Dear Friend,

Taking Care of Our Veterans

This morning, I joined the New Hampshire Public Radio's The Exchange to discuss the challenges veterans have faced at the Manchester VAMC and throughout New Hampshire. I’m hopeful that the VA MISSION Act—which was signed into law in June - will address some of the underlying issues that have led to failure in care for our veterans. In addition to the provision in the law that I advocated for that expands access to community care for veterans, the law tackles the scheduling and payment problems that have been an issue in Manchester. It also cuts red tape and allows local VA medical centers to implement needed projects in a timely manner. Now, we need to be diligent in ensuring the VA implements these changes in a way that is going to help the brave men and women who have served our country so honorably. 

You can listen to my discussion with NHPR HERE.

Curbing the Opioid Crisis

 On Monday, I visited NHTI, Concord’s Community College, to discuss my Jobs and Opportunity Agenda and the importance of New Hampshire’s healthcare workforce to the local economy. I heard from leaders in the nursing field and nursing students about best practices and initiatives in workforce development and the impact of substance misuse in the community on their work. Yesterday, I went to Harbor Homes in Nashua to hear from Granite State families impacted by substance misuse about the challenges of addiction and to discuss my efforts to tackle the opioid epidemic. In addition to being a public health emergency, the opioid epidemic is an economic crisis. Granite Staters who otherwise would be making valuable contributions to our economy are unable to do so because they are struggling with substance misuse and often are unable to get the care they need. I appreciate the opportunity to hear from NHTI and these families, and I will continue working to expand prevention efforts and access to the treatment services people need to get back on their feet and reclaim their lives.

I’m excited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s announcement on Wednesday that it has approved New Hampshire’s application for $22.9 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2018 to combat the opioid epidemic. In addition, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each gave $3.6 million in funding. The people on the frontlines of the opioid crisis are doing incredible work to stem it, but they need more support, and this funding will bolster the innovative work being done by first responders and healthcare providers across our state. I urge Governor Sununu to work with our leaders addressing the opioid epidemic to make sure that state efforts complement existing programs that are making a real, positive impact in New Hampshire.

Giving New Hampshire Agriculture a Fair Shake

On Tuesday, I toured MacGlaflin Dairy Farm in Claremont to learn more about the farm’s operations and to discuss the challenges Granite State dairy farmers are facing due to President Trump’s tariffs on dried milk products. As a Conferee on the Farm Bill Conference Committee, my priority is ensuring that New Hampshire agriculture gets a fair shake in the Farm Bill. This means that the bill must benefit small family farms like MacGlaflin, rural communities, and vulnerable New Hampshire residents who need food assistance. The Farm Bill has always been a bipartisan piece of legislation, and it is my hope that the Conference Committee can deliver long-term certitude for American farmers and people who experience food insecurity and not just pass anything for the sake of one party scoring points over the other. 

Standing with Survivors of Sexual Assault

I commend Doctor Christine Blasey Ford for having the courage to come forward with her allegation of sexual assault. Dr. Ford knew that telling her story would open her up to the relentless attacks that survivors of sexual violence sadly face all too often. Regardless of the outcome, it is critical that Dr. Ford is treated with the utmost respect throughout the Senate Judiciary Committee process. Sexual violence is one of the most underreported crimes in our society because of the stigma and backlash faced by survivors. As a survivor who did not share my own assault for 40 years, I believe Dr. Ford and understand the difficulty of coming forward because of the stigma placed on survivors of sexual violence. President Trump's comments about Dr. Ford are reprehensible and underscore why it can be so hard for survivors to seek justice. If you or someone you know needs support, visit the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: https://www.nhcadsv.org/

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my Concord office at 603-226-1002 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-5206 with any questions, concerns or ideas you have. Thank you for everything you do to make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to work, live, and raise a family. Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,