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.

Working to Preserve Social Security

Click here or on the image above to view my remarks from my House floor speech last week.

The Border Crisis Requires Us to Put Politics Aside and Put the American People First 

It's official — the United States has officially hit 1 million migrant encounters since the start of Fiscal Year 2024, which began in October. For Fiscal Year 2023, the total for the entire year was around 2.4 million migrant encounters, according to the House Homeland Security Committee.

We haven't even hit the halfway mark for this fiscal year, and we have already surpassed the number of migrants for the previous fiscal year. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources have stated that this sets the record for the earliest this number has ever been recorded. 

The Darien Gap, also known to be the most dangerous spot in Central America overrun by cartels, was confirmed by documents provided by CBP to be a common pathway for migrants who are knowingly not asylum seekers. Just in this fiscal year alone, the U.S. Border Patrol has apprehended over 160 migrants who are known to be gang affiliates. As I share this information with you each week, I remain baffled at how the Biden administration has managed to further neglect this evident and overwhelming crisis. 

Honoring the Legacy of Women Marines During 'Operation Rose Garden' Ceremony

This past weekend, the Women Marines Association (WMA) hosted an incredibly heartfelt event at the National Cemetery of Arizona to pay tribute to our women in the U.S. Marine Corps. Each February, the AZ-1 WMA chapter places a rose at the gravesite of Marine women buried at the cemetery. This year, 149 gravesites were adorned with a rose honoring their fearless, trailblazing service to our nation. Thank you to the Women Marines Association AZ-1 Roadrunner Chapter for hosting such an important event and remembering our servicewomen. 

2024 Congressional Art Competition Is Around the Corner

I am pleased to announce the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for students residing in Arizona’s First Congressional District! This annual competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Each year, Members of Congress may honor one high school student from their districts by selecting a piece of artwork for inclusion in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol. The winning artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol.  

Every day, Members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists – from the United States and abroad – walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.  Any interested students can contact Chris Wiley of my District Office staff by calling (480) 946-2411 or emailing Christopher.Wiley@mail.house.gov for more information. Submissions must be signed off by the high schooler’s art teacher or counselor and will be due at the end of April. I look forward to seeing what the talented young artists in our community create and invite you to review last year’s submissions at https://schweikert.house.gov/congressional-art-competition/.

Stay tuned for upcoming deadlines and final rule announcements.

Upcoming Mobile Office Hours With My District Office

My district casework team is here to assist residents of Arizona’s First Congressional District with applications and claims pertaining to federal benefits. Staff from my district office may be in your neighborhood to offer one-on-one casework assistance. Check dates and times below or call the district office at (480) 946-2411 for immediate assistance with the IRS, Passports, Medicare, Social Security, VA and other federal benefits. 

Celebrating Arizona Statehood!

This year marks our great state's 112th birthday! On Wednesday, February 14, we celebrate the Copper State and it's 15 diverse counties. From Arizona’s first capital located at Fort Whipple, to Prescott, to Tucson, Phoenix is the only state capital with more than a million citizens. Arizona is home to 22 national parks and monuments, 22 federally recognized tribes, and over 450,000 veterans. Aside from the state's common recognitions, Arizonans continue to be grounded in values of family and gratitude and enriched with cultural significance. I am blessed to call Arizona home.

What I’m Reading & Why It Matters

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), agreed upon by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Biden, could curb growth of the deficit by around $1.4 trillion. Don't let it go unknown that our deficit is projected to grow almost $19 trillion within the next decade, but last year, CBO had projected that growth was at $20.3 trillion over the 10-year window. Like I speak about frequently on the house floor, interest rates are a large factor as to why our debt is rapidly rising. The Director of CBO, Phillip Swagel stated that the FRA actually resulted in a decrease of discretionary spending. 

While insurers are finding that Medicare Advantage (MA) is becoming less profitable, they are also seeing growth in the people that are eligible for these programs. While CMS estimates benefits and premiums to remain stable, payments to MA plans have been expected to increase a total of $16 billion over 2024. A recent MedPAC meeting found the federal government’s overpayments are estimated to exceed $88 billion compared to what it would cost if those individuals were enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare. This represents the most significant disparity observed to date.

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