Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

Democrats Prioritize Illegal Immigrants Over American Citizens

This week, I was back in Arizona! I attended a virtual meeting in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the Democrats’ partisan COVID-19 relief bill, and let me tell you, this bill is radical. In the markup, Democrats proved that they are prioritizing illegal immigrants over our nation’s seniors. This comes at a time when many seniors in Arizona, and across the nation, are scared and struggling to get appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations. Unfortunately, Democrats blocked a Republican amendment that would require U.S. citizens and legal residents access to the vaccine before illegal immigrants.

Republicans are Defending Life

Democrats also blocked both my amendment and Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers’ amendment that would protect taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortion providers. Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers’ amendment would apply Hyde Amendment protections to this bill, but the Democrats are using this as an opportunity to push their radical abortion agenda. My amendment prioritized life and would have redirected funds currently allocated for abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, and instead direct the funds to programs that address youth suicide prevention.

Meeting with Constituents!

This week, I also met with Assyrian Americans about the resolution I have previously introduced to recognize the Semele Massacre of 1933 and the hardships members of the Assyrian community have faced throughout history. I also met with Special Olympics International to discuss Special Olympics programs and the struggles they have faced during the pandemic. I am proud to support the Special Olympics and empowering people with disabilities.

Legislative Update

I asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for additional COVID-19 vaccines for Arizona. My request follows a request from Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ that FEMA denied. I urged the Biden Administration to send more COVID-19 vaccine doses to Arizona so that anyone who wants a vaccine can get a vaccine.

I was also proud to reintroduce my bill, the Stop China’s IP Theft Act. This bill bans visas into the United States for Chinese government officials, active duty members of the Chinese military, and senior members of the Chinese Community Party and their family members. People in these categories would be barred from receiving visas until the U.S. Director of National Intelligence can certify that China has stopped stealing our intellectual property. This is important legislation to combat China’s attempts to steal our intellectual property and stand up to the Chinese Communist Party.

Congressional Recognitions

I was proud to present a Congressional Recognition to Colleen Clase and the Arizona Voice for Crime Victims (AVCV), one of the oldest and most successful victims’ rights advocacy organizations in Arizona! Founded in 1996, AVCV has operated a free clinic for crime victims since 2001 and has attorneys to represent victims of crime, without limitation on the type of crime, throughout Arizona’s court system.

I was proud to present a Congressional Recognition to Susann Van Tienderen for her volunteer work with the Arizona Special Olympics and other organizations for people with disabilities. She has also worked on bills in the state legislature to support people with disabilities. Susann was nominated by her husband, Dan, for her efforts to help others in her community.

Ribbon Cutting

Monica from our office attended the ribbon cutting for Brighter View Foundation’s new location in Glendale, Arizona. Brighter View is a nonprofit that focuses on impacting the lives of people with developmental and cognitive disabilities, seniors, and their caregivers.

Encouraging Story

I enjoyed seeing this story about an Arizona professor, Dr. Daniel Schwartz, who turned his daily bike rides into a fundraiser to support his students, many of whom were struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He bikes 8.5 miles every day to support his COVID Ride of Hope Campaign to support his students. It’s great to see this example of people stepping up to help others during this difficult time.

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office after being repeatedly denied for disability. Our office reached out to Social Security and walked the constituent through the process of getting a hearing scheduled. The constituent received a favorable judgment and began receiving his benefits, which included a back payment.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because he was having issues with his account portal through the Department of Economic Security (DES). He was unable to complete his weekly certifications due to the account being marked as inactive. We sent his information to our contact at DES, and he received a phone call from a DES employee who was able to fix the issue. The constituent was finally able to file his weekly certifications and received his funds shortly thereafter.

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