Hamadeh, Abe RSS Articles

Congressman Hamadeh Announces Winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abraham Hamadeh is proud to announce that Emily Chen, a sophomore attending school at home, is the winner of the 2026 AZ-08 Congressional Art Competition for her piece titled "United in Dreams."

Emily’s artwork will hang in the United States Capitol alongside artwork from other congressional districts across the country, where it will be seen by millions of visitors.

"Emily captured the true spirit of the United States of America in her work,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As I told her today, I look forward to sharing her art with visitors to our nation’s Capitol. They will be as inspired by it as I am.”

“As I was reviewing all of the artwork pieces submitted this year, I couldn’t help but have great hope for the future of our country,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “If the young artists of Arizona’ 8^th Congressional district are any indication, then I have no doubt the future will be bright and beautiful.”

Emily describes her original acrylic painting depicting a mother and young daughter as, “a child learning about elements of U.S. culture and history that inspire and enable her to exercise creativity and imagination in her own life. The mom and daughter interaction represents the important values of family and education. The iconic images represent American ideals and achievements that encourage children to explore and realize their dreams.”

The 2nd place winner is Leighton S. Larson, a sophomore from Mountain Ridge High School, for his drawing " McDonnel Douglas F-15 Eagle."

The 3rd place winner is Phuong Nguyen, a sophomore at Basis Peoria, for his drawing "A Nation in the Making."

The 2nd place winner’s art will be hung in Congressman Hamadeh’s Congressional Office in Washington, D.C. and the 3rd place winner’s artwork will be displayed at the Congressman’s district office in Surprise, Arizona.

U.S. Senate Unanimously Approves Congressman Hamadeh’s Effort to Preserve F-14 Tomcat Legacy

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the companion bill to Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s Maverick Act of 2026. Congressman Hamadeh’s bill will preserve the last three F-14 Tomcats for public display and educational purposes.

The Maverick Act of 2026 creates a narrow exception to the post-retirement restrictions that have destroyed nearly all F-14s, ensuring that its legacy is preserved. The Maverick Act allows three of the world’s final Tomcats to be demilitarized and transferred for public display and education under strict national security safeguards. It does not restore combat capability or reopen foreign transfer.

“I want to thank Senator Sheehy and his colleagues for passing this legislation aimed at preserving for history one of the most iconic aircraft ever flown,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As a former U.S. Army officer, I know that many of the men and women I served with felt the same way. That is why I proudly introduced this legislation.”

“I am also grateful to the cosponsors of the bill in the House, who have already offered their enthusiastic support,” stated Congressman Hamadeh.

Original cosponsors of Congressman Hamadeh’s bill include Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA), Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), and Congressman James Moylan (R-GU).

BACKGROUND:

In an amendment to the FY26 defense bill signed into law by President Trump, Congressman Hamadeh also secured five T-37 jet trainer aircraft from Tucson’s boneyard, saving them from final destruction. These jets trained aces, astronauts, and our first female aviators and now, the Arizona Aviation Historical Group will bring one back to its former glory, promoting historical preservation, STEM, aviation education, and recruitment.

From Naval History and Heritage Command:

The F-14, a carrier-based aircraft, entered the U.S. Navy inventory in 1972 and retired in September 1996.

Known for its AIM-54 Phoenix missile system and its portrayal in Top Gun, it saw extensive service in the Gulf War, the Balkans, and Iraq.

Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Kayleigh’s Law to Protect Victims of Dangerous Crimes from Their Abusers

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) has introduced Kayleigh’s Law to protect victims of dangerous crimes from their abusers. Kayleigh’s Law delivers stronger, lifelong protection to survivors of federal sex crimes and violent felonies by requiring courts to issue permanent no-contact injunctions against convicted offenders.

Introduced during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the goal of this legislation is to eliminate the "legal tug-of-war" where survivors must repeatedly face their attackers in court to maintain basic safety protections. Having passed at the state level in both Arizona and Wisconsin, this legislation, named after Kayleigh Kozak, a young mother from Arizona who was victimized as a child, prohibits all forms of direct or indirect contact with the victim for the rest of the guilty predator's life. The prohibition will remain in effect even after prison, probation, or supervised release ends.

“As a former prosecutor, I know how vulnerable victims can be, how determined their predators often are, and how judges can frequently fail victims of crime. That is why we must require federal courts to impose these lifetime injunctions when requested by the government or the victim during sentencing,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “I have seen what victims go through as the predator’s adjudication process plays out and know how important it is for the victim’s healing process to begin. That process cannot be interrupted by their predators simply because our courts fail to take crime seriously and fail to impose lifetime injunctions.”

Original cosponsors of this bill include Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36) , Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), David Joyce (OH-14), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Barry Moore (AL-01), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chris Smith (NJ-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Greg Steube (FL-17), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), David Taylor (OH-02), and Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (MP).

“Kayleigh’s Law originated in Arizona and will uplift thousands of victims of unspeakable crimes. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this commonsense legislation to ensure victims of dangerous crimes can obtain lifetime protections against their abusers,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Survivors should not be faced with uncertainty about those who have harmed them. Kayleigh’s Law will close critical gaps in federal law by strengthening protections, enhancing enforcement, and ensuring lasting safety for victims.”

“Victims of violent crime and sexual assault deserve to have permanent, basic safety protections without having to repeatedly face their attacker in court. The emotional and psychological toll of these legal proceedings is high. Kayleigh’s Law gives victims one less thing to worry about by removing the fear and dread of reliving these experiences. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Hamadeh's bill to ensure these criminals hold no power over their victims,” said Congressman Stutzman.

“The harm caused by sexual assault is not temporary. It is lifelong," stated Kaleigh. "The protections for those who have been sexually violated should be lifelong too. No survivor should have to repeatedly return to court just to request the continuation of a protective order from the person who was convicted of sexually violating them. Kayleigh’s Law ensures no victim ever has to endure the nightmare of continuously justifying their need for safety. When I was a little girl, I could not protect myself from the teacher who sexually abused me at school - but I can fight now to protect myself, other innocent children, and every victim.”

Congressman Hamadeh Urges Veterans Affairs to Improve and Modernize the VA Home Loan Program to Make the American Dream Affordable Again

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) is urging Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to implement common best practices in the VA Home Loan program and eliminate outdated policies that do not align with current housing market realities.

In a letter to Secretary Collins, Congressman Hamadeh reiterated his belief that the Trump administration has made significant progress in refocusing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on its core mission: taking care of veterans by cutting the benefits claims backlog, expanding access to care, and eliminating waste across the Department. That is why Congressman Hamadeh is confident that his common-sense suggestions for increasing homeownership for young veterans will be seriously considered.

Congressman Hamadeh’s suggestions, as outlined in his letter, include:

Origination Fee Compliance and Fee Stacking

VA regulations cap lender origination and administrative fees at 1 percent of the loan amount. That 1 percent is intended to be all-inclusive, covering the lender’s labor and overhead. Yet veterans are reporting that lenders are charging the full 1 percent origination fee and then piling on additional itemized charges for processing, underwriting, and other services. This is a cash grab, and it needs to stop.

Underwriting Modernization

VA still relies on manual underwriting for home loans. FHA has moved to semi-automated systems that can approve a loan in 2 to 7 business days, compared to approximately 10 for VA. The Mortgage Bankers Association testified that automated underwriting would speed the loan process, particularly for straightforward applications, and would reduce the stigma that VA loans take longer to close.

Seller Concessions Cap

VA currently caps seller concessions at 4 percent of the reasonable value of the home. FHA and USDA both allow 6 percent. In a competitive housing market like the Phoenix metropolitan area, that 2 percent differential can determine whether a veteran’s offer is accepted or passed over.

Appraiser Certification Requirements and Shortage

The VA has identified 436 counties across 31 states that do not have enough certified appraisers to meet current demand. A significant driver of this shortage is the VA’s experience requirement. FHA and USDA loans require only 12 to 18 months. VA requires 3 to 5 years of experience for appraiser certification, forcing veterans into longer wait times and substantially higher fees.

"As my fellow veteran and Committee member, Congressman Van Orden said in our hearing on the subject, we must find ways to eliminate the unnecessary administrative costs of the VA Home Loan program and better align it with other Federal housing programs. My family is in real estate. I am very familiar with housing, and I know the unintended consequences of bureaucratic policies that have little to no protective value and ignore the realities of the marketplace."

Congressman Hamadeh Boosts A-10 for “Boots on the Ground” with BRRRRT Act

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

‘One of the most terrifying yet beautiful sounds ever heard’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh has begun work on his BRRRRT Act in an effort to ensure that the men and women who serve on our front lines have the most lethal close air support (CAS). The BRRRRT (Bolstering Recognition, Resurgence, Retention, and Remembrance of the Thunderbolt) Act, pronounced "Brrrrrrrrt," will be sure to bring a smile to those warriors – past and present - who recognize the iconic sound of the A-10.

This week, at the request of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Air Force this week announced that the Air Force will keep the A-10 Thunderbolt II flying through 2030. According to the military, the Air Force "plans to extend two squadrons of A-10s to 2030, one active-duty squadron at Moody AFB and one reserve squadron at Whiteman AFB."

Congressman Hamadeh’s legislation will reinforce and extend President Trump’s 2030 timeline, increase the minimum number of A-10s in operational inventory, and support training and sustainment pipelines.

Congressman Hamadeh’s BRRRRT Act will require that once retired, some A-10s must be preserved in rapidly recoverable condition at AMARG boneyard in Arizona for future surge capacity, evaluate potential for retention in Reserve and Guard wings, and require a look at the feasibility of sale or transfer to foreign partners – including in shared sustainment arrangements.

Recognizing the A-10’s durability against generations, the bill will require a report on A-10 combat legacy, current use, and modernization outlook:

Specifically, the legislation will direct the Air Force, to submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the A-10’s combat employment from Operation Desert Storm through current operations, including lessons learned for future close air support doctrine, pilot training, weapons integration, battlefield communications, and the extent to which elements of the A-10 mission set, command-and-control methods, and air-ground integration experience may inform the development of future close air support concepts, including human-machine teaming, autonomous collaborative or adjunct aircraft employment, counter-drone, AI-enabled mission planning and targeting support, digital battlefield communications, distributed air-ground integration, and other emerging capabilities relevant to close air support and armed overwatch.

“As a former U. S. Army Intelligence officer, I know that the arrival of the A-10 creates the most beautiful sound ever heard by troops under fire on the battlefield,” stated Congressman Hamadeh, who oversees fighter platform programs on the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces. “For too long, the military industrial complex has pushed newer, not better, leaving our troops at risk by retiring the great Warthog. The A-10 is proof that newer isn’t always better and price has nothing to do with performance.”

Background:

As of April 2026, the U.S. is significantly increasing its A-10 Warthog presence in the Middle East, with the Pentagon doubling its deployment to at least 30+ aircraft to target Iranian-backed militias.

Despite the urgent combat use, the Air Force is moving forward with a phased retirement of the fleet, including at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. Stars and Stripes reports that the “…Air Force first tried to get rid of all the A-10s in 1984, the year production ended, according to a 2015 Congressional Research Service report. Congress has repeatedly balked at Pentagon attempts to zero out the A-10, most recently last year when it proposed a one-year phase-out of the remaining 162 jets in the Air Force inventory. Congress said no and required the Air Force to maintain more than 100,” noting that the Pentagon announced that April 3rd was the final A-10 pilot graduating class. The first unit to receive the A-10, in 1976, was based at Davis-Monthan, a legacy that Congressman Hamadeh’s BRRRRT Act will honor.

Congressman Hamadeh Takes Action to Preserve F-14 Tomcat Legacy

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Abraham Hamadeh proudly introduced the Maverick Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill to preserve the last three F-14 Tomcats for public display and educational purposes. The legislation is a companion to a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

“As a young man, I was inspired by the popular Tom Cruise movie Top Gun, which featured the F-14, one of the most iconic aircraft ever flown,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As a former U.S. Army officer, I know that many of the men and women I served with felt the same way. That is why I proudly introduced this legislation.”

“Because this legislation does not come at a cost to our hard-working taxpayers, I expect that my fellow fiscal conservatives will happily support this legislation,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “I am grateful to the cosponsors of the bill, who have already offered their enthusiastic support.”

BACKGROUND:

From Naval History and Heritage Command:

The F-14, a carrier-based aircraft, entered the U.S. Navy inventory in 1972 and retired in September 1996.

Known for its AIM-54 Phoenix missile system and its portrayal in Top Gun, it saw extensive service in the Gulf War, the Balkans, and Iraq.

The Top Gun film grossed over $357 million, and according to IMDb, caused a "40% spike in Ray-Ban Aviator sales."

House Passes Congressman Hamadeh’s Legislation Renaming Phoenix Post Office After Officer Zane Coolidge

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh thanked his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives for unanimously passing his legislation which renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 12208 North 19th Avenue in Phoenix, as the "Officer Zane T. Coolidge Post Office."

Officer Coolidge passed away on September 6, 2024, after he was shot in the line of duty while responding to a larceny call.

The suspect, a man with multiple felony convictions, was on parole at the time of his horrific crime.

“The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association is deeply grateful for Congressman Hamadeh’s leadership in honoring fallen Phoenix Police Officer Zane Coolidge through the renaming of a United States Post Office. Officer Coolidge represented the very best of our profession and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community. This designation serves as a lasting and meaningful tribute to his life, his service, and his legacy, while reflecting our community’s enduring respect for those who serve,” stated President of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association Darrell Kriplean.

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to Congressman Hamadeh for his continued commitment to law enforcement,” continued President Kriplean. “His steadfast advocacy helps ensure that officers across Arizona have the support and resources necessary to protect and serve their communities.”

"Officer Coolidge was a husband, brother, son and father who died a hero. A true public servant, he sacrificed his life to fulfill his duty to protect and serve,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. "Naming this facility in honor of Officer Coolidge is a small token of the tremendous appreciation we have for him and the countless men and women, who have given our communities their last full measure of devotion.”

“I am proud to stand with the men and women of our police agencies. They deserve our full support and devotion,” concluded Congressman Hamadeh. “The sacrifice they and their families make to keep our communities free from crime is immeasurable and not to be taken for granted.”

This legislation will memorialize Officer Coolidge's service and sacrifice, while recognizing his connection to Phoenix and his contributions to our community.

Congressman Hamadeh spoke about the legislation on the floor of the House today. You can see his speech here.

Congressman Hamadeh: ‘No American Left Behind Means No Exceptions’

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In this op-ed, Rep. Abe Hamadeh draws on his experience as a U.S. Army officer to argue that America has a moral obligation to never abandon its citizens abroad. He highlights his role in advocating for the release of American hostage Dennis Coyle and emphasizes that “America First” means prioritizing the safety and return of Americans worldwide. Congressman Hamadeh calls for continued efforts to bring home all detained Americans and recover the remains of those lost, warning that failure to do so signals weakness and undermines trust in U.S. leadership

Congressman Hamadeh Leads on Border and Election Security as Debate Intensifies in Washington

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

As debates over border enforcement and election security policy continues in Washington, Rep. Abe Hamadeh stands out as a leading voice pushing for stronger immigration enforcement and secure elections. The article highlights broader partisan disagreements, but Hamadeh emphasizes the need to enforce existing laws, protect American sovereignty, and restore public trust in federal institutions. His position reflects a focus on prioritizing national security and ensuring government accountability amid ongoing disputes.

Congressman Hamadeh Celebrates Release of Dennis Coyle by Taliban

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - On Tuesday, March 24, Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler confirmed that Dennis Coyle, a Colorado resident whose family hails from Arizona, has been released by the Taliban.

In February, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) demanded the immediate release of Dennis, whom the Taliban had been holding in Afghanistan since January 2025, in solitary confinement without charge or due process.

At the time, Congressman Hamadeh noted that the United States has entered a new era when it comes to bringing Americans home under President Trump's leadership. Today’s news proves that the Trump administration has made release of American hostages and detainees a top priority.

“Today I join Dennis's family, friends, and my fellow citizens in finally celebrating his long awaited return to American soil. His agonizing and unacceptable captivity is over. When I met Dennis' family, who were relentless in their pursuit to see Dennis again, I vowed to use every tool available to bring him home” said Congressman Hamadeh. “America First means no Americans left behind. I’m grateful to President Trump and his diplomatic team for delivering on that promise and bringing Dennis home safely to his family.”

As an emissary of the Peace Through Strength agenda, Congressman Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Reserve Intelligence Oﬃcer recently travelled to Syria to meet with President al-Sharaa to discuss the return of Kayla Mueller's body to her family in Arizona. He also successfully advocated for Elizabeth Tsurkov's recent release by Hezbollah in Iraq, where she survived 903 days of captivity.