Good afternoon,

This has been a very busy week! On Tuesday, I flew with President Trump on Air Force One to Yuma, Arizona to visit the border wall. We had a great discussion on the work we are doing to secure our southern border. I also returned to Washington, D.C. for votes in the House, including a vote on the Democrat-only police reform bill that will undermine law enforcement's ability to do their jobs. I stand with the vast majority of good, hardworking cops and voted no.

I also call on all Democrat-run city leaders to stop the violence, looting, and the destruction of statues in our cities. I call on these city leaders to arrest and prosecute the anarchists who incite this violence.

Week in Review

Watch the video below to get an update on all I’ve been doing this week, including flying to Arizona with President Trump and voting in the House:

Legislative Update

I recently introduced legislation with Representative Mike Johnson, the Proxy Vote Windfall Prohibition Act. This is a common-sense bill that would require a reduction in the annual budgets for members of Congress who choose not to show up to Washington, D.C. to vote and instead vote by proxy. Annual Congressional budgets include funds for travel, and if members are not going to travel, they should have to give that money back.  

Update on the Aquila Fire

On Tuesday, June 23rd, 4:36 pm an Evacuation/Go notice had been issued in our district in the Desert Hills area between Cloud Rd. to Desert Hills Dr, and I-17 to 19th Ave due to the Aquila Fire near I-17 and Carefree Hwy. The Red Cross set up an Evacuation Center at Boulder Creek High School, located at 40404 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Anthem, AZ.

Crews from multiple agencies, including Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical, Glendale Fire, and Phoenix Fire stopped the fire’s progress around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said. Nearly 900 acres were charred, according to officials.

Progress of the Aquila Fire, which quickly spread after beginning late Tuesday afternoon near Interstate 17 and Carefree Highway, was stopped by Wednesday morning and people have already returned to their homes. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Encouraging Stories

I loved this highlight from the Goodyear Police Department of a three-year-old who dressed up as his favorite superhero, a police officer!

I also enjoyed hearing this news from the Northwest Valley branch of a women’s group called the American Association of University Women (AAUW). They will be hosting a food drive this upcoming July 4th at the Valley View Community Food Bank in Sun City. I love seeing all the ways people come together to give back to our local communities.

Casework Highlight

A veteran from Glendale contacted our office because he received multiple bills from a community provider. The veteran filed an appeal but was denied. After our office submitted an inquiry, the Department of Veterans Affairs did a second review and decided he was not financially responsible for over $18,000 in medical bills.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because he had not been able to get assistance from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) regarding unemployment or food stamps in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. We researched the issue and advised the constituent on the reasons for the delay. We also connected the constituent with available community resources until DES was able to provide unemployment assistance to him.

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