Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

It was another busy week in Congress. I would like to encourage you to share this newsletter with others. Please direct them using this link and encourage them to subscribe.

Lesko in the News

House Republicans have already passed the strongest border security bill ever, but Schumer and the rest of the Senate Democrats are unwilling to take it up for a vote. They do NOT care about border security! 

Listen to my thoughts on this and more from my Fox News with Jon Scott last Sunday below.

The Arizona Abortion Ruling... What to Know

1864: Arizona law prohibits abortions except to save the life of the mother.

1864-Jan. 1973: The same 1864 law is enforceable in Arizona.

Jan. 1973: The 1864 law becomes unenforceable because of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Roe v Wade.

March 2022: The AZ legislature passes and Governor Ducey signs legislation to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks. The legislation specifically says it does not repeal the 1864 law.

June 2022: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade leaving decisions about abortion law up to the states.

2022: Abortion provider Planned Parenthood sues. Courts will determine which law is enforceable in Arizona…the 1864 law or the 2022 law.

April 2024: The Arizona Supreme Court rules that the 1864 law is enforceable. The ruling determined which law was enforceable, not if the law is constitutional. The court has placed a stay on the law for at least two weeks and probably 60 days total to give time for abortion supporters to pursue constitutional challenges to the law.

What’s Next:

Abortion supporters will most likely sue and the law may be tied up in the courts for a long time.

The Arizona legislature may also decide to repeal the 1864 law. If legislators are pro-life, like me, and believe that life begins at conception, this would be difficult to vote for since it would allow more abortions.

The AZ legislature could also do something else, like refer an abortion measure to the ballot for voters to decide.

Voters will be voting on a ballot measure supported by pro-abortion advocates in November.  

GET THE FACTS: Biden Loves China

President Biden has cowered to the Chinese Communist Party since day 1. Since entering office, the Biden Administration has shut down a Justice Department program focused on countering Chinese espionage, refused to implement sanctions required by the bipartisan Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, and vetoed a bill that would have overturned Biden’s waiving of the “Buy America” requirements on electric vehicle charging stations. That’s not even considering Biden’s open-border policies, which have given unprecedented access to Chinese nationals wishing to enter the country. Currently, Chinese nationals are the largest growing demographic of illegal migrants coming to the United States. This is completely unacceptable. President Biden is the softest president we’ve had on China in modern history and it must end. We need to stand strong against the Chinese Communist Party.

Around the District

Team Lesko joined the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to welcome the Taco Spot to the city!

Team Lesko joined the Anthem Rotary Club for their weekly meeting. They discussed the upcoming charity golf tournament and other community service projects.

Team Lesko presented Miley Hawkins with a Congressional Recognition for her volunteerism with the Boys and Girls Club. She was honored as a ‘Youth of the Year’ representing the Louis and Elizabeth Sands Branch in Glendale.

Team Lesko presented a Congressional Recognition to PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Southwest for the work they do supporting veterans in our community.

Team Lesko attended the opening ceremony for The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is currently located at Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant from April 11-14 and is open 24 hours a day.

Team Lesko presented a Congressional Recognition and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to Mont Vore, a 97 year-old WWII veteran. Vore served in the Army as a communication technician and was stationed at Pearl Harbor just after the attack.

Casework Highlight

A constituent unfortunately suffered the loss of her spouse and was unable to obtain information from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) regarding final benefits owed. Our office contacted DFAS on her behalf and inquired about the situation and her benefits eligibility. Soon thereafter, the agency responded, and the final monetary benefit was paid to the constituent in full.

Global Entry Process Renewal

If you already have Global Entry for traveling and have not yet renewed membership, now may be the time. Eligibility to renew your membership begins one year prior to program expiration, but you will still be eligible to use benefits up to 24 months following your membership expiration date. In order to renew your membership visit the link here. 

Military Academy Nominations

As a member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. This would include nominating candidates for appointment to 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. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. For more information click here.

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, a nation-wide high school art competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district. 2024 Congressional Art Competition submissions are due May 1, 2024. For more information click 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