Gallego Marks One Year in the Senate Fighting for Arizonans

In first year, Gallego introduced the most bills of any freshman Democratic Senator

Gallego hosted eleven town halls across Arizona

WASHINGTON - Finishing his first year in office, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)released the following statement:

"I know this year hasn't been easy for working families or for our country. The cost of groceries and energy rose dramatically, Republicans raised health care costs for millions of Americans, Trump took a wrecking ball to the federal services that millions of Americans rely on, and this administration's cruel immigration practices tore families apart and caused chaos in our communities. But from day one, I've made it my mission to show up, listen to, and fight for Arizonans.

"Looking ahead to 2026, I'm focused on building on this progress and continuing to show up for Arizona families every single day. The best part of this job has been, and will always be, working for Arizonans."

By the Numbers:

• During his first year in the Senate, Senator Gallego introduced 29 bills and cosponsored 223 more - the most bills of any freshman Democratic Senator.
  • Senator Gallego had one of his sponsored bills sent to the President's desk, where it is expected to be signed before the end of the year, and three more bills he backed also became law.
  • Two of Senator Gallego's bills passed out of committee, and five Gallego-backed bills passed the Senate.
• In Arizona, Gallego held eleven town halls across the state, including ones focused on veterans' issues and health care.
• His office also closed nearly 450 constituent service cases and held more than 750 meetings with community leaders and advocates.

Highlights:

• Economic Opportunity: Played a key role in shaping the landmark ROAD to Housing Act, the first housing package to pass out of committee in over a decade. Introduced bills to expand access to affordable housing, crack downon unfair pricing practices, and support workers.
• Veterans: Successfully pushed the Administration to dramatically scale back their planned layoffs at the VA by less than half after placing a blanket hold on all nominees to the Senate VA Committee.
• Health Care: Relentlessly held Republicans accountable for kicking millions of Americans off Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, holding town halls across Arizona and doing media appearances.
• Nutrition: Called out Republicans for gutting food assistance to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and using hunger as leverage. Visited Arizona food banks to highlight the impact these cuts are having on their demand this holiday season.
• Immigration: Introduced an ambitious border security and immigration reform plan that received support from national and Arizona leaders.
• Energy & Environment: Tackled America's energy cost crisis head-on with hisplan for America's energy future. Fought to help Northern Arizona recover from the devastating Dragon Bravo fire in the Grand Canyon. Restored millions of dollars in Colorado River conservation funding that had been frozen by the administration.
• Education: Succeeded in releasing funding for Arizona's Head Start programafter the Trump administration's chaotic funding freeze.
• Foreign Policy: Pressed President Gustavo Petro on drug trafficking during a visit to Colombia and called out Russian aggression at the Helsinki Commission in Finland. Introduced a War Powers Resolution to prevent an illegal war in Venezuela.

Here's what Arizona leaders are saying about Senator Gallego's first year on the job:

"Throughout his first year in the Senate, Senator Gallego has been a strong and reliable voice for health care in Arizona. He has pushed back against harmful Medicaid cuts and taken clear action to protect ACA tax credits that keep coverage within reach for hundreds of thousands of Arizonans. As rising costs put real pressure on families and providers alike, his leadership has helped safeguard access to care when it matters most. We're grateful for his partnership and his commitment to putting patients first," said Jessica Yanow, MPH, President and CEO, Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers.

"In his first year as a U.S. Senator, Ruben Gallego has shown that standing up for veterans isn't symbolic, it's personal. He listens, he acts, and he leads with the integrity of someone who understands service and sacrifice," said Paula Pedene, US Navy Veteran, and member of Senator Gallego's Veterans Advisory Council.

"U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, in his first year in the Senate has proven himself as a champion for Veterans, Working People, and Seniors. As an Iraq Combat Veterans, he understands the issues. He doesn't just talk the talk, he acts-voting in favor of legislation that will affect all the above listed folks," said Victor Peterson, U.S. Air Force Retired and member of Senator Gallego's Veterans Advisory Council.