This week, Representative Paul Gosar addressed several issues in his weekly newsletter, including questions about a potential immigration detention center in Surprise, Arizona, government funding debates, veterans’ benefits, and developments related to gender transition surgeries for minors.
Gosar stated he had sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking information about reports that a warehouse facility in Surprise might be converted into a federal immigration detention center. He emphasized the need for transparency and coordination with local officials. “I strongly support Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the enforcement of our immigration laws. Still, federal actions must be carried out transparently and with proper coordination with state and local officials. Communities deserve clear information about potential impacts on infrastructure, public safety, and emergency services, and my inquiry ensures those common-sense concerns are fully addressed before any decision moves forward.”
The congressman also discussed recent votes in Congress regarding government funding. He criticized Democrats for not supporting DHS funding during what he described as another government shutdown episode. “And let’s be brutally clear about what that choice means. This is a sick stunt. Democrats are perfectly willing to shut down the government to shield violent illegal aliens—people whose crimes have destroyed families, shattered communities, and stolen innocent lives—while showing outright contempt for the victims left behind.” Gosar argued that refusing to fund DHS undermines law enforcement efforts at the border: “Refusing to fund DHS is a deliberate act of sabotage against law enforcement and border security—and a slap in the face to every agent risking their life to protect American communities.”
He explained his vote to reopen the government and fund Homeland Security by saying: “This week, I voted to reopen the federal government and fund Homeland Security. I stand with the victims, not the criminals. I stand with the families, not the ideologues. I stand with the DHS agents on the front lines.”
Gosar highlighted his support for H.R. 3123—a bill requiring that earned but unpaid veterans’ pensions go to next of kin if a veteran dies before receiving payment. He said: “No veteran who earned a pension should see those benefits vanish because of bureaucratic delay, and no surviving spouse or child should be penalized for the VA’s failure to act promptly. This bill ensures that benefits already approved are rightfully delivered to a veteran’s loved ones, honoring their service and providing families with the dignity and financial security they deserve.”
On oversight matters, Gosar reported that Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton agreed to testify before Congress concerning Jeffrey Epstein after facing possible contempt charges. “As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I welcome their eventual decision to appear in the committee’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, but it should never have required the threat of contempt to compel compliance.” He added: “No one—regardless of wealth, status, or political connections—is above the law…”
Gosar also commented on legal decisions related to gender transition surgeries for minors. He supported a jury verdict holding medical providers accountable for performing surgery on a minor without meeting standards of care: “That decision sends a clear and long-overdue message: children cannot consent to life-altering procedures…” He noted new guidance from medical organizations disavowing such procedures: “The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has formally disavowed so-called gender transition surgeries for minors… Leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services have welcomed this shift…”
Paul Gosar has represented Arizona’s 9th district in Congress since 2011 after replacing Ann Kirkpatrick (source). He was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1958; he is currently 64 years old and resides in Bullhead City [source]. Gosar graduated from Creighton University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Recent election results show Gosar winning reelection by significant margins—in 2024 he defeated Quacy Smith with over 65% of votes cast; in 2022 he won against Richard Grayson by more than 97% [source].
The newsletter also featured community engagement opportunities such as submitting photographs for recognition.
