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| District Update May 12, 2025 |
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Dear , |
| Gross Interest is now the second biggest expenditure in the United States. |
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As I highlighted on Tuesday, borrowing $6 billion dollars a day should alarm everyone. In fact, nine years from now, 30% of US tax receipts will be needed simply to cover interest costs. Drilling in on the topic of deficit yet again, the math demonstrates that there has been a 45% increase in non-defense discretionary spending from FY2019 to FY2024. Let’s try to understand the math behind this alarming number: the $298 billion increase is a penny into the bucket in comparison to gross interest, Medicare and health care costs, and Social Security spending. |
A snippet that highlights that non-defense discretionary spending, despite the increase, is only 12% of FY25 outlays.
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A snippet that highlights that our non-defense discretionary spending equates to 3.3% of GDP, a 0.2% increase from 2019.
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Students interested in securing a congressional nomination to attend a Service Academy after graduating high school were invited to an informational fair Saturday, May 10th at Veritas Preparatory Academy.
Students had the opportunity to hear from Service Academy cadets and graduates about their experience at the academies. Academy liaisons were also on hand to answer any questions about the admissions process. It was a pleasure to see so many students interested in the academies, and have the chance to get first hand knowledge from graduates! For those interested in learning more about the Service Academies, please visit my website: https://schweikert.house.gov/service-academy-nominations/ |
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Recognizing Some Amazing Citizens of AZ-01
Let me tell you something — in a world where everyone wants to scream about what's wrong, how about we take a moment to actually celebrate what’s right? Hats off to the Elks Lodge #335 for stepping up and recognizing the incredible work being done by the staff and students over at Desert Shadows Elementary during Youth Week. It's the kind of community engagement that reminds you why we keep fighting for a better future. And let me be clear — we can complain about all the things that are broken, but when people step up to lift up kids and educators, that’s what keeps the wheels on the bus. Good on them. Now, let’s get back to doing the math.
Better, Faster, Cheaper: How Innovation is Expanding Optimism for the Future
Many of you know my fascination with innovation and the implementation of technology across industries. The up-and-coming innovation is extensive, and luckily, there are thousands of scholarly studies and research pieces being released daily that expand on progress of these projects. Not enough members of Congress take the time to capitalize on how these innovative advancements actually promote the health and well-being of our society. This segment dives deeper into technological implementations that are actively making life better and cheaper for our brothers and sisters. |
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Here's how AI is fueling innovation and efficiency in healthcare
AI is revolutionizing healthcare in Arizona by streamlining diagnostics and administrative tasks, such as Ceribell's AI-powered EEG system that rapidly detects seizures and HonorHealth’s ambient documentation system that transcribes patient interactions in real time. Additionally, BioLab Sciences is advancing wound care with fish collagen technology developed in partnership with Real Collagen GmbH, offering a safer and more effective alternative for chronic wounds. Despite some resistance from practitioners, AI continues to prove its potential in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
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Startup Teal Health wins FDA approval for at-home test for cervical cancer screening
The FDA has approved Teal Health’s Teal Wand, the first at-home cervical cancer screening test, which demonstrated 96% accuracy in clinical trials, matching in-office screenings. The device will be initially available in California via telehealth starting in June, aiming to increase access to cervical cancer screening, particularly for women in rural areas or those unable to attend in-person appointments. Teal Health recently raised $10 million to ramp up production, reflecting growing investor interest in women’s health tech, a sector that saw 41% growth from 2023 to 2024.
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These electric motors could help break the world's dependence on China
Conifer, a Silicon Valley startup, has developed electric motors using iron-based magnets instead of rare-earth elements, aiming to reduce global reliance on China for these critical materials. The company’s axial-flux motors, adapted from high-end hybrid supercars, are cheaper and more efficient, with potential applications ranging from scooters to electric vehicles. If successful, Conifer’s innovation could disrupt the EV market by offering a tariff-resistant, cost-effective alternative that leverages widely available materials.
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If May refined gas on the stock market is $2.01 per gallon, why is gas at the pump in Scottsdale $3.69 to $3.89 for 87 unleaded? Can you explain? (Jerome N. in Scottsdale)
Generally, the ~$2.00 per gallon front-month futures price (ticker symbol XB1) is for gasoline blend stock at New York Harbor petroleum product terminals. This price is sometimes referred to as the wholesale futures price, which is often used as the benchmark for physical gasoline spot market transactions throughout the United States.
The $3.69 to $3.89 per gallon prices observed in Scottsdale are retail prices. Retail prices include physical gasoline spot market prices, costs to transport gasoline from refineries to distribution terminals in Arizona, costs to temporarily store gasoline at distribution terminals, costs for blending components (e.g., ethanol) and other additives, the cost of transporting (often by truck) finished gasoline product from the distribution terminal to the gasoline station, federal taxes, state taxes/fees, and retail station profits. This Energy Information Administration site contains some useful overview information about the gasoline supply chain: Where our gasoline comes from - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Arizona sources gasoline from refiners located in California and Texas. From time to time, refineries serving Arizona can experience unplanned outages. When this happens, wholesale spot prices and consumer retail prices in Arizona can increase.
Additionally, parts of Arizona (including Maricopa County) use a special gasoline formulation known as Cleaner Burning Gasoline (CBG) that is intended to address air quality issues.
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Lost Airpods: A Capitol Hill Mystery
Alright, folks, we’re playing a game. Last seen at Reagan National Airport. Where do my AirPods end up? Florida? Vegas? Closest guess wins a "Certificate of Being Less Wrong Than Everyone Else" and a pat on the back.
Last week, amidst the chaos that is my day-to-day existence bouncing between committee rooms, the House floor, and my office, my AirPods vanished. Now, I know what you’re thinking — “David, how could you lose something so small and overpriced?” Well, consider it a metaphor for Congress losing track of $1.7 trillion a year.
Anyway, thanks to the miracle of modern surveillance capitalism, also known as Find My iPhone, we tracked their journey across D.C. — they had a brief layover at the Capitol Hill Hotel (someone’s either a tourist or a particularly unskilled thief). Next, they made their way to Reagan National Airport, presumably to catch a flight to the land of no return.
Respond to this email with where you think they now call home! |
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As many of you are preparing for summer travels, please be sure to check and prepare travel documents in advance. If your passport is set to expire in the next 6 months, please renew before summer travels to avoid complications. It is vital to sign up for the Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates from U.S. embassy in various countries. If enrolled, you will be notified if there is any known security hazards and severe weather notifications. When returning to the United States after international travel, please be aware of the updated list of items that are not allowed to be included in checked baggage, including ADHD medications or agricultural products. |
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Elder fraud is on the rise. According to the Conversation, American seniors lost over $3 billion due to scams in 2023. Scammers can utilize artificial intelligence, door-to-door service offers, or other forms of investment fraud to gauge them. To protect yourself and your loves ones, please do not interact with unsolicited phone calls and restrain from sharing any personal identification information. |
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As Memorial Day approaches, it is important to understand the do's and don't's of flying the American flag at your home this summer. As outlined in KTAR news, please do fly the flag on national holidays, including Flag Day, July 4th, and Memorial Day. However, do not allow the flag to touch the ground and protect it from inclement weather or damage. The American flag is a sacred and symbolic representation of American freedom and prosperity. |
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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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