Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-26

REMEMBERING RAUL GRIJALVA

ImmigrationHealthcareTaxesClimateEnvironment

Context

On 2025-03-26, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING RAUL GRIJALVA" in the Senate. The speech addressed immigration and also covered healthcare, taxes. It referenced legislation: S1867.

Full Text

REMEMBERING RAUL GRIJALVA

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S1867] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING RAUL GRIJALVA Mr. KELLY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my colleague and friend Representative Raul Grijalva. A devoted fighter for justice and working families, Raul spent more than 50 years in public service, representing southern Arizona in Congress for more than two decades and serving as the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. His passing is a tremendous loss for Arizona and the country. Raul was a man of compassion and conviction, driven by his belief in doing the right thing. He spent his life fighting for the people of southern Arizona, and his leadership was rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges facing his constituents. As the son of immigrants, he knew firsthand what it meant to fight for better healthcare, labor protections, education, and economic opportunity for everyone. He was a champion to those who have been left out of the conversation, and he leaves a legacy of making sure everyone had a voice in the Halls of Congress. Raul was a mentor to my wife Gabby Giffords, when she was first elected to Congress. Raul and Gabby represented neighboring districts and were shaped by their upbringing in southern Arizona, a place that was special to both of them. As Gabby said after Raul passed, he could and did talk to anyone, with empathy and genuine interest in the people he served. Raul's leadership on the House Natural Resources Committee was instrumental in advancing landmark legislation to combat climate change, preserve public lands, and safeguard water resources critical to Arizona and the Southwest. He led the charge to protect the Grand Canyon for future generations. His commitment to conservation, climate action, and Tribal sovereignty is a testament to his love for the State he called home. Raul's story is an American story--one of perseverance, service, and an unshakable belief in the promise of this country. Arizona is better, our Nation is better because of his service. My thoughts are with Raul's wife Ramona; their three daughters Adelita, Raquel, and Marisa; his grandchildren Adelina, Raul and Joaquon Grijalva-Gomez, and Floyd IV and Belan Thompson; and his entire family, his team, and everyone who looked up to him. We honor Representative Raul Grijalva's lifetime of service, and we celebrate his enduring impact. ____________________

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REMEMBERING RAUL GRIJALVA Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S1867] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING RAUL GRIJALVA Mr. KELLY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my colleague and friend Representative Raul Grijalva. A devoted fighter for justice and working families, Raul spent more than 50 years in public service, representing southern Arizona in Congress for more than two decades and serving as the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. His passing is a tremendous loss for Arizona and the country. Raul was a man of compassion and conviction, driven by his belief in doing the right thing. He spent his life fighting for the people of southern Arizona, and his leadership was rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges facing his constituents. As the son of immigrants, he knew firsthand what it meant to fight for better healthcare, labor protections, education, and economic opportunity for everyone. He was a champion to those who have been left out of the conversation, and he leaves a legacy of making sure everyone had a voice in the Halls of Congress. Raul was a mentor to my wife Gabby Giffords, when she was first elected to Congress. Raul and Gabby represented neighboring districts and were shaped by their upbringing in southern Arizona, a place that was special to both of them. As Gabby said after Raul passed, he could and did talk to anyone, with empathy and genuine interest in the people he served. Raul's leadership on the House Natural Resources Committee was instrumental in advancing landmark legislation to combat climate change, preserve public lands, and safeguard water resources critical to Arizona and the Southwest. He led the charge to protect the Grand Canyon for future generations. His commitment to conservation, climate action, and Tribal sovereignty is a testament to his love for the State he called home. Raul's story is an American story--one of perseverance, service, and an unshakable belief in the promise of this country. Arizona is better, our Nation is better because of his service. My thoughts are with Raul's wife Ramona; their three daughters Adelita, Raquel, and Marisa; his grandchildren Adelina, Raul and Joaquon Grijalva-Gomez, and Floyd IV and Belan Thompson; and his entire family, his team, and everyone who looked up to him. We honor Representative Raul Grijalva's lifetime of service, and we celebrate his enduring impact. ____________________