Raul Grijalva

Raúl M. Grijalva, a Democrat, has represented the 7th District of Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives, since 2003. He is currently rumored as a possible choice as Barack Obama's nominee to be Secretary of the Interior.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Reparations for Japanese Latin Americans
Grijalva cosponsored The Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act in the 110th Congress which would establish a commission that would determine the facts and circumstances involving the relocation, internment and deportation of Japanese Latin Americans.

Gun control
Grijalva is a supporter of gun control and cosponsored H.R. 1312 (Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2005) on July 14, 2005.

He also cosponsored H.R. 1022 (Assault Weapons Ban Reauthorization Act of 2007) on March 9, 2007.

Abortion
Grijalva is pro choice. He has voted in favor of legislation that allows military families overseas to use personal funds for abortions at military hospitals, against the abortion pain bill, and against two pieces of legislation designed to prohibit partial birth abortion. Currently, Planned Parenthood, a pro-choice interest group, rated Grijalva at 100%.

Illegal immigration
On immigration issues, Grijalva has consistently supported giving illegal immigrants an opportunity to become U.S. citizens. He voted against legislation designed to create a large fence along the US/Mexico border, in addition to equipping border patrol agents with additional equipment. 

Grijalva has stated that he feels especially strongly about immigration issues, because his father entered the country through the U.S. "Bracero Program," a program designed to allow seasonal immigration for Mexicans. 

Gay marriage
Grijalva voted against a constitutional amendment to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. 

Iraq War
Grijalva has stated his dissatisfaction with the Iraq war, particularly the initial decision to enter into a war with Iraq, stating "Rest assured that history will not be kind to the decisionmakers and the decider of this war, nor will it be kind to a Congress that looked the other way."  In the same speech, he implied his desire for the eventual removal of US troops from Iraq. Also, he has expressed his desire for increased congressional input, especially in terms of congressional oversight, in the wake of the war. He stated "The litany of failures and untruths goes on and on. The lack of leadership by this administration requires, no, I think it demands that this Congress assert its constitutional duty to check and balance this administration by beginning with the important step of passing this resolution." 

Labour Rights
Grijalva is committed to safeguarding collective bargaining rights. He states on his website that he will oppose any attempt to limit union negotiation abilities. The Service Employees International Union believes that he has upheld this promise, and rates him at 100% support for its interests. Mr. Grijalva also serves on the House Education and Workforce committee. 

Education
Grijalva states on his website that education is one of his top priorities, and he that he therefore supports fully funding public education in the U.S. He also states that he is opposed to school vouchers allowing parents to opt-out of public education for their children, instead receiving public funding for private schools. He also supports the public-funded "Head Start" Program for pre-kindergarten children. He serves on the Education and Workforce committee in the house, and was rated 100% by the National Education Association for his actions to "promote the cause of public education". 

Bio
Grijalva was born in Tucson, Arizona on February 19, 1948. He was educated at the University of Arizona and was Director of El Pueblo Neighborhood Center, Assistant Dean for Hispanic Student Affairs at the University of Arizona and a Supervisor of Pima County before entering the House.

He is a cosponsor of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2005 and an endorser of the Genocide Intervention Network.

Possible Obama Cabinet Post
Sources close to the Obama 2008 transition team reported that Grijalva was under serious consideration for an appointment to the post of Secretary of the Interior. Notable progressive commentators like John Nichols spoke out strongly in favor of a Grijalva-run Interior Department, but recent actions indicate that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may be attempting to prevent the appointment by offering the Congressman a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

2006 elections
In 2006, the Republicans nominated Ron Drake to face Grijalva in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Grijalva retained his seat.

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Education and Labor
 * Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
 * Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities
 * House Committee on Natural Resources
 * Subcommittee on Insular Affairs
 * Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, Chair
 * House Committee on Small Business
 * Subcommittee on Finance and Tax
 * Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Education and the Workforce
 * Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations
 * Subcommittee on Education Reform
 * House Committee on Resources
 * Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources - Ranking Minority Member
 * Subcommittee on Water and Power
 * House Committee on Small Business
 * Subcommittee on Workforce Empowerment and Government Programs

More Background Data

 * 2006 Arizona CD 7 Candidate List from VIS

External resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * AZ Congress Watch
 * Man Eegee - Latino Politico
 * Daniel's News and Views
 * Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion
 * Western Democrat
 * Blog for Arizona