3B

Dear ,

Happy Monday! Below, please find a few updates on my work last week for the residents of Arizona’s First Congressional District.

This week, I expanded upon the demographic crisis of declining birth rates and aging populations, with more deaths than births in many states. While stressing the urgent need for economic growth and productivity to sustain prosperity, I argued for capital investments, technological advancements, a talent-based immigration system to address labor shortages, and embracing the benefits of artificial intelligence. The U.S. debt crisis is underscored, and rising interest payments and mandatory spending on Social Security and Medicare are consuming tax revenues. We need more honest discussions, further modernization of government services, and implementing fiscal discipline to avoid economic decline.

Schweikert to be Next Chairman of U.S. Joint Economic Committee

Part of my job with the Joint Economic Committee involves figuring out how we can finance all the things that stakeholders show up here wanting. It's not something you hear a lot of members talk about because so many people don't understand the demographics of our country. You can count on me to always be honest and always tell the truth– even when it's uncomfortable. That is why I am incredibly honored to be appointed as the Chairman-designate of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) for the 119th Congress. 

This will be my sixth year serving on the Committee, starting as Chairman-designate. The Committee will continue underscoring the role demographics play in our debt, supporting tax policy that maximizes economic growth, and advancing fiscal solutions through innovation.

To change the cost of government, we're going to adopt the things that crash the price of health care— not by making it scarcer or rationing it, but by making it more moral. I remain confident in the bipartisan solutions we will continue to foster and present through the work of the JEC.

Holocaust Day of Remembrance

Today, we pause to honor the memory of the six million Jews and countless others who experienced the sheer horrors of the Holocaust. As we reflect on some of the darkest chapters of our history on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we also celebrate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp. Today, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the responsibility we all share to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

The Holocaust stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred, division, and indifference. As we reflect on the past, we must recommit ourselves to fostering a society rooted in respect for all people.

Together, let us honor the memory of those who suffered when standing against hatred in all its forms. May today serve as a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of confronting darkness with light, division with unity, and hatred with unwavering resilience.

My Paws Off Act Impacting Our Communities

As you may remember, I reintroduced my Paws Off Act at the start of the 119th Congress in hopes of creating more strict labeling requirements for products containing Xylitol– a deadly sugar alcohol which essentially hijacks the livers of our pets.

I had the opportunity to sit down with 11-year-old Ahana Kameshwar to listen to the gut-wrenching story of how her loyal companion, Loki, passed away due to the lack of proper labeling for products containing this lethal substance. Ahana nor her mother, Bhaavna Kameshwar, only knew Loki had xylitol poisoning when notified by the vet. 

Ahana took a horrible situation, did her research, and started a petition in hopes that no one else would have to experience the pain and confusion she did when she lost Loki so unexpectedly and suddenly. 

Bhaavna Kameshwar explained how important Paws Off is, "as we don't pay attention to animal welfare as much as we probably should. This is so subtle, but the number of pets that get poisoned due to just xylitol, Loki is only one of them..."  

We have been working tirelessly to move this simple, yet impactful piece of legislation through Congress. All because of Ahana's diligent efforts of spreading awareness, her petition has gained over 16,400 signatures. All it takes is a simple labeling fix to prevent more people from enduring the heartache that Ahana went through, and better yet, to save the lives of animals across America. 

Click or scan the image above to share the spread awareness of the mission of Paws Off.

Upcoming Mobile Officer 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 agencies and benefits. Staff from my district office may be in your neighborhood to offer one-on-one casework help. Stop by the City of Phoenix Saguaro Public Library (2808 N. 46th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008) tomorrow, January 28 from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., or call the district office at (480) 946-2411 for immediate assistance with the IRS, Passports, Medicare, Social Security, VA and other federal benefits. 

The IRS is Now Accepting Tax Returns

It’s time to get your tax documents ready as the 2025 IRS income tax season is underway.  With several resources to help you prepare, the IRS Get Ready page serves as a guide to streamline your filing process before, during and after. Get ready https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-ready-to-file-your-taxes here.

If you claimed the EIC or Additional Child Tax Credit, you can expect to get your refund by March 3 as long as you e-filed, chose to get your refund via direct deposit, and have no issues with your return.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH Act) prevents the IRS from issuing early refunds (before mid-February) on any tax return that claims the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) and/or Additional Child Tax Credit.

Congress passed the PATH Act because identity thieves frequently claim one or both refundable tax credits. The PATH Act gives the IRS extra time to detect fraudulently filed returns, which helps identity theft victims get their legitimate refunds more quickly.

The IRS will update projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC filers by February 22. You can track your refund status at the IRS Where's My Refund? site.

Other things that can delay your refund include, but aren't limited to:

• Liens, back taxes, or refund offsets
• Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information
• Identity fraud
• Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which can take 11-14 weeks to process
• Claiming a mistaken amount of Recovery Rebate Credit
• Also, if you chose direct deposit, your financial institution may need another day or two to post the refund to your account, so keep that in mind.

Bringing AZ to DC!

I had a wonderful time getting to meet so many of you who traveled to our Nation's Capitol for the Inauguration ceremony. Although we experienced many changes and uncertainties, you all brought big smiles and positive attitudes, and I couldn't be prouder to represent such an optimistic group. Thank you, all, for stopping by and introducing yourself!

Health is Wealth: 2025 Recipes from The Juice Lady

Black Bean Oat Burger

• 1 ½ cups of black beans, drained and pureed or mashed
• 1 ½ cups of lentils, drain and pureed or mashed
• 1 cup of oatmeal flour (ground oatmeal)
• ¼ cup of ground nuts
• ¾ cup of rolled or old-fashioned oatmeal
• ¼ cup diced onion
• ¼ cup diced carrot
• ¼ cup diced celery
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Dash of sea salt or liquid amino
  

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients together and reserve the oatmeal flour. 
2. Add the oatmeal flour a little at a time until you get a consistency that allows you to form a patty. 
3. Grill for three minutes on each side with a little avocado oil for a golden and crispy finish. Serve on top of romaine lettuce with onion and/ or tomato 
4. Sautee the veggies before adding them to the mix for a richer flavor. 
5. Top with Nut House Dressing as desired.

Nut House Dressing 

• 1 cup of cashews (roasted and slightly salted) or any nut or seed of your preference (pumpkin, sesame seed, almond) 
• 2 Tbsp of Braggs Liquid Aminos or tamari
• 2 lemons, juiced 
• 2 Tbsp of Dijon mustard 
• 1 roasted clove of garlic 
• 1/4 cup avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil. 
• 1 ½ cups of almond milk (adjust for desired consistency and texture) 
• Dash of black pepper and sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Blend all the ingredients, once everything is integrated, start adding almond milk until desired consistency.
2. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. 

**A note from the nutritionist: "Black beans can help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They also help to regulate blood sugar due to their high fiber content and their low glycemic index." -Cherie Calbom, MS

What I’m Reading & Why It Matters

I wanted to attach the report I've been frequently referencing during my House Floor speeches. CBO forecasts large budget deficits, projecting an improved fiscal state and debt-to-GDP ratio for the next 10 years. This deficit was estimated using the expirations of the TCJA of 2017 as well as "optimistic" numbers regarding interest rates, according to analyst Ryan Kimmel. The fiscal state of the US is anticipated by the CBO to improve. 

The Trump Administration is looking into selling up to two-thirds of the federal government's office stock. The GSA manages a multitude of federal offices. Due to funding, buildings are not maintained well and are empty or rarely used. In selling federal office stock to the private sector, the Trump administration hopes to advance the current state and funding of the affected federal offices. A DC developer reports that "A sharp rise in GSA canceled leases would pressure D.C. landlords, many of which count on the GSA as an anchor tenant." DC buildings would possibly be on an incredible sale and the worth of other buildings would plunge.

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

Bookmark Debt Dashboard - United States Joint Economic Committee to stay updated on our growing fiscal crisis.