Dear Friend,

This week, as our country’s long overdue conversation on sexual harassment and assault continues, I joined Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressmen Ryan Costello (D-PA) and Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) to introduce bipartisan legislation to prevent and respond to sexual harassment in Congress. The Member and Employee Training and Oversight On (ME TOO) Congress Act will require mandatory annual training for Members and staff, implement climate surveys to show the true scope of this problem, give interns and fellows the same protections as full-time staff, end forced mediation, and provide better support for victims and whistleblowers. If we are going to confront the challenge of sexual assault and harassment, we need to start with lawmakers and people in power. I’m committed to continuing to work across the aisle to foster safer environments in all workplaces, on college campuses, in our military, and throughout our communities. 

You can watch our full press conference introducing the ME TOO Congress Act here. 

Introducing the ME TOO Congress Act on Wednesday

In addition, I remain committed to doing everything I can to combat the opioid crisis that is devastating communities in New Hampshire and all around the country. I’m pleased the Senate passed my bill, the VA Prescription Data Accountability Act, earlier this week. The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest prescribers of narcotics in the country and any effective national prescription drug monitoring program must include the VA. The VA is in a position to be a leader in improving opioid prescribing and pain management practices, and a robust prescription drug monitoring program is a critical component of that effort. I’m encouraged that Congress was able to come together across the aisle to make this commonsense improvement, and I urge the President to sign it into law.

Unfortunately, the House of Representatives took the wrong action yesterday when it voted to pass the Republican tax plan. We need tax reform that starts with the goal of providing tax relief for those in the economy who need it most; instead, this bill is little more than a giveaway to big corporate interests and wealthy individuals while hurting many middle class families who will see their taxes increase in the coming years. The bill is particularly damaging for students with college debt, seniors with high medical bills, and hospitals, colleges, and communities that rely on tax exempt bonds. I urge my Republican colleagues to abandon their partisan efforts and work in a unified way to provide tax relief that starts with the middle class.

As always, I love hearing from you. Your insights, questions, and stories are what drive me to work hard on your behalf each day. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my Concord office anytime at 603-226-1002.

Thank you and enjoy the weekend!