Dear ,

I hope you and your family are doing well! I wanted to provide a few updates on my work this past week for the residents of Arizona’s First Congressional District.

Introducing the Fortify Israel Act

Last Wednesday, I introduced H.R. 5932, the Fortify Israel Act, legislation authorizing the $6 billion in funds that were recently unfrozen for Iran to instead be sent to Israel to help bolster the country's defenses in the wake of the barbaric and unprovoked attacks organized by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. 

The funds would be made available to Israel to procure weapons, equipment, and services in their battle against the terrorist group Hamas. Additionally, any current or future Iranian assets seized by the U.S. Treasury Department would be available for Israel to use as it fights to defend itself against terrorism. This legislation also prohibits any blocked assets from being released to Iran until all hostilities between Hamas, other Iranian-backed groups such Hezbollah, and Israel have ceased. Israel also must be fully compensated for harms resulting from Hamas’ invasion before any Iranian assets are unfrozen.

I have always believed that the United States must stand firmly and offer unwavering support to our strongest ally in the Middle East. The Iranian regime and other state sponsors of terrorism can no longer be permitted to fund Hamas’ terrorist activities against the people of Israel. 

My office continues to closely monitor the situation in Israel and we will provide updates from the State Department as we receive them. Last Friday, the State Department began arranging charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members seeking a safe means of departing Israel.

U.S. citizens who want to reach out to the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem are encouraged to fill out the form (https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake) or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131. U.S. citizens in Israel should also enroll their contact information in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/step/.

Electing a New Speaker of the House

The U.S. House of Representatives has been without a Speaker for 15 days. I opposed the decision by a handful of Republicans to remove the Speaker. It was a reckless decision that has left the House effectively paralyzed. I find it troubling that this decision to remove the Speaker has left the House unable to address serious issues such as the exploding scale of our national debt, a worsening crisis at our southern border, and the unfolding conflict in the Middle East as Israel defends itself against Hamas.

This week, House Republicans have the chance to come together and elect a new Speaker of the House. I am hopeful that we are able to do that so that we can resume work on the important issues facing our district, our state, and our country.

Congressional App Challenge Deadline: November 1

The deadline for students to register and submit their apps for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge is approaching! Participating students can review the rules and regulations, register themselves or their teams, and submit their apps at STUDENTS - (congressionalappchallenge.us). It is high encouraged to register your team and submit your app by November 1. For more information, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge website at CongressionalAppChallenge.us, email StudentSupport@CongressionalAppChallenge.us, or contact my District Office staff with any questions at (480) 946-2411.

Daily Debt Monitor

Interested in receiving updates on the U.S. national debt? We've got you covered! Scroll down the homepage on my website and sign up for daily updates on our staggering debt numbers over the past 365 days. 

Presenting Bronze Star Medal to a U.S. Army Veteran

On Monday, my District Office assisted U.S. Army Veteran, Mr. Roger Steward, in receiving his second Bronze Star Medal for his service in the Vietnam War as Squad Leader and, eventually, Sergeant of the Battalion Recon — a small unit that operated alone in enemy territory. Mr. Steward was honorably discharged after serving two years and contacted our office after noticing he only received one of the two Bronze Star Medals he was awarded. Our team was grateful to make sure he received both of his well-deserved awards for his heroic achievements defending our nation. Congratulations, Mr. Steward! We thank you for your service to our country.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with a federal agency matter, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office in Scottsdale at (480) 946-2411 to learn how we can help.

What I’m Reading & Why It Matters

This week, I'm reading this Wall Street Journal story laying out advice for seniors as they navigate Medicare open enrollment this fall and look to avoid the biggest pitfalls when choosing the right health care policies. As a reminder, Medicare open enrollment is open now through December 7. Click here to learn more about which plans may be best for you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update on my latest work in Washington, D.C. and Arizona’s First Congressional District! If you have any comments or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

David Schweikert