Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good Afternoon,

I hope everyone had a wonderful week! It's been an eventful week in the U.S. House of Representatives! I want to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving next week, and I hope everyone is able to spend time with their loved ones as we head into the holiday season.

After two years of one-party Democrat rule in Washington, D.C., the American people are ready for a change in direction. I am working with my House Republican colleagues to advance our Commitment to America, starting on Day One with a House Republican majority. I will work with my colleagues to serve as a check on the Biden Administration, hold government officials accountable for their failures, and restore freedom and security to our great nation.

This week, I had a meeting with Fluor to discuss their Small Modular Reactor program, advancements in nuclear technology, and how Fluor is working with NuScale to build a nuclear reactor. We must continue to invest in nuclear energy as part of an all-of-the-above energy future! 

I also met with members of Francis Roses and Duncan Family Farms to discuss workforce issues impacting the agriculture industry in Arizona!

Lesko Stands Against Failed Iran Nuclear Deal

I was pleased to join Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK-02) in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to urge him to stop pursuing a renewed Iran Nuclear Deal. Iran has supported Russia in its war on Ukraine, and Iranian drones were used to attack innocent Ukrainian civilians. Iran has also committed unthinkable human rights violations against its own citizens protesting the regime. Iran has only come to the table in bad faith and continues to be a national security threat. For these reasons, the Biden Administration should abandon talks to restart the Iran Nuclear Deal and instead must work to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its malign actions.

GET THE FACTS: President Biden's Historic Border Crisis

The numbers are out, and President Biden's historic border crisis has only gotten worse. In October 2022, there were 230,678 illegal immigrant encounters at the southern border, and nine individuals were apprehended who are on the Terrorist Screening Database. With this data from October, there have now been over 4 million illegal migrant encounters at our southern border since President Biden took office. To make matters even worse, a federal judge struck down Title 42 earlier this week, eliminating one of Border Patrol agents' most powerful tools to quickly expel illegal immigrants and protect our communities. President Biden and House Democrats’ open border policies are responsible for this worsening crisis. With an incoming House Republican majority, I will continue to fight for border security and hold the Biden Administration accountable for its blatant refusal to secure the southern border.

Around the District

Michael from our office attended the Surprise, AZ Nicky D. Bacon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 285 donuts and coffee event. This was organized with the Vineyard Park of Surprise senior living facility so that veteran residents could meet other veterans in the area!

Michael from our office attended the 8^th annual Surprise, AZ Veterans Day parade! We owe all of our veterans a debt of gratitude, and it is wonderful to see so many people supporting Arizona’s veterans!

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Angel Flight West, a group of volunteer pilots who fly patients to medical appointments and relocate domestic violence victims at no cost to the passengers. Thank you for supporting Arizonans in need!

Austin from our office attended the ribbon cutting for PermaYouth in Anthem, AZ, which provides a wide variety of cosmetic services for men and women. Arizona’s 8^th Congressional District is proud to be home to so many new and thriving businesses!

Monica from our office attended a ribbon cutting in Waddell, AZ for Silver Lining Riding, a learning center that specializes in therapeutic and adaptive riding and horsemanship. They serve Arizonans with physical, emotional, and psychological needs through interactions with horses!

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office after he had the incorrect amount of Medicare premiums taken out of his federal retirement check. After our office coordinated with Medicare and the Office of Personnel Management, the error was corrected. The constituent's pay was restored to the proper amount, and he received a refund for the overpayments.

Encouraging Story

I want to share this story about the Sun Cities Senior Softball Club and the Angels in the Outfield collecting donations for a food drive to benefit the St. Mary's and Valley View Food Banks. It is so wonderful to see people in our communities stepping up to help people in need!

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