Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

This week, I was back in Washington, D.C.! I joined the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health to urge Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to work with the FDA to help provide one of my constituents, 21-month-old Woodrow Miller, and his family with access to critical medications that would delay the symptoms of Woodrow’s rare degenerative disease and prolong his life. My full remarks from the committee can be found here.

I also met with the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association to discuss the role of petroleum in an all-of-the-above energy approach as we look to maintain our energy independence. I participated in a monthly call with the mayors of the cities and towns in our district. We discussed how the cities in our district are growing and other exciting new developments in our district. I also met with the Arizona Broadcasters Association to discuss the importance of local journalism to our communities and the effects Big Tech platforms have on local news outlets.

Legislative Update

I cosponsored Representative Brian Mast’s bill, the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act, to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to document, track, and notify Congress of all cases of burn pit exposure reported by veterans to the VA. Unfortunately, many veterans who have served overseas have suffered terrible health effects due to burn pit exposure. This bill supports veterans who were exposed to burn pits and helps the VA better provide them with the care and benefits they deserve.

I also cosponsored Representative Chip Roy’s legislation, the Combatting Racist Teaching in Schools Act, to prohibit federal funds from going to any school that promotes race-based ideologies like critical race theory. These sorts of theories seek to divide Americans based on their race and wrongly teach that our nation is fundamentally racist and that an individual, by virtue of their race, is inherently racist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously. Hard-earned taxpayer dollars should not be funding these divisive theories.

Back the Blue Bike Tour

On Thursday, I attended the Back the Blue Bike Tour with my Republican congressional colleagues. We talked with U.S. Capitol Police officers, and I presented a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Memorial to honor the fallen police officers in our district. As this week is National Police Week, I want to affirm my commitment to supporting our police officers and honor the officers who have sacrificed their lives while protecting and serving our communities.

Congressional Recognitions

Austin from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Paul Davis. As a member of the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge, Paul has spoken with over 8,000 students about his service during the Korean War, as well as his family’s history of service in the Civil War. We thank Paul for his service to our country and his community.

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to the Glendale Police Department Community Action Teams, which work towards making the Glendale, AZ community a safer place. These Community Action Teams consist of two civilians and two police officers per division. From helping the homeless and those recovering from addiction to birthday parades and educational programs, these teams have positively impacted the lives of many people. This National Police Week, our office is proud to show our gratitude to law enforcement who sacrifice their lives to serve our communities.

Pictured left to right: Officer Jason Wiechmann, Lt. Ryan Horrall, Officer Chuk Buffington, Monica, Christina Penrose, and Angela Butz

Encouraging Story

I want to share this story about a drive-thru baby shower for military moms that was made possible by an organization known as Operation Homefront. The baby shower was held for 50 new and expecting military moms last weekend where these moms received essential items for caring for their new babies. It is wonderful to see people supporting military families in Arizona, particularly during this Military Appreciation Month.

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because he owed backdated child support and the payments were supposed to be taken out of his monthly Supplemental Security Income benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) had not been forwarding the money to the child support clearinghouse. Our office reached out to the SSA, and they were able to correct the error and provide the proper payment to his child.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

Multiple constituents reached out to our office because they had not received their third Economic Impact Payments, even after filling in the Recovery Rebate Credit section on their 2020 tax forms. The Recovery Rebate Credit section is intended for those who have not received some or all of the Economic Impact Payments. Our office reached out to the Internal Revenue Service and the constituents received their payments 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