Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

I'm Retiring from Congress at the End of My Term

You might have seen in the news this week that I announced my plans to retire from Congress at the end of my term on January 2, 2025. It is an honor to represent the people of Arizona's 8^th Congressional District and I look forward to continuing to serve you for the next 15 months.

Being away from my family three weeks out of every month and traveling back and forth to Washington, D.C. almost every week is difficult, especially since Congress is in a state of gridlock and it is hard to get anything done. I want to spend more time with my husband, children, grandchildren, and my 94-year-old mother. Please know that my office and I will continue to passionately serve you until my term is done.

An Update on the House Speakers Race

Unfortunately, the U.S. House of Representatives remains without a Speaker of the House. This week, Republican Speaker-Designate Jim Jordan (R-OH) attempted to get the votes on the Floor to officially become the Speaker of the House. We voted three times and Rep. Jordan failed to get enough votes to win each time. I voted for Rep. Jordan every time. 20 Republicans voted for someone other than Rep. Jordan in the first round. 22 Republicans voted for someone other than Rep. Jordan in the second round and 25 Republicans voted for someone else in the third round. All Democrats voted for their Democrat nominee. After these failed votes, the House Republican Conference voted 112-86 to remove Rep. Jordan as the Speaker Designee. New candidates will file to run over the weekend and we will meet again on Monday for a candidate forum and eventually select a new Speaker Designee. My hopes and prayers are that we will elect a Speaker soon, so that the U.S. House of Representatives can get back to helping the American people soon. 

Lesko Meetings

It was great meeting with representatives from the Yavapai-Apache Nation. It's so important that Arizona's large Native American population is heard here in Congress.

GET THE FACTS: Biden Family Investigations

The past few months, there has been a lot in the news regarding President Biden and his involvement in his son, Hunter Biden's, business dealings with foreign governments. The House Oversight Committee has been hard at work investigating and their main points of interest include: then-Vice President Biden's welcoming of the Romanian President to the White House in 2015, a state-owned Chinese company wiring Biden associates $3 million just months after Biden left the White House in 2017, Hunter Biden's involvement with Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and the wiring of money from Russian oligarch Yelena Baturina in February 2014 to an entity that would eventually pass the money to Devon Archer and Hunter Biden. For more information on this investigation and the details behind these instances visit here.

Around the District

Ashley from our district office attended Coffee with a Cop with the Glendale Police Department. Community members were able to meet with and share their comments and concerns with officers in attendance. Officers also gave updates regarding recent activity within the community.

Michael and Ashley from our office attended the 2023 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony where 19 veterans were inducted for their service. We were proud to see constituents of the 8^th Congressional District inducted to the Hall of Fame! 

Michael and Ashley from our office attended the 10^th Annual Glendale, AZ Stand Up for Veterans Event that brings the community together to show their support and to honor veterans and their families.

Keith from our District Office presented a Congressional Recognition to Sam Darmo, a representative of the Assyrian community, for his dedication and advocacy on behalf of the Assyrian community in the 8^th Congressional District.

Casework Highlight

Several constituents contacted our office after encountering difficulty in obtaining their military service records. We contacted the National Personnel Records Center on behalf of the veterans, and coordinated the location and delivery of their military service records.

Mobile Office Hours

Join us for our Mobile Office Hours Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sun City Homeowners Association (SCHOA).

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