Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good morning,

This week, I was in Washington, D.C. for votes in the U.S House of Representatives! I joined the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce to discuss consumer safety with autonomous vehicle technology. I asked Carnegie Mellon University Professor Rajkumar about hurdles facing autonomous vehicle technology and how the U.S. can maintain our global leadership in these technologies against countries such as China. My full remarks from this subcommittee hearing can be found here.

Protecting Our Energy Security from China

I also joined the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee for a hearing with U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. I questioned Secretary Granholm about how the Biden Administration’s energy plans put America last, the United States’ concerning reliance on China for our energy and critical minerals needs, and the need to strengthen our domestic supply chains to protect our energy security. I also asked Secretary Granholm about how the U.S. can ensure that we are not relying on the forced labor of the Uighurs and financing China’s continued human rights violations. My full remarks can be found here.

January 6^th Commission

The House also voted this week on forming a commission to investigate what happened on January 6, 2021. I fully condemn the violence that occurred that day, and I hope that it never happens again. This commission, based on past actions by Speaker Pelosi, will most likely be used by Pelosi and the Democrats as a political tool against Republicans. Additionally, there are already numerous Congressional and intergovernmental agencies conducting investigations into the events of that day. For these reasons, I could not support this measure. My full statement can be found here.

Legislative Update

I also introduced bipartisan legislation, the Impaired Driving Study Act, with my House Energy and Commerce Committee colleague Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA-09) to require the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a study on motor vehicle safety and impaired driving. Through this legislation, I hope that we can find real solutions to improve motor vehicle safety and prevent fatal accidents due to impaired driving in the future.

Congressional Recognitions

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Jenny Debolt for her dedication and passion to our community. After her own tragic losses, Jenny wanted to help others grieve. She is a trained volunteer, facilitator, and team responder for Survivors of Suicide Loss. She has also helped advocate for legislation and better mental health awareness in Arizona.

Monica also presented a Congressional Recognition to the West Valley Mavericks, a local non-profit located in Goodyear, AZ! Since its inception in 2013, the West Valley Mavericks have touched the lives of many, including children with illnesses and veterans.

Encouraging Story

I was happy to see this news about how Girl Scout Troop 484 stopped by the Goodyear Police Department to donate boxes of Girl Scout cookies last week during National Police Week! It is great to see members of our community supporting our law enforcement officers who bravely serve our communities.

Casework Highlight

A constituent filed his 2020 taxes in February 2021 and was owed a refund but had not received the payment. We reached out to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of the constituent, the IRS determined that the refund was sitting in an error status and was not being processed. After we reached out, the IRS processed the refund and issued it to the constituent.

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