This Week With Gosar

Weekly Newsletter

March 22, 2026

Democrats Admit to Making Americans Hurt with Shutdown

For over a month, Senate Democrats have chosen political games over basic governance-blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security while the consequences ripple across the country. More than 100,000 frontline workers are going without pay, airports are descending into chaos with hours-long lines, and critical agencies like FEMA and cybersecurity teams are stretched to the brink.

This isn't abstract-it's real harm. As I noted in last week's newsletter, families are missing paychecks, food banks are stepping in for federal workers, and public safety is being compromised as TSA staffing collapses and morale plummets. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to shut down the government, pushing reckless demands that would weaken law enforcement, undermine border security, and put officers at risk to stop illegal alien murderers from being deported.

And the risks are no longer theoretical. This week, two planes at Newark Airport came within just a few hundred feet of a catastrophic collision after a last-second maneuver-an incident occurring amid ongoing staffing strains tied to the shutdown.

At the same time, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is warning the situation could soon worsen dramatically, with smaller regional airports at risk of shutting down entirely if staffing shortages persist-potentially grinding air travel to a halt and isolating communities that rely on those hubs.

By their own admission, the pain is intentional. As one Democrat Congressman acknowledged this week, this standoff is about "making people hurt"-a stunning confession that hardworking Americans are being used as leverage - again, to stop criminal illegal aliens from being deported.

Republicans have already acted to fund DHS and end the disruption. Democrats have blocked it every time. The result is a self-inflicted crisis that threatens national security, disrupts travel nationwide, and punishes hardworking Americans.

Stop the political games. Fund DHS and end the shutdown.

Gosar Votes to Enforce Fiscal Discipline with Balanced Budget Amendment

Washington has lived beyond its means for far too long, and hardworking Americans are paying the price. Years of reckless spending-especially under the Biden-Harris administration-piled trillions onto our national debt and fueled the inflation squeezing families across the country.

The numbers don't lie: the federal government is spending far more than it brings in, pushing our debt past $39 trillion. That path is unsustainable and threatens the long-term stability of programs like Social Security and Medicare.

That's why I voted this week to support a balanced budget constitutional amendment. This measure was introduced by my dear friend from Arizona, Representative Andy Biggs, and forces Washington to do what every American family already does-live within its means-while still allowing flexibility in times of war or national emergency.

Republicans in Congress have already taken steps to cut waste, claw back billions in unnecessary spending, and rein in the bureaucracy. Now it's time to lock in real fiscal discipline for good. Enough excuses. Enough overspending. It's time to restore accountability and put America's finances back on solid ground.

Gosar Continues to Push for Transparency Following DHS Meeting on Surprise Processing Center

Earlier this week, I held a productive meeting at the Department of Homeland Security with Department and ICE officials, along with local elected leaders from Surprise, Arizona, to continue pressing for answers and transparency regarding the proposed processing center as plans move forward.

I appreciate DHS's willingness to engage and provide updates. This was the latest in a series of discussions I've led over the past several weeks to ensure Surprise residents and officials have clear, accurate information.

The reality is this: the need for additional processing capacity is a direct result of the Biden administration's open-border policies, which have overwhelmed our immigration system and allowed 20 million lawbreakers to cross our southern border.

I will continue working closely with DHS, ICE, and local leaders to demand transparency, accountability, and to protect our communities.

Gosar Sponsors Legislation Ending SNAP Fraud

This week, I cosponsored legislation requiring states to submit data on SNAP fraud over the last five years. Taxpayers deserve straight answers. SNAP has been run for years with too little oversight and too much fraud-and the people who actually need help are the ones paying the price. The SNAP Fraud Reporting Act forces states to come clean. No more hiding data, no more excuses. If you're taking federal dollars, you owe the public transparency. This bill brings accountability back to the program and helps ensure benefits go to the right people-not fraudsters. Click here to read more about the SNAP Fraud Reporting Act.

No Benefits for Lawbreakers: Gosar Votes to Deport Welfare Fraud Offenders

House Republicans took a clear stand for taxpayers this week by advancing legislation to remove illegal aliens who defraud public assistance programs. I supported this measure because it closes loopholes and makes it unmistakable: if you exploit American benefits through deceit, you forfeit the privilege of remaining in this country and will be barred from returning.

Despite overwhelming evidence of widespread fraud-including massive schemes costing taxpayers billions-most Democrats chose to oppose this commonsense reform, arguing it was unnecessary. That argument ignores reality. Existing laws are slow and inconsistently applied, while this bill ensures swift accountability and real consequences.

At a time when federal investigators are uncovering staggering levels of abuse in welfare and healthcare systems, the American people expect action-not excuses. This legislation reinforces a basic principle: our safety net is for those who follow the law, not those who game the system.

Gosar Lauds Court's Decision to Clear the Way for Long-Delayed Resolution Copper Project

This week, the Ninth Circuit reaffirmed what Congress already decided: the Resolution Copper land exchange must move forward. This project was authorized by law over a decade ago, and the courts have now rejected another attempt to block it.

Developing the Resolution Copper mine in Superior will strengthen America's domestic supply of critical minerals, support thousands of good-paying jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries for copper needed in everything from national defense to modern infrastructure.

After years of delays and lawsuits, it's time to move forward. The Forest Service should complete the land exchange expeditiously and allow this vital project to proceed.

Final Reminder: Deadline Approaching for Congressional Art Competition Submissions

The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is underway, and I invite creative high school students from Arizona's 9th Congressional District-grades 8 through 12, including homeschool, online, and alternative programs-to show off their artistic talents.

My office is still accepting submissions through Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute hosts this nationwide visual art competition to celebrate and inspire young artists across the country. Since it began in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated. The winning artwork from our district will be proudly displayed for an entire year in the United States Capitol-a truly unique honor. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the creativity, passion, and talent of Arizona's next generation of artists, and I encourage every student with a love for art to participate. See the above flyer for more information and details about this year's art competition!

Join Us in Surprise Vet Fest-Honoring Those Who Served

Our veterans have given so much for this country-now it's our turn to show up for them. I encourage everyone in our community to come out to Vet Fest in Surprise for an evening of support, connection, and appreciation.

This family-friendly event brings together veterans, service members, and neighbors with live music, food, resources, and activities for all ages. It's a great opportunity to honor those who served and strengthen the bonds that make our community strong.

If you're able, I strongly encourage you to attend and support this important event.

Additional details can be found by clicking here!

Tweet of the Week:

Photo of the Week:

Donna Shannon from Goodyear, AZ shares this spectacular photo of Lower Antelope Canyon. Created by millions of years of erosion, Antelope Canyon is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, located 10 minutes east of Page, near the Arizona-Utah border. Although it is one slot canyon, there are two points within the park that you can visit: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.If you have never visited, you should! Amazing picture, Donna. Keep sending more in!

Do you want the chance for your photograph to be featured as our "Picture of the Week?" If so, send your best shots along with a brief description to [email protected]. Remember to include your name and where you live.

Gosar in the News and Other Must-Read Stories:

National Assn of Counties: Gosar's LASSO Act preserves county revenue sharing, directs public lands funds to Social Security

12 News: Here's everything you need to know about Luke Days 2026 at Luke AFB

The Hill: TSA official: 'Not hyperbole' to suggest airports may close if shutdown persists

Wall Street Journal: 'We're Making People Hurt'

Axios: Inside Dems' new gambit to win the DHS shutdown fight

New York Post: Alaska Airlines, FedEx cargo planes narrowly avoid catastrophic crash while landing at Newark airport

⚠ Warning!! The Gosar Weekly Newsletter is meant for discerning readers with above-average intelligence. We link to interesting stories. We get stories a couple different ways: Google alerts, a third-party aggregator and sometimes readers send stuff. We don't vouch for every publication or every author. If we link to a story, it is because of that story. The views expressed in any of the publications do not represent any promotion, endorsement or reflection of Congressman Gosar's views. While we try our best, we cannot guarantee every news organization spouting hatred, animosity or divisiveness will be filtered from appearing in the Gosar Weekly Newsletter. We will endeavor to prevent that from happening by never linking to Fake News organizations including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Rolling Stone, the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Mirror, Media Matters or the New Republic.