Dear ,

I hope you and your family are enjoying the holiday season. As we reflect on the successes and shortcomings of 2023, I wanted to share my annual 'Year in Review' newsletter recapping all of the accomplishments we achieved this past year for Arizona's First Congressional District.

January

Reintroducing the Paws Off Act

To kick off the 118th Congress, I reintroduced the Paws Off Act, bipartisan legislation designed to promote safe labeling requirements for pet safety. This bill is essential for protecting our pets from a deadly chemical ingredient known as xylitol that is commonly found in household products.

As a lifelong dog owner, I know that our pets play a cherished role in our lives, which is why it’s important we keep them safe. It’s proven that millions of Americans are unaware of just how dangerous xylitol can be to their dogs.

Xylitol can be found in items such as chewing gum, breath mints, and toothpaste. When ingested, it can be life-threatening to dogs. Recent reports have shown an increased use of xylitol in household products, making it difficult for pet owners to determine which foods could be deadly to their pets.

I’m hopeful we'll make significant progress in moving this important legislation next year to increase awareness of xylitol in household food products. This past year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund gave me an 86% on their scorecard for co-sponsoring several pro-animal pieces of legislation, and I will continue working in Congress to advance policies that protect our four-legged friends. 

February

Introducing the Captured Carbon Utilization (CCU) Parity Act

In February, I introduced the Captured Carbon Utilization (CCU) Parity Act, bipartisan legislation that increases the tax credit for carbon capture and utilization to match the incentives for carbon capture and sequestration for both direct air capture and the power and industrial sectors. The legislation establishes parity between 45Q carbon capture tax credits for utilization and sequestration and support using captured carbon in the manufacturing of products to lower the emission intensity of production. 

I was proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation promoting responsible carbon removal technology to ensure we have a cleaner environment and a stronger economy by balancing the tax credits for carbon capture and sequestration.

March

Executing My Plan As Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Chairman

As you know, I became chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight for the 118th Congress, and I immediately got to work carrying out our plan for the next two years. I outlined my full agenda of oversight hearings and oversight-related activities in a letter here.

One of my top priorities as chairman is to leave no stone unturned as we investigate the scale of pandemic fraud. The U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates that instances of fraud in the unemployment insurance program alone have cost as much as $135 billion while outside experts have estimated up to $400 billion worth of improper payments.

In March, I joined Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) in sending letters to the IRS demanding the agency release documents related to the improper disclosure of private taxpayer information leaked by the government, as well as to raise serious concerns over the federal government’s selection of a left-leaning think tank to review an e-file program that would make the IRS both tax collector and tax preparer.

April

Named Vice Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee

In April, I was officially named Vice Chairman of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee for the 118th Congress. In this role, I have been working alongside my colleagues to review, improve, and advise on one of our nation’s most important priorities: the U.S. economy. 

So far this Congress, we have held hearings on the drastic consequences of a debt default, bipartisan solutions to achieve a healthier society, preparing our nation's workforce for the jobs of tomorrow, and examining how our nation's aging population contributes to our worsening fiscal trajectory. The 2023 Joint Economic Committee report, which we published in July, lays out my views as Vice Chairman that we have reached the point where we can no longer play politics with our nation’s fiscal health. It is time to come together, as well as to be open and honest about our nation’s fiscal challenges. That is our moral obligation to the communities we serve.

Over the next year, I look forward to advancing policies that increase growth and productivity which are absolutely critical to creating jobs and lowering costs for American families.

May

Beginning to Solve Washington’s Unsustainable Spending Problems

In May, Congress took action to increase the debt ceiling and avoid economic calamity that will only hurt the American public by passing the Fiscal Responsibility Act. While there were some accomplishments in this legislation, including House Republicans approving the largest deficit reduction in American history, there is still much more work to be done to restore our nation's fiscal health. This admittedly imperfect legislation began the process of curbing Washington's insatiable spending addiction.

Prior to the vote, I penned an op-ed for RealClearMarkets asserting that the United States cannot afford to simply raise the debt ceiling without exercising fiscal restraint and communicating to world debt markets that the country has a plan to manage its debt.

From the very first day of my time in Congress, I’ve been sounding the alarm about the dangers of nonstop borrowing against our children and grandchildren’s future. I go to the House Floor each week that Congress is in session to explain that everything Congress votes on now is on borrowed money. The federal government currently borrows over $80,000 per second, and gross interest costs are expected to eclipse $1 trillion this fiscal year — becoming the second largest expense in all of government. This year, I began publishing my own "Daily Debt Monitor" to track the daily changes in our national debt, broken down per day, hour, minute, and second. Sign up by visiting the home page on my website and scrolling down to the Daily Debt Monitor section. 

Still, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget dubbed 2023 "the best in recent memory" for fiscal responsibility — due in large part to the enactment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. According to the CRFB debt thermometer, policymakers approved $1.3 trillion of ten-year deficit reduction.

June

Ways & Means Passes My Small Business Paperwork Savings Act

In June, I introduced the Small Business Paperwork Savings Act to increase the Form 1099 reporting requirement threshold from $600 to $5,000 to account for cost-of-living adjustments since 1954, when the $600 threshold was first established in the Internal Revenue Code.

For nearly 70 years, small businesses have had to put up with burdensome and unnecessary tax compliance for payments that exceed $600 over the course of a year without any adjustment for inflation despite median family income being over 21 times higher today.

Think about how many times we pay independent contractors for various services — plumbing, landscaping, photography, cleaning or repairs. It wouldn’t take much to eclipse that $600 threshold and bury hardworking Americans under a mountain of burdensome paperwork.

Employers should be focused on creating jobs and growing their businesses instead of drowning in paperwork and bureaucratic red tape. This legislation creates a better climate for job creation and lifts this incredible burden off our small businesses, and I was pleased to see the Ways and Means Committee include it in their signature tax relief package.

July

Releasing the 2023 Joint Economic Committee Report

In July, the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee released its annual report, and I want to encourage you to read Chapter 3 on "The Social Costs of Obesity." Our analysis examined just how significant of an impact obesity has on the federal budget and overall productivity. Over the next decade, obesity is estimated to add $5.6 trillion to the primary deficit. JEC economists project that the share of U.S. adults who qualify as obese will rise from around 44% in 2023 to 50.5% by 2033.

With diabetes accounting for 33% of all health care spending, it's past time my brothers and sisters in Congress started having difficult conversations about making Americans healthier. Reducing obesity in the United States could have a positive and meaningful impact across the economic spectrum. It would likely lead to lower health care costs, increased productivity, higher fertility rates, and overall improved quality of life.

August

Back Home in Arizona's First Congressional District

I maintained a busy August recess schedule back home in Arizona's First Congressional District. I hosted a roundtable discussion in my district office with various faith leaders to talk about the role of faith in our communities and how to address issues affecting their congregations.

I also spoke to several AZ-01 organizations like the Arizona Bankers Association and the Arizona and Carefree Cave Creek Chambers of Commerce about our nation's absurd level of borrowing and the importance of getting our debt under control to stimulate economic growth and protect small businesses. 

Constituent Services

While back in the district for August recess, I had extended time to visit with my district staff and assist our constituent services operation. This year, my District Office casework team successfully advocated for hundreds of residents in Arizona’s First Congressional District to ensure their needs were met as they navigated through various obstacles with federal agencies, whether it be passport assistance or receiving veterans' benefits. Overall, my casework team returned thousands of dollars in refunds and claims to our constituents. If you need help with a federal agency, my district office staff is ready and willing to step in. You can reach my Scottsdale office at (480) 946-2411 to learn how we can serve you, and stay tuned for upcoming Mobile Office Hours in your neighborhood in the new year.

September

Raising Awareness About Valley Fever

In September, I led a roundtable discussion with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20), former NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski, and representatives from the scientific community at the U.S. Capitol to raise awareness about the debilitating impacts of Valley Fever on both humans and pets as well as the urgency to develop a cure to eradicate the disease for good.

It’s stunning to think that just 10 years ago, the American public knew little about Valley Fever and the devastating effects this disease can inflict upon our communities, particularly in Arizona. What once was misdiagnosed as cancer can now be correctly identified and treated as Valley Fever.

Now more than ever, the bipartisan Congressional Valley Fever Task Force remains laser-focused on bringing awareness and streamlining resources to deliver a cure that provides much-needed relief to families, friends, and beloved pets who have suffered from this terrible disease for far too long.

October

Standing With Israel

On October 7, Israel suffered its darkest day in its history when Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists infiltrated the country, slaughtering over 1,200 innocent civilians, including dozens of Americans, and kidnapping hundreds of men, women, and children — many of whom are still being held hostage in Gaza more than two months later.

Just days after the horrific assault, I introduced the Fortify Israel Act, legislation authorizing any current or future foreign assets frozen by the Treasury Department, including the $6 billion in Iranian funds recently unfrozen, be used to support Israel’s right to defend itself. The Iranian regime and other state sponsors of terrorism can no longer be permitted to fund Hamas’ terrorist activities against the people of Israel.

The United States must continue to stand firmly with Israel and provide unwavering support as they fight to defend their homeland and seek the safe return of all those who are being held hostage. Congress can and will do whatever it takes to protect the only democracy in the Middle East.

Honoring Dr. C.T. Wright

In October, I participated in a dedication ceremony of the Fountain Hills Post Office in honor of Dr. C.T. Wright for his devotion to public service and meaningful contributions that left a remarkable impact on countless Arizona communities.

In 2021, I introduced legislation designating the Fountain Hills Post Office after Dr. Wright, and this bill was signed into law in December 2022. This dedication ceremony was a reward for someone who took on brutal challenges and overcame them. We are all better as individuals and a community because the Wrights chose to spend part of their lives with us.

November

House Passes My Bill Expanding Affordable Pumped Storage Hydropower in Arizona

In November, the House overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan legislation with Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) which enables the exploration of constructing additional pumped storage hydropower facilities in the Salt River reservoir system to keep energy costs low for Arizonans, help stabilize the state’s electric grid during peak demand, and boost the supply of affordable and reliable energy. 

Pumped storage hydroelectricity allows water to be pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir when energy demand is low. When energy demand is high and power is needed on the grid, the upper reservoir is released downhill back into the lower reservoir and run through hydropower turbines which can generate up to 10-12 hours of reliable energy.

As our state’s economy and population continue to explode, we must embrace long-term energy storage technologies to lower costs for Arizona residents. I’m proud to have worked with Rep. Stanton to shepherd this bill through the House, and I look forward to its passage in the Senate as it moves one step closer to becoming law.

December

My Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Valley Fever

In December, 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.

Also in December, I joined Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) in introducing the Eliminate Congressional Slush Funds Act, which would rescind the $22 billion provided by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) to the Department of Commerce Nonrecurring Expenses Fund. The FRA capped discretionary spending in FY 2024 at a total of $1.590 trillion. However, during FRA negotiations, there were a number of widely reported “side deals” to use budget gimmicks to allow for a total of $54 billion in additional spending above the caps. This legislation ensures that lawmakers stop using budget gimmicks in the FRA to spend above the agreed-upon spending caps.

Thank you for taking the time to read my end-of-the-year wrap-up. I truly hope you had a great 2023 and are able to take some time to reflect on all of the accomplishments, setbacks, and progress you've made this year. It is my greatest honor to represent Arizona's First Congressional District, and I'm looking forward to all that's in store for 2024.

I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!

Sincerely,

David Schweikert