Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

This week, I was in Washington, D.C. for another busy week of votes in the U.S. House of Representatives, where one of my bills passed by Unanimous Consent! I also spoke with the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute on global maternal mortality and what can be done to protect women and babies around the world. I also had a call with mayors and city officials in our district. We discussed what I'm doing in Washington, D.C. and the latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the issues facing each city due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I also had a call with the U.S. Coast Guard about what they are doing at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to combat bullying and harassment, an important measure to ensure students’ safety and wellbeing. I attended a meeting with Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and other retail companies to discuss organized retail crime, as well as how they are working with states to distribute the Coronavirus vaccine. I also attended a press conference with other Republican members of Congress to stand up for America’s workers and small business owners and fight to release unused Paycheck Protection Program funds to deliver critical relief.

Legislative Update

I am very pleased to tell you that my bill to rename a U.S. Post Office in Surprise, AZ after Navy SEAL Marc Lee passed the U.S. House of Representatives by Unanimous Consent! Marc Lee’s mother, Debbie Lee, lives in Surprise, Arizona, in our district, and he was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq while fighting to defend our nation. I hope this bill will quickly pass the Senate and get signed into law. It is an important bill that will pay tribute to the sacrifice Marc Lee made while serving our nation and will honor all of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms.

Congressional Recognition

Gisele from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Rayma Scalzo, the founder of the PebbleCreek Kare Bears, and Tom Meeks, the president. Founded 25 years ago, Kare Bears is a non-profit in Goodyear that focuses on neighbors helping neighbors in the PebbleCreek retirement community! Kare Bears also has volunteers who drive members of the community to non-emergency medical and therapy appointments, and assist those recovering from surgeries or hospitalizations. It is great to see people serving others in our local community.

Encouraging Story

I loved seeing this story about how the West Valley Mavericks Foundation hosted a Turkeys for Teachers event that provided 930 turkeys and side dishes to teachers in the West Valley. They also partnered with the Goodyear Police Department to direct traffic, and teachers were treated to coffee and breakfast during the event! Education is so important to our nation’s children, and it was great to see the way our local community came together to support our teachers!

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because she received an overpayment from the Social Security Administration, and her entire Social Security check was being withheld. Our office reached out to Social Security and requested a review of her account to verify if her claim was valid. Social Security responded and confirmed that they miscalculated her overpayment. The overpayment was reduced, and the constituent received checks for the funds she was missing.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because the Department of Economic Security (DES) would not respond to his many requests for benefits for the two-and-a-half-month time frame that his company was closed due to COVID-19. Our office sent his information to our contacts at DES, and after several attempts, his benefits were released.

Our Washington, D.C. Office Update

Our Washington, D.C. Office has moved from 1113 Longworth HOB to 1214 Longworth HOB and our phone number remains the same! Our office was very excited about the move, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve you in Congress from this new location.

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, Parler, and Instagram 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