In first 100 days, Evans introduces six bills focused on fraud, safety and immigration

By / / Rocky Mountain Voice, National, State, Top Stories

RMV Staff | RMV NE CO Newsroom, Rocky Mountain Voice

Colorado’s 8th Congressional District—a nationally watched swing district—just saw its freshman Congressman, Gabe Evans, cross the 100-day threshold in office. The milestone highlights a flurry of legislative action, bipartisan wins, and scrutiny over constituent accessibility.

Evans, a Republican and former law enforcement officer and Army veteran, has moved quickly since being sworn in. “By contrast, it took my predecessor up until August before she had six bills,” Evans told FOX31. “So we are doing the work and delivering the work for constituents. I look forward to continuing to engage with them, hear their problems, and do what we can to solve them.”

Six bills, five bipartisan, three out of committee

Denver7 reported that Evans has introduced six pieces of legislation—five of which are bipartisan and three of which have already passed out of committee. Among them is the Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act. 

On April 2, Evans told Colorado Community Media it will help eliminate waste and fraud in the healthcare system by “removing the provider numbers of dead doctors or other providers after they have passed away… so those numbers can no longer be used for nefarious or fraudulent purposes.” 

The UPLIFT Act stands out as a particularly timely bill, targeting federal support for communities overwhelmed by large migrant influxes. With Coloradans’ concerns about illegal immigration, especially in urban and suburban districts like CD8, Evans’ legislative response has drawn praise and scrutiny.

Public safety and fiscal oversight

Evans has also remained vocal on public safety, opposing sanctuary state policies and engaging with state and city leaders over security concerns. His stance reflects his background and ongoing platform around law and order, which continues to resonate with many of his constituents.

Fiscal responsibility is another cornerstone. “We’re working to cut government bloat,” Evans said, pointing to legislation aimed at curbing Medicaid fraud and ensuring taxpayer dollars serve those who genuinely need support.

Constituent concerns and the town hall debate

Despite legislative productivity, critics have argued that Evans struggles with constituent accessibility. New York Democrat Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the chorus last month at a Colorado rally saying, “I hear you have a representative that has not done a town hall.” The Hill reported on her rebuke, “Usually your first three months on a new job, you are on your best behavior and working your hardest.” 

After an in-person town hall was reportedly absent in recent months, some residents voiced frustration. Karissa, a Greeley constituent, said, “The town hall that we had on the telephone was not the people telling Gabe Evans how they would like to be represented. It was Gabe Evans telling the people they should agree with him… That doesn’t demonstrate that he is willing to hear us.”

In response, Evans defended the virtual format. “We did the tele-town hall because it’s convenient to get that message out to a lot of folks who then don’t have to drive, and don’t have to leave their homes. They can get the information from the comfort of their own living rooms—on their phone, on their computer, however they choose to access it. We were able to reach about 8,500 people that night,” Evans stated in a communication from the National Republican Congressional Committee on April 14.

Constituent groups have organized a “People’s Town Hall” set for April 26 at the Moxi Theater in Greeley, urging Evans to attend and listen directly. 

Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee and the Colorado Democratic Party have announced their own town hall event in CD8 on April 24, featuring Rep. Greg Casar of Texas.

Coloradans on X questioned whether the criticism was really about access — or part of a partisan PR smear campaign.

Evans maintains that communication lines are open. “As far as accessibility, again, anyone who wants to have a productive conversation—and even if you don’t—you can always reach out to us. Gabeevans.house.gov is the website. And that will have the two district offices.”

Looking ahead

As his first 100 days come to a close, Congressman Gabe Evans says he remains focused on listening, legislating, and leading with principle.