3B

Dear ,

As a parent, I know the joy and the challenges that come with raising kids—and this time of year reminds us just how deep that bond runs. I hope that all the dads and father figures in our district had a wonderful Father’s Day, filled with gratitude and time with their families.

Travel Advisory For Israel and the Conflict in the Middle-East

Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified, prompting the U.S. Department of State to raise the region’s travel advisory to Level 4—its highest warning—urging Americans: "Do not travel."

Travelers, please review the following materials:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive critical information. If your constituents are struggling to register due to two-factor authentication requirements, have them register as a "Guest".
• Have a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Monitor alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates in the region:
  • Israel, West Bank, Gaza: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information
  • Jordan: https://jo.usembassy.gov/category/alert/
  • Iran: https://ir.usembassy.gov/category/alert/
  • Lebanon:  https://lb.usembassy.gov/category/alert/
  • Iraq: https://iq.usembassy.gov/category/alert/
  • Other U.S. embassies and consulates: www.usembassy.gov 

Last week, I walked through some terrifying math: we’re borrowing 7.3% ($1.2 trillion) of GDP. We are borrowing so much money that the oft-cited idea of “just raise taxes on the rich” would barely make a dent (1.5% of GDP). Interest on the debt is exploding—16% of tax revenue today, 30% in eight years, possibly 45% if rates tick up. But we can fix this: I proposed three bills that fully cover our budget plan without borrowing a dime—reforming Medicare Advantage to cut $1.8 trillion in fraud, adopting a talent-based immigration system to grow the labor force, and reclaiming $1.5 trillion in unspent federal funds.

A Recap of Last Week's Congressional Happenings

Last week was a productive week in Washington, and I want to quickly share some highlights.

• Standing Against Anti-semitism: On Monday, I proudly voted "Yea" on H.Res.481 and H.Res.488, resolutions denouncing the recent despicable and antisemitic attacks in Boulder, Colorado. These votes reinforce our shared values in the district: the importance of a safe and respectful valley community where everyone, regardless of faith or background, feels secure—from Phoenix to Scottsdale and across our entire district.
• Boosting American Business: I also voted yes on H.R.2035, the "American Cargo for American Ships Act,". Improving our local maritime industry will result in more reliable and predictable supply chains. This immediately affects CD1's small businesses, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers by potentially lowering costs and delays, allowing them to prosper and expand.
• Engaging with Treasury Leadership: As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I spoke directly with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a hearing yesterday. We reviewed critical problems affecting AZ01, such as the administration's trade policy, the overall economic outlook, and our national debt. My goal was to make sure that our district's specific issues and priorities, such as helping local businesses and maintaining fiscal prudence, were at the center of national policy conversations.

The Forgotten Funds Act

Last week, I introduced H.R. 3785—the Forgotten Funds Act—which would rescind unobligated discretionary funds currently sitting idle in executive branch accounts.

Right now, the federal government is borrowing over $6 billion every day, while more than $1.4 trillion in borrowed funds remains untouched. This bill is about enforcing basic fiscal discipline: if funds aren’t being used, they should be returned to the Treasury.

Each year, Congress increases agency budgets—even when prior funds go unspent. This cycle of overfunding and underuse fuels inefficiency and adds to our national debt.

Learn more about the Forgotten Funds Act HERE.

Meeting our Congressional Art Competition Winner

It’s always a privilege to meet the rising leaders of our district. Last week, I had the honor of welcoming our 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner, Alyssa Piekarski, from Paradise Valley High School.

Alyssa’s remarkable artwork now hangs in the Capitol, adding beauty to the halls we walk each day on the way to votes. Her talent—and that of all the students who participated—is a powerful reminder of the creativity and promise within our community.

I’m proud to represent a district full of such bright, inspiring young minds. To see this year’s art competition participants for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District please go HERE.

Recognizing Some Amazing Citizens of AZ-01

It’s always encouraging to see new businesses putting down roots in our community. Last week, we joined the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Zen Vitality—a new holistic wellness center that recently opened in Scottsdale. It’s great to see innovative businesses like this contributing to our local economy and expanding wellness options for residents across the district. We wish them all the best as they get started.

We also had the pleasure to attend a Ribbon Cutting and Open House for State 48 Law Firm, which celebrated their new facility, continuous growth, and dedication to our community. State 48 was located in the same office building as my district office in Scottsdale before heading to their new location. I know my district office staff will miss seeing them throughout the office complex.

Ordering a Flag for the 4th of July

 As the Fourth of July approaches, our office is mindful of the profound significance of our nation's flag and the spirit of independence it represents.

For those in AZ01 who wish to honor this occasion in a unique way, our office is privileged to facilitate requests for American flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capitol. Each flag is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Architect of the Capitol. This service offers a meaningful way to bring a piece of national history directly into our communities, whether for display at homes, businesses, or local events throughout our district.

Learn more about flag requests, and order yours HERE.

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