Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

I had a busy week in Washington, D.C., including votes in the House! This week, I was honored to receive an award from the American Conservative Union for my work advancing conservative principles in Congress!

Biden's Energy Policies Benefit China, not America

I joined my Republican colleagues in the House Energy and Commerce Committee for a forum on the costs associated with Biden and the Democrats’ radical climate and energy policies. All three witnesses said that Biden and the Democrats' energy policies benefit China at the expense of America. My full remarks can be found here.

Supporting Troops' Mental Health

This week, I also attended a press conference unveiling the Brandon Act, of which I am an original cosponsor, with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Seth Moulton (D-MA). The Brandon Act is named after fallen U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta. Brandon’s parents, Teri and Patrick Caserta, also attended the press conference and live in our district in Peoria, AZ! This is important legislation to allow service members to confidentially seek mental health treatment without fear of retribution.

Legislative Update

This week, I introduced the No Student Exchanges with North Korean Schools Act to prohibit federal funding from going to institutions that participate in or host exchange programs with educational institutions that are funded by North Korea. This is important legislation to protect Americans’ taxpayer dollars from funding universities that have exchange programs with schools directly funded by the North Korean Government, which has committed human rights abuses and poses a threat to our national security.

I also sent a letter to President Biden to ask him to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Americans living abroad who do not work for the U.S. government. Millions of Americans living abroad have not had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine either because they cannot travel back to the U.S. easily, or because the nation where they live only allows foreign nationals to receive vaccines after their own citizens. These American expats contributed to the development and distribution of vaccines through their tax dollars, and they should have the opportunity to be vaccinated quickly and efficiently.

Congressional Recognitions

Austin from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Krista Aufdemberge. Since 2016, Krista has volunteered in several of Peoria Unified School District’s kindergarten classrooms! When she was unable to volunteer in-person in the classrooms due to COVID, Krista began recording encouraging videos for the students to watch virtually.

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to the Rotary Club of Pebble Creek. Since its inception in 2017, this club has worked tirelessly towards the improvement of our communities, including helping local non-profits, providing scholarships, offering youth leadership programs, participating in service projects, and hosting food drives.

Pictured left to right: Monica, Rotary Club of Pebble Creek President Joan Smith

Encouraging Story

I want to share this story about the Sun City Posse, which is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary. They are also asking Sun City residents to offer suggestions for a slogan! The Sun City Posse is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that was formed as a way to improve safety for Sun City residents and works with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Casework Highlight

A constituent had not received their 2020 refund and third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) as of April 2021. Our office reached out to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and was able to move the case from pending to processing. The refund was issued shortly thereafter. After the 2020 return was processed, the IRS also processed the constituent’s third EIP as well.

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