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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.
Net Receipts = $4.92 Trillion– The Largest Ever Total... Yet, Net Spending = $6.75 Trillion
You may have heard me mention the statistic that for every dollar the federal government takes in, we are spending $1.39. Interest costs are taking an increasingly greater share of receipts and have significantly since 2017.
In Fiscal Year 2024, $882 billion was spent on interest on the public debt – exceeding both national defense and Medicare. Compared to last fiscal year, the cost to finance our debt increased $254 billion (29%), largely due to higher interest rates.
Net receipts (revenues) were $4.92 trillion, the largest ever.
Net outlays (spending) were $6.75 trillion, the second largest ever..
Resulting in a deficit of $1.83 trillion, the third largest ever…
The math does not lie.
Recognizing Some Amazing Citizens of AZ-01
The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh event that I attended on Sunday was one I won't soon forget. My family and I had such a spectacular time learning more about the holy observation of Vijayadashami.
Vijayadashami is the culmination of the Navaratri (nine nights) and the day marks the victory of good over evil. Keeping the significance of the day, Hindu community celebrates the cultural heritage of India on this holiday. Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of this celebration.
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. Please stop by the City of Phoenix Juniper Library (1825 W Union Hills Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85027) from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 or call my District Office at (480) 946-2411 for immediate assistance with the IRS, Passports, Medicare, Social Security, VA and other federal benefits.
Western Passport Center’s Passport Day is THIS Saturday!
The Tucson Western Passport Center is hosting a special passport day THIS Saturday, October 26 as part of the Department of State’s Passport Month! The U.S. Department of State is celebrating Passport Month by offering special events across the country to offer people convenient options to apply or renew their passports ahead of international travel.
October 26, 2024
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
7373 E. Rosewood St
Tucson, AZ 85710
No appointments needed and applicants may choose routine service (4-6 weeks) or expedite service (2-3 weeks). No same-day services will be offered.
If you travel within 14 days and need urgent passport service, please call the National Passport Information Center to schedule an appointment for another day.
Before applying for your passport, please visit Travel.State.Gov/Passports for general passport information including updated processing times, requirements, forms, and fees, or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.
Congressional App Challenge Submission Portal Closes THIS THURSDAY!
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The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications, and is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.
The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education. The House of Representatives knows how crucial these skills are and wants to encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the importance of these skills.
We strongly encourage students of all skill levels to participate, enabling them to learn how to create their own apps. Students are encouraged to register online and submit their apps by THIS upcoming Thursday, October 24. For more information and registration, please visit our website.
What I'm Reading & Why it Matters
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The first piece I wanted to highlight this week discusses the sophisticated methods employed by a Russian disinformation group known as Storm-1516 to influence American public opinion ahead of the 2024 election. The group, part of a larger Russian propaganda operation, has produced numerous fake whistleblower videos featuring outrageous claims, many of which have gained traction among influential political figures and media in the U.S. Experts warn that Russia's disinformation tactics have evolved, utilizing advanced technologies like AI and sophisticated bot networks to create more believable content.
A groundbreaking study has shown stem cell therapy can reverse type 1 diabetes by using modified cells that produce insulin, marking a potential "cure" for a disease previously managed only through daily insulin injections. This significant achievement, reported by scientists at Peking University, addresses a serious condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to severe health complications if untreated. The researchers successfully modified the patient's cells in the lab and implanted them back, resulting in the patient autonomously producing insulin after two and a half months.
This article discusses the ambitious efforts of JR Rahn in developing a vaccine for fentanyl that could potentially prevent overdose deaths rather than cure addiction. Two years ago, Rahn co-founded Ovax Inc. and enlisted top researchers to create a vaccine that would stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against fentanyl, thereby blocking its lethal effects on the brain. The proposed vaccine, unlike traditional vaccines, faces the unique challenge of convincing recreational drug users to get vaccinated, as fentanyl overdoses can occur unpredictably. Additionally, researchers are exploring monoclonal antibodies as an alternative approach, which could provide immediate protection against fentanyl. Ovax's plans include initial human trials in 2025 and potentially emergency use authorization for high-risk groups like first responders. |