Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good morning,

This week, I was back home in Arizona! I participated in my first committee meeting as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where the new members of the full Committee were introduced, subcommittee assignments were announced, and we ratified the rules for the Committee for the 117th Congress. I am honored to be able to serve on this committee, and I am looking forward to representing the people of Arizona as we work to create “All of the Above” energy solutions, protect consumers’ data privacy, and hold Big Tech companies accountable.

I also had my monthly call with the mayors of the cities in our district where we discussed their priorities for the next fiscal year, including important infrastructure projects, as well as opportunities to improve facilities for military families at Luke Air Force Base. I am proud to have this base in our district, and it is critical that our troops and their families have what they need while they bravely serve our nation. We also discussed the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in Maricopa County, a critical step in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legislative Update

I introduced a resolution to recognize Medicare and Social Security as important benefits that must be protected for current beneficiaries and strengthened for the future. This has been one of my top legislative priorities in Congress, and I am committed to protecting these essential benefits for seniors in Arizona and across our nation. This resolution is an important step not only in strengthening these programs, but also protecting them for future generations as well.

I also introduced legislation to prohibit physicians from performing dismemberment abortions, which are often used during the second and third trimesters, after a baby can feel pain. In the wake of the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I remain committed to protecting the right to life for unborn babies. This is an important bill that will not only prohibit physicians from performing this horrific procedure, but it also allows women or parents of a minor to file a civil action against anyone who knowingly performs this procedure and bars a woman who undergoes this type of abortion from being criminal prosecuted.

Encouraging Story

I loved seeing this story about the Sunrise Mountain High School football team in our district winning the 5A state football championship. I am proud of the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs’ hard work and perseverance during this unprecedented football season, and they should be very proud of this huge win!

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because she had been denied Social Security Disability Insurance multiple times but was never clear on the reasons for her being denied. Our office worked with the constituent through the process of getting a hearing scheduled where she was approved for disability benefits. The constituent began receiving her monthly benefits, and she received her back payment.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent called in because they were receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits, but the benefits stopped without notice and without reason as to why they had stopped. They contacted our office and we sent their information to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). DES called the constituent and fixed the issue and they were able to receive their benefits again.

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 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