Top Campaign and Public Affairs Operative launch Echo Canyon Consulting

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
PHOENIX, AZ – Founded by partners Jon Seaton, Ryan Price, and Matt Kenney, Echo Canyon Consulting boasts an all-star team of some of the strongest, sharpest operatives across the country. Known for their relentless work ethic and unyielding pursuit of excellence, Echo Canyon will be a force on the national stage. Headquartered in Phoenix, Echo Canyon is a national firm with offices in both Dallas, Texas and Alexandria, Virginia. While the firm serves clients from across the country, Echo Canyon has deep Arizona roots – as evidenced by its name. “Our firm is named after the arduous double-black diamond hike to the top of Camelback Mountain because we embrace the toughest challenges,” said Seaton, who is a Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Canyon. Seaton, who is based in Virginia, has extensive Arizona experience that includes senior positions on Sen. John McCain’s 2008 Presidential campaign as well as the late Senator’s 2010 re-election campaign to the U.S. Senate. The Phoenix headquarters is led by Matt Kenney, an Arizona native from Tucson who also leads Echo Canyon’s public affairs practice. Over the past decade, Kenney has led countless national, statewide, and local political and initiative campaigns as well as corporate public affairs projects. Previously, Matt served as the executive director of a multi-million dollar independent expenditure effort to re-elect Senator McCain in 2016 before becoming the Executive Director of the Arizona Republican Party. “Arizona is my home, and I am so proud to launch our new venture in the state that has provided endless opportunities for both myself and my family,” said Kenney, who is also a Founding Partner and the President of Echo Canyon’s public affairs practice. “The entire team at Echo Canyon is extremely talented, and we are all so proud to bring our expertise and passion to every project, driving success for our clients across the nation.” The public affairs team also includes Senior Directors Cale Ottens and Rudy Cota III, both of whom are based in Phoenix. A former journalist, Ottens has over a decade of experience in media relations, public affairs and political campaigns. Cota, an Arizona native, has extensive public service and government affairs experience that includes working for three reputable Members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives. Echo Canyon’s public affairs team is rounded out with two Associate Directors: Jessica Roza and Mandi Boyce, both of whom are also based at the Phoenix headquarters. Echo Canyon Consulting is open for business and ready to join you on your journey to a winning campaign. Check us out at EchoCanyonConsulting.com or on X @EchoCanyonUSA.

ADOT project adding two Loop 303 interchanges wins regional award

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
PHOENIX – A recent Arizona Department of Transportation project that constructed Loop 303 interchanges at 43rd and 51st avenues near Interstate 17 is a winner in the 2024 America’s Transportation Awards competition that includes a focus on community development. The $70 million Loop 303 project earned a West Region award in the “Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium Project” category in the national competition among state departments of transportation. The competition is sponsored by AASHTO, an association representing highway and transportation departments nationwide, as well as AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. ADOT partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the regional transportation planning agency, and city of Phoenix to accelerate construction of the Loop 303 bridges and ramps to address current and future traffic growth near the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plant in the north Valley. The interchanges were completed in September 2023, several years sooner than originally planned. “This project is an example of great teamwork and cooperation among partnering organizations,” said ADOT’s Central District Administrator Randy Everett. “It took a lot of hard work by staff at MAG, city of Phoenix, ADOT and the contractor, Fisher Sand and Gravel, to deliver this project on the accelerated schedule.” The award was presented this week at the annual meeting of WASHTO, which represents departments of transportation in the West. Construction of new Loop 303 interchanges at 43rd and 51st avenues was funded through the dedicated Proposition 400 half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. The project is part of the Phoenix area’s Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan managed by MAG. The new interchanges were designed to help manage future transportation needs in the area, support the Phoenix area’s growing semiconductor footprint and its supply chain, and allow for community development, including businesses and services.  ADOT manages the construction and maintenance of nearly 7,000 miles of state highways, including Phoenix-area freeways. Project information is available at azdot.gov/projects .

ACC reacts to campaign to inform Latino voters about commission

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
Th e Arizona Corporation Commission works to vigorously ensure safe, reliable, and affordable utility services, as well as to ensure the safety of railroad and pipeline systems, grow Arizona’s economy by helping local entrepreneurs start businesses, and protect citizens by enforcing an ethical securities marketplace. Our constitutional obligation is to protect the interest of all customers and ensure the electric grid is reliable. Our priority is to ensure that rates are equitable and fair among customers.  The Commission has prudently protected the consumers and the electric grid during record high inflation. A recent study just released in July 2024 ranked Arizona as the second LEAST-expensive state for energy costs in the country. Another study ranked Arizona 14th in the nation for having the most affordable electricity between 2022 and 2023. Arizona’s population and economy is growing at a rapid pace, and that means utilities must expand their infrastructure and service, as well.  ACC decisions that result in rate increases are difficult and at times necessary to make, so that our utilities continue to meet the demands of our growing population.  Additionally, the ACC continues to prioritize public participation, looking to learn and hear from Arizonans through the Commission’s Open Meetings, public comment meetings, and consumer comment dockets.  The ACC is committed to inclusion and is in the process of upgrading both its website, and Corporations Division computer system, so that the Commission is accessible in multiple languages.

ACC reacts to campaign to inform Latino voters about commission

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Th e Arizona Corporation Commission works to vigorously ensure safe, reliable, and affordable utility services, as well as to ensure the safety of railroad and pipeline systems, grow Arizona’s economy by helping local entrepreneurs start businesses, and protect citizens by enforcing an ethical securities marketplace.   Our constitutional obligation is to protect the interest of all customers and ensure the electric grid is reliable. Our priority is to ensure that rates are equitable and fair among customers.  The Commission has prudently protected the consumers and the electric grid during record high inflation. A recent study just released in July 2024 ranked Arizona as the second LEAST-expensive state for energy costs in the country. Another study ranked Arizona 14th in the nation for having the most affordable electricity between 2022 and 2023.   Arizona’s population and economy is growing at a rapid pace, and that means utilities must expand their infrastructure and service, as well.  ACC decisions that result in rate increases are difficult and at times necessary to make, so that our utilities continue to meet the demands of our growing population.    Additionally, the ACC continues to prioritize public participation, looking to learn and hear from Arizonans through the Commission’s Open Meetings, public comment meetings, and consumer comment dockets.  The ACC is committed to inclusion and is in the process of upgrading both its website, and Corporations Division computer system, so that the Commission is accessible in multiple languages.

ADOT project adding two Loop 303 interchanges wins regional award

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
PHOENIX – A recent Arizona Department of Transportation project that constructed Loop 303 interchanges at 43rd and 51st avenues near Interstate 17 is a winner in the 2024 America’s Transportation Awards competition that includes a focus on community development. The $70 million Loop 303 project earned a West Region award in the “Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium Project” category in the national competition among state departments of transportation. The competition is sponsored by AASHTO, an association representing highway and transportation departments nationwide, as well as AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. ADOT partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the regional transportation planning agency, and city of Phoenix to accelerate construction of the Loop 303 bridges and ramps to address current and future traffic growth near the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plant in the north Valley. The interchanges were completed in September 2023, several years sooner than originally planned. “This project is an example of great teamwork and cooperation among partnering organizations,” said ADOT’s Central District Administrator Randy Everett. “It took a lot of hard work by staff at MAG, city of Phoenix, ADOT and the contractor, Fisher Sand and Gravel, to deliver this project on the accelerated schedule.” The award was presented this week at the annual meeting of WASHTO, which represents departments of transportation in the West. Construction of new Loop 303 interchanges at 43rd and 51st avenues was funded through the dedicated Proposition 400 half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. The project is part of the Phoenix area’s Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan managed by MAG. The new interchanges were designed to help manage future transportation needs in the area, support the Phoenix area’s growing semiconductor footprint and its supply chain, and allow for community development, including businesses and services.  ADOT manages the construction and maintenance of nearly 7,000 miles of state highways, including Phoenix-area freeways. Project information is available at azdot.gov/projects .

Top Campaign and Public Affairs Operative launch Echo Canyon Consulting

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
PHOENIX, AZ – Founded by partners Jon Seaton, Ryan Price, and Matt Kenney, Echo Canyon Consulting boasts an all-star team of some of the strongest, sharpest operatives across the country. Known for their relentless work ethic and unyielding pursuit of excellence, Echo Canyon will be a force on the national stage. Headquartered in Phoenix, Echo Canyon is a national firm with offices in both Dallas, Texas and Alexandria, Virginia. While the firm serves clients from across the country, Echo Canyon has deep Arizona roots – as evidenced by its name. “Our firm is named after the arduous double-black diamond hike to the top of Camelback Mountain because we embrace the toughest challenges,” said Seaton, who is a Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Canyon. Seaton, who is based in Virginia, has extensive Arizona experience that includes senior positions on Sen. John McCain’s 2008 Presidential campaign as well as the late Senator’s 2010 re-election campaign to the U.S. Senate. The Phoenix headquarters is led by Matt Kenney, an Arizona native from Tucson who also leads Echo Canyon’s public affairs practice. Over the past decade, Kenney has led countless national, statewide, and local political and initiative campaigns as well as corporate public affairs projects. Previously, Matt served as the executive director of a multi-million dollar independent expenditure effort to re-elect Senator McCain in 2016 before becoming the Executive Director of the Arizona Republican Party. “Arizona is my home, and I am so proud to launch our new venture in the state that has provided endless opportunities for both myself and my family,” said Kenney, who is also a Founding Partner and the President of Echo Canyon’s public affairs practice. “The entire team at Echo Canyon is extremely talented, and we are all so proud to bring our expertise and passion to every project, driving success for our clients across the nation.” The public affairs team also includes Senior Directors Cale Ottens and Rudy Cota III, both of whom are based in Phoenix. A former journalist, Ottens has over a decade of experience in media relations, public affairs and political campaigns. Cota, an Arizona native, has extensive public service and government affairs experience that includes working for three reputable Members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives. Echo Canyon’s public affairs team is rounded out with two Associate Directors: Jessica Roza and Mandi Boyce, both of whom are also based at the Phoenix headquarters. Echo Canyon Consulting is open for business and ready to join you on your journey to a winning campaign. Check us out at EchoCanyonConsulting.com or on X @EchoCanyonUSA.

Arizona Electric Utilities Holding Steady Through Long Stretch of Excessive Heat

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Corporation Commission works vigorously to ensure that our regulated utilities are prepared to produce enough capacity to meet peak demand during the hot summer months. Chairman Jim O’Connor is pleased to report that our state continues to meet these challenging electricity demands without interruption, saying “Hotter temperatures and monsoon winds put even more pressure on our electric grid, as we demand increasing amounts of power each year from our utilities. Thankfully Arizona has top notch utilities with dedicated employees that coordinate to keep our power reliable across our state.”  This year, utilities were anticipating an even higher electricity demand than last year’s record highs.  Here is a snapshot of the state’s three largest utilities’ performance over the last two weeks during an unrelenting excessive heat warning:   Company                   Highest Peak Demand to Date in 2024   Record High in 2023 APS                         8,100 MW on July 8, 2024                            8,200 MW SRP                              8,087 MW on July 8, 2024                       8,163 MW TEP/UNS                 2,917 MW on July 8, 2024                       2,969 MW                                In April, the three largest utilities assured the Commission that they are prepared to produce a combined total of more than 23,000 gigawatts of electricity to meet daily summer demands. Arizona utilities produce power from diverse sources, including natural gas, coal, nuclear, steam, solar, battery, wind, hydroelectric, and storage facilities, as well as investing in short-term purchases.   Company               # Customers             Capacity                     Peak Forecast      APS                      1.3 million                   9,742 MW               8,403 MW      SRP                 1.1 million                    9,385 MW               8,257 MW TEP/UNS                 719,000                        3,500 MW               2,974   MW   The Commission encourages Arizonans to be mindful and help reduce electric demand during peak hours.  “Each of us can continue to do our part to lessen the demands on our power grid during critical times of the day, especially between 4pm and 7pm, by turning up our thermostats an additional degree or two and delaying the use of our major appliances or charging vehicles until the later evening or early morning hours,” said Chairman O’Connor.    The Commission remains committed to rigorously regulating resource planning to make sure that our energy landscape remains affordable, reliable, and responsive to the needs of Arizonans.  The Commission also ensures that regulated utilities remain proactive in maintaining the power grid throughout the year and that the infrastructure remains safe and dependable.

Sinema Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Shadow Wolves Agents & Strengthen Border Security

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Senator John Hoeven (N.D.) introduced the bipartisan Shadow Wolves Improvement Act – legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) with the authority to convert Shadow Wolves from the excepted to the competitive service, which provides additional career mobility opportunities to Shadow Wolves law enforcement officers, making it easier to recruit and retain Shadow Wolves agents and improving border security. U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are original cosponsors of the bipartisan legislation.   “Tohono O’odham Nation’s Shadow Wolves are critical partners combating drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activity on our border. Our bill ensures career mobility and fair compensation for Shadow Wolves Agents so they can continue keeping the Tohono O’odham Nation and Arizona safe and secure,” said Sinema, Chair of the Senate Border Management Subcommittee.    “Border security is national security, and strengthening the Shadow Wolves program is one of the many ways we are working to deploy the personnel, infrastructure and technology needed to ensure we can restore and maintain operational control of the border,” said Hoeven. “Shadow Wolves agents do a tremendous job protecting against drug trafficking in Indian County. As we work to expand this program, including up to the northern border, it is critical we can recruit, train and retain qualified individuals in this initiative. That’s exactly what this legislation will help accomplish.”   “The Shadow Wolves are a critical asset to effectively fight against human and drug smugglers at our southern border,” said Kelly. “The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act builds on the support provided to the Shadow Wolves and strengthens their specialized tactical units, ensuring these Native American officers have the best training and career mobility as they work to keep Arizonans safe.”  “ICE Shadow Wolves agents—a Native American tactical patrol unit—use their unique expertise and personal knowledge to stop drug traffickers and human smugglers from coming across the southern border. Giving these critical law enforcement officers access to expanded career mobility and opportunity not only supports their work to secure the border but also strengthens recruiting and retention for agents,” said Lankford.   “The Shadow Wolves are an elite, all-Native American tracking and investigative unit with decades of experience, who use both technology and traditional tracking methods to interdict human and drug smuggling on the Tohono O’odham reservation. The Tohono O’odham Nation strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, which will further enhance the effectiveness of the Shadow Wolves program by improving retention and recruitment and expanding the program. The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee has done great work incorporating feedback from the Nation into this bill. Its passage will ensure that this group of Native American agents can continue to grow and provide their uniquely important capabilities to protect the Tohono O’odham and the U.S. homeland,” said Verlon Jose, Chairman of Tohono O’odham Nation.   “Public Safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continue to be a priority for Indian Country. These issues are uniquely difficult for tribal communities, like the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who are located along the U.S. border. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help. The Tribe appreciate Senators Sinema and Hoeven introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage in the Senate,” said Jamie Azure, Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.   “The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is a necessary step forward to provide appropriate guidance and options to a group of Native American law enforcement agents which will permit them to receive the same compensation, benefits, and opportunities as their non-native brothers and sisters,” said President Mat Silverman of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). “FLEOA recognizes the value and expertise the Shadow Wolves provide and support the expansion of this program. Our country and Native American border communities will benefit from the increased opportunities, increased safety, and equality this Act will bring to the Tohono O’odham Nation and other tribes across this great nation.”   Shadow Wolves are members of the Tohono O’odham Nation who patrol the 76-mile stretch of land that the Tohono O’odham Nation shares with Mexico. They are known for their ability to track drug smugglers as they attempt to smuggle illegal commodities across Tribal land, thanks to their unique geographical and cultural knowledge. They also help improve the relationship between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Tribal communities.   In 2022, Sinema successfully introduced and passed the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act – legislation classifying the Shadow Wolves unit as special agents allowed to patrol, investigate, interdict, and secure the border – with broad bipartisan support. Previous to Sinema’s success, Shadow Wolves were classified as tactical officers under ICE Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), making them unable to access the same career opportunities, pay, and job mobility afforded to HSI special agents.    The Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act addressed this gap by reclassifying the Shadow Wolves as special agents; however, Shadow Wolves still lack the same career opportunities as other HSI special agents because of how they were originally hired. Sinema’s new legislation solves this by providing ICE with the authority to convert Shadow Wolves from the excepted to the competitive service upon completion of three years of satisfactory service – affording them career mobility and compensation parity with other HSI special agents. This update will enhance career opportunities for Shadow Wolves agents, strengthen recruitment efforts, and improve border security. Additionally, the legislation codifies GAO’s recommendations to improve and expand the Shadow Wolves program.

Hoosier leaders condemn violence after Trump shooting

Posted on by Brian A. Howey

For the first time since 1981 when President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt, Americans found themselves in crisis mode Saturday as Republican nominee Donald Trump was wounded at a rally in Pennsylvania.

The incident occurred as the political rhetoric has coarsened over the past decade, with rhetoric on both the right and left becoming tinged with violence. Saturday’s deadly burst came on the eve of the Republican National Convention.

The difference between these two tragedies is that America is now awash in guns, and the violent political rhetoric has risen significantly over the past decade.

Vigo County Republican Party Chairman Randy Gentry told Howey Politics Indiana early Sunday that the security perimeter around the Republican National Convention site in Milwaukee has been transformed since a bullet clipped Trump’s ear just after 6 p.m. Saturday.

“What a day,” Gentry said. “A little scary in Milwaukee. Security was tight. Now it is insanely tight. My hotel was on the edge of the perimeter. Now we are Fort Knox as the perimeter has expanded and the hotel is encircled in barricades and fencing.”

One of Trump’s supporters seated in the stands behind him died and two others were critically injured. The Secret Service “neutralized” the gunman after the shooter fired eight shots, identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican who had donated to a Democratic group. 

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social. “Much bleeding took place. In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.”

Blood streaking his face, Trump was escorted off the stage by the Secret Service as he hoisted his fist and declared, “Fight! Fight!”

President Joe Biden, who returned to the White House from Delaware late Saturday and had a phone conversation with Trump, said in a statement, “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally as we await further information. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. It’s sick. It’s sick. We must unite as one nation to condemn it. We cannot condone this.”

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, speaking Sunday morning on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said, “We’ve got to tone the rhetoric down.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, the GOP’s nominee for governor, said, “Pray for President Trump, his family and our country.”

U.S. Sen. Todd Young called it a “terrifying scene,” adding, “Praying that he and all in attendance are OK and that calm will prevail. Violence is never the answer.”

Indiana Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick said in her acceptance speech Saturday at the state party convention: “Our prayers have to be with the former president. There is no room for violence in our political discourse. No room.”

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl said at Saturday’s convention that it was a “surreal moment” when the news hit. “For a moment I was totally shocked,” Schmuhl said. “It didn’t make any sense. I just condemn all violence in politics and public service. There is absolutely no place for that in our country, nor should there ever be. It’s scary.”

Schmuhl managed then-South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 campaign for the White House. “I have run a presidential campaign before from this state,” Schmuhl said after the state convention Saturday. “I know the security concerns running for office. It seems that former President Trump is safe, and that’s good news. The safety of people running for public office and who put their name on the ballot, that’s not a partisan issue; that’s an American issue.”

Buttigieg, now U.S. Transportation secretary, posted on X, “In this horrible moment, encouraged to hear President Trump’s team indicate that the former president is doing well. An entire nation must speak with one voice today to completely and unequivocally reject all political violence.”

U.S. Sen. JD Vance, whom Trump selected Monday for the vice presidential nomination, said on X, “Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”

Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, called the assassination attempt “the worst event that can happen in today’s polarized America, and presages more political violence and instability to come. I felt ashamed for our country when Americans chanted to hang Vice President Mike Pence. I feel ashamed for our country when an American tried to assassinate President Trump. This is intolerable behavior in a democracy.”

Brian A. Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs. Find Howey on Facebook and X @hwypol.

Kelly, Sinema Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Shadow Wolves Agents & Strengthen Border Security

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan Shadow Wolves Improvement Act— legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) with the authority to convert Shadow Wolves from the excepted to the competitive service, which provides additional career mobility opportunities to Shadow Wolves, making it easier to recruit and retain Shadow Wolves agents and improving border security.    Shadow Wolves are members of the Tohono O’odham Nation who patrol the 76-mile stretch of land that the Tohono O’odham Nation shares with Mexico. They are known for their ability to track drug smugglers as they attempt to smuggle illegal commodities across Tribal land, thanks to their unique geographical and cultural knowledge. They also help improve the relationship between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Tribal communities.    In 2022, Kelly and Sinema successfully introduced and passed the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act — legislation classifying the Shadow Wolves unit as special agents allowed to patrol, investigate, interdict, and secure the border — with broad bipartisan support. Previous to this, Shadow Wolves were classified as tactical officers under ICE Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), making them unable to access the same career opportunities, pay, and job mobility afforded to HSI special agents.    The Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act addressed this gap by reclassifying the Shadow Wolves as special agents; however, Shadow Wolves still lack the same career opportunities as other HSI special agents because of how they were originally hired. Kelly and Sinema’s new legislation solve this by providing ICE with the authority to convert Shadow Wolves from the excepted to the competitive service upon completion of three years of satisfactory service, affording them career mobility and compensation parity with other HSI special agents. This update will enhance career opportunities for Shadow Wolves agents, strengthen recruitment efforts, and improve border security. Additionally, the legislation codifies GAO’s recommendations to improve and expand the Shadow Wolves program.      “The Shadow Wolves are a critical asset to effectively fight against human and drug smugglers at our southern border,” said Kelly. “The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act builds on the support provided to the Shadow Wolves and strengthens their specialized tactical units, ensuring these Native American officers have the best training and career mobility as they work to keep Arizonans safe.”    “Tohono O’odham Nation’s Shadow Wolves are critical partners combating drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activity on our border,” said Sinema. “Our bill ensures career mobility and fair compensation for Shadow Wolves Agents so they can continue keeping the Tohono O’odham Nation and Arizona safe and secure.     “Border security is national security, and strengthening the Shadow Wolves program is one of the many ways we are working to deploy the personnel, infrastructure and technology needed to ensure we can restore and maintain operational control of the border,” said Hoeven. “Shadow Wolves agents do a tremendous job protecting against drug trafficking in Indian County. As we work to expand this program, including up to the northern border, it is critical we can recruit, train and retain qualified individuals in this initiative. That’s exactly what this legislation will help accomplish.”   “ICE Shadow Wolves agents—a Native American tactical patrol unit—use their unique expertise and personal knowledge to stop drug traffickers and human smugglers from coming across the southern border. Giving these critical law enforcement officers access to expanded career mobility and opportunity not only supports their work to secure the border but also strengthens recruiting and retention for agents,” said Lankford.   “The Shadow Wolves are an elite, all-Native American tracking and investigative unit with decades of experience, who use both technology and traditional tracking methods to interdict human and drug smuggling on the Tohono O’odham reservation. The Tohono O’odham Nation strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, which will further enhance the effectiveness of the Shadow Wolves program by improving retention and recruitment and expanding the program. The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee has done great work incorporating feedback from the Nation into this bill. Its passage will ensure that this group of Native American agents can continue to grow and provide their uniquely important capabilities to protect the Tohono O’odham and the U.S. homeland,” said Verlon Jose, Chairman of Tohono O’odham Nation.   “Public Safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continue to be a priority for Indian Country. These issues are uniquely difficult for tribal communities, like the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who are located along the U.S. border. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help. The Tribe appreciate Senators Sinema and Hoeven introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage in the Senate,” said Jamie Azure, Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.   “The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is a necessary step forward to provide appropriate guidance and options to a group of Native American law enforcement agents which will permit them to receive the same compensation, benefits, and opportunities as their non-native brothers and sisters,” said President Mat Silverman of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). “FLEOA recognizes the value and expertise the Shadow Wolves provide and support the expansion of this program. Our country and Native American border communities will benefit from the increased opportunities, increased safety, and equality this Act will bring to the Tohono O’odham Nation and other tribes across this great nation.”

Your search query contained invalid characters or was empty. Please try again with a valid query.