Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good Afternoon,

I hope everyone had a wonderful week! I had an eventful week in Arizona and in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I had a wonderful time with Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers at the annual Stand Up for Veterans event at Arizona Christian University in Glendale, AZ! I am proud to represent over 70,000 veterans, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans who have defended our great nation.

In Washington, D.C. I attended a press conference with my House Republican colleagues to highlight our Commitment to America. We are fighting to deliver an economy that's strong, a nation that's safe, a future that's built on freedom, and a government that's accountable to the American people.

I met with members of the Arizona National Guard, including Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, the Adjutant General of Arizona and Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. We discussed how we can preserve vital units of the Arizona National Guard and ensure that our troops are able to fulfill their mission to defend our great nation.

I also met with members of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas to discuss supply chain concerns, the impact of seasonality trade provisions on U.S. producers and consumers, and the U.S.’s Tomato Suspension Agreement which sets the price of tomato exports from Mexico to the U.S.

I met with Photon Medical to discuss ways to improve health care outcomes and how to lower costs for Arizonans.

I joined members of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus to recognize September as Ovarian Cancer Month. We must raise awareness to help people learn the signs and reduce their risk of ovarian cancer as we work to find a cure!

Lesko Stands Up for Pregnancy Centers

Pregnancy centers across the nation are still under attack from radical pro-abortion activists. That is why I cosponsored Rep. Chris Smith's Protect Pregnancy Care Centers Act to require the Biden Administration to publicly disclose how it is handling the investigation and prosecution of violent extremists who attack pregnancy resource centers. I also previously led a letter to raise concerns about planned attacks against pregnancy centers in Arizona and will continue to advocate for these pregnancy centers that provide important care for mothers and their babies against this extremism.

GET THE FACTS: Cartels Profit from Biden's Border Crisis

While border communities are struggling, President Biden’s open-border policies have incentivized criminal cartels to smuggle migrants over the southern border. Demand has increased so much that the average price paid for smuggling an illegal immigrant across our southern border has increased by approximately $2,000 under the Biden Administration compared to previous presidencies. Now, migrants are paying average smuggling fees of $8,600 per illegal immigrant. As a result, human smuggling is now a $20 billion business for criminal cartels. House Republicans know that we need to stop funding cartels' criminal enterprises. Part of our Commitment to America is a nation that is safe. We will advance policies that end catch-and-release, finish the border wall, reinstate the successful Remain in Mexico policy, and properly fund Border Patrol agents.

Around the District

Michael from our office attended the dedication ceremony for the Gold Star Families Memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza near the Arizona State Capitol Building. I was pleased to sponsor the bill to create this memorial while I was in the Arizona State Senate. I was so pleased to see the memorial’s completion in 2020. This is an important tribute to honor the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation. Their heroism and courage will never be forgotten.

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition for Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, AZ, for its groundbreaking research and care for patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s!

Keith from our office attended a meeting with the West Valley Commercial Real Estate Group where they discussed Arizona’s water challenges with Sarah Porter from ASU’s Kyl Center for Water Policy. Keith also discussed the letter I recently sent with my Arizona colleagues to the Department of the Interior regarding the water negotiations among the Colorado River Basin States.

Monica from our office attended the Buenos Dias breakfast and tour of TYR Tactical hosted by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce! TYR Tactical manufactures tactical equipment and protective body armor in Peoria, AZ.

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office after waiting on their 2021 tax refund for over six months. Our office contacted the IRS, ensured the constituent's return was processed, and the constituent received their tax refund.

Encouraging Story

I want to share this story about Ernie Catlett, a maintenance technician at the Desert Harbor Community in Peoria, AZ, who won a Pay It Forward award. Ernie earned this award because he takes pride in his work and he knows everybody by name. He even knows everyone’s pets by name as well! Thank you, Ernie, for bringing joy and kindness to our community!

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