This Week With Gosar

Weekly Newsletter

March 1, 2026

BREAKING: A Decisive Shift on Iran

For decades, Iran's regime has ruled through fear-crushing dissent, jailing critics, and spilling the blood of its own citizens. While ordinary Iranians endured corruption, poverty, and repression, their rulers funneled resources into missiles, militias, and global terror networks-many aimed directly at the United States and our allies. The same men who chant "Death to America" have spent a generation brutalizing their own people while plotting against ours.

A different path was available. Diplomatic off-ramps were offered. De-escalation was possible. But Khamenei and his inner circle rejected those opportunities and chose confrontation. President Trump's doctrine is straightforward: we prefer peace-but peace secured through undeniable strength. When America is threatened, we respond with precision and dominance - not with recycled "agreements" or cosmetic deals that funnel billions of dollars directly to Tehran. No more gray zones. No more paralysis dressed up as prudence.

For years, American hesitation and half-measures only emboldened that aggression. That drift is over. What's unfolding now is deliberate and unapologetic. The regime's leadership structure is being systematically dismantled, decapitated and eliminated-not for symbolism, but to cripple the machinery that funds terror and threatens American lives. Deterrence requires credibility. President Trump as restored that credibility.

This is developing. I will have more to say about this in the days to come.

Standing Firm for the Second Amendment

This week, I was proud to reintroduce the Gun-owner Registration Information Protection (GRIP) Act alongside Senator Hyde-Smith to ensure federal taxpayer dollars are never used to create, maintain, or expand gun registries.

Current federal law already prohibits the establishment of a national firearm registry. However, loopholes and funding ambiguities leave the door open for federal dollars to indirectly support state or local gun-owner databases. The GRIP Act closes that gap by making it crystal clear: no federal funds may be used to compile or maintain registries of law-abiding gun owners.

The Second Amendment is not a second-class right. Americans who legally purchase and own firearms should not have their personal information tracked, cataloged, or exposed through government-backed systems. This legislation reinforces long-standing federal policy, protects privacy, and ensures uniform application of anti-registry protections nationwide.

Importantly, the bill does not interfere with legitimate public safety functions, such as law enforcement records or reports of lost or stolen firearms. It simply prevents federal taxpayer dollars from being used to bankroll comprehensive or partial gun-owner registries.

With strong support from House and Senate colleagues and leading Second Amendment organizations, we are continuing the fight to safeguard constitutional freedoms and defend the privacy of millions of law-abiding Americans.

Click hereto read my full statement.

Trump's SOTU Showcases Border Triumphs and Economic Revival

President Trump's 2026 State of the Union was a commanding affirmation that America is back on solid footing. With unmistakable resolve, he detailed how his administration has restored operational control of the southern border, slashed illegal crossings, empowered law enforcement, and reasserted the rule of law - proving that national sovereignty is not negotiable. At the same time, he highlighted a resurgent economy fueled by pro-growth tax policy, deregulation, domestic energy expansion, and renewed manufacturing strength that is putting Americans back to work and driving real wage gains. The contrast was undeniable: while Democrats traffic in chaos and grievance, President Trump delivered results, optimism, and a clear blueprint for sustained prosperity and security. It was a bold, unapologetic defense of conservative principles and a powerful reminder that strong leadership produces real-world victories for the American people. It was also deeply disappointing - though not surprising - to see most Democrats remain seated and stone-faced, unwilling to applaud record job growth, restored border security, and the recognition of everyday American heroes. Their refusal to stand up for our nation's successes speaks volumes. Their hatred for President Trump far exceeds any love they may have for America. Democrats should be ashamed of choosing partisan bitterness over celebrating victories that benefit the American people.

Democrats Prolong the Government Shutdown

Senate Democrats continue to deliberately sabotage our nation's security by once again voting this week againstthe bipartisan, full-year DHS funding bill and dragging out this reckless shutdown for their own political gain. This is not gridlock - it is intentional obstruction. While they posture and pander, Border Patrol agents, TSA officers, Coast Guard members, Secret Service personnel, and FEMA responders are forced to shoulder uncertainty and strain on the front lines. House Republicans fulfilled our responsibility by passing serious, commonsense funding to secure the border and safeguard the homeland. Senate Democrats chose to kill it, holding paychecks, preparedness, and public safety hostage to appease their activist base. Every additional day of this shutdown weakens operations and sends a dangerous message that partisan warfare matters more than protecting the American people. And their refusal to stand when the president called on lawmakers to affirm that the first duty of government is to protect American citizens - not anyone else - underscores their misplaced priorities. End the stunt. Pass the funding. Stand with law enforcement and the men and women who defend this country.

Update on the Surprise Detention Facility

I want to provide an update to the more than 175,000 faithful Gosar Newsletter readers regarding the letter I recently sent to DHS Secretary Noem with questions about the proposed ICE processing facility in Surprise, Arizona.I had the opportunity to meet personally with Secretary Noem last Friday, and this week I received a formal response to my inquiry. I appreciate her prompt and transparent reply concerning the facility, which is under consideration as a 500-1,500 bed short-term intake and transfer site for individuals in removal proceedings. DHS confirmed the site would comply with ICE National Detention Standards, include on-site medical services, reimburse local emergency providers, and maintain strong security in coordination with state and local stakeholders. However, DHS also indicated that the ongoing government shutdown is preventing clear timelines for development and operations. It is unacceptable that Democrats continue to prolong the shutdown, delaying critical border security efforts and putting American communities at risk. It is time to reopen the government so DHS can carry out its essential public safety mission. Click here to read a copy of the response letter I received from DHS.

Trump Reinstates 56 Coast Guard Members for Wrongful Dismissal

The Trump administration announced this week that it would be reinstating 56 Coast Guard members who were discharged over the previous administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate marks a long-overdue correction of a serious injustice.Thanks to President Trump's Executive Order 14184and the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, these servicemembers are being restored to active duty with full back pay and uninterrupted service records - a powerful affirmation of constitutional liberties and respect for personal, religious, and medical freedom. The prior mandate unfairly sidelined dedicated men and women who had faithfully served their country. This decisive action not only restores their careers, rank, and benefits, but also sends a clear message that this administration stands firmly with those in uniform and is committed to rectifying the overreach of the past.

Reminder: Submissions Being Accepted for Congressional Art Competition

The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is underway, and I invite creative high school students from Arizona's 9th Congressional District-grades 8 through 12, including homeschool, online, and alternative programs-to show off their artistic talents. My office is now accepting submissions through Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute hosts this nationwide visual art competition to celebrate and inspire young artists across the country. Since it began in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated. The winning artwork from our district will be proudly displayed for an entire year in the United States Capitol-a truly unique honor. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the creativity, passion, and talent of Arizona's next generation of artists, and I encourage every student with a love for art to participate. See the above flyer for more information and details about this year's art competition!

District Highlight: Breaking Ground for Those Who Served

It was a true pleasure to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council Veterans Center in Kingman on Friday. This important milestone represents a strong community commitment to serving the men and women who have served our nation. The new center will expand critical programs such as veteran transportation, home repair assistance, and housing initiatives - delivering real, practical support to veterans across Mohave County. I'm grateful to the volunteers, donors, and local leaders who made this vision a reality, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this center will have on our veterans and their families.

A Tiny Hippo, A Big Reason to Smile in Our District

I'm thrilled to share some heartwarming news from the Wildlife World Zoo, right here in my district in Litchfield Park! The zoo's adorable baby pygmy hippo has officially received her name (Jellybean) after an enthusiastic community vote, bringing smiles to families across Arizona and far beyond. This precious newcomer isn't just winning hearts - she's also helping spotlight the importance of conserving endangered species and supporting the incredible work being done by our local animal care professionals. In a time when Washington can feel divided, this is one piece of news I'm pretty sure even Democrats can stand up and cheer about. Moments like this remind us that some things - like celebrating new life and protecting God's creation - bring us all together. Click hereto read more about this wonderful story.

Tweet of the Week:

Photo of the Week:

Dave Kiesling from Goodyear, AZ shares this wonderful photo he describes as teddy bear cholla cactuses framing a peak in the White Tank Mountains, west of Phoenix. Great photo, Dave. Thanks for sending it.

Do you want the chance for your photograph to be featured as our "Picture of the Week?" If so, send your best shots along with a brief description to [email protected]. Remember to include your name and where you live.

Gosar in the News and Other Must-Read Stories:

Havasu News: Congressman Paul Gosar: Secure borders, secure ballots: the stark choice facing America

Just the News: Senate Democrats block DHS funding bill, prolonging partial government shutdown

12 News: Which Arizona leaders are planning to attend President Trump's SOTU?

Arizona's Family: ICE facility in Surprise could open by summer's end, DHS tells Rep. Gosar

New York Post: Murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska's mom breaks down during State of the Union 2026 as Trump rips Dems: 'How do you not stand?'

⚠ Warning!! The Gosar Weekly Newsletter is meant for discerning readers with above-average intelligence. We link to interesting stories. We get stories a couple different ways: Google alerts, a third-party aggregator and sometimes readers send stuff. We don't vouch for every publication or every author. If we link to a story, it is because of that story. The views expressed in any of the publications do not represent any promotion, endorsement or reflection of Congressman Gosar's views. While we try our best, we cannot guarantee every news organization spouting hatred, animosity or divisiveness will be filtered from appearing in the Gosar Weekly Newsletter. We will endeavor to prevent that from happening by never linking to Fake News organizations including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Rolling Stone, the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Mirror, Media Matters or the New Republic.