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

This week was Police Week! I had a wonderful meeting with the Peoria Police Department to learn how we can better support our men and women in blue here in Congress.


I also attended a vigil with the families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty to honor fallen law enforcement officers.
 

American infrastructure is in dire need of repair. I met with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association to discuss the state of our railroads and how we can improve them moving forward.
 
I met with AMAC to discuss ways we can better serve senior citizens in Arizona and the challenges elder populations face nationwide.
 
I had a great meeting with the Navajo Nation where we discussed issues the tribe is facing with radiation exposure and how Congress can help.


It’s always inspiring having the chance to meet with other women involved in public service. I met with the Dodie Londen group to discuss the challenges conservative women face in politics today.


I met with the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association to talk about how the Biden Administration's regulations are affecting small business owner gas stations, how ethanol causes wear and tear on their equipment, and how credit card fees are affecting their bottom line. 

I stand with America's law enforcement and pledge to oppose any legislation, resolutions, or movements that would defund the police or harm their ability to do their jobs. I met with the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition and signed their pledge to stand against the Defund the Police movement and stand in defense of law enforcement.

Just last year, 865 lives were saved in Arizona from organ donation. It was wonderful meeting with the Organ Procurement Organizations and the Donor Network of Arizona to discuss ways Congress can promote this important lifesaving work.

I met with the Arizona Industries for the Blind to talk about the opportunities they provide for the blind community in Arizona and how Congress can help people with disabilities gain employment and become more connected to their local community.

Lesko on the Floor

I promise to always fight against the Defund the Police movement and stand up for our law enforcement personnel! Watch my remarks on the House Floor for Police Week.

Mayor Skip Hall’s service to the city of Surprise has created a safe, thriving, and prosperous community. Listen to my remarks on his service on the House Floor.

As a resident of Peoria, I was proud to speak on the House Floor and honor Mayor Jason Beck whose service to the city has made Peoria somewhere people are proud to live and be from.

Lesko in Committee

If China is not willing to work with us, why is the NIH so willing to work with them? Why 4 years later, are we still not holding China accountable for the many Americans who died from COVID?

Hear my questions to NIH Deputy Director, Lawrence Tabak, below:

Get the Facts: The Left's War on Law Enforcement

This week was Police Week, and while House Republicans were eager and ready to pass bills strengthening and protecting law enforcement personnel across the country, many Democrat-run cities have not been so keen on doing the same. In FY 21, more than 20 cities reduced police funding to appease the woke mob’s rallying cry to “defund the police.” Some of the most egregious budget cuts include Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Denver. Since then, crime has seemed to take over our streets, in part due to a lack of respect for law enforcement as Biden’s open-border policies, and other leftist-policies have kept officers from doing their jobs such as Illinois’ new no-cash-bail policy. In 2023, in a study across 32 cities, it was found that homicide rates were 18% higher in 2023 than in 2019. In our own nation’s capital, police officers were shot in the line of duty by illegal immigrants. Another officer was killed by an illegal immigrant in Washington State. Earlier this year, NYPD officers were assaulted by illegal migrants right outside of a New York migrant shelter, provided to them partially through funds that were redirected from the NYPD budget. This week, House Republicans stood up and said enough is enough. We passed the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act, the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act Reform Act, the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, and more. If local governments will not take care of their police, we will. I promise to always stand against the “defund the police” movement, and I promise to always back the blue.

Around the District

Team Lesko attended the inaugural Veterans Mental Health Community Forum that allowed participants to learn more about innovative approaches to veterans’ services and care. There are so many great resources for our heroes in the district!

Team Lesko attended Veterans Coffee Hour hosted by Veterans Affinity and Dignity Memorial. Our office presented the Library of Congress Veterans’ History Project to attendees. The Veteran’s History Project collects and preserves documents of U.S. military veterans to serve as a research facility for primary sources concerning military history.

Casework Highlight

A disabled constituent attempted to work for a period of time through a placement service. Ultimately, they were unable to continue the job due to their disability and subsequently left. During this period of employment, the Social Security Administration (SSA) stopped their benefits and would not resume the benefits after he was no longer working. We brought this to the attention of SSA who corrected the problem.  The constituent was awarded both backpay and a reinstatement of benefits.

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