Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

It has been a historic week in the U.S. House of Representatives! I hope you all had a great week and were able to spend plenty of time with family and friends. If you would like to share this newsletter with others, please direct them to this link and encourage them to subscribe.

Lesko's Comments on the Removal of Speaker McCarthy

I think it's a bad move for the Republican Party and I think it's a bad move for the country. Now we are at a standstill again until we figure out who the new Speaker is going to be. Republicans need to unite to defeat the Democrats' radical agenda.

GET THE FACTS: Speaker's Race

As many of you know, this week, the Speaker of the House was vacated for the first time in U.S. history. While some are split in their reactions to what occurred, almost everyone is confused as to what happens next. Next Tuesday, House Republicans will hear from Speaker candidates, Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise, in a closed door Conference meeting. On Wednesday of next week, House Republican members plan to take a secret ballot vote for who they support for Speaker. It is unclear at this time if the candidate who loses that vote will step aside. It is also unclear at this time when members will go to the House Floor for the official Speaker nomination and vote process. I would prefer that Republicans settle on a Speaker choice before we go to the floor, so we don't have a repeat of the 15 rounds of votes it took for Speaker last time. However, any member can nominate whomever they want for Speaker of the House. The nominee does not even need to be a current member of Congress. It is expected that all the Democrats will vote for Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker. The winner needs a simple majority vote of the Representatives present and voting. There is nothing stopping members from voting with the other party to support a Republican centrist candidate for Speaker, or even a Democrat nominee. For more information on how it works click here.

Lesko Statement on Speaker Race

I am a big fan of both Congressman Jim Jordan and Congressman Steve Scalise. Both are conservatives that care deeply about the future of our nation. Deciding who to support for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives was a very difficult decision for me. My decision came down to the question of who I believe has the best skill set for the job of Speaker. Being Speaker requires someone who can unite all Republicans, whether they are from strong Republican districts, like mine, or swing districts where Biden won.

Jim Jordan’s greatest strength and skill set is investigating and fighting against government corruption. He is well suited for his role as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and it is vital his work investigating government corruption and the Biden Family continue. He has the perfect personality and skill set for that job.

Steve Scalise’s skill set better suits the job of Speaker. Steve has built relationships with Republicans in strong Republican districts, like mine, and with Republicans in swing districts where Biden won. We need a Speaker that can unite ALL Republicans to defeat Biden and the Democrats’ radical agenda so we can save America. I believe Steve Scalise is the right person for that job and that is why I am supporting Steve Scalise for Speaker of the House.

Lesko in the News

WATCH my comments on the border, Congressman Matt Gaetz's motion to vacate and the congressman pulling the fire alarm on Fox News with Jon Scott.

Meetings this Week

This week, I had the privilege of meeting with Legacy Traditional Schools to speak with parents and families. It was so great to spend time with the future of Arizona right here in our nation’s capital!

This week, I attended the Sun City HOA meeting to meet constituents and discuss the many services we offer right here in Arizona. It was so great seeing so many familiar faces and welcoming new friends to the district.

Around the District

Team Lesko attended the Peoria AZ Police Department’s ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event. Officers were available to engage with members of the community to answer questions and share more about their work in Peoria’s neighborhoods.

Team Lesko attended the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office’s ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event in Sun City. Officers were there to listen to the community’s comments and concerns while building trust in their neighborhoods.

Tyler from our District Office attended the ribbon cutting of Bloomin’ Blinds in Peoria.

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office for assistance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). She had been unsuccessful in obtaining her benefits after her husband passed away. Our office contacted OPM and helped get the benefits processed and delivered to her.

Military Academy Nominations

I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of students in the 8^th Congressional District to four of our five service academies. This includes: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Interested students should visit this link to confirm their eligibility and begin the application process. Applications are due October 27, 2023, so students are encouraged to begin as soon as possible.

Congressional App Challenge

Submissions for the Congressional App Challenge are now open to all middle and high school students! The Congressional App Challenge is a competition to encourage students to engage in coding and computer science projects. App submissions are due by November 1, 2023. Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol! Register today and submit your app here.

Tell Congresswoman Lesko

Do you know of a business or location I should visit? Click the link here and let me know!

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. My Surprise district office is open and serving constituents. To make an appointment with the office, please call 623-776-7911.

My Washington, D.C. office is open and answering your calls. Please feel free to contact us via phone at 202-225-4576 or via email by going to my website at https://lesko.house.gov/contact/.

I encourage you to visit the website and to also follow me on Twitter, Instagram and my Facebook page for up to date information on what I'm doing and how my office can help you.

May God continue to bless you and our great Nation.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko