Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

It was another busy week in the House of Representatives. I participated in an important House Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General William Barr. Throughout the hearing, Democrats on the committee refused to let Attorney General Barr speak and instead used the hearing to attack both him and the president. I also participated in a subcommittee hearing conducting oversight of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services, where I discussed preventing fraud in our immigration system.

Week in Review 

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

Legislative Update

I am pleased to say that my bipartisan resolution with the Women’s Caucus to designate August 2020 as National Women’s Suffrage Month passed the House by unanimous consent. This is an important resolution to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and to honor the perseverance and determination of the many suffragists who fought for women’s right to vote. The resolution also recognizes the historic anniversaries of August 18, 2020, the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment by three-fourths of the states, and August 26, 2020, the centennial of the 19th Amendment officially becoming part of the United States Constitution.

I also recently introduced the Paycheck Protection Program Integrity Act to require the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates to return any funding received through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program. Affiliates of Planned Parenthood, including Planned Parenthood of Arizona, improperly applied for $80 million in loans through the SBA. The SBA and U.S. Treasury Department have asked Planned Parenthood affiliates to return the funds, but they have not done so. This is important legislation which will require the affiliates to return the money and will prevent taxpayer dollars from supporting the largest abortion provider in the country.

Encouraging Stories

I loved seeing this news from the Glendale Police Department, which received 550 appreciation bags from a group known as “Thank You AZ Blue” that were filled with goodies, including handwritten cards expressing their support for police. The K-9 Unit received special K-9 goody bags, too! I love seeing people give back to our local law enforcement who bravely serve our communities every day.

I also want to share this news about the Salvation Army in Glendale hosting a heat relief station at the Glendale Corps Community Center where anyone can receive indoor cooling and hydration during Excessive Heat Warning days issued by the National Weather Service. They will also be setting up a mobile hydration station. It is great to see people ensuring Arizonans are safe and healthy!

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office to check on the status of his claim for his military pension with aid and attendance benefits to help with the costs associated with his assisted living facility. The veteran’s family was afraid they would have to move him out of his facility because it was no longer affordable. Three days after the pension office received the inquiry from our office, they awarded the veteran his full benefits, including a retroactive payment. The deposit of the back-pay and quick processing allowed the veteran to remain in his assisted living facility.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because he was having difficulties paying his water bill and wondered what resources might be available. We reached out to his water company to inquire how they were helping constituents during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. They let us know that they implemented a COVID-19 Impact Assistance Program, and we were able share this information with the constituent to help with his payment concerns.

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. Both my Surprise district office and Washington, D.C. office are open to serve constituents. We are available over the phone and via email at both offices. In addition, the Surprise district office is taking appointments for in-person meetings with staff. We are not accepting walk-in meetings at this time due to the Coronavirus. 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. 

Please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office 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