Good afternoon,

Last week, I flew back to Washington, D.C. for an important House Judiciary Committee hearing on police reforms where we heard from many witnesses, including Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, and Angela Underwood Jacobs, whose brother, a Federal Protective Officer, David Patrick Underwood, was killed while on duty during recent riots. As the House begins its work on reforms this week, there are elements of the proposed Democrat bill that I support and others I do not support. It is unfortunate that my Democratic colleagues did not reach out to Republicans to design a bipartisan bill. It is my desire that we pass bipartisan legislation that makes reforms without undermining police and law enforcement. 

In the News This Week

I joined Newsmax this week to discuss the House Judiciary Committee hearing and recent proposals on police reform. Watch my interview below:

Legislative Update

I recently cosponsored Congressman Doug Collins’s bill, H.R. 6863, the COVID-19 Accountability Act.This bill authorizes the president to sanction Chinese officials and nationals if China does not cooperate on investigations or fulfill certain expectations related to their COVID-19 response. This is important legislation that will ensure China provides answers on its mishandling of the Coronavirus outbreak that has devastated our country. 

Encouraging Stories

I enjoyed this story about Meals of Joy working to host their annual July Duck Derby virtually in response to social distancing guidelines. The Duck Derby allows people to purchase ducks that will race against each other, and the proceeds go toward providing hot meals to seniors. It is great to see people doing what they can to help our seniors during this time!

I am also happy to share the news that one of the student-athletes in my district, Rylee Holtorf from Sandra Day O’Connor High School, was named Gatorade Arizona Softball Player of the Year. The Gatorade of the Year program recognizes top athletes across the country for their outstanding athletic and academic achievements and sportsmanship. Only one young man and one young woman per state in each of the participating sports are chosen. Congratulations, Rylee!

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because she submitted passport applications for her sons and several months later had not received a response. Our office reached out to the National Passport Information Center who confirmed the receipt of her applications but due to their backlog they had not been processed. After flagging this for them, since the constituent had been waiting for more than 90 days, the processing center placed a priority on this, and passports were sent out within 48 hours of our office making contact.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because he was unemployed as a result of the Coronavirus. He applied for unemployment and was not able to get any response from the Department of Economic Security (DES). Our office reached out to DES on multiple occasions until the constituent received their unemployment benefits.

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. My Surprise district office is now open and serving constituents by appointment only. For the safety of staff and constituents, we will be observing CDC guidelines, including wearing masks and social distancing. To make an appointment with the office, please call 623-776-7911

My Washington, D.C. office will continue working remotely. 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 and like my Facebook page for up to date information about the ongoing outbreak and available resources.

May God continue to bless you and our great Nation. 

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko