While we work to recover from the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, many aspects of our lives remain beyond our control. Granite Staters face difficult situations and complicated decisions – from school reopenings and working to keep ourselves and our families healthy, to meeting financial obligations and finding reliable child care. These are challenging times, but I continue to be inspired by the resiliency of Granite Staters. Together, we will get through this.
This week, we commemorated 55 years since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law. This is an opportunity to recognize how far we have come and how much work is left to be done to ensure all Americans have equal access to the ballot box. I am committed to restoring the right to vote and to honoring the life and legacy of my friend and colleague, Rep. John Lewis, by continuing his life’s work and fighting to protect the fundamental right to vote.
Fully Supporting the NH National Guard and Their Crucial Work on the Frontlines of the Pandemic
This week, I joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Maggie Hassan, and Congressman Chris Pappas to call on the Trump Administration to reconsider its shortsighted decision to cut federal funding for our National Guard. While the Administration’s decision to extend the activation through December 31 is encouraging, the federal government will only reimburse 75% of the Guard’s activation in New Hampshire – and every other state except Florida and Texas – after August 21st.
The men and women of the New Hampshire National Guard have been on the frontlines working to support our state through the COVID-19 pandemic, and full federal support of the Guard’s deployment remains vital. President Trump should provide an explanation for why some states will continue to be fully supported with federal resources while states like New Hampshire will not.
Standing Up for Farmers
One of my favorite parts about summer here in NH is all of the wonderful farm stands with corn and fresh vegetables. I encourage you to check out your local farm stand if you haven’t already!
On Monday, Representatives Marcia Fudge, Cheri Bustos, Chellie Pingree and I led a group of 19 House Democrats in writing a letter to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to sound the alarm on the USDA’s failure to help small farms, farmers of color, beginning, minority and veteran farmers and others through its implementation of direct payments to farmers and ranchers under the CARES Act and Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Farmers of color have long faced documented discrimination from USDA programs, and little has changed to slow the decline of the number of black farmers and their acreage from where they were a century ago. With America’s farmers, ranchers, producers and suppliers playing a more vital role than ever before in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we support all who enter this line of work.
Protecting the Great Outdoors
I’m thrilled the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law this week. This bipartisan legislation, which I was proud to cosponsor in the House, will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and bolster conservation efforts in New Hampshire so we can continue to enjoy our precious public lands for years to come.
Ensuring Americans Can Make Ends Meet
I was proud to join my New Democrat Coalition colleagues, Representatives Derek Kilmer and Don Beyer, in introducing the Worker Relief and Security Act last week to prevent a lapse in emergency unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today marks twelve weeks since the House voted to extend these emergency benefits when we passed the HEROES Act, but Senate Republicans have failed to act. Instead, they allowed these emergency supplemental benefits to expire, leaving millions of Americans wondering how they are going to make ends meet. This cannot wait – we must act to ensure Americans continue to receive the support they need throughout the health and economic crisis this virus has caused.
Preserving the Iconic 603 Area Code
As New Hampshire residents, we stick together, and we take great pride in our state and what makes us unique. Few other states have one statewide area code. 603 is part of our identity as Granite Staters, and that’s why I joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take action to help prevent the depletion of our 603 area code. This is an iconic symbol of New Hampshire, and we should keep it that way.
News You Can Use
The FDA has updated its list of hand sanitizers that could contain methanol, which can be dangerous. They have also included products that do not contain enough alcohol to be effective. For the list of hand sanitizers that the FDA has warned the public to avoid, click here or visit FDA.gov.
According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States could get COVID-19 cases to more manageable levels by November if we wear masks, keep a safe distance from others at public gatherings, wash our hands thoroughly and frequently, and avoid crowds. Remember, even if you feel fine and aren’t showing symptoms, you still could have the COVID-19 virus and infect others, and masks are an effective way to prevent the spread. Click here for information about how to properly use cloth face coverings to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Excited about my new mask, complete with a map of NH!
The Trump Administration’s reckless decision to cut short census counting efforts will likely cause millions of Americans to go uncounted and be deprived of crucial federal resources. About 4 in 10 households have yet to complete the census – make sure you are counted. To fill out your census, visit http://my2020census.gov
As the state gets ready to begin the process of closing down fixed COVID-19 testing sites, many new testing locations will be opening at hospitals, pharmacies and urgent care centers. COVID-19 tests are available at many locations throughout the Granite State – click here for a list.
I was pleased to see legislation signed into law here in NH to require our county jails to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. My legislation, the Humane Correctional Health Care Act, would do this across the country and provide health care for our justice-involved population so they can access comprehensive behavioral health coverage. This legislation would repeal the federal Medicaid Inmate Exclusion, which strips Medicaid coverage in correctional facilities and shifts the cost burden to states and counties instead. By investing in appropriate health care in our justice system, we can end the vicious cycle of incarceration, addiction, and recidivism. Twelve weeks ago, we passed the HEROES Act in the House, which provides Medicaid coverage for incarcerated individuals 30 days before they are released, and includes a report on the repeal of the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion.
To stay updated throughout the week on my work in Congress and around the Granite State, as well as important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.
Have a fun and safe weekend, and don’t forget to wear a mask when you are in public!
