David Schweikert

David Schweikert was born in Los Angeles, California in 1962. Schweikert earned an A.A. from Scottsdale Community College in 1985, a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 1988, and an M.B.A. from Arizona State University in 2005. His career experience includes owning a business and working as a realtor and financial consultant. He was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives. He was elected a member of the Arizona State Board of Equalization in 1995 and in 2004, was elected Maricopa County treasurer.[1][2]

Governor of Arizona

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U.S. House Arizona District 1

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Campaign website

Schweikert’s campaign website stated the following:

Border Security

For nearly a decade Washington bureaucrats have falsely concluded that the border is secure and made excuses for failing to complete the border fence. In reality, the fence remains unbuilt and the Department of Homeland Security only has operational control of 56 percent of our border.

The continued flow of illegal border entries, drug smuggling, and the influx of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) is proof that our border is not secure. In 2014, the United States saw a wave of illegal immigration by UACs and minors accompanied by adults claiming to be their parents (family units) along the southwest border. More than 68,500 UACs and 68,445 family units – nearly 137,000 aliens – illegally entered the United States along the southwest border. Further, based off of current trends, in the first 11 months of FY2019 there were 72,873 UACs, and a total of 457,871 family units. These numbers far exceed the record numbers of 2014, when the administration claimed we faced a “crisis”.

Finally, recent reports of foreign nationals with terrorist ties crossing the border highlight the vital national security need to complete the border fence promised a decade ago. Washington’s continued failure to secure our border and stem the flow of illegal entries threatens both the security of our people and the sovereignty of our nation. This is why earlier this year; I introduced the Build the Fence Act. This legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize building the southern border fence and gain operational control of our border as is mandated by the 2006 Secure Fence Act.

Budget & the Deficit

Government overspending is creating a huge burden of debt that threatens the economic well-being of our children. Our national debt now exceeds a record-breaking $26 trillion, saddling every adult and child in America with liabilities of over $67,000.

Arizona families understand the need for budgetary restraint as do households all across the nation. One of my top priorities is to protect citizens from unnecessary and wasteful government spending and force Washington to live within its means. Asking Americans to accept increases in the debt limit instead of removing the hundreds of billions of dollars of redundant, duplicative waste among government agencies is irresponsible.

I believe the government’s bad habits can be turned around with intelligent discretionary-spending reforms. The Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office have both identified billions of dollars of waste that could be eliminated to make programs and services more efficient and deliver tax dollars where they are truly needed. I continue to support such reforms to rein in Washington's spending problem.

You can find a copy of one of my recent floor presentation on the budget here.

Defense

Congress has no greater responsibility than providing for America’s national defense. Whether it is the growing asymmetrical threat from radical Islamic terrorism, an emboldened Russia, or a potentially nuclear Iran, America faces dynamic and evolving threats and must have the military capabilities to respond to these threats.

I am proud that Arizona is a leader in the military and defense community. Arizona’s service members and National Guard members have routinely distinguished themselves and served bravely in Iraq, Afghanistan, and anywhere else they are called to serve. All service branches are represented in Arizona. Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base are two of the nation’s premier military installations in the country, hosting the next generation F-35s and the dependable A-10s, respectively. Fort Huachuca is home to the Army’s Intelligence Center and leader in the field of cyber and network security. Moreover, Yuma hosts both Marine Corps Air Station and the Army’s Yuma Proving Grounds. Finally, the Naval Observatory in Flagstaff observes and catalogues our celestial sky.

As your representative in Washington, I have worked to ensure our service members are properly trained and equipped to effectively execute and accomplish any mission we call on them to carry out. In 2018, I voted to pass pay raises for military families, to ensure while they are working to protect the security of our country, they can support themselves and their families financially.

I also believe there is no greater power that Congress has than the ability to declare war. The power to declare war rests exclusively with Congress, not the Executive branch. I am a firm believer that we must obey our Constitutional duty when deciding to send our servicemen and women to war, and Congress must vote to do so. I have voted in favor of War Powers resolutions that cut off U.S. support for the Saudi-led coalition currently engaged in Yemen, and have also voted in favor of similar amendments regarding military engagements with Iran. I am proud that I have been consistent in this Constitutional duty when voting.

I thank all of our service members, both active and retired, for their tireless effort to protect our country. While serving as your Representative I will always support our Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen, and their families.

Education

Education is critical to the success and economic security of future generations. By providing a solid educational foundation from the start, we can ensure that our children have the tools necessary to keep the United States competitive in the global economy.

I strongly believe in the importance of STEM education as we move towards a more technology and data-driven economy. Ensuring all grade levels have access and experience in science, technology, engineering, and math is paramount to building up the next generation of Americans to face the difficulties and challenges ahead.

Here are some of my favorite examples of how Arizona is rising to the STEM challenge:

Arizona Science Center - Engineering is Elementary (EiE)

“Engineering is Elementary (EiE) is a rigorously researched, classroom-tested curriculum that increases students’ interest in and confidence about engineering. EiE is designed to encourage all children—including those from underrepresented groups—to envision themselves as potential engineers.”

Arizona Science Foundation - Helios STEM School Pilot

"Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) and the Arizona STEM Network congratulate the seven schools and districts selected as pilot sites for the Helios STEM School Pilot Program. They are part of a strategic partnership and investment by Helios and SFAz to help the Arizona STEM Network develop a coordinated and effective STEM education system that provides the infrastructure, resources and metrics needed to improve educational outcomes and achieve collective impact for Arizona students.”

School Choice

I believe in the inherent value that comes with choices, this is especially true as it relates to educating America's future generation of problem solvers. School choice is a proven means to effectively spend taxpayers dollars, improve students outcomes, and empower local communities seeking change from a rigid system where a studcent's outcome is often defined by their zip code.

Few stakeholders understand the needs and ambition of a child better than parents. Through school choice programs, families can explore diverse learning environments, save for future education, and self-determine the ecosystem that will best foster their child’s needs and passion for learning.

The future skills of our nation’s workforce will require innovative and agile education from an early age. Going forward, we must continue to support the diverse body of educators, families, and students to prepare for the future challenges that society will inevitably face. The limit for any child’s education should not exist – school choice ensures that each child can be developed to their fullest potential.

Here is a thought provoking example that I believe further highlights the benefits of school choice:

National Review - ESAs Are Changing the Game

“A blind student in Arizona gets about $21,000 a year,” says Marc Ashton, whose son, Max, is legally blind. That $21,000 represents what Arizona spends to educate a student such as Max in the public-school system.

“We took our 90 percent of that, paid for Max to get the best education in Arizona, plus all of his Braille, all of his technology, and then there was still money left over to put toward his college education,” Marc explains. “So he is going to be able to go on to Loyola Marymount University, because we were able to save money, even while sending him to the best school in Arizona, out of what the state would normally pay for him.”

How did the Ashtons do it? Thanks to Arizona’s innovative education savings account (ESA) option, they were able to take 90 percent of the funds the state would have spent on Max in the local public school, and instead create a customized education plan for him. In Arizona, those eligible for an ESA include children in underperforming schools, foster children, children of active-duty military families, and children with special needs and their siblings.”

Energy and Environment

Arizona has made great progress the past few years in establishing more types of affordable, reliable power, building the first renewable portfolio standard in the country, and aggressively pushing for higher energy-efficiency standards.

I believe Washington must embrace a sound “all of the above” energy solution and take this approach to factories, power plants, and businesses across the country.

Not only should we optimize the use of our traditional energy reserves, but we also should continue to expand into renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, hydro-electric, nuclear and geothermal power. We are seeing many different disruptive technologies and zero-emission facilities in production that we should be supporting across the United States. These are all vital to cleaning our environment, as well as the economic welfare and national security of the United States

The government must stop picking winners and losers in the industry. Each of these sources must stand on their own in the marketplace, without government-sponsored interference. More and more cities and towns within Congressional District 6 and around Arizona are changing their practices to better use the resources available in a long-lasting, renewable fashion-- there’s a chance for real change.

Some of the new technology that I have been focusing on includes battery storage, micro-grid development, and carbon capture storage. These are just a few examples of 21st century technology that Arizona is not only leading the way in R&D, but also actual implementation, without oppressive regulatory burdens and mandates. The free market has led to an incredible growth in technologies that has led America to become a net-exporter of energy for the first time in our history, while also reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. As pro-growth, market-based solutions have led to exciting new techniques in soil health, water sustainability, and agricultural research that reduces land-use while increasing crop yields, allowing us to feed our ever-growing planet, I will continue to work with my colleagues to identify new sources of power that will lower our families’ monthly bills and allow our economy to grow.

I have spoken on the House floor about the different types of environmental technology being produced. To watch floor speeches on energy and environment, click here.

FAA Flight Paths

On September 18, 2014 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unilaterally implemented new departure procedures at Sky Harbor International Airport, without consulting the communities that would be impacted. As a result, Valley residents who previously had no aviation noise exposure have seen a drastic decline in their quality of life. These changes have exposed our communities to unacceptable levels of aircraft noise, disrupting homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.

In response, I worked to pass an amendment that will prevent the FAA from moving forward with plans to redesign the regional airspace while the serious issues resulting from the new flight paths remain unresolved in the Phoenix area. Further, working with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we were successful in including language that would require the FAA to reevaluate these flight paths and have community input on the future of Arizona’s airspace. Please be assured that I will continue to fight for community.

Financial Services

Arizona's financial sector plays a critical role in growing the economy and bringing jobs to our state. Entrepreneurs know that Arizona is one of the best places in the country to start a business, and as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Entrepreneurship Caucus, it is one of my highest priorities to help foster a hyper-efficient economy in our state.

For too long, the elites in Washington have forced a top down bureaucratic regulatory regime onto the backs of American entrepreneurs, which has led to a corrupted system that protects favored incumbents and props up easier to control institutions. However, with the advent of modern peer-to-peer technology, we have an opportunity to return to America’s entrepreneurial roots.

I have authored a bill that has been introduced the past three session of Congress to change how the government defines Accredited Investors. The current definition only takes wealth into account, allowing those with enough money to participate in special investment opportunities nationwide. The Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act would change the definition to also include professional sophistication as an alternative metric to attain Accredited Investor status. This legislation passed the House of Representatives the past two sessions of Congress with overwhelming broad bipartisan support.

The financial services sector also has the unique opportunity to embrace technological advancements to make the industry more efficient. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, I believe that blockchain will revolutionize how modern financial ownership is proven, and I am committeed to efforts that will help educate the industry on the importance of fintech to economic growth.

Foreign Affairs

It is important that the United States’ strong global leadership and democratic values and human rights is maintained and projected. Whether it is standing with our European and NATO allies together to face the various global challenges we encounter, or expanding economic opportunity in the Western Hemisphere, African or Indo-Pacific region, the United States is and continues to be a solid and reliable partner for our friends and allies around the world.

Israel

Israel is one of the United States’ strongest allies – and continued American support for Israel is paramount. The U.S. – Israeli partnership endures not only because of our shared values of democracy and human rights – the only country in Middle East that shares those values - but our strong economic and defense ties as well. I continue to be a strong advocate for Israel.

Russia

Russia continues to be a bad actor on the global stage, and their failed attempts to obstruct the 2016 election, as well as democratic elections throughout Europe, are unacceptable. Under President Putin’s leadership, Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine – and invaded eastern Ukraine in 2014, went to war with Georgia in 2008 and most recently has supported Syria’s dictator Bashar al-Assad in that country’s civil war. Congress rightly continues to impose strict sanctions on the Russian government and individual actors who abuse democratic values.

Iran

The people of Iran continue to suffer under the theological authoritarian regime that rules that country. Iran cannot be allowed weapons of mass destruction, with its continued commitment to the destruction of Israel, long commonplace chants of death to America, and the funding of proxy-militias that sow chaos and bloodshed throughout the region and beyond. It is imperative the United States continue to support strict sanctions on the Iranian regime as long as they continue to be bad actors in the international order, while supporting the Iranian peoples’ desire to live in a free and transparent democracy.

China

China has taken advantage of the international system for far too long. There was hope, after China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the early 2000s that gradually China would introduce market reforms to its economy, and there would be a ripple effect on the opening of the social and government spheres. Instead, we’ve seen the communist regime crack down even harder on human rights, steal intellectual property from American companies, and force its regional vision against local opposition for Hong Kong, Taiwan and the South China Sea. China is and will be a major strategic competitor to the United States in the coming decades, and it is imperative the United States and its allies continue to confront this challenge head on.

Health Care

The Affordable Care Act has confused an already complex and wasteful healthcare system. Americans need more choices and a competitive insurance marketplace, not mandates. We all want a system where people are treated fairly and given the support they need to remain healthy. We want those who become ill to receive the best care possible and care that is affordable.

In 2016, Arizona had eight health insurers offering plans on the Obamacare exchanges. By the end of the year, four insurers had entirely exited the market, leaving many uninsured or unable to afford coverage altogether. The fact is Obamacare devastated Arizona’s insurance market instead of allowing for increased competition, innovation, and access.

Imposing mandates on individuals and businesses while taxing procedures, payment plans to doctors, and everyday medical devices is not a recipe for improved healthcare access, affordability or quality. Improving healthcare for every American starts by improving access to information so consumers can truly understand and compare the cost of care.

We in Congress must do everything we can to help working families obtain better access to affordable health insurance. To do this, we must foster a system that makes the price of health care honest and transparent while supporting marketplace competition to control costs. We need to focus on reforms that improve affordability and provide flexibility, not impose mandates that result in lost jobs and threaten the economic security of working Americans.

The resources below highlight a few of my concerns with the Affordable Care Act and the current state of the health insurance market:

- Kaiser Family Foundation - 2017 Premium Changes and Insurer Participation in the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplaces

…the largest increases in the unsubsidized second-lowest silver plan were Phoenix, AZ (up 145% from $207 to $507 per month for a 40-year-old non-smoker), Birmingham, AL (up 71% from $288 to $492) and Oklahoma City, OK (up 67% from $295 to $493).

- USA TODAY - Obamacare Hurts My Small Business

My firm, which has fewer than 20 employees, recently received our renewal package for next year's health insurance plan. It read: "Your current coverage is no longer being offered, but we've provided you with a great alternative" -- an estimated 48% increase in premiums. That translates into approximately $1,676 in added costs per year for every individual covered on our plan ($6,704 for a family of four). That's approximately $44,000 in added annual costs that could otherwise be used to hire a college graduate.

The Future of Care:

Health care is personal, but it’s easy for decision makers in Washington, D.C. to forget that, even during the best-intentioned discussion. I am eager to continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle issues such as drug costs, chronic disease management, telehealth, rural access, surprise billing, health innovation, and financing revolutionary treatments. The way I see it, the future for medical care in our great nation is brighter when we work together.

There are several crucial conversations being had in Washington D.C. around the future of health care in the United States. The problem, it seems, is that few of them strike the balance between optimism stemming from increasingly efficacious medicine and innovative technology, with the burdensome structure of the current system. Ultimately, my goal is to make meaningful changes to how we approach and deliver care in order to equip future generations with the means to live healthy.

Below are a handful of resources that have especially caught my attention:

Forbes Insights - AI And Healthcare: A Giant Opportunity

“Artificial intelligence’s (AI) transformative power is reverberating across many industries, but in one—healthcare—its impact promises to be truly life-changing. From hospital care to clinical research, drug development and insurance, AI applications are revolutionizing how the health sector works to reduce spending and improve patient outcomes.

“The total public and private sector investment in healthcare AI is stunning: All told, it is expected to reach $6.6 billion by 2021, according to some estimates. Even more staggering, Accenture predicts that the top AI applications may result in annual savings of $150 billion by 2026.”

Kaiser Family Foundation - How do health expenditures vary across the population?

“In a given year, a small portion of the population is responsible for a very large percentage of total health spending. We tend to focus on averages when discussing health spending, but individuals’ health status – and thus their need to access and utilize health services – varies from year to year and over the course of their lifetimes. In fact, very few people have spending around the average.”

Second Amendment

Staying true to the principles of our founding documents has long been a priority of mine. Our founding fathers wrote the Second Amendment to protect our citizens' right to own firearms. Overly aggressive gun control laws tend to penalize lawful gun owners and law-abiding citizens, not the criminals set on using those guns with ill intention.

As Arizonans, we understand the fundamental right for a citizen to be able to protect themselves and their loved ones. It is for this reason that I was a prime sponsor for the Concealed Carry Law while serving as an Arizona state legislator. I continue advocating for these policies on the national level.

I also believe there is bipartisan support for technology upgrades and improved training that will bring our background check system into the 21st century to ensure that those who should not have access to a firearm are prevented from purchasing one. On March 23rd, 2018, President Trump signed into law the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus, which included the Fix NICS Act. The Fix NICS Act, requires federal agencies to certify twice a year they are uploading criminal records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and instructs the Department of Justice and the Appropriations Committees to take action if federal agencies are failing to comply. We must ensure that both federal and state authorities are properly and accurately reporting criminals to NICS so that we prevent crime and protect lives.

Tax Reform

Since I was first elected to Congress, my mission has always been to help Arizona families. I believe through stopping wasteful government spending and bringing forward measures that help create well-paying jobs and shrink our debt, we can build a healthier economy and secure the economic future of America's children. In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, becoming our country's most sweeping overhaul of the federal tax code in over three decades.

Each year after passage of the bill we have consistently seen great news for the economy. Our monthly jobs reports have shown low unemployment, more jobs, and an increase in wages across the spectrum, particularly in minority groups and women. I will continue to support pro-growth policies that drive economic prosperity, as well as ensure that our tax code works for our nation's families and keeps the United State's economy competitive.

Trade

As a proud member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I am committed to ensuring Arizona has access to free and fair trade, while also ensuring the United States’ trading relationships are kept a high priority. Expanding access to emerging markets is crucial for creating opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, farmers and service providers to sell more American-made goods and services around the world.

I am a strong supporter of free trade, and as a border state, Arizona understands the importance of strong trading relationships with its neighbors. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created a great step in the right direction for trade with our neighbors – but now it is time to pass the updated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that will grow our economy and further strengthen our relationship with neighbors Mexico and Canada.

In 2017 alone, Arizona exported $9.7 billion worth of goods to Canada and Mexico. This agreement will better serve Arizona businesses, manufacturers, famers, and other industries leading to incredible economic growth and freer markets. There are currently more than 228,000 jobs being supported by trade in Arizona. By passing this modernized trade agreement, this number will only grow further.

I am hopeful we will get this updated trade agreement passed soon, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to further strengthen the United States trading relationships with other nations.

Valley Fever

Valley Fever Task Force

In 2013, Congressman David Schweikert and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy teamed up to co-found the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force, bringing much needed awareness to the disease of coccidioidomycosis. The disease, more commonly known as Valley Fever, is prominent in Maricopa county as well as the rest of Arizona and southern California.

The goal of the Valley Fever Task Force is to share information with stakeholders in the medical and scientific fields to foster new advancements in prevention and treatment as well as work with community organizations to help educate individuals on the disease. As Congressman Schweikert stated, "This task force is a much needed step toward raising awareness for this terrible disease and someday soon finding a cure. Valley Fever has silently affected entire communities in the southwest including our family, friends, and even beloved pets. I am hopeful that this working group will bring awareness, reduce the risk of misdiagnoses, and bring about a cure within the decade.”

In the 113th Congress, Congressman Schweikert successfully led the effort to have coccidioides spp., the pathogens that cause Valley Fever, listed as qualifying pathogens under the GAIN Act of 2011. This effort granted Valley Fever the title of “orphan disease” with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning any treatments or future cures will be given priority and fast tracked through the often arduous FDA drug approval process.

What is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is caused by the fungal spore coccidioides spp. endemic to arid and semi-arid geographical areas. Because these spores are carried by soil, any disruption to the ground creates a heightened risk of infection. While some individuals breathe in the spore with no repercussions, others fall ill from Valley Fever. Those affected most by Valley Fever are immunosuppressed patients; elderly individuals; pregnant females; and minority populations of African, Filipino, and Native American descent. Of the more than 150,000 individuals infected annually, roughly 50,000 warrant medical attention. Of those, nearly 600 cases have the infection spread from their lungs to other parts of their body. Ultimately, about 160 cases result in death. Reported cases of Valley Fever in the southwestern states of Arizona, California, Texas and New Mexico have skyrocketed in recent years; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that reported cases of Valley Fever have risen nine-fold since 1998. Arizona alone accounts for about 65% of all reported cases that occur in the United States.

Today, patients diagnosed with Valley Fever are prescribed an antifungal therapy that has a 30%-60% failure rate. The current recommendation of the Infectious Disease Society of America is to continue treatment for life. There is no cure.

Valley Fever severely affects many who work outdoors, farmers, and those in the construction industry. Every branch of the United States’ military has bases in the endemic regions, putting our military men and women at risk.

Veterans

Arizona is home to one of the largest populations of