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Dear ,
I hope you and your family are doing well! Below, please find a few updates on my work last week for the residents of Arizona’s First Congressional District.
My Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Valley Fever
On Tuesday, I reintroduced the Finding Orphan-disease Remedies with Antifungal Research and Development (FORWARD) Act, bipartisan legislation that supports research initiatives to detect, treat, and combat Valley Fever, a disease caused by a fungus commonly found in desert soils that can infect the lungs of humans and canines.
I also participated in a 'Fight Valley Fever' event with former NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski to raise awareness about the debilitating effects of the disease. As we’ve seen Valley Fever cases rise across the western United States over the last decade, it’s critical that we continue to prioritize the delivery of medical breakthroughs that will help treat our family members and their beloved pets.
This bipartisan legislation helps to combat Valley Fever by providing resources to further close the scientific gap in understanding this disease, support research, and accelerate vaccine development that will hopefully eradicate it once and for all. I look forward to continue leading the bipartisan Congressional Valley Fever Task Force.
Federal Borrowing Costs Surpassed $80,000 Per Second Last Week
Click here or on the image above to view Rep. Schweikert’s remarks.
Last week, I delivered a speech on the House Floor to note that the United States federal government continues to borrow money at an extraordinary pace — eclipsing $80,000 every second for the first time other than during the pandemic. I also discussed the optimism surrounding various technologies to promote carbon capture, fentanyl vaccine development, and FDA approval of CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease. If we utilize this breakthrough in technology to our advantage, then we can make our communities healthier while also generating economic growth by allowing our brothers and sisters to fully participate in society again.
Chairing Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee Hearing on Foreign Nationals Using Charity Backdoor to Influence American Elections
Last week, I chaired the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee hearing focused on the total lack of transparency surrounding how money from foreign nationals can influence the American political system when funneled through 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. In particular, we shed light on how some of these groups engaged in issue advocacy or political activity are taking advantage of a loophole whereby they don't have to list foreign donors on their required IRS Form 990.
Daily Debt Monitor Text Message Sign-Up
Be sure to sign up to receive my “Daily Debt Monitor” text messages that track real-time updates of our national debt at the end of each day. Subscribing is easy — head to schweikert.house.gov and fill out the required information on the homepage of my website.
I hope these updated numbers can provide some further insight as to why I am so adamant about reducing our outrageous government spending.
Announcing the 2023 Congressional App Challenge Winners
 Presenting certificates to Lailla, Tavek, and Isabelle. Vedant could not be present for the award ceremony.
Congratulations to Tavek Jordan, Isabelle Ellis, Lailla Burka, and Vedant Vashi of Desert Mountain High School for winning the 2023 Congressional App Challenge with their app, Scottsdale School Scouter! Using a brief questionnaire, this app seeks to pair students with high schools that best match their strengths and interests. Their app will be put on display in the U.S. Capitol along with the winners from other congressional districts. I commend Tavek, Isabelle, Lailla, and Vedant for showcasing their STEM skills and representing the best of Arizona's First Congressional District. Thank you to all who participated in this year's competition!
What I’m Reading & Why It Matters
This week, I'm reading about how Mexico's military seized ten improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at our southern border in Arizona as the number of migrant encounters has exploded this fall.
With the Lukeville Port of Entry closed, we are only continuing to see further closures of several other border ports in the southern United States.
Since closing the POE on December 5th, border agents stopped a total of 18,400 migrants in just one week. That translates to over 2,600 people apprehended per day at our Southern Border. We saw around 1,800 apprehended migrants in October, and barely 700 apprehended migrants this time last year.
With each passing day, it becomes increasingly clear that the Department of Homeland Security has lost operational control of our southern border. As the situation continues to unravel, Congress must continue urging the administration to take immediate action to secure the border and ensure the safety of our local communities.
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 |