Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

It was a busy week at home in Arizona. I would like to encourage you to share this newsletter with others. Please direct them using this link and encourage them to subscribe.

Lesko Visits the Border

This week my staff and I went down to the southern border in Nogales, Arizona. I wanted my staff to see the crisis first hand. Even though I have been to the border multiple times, the crisis has only gotten worse. We walked next to the wall, went in a tunnel, saw how Port of Entry officers inspect cars, semi-trucks and produce, were shown pictures of drug seizures and witnessed groups of illegals being processed. CBP officers told us how most of their officers have been diverted from actually guarding the border to processing illegal immigrants. They told us they estimate the crisis is going to be worse than last year. I cannot stress to you enough how infuriated I am about President Biden and the Democrats open border policies. Over 9.4 million illegal immigrants have entered our country since Biden took office and it is only going to get worse. That is why House Republicans, including myself, passed a strong border security bill out of the House. Unfortunately, Senator Schumer refuses to even debate the bill. Please call Senator Schumer and ask him to pass HR2. 

Lesko Meetings

I had the opportunity to meet with the Church Ambassador Network of Arizona to discuss the need to protect life and pray for strength and wisdom in Congress.


I met with the Arizona State Association of Letter Carriers to talk about increases in crimes against our postal carriers and the need to update postal workers’ technology to keep them safe.
 
It was wonderful to meet with the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority to discuss the readiness levels of rural and unincorporated fire districts in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.

Around the District

Team Lesko attended the Soroptimist meeting where they discussed events and updates on how they are helping women and girls in the community. Soroptimist provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve their goals.


Team Lesko visited the WAYMO automated car service to learn more about the services they offer in the Phoenix area and the bright future of self-driving vehicles.
 
Team Lesko also visited the PING golf headquarters in Phoenix to learn more about the many jobs they provide the community and their rich history in Arizona.

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office after he had an issue with the Department of Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) and their attempt to collect a debt that had already been re-paid while he was in military service. DFAS would not recognize that the debt was paid, so our office contacted DFAS to review the issue. Soon thereafter, DFAS informed the constituent the debt had been paid and no action was required on his part.  

Global Entry Process Renewal

If you already have Global Entry for traveling and have not yet renewed your membership, now may be the time. Eligibility to renew your membership begins one year prior to program expiration, but you will still be eligible to use benefits up to 24 months following your membership expiration date. In order to renew your membership visit the link here. 

Military Academy Nominations

As a member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. This would include nominating candidates for appointment to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. For more information click here.

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, a nation-wide high school art competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district. 2024 Congressional Art Competition submissions are due May 1, 2024. For more information click here.

Mobile Office Hours

Our office is hosting Mobile Office Hours at the Sun City Homeowners Association on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 12:30-2:30 PM. A taxpayer advocate will also be available to help constituents with questions regarding the IRS. 

Tell Congresswoman Lesko

Do you know of a business or location I should visit? Click the link here and let me know!

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. My Surprise district office is open and serving constituents. To make an appointment with the office, please call 623-776-7911.

My Washington, D.C. office is open and answering your calls. Please feel free to contact us via phone at 202-225-4576 or via email by going to my website at https://lesko.house.gov/contact/.

I encourage you to visit the website and to also follow me on Twitter, Instagram and my Facebook page for up to date information on what I'm doing and how my office can help you.

May God continue to bless you and our great Nation.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko