Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good Afternoon,

This week, I remained at home in Arizona to recuperate from my gallbladder surgery. I am continuing to rest and recover. I am still monitoring all that is happening in the U.S. House of Representatives and remaining in touch with constituents and local leaders about all that is happening in our community. As always, my staff in both my Washington, D.C. Office and Surprise District Office are available to assist constituents.

Legislative Update

This week, I cosponsored legislation to prohibit the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Authority. These schools around the world should not be teaching our military families divisive theories like Critical Race Theory. 

I also signed on to a resolution condemning the Biden Administration's reckless actions that make our nation dependent on foreign oil. Since day one of the Biden Administration, our energy independence has been threatened by actions to stop oil and gas production in the United States and on federal land. These actions leave our nation vulnerable and reliant on our enemies for critical resources. We must protect the United States' energy independence for generations to come.

GET THE FACTS: DOJ Investigating Concerned Parents

As you may have heard, this week, Attorney General Merrick Garland informed employees across the Department of Justice (DOJ) that he would begin implementing measures to address "criminal conduct" directed toward school personnel. These actions appear to be in response to the brave activism of parents across our nation who have raised concerns with what is being taught in their children's schools and various mandates that are imposed. While violence should never be tolerated, it does seem that the Attorney General is suggesting that parents who are exercising their First Amendment Rights should be treated as criminals. I have joined with my colleagues to send a letter to the Attorney General to get to the bottom of his directive and ensure that the DOJ does not use their power to intimidate free speech and parents standing up for the rights of their children. 

Around the District

My office attended a Dedication Ceremony at the Surprise Post Office to honor fallen Navy SEAL Marc Lee, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. We presented his mother, Debbie Lee, with an official copy of the bill I introduced to rename the post office, which was signed in to law by former President Donald J. Trump. We will always remember Marc and the incredible sacrifice he gave for our nation.

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to the Salvation Army Glendale Corps for the work that they have done for our local communities, including providing food baskets, clothing, and $600,000 worth of rental and utility assistance.

Monica from our office presented former U.S. Navy Submarine Commander Richard Meese with a Congressional Recognition for his decades of volunteer service and contributions to the veterans of our community. Thank you for your outstanding work, Richard!

Monica from our office presented A New Leaf, a nonprofit from Glendale, AZ, with a Congressional Recognition for their dedication to ending homelessness, domestic violence, and other challenges facing members of our community.

Monica from our office attended a ribbon cutting for the Village at Olive Marketplace, a community of rental homes in Glendale, AZ. Welcome to the 8th Congressional District!

Encouraging Story

I am pleased to share this story about courageous firefighters from both the Glendale and Peoria Fire Departments who rescued man from a storm drain in Glendale, AZ, after he was stuck for several days. From the storm drain, a man waving his arm could be seen by a passerby. The passerby immediately called 9-1-1 after approaching the storm drain. As per the Glendale Fire Department, the man jumped into the storm drain during a bad day, but he became trapped and was unable to get out. Fortunately, he survived and was treated at a local hospital. Great work!

Casework Highlight

Our caseworkers have been diligently working on the high volume of requests related to passports since the busy summer travel season began. So far, our office has issued 126 passports in cooperation with the State Department from May through September 2021.

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