Dear Friend,

Never Forget

On Wednesday, people across the country paused to remember the lives that were lost 18 years ago during the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In addition to mourning those who were lost, we honor the brave men and women who saved so many in our greatest time of need – we will carry them in our hearts forever. But remembering is not enough. As my friend Senator Maggie Hassan said so well in her op-ed in the Union Leader, we must work together to prevent future attacks and keep our communities safe. I remain committed to doing just that. You can read Senator Hassan’s op-ed here.

With my colleagues observing a moment of silence on September 11th

Supporting Our Veterans Healing from Invisible Wounds

The Hives and Heroes program at the Manchester VA Medical Center helps veterans cope with invisible wounds while offering a community. My office’s Wounded Warrior Fellow Melanie helped bring the idea to our local Manchester VA Medical Center and I am elated to hear of its success! I will continue working to strengthen the care our veterans receive and I am proud to support programs to improve the lives of our servicemembers living with PTSD and other invisible wounds.

Read more about the program here. 

WMUR story about the program. Read more here.

Protecting Our Environment and Coastal Communities

This week, the House passed legislation to ban oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic, Pacific and Florida Gulf coasts and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Coastal drilling runs the risk of hurting local economies and polluting the water of coastal communities like those on New Hampshire’s treasured seacoast. I was proud to join my colleagues in taking bipartisan action to protect our environment and our coastal communities, and I will continue to support efforts to bar corporate polluters from destroying our environment. 

Discussing legislation to protect the environment. Watch here.

Addressing the E-Cigarette Crisis

On Wednesday, I announced my support for the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019, which was introduced by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ). It is our responsibility to address the public health crisis caused by the irresponsible youth marketing and design of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Across the nation, hundreds of young people have fallen ill, and tragically, some have died, due to e-cigarette use. The Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act is a concrete step towards reducing youth nicotine use and curbing the e-cigarette epidemic. I look forward to our upcoming hearing on e-cigarettes in the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I will keep working with my colleagues to address this public health crisis.

Honoring Our Promise to Veterans

I joined the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Tuesday to encourage the committee to continue prioritizing bipartisan legislation to take care of our nation’s veterans and enhance their access to quality health care. I asked the committee to consider bipartisan proposals that I am proud to support, including: 

-The PAWS Act of 2019 to increase opportunities for veterans to receive service dogs to assist them as they heal from invisible wounds.
-H.R. 713 to enhance access and remove barriers for survivors of military sexual trauma seeking treatment.

It was a joy to return to the committee I served on for six years as I work to honor our nation’s promise to those who have and currently serve.

Expanding Access to Quality Health Care

It was a pleasure to join Kidney Care Partners on Wednesday as we discussed strengthening access to quality, affordable care for those living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thirty-seven million Americans live with CKD, which can require costly, time consuming treatment. These Americans and the millions more living with a preexisting condition deserve greater access to the care they need. Earlier this year, the House passed my bill, the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act, to ensure that no American living with CKD or any other preexisting condition can be threatened by partisan attacks on their care. I look forward to continuing my efforts to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care.

Addressing Kidney Care Partners

Preventing Workplace Harassment

The brave #MeToo stories that have been shared over the last two years have raised awareness of how persistent sexual assault and harassment is. I was proud to sign on this week to cosponsor Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s BE HEARD Act, which would prevent workplace harassment and help ensure everyone is safe and respected on the job. 

Looking Out for Farmers and Rural Communities

I was honored to receive the Golden Triangle Award from my friends at the New England Farmers Union on Wednesday. For over 100 years, the New England Farmers Union has ensured that family farmers, fishers, and ranchers in rural communities across our nation have a voice in our legislative process. I look forward to our continued efforts together to ensure our family farmers and rural communities in the Granite State have the tools they need to succeed.

Receiving my award from the New England Farmers Union

Protecting Communities from Gun Violence

I was glad to see so many of our nation’s business leaders join the effort to urge the Senate to pass legislation to keep our communities safe from gun violence. We passed common-sense, bipartisan legislation to expand background checks and prevent gun violence nearly 200 days ago in the House – legislation that is supported by more than 90% of Americans, both Democrats and Republicans – but Senate Majority Leader McConnell still refuses to act. This is shameful – Congress must do something. I will keep working towards common-sense reforms.

Here For You

I encourage you to continue reaching out to my office with any questions, concerns or ideas you have – I love hearing from you! Thank you, as always, for all the wonderful contributions you make to our great state. Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,