Press Releases

Congressman Gosar Votes for Legislation that Defunds “Operation Fast and Furious” and Promotes Rural Economic Development, Transportation Infrastructure, and Public Safety

Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-01) released the following statement following the passage of H.R. 2112, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, which funds the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development through fiscal year 2012, and ensures continued operation of the federal government. 

"I was one of many sent to Washington, DC to make the tough decisions that will address the grave problems facing our country as a direct result of past Congresses’ inaction.   

While not perfect, this legislation continues to slowly put our country back on the path towards fiscal sustainability.  Although it only cuts over $750 million from the respective federal agencies, it does include the complete elimination of twenty wasteful programs funded by the last congress.  These cuts represent a 27 percent decrease from the original bloated Senate funding package.

In addition to these important cuts, this legislation had numerous policy and program implications that directly benefit the State of Arizona, particularly my constituents in Arizona’s First Congressional District. 

The legislation contains 12 provisions that strengthen Second Amendment rights and protect the American people. Most notably, it prohibits funding for the disastrous “Fast and Furious” program and any similar gunwalking program at the Department of Justice.  I have led the charge to ensure that gunwalking tactics like those used by this Administration are ended. Innocent lives should have never been used as collateral damage. This bill is an important step in my fight to ensure it never happens again.

The legislation includes badly-needed disaster recovery assistance to be allocated by the respective agencies to communities like Coconino County, struck by natural disasters like the Schultz Pass Flood. 

It supports a wide variety of agriculture and rural economic development programs that keep our communities vibrant and strong. This will ensure that the $10.3 billion Arizona agricultural industry remains competitive in a global economy.  It facilitates the expansion of our nation infrastructure, a desperate need in a fast growing state like the Arizona. And it supports federal law enforcement, ensuring they have the men and resources they need to keep our citizens safe, an increasingly difficult mission as the federal government continues to fail to meet its obligation to the American people to secure our SW border.

H.R. 2112 passed the United States House of Representatives by vote 298-121.  The roll call vote can be found at http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll857.xml.

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