Surprise reader: Hamadeh understands importance of water security

OPINION — I am a lifelong Arizonan. Arizona’s water future is among the most urgent issues facing our state, and Congressman Abe Hamadeh has shown he understands that.



The Colorado River supplies about 36% of Arizona’s water and has fallen to historic lows. In his first term, Hamadeh joined a bipartisan letter asking U.S. House of Representatives leaders to put emergency money into Colorado River infrastructure, conservation and long-term planning.

He also signed an Arizona Republican letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum warning that the proposed rules for the river after 2026 would put too many of the cuts on Arizona and the rest of the Lower Basin. He voted for the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 and secured language in the defense bill requiring a plan to protect Fort Huachuca’s water supply from legal delays that could interfere with the base’s mission.



These steps are not flashy, but they are practical. Families, farms, manufacturers, and military bases, such as Luke Air Force Base, depend on a reliable supply. Hamadeh’s willingness to work across the aisle on this issue is welcome.



Water security will take years. Abe’s early work on the Colorado River is a solid start. I appreciate his steady leadership on this issue.

Rep. Abe Hamadeh is running for reelection in Congressional District 8, which includes parts of Glendale, Peoria, north Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.