11

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:15:04 +0000

Congressional calls for Holder’s resignation more than double to 17

Nine more members of Congress have told The Daily Caller that they’re calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to resign over his handling of Operation Fast and Furious, more than doubling the number on record before the weekend calling for his ouster. A total of 17 members of Congress have now called for Holder to step down.

House to take up wireless tax bill next week

Like another tax bill the chamber took up this week – the repeal of the 3 percent withholding rule – the Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011 has broad bipartisan support. The measure, which has almost 240 sponsors, sailed through the House Judiciary Committee in July and was introduced by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.).

Dozens of House Dems cross aisle on bill to lower taxes on wireless companies

The bill is sponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), and would force state and local governments to take a five-year break from hiking taxes on wireless companies. Report language from the House Judiciary Committee argues that state and local taxes on wireless companies rose four times faster than taxes on other goods and services between 2003 and 2007.

House Passes Measure To Bar New Wireless Taxes

The legislation, authored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., and Trent Franks, R-Ariz., would impose a five-year moratorium on new state or local taxes on wireless services, unless they are already imposed on other goods and services.

Fast and Furious Update: 17 House Members and the NRA Seek Holder’s Resignation

Congressman Trent Franks as well as 16 other Congressional Representatives have called for Attorney General Eric Holder to turn in his letter of resignation over Fast and Furious and his seeming inability to tell the truth.

Hospice clinical director receives recognition for 30 years of service

Rep. Trent Franks, R-Arizona, had planned to attend but was unable to make it. Shari Farrington, his field representative, was there in his place, to deliver a letter in which Franks thanked Stockton for her service. “Your talent for hospice care leadership is unparalleled,” he wrote. “So many lives have been touched by your dedication. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and sincere congratulations.”

Lawmakers huddle over data security bill Wednesday

The House approved a bill Tuesday to ban new state or local taxes on wireless phone bills for five years. The bill is strongly supported by CTIA, a trade group that represents major wireless carriers including AT&T and Verizon. Supporters of the measure, sponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), argue it will curb excessive state and local wireless taxes that hurt consumers.

Abortion Not About Terminating Pregnancy, It’s Killing a Baby

Similarly, the rise in sex-selective abortions—where unborn girls are being killed by families who would rather dedicate child-rearing resources to a boy—has prompted widespread concern about more than a hundred million “missing” women worldwide. The problem has become sufficiently acute in the United States that Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) even proposed legislation to ban it.

House Re-Reaffirms 'In God We Trust' as Motto

Fear not: “In God We Trust” is still the national US motto. Installed in 1956 and already reaffirmed in 2002 and 2006, the House once again voted to reaffirm it yesterday after an apparently dramatic 35-minute debate Tuesday night, the Washington Post reports. Dramatic, at least, in that Rep. Trent Franks took the opportunity to declare that if the House doesn’t believe in God, then “we should just let anarchy prevail because, after all, we are just worm food.”

U.S. House Passes Moratorium on New Wireless Taxes

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a moratorium on state and local governments from adding any new taxes to U.S. wireless phone subscribers' cell phone bills. The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) also applies to wireless broadband.

Flake, Franks rank as two most conservative House members

U.S. Reps. Trent Franks of Glendale and Jeff Flake of Mesa rank as the two most conservative members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

House Votes to Freeze Cell Phone Taxes

"We need to encourage the development and adoption of wireless broadband, not tax it out of existence," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D., Calif.), who sponsored the bill with Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.)

Grand Canyon uranium mining battle heats up at Washington hearing

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Trent Franks, R–Glendale, and three other Arizona Republicans testified that the bill would create much–needed jobs in the northern part of the state and boost U.S. energy production. “The Obama administration’s effort to make 1 million acres of uranium–rich land in Arizona off-limits for future uranium mining is a step in precisely the wrong direction for the American economy,” Franks testified to a House Natural Resources subcommittee.

Feds favor mining ban near canyon

On Oct. 13, Rep. Trent Franks introduced House Resolution 3155, the Northern Arizona Mining

Continuity Act of 2011, in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would prohibit the U.S. Interior Department from withdrawing the land.

$15 Trillion -- Our National Debt, In Pictures

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:05:30 +0000

Today, the national debt crossed the $15 trillion mark. Many in Washington, D.C. have gotten accustomed to throwing such large numbers around, sometimes seemingly forgetting that those nearly inconprehensible numbers represent real money. The below pictures put into perspective just how much money $15 trillion really is.

For some perspective, here is a single $100 bill:

This is what $10,000 in $100 bills looks like:

$1 Million:

$100 Million (with $1 Million and $10,000 next to it, for size comparison), which fits on a standard shipping pallet:

$1 Billion (You would have to stack the ten pallets pictured FOUR times to equal the amount the United States goes further into debt every single day -- recall that these stacks are made up not of $1 bills, but of individual $100 bills):

This is what $1 Trillion looks like. Note that the pallets in the pictures are stacked two-deep. President Obama has added MORE than $1 trillion to the national debt EVERY year he has been in office. He has singlehandedly added about four times this amount to our debt. His failed, so-called "stimulus" bill alone cost nearly $1 trillion, by itself:

Another perspective on $1 trillion. To put this amount into perspective, if one were to spend $1 MILLION every day from the time Christ was born until today, he still would not have spent a full $1 trillion (nor would he have even spent enough to pay for the aforementioned failed stimulus bill):

Finally, this is $15 trillion -- the amount the United States is in debt, as of today. The pallets are now stacked about thirty deep on an area the size of a regulation football field. The original pallet of $100 Million can be seen pictured in front of the semi-truck.

$114.5 Trillion - This picture represents the United States' "unfunded liabilities." This is the total amount of money the United States knows it owes, but cannot pay. Money owed to services like Medicare and Social Security that the government knows it does not have enough money to fully fund. Since this picture was made, our unfunded liabilities have actually increased by about $2 trillion:

Now, for some perspective, a little reminder of how we got here. Below is a video of House Democrats in 2010 standing and cheering as the debt ceiling was raised by nearly $2 trillion. In other words, we maxed out our credit cards and, instead of cutting spending, we just raised our credit limit to allow ourselves to spend even more.

Many of these same big spenders stand in strident opposition to the only solution that will control what is currently a looming financial disaster: cutting spending, capping future spending, and adding a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The House will be voting tomorrow on a Balanced Budget Amendment and, as I always have, I will be voting in favor of it, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

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Franks in the News -- Week of 11/13/11

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:52:09 +0000

Sal Santoro, a 96 year-old war veteran.

Iran Practicing for An EMP Attack on the U.S. Say U.S. Lawmakers. But How Credible is That Claim?

Republican Representative Trent Franks says Iran is practicing launching a ballistic missile from a vessel in the Caspian Sea and they also have tested high-altitude explosions with their Shahab-111 missile.

Rep. Trent Franks: Pass National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity

The law simplifies the national patchwork of concealed carry laws. Much like driver's licenses — a state-issued form of identification that is recognized and accepted no matter what state an American citizen might happen to visit — the state permits would become recognized and accepted in 49 states. (Every state, except Illinois, currently has a concealed carry law).

Balanced Budget Amendment Support

A strong majority of Americans support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. After all, they know what it means to live by a budget and they rightfully expect the federal government to do the same. They are asking Congress to work together to ensure that this amendment, which is so critical to the future of our country, becomes a reality.

CNN reporter fights facts, Fast and Furious accountability during Tuesday presser

Arizona Republican Rep. Trent Franks said that throughout the course of the congressional investigation, Holder has stonewalled investigators and it’s time for someone new to lead the Justice Department. “The idea of ‘we’re going to wait for a subpoena, then we’re going to send you some of the documents, we’re going to withhold some others, tell us exactly what you want — if you find it first, then we’ll tell you if we have it,” Franks said.

U.S. House to vote on Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act

“It’s kind of like having a driver’s license,” said Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), a vocal supporter of the bill who penned an op-ed in USA Today this week on the measure. “There are some states that have stricter driving laws than others.”

Call for Accountability for ATF Fast and Furious

"To consciously allow these guns to be bought and transferred illegally displayed an utter lack of regard for human safety, protocol, or common sense. Since the tragic death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, at least eleven more violent crimes have been committed; all involving weapons carelessly gifted to dangerous criminals by ATF. When Attorney General Holder testified before Congress this May, he claimed he had only learned about Fast and Furious a matter of weeks before the hearing.

House members want Holder to resign over handling of ‘Fast and Furious’

Franks, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, said the administration has failed to hold someone accountable for the operation and has not provided all the information the Justice Department has.

Reps. Trent Franks, Paul Gosar speak out in press conference on ‘Fast & Furious’

WASHINGTON, DC — Today over a dozen members gathered to demand accountability and transparency from Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice for the failed and flawed gun running operation “Fast and Furious”. After months of evasive answers by this administration and those in charge of this program nearly 40 members of the U.S. House, some of whom are participating today, have called for Attorney General Holder’s resignation.

US lawmakers vote for concealed weapon bill

WASHINGTON — The US House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved legislation to make it easier for people with a concealed firearm permit in one state to take their weapon to another.

Gun-carry reciprocity act is long overdue

Despite the demagoguery of the anti-gun lobby and its congressional cheerleaders, however, Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) points out that states licensing concealed carry “have 22% lower total violent crime rates, 30% lower murder rates, 46% lower robbery rates and 12% lower aggravated assault rates compared with the rest of the country.”

Glendale-area casino-ban bill passes hurdle

A key House panel approved a bill Thursday by Arizona Republicans to bar the Tohono O’odham Nation from building a casino near Glendale. Leaders from Glendale and two Valley Indian tribes praised the decision, while those from Peoria and the Tohono O’odham Nation criticized the measure.

House GOP challenge Border Patrol agent’s sentence

Rep. Trent Franks, also of Arizona, said that to have allowed the weapons, including AK-47 semiautomatic assault rifles, to be walked to Mexico showed “an utter lack of regard for human safety, protocol or common sense.”

Finger-pointing returns in House debate over balanced budget amendment

Others blamed the Obama administration for racking up $4 trillion in new debt in just three years. "From the very day that Barack Obama walked into the White House, he has with breathtaking arrogance absolutely ignored economic and financial reality," Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) charged on the floor.

Franks in the News -- Week of 11/27/11

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:50:24 +0000

When EMP Strikes and the Lights Go Out

On February 11, 2011, Representative Trent Franks (R–AZ) introduced H.R. 668, the Secure High-voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage (SHIELD) Act.[23] The act essentially allows the FERC to enable emergency measures to protect the reliability of bulk-power systems and defense-critical electric infrastructure via directive of the President amid an imminent grid security threat. The act prescribes implementation procedures and cost-recovery measures. It also directs FERC to order the Electric Reliability Organization to submit reliability standards regarding these bulk-power systems from geomagnetic storms or EMPs.

Congressional Bill Bans Sex-Selection, Race-Based Abortions

A U.S. congressman has reintroduced legislation that would ban sex-selection or race-based abortions. Congressman Trent Franks, an Arizona Republican who is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, has brought back the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act.

Fighting the good fight

One of the great shames in the battle against HIV/AIDS is the fact that the same conservatives who, statistically, give significantly more to charity than their liberal counterparts, with some notable exceptions, have been largely content to allow one of the greatest humanitarian crises in the world to be hijacked as an exclusively “liberal issue.”

Congressman wants to outlaw abortions motivated by race or gender

Arizona Republican Rep. Trent Franks once again is pushing to outlaw abortions that are due to an unborn child’s race or sex, with legislation that would punish medical providers who perform abortions, or accept funding for abortions, based on those criteria.

Bill to ban sex-selective abortions introduced in U.S. House

A measure to protect the unborn from discriminatory race and sex-selective abortions by punishing medical providers of such procedures was re-introduced in the United States House of Representatives on Tuesday.

House Honors Slain Aide To Rep. Giffords, Briefly Remembers Bipartisanship

It only lasted for about an hour, but bipartisanship took hold in the House on Wednesday as lawmakers lined up in support of a measure to honor Gabe Zimmerman, the aide to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) who was killed in the Tucson shootings on Jan. 8.

Gender and Race Based Abortions Still Legal in the U.S.

There is little that is more tragic than when a baby is aborted merely because it is perceived to be the “wrong” gender or race. And yet, this exact scenario is playing out all over the world, including in the United States. In fact, the situation in the United States may be the worst of all, because it is happening in full compliance with the law.

Gender and Race-Based Abortions a Problem the U.S. Must Fix

The ACLJ applauds Congressman Franks for his heroic stand against race-based and gender-based abortions. We call on the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate, and President Obama to stand with 86% of the American people (from both sides of the abortion debate) and enact this common-sense legislation. It is time – at a minimum – for the U.S. to catch up with the international community on this basic human and civil rights issue.

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks endorses Michele Bachmann

Michele Bachmann earned her first congressional endorsement today, from a hard-line conservative in the pre-Super Tuesday state of Arizona.

Protection of Race and Gender from Abortions: Trent Franks Steps Up to the Challenge!

Should someone’s race or sex determine whether or not they should live? Whether or not these things should matter, unfortunately they do: minority babies are aborted at five times the rate of white babies.

Republican leaders face stiff resistance on extending payroll tax cut

Some conservatives in the meeting balked at the ideas, and Boehner faces yet another uphill fight to persuade his members to compromise with Democrats. Republicans are facing intense pressure from the White House, which is accusing them of wanting to violate their party orthodoxy and allow a tax increase on working Americans.

Comments on Remarks Made by Congressman John Conyers at the SBA Frederick Douglass PreNDA Hearing

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:12:30 +0000

Day Gardner, President of NBPLU, Eileen Macapanas Cosby, President of the Filipino Family Fund, Congressman Trent Franks, and Steven H. Aden, Alliance Defense Fund

I participated in the press conference with Congressman Trent Franks and attended the hearing held later in the afternoon.

What I found quite interesting was that media totally ignored the fact that I participated in the press conference representing thousands of blacks who also support PreNDA.

What I also found interesting were the remarks made by Representative John Conyers (D-MI) at the hearing.

Rep. Conyers seemed to have one main problem with the bill—it’s name. He insisted that he studied Frederick Douglass more than Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) which I thought was quite amusing and yet terribly insulting. How could he possibly know to what extent any of us, including Rep. Franks, studied Frederick Douglass? He then stated that he had never heard or read Frederick Douglass saying anything about prenatal nondiscrimination. If I were standing, I would have had to sit down for that one.

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ life’s work was eradicating slavery--working to save and enrich the lives of all black people, men , women and children—so that they too, could enjoy that which we all are promised in America--life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If you read anything about Frederick Douglass you would know that he never said life and liberty should be only for those who were born already.

So, with regard to Mr. Conyers, this Frederick Douglass quote comes to mind: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Yes, I am suggesting that Rep. Conyers is a broken man in that he has most certainly forgotten what the “struggle” for civil rights was all about. His very broken soul has bought into the idea that more than anything else—it is age that decides if a man is a human being and deserving of life.

Day Gardner

President

National Black Pro-Life Union

202-834-0844

The Obama Economy, In Pictures

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:47:30 +0000

Franks in the News -- January 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:16:39 +0000

NBA, Lanlehin, EU, US Congressman Condemn Bombings

The European Union (EU) and a member of the United States Congress, Trent Franks (representing Arizona 2nd Congressional District), Wednesday joined world organisations in condemning the Christmas day bombings in various Nigerian cities describing the attacks as cowardly and appalling.

2011 Victories: Representing Congress at the Supreme Court

This is the latest installment in a year-end series looking back at a few of the hundreds of victories by the ACLJ in 2011.

Prenatal Nondiscrimination

As Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of the most important child in history, pro-life Americans would be wise to renew their emphasis on an element of the abortion debate that strongly favors their side: banning abortions based on the sex or race of the unborn child.

New bill would outlaw gender- and race-based abortions

With the beginning of session only days away, Florida legislators have been busy filing a slew of anti-abortion bills. Add yet another to the list: a measure outlawing race- and gender-based abortions.

ACLJ: Nearly 30% of U.S. House & 100,000 Americans Urge Supreme Court to Reject ObamaCare On behalf of nearly 120 members of Congress and more than 100,000 Americans, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) today urged the U.S. Supreme Court to conclude that a key provision of ObamaCare - the individual mandate - cannot be severed from the health care law and urged the high court to declare the entire law unconstitutional.

SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN DENOUNCE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S DECISION TO BAN URANIUM MINING IN NORTHERN ARIZONA

The decision by Secretary Salazar disregards the Arizona Wilderness Act of 1984 (AWA), a compromise that permanently banned uranium exploration on over 650,000 acres outside the Grand Canyon through designated Wilderness. This historic agreement was part of a negotiated compromise with environmental groups which affirmed the compatibility of mining with conservation interests in areas not locked away by the Wilderness Act.

Trent Franks leading effort to restrain abortion in D.C.

While noting some sympathy for the moral objections of those made to follow laws passed by people they didn’t elect, Franks cites the Constitution and the authority it gives Congress to “exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever” in the capital. “Even a good lawyer couldn’t twist that one,” he said.

Newt Gingrich Backer Says More Endorsements Will Come Soon

Committee hears bills by Flake, Franks to open public lands to shooting

Franks’ bill, HR 919, would transfer 315 acres in the Mohave Valley from BLM to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for it to use as a public range.

Abortion's 'tightrope'

The Canadian Medical Association Journal this week also urged Canadian doctors to limit women's reproductive rights, recommending in an editorial that doctors conceal the sex of a fetus from all pregnant women until 30 weeks of pregnancy to curb the incidence of sex-based abortion in certain immigrant communities.

If Massive Solar Flare Fries Grid, Don’t Blame Rep. Trent Franks

D.C. Abortion Ban, Authored By Arizona Rep. Trent Franks, Draws Ire From Locals

Rep. Franks introduces District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, Based on Model Drafted and Promoted by NRLC

Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ), with strong support from the National Right to Life Committee, introduced the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 3803).

Rep. Giffords Entrance Highlighed Bipartisan Spirit

While it may be rare in Congress, there were some examples of bipartisanship at Tuesday night's State of the Union Address. It began when Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., entered the House chamber.

Heritage Retreat Hosts Wide Range of GOP

There is nothing that unites conservatives and maybe Republicans in general than the abject nightmare of a two-term Barack Obama,” Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) said Friday.

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.

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

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 3/25/12

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 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 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 4/15/12

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 4/22/12

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 4/29/12

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

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.

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

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.