Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good Afternoon,

This was another busy week in the U.S. House of Representatives as we wrapped up legislative activity for 2021.

Lesko's Legislation for Servicemembers Passes

I was thrilled to see that a bill I cosponsored, the Brandon Act, passed in the National Defense Authorization Act. This important legislation assists servicemembers who may be experiencing mental health crises confidentially and also reduces the stigma in reaching out for help. This bill was inspired by fallen U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta whose parents, Teri and Patrick, live in Peoria, AZ.

Lesko Continues Effort to Fight Back Against Vaccine Mandates

I joined Congressman Tony Gonzales’ (R-TX-23) Border Agents Staying Employed (BASE) Act, which restricts federal funds from being used to enforce vaccine mandates on U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees. As the number of illegal immigrants flooding across our border continues to rise, we must ensure we have enough staff to respond to the crisis. These brave men and women should not have to choose between their livelihood and a vaccine.

GET THE FACTS: Democrats Raise the Debt Limit by $2,500,000,000

To fund their radical agenda, Democrats are prepared to waste an unlimited amount of taxpayer money. As you likely saw, Democrats continued their disastrous economic policies by raising the debt limit by $2,500,000,000 on Tuesday night. I proudly voted no on this because our nation should not be buried in debt.

Around the District

I had a great time at the Hometown Christmas Parade in Glendale, AZ! It was great to see so many constituents in the holiday spirit!

Austin from our office presented Dustin Holm, from Don’t Dump in Our Desert and North Valley Custom Hauling, with a Congressional Recognition for his dedication to combating the illegal dumping of harmful trash and hazardous materials that pollute Arizona’s deserts. Great work!

Encouraging Story

I am pleased to share this story about Jack Holder, a Pearl Harbor veteran from Arizona, taking a flight over the Superstition Mountains to celebrate his 100^th birthday. The Arizona Patriot Guard Riders and Grounded No More, a nonprofit that organizes rides in old military aircraft for former service members, hosted him. Holder flew in over 100 missions after surviving the Pearl Harbor attack, including the Battle of Midway. He has received dozens of medals and commendations for his service.

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because he had not yet received his 2020 tax refund from the IRS after waiting over 5 months. Our office contacted the IRS, and we were able to get his pending return processed. This resulted in the constituent receiving his refund.

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