Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

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

Today's Vote on Foreign Aid

Securing the U.S. border is the #1 issue in America today. President Biden's open border policies are creating national security, humanitarian, and fiscal crises the likes of which our country has never seen. When President Biden and Democrats take action to secure our border, I will vote to help Ukraine with military aid. Until then, I cannot in good conscience support additional aid. Make no mistake, I want to defeat Putin and stop his unwarranted attack against the people of Ukraine, but this Ukraine aid bill includes hundreds of millions of dollars for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, without even a dime for our own border security. This bill also contains no requirements for President Biden to reverse his dangerous open border policies. Therefore, I voted no on Ukraine aid today.

I am very disappointed Speaker Johnson has not followed through on his promise to tie U.S. border security to Ukraine aid. It was a promise that I repeated to my constituents based on what he promised to me, and I will not back down on my promise to the people of Arizona and the rest of this great country.

I did, however, vote today to help our ally Israel in their time of need and to build up our military presence in the Indo-Pacific to combat the very real threats from China.

First and foremost, I will always vote to put America first and keep the American people safe, that is why I believe you sent me to Washington, D.C. and I will continue to do so throughout my time in Congress.

Lesko Meetings

Congratulations to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office’s Victim Services Division on being selected for the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus’ Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy. It was an honor to nominate and present them with this award!

I had a great meeting with the American Optometric Association where we were able to discuss ways Congress can promote healthy vision across the U.S.

I got to meet with the Arizona Beer and Wine Distributors where we talked about ways Congress can continue to improve the tax outlook for these important local businesses in Arizona and across the U.S.

I had the pleasure to meet with the Lions Club to discuss the important community volunteer work they do in Arizona and across the country.

I had the opportunity to meet with the American Physical Therapy Association to discuss ways Congress can continue to promote better outcomes for patients and their families.

I had a productive meeting with the Consumer Technology Association where we talked about data privacy concerns, artificial intelligence, and telehealth.

I had the opportunity to meet with the Arizona Radiological Society where we discussed their impact on Arizona and the important work they do in communities across our state.

I had the privilege of meeting with the Military Officers’ Association of America to discuss ways Congress can continue to support our military.

I met with the National Association of Homecare and Hospice to discuss ways Congress can continue to support even the most vulnerable Americans as they enter end of life and long-term care.

It was great meeting with the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and their newly elected President, Robbin Preston Jr., to talk about various issues they are facing, including the water issues plaguing the American Southwest.

I had the pleasure of meeting with LeadingAge this week to discuss ways to promote more Hispanic youth participation in higher education STEM programs.

It was great meeting with the Arizona Restaurant Association to talk about ways Congress can help the restaurant and small business industry thrive.

I had the chance to meet with Cascadia Healthcare and the American Healthcare Association to talk about ways Congress can continue to help patients and their families have better outcomes.

I had the opportunity to meet with the American Academy of Ophthalmology to discuss concerns within vision care and how Congress can continue to promote better results for these patients.

I met with the Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition to discuss ways Congress can continue to support a thriving and diverse energy sector.

I got the chance to catch up with the American Osteopathic Association and discuss ways Congress can continue to help those entering the medical field.

It was a pleasure meeting with interns from The Fund for American Studies to talk about what I do in Congress and their goals for the future. It’s always great meeting with young people with a passion for public service.

Lesko in the News

At this moment, Iran is enemy number 1. I have stood, and always will stand, with Israel; they are our greatest ally in the Middle East, and we must do everything we can to support them.

Listen to my thoughts on this, Palestinian protests, and more on the Evening Edit on Fox Business below:

Biden’s energy policies are HURTING Americans and our allies and HELPING China, Iran, and Russia. It is insanity.

Listen to my thoughts on this, the border crisis, and more on Fox Business with The Big Money Show below:

Read my latest op-ed in the Washington Times here.

The Biden Administration’s radical energy agenda has officially gone too far, requiring 70% of all new car sales are zero-emissions by 2032, practically eliminating traditional internal-combustion engines from the market. Americans cannot afford more of this lunacy!

Lesko in Committee

Medicare and Medicaid overpayments are costing taxpayers and it’s clear the system needs fixing. This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight Subcommittee met to get answers.

See my comments below:

Maintaining Americans’ data privacy and ensuring technological safety is imperative as more people, particularly young people, continue to use platforms like Tik Tok, and as AI technology continues to grow.

Listen to my thoughts on this at this week’s Energy and Commerce Committee Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing below:

GET THE FACTS: Biden Loves China

This week, when asked about gas prices, the Biden Administration had no answers. Meanwhile, gas prices are on the rise yet again, climbing to $4.34/gallon in the Phoenix area. Rather than tackle the issue head-on by increasing American energy production and resuming the Keystone XL pipeline, the Biden Administration has decided to put their head in the sand and claim they’ve tried everything, but the American people know the truth and so do our allies overseas. Since Biden took office, gas prices are up almost 52 percent. Gas prices are too high, and the Biden Administration has no plan to fix it.

Around the District

Team Lesko attended Frappuccino with a Firefighter hosted by Sun City Fire and Medical Department. The firefighters shared about different programs they have available, networked with the local community, and showcased their vehicles and gear.

Team Lesko attended the graduation ceremony at UEI College where more than 300 students were able to receive their technical degrees ready to enter the workforce.

Team Lesko attended the 14^th annual statewide Veteran Symposium bringing together military, government, and community to focus on strengthening services and support for Arizona’s 500,000+ servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

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 your 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.

Mobile Office Hours

Our office is hosting Mobile Office Hours at the Sun City Homeowners Association on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 12:30-2:30 PM.

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