Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

This week, I was back in Washington, D.C. for two busy days of votes in the U.S. House of Representatives. I voted no on the Democrats’ terrible combined rule which allowed for the advancement of their costly $1.2 trillion infrastructure package and the $3.5 trillion Bernie Sanders budget reconciliation bill. This week’s vote was the first step in the Democrats’ plan to pass legislation that will lead to a massive tax increase on working families and small businesses, record high inflation that will drive up prices and undermine wages, trillions of dollars being added to the national debt, and the enactment of reckless socialist policies. 

While we were in Washington, D.C. spending time on these partisan votes, American lives were in jeopardy in Afghanistan. This week, I continued to monitor the situation and assist with evacuation efforts for those stranded in Afghanistan that have a connection to Arizona’s 8^th Congressional District. I also attended a bipartisan briefing on Afghanistan, which I discuss here. 

I was particularly disappointed that my Democrat colleagues blocked a Republican Motion to Recommit offered by Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI), a war veteran. The motion would have allowed for the consideration of Rep. Gallagher's bill to require the Biden Administration to report to Congress every day on how many Americans are still in Afghanistan, along with other critical information. Democrats blocked this effort this week and I've called for Congress to return to Washington, D.C. ASAP to pass this important legislation. 

If you or anyone you know needs assistance with evacuation, please contact my office at 623-776-7911.

In the News

I want to make sure that you don’t miss a minute of what I’m doing to fight for our Arizona values each and every day. Check out some of my latest interviews and press clips to learn more.

Arizona's Family

I spoke with Dennis Welch on Arizona's Family about the Biden-Harris Administration's botched withdrawal in Afghanistan. Watch the interview below:

Afghanistan Update

As you likely know, the situation in Afghanistan reached a new low this week when we tragically lost the lives of 13 U.S. servicemembers. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave men and women. Read my full statement here.

Given the considerable dereliction of duty on the part of the Biden Administration in handling the withdrawal from Afghanistan, I have called for the immediate resignation of U.S. President Joseph R. Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. We must hold this administration accountable for their reckless actions that led to the loss of American lives. Read my full statement here.

Legislative Update

This week, I cosponsored Congressman Bob Good’s (R-VA) Teleabortion Prevention Act to make it illegal for health care workers to perform a chemical abortion without being present in-person to examine the mother. This bill protects mothers and unborn babies from chemical abortion in situations where a health care worker is not physically present. Teleabortions are irresponsible, unsafe, and put mothers through unnecessary health risks. 

GET THE FACTS: Dems' Latest Voting Rights Package 

This week, the House voted on H.R. 4 which makes it difficult for states to ensure the integrity of their elections. H.R. 4 targets voter ID laws like the ones we have in Arizona. H.R. 4 gives the Biden Administration’s Department of Justice authority to designate a voter ID law as a voting rights violation or as evidence of voter discrimination. This bill also requires states to seek approval prior to any election changes. Arizona should not have to answer to the federal government to change its laws. This bill is an unconstitutional way for the federal government to dictate elections and a way to weaken the vote of the American people.

Around the District

Monica from our office attended the new City of El Mirage Library groundbreaking. The library is scheduled to open in 2022 and will be located at 13513 N El Mirage Rd. in El Mirage, AZ. The building will include 6,195 sq ft of space including a programming room.

From left to right: Main Architect David Bosak, BJ Pennington Core Construction for Bo Arch, Amy Gibson El Mirage Library Director, Erin McFarlane Deputy Director for Maricopa County Library District, Clint Hickman Maricopa County Supervisor, El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo, Vice Mayor Monica Dorcey, City Manager Crystal Dyches, and Councilmembers Donna Winston, Roy Delgado, David Shapera, and Anita Norton

Casework Highlight

A constituent had not yet received her 2020 tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our office reached out to the IRS, and we were able to process her pending return, resulting in a refund.

Mobile Office Hours

Do you need help with issues related to a federal agency? If so, stop by our office’s mobile office hours on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from 10 AM – 12 PM AZ Time! Our team is ready to do all we can to help.

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. My Surprise district office is now open and serving constituents. To make an appointment with the office, please call 623-776-7911.

My Washington, D.C. office is open and answering your calls. Please feel free to contact us 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, Instagram, and Parler and like my Facebook page for up to date information on what I'm doing and how my office can help you.

May God continue to bless you and our great Nation.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko