District Update May 5, 2025

Dear ,

Let's have a great week. Below, please find a few reminders and updates on my work for the residents of Arizona’s First Congressional District.

Schweikert: "You don’t want tax hikes; I don’t want tax hikes... our borrowing IS a tax hike!"

On Thursday, I offered a blistering critique of federal dysfunction, economic mismanagement, and policy hypocrisy on the House Floor. Touching on the real-world consequences of over-spending, the misuse of Medicaid expansion funds, and systemic data failures in federal programs, I highlight a common theme: when Washington refuses to modernize, it's the American taxpayer who bears the cost. From inflation’s crushing impact on working families, to the reality of deceased beneficiaries still earning entitlements, it is clear that out-of-date policies are driving our debt. We must remember inefficiencies and fraudulent practices are part of people’s business now. If you’re going to walk into our office and ask us for money, tell us where you think we can modernize to revitalize the process or government. Luckily, I had some backup during my time on the floor. Keep reading to reveal the special guest or click on the video to view the full speech.

An excerpt on inflation hurting the poor, caused by overspending:

An excerpt on the inability of government databases to cross-check data leading to massive fraud:

An excerpt on the provider tax scheme, with Representative Chip Roy:

National Pet Week is Here

National Pet Week® celebrates the pets that enrich our lives and encourages responsible pet care every day of the year. It is a priority of mine to champion the rights of all animals.

Arizona’s first congressional district prides itself on providing safe environments for dogs, cats, horses, and all animals to thrive. However, too often dangerous and poisonous chemicals unnecessarily harm the health of pets. In the 118th Congress, the FORWARD Act, H.R. 6731, was introduced to support research, treatment, and awareness surrounding Valley Fever. Following in these footsteps, Senator Mark Kelly and former Senator Kyrsten Sinema spearheaded similar legislation in the senate. The Arizona delegation on both the House of Representatives and Senate demonstrated bicameral, and bipartisan support for animal welfare.

I also recently re-introduced the Paws Off Act, legislation promotes safe labeling requirements for pet safety. H.R. 237 promotes clear labeling standards for the FDA around the inclusion of xylitol. Xylitol has unfortunately led to the tragic and unnecessary deaths of dogs. It is a priority to continue to advocate for the mission of PAWS off and the FORWARD act, as the Chairman of the House Task Force on Valley Fever. I encourage you to utilize this link to explore the objective of Paws Off, to protect our beloved pets from the dangers of xylitol utilizing informative and urgent labels.

Service Academies Conference is THIS Saturday!

There are FIVE days left to RSVP for the upcoming Service Academies Conference. High school students interested in meeting with service academy liaisons and learning more about the 2025 academy application process, for Arizona’s First Congressional District, are encouraged to attend the academy liaison forum on May 10^th at Veritas Preparatory Academy from 10:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. RSVP HERE!

Each year, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of students for scholarships to attend a military service academy. The U.S. Service Academies are among the most highly respected educational programs in the nation. To be admitted to an academy, applicants must meet stringent academic, physical and medical requirements specified by public law. As a cadet or midshipman at the academy, students will be provided a fully funded four-year college education. The honor of attending an academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

For additional questions regarding the application process please refer to our academy resource guide and FAQ link below, or contact Chelsea Lett, Service Academy Coordinator, in my District Office at (480) 946-2411.

We are now accepting intern applications for Fall 2025!

Students interested in applying should be motivated, detail oriented, display a strong work ethic, and interact well with constituents. In addition, applicants should have a strong interest in the legislative process and the function of Congress. Strong ties to Arizona's First Congressional District or the state of Arizona are preferred, but not required. Priority is given to current college students, but recent high school graduates with exceptional credentials may be considered. College students interested in interning in our Scottsdale district office may submit their application documents, as listed above, to Ernestina Borquez-Smith at Ernestina.borquez-smith@mail.house.gov. Those interested in interning in our Washington, D.C. office may submit their application documents to Elle Krolicki, at Elle.Krolicki@mail.house.gov.

Recognizing Some Amazing Citizens of AZ-01

Last week, members of my staff got the chance to tour the University of Arizona's Scottsdale Center! The Scottsdale Center was established to serve as a gathering space and destination for prospective students, faculty/staff members, alumni, and community and business leaders in Maricopa County. The Center is a place to promote engagement, exchange ideas, foster collaboration and advance initiatives that extend the university's land-grant mission throughout Arizona.

With several collaborative spaces like the Bear Down Conference Center, modern meeting rooms, open-concept desks, and small group offices, University of Arizona faculty, staff and alumni can take advantage of this accommodating space as a place to work for a few hours, days or weeks. Thank you to the University of Arizona Scottsdale Center for having us!

TWO More Days to be Real ID Compliant

This Wednesday, May 7, 2025, is the LAST day to get your REAL ID. This means only the Arizona Travel ID (driver license or ID card), a U.S. passport and other federally approved identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. The cost is $25.00.

Current Arizona residents:
Visit AZ MVD Now to gather your documents and make an appointment for your Travel ID.

No Arizona Driver License or ID:
Visit an MVD office or Authorized Third Party driver license location with the required documents.

The Arizona Travel ID is the credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. It is available as both a driver license and identification card. There is a gold star embedded in the card to show that the cardholder has provided added proof of identification to ensure the license or ID meets strict federal requirements. For more information on the REAL ID Act, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website.

Note: Rules for international travel are unchanged, and a valid passport or equivalent will be required to travel outside the United States.

What I'm Reading And Why It Matters

Nine Ways to Protect Yourself From Imposter Voice Scams

In response to rising AI-driven phone scams impersonating abductors, the Wall Street Journal posted tips advising securing social media—privatize accounts and limit shared photos—blocking unknown callers, using a family code word, and not trusting caller ID. If you receive such a call, stay calm, text the alleged victim to verify their safety and location, and alert other loved ones if there’s no response. Any imposter calls should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Daily peanut exposure can desensitize allergic adults, study suggests

Adults with severe peanut allergies can be desensitized through a regimen of daily, gradually increasing doses of peanut flour; two-thirds of participants ultimately tolerated the equivalent of five peanuts without reacting. The findings suggest that the window for effective peanut immunotherapy extends into adulthood, challenging the conventional focus on treating only children. Although participants must maintain daily peanut intake and continue carrying an adrenaline auto-injector, many reported the treatment as life-changing, with significantly reduced anxiety over accidental exposure.

Woman says ChatGPT saved her life by helping detect cancer, which doctors missed

Lauren Bannon credits ChatGPT with identifying Hashimoto’s disease after she’d been misdiagnosed by physicians. A follow-up blood test and thyroid ultrasound revealed two cancerous nodules, leading to prompt surgery. She believes that without the AI’s insight, her illness would have remained undetected.

Schweikert Suggests...

This week, I've chosen to answer a question from Libby D. in Cave Creek. She asks...

"Can you please explain why utilities like APS are allowed to be the only supplier of electricity? Why is this not a monopoly? Why has the government broken up the electric companies as they did the telephone companies? This monopoly causes the electric company to gouge us in costs. Thank you for your input as to whether there is anything the congress can do to break up this monopoly?"

The electricity market has a high cost of maintenance due to the expenses included in infrastructure (transmission lines, power plants, etc). Because of this, the market is categorized as a natural monopoly and monopolization is almost encouraged because it is cheaper for a few larger companies to provide electricity than for more, smaller companies to engage in the industry. Additionally, the electricity/utility sector does not have as aggressive antitrust enforcement as the tech and labor markets. However, the government does regulate the electricity market through the Arizona Corporation Commission. APS is expected to maintain reliable and safe services, and the ACC can take action if they fail to meet standards. APS is responsible for providing, installing, and maintaining meters to accurately measure electricity consumption. APS must comply with regulations regarding customer service, including handling complaints and ensuring fair treatment. APS is subject to rate case reviews by the ACC to ensure rates are just and reasonable. APS must comply with the Arizona Administrative Code, which contains all the state's codified rules and regulation.

Do you have any general questions that I can help answer? Do not hesitate to reach out to my offices at (202) 225-2190 or (480) 946-2411.

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

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