Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

It was a busy week in the U.S. House of Representatives this week. I would like to encourage you to share this newsletter with others. Please direct them using this link and encourage them to subscribe.

Lesko Meetings

It was great meeting with the Arizona Beverage Association to discuss the strong impact they have on both the Arizona and U.S. economy, including the many jobs they provide.


It was wonderful to meet with Red Bull to discuss the economic and job impact their plant in Glendale, AZ has brought to Arizona.


I was honored to sign the Independent Women’s Forum “Stand With Women Commitment” to promise to continue to fight to protect women and girls.

I had a great meeting with former Arizona Speaker of the House, Andy Tobin from Western Way, and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions to discuss the various clean energy projects taking place throughout Arizona and the need for a diverse energy future.

The National Automobile Dealers Association including NADA director and general manager of Jones Auto Group in Buckeye, Eric Jones, stopped by today to discuss the positive impact automobile dealerships have on the U.S. economy and how potential regulations could harm this key sector of our economy.

Lesko Legislation

This week, I introduced the Fixing Administrations Unethical Corrupt Influence Act (FAUCI Act) to prohibit former employees of covered health agencies from serving on the board of entities involved in the development and research of a drug, biological product, or device; or profiting from such development and research. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) introduced the companion version in the U.S. Senate. As we saw through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot of distrust of government officials and bureaucrats who appear to profit from their work on the taxpayers’ dime after leaving their jobs. My bill seeks to rebuild trust and transparency of this vital component of our nation, holding public servants to higher standards when they leave government. See my full press release here.

Lesko on the Floor

This week, I recognized former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Jan is an outstanding woman and public servant.

Lesko in Committee

Many seniors, including those in Arizona’s 8^th Congressional District, listen to AM radio. That’s why it’s so important they continue to have access to vehicles with this feature.

Listen to my remarks in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing below:

The American people want answers about the COVID pandemic, and so do I. Why is it that all the “experts” disagree?

See my remarks on this during this week’s COVID Select Subcommittee hearing.

Any regulations put on appliances must be technologically feasible, shouldn't increase net costs, and must save a significant amount of energy. Department of Energy Secretary Granholm says she agrees, we will see if that holds true with future DoE regulations.

See my remarks on this and more at the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee hearing below:

Cybersecurity is a serious problem, especially in our healthcare industry where many insurance companies, hospitals, and more have dealt with hacks and security breaches. 

Hear my remarks on this and more from this week's Energy and Commerce Committee Oversight Subcommittee hearing below:

Get the Facts: Biden Takes on Title IX

Last week, the Biden Administration issued their final rule reinterpreting Title IX to include gender identity, essentially leaving all of the protections for women and girls null and void. We have already seen the ramifications of allowing biological men into spaces designated for women and girls. Riley Gaines was denied a national championship, in favor of a competitor nearly a foot taller who had competed in the NCAA men’s division just a couple of years prior. In February, a Massachusetts high school girls basketball team was forced to forfeit a game after a biological man identifying as a woman playing for the opposing team injured three of the players. Former North Carolina high school volleyball player, Payton McNabb, is now suffering from long-term physical and mental injuries after being hurt by a biological male in a high school volleyball match. These are just a few of the horrific stories of trials faced by young girls in sports, and that’s before this Biden policy has even taken effect. Young women and girls across this country will now be put in danger in their bathrooms, their locker rooms, their sports practices, their clubs, and more all just to appease the far left. Luckily, some states have decided to stand up against this radical move by the Biden Administration, including denying that they will follow the guidance and even filing lawsuits. As of Monday, five states sued the Biden Administration to overturn its final rule reinterpreting Title IX including: Louisiana, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, and Texas. Other states such as Florida have also rejected the reinterpretation claiming they will not follow the new guidelines. Any state that does not reject this insanity from President Biden is knowingly putting young girls in harm’s way.

Around the District

Team Lesko joined the Glendale Chamber of Commerce at their ribbon cutting for Mama Lupita’s Restaurant and Bar.

The Western Passport Center (WPC) recently visited my office to give our staff an update on its operations. Our office has helped over 300 constituents obtain passports in this Congress alone! We appreciate all the great work done by the WPC, and we look forward to helping even more constituents before the end of the year.

Casework Highlight

A constituent had not yet received their 2022 tax refund and could not get an answer from the IRS as to why it had not been processed. Our office contacted the IRS on behalf of the constituent and helped resolve an identity issue that had placed the return on hold. The constituent took the appropriate action and received their refund.

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.

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