Trent's Blog

For many years the people in the New Mexico and Arizona Territories petitioned Congress seeking admission into the Union. During the late 19th Century various members of Congress introduced bills in support of statehood for Arizona and New Mexico, but none were approved. Despite widespread concern over Arizona's constitutional provision for the recall of judges, Congress passed H.J. Res. 14, "to admit the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as States into the Union." On August 15, 1911, President William Howard Taft vetoed the statehood resolution in large part because Arizona's constitution allowed for the recall of judges, a provision that he stated went against the need for an independent judiciary.

 

Immediately after Taft vetoed the resolution providing for statehood for New Mexico and Arizona, Congress passed S. J. Res. 57, admitting the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as states conditioned upon Arizona voters' adoption of an amendment to the constitution removing the judiciary recall provision. President Taft approved the resolution on August 21, 1911. On February 14, 1912, Taft signed the proclamation making Arizona the 48th state, and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the union.

 

At the time of its statehood, Arizona epitomized the economic promise of the American West. Rich in natural resources, the state quickly earned its reputation as the home of the Five C’s – copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate. Its people reflected the rich history and heritage of the Southwest, from the influences of its Native American and Hispanic cultures to the adventurous spirit of its early prospectors, ranchers, and farmers. All embraced Arizona’s rugged and rich environment to create a unique and prosperous lifestyle.

 

Arizona was founded on rugged individualism matched with hard work and vision. It was this indomitable spirit that shaped and molded our state into the place we now call home. I would like to thank not only the people that make up this beautiful state but Arizona's elected leaders, Federal and State, including Arizona's governor, Jan Brewer.

 

I have known Governor Brewer for 30 years; she is a dear friend. Her graceful leadership directly aided Arizona to a balanced budget – improving Arizona’s position -- and incomes -- through an agenda of economic competitiveness -- reforming education and state government -- and a renewed fight for states’ rights.

 

Under her leadership, Arizona is now creating jobs -- 46,000 of them in the last year alone. In fact, Arizona’s job growth ranks 7th best in the nation.

 

If one thing is certain, it is that Arizonans are determined. Our people are Western strong. With the Centennial upon us, let us proudly celebrate the obstacles we have overcome, the progress we have made and the opportunities we have created over the past 100 years.

 

 

 

 

 

Rep. Trent Franks unveils bill targeting casino

GLENDALE- U.S. Rep. Trent Franks unveiled a bill Friday to stop what he called an “illegal” Indian casino proposed near Glendale. Franks, R-Ariz., was joined by state and local lawmakers and tribal representatives as he spoke to about 100 people gathered at a news conference at the Glendale Media Center. Franks’ bill would modify a 25-year-old settlement between Congress and the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Franks outlines measure to block Glendale casino

Glendale resident Nancy Robinette is against the Tohono O’odham’s plans for a casino-resort at 91st and Northern avenues; though she is quick to point out she has no issues with gambling. Robinette was one of dozens in attendance for Rep. Trent Franks’ press conference Friday morning to formally announce the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act. Franks, flanked by local, state and tribal legislators and leaders, said he is pursuing the legislation because he believes the Tohono O’odham are overreaching.

Help Stop Casino Near Glendale Homes and Schools

Friday, Arizona Congressman Trent Franks – strongly supported by Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, members of the Glendale City Council, representatives from Arizona’s tribal nations, and other federal, state and local representatives – introduced the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act. Franks’ proposal will stop one tribe, the southern Arizona Tohono O’Odham Nation, from opening an illegal casino in the middle of Glendale, near homes, schools and small businesses.

Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Launched

Joining Congresswoman Lee at the event and as founding co-chairs of the Caucus were Congressman Jim McDermott (D-CA) and Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ). Representative Franks observed that there are some issues on which Members of Congress “can find great common ground” and HIV/AIDS was one of them. 

Franks to Sebelius: Preserve Medicare Part D

The Medicare Part D program is performing much better than anyone would have predicted…the efficient delivery of the drug benefit through competitive private plans in a consumer driven market vindicated the design of the drug program. Medicare Part D created a competitive marketplace for private drug plans and its success is undeniable.

House committee passes E-Verify after two days of debate

CRONKITE NEWS- Arizona’s 2008 E-Verify law was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, which said that states have the right to revoke businesses licenses if they are found hiring undocumented workers. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, said states should have that right, but he defended a federal bill in the meantime.

GOP House leaders rebuked on spending

WASHINGTON POST- ...Many Republicans considered the figure a cap and believed their party should push for deeper cuts at every turn. Fifty had signed a letter last week urging deeper cuts, and 48 voted against the measure. “There has to be that moment where we say ‘no, this is not what is necessary, and we’re going to have to work for something better,’ ” said Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), who opposed the bill.

 

House Conservatives Vote Down Boehner’s Continuing Resolution That Permitted Funding For Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, Palestinian Authority…

Among the leading conservatives opposing it were Rep. Steve King (R.-Iowa), Rep. Louie Gohmert (R.-Texas), Rep. Joe Walsh (R.-Ill.), Rep. Jeff Flake (R.-Ariz.), Rep. Trent Franks (R.-Ariz.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R.-Ohio), the chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, which is the organization of House conservatives. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R.-Minn.) and Rep. Ron Paul (R.-Texas), who are campaigning for president, did not vote.

For Restless Lawmakers, Accord Proves Elusive

NEW YORK TIMES- Republicans for their part think that if they hold strong to the principles that they believe got them elected — budget cutting and deficit reduction — any hardball tactics will be rewarded.  “I know this is going to sound really partisan,” said Representative Trent Franks, a Republican from Arizona. “But I think if people think about the possibility of the re-election of President Obama,” they will ignore the rancor and pull the lever for Republicans again, he said.

 

GOP wins back nearly half of defecting Republicans in CR vote

THE HILL- House GOP leaders early Friday morning managed to win back almost half of the 48 Republicans who handed their leadership an embarrassing defeat by voting against a continuing resolution Wednesday night.

KINGMAN- Based on the 2010 census, Arizona picked up a ninth congressional seat. Currently, U.S. Congressional District 2 includes all of Mohave County and part of western Maricopa County. U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Glendale, represents District 2.

In a recent article, "Gosar, Franks on wrong tack," an editorial writer poised the question to her readers: If you think the sweetest sound at the Grand Canyon is the buzz of aircraft motor, not nature, then Arizona Congressmen Paul Gosar and Trent Franks are on your side.

 

In reality, if you think the sweetest thing about government agencies is their ability to kill family businesses while spending even more tax payers' dollars, then quite possibly this article might be what was sitting next to your coffee the morning of July 29th.

 

The attack here isn’t on the Grand Canyon, it’s on the US Air Tour Industry that has been providing the elderly, physically limited and time constrained international visitors, the eagle eye view of the Grand Canyon since the late 1930’s.

 

For the last 17 years the Air Tour industry has met the National Park Service (NPS) standard for “substantial restoration of natural quiet” as defined by the National Park Service by restoring quiet to 50% of the park 75% of the time. This fact was scientifically validated in 2008 by the Volpe Institute in their report to the NPS and the FAA. Though now, NPS is proposing to change the threshold from 50 to 67% by imposing broad new flight restrictions on all air tours from Northern Arizona and Southern Nevada. This will result in significant economic harm on the air tour operators as well as significant job losses impacting over 1,200 employees.

 

Over the last decade, the National Park Service record will confirm that there have been virtually no visitor written objections to the noise impact of the air tours from the millions of visitors that visit the popular National Park destination.

 

Air tour operators are prepared to work with the NPS to undertake additional and reasonable measures to improve the soundscape at Grand Canyon still but not at the expense of families' livelihoods.  The industry has already accepted caps on the number of flights, curfews to protect visitor experience after sunrise and before sunset, the elimination of many air tour routes, minimum flight altitudes, and flight free zones that protect about 87 percent of the park.

 

All in all, this preferred alternative is nothing more than a blatant attempt by a government agency to change the rules of the game after their conditions have already been met. I cannot support regulations that terminate American jobs, nor can I allow more tax payer dollars to be siphoned where they need not be.