Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good morning,

This week, Republicans in Washington, D.C. continued to advocate for American workers and small businesses during the ongoing negotiations regarding a COVID-19 relief package. For months, Republicans have been advocating for relief for small businesses and their workers but have been stonewalled by Speaker Pelosi each step of the way. I am committed to finding solutions for the American people in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I also had a call with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and representatives from Operation Warp Speed to receive an update on the Trump Administration’s plans for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The rapid distribution of the vaccine is a key step in Operation Warp Speed to help the American people combat the Coronavirus pandemic and help life return to normal as soon as possible.

Legislative Update

My bill to rename the Surprise, AZ U.S. Post Office on Bell Road in honor of Purple Heart Recipient and fallen Navy SEAL Marc Lee passed the U.S. Senate by Unanimous Consent and is headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law! This bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by Unanimous Consent last week. Marc Lee was the first Navy SEAL to lose his life in Iraq, and his sacrifice saved the lives of his fellow service members. This is an important bill that will honor Marc Lee’s legacy and the sacrifice he made for our nation. Marc’s mother, Debbie Lee, lives in our district in Surprise, AZ.

Congressional Recognition

Gisele from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Madelon Jeffreys, the current President of the Youngtown Community Fund, which is a local nonprofit that loans medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and crutches, at no cost to those in need! This organization serves the people of Youngtown, Peoria, Surprise, and El Mirage. 

Encouraging Story

A family from Peoria, AZ in our district contacted our office recently after their son, Major Jordan M. Iusi, was reunited with his family after coming home from an 11-and-a-half-month deployment in the Middle East. He was deployed with the 304th U.S. Army Sustainment Brigade from Riverside, CA, and he is part of the 336th Army Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Buckeye, AZ. This was his fourth deployment to the Middle East in his 13 years with the U.S. Army. Major Iusi was greeted at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by his wife, four-year-old daughter, and his five-month-old baby who was born during his deployment. The family is happy to be enjoying the holidays together at their home in Surprise, AZ! During this holiday season, I am especially grateful to Major Iusi and all of our service members who bravely defend our freedoms.

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because she had received a favorable judgment on a Social Security disability case that occurred over three months ago. Since then, she had not received her monthly payments, nor her back payment. Our office reached out to the payment center on her behalf to expedite the processing of her file. The payment center then processed the case on an expedited basis and the constituent received a check for her back payment of benefits a week before Christmas.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because she received an economic impact payment for both herself and her deceased husband. She mailed back the check and requested a new one be sent out just for her. She never received a response from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our office was able to contact the IRS and request that the new check be sent out. The constituent confirmed that the check was received shortly after we reached out on her behalf.

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