This Week with Gosar

Top Stories – Washington, D.C.

What We Are Fighting For

This week kicked off the 118^th session of Congress in Washington, D.C., and it was historic.  For the first time since the Civil War, it took 15 ballots to elect the next Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.   Let me tell you what happened, and what we were fighting for, and what we accomplished.  

The battle for the speakership was not limited to who would be Speaker.   It was about the rules that govern Congress.   With every new Congress, rules are established that govern how we propose laws, how we change laws, how we debate laws, and how we pass laws.   For the last century, these rules have been written in a manner that eliminates most members of Congress from having any meaningful input in the process.   Since my first day in Congress, the Speaker, regardless of their party, has abused these rules and exercised tyrannical control over the members of congress. 

Only the Speaker could decide what bills would be voted on, or who could propose a bill or amendment, or if whether there would be any debate.   It turned Congress into a charade, or Kabuki theater.   It may have appeared like we had a choice and a voice in the making, however, we had very little choice in reality.  

What happened this week?  

There was a revolt this week and 20 of us said, “no more.”  We were tired of the status quo.  We were tired of being given 4,000 plus page spending bills and then told we needed to vote for it with only mere hours before the vote lest something bad occur.   Believe me when I say:  no person can read and understand a 4,000-page congressional bill in 24 or 48 hours but that is what often occurred.  This was legislative malpractice.  And we decided to end it. 

The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back

Even though this type of silly nonsense has plagued Congress for decades, the straw that broke the camel’s back was the Omnibus bill passed by the democrats in December.   

This 4,100-page monstrosity spent $1.7 trillion dollars, and included money for a war we have never debated or declared, billions of dollars to protect the borders of Israel, Ukraine and other countries, and expressly prohibited protecting our own border.  There is over a trillion dollars in waste in that bill.  This is TRILLION with a T.  It is hard to fathom how much money that it is, but it is an enormous amount. 

Leaders in Congress gave us less than 24 hours to “read” this bill before ramming it through for a vote on Christmas weekend.  This was an obvious sham.   As a result, 19 patriots and I decided “enough was enough.”  We were hell bent on changing the rules by picking this fight when we were selecting the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.  By setting the stage during the Speaker vote we could leverage our ideas to change the rules, because whoever was going to be our Speaker needed nearly all of our support to win.  The eventual Speaker needed to agree to better rules to garner our support.  

Keep in mind, the Speaker of the House of Representatives has a boss, and it is the rest of us in Congress who put him or her in the role.  That is no different than all of you being my boss by putting me into office.   I must report to you on what I am doing, keeping my promises, and making sure you feel your voice is being heard.   It is no different for whoever is the Speaker. 

What About Democrat Authoritarianism 

Contrary to the 20 of us, the democrats in Congress seem quite happy to live under tyranny.   The rules they passed under former Speaker Pelosi created a dictatorship with the Speaker.   It appears that most democrats are quite happy being told what to do, how high to jump, and to never dissent or else…

However, the rest of us real Americans, with the blood of our forefathers in our veins, living like minions to the Speaker is not acceptable.   We demanded that the Pelosi rules be thrown out, shredded and kicked to the curb.   There is a new sheriff in town, and this sheriff wants freedom and true democracy on the floor of the House of Representatives.  We want a voice and our votes to count.  We want our views heard and considered.   That is exactly what we got!

Why I Voted for Kevin McCarthy

When the process to elect the next Speaker began earlier in the week, I was proud to have nominated and voted several times for my colleague and very good friend, Representative Andy Biggs from the great state of Arizona.  Congressman Biggs is a proven, principled leader who has fought every single day for limited government and accountability in Washington, D.C.   

Throughout the week, I continued to negotiate with Congressman McCarthy, with clear-eyed determination to change the failed policies of the past that have not worked.   In fact, I withheld my vote from Kevin McCarthy until important concessions were made on transparency, process, spending, and accountability.

Among these concessions include: 

• The Motion to Vacate the Chair by one member of the House of Representatives
• Open rules on appropriations bills
• Non-establishment representation on key committees

So, after voting 11 times against, I cast my 12th vote for Congressman Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, voting with Representatives Jim Jordan, Byron Donalds, Chip Roy, and with support from President Trump, because the time to fight the Biden administration and the woke socialist policies of the Left is now. 

I voted from Mr. McCarthy for speaker because he listened to me and others.  As noted, I had several frank and open conversations where Kevin understood our opposition.  He agreed to major reforms and to let our Republican conference become partners with him, not minions to him.  I supported him because he agreed to run with these reforms and to keep our coalition together. 

When the rules package gets approved next week, we will have accomplished something no Congress has done in a century.   It takes vision and perspective to step out of the traditional comfort zone, and Speaker McCarthy joined me in taking that step for Congress and for the betterment of America.  

I will be a strong partner working with Speaker McCarthy and the rest of my colleagues to pass bills to save our country from the mess the democrats have created, stand up to Joe Biden and his woke administration and use our majority to enact a bold agenda that transforms how Congress operates.The situation is dire and we no time waste.  

I am Proud of My Colleagues 

In the process of debating the speakership and the rules, I stood with 20 colleagues who reached the same conclusion: we needed to shake this up to save America.  I saw my friend Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene work tirelessly to win support for the Speaker and the rule changes.  My friend Representative Matt Gaetz showed resolve and courage under fire.   My colleague Representative Dan Bishop showed his passion.  My friend Rep. Lauren Boebert showed confidence, bravery and determination.   Congressman Chip Roy showed leadership.  I could go on, and I am also proud of my resolve and focus.   

At the end of a long week, Congress finally took big steps to make America great again.   Speaking of which, President Trump made calls, talked with members of Congress about his view of the situation and urged support for Kevin McCarthy.  In short, it may have looked messy, but like I said: we are not democrats.  We are not beholden to the narrative “happy to just go along” with whatever we are told.  I am very proud of my Republican conference and I am looking forward to a better rules package that will lead to better process, better policies and better politics.  

What Did AOC and I Talk About?

Pictures of me talking with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) flooded the internet this week.   People found it interesting that the most liberal member of Congress (AOC) would talk with the most conservative member (me).   Come to my next town-hall, or Coffee with the Congressman, and I will tell you in person what we talked about.  In the meantime, enjoy this picture: 

It’s Mail Time! 

I receive a lot of mail.  In fact, last year I received over 75,000 pieces of mail.  I do my darn best to respond to everyone who writes.  Each week, I also like to highlight a handful of those letters.  Here’s a sample from this week:

Mary C. from Surprise wrote:

You are awesome. So proud to call you my congressman. We completely support what you, Crane, and Biggs are doing. Finally, someone is listening to us. Don't give up! My only question is WTH is wrong with the rest of our Reps? Even when you tell them they just ignore us.

Dear Mary, thank you!  I am listening and now D.C. is listenting, too!

Cynthia C. from Kingman shared her prayers:

As a person of faith and your constituent, I want to let you know I am praying passionately and watching intently for the vote for Speaker of the House. I am praying for you as you decide who you will cast your vote for in this important role. May God be glorified, and may the House get leadership that will seek truth, protect people of faith, and honor the Constitution.

Dear Cynthia, your prayers are always welcome and necessary.  Never forget the power of prayer!

Terry W. from Tonopah shares:

Thank you for standing strong against an example of a malleable swamp creature. Please continue to do so and ignore the (normally sane) GOP members who are crying "the sky is falling." This is a fine example of representative democracy in action carried out by 20 or so individuals who clearly care about their constituents more than appeasing powerful party members.

Hi Terry, that is why I was proud to stand along-side 19 of my colleagues.  Many others were timid to make real changes.  Now is the time to be bold.  "The timorous may stay at home."   

The 20th person who emails the correct name of the person who made that quote will get a free book (autographed by me} about politics.

Kathy A. from Buckeye offered these warm words:

Representative Gosar, it is refreshing to see an elected representative actually care about their constituents. When President Trump became President my thoughts were along the line of "business as usual" which was further from the truth. I was given hope that maybe our elected officials would represent actions for the people. I am proud of you for standing up for me against the odds. I really appreciate it. I too want change and in my small way am going to start at the local level. You inspire me. Thank you for believing in me, and We the People.

Thank you, Kathy!  I believe in the power of the people.  You guys give me strength.  We are a team!

Molly H. from Kingman shared this perspective:

Thank you for taking a stand for better government. I am a new resident of Arizona and am so pleased to FINALLY have a representative that represents my positions! Stand firm! McCarthy will likely get the Speakership, but make him earn it.

Dear Molly, welcome to Arizona and my district.  You are now at home!

Jim D. from Tempe wrote:

Tell Paul he did the right thing.  I'm sure he'll be criticized.  He got more than I ever thought the gang of 20 could get.  Now they need to hold Kevin's feet to the fire.

Jim: Mission accomplished!

Herman G. who is a regular writer of hatred shared his views:

Gosar – you’re such a joke - you are no strategist. You are only a foolish sheep following a bunch of lame ass people with the names of Biggs, Boebart, and Gaetz. They are all ridiculous and now Arizona has another loonie called Crane. You will not last long with your Maga craziness - you will be going down. 

Dear Herman, I like publishing your goofy hate mail.  It reminds me and everyone else why the democrats are hate-filled and envious.  As for me "going down" the only place I am "going down" is to the floor of Congress where I will be casting votes daily that cause you heartburn.

Tweet of the Week:

Photo of the Week:

Nancy Frost sent this stunning photo of the Colorado River.  Beautiful!  Thanks for sharing and thanks for your service. 

Now, who is next!?

Do you have photography skills? 

Do you want the chance for your photograph to be featured as our "Picture of the Week?"   If so, send your best shots of our great state to Anthony.foti@mail.house.gov.  Remember to include your name and where you live.  We have a beautiful state, let's show her off!

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