I’ve been in Washington working toward a bipartisan, bicameral solution that lowers costs, protects health care and reopens the government.

That will remain my north star.

This proposal fails to reduce costs for Arizonans. Because of this, I cannot support it.

Congressional Republicans’ refusal to negotiate with Democrats is why the government shut down and why, more than 40 days later, it remains shut down.

Respect for Marriage was a start. Now let’s finish the job: pass the Equality Act so no one loses housing, a job, or service because of who they are or who they love.

Thanks to this work, Phoenix earned a perfect 100% score for the Human Rights Campaign's Equality Index for city policies.

www.hrc.org/resources/pa...

As mayor of Phoenix, we turned values into law.

I expanded legal protections for the LGBTQ community, added inclusive partner and transgender care coverage for city employees, and I stood up to backward state policies.

We have to ensure every American has the equal access and treatment they deserve, no matter who they are or who they love.

Thank you to Chandler City Council members OD Harris and Angel Encinas for joining me in recognizing the service of the brave men and women in our communities who stepped up to defend our freedoms.

Now it’s critical that Republicans and Democrats get together and reach a bipartisan agreement on a plan to reduce health costs and end the shutdown.

Arizona deserves better, and so do the hardworking professionals who keep our skies safe.

Read the reporting here:

www.nytimes.com/interactive/...