Good morning,

This week, I returned to Washington, D.C. for an important House Judiciary Committee markup on police reform legislation. There are parts of the Democrat bill that I can support, but it is disappointing that the Democrats did not reach out to Republicans to work on this bill together or support any amendments offered by Republicans. I’m concerned that certain provisions of this legislation will hinder responsible law enforcement officers from keeping their communities safe, and therefore I do not support the bill.

Week in Review

Watch the video below to get an update on all I’ve been doing this week:

Legislative Update

I am proud to be a cosponsor of Representative David Kustoff’s bill, the Expanding Medical Partnerships with Israel to Lessen Dependence on China Act. We need to address our dependence on China, and a strong relationship with Israel is essential. This is an important bill that will both strengthen our relationship with Israel and help our countries work together as we fight against the Coronavirus. 

Encouraging Stories

I enjoyed this story about how Ball Corporation is providing healthcare workers and first responders at various Abrazo Health locations in the Valley free meals from local food trucks. I love seeing people step up and support our community, especially for our frontline health care workers and first responders.

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because she filed her 2019 tax return and after three months, did not receive her return. We opened a case with the IRS on her behalf and discovered that she needed to have her employment verified. She submitted the missing information from her employer, and shortly after, the IRS released her refund.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent called our office asking for assistance with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). They had applied for unemployment, but never received a response and were unable to contact anyone at DES to find out the status of their claim. We sent their information to our DES contact and shortly after, the constituent received their retroactive 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