Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update |
Good Evening,
As you likely saw, this week was another busy week in the U.S. House of Representatives. We finished out the week voting on yet another continuing resolution to fund the federal government. After months of time wasted on multi-trillion-dollar partisan wish lists, Democrats made a last-ditch effort to turn to the real business of the American people and fund the government. Instead of using the traditional appropriations process, they used yet another short-term deal to kick the can down the road. Continuing resolutions are not the way to govern, they are a short-term solution to a long-term problem. It is irresponsible to the American taxpayer for members of Congress to use this method time after time. Additionally, I am committed to not supporting any funding measures that do not explicitly prohibit the use of funds to enforce vaccine mandates. With these thoughts in mind, I voted no on this bill. |
Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Hanukkah! I send my warmest wishes to those celebrating Hanukkah in Arizona, throughout our nation, and around the world. I hope this Hanukkah brings health and happiness to all who celebrate.
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Legislative Update
I joined Congressman Pat Fallon (R-TX-04) and some of my other Republican Study Committee colleagues in a letter to President Biden expressing concern about resuming nuclear talks with Iran. It is inappropriate to hold talks with a regime that violates the human rights of its own citizens and sponsors terrorism. The Biden Administration should immediately end talks with Iran and keep our nation out of the dangerous Iran Nuclear Deal.
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My Statement Opposing National Vaccine Databases and Mandates
I am adamantly opposed to any database that allows the federal government to track the vaccination status of Americans, I would not support any legislation that creates such a database, and I have publicly and legislatively opposed all vaccine mandates. H.R. 550, which was voted on earlier this week in the U.S. House of Representatives, does not create a federal database, but instead beefs up security for already existing state-run Immunization Information Systems so that the information in them is safe and secure. The language in H.R. 550 specifically says that the data is confidential and population based. This bill was supported and cosponsored by conservative Republican physician and Congressman, Dr. Larry Bucshon, and makes important modernizations to existing state-run systems so that the Biden Administration cannot use these systems for other purposes. To be clear, I do not support any federal government vaccination database and I am strongly opposed to vaccine mandates.
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GET THE FACTS: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
This week, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. Earlier this year, I joined with many of my Republican colleagues to file an amicus brief to the Court outlining the importance of life and its protection under the law. I am so glad to see the Court finally hearing this case. This case gives the Court the opportunity to weigh in on important aspects of abortion law and protect the right to life for millions of unborn babies. Specifically, the Court will decide if the state of Mississippi will be allowed to move forward with their law that bans abortion after 15 weeks gestation. This case has implications for other similar laws across the country and is also the first major opportunity for the Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. I was so encouraged to see the thousands of pro-life activists that came from all over the country to peacefully assemble in front of the Court and tell the justices that they stand for life.
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Around the District
Monica from our office presented the Sun Valley Animal Shelter in Glendale, AZ, with a Congressional Recognition for their dedication to finding homes for hundreds of cats and dogs.
Monica and Austin from our office attended the Human Services Professionals West’s meeting to speak to them about the services our office provides to benefit seniors who have issues with federal agencies, such as Medicare.
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Casework Highlight
A constituent contacted our office for assistance in getting her 2020 IRS return processed and refund issued. After contacting the IRS and coordinating her tax return being processed, she was eligible for multiple Economic Impact Payments.
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Encouraging Story
As we enter the holiday season, I am happy to share this story about two Valley homes appearing on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” This episode features two families from the Valley and two families from Tucson. I am happy to see Arizona families spreading the holiday cheer through their Christmas decorations!
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Mobile Office Hours
Our office is hosting Mobile Office Hours on December 7, 2021, at the Litchfield Park Public Library Meeting Room from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AZ Time. Our casework team is ready to answer your questions and assist you with a federal agencies.
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We are Here to Help |
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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
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