Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona receives high scores for bipartisanship

PHOENIX — Playing well with others has suited U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema in work and life. The Arizona politican has been named the third-most bipartisan member of the House of Representatives and the most bipartisan Democrat in the 2015 Bipartisan Index.

The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University released its findings Wednesday, placing Sinema among the top legislators in the country for successful co-operation with politicians from the across the aisle.

“Progress is made when we put aside our differences and work together to solve problems,” Sinema said in a statement.

According to ithe Lugar Center site, the Bipartisan Index tracks how well members of opposing parties work with each on bills. That information is then made available to the public.

“I will continue to reach across the aisle and work with anyone serious about finding solutions that strengthen our national security, create jobs and grow our economy, get veterans the care they deserve, and ensure all Arizona families have the opportunity to succeed.”

The nonprofit’s report cited many of Sinema’s bipartisan priorities that were signed into law last year, including the visa waiver program.

That piece of legislation was introduced with U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.).

Sinema worked on the PACE Act with Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.), and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). The bill was designed to help employees at small and medium sized businesses to keep their health insurance plans.

Sinema also was the driving force behind the military working dogs legislation.

She introduced the measure with Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.). It makes sure military working dogs come back to the United States for adoption at the end of their overseas service.

KTAR’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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