Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona) passes on leadership position on House Committee on Natural Resources

Indianz.Com > News > Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona) passes on leadership position on House Committee on Natural Resources

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona). Photo courtesy House Committee Natural Resources. Democrats

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona) will soon be leaving his position as the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Natural Resources.

In a statement on Monday, Grijalva said he would not serve as ranking member of the committee during the next session of Congress. He has been a member of the legislative panel with jurisdiction over Indian issues for more than 20 years.

“Since coming to Congress in 2003, it has been my utmost privilege to serve on the Natural Resources Committee,” Grijalva said in the statement. “I am so deeply proud of the progress that my colleagues and I have achieved in protecting our nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage, advancing justice for communities overburdened by pollution, elevating Indigenous voices and honoring tribal sovereignty, fighting for the decolonization of the U.S. territories, and securing a cleaner, safer climate and energy future for all Americans.”

When Democrats were in control of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th Congress from 2021 through 2023, Grijalva served as chair of the committee. During that time, the panel held hearings and took action on a number of significant issues, including the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and the genocidal legacy of Indian boarding schools.

Cronkite News: Key Democratic lawmaker plans to leave Congress

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) is the highest-ranking Democrat on the committee with jurisdiction over Indian issues.

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When Republicans gained control of the House for the 118th Congress, the current session, Grijalva became the Democratic ranking member. Though he just won re-election in November 2024, has since said the 119th Congress will be his last one in office, following his diagnosis with cancer.

The 118th Congress is winding down, with work expected to conclude by the end of December. The 119th Congress is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2025, with Republicans in control of the chamber.

Grijalva’s full statement follows:

“After much thought, I have decided that it is the right moment to pass the torch as top Democrat on the House Natural Resource Committee for the 119th Congress. I do not make this decision lightly, as being elected Ranking Member stands as the honor of my professional career. I will continue to focus on improving my health, strengthening my mobility, and serving my district in what is likely to be a time of unprecedented challenge for our community.

“I am overwhelmed by the support from my colleagues, tribal nations, and environmental organizations, on continuing to serve as Ranking Member for the 119th Congress. Since coming to Congress in 2003, it has been my utmost privilege to serve on the Natural Resources Committee. I am so deeply proud of the progress that my colleagues and I have achieved in protecting our nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage, advancing justice for communities overburdened by pollution, elevating Indigenous voices and honoring tribal sovereignty, fighting for the decolonization of the U.S. territories, and securing a cleaner, safer climate and energy future for all Americans.

“None of our progress on the Committee would have been possible without the perseverance and determination of so many people and communities who have been fighting for this progress for decades. I am continually humbled by your strength and inspired by your fearlessness. Our collective voice in demanding progress has proven that the laws and issues that pass through our Committee are among the most important for our society’s future.

“To all of you, my colleagues, and to my dedicated staff, family, medical team, and the people of Arizona who have supported me throughout my tenure as Ranking Member on the Committee and during my treatment over the past year, I extend my most profound and heartfelt gratitude. I look forward to continuing to support the vital work of the Committee while leading Arizona’s 7th District in overcoming the new challenges we will face.”