This Week With Gosar

July 14, 2024

Breaking: President Trump Survives Assassination Attempt on J13

Maude and I are praying for Donald Trump, his family and all of America following the cowardly and heinous assassination attempt of the 45^th President of the United States.  In the coming hours and days, much more will be learned about the shooter, his motive and, tragically, the others killed and injured. 

We do know that in a widely reported call to hundreds of donors last week, Joe Biden boasted, “I have one job, and that’s to beat Donald Trump. I’m absolutely certain I’m the best person to be able to do that. So, we’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye.”

I will also note that just weeks ago Congressional Democrats, led by liberal Representative Bennie Thompson,dangerously introduced legislation to remove secret service protection from President Trump, the Republican candidate for President of the United States.  Eight Democrats have cosponsored this legislation. 

The constant comparisons of President Trump to Hitler and the repeated calls from over the last several years for stabbing, killing, poisoning, decapitating, or shooting President Trump serve as dog whistles to provoke and incite violence and very well may have fueled this assassination attempt. 

Let me be perfectly clear: there is absolutely no place for this sort of incendiary rhetoric and calls for violence in politics today and everyone must condemn it.

Troubling, multiple news reports note that “sources familiar with Trump’s security detail” previously told reporters that President Trump’s security “detail has been asking for beefed up protection and resources for weeks, but has been rebuffed time and again by Biden’s DHS.”  If true, this disregard for President Trump’s safety is criminal.

I will undoubtedly have much more to share on this in the days ahead.  For now, I will say that I am extremely grateful to the brave law enforcement officials who responded, and I thank God that President Trump is safe and will never stop fighting for the American people. 

Gosar Votes to Require Proof of Citizenship When Voting

This week, I voted in favor of H.R. 8281, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act),legislation I co-sponsored that would amend current law to require states to obtain documentary proof of citizenship when registering an individual to vote in a federal election, including for mail-in voting.

I find it both laughable and preposterous that the same people who, for the past four years, forced you to carry a vaccine passport to dine in a restaurant, hold a job, or get on a flight are the same people now opposing common-sense legislation requiring individuals to show proof of American citizenship to vote in elections.

The radical left loves to argue that it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections.  But guess what?  It is also illegal to cross the border and evade Border Patrol, but that hasn’t stopped more than 11 million lawbreakers from crossing Biden’s open southern border. 

In his remarks on the House floor, Speaker Johnson summed it up perfectly by noting that “only U.S. citizens are supposed to vote in a U.S. election. But here's the problem. The law is not being followed.  In George, state election officials are catching thousands of noncitizens who are trying to register to vote but they are one of only a few states that is making that effort right now to check the voter rolls on the front end before the disaster occurs.  In May, the state of Ohio had to remove 137 noncitizen voters from the rolls when they did a quick check. In May of last year, Virginia removed almost 1500 noncitizens from their voter rolls.  But here's the catch, only after more than 800 of those noncitizen ballots had been cast in 2019. They already participated in an election illegally.”  I bet you also did not know that more than 500 illegals are registered to vote in Washington, D.C. Americans alone should determine the outcome of our elections. Voters are overwhelmingly concerned about the integrity of elections and rightfully so. 

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, 198 House Democrats voted against this legislation.  Why, you ask? Because they are power-thirsty and want tens of millions of illegal aliens to vote in our elections.  Speaker Johnson rightfully noted that “if just a small percentage, a fraction of a fraction of all those illegals that Joe Biden has brought in here vote, if they do vote, it wouldn't just change one race and it might potentially change all of our races.”  That is why The SAVE Act is a crucial step for election integrity and must be passed and this is why Joe Biden issued a statement vowing to veto the measure.

By the way, Democrats in Congress have along history of voting to advancing Biden’s open border policies:

• 🚨 In May 2023, 211 Democrats voted against H.R. 2 which is the strongest border security bill in American history and would have ended the Biden border crisis. 
• 🚨 In July 2023, 201 Democrats voted against a bill to prohibit public elementary schools from being used to house illegal immigrants. 
• 🚨 In September 2023, 208 Democrats voted against a bill to prioritize investments to secure the border, protect CBP agents and officers on the frontline, and remove dangerous criminals from our homeland.
• 🚨 In November 2023, 203 Democrats voted against prohibiting funds from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on federal lands. 
• 🚨 In January 2024, 154 Democrats voted against imposing criminal penalties on individuals who evade US border patrol agents. 
• 🚨 In January 2024, 187 Democrats voted against a resolution urging Joe Biden to end his failed Far Left Democrat open borders agenda. 
• 🚨 In February 2024, 150 Democrats voted against deporting convicted illegal immigrants who have committed an offense while driving under the influence. 
• 🚨 In March 2024, 170 Democrats voted against requiring the DHS to take into custody illegal immigrants being charged with, arrested for, or convicted of theft offenses. 
• 🚨 In May 2024, 148 Democrats voted against a bill to detain and deport illegal immigrants who assault law enforcement officers.
• 🚨 In June 2024, 197 Democrats voted against a bill to fund the security of our homeland. 

Four Republicans Join Nearly All Democrats to Spare Attorney General

I’ve written extensively about United States Attorney General Merrick Garland’s refusal to turn over the audio tapes of Joe Biden’s video recordings of the testimony given to Special Counsel Robert Hur in connection with Biden’s unlawful possession of classified documents.

Several constituents have asked: Congressman Gosar, why do you need the audio of Biden’s interview with Robert Hur? Wasn’t the transcript already provided? I don’t understand why we need to spend time on this.

I’m glad you asked. You may not know this, but the White House has corrected the transcripts of remarks given by Joe Biden at least 148 times.  Don’t believe me? You can read more about this by clicking here.  In many cases, the transcript was changed to convey the exact opposite of what Joe Biden actually said. The White House even put out a transcript that falsely portrayed what Biden said out loud.  Since Biden’s disastrous debate a few weeks ago, we’ve learned of many more examples of Biden’s flacks pressuring reporters to change the transcript of Biden’s gaffes.

It’s apparent to everyone, including Democrats and the Fake News, that Mr. Biden is in a very diminished state of mind, to put it nicely.  Senility aside, Congress and the American people have a right to know what Biden said to Robert Hur and it is inexcusable that Merrick Garland continues to engage in a cover-up. 

This week, the House of Representatives voted on a resolution to impose a daily $10,000 fine on AG Merrick Garland for withholding audiotapes from Joe Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur.  I voted in support of this resolution.  Sadly, four Republicans joined every Democrat to kill the bill.   

Merrick Garland is not above the law.  His continued refusal to provide the lawfully subpoenaed audio recordings is an affront to Congress’ legal authority and it is a crime.  If Biden has nothing to hide, then he should be eager to release the audio recording. 

Gosar Hosts Social Security Roundtable Before Packed Crowd

A packed room of constituents attended my social security roundtable in Surprise this Friday.  The fact that we had standing room only crowd shows just how important this issue is.

I wholeheartedly believe that Social Security is a sacred trust.  Social Security embodies the values of compassion to Americans who are retired, disabled, or the survivors of deceased workers. It is one of the most important programs in the United States, providing a safety net for millions of Americans.

Social Security is a vital source of income for many citizens in our State. Social Security benefits help empower retired Americans who have worked and paid into the system for years. It’s YOUR money!

But for years and with increasing frequency, many on the Left have repeatedly accused Republicans of wanting to reduce Social Security benefits.  The only reason that I can think of for why the Left does this is to scare and frighten our Seniors and that is a shame.  The truth is, I do NOT support cutting Social Security.

On the contrary, I have repeatedly fought to STRENGTHEN Social Security and INCREASE benefits. 

For example, I introduced the No Tax on Social Security Act, which would exclude Social Security benefits from being counted as annual gross income, thus exempting it from federal income taxation. 

I also support legislation that would eliminate any penalties for seniors who choose to continue to work.

I have proposed legislation to eliminate the Optional Practice Training Program, otherwise known as OPT. OPT allows foreigners to work here but not pay into social security, but they can claim it, thus giving employers an unfair incentive to hire inexpensive foreign labor while displacing American workers.

And that’s just wrong, it should be criminal.

I’ve also cosponsored legislation to eliminate Social Security benefits to illegal aliens. It makes no sense for the federal government to punish senior citizens who saved for retirement while rewarding noncitizens for taking advantage of a broken system.

And I co-sponsored legislation repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which have unfairly penalized thousands of Arizonans who worked tirelessly their entire lives.

Sadly, many of my constituents have seen their benefits cut because of a four-decade old federal law eating into their Social Security entitlements they paid into.

This non-sense policy punishes hard work and prudent planning.  

If you paid into Social Security, the government should not punish you and take your lawfully earned benefits just because you’re a firefighter, police officer or a teacher.

Now let me tell you the CUTS I do SUPPORT.  I support CUTS to foreign aid, unauthorized programs, Big Tech subsidies, senseless foreign wars, bloated bureaucracies, and I support rescinding the unobligated COVID-19 funds and the billions more unobligated funds from all the national emergencies still on the books and TRANSFERRING it ALL to the Social Security Trust Fund so my constituents get their money back.

The bottom line is this:  I have been and will continue, to fight for more and better Social Security benefits for my constituents because I want you to keep the benefits you have earned. 

I plan on hosting a couple more of these throughout the district over the next few months and you’re all welcome to attend. 

I will be sure to keep you updated on those dates.

In the interim, if you are having any difficulty with obtaining your benefits or need assistance with any federal issue, please do not hesitate to stop by my office in Goodyear or call my office at 623-707-0530.

Many thanks to Jack Burns, Public Affairs Specialist for Arizona, Social Security Administration, Nikki Colletti with the Association of Mature American Citizens and all the wonderful folks from Ottawa University for the use of their facility and amenities and the staff from the City of Surprise from helping coordinate with the University.

Gosar Receives 100% Rating from Family Research Council for Unwavering Commitment to Faith, Family and Freedom

I was recently recognized by the Family Research Council for receiving the One Hundred Percent Award for my unwavering pro-faith, pro-family voting record in 2023. This recognition reflects my commitment to upholding the values that are at the heart of our great nation. My votes included protecting born-alive abortion survivors, safeguarding parental rights in their children’s education, and supporting my own legislation to keep males from competing in women’s sports.

As your representative in Congress, I have consistently stood up for life, family, and religious liberty and fought back against the most egregious elements of the Biden Regime’s radical agenda.

To see the complete list of scored actions and how all Members of Congress voted, click here to download a copy of the 2023 scorecard.

Charges Dropped against Arizona Rancher Arrested for Defending Family

Here’s an update on a story I shared in my newsletter several months ago concerning George Kelly, an Arizona rancher arrested for defending his family from illegal aliens who invaded his ranch property.

Backup:  In January 2023, Mr. Kelly was minding his own business and having lunch with his wife when a group of lawbreakers, dressed in camouflage, carrying large backpacks and armed with AK-47s trespassed onto his property.  Feeling threatened and wanting to protect his elderly wife, Mr. Kelly was forced to shoot the invader.  Despite what appeared to have been a classic case of self-defense and “standing your ground,” in Joe Biden’s messed up world, Mr. Kelly was arrested and charged with murder.  Mr. Kelly’s trial ended in a mistrial in April as jurists were unable to reach a verdict after one hold-out juror refused to acquit.

This week, a judge in Santa Cruz County dismissed the case against Mr. Kelly with prejudice, meaning it cannot be re-tried.  As was noted by his attorney, Mr. Kelly was “in a life-or-death situation,” and when “confronted with a threat right outside his home, he was absolutely justified to use deadly force.”  In this instance, the good guy won!  There should never have been a trial and Mr. Kelly’s nightmare is finally after. 

It’s Mail Time!                                               

📬 I receive thousands of letters each month and I appreciate hearing from everyone! Here are samples of letters I received this week:

📨 Roger H. from Surprise, AZ writes:

I appreciated the congressman doing a round table today.  Please keep me informed about another round table or discussion of our district. God Bless and thanks!!!

👉 Roger, thanks for the note and the feedback.  I appreciate that you attended.  Rest assured that I will be hosting more roundtables, and I will share details of my next roundtable in an upcoming newsletter so please keep an eye out for that announcement.   As I said at the roundtable this past Friday, I don’t pretend to have a monopoly on all the best ideas. That’s why I regularly host these important roundtables, to hear your thoughts. I want to take your ideas and solutions back to Washington, DC. Congress can and should work together to ensure people receiving social security receive their full benefit.  And that’s exactly what I plan to do.Thank you again for being there.

📨 Ann O. from Yuma, AZ shares:

I support proof of citizenship for all voters. It’s not a burden to prove your citizenship. Let’s err on the right side of this issue. I think part of the problem is the DMV automatically registering voters. You don’t have to be a citizen to drive but you do to vote. Separate the two functions. Thanks for standing up for our country.

👉 Ann, I agree with you 100%.  Voting on the SAVE Act was arguably one of the most important votes I took as your Representative.  There is no legitimate argument why the Democrats oppose this commonsense measure.  Nothing changes the voter registration process in the states.  The only people who will face hurdles here are those who are trying to break our federal laws.  In fact, requiring proof of citizenship will increase public trust and confidence in American elections, which results in higher voter turnout. 

📨 Joe B. from Bullhead City, AZ adds:

No need to conduct a cognitive test, just release the audio tapes of the Robert Hur interrogation to the public.

👉 Joe, you and I both know that if the audio tapes were identical to the supposed transcript the White House released, Biden would have released them immediately.  Let’s be honest, it’s to his advantage to dispel any concerns about his cognitive decline.  The fact that Biden is blocking their release tells you all you need to know. 

Congress and the American people need the audio tapes to verify the accuracy of the written transcripts given this White House has been known to heavily edit Biden’s statements. This is a simple matter – we have the transcript, and we need the audio.

Tweet of the Week:

Photo of the Week:

This week, I will deviate from posting a submitted photo and, instead, share these two photos capturing the moments seconds after a shooter attempted to assassinate President Trump.  

📸 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 Anthony.foti@mail.house.gov.  Remember to include your name and where you live. 

Gosar in the News and Other Must-Read Stories:

🗞 AZ Republic: Rep. Paul Gosar pitches wasteful spending cuts to keep Social Security solvent

🗞 E&E News: Gosar revives renewable energy, public lands bill

🗞 The National Pulse: House Republicans Advance SAVE Act, Preventing Non-citizens From Voting.

🗞 The Federalist: Democrats Started Trying To Strip Trump’s Secret Service Protection Just Months Before Shooting

🗞 Politico: Biden tells donors: 'We're done talking about the debate'

🗞 Daily Signal: Joe Biden Has Always Been a Liar

🗞 New York Post: Dems in denial: Progressives gaslit us about Biden’s age for years — now they’re admitting the terrifying truth

🗞 Daily Caller: House Votes Down GOP Effort To Fine Merrick Garland For Withholding Biden-Hur Tapes

🗞 Newsmax: Judge Dismisses Case Against Rancher Who Allegedly Killed Migrant

🗞 Fox News: Biden under pressure after countries refuse to take back illegal immigrants: 'National security concern'

⚠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 seldom, if ever,  linking to Fake News organizations including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Rolling Stone, the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Mirror, Media Matters or the New Republic.