Catching Up with Annie

Read More: Congress must step up to fight climate change

Dear Friend,

Stepping Up to Reduce Carbon Pollution

Yesterday, I signed on as a co-sponsor of the Climate Action Now Act, which would require the Trump Administration to remain in the Paris Climate Accord and to establish a plan for how the United States will meet its commitment to reduce pollution. We know that climate change poses real environmental and economic threats to New Hampshire and the rest of the country, and we cannot allow the Trump Administration to undermine the Granite State’s ability to take on one of the most daunting challenges of our time. We’ve seen communities, towns, and cities throughout New Hampshire step up to reduce carbon pollution and it’s time for Congress to affirm its commitment to protecting our environment for future generations. 

Honoring Vietnam War Veterans

I joined veterans, their families and New Hampshire elected officials at the New Hampshire Veterans Home this morning to give remarks at the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony. This event is held around National Vietnam War Veterans Day and honors veterans of the Vietnam War for their courage and sacrifice. While there are many challenges ahead, ensuring those veterans from the Vietnam era, and all veterans, receive the benefits, thanks, and respect they have earned is one of my top priorities.

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At the Vietnam Veterans Ceremony

Rejecting Bigotry

Yesterday, I voted in favor of H.Res. 124, a bipartisan resolution I cosponsored that opposes President Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This vote is a clear rejection of the bigotry and flawed logic behind this proposal. In addition to violating our nation’s core values, this policy would deprive our armed forces of talented and patriotic individuals, weakening our military readiness. I’m pleased the House took this action, and I urge the President and the Department of Defense to uphold a policy that allows all capable Americans to serve openly in our military without fear of dismissal because of who they are.

Improving Access to Quality Healthcare

I’m excited my legislation, the Protecting Americans with Pre-existing Conditions Act, cleared the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health yesterday. I will not stand by as the Trump Administration continues its attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act and hinder access to quality healthcare for millions of Americans. This legislation would give Americans the peace of mind they deserve by shielding protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions from partisan attacks. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to strengthen and improve access to quality, affordable health insurance for all Americans.

On Tuesday, I joined my House colleagues to introduce the Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions & Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019, legislation aimed at stabilizing the Affordable Care Act. I’ve heard from people throughout New Hampshire who are concerned about their access to affordable, quality healthcare, and this legislation will make a real difference in the lives of Americans by lowering costs and ensuring protections for those with pre-existing conditions. We can’t turn back the clock on the progress we’ve made and must keep working to achieve universal coverage for all Americans.

Ensuring Equal Pay for Women

I was proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which passed the House on Wednesday. This legislation would strengthen and close the loopholes in the Equal Pay Act of 1963. It is completely unacceptable that in 2019 a full-time working woman, on average, earns just 80 cents for every dollar her male coworker earns for the same work. This isn’t just an issue for women, it’s about families and communities that are missing out on hard earned pay. We cannot allow American families who count on a woman to support them to suffer from pay discrimination. I am proud to cosponsor the Paycheck Fairness Act to bring our country one step closer to ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work.

Protecting New Hampshire Small Businesses

On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues, Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Jeff Duncan (SC-03) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) to introduce the Online Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Act. Small businesses in New Hampshire should not be forced to collect sales tax for states across the country, as this will create burdensome red tape and cause headaches for small business owners. Our legislation would protect small businesses in New Hampshire and other non-sales tax states from an online sales tax. I’m pleased our legislation has support on both sides of the aisle and I urge House leadership to bring our bill to the House floor for a vote.

A Disappointing Vote

On Tuesday, I voted to override President Trump’s veto of a bipartisan resolution terminating his emergency declaration at the southern border. Unfortunately, the House was unable to come together to override this veto, which is an attempt to circumvent the will of the American people and Congress. We need real, effective 21st Century border security and immigration solutions, not the partisan rhetoric coming from the White House. 

I Want to Hear From You

My most important responsibility is to serve you, the people of New Hampshire’s second congressional district. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my Washington, DC office at 202-225-5206 or my Concord office at 603-226-1002 with any questions, concerns or ideas you have. I love hearing from you! Thank you, as always, for everything you do to make our state such a wonderful place to live. Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,