Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good Afternoon,

I hope everyone had a wonderful week in our great state of Arizona! I had a wonderful time this week speaking with constituents in Peoria, AZ to discuss what I am doing to fight for Arizonans against the Democrats’ radical agenda in Congress!

In the News 

I want to make sure that you don’t miss a minute of what I’m doing to fight for Arizonans each and every day. Check out my latest interview below.

The Todd Starnes Show

It was great to join Todd Starnes to discuss how the crisis at our southern border has only gotten worse under President Biden and how bad actors in the FBI have been going after President Trump since before he was sworn into office. Listen below:

Lesko Stands Up For Arizona's Water Supply

Earlier this week, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced new operating conditions at Lakes Mead and Powell. My statement on this announcement that reduces Arizona's annual water allocation is below:

“The recent announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation to reduce Arizona’s annual Colorado River water allocation by 21 percent highlights the serious situation that Arizona and the other states of the Colorado River Basin are facing. I have spoken with the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the Central Arizona Project, other stakeholders, and constituents. Please know that I will continue to stay on top of this issue and continue to converse with all stakeholders. Arizona has already been shouldering the burden of water conservation efforts. As discussions between the states continue, I call on the other states involved in the negotiations to follow suit and demonstrate the same level of commitment to water conservation as Arizona has already done.”

GET THE FACTS: President Biden's Border Crisis Gets Worse

The crisis at the southern border under President Biden's administration has only gotten worse. Since President Biden took office in January 2021, there have been over 3.2 million illegal immigrants apprehended at our southern border. In July 2022, Border Patrol apprehended 199,976 illegal migrants at the southern border, including 10 illegal migrants who are on the FBI's Terror Watch List, bringing the total to 66 people on the Terror Watch List apprehended so far this fiscal year. That is more than double the previous five years combined. These numbers also do not account for the gotaways who have escaped apprehension. There have been over 500,000 known gotaways at our southern border since the beginning of this fiscal year. The Biden Border Crisis shows no signs of letting up. Arizona is on the front lines of this border crisis, and it has only been exacerbated by Joe Biden and House Democrats’ open border policies.

Lesko Cosponsors Legislation to Advance Peace in the Middle East

I’m proud to cosponsor Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ (R-WA- 05) Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses (DEFEND) Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure the United States works with our allies and partners in the Middle East to combat Iranian aggression that threatens peace and security in the region.

Lesko Combats Antisemitism in United Nations

I was proud to join Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05) in calling for the removal of Miloon Kothari from the United Nations' Commission of Inquiry for his anti-Semitic remarks and to disband the Commission of Inquiry into Israel. Antisemitism has no place within the United Nations.

Around the District

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to the Developmental Enrichment Centers in Glendale, AZ for providing educational services and training to adults and children with cognitive disabilities.

Monica from our office toured Glendale Community College’s main and north campuses! Glendale Community College provides a variety of programs in technology, human services, business, arts, and more, and I am grateful to have this institution in our district!

Our office was proud to have a table at the community fair to honor Dementia Friendly Awareness Day in Glendale, AZ, which has been designated as a Dementia Friendly City.

Monica from our office attended Dysart Community Center’s high school graduation ceremony in El Mirage, AZ and presented a congratulatory letter to the graduates. Congratulations, and I wish all the graduates luck in their next steps!

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out after receiving a bill from the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) that she felt was sent in error. After contacting DFAS and asking for an audit, it was determined the entire bill was in fact sent to her in error, and the bill was rescinded.

Encouraging Story

I want to share this story about a local non-profit, My Hope Bag, that supports women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. My Hope Bag was founded by Sarah Ellery, who is also a breast cancer survivor and wanted to help women who were feeling confused and scared after their diagnosis. Her organization provides women with bags and a network of support. The bags contain items like blankets, hats, greeting cards, nutritional guides, and more.

Mobile Office Hours

Our office is hosting Mobile Office Hours on August 30, 2022, at the Sun City Branch Library in Sun City, AZ from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM AZ Time. Our casework team is ready to answer your questions and assist you with federal agencies.

District Office Internships

Our district office in Surprise, AZ is now accepting applications for internships! Congressional internships are a wonderful way to gain valuable insight into how the federal government works while serving the community, and I strongly encourage students to apply. Click here to submit your internship application, and please call our office at 623-776-7911 if you have any questions.

Military Academy Nominations

Are you interested in attending a Military Service Academy? Applications for Service Academy Nominations are now open! The deadline for this year’s Service Academy Nominations is October 28, 2022. Visit my website or click here to learn more and apply!

Congressional App Challenge

Submissions for the Congressional App Challenge are now open to all middle and high school students! The Congressional App Challenge is a competition to encourage students to engage in coding and computer science. App submissions are due by November 1, 2022. Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol! Register today and submit your app here.

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. My Surprise district office is 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, Parler, Gettr, and Truth Social, 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