Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good evening,

This week, I was back in Washington, D.C. for a busy week, including votes in the U.S. House of Representatives! I participated in a monthly call with the mayors in our district. It was wonderful to meet with them when I was in Arizona and talk again this week. We discussed proposed infrastructure legislation in Congress and how we can improve our infrastructure as our communities continue to grow. I was also proud to sign on to a petition, led by Representatives Steve Scalise, Ann Wagner, and Kat Cammack, to discharge the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and force a vote on the House Floor. This important legislation protects babies born alive during an abortion and requires that they receive proper medical care. Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked this life-saving legislation over 75 times last Congress, but I remain committed to protecting the right to life and fighting against infanticide.

Bill to Fund Trial Lawyers

This week, House Democrats put forward a bill, H.R. 7, that claims to end pay discrimination in the workplace due to sex, race, ethnicity, or religion. However, this has already been the law since the 1960s when Congress passed the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. H.R. 7 does not add any new protections against pay discrimination. Instead, this bill imposes burdensome legal standards that are almost impossible for business owners to meet, making it much harder for job creators to defend against frivolous lawsuits when a difference in pay is the result of legitimate factors other than gender. It also allows trial lawyers to pursue unlimited damages. Both employers and employees could be dragged through endless and costly lawsuits where the only winners are the trial lawyers. I voted no on this legislation.

What's Next on the Democrats' Agenda?

Next week, the House is planning to vote on H.R. 51, a bill that would make Washington, D.C. a state. This bill is another political power-grab by the Democrats in Congress to stack the Senate when they have a razor-thin majority in the House and a 50-50 split in the Senate. This bill also raises serious Constitutional concerns. Washington, D.C. was set apart from the other states so that the seat of the federal government would not be in a state and would not give that particular state more power. Congress would have to pass a Constitutional amendment to make Washington, D.C. a state, not a mere statute such as H.R. 51. This bill is little more than a liberal power-grab.

Legislative Update

I cosponsored Representative Miller-Meeks’ resolution to support the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. This resolution states that clean water is a national priority and that the April 21, 2020, Navigable Waters Protection Rule should not be withdrawn. This rule protects our waters from extensive federal overreach, as local communities are better able to make decisions about land and water than a bureaucrat in Washington, D.C. This rule maintains clean water protections while also ensuring that farmers and ranchers in Arizona and across the country do not face devastating federal regulations.

Congressional Recognitions

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to New Life Center in Goodyear, AZ. They provide a variety of services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. They have helped so many individuals with the services they provide, especially children, who make up 70% of those staying with them.

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to the Estrella Rotary Club of Goodyear, AZ. This club has been serving the communities of Goodyear, Litchfield Park, and Avondale, AZ, for over half a century by providing scholarships, school supplies, and leadership training to students as well as thousands of lunches for the Avondale Senior Center. Our office is proud to recognize the Estrella Rotary Club’s dedication to the community.

Encouraging Story

I am happy to share this story about Paul Scott from Glendale, AZ who is retiring from driving for UPS. After 45 years of service and driving nearly four million miles, Paul is completely accident free and will retire with the title of safest driver in the company. Congratulations to Paul, and I wish him luck on all of his future endeavors and thank him for over four decades of safe driving.

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because Medicare billing for their Medicare Part A coverage had been conducted incorrectly, resulting in a withholding of additional benefits that the constituent believed was incorrect. Our office reached out to the Social Security Administration, who confirmed with the payment center that there was in fact a billing error. The payment center issued a refund to the constituent.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because he had stopped receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits and was unable to get an explanation as to why. Our office reached out to the Department of Economic Security and confirmed that it was a processing issue in their system. The issue was corrected, and the constituent has reported to our office that he began receiving his 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