Dear Friend,

The health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in tragic loss of life and tremendous financial hardship for countless families and businesses. Cases of COVID-19 are surging here in New Hampshire and across the country - 584 Granite Staters have died, and we have lost over 292,000 Americans to this virus. On Wednesday, our nation pushed past another grim milestone, with the highest daily death toll to date. 

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - this week, an independent FDA vaccine panel recommended that the Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine receive an emergency use authorization. We expect this emergency use authorization to come today or tomorrow, meaning that the United States will soon begin to distribute this safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. This is much-anticipated positive news at the end of a very difficult year, but we can’t let up our efforts to slow the spread of this virus and keep each other safe. We will need to be cautious and careful with Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holiday celebrations this month. The CDC strongly discourages traveling to celebrate with others and large holiday gatherings and instead encourages Americans to celebrate at home with the people they live with or find ways to safely celebrate virtually or outdoors. For more information on how to celebrate the holidays safely, visit CDC.gov. 

Thanks to the incredible work of dedicated doctors and scientists, we will soon have a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19. Pfizer’s vaccine has proven to be 95% effective, which is truly remarkable. We expect to have at least one additional vaccine granted an emergency use authorization by the end of the year, which has also shown to be more than 90% effective, and other vaccine candidates have had promising results as they continue to go through trials. The FDA is expected to officially authorize Pfizer’s vaccine in the coming days, and the first vaccine doses should begin to be distributed to health care workers and long-term care facility residents here in New Hampshire very soon. However, it will be some time before the vaccine is widely available to everyone. We must continue to be patient and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID including wearing our masks, practicing physical distancing, and frequent hand washing.

We are so grateful to the men and women of the New Hampshire National Guard, who have been a tremendous resource in getting us through the coronavirus pandemic. From staffing COVID-19 testing sites and helping with voluntary contact-tracing, to distributing food and critical medical supplies - their COVID-19 response efforts have been so important as cases surge in the Granite State and across the country. 

The NH National Guard activation must be fully federally funded. Our state is already experiencing a severe budget shortfall and with a difficult winter ahead, we need to have every resource available to help those most impacted by the pandemic. Diverting crucial funds to make up the 25 percent the President is withholding risks stretching our cities and towns past their limits. We are urging President Trump to reconsider and restore the full federal reimbursement for the National Guard activation.

I am pleased the House came together in a bipartisan way to pass the National Defense Authorization Act. In these difficult times for our country, it is important for the American public to see elected leaders working together to protect our nation, and I was proud to vote for this bipartisan legislation. 

This bill provides a well-earned pay raise for our men and women in uniform, removes the shameful legacy of the Confederacy from military installations, and will improve access to childcare for Department of Defense families. Most importantly, this bill ensures that our country maintains a strong national defense during a global pandemic and recognizes New Hampshire’s unique role in maintaining our national security.

It was powerful to join survivors and advocates during Wednesday’s Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence virtual roundtable on addressing racial disparities in access to care for survivors. I’m grateful to those who shared their stories and their insights on this critical issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated racial disparities in access to care and support for survivors of sexual violence, leaving survivors of color more vulnerable than ever. We need to address the barriers facing survivors of color and ensure that funding from federal efforts like the Violence Against Women Act, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and other resources are fairly distributed. We also must ensure survivors of human trafficking are helped, not punished, and recognize that unaddressed trauma, especially in children, can directly contribute to run-ins with the criminal justice system.

I look forward to discussing what I heard with my colleagues as we continue our efforts to combat sexual violence and ensure all survivors have access to the care and support they need.

I was pleased to meet virtually with the leadership of AARP NH this week to discuss protections for staff and residents of nursing homes, the importance of the SNAP program and much needed support throughout our state. AARP NH has been a vital resource in our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and I am so thankful for their important work. Over the coming weeks, I will continue to work to ensure that New Hampshire long-term care and nursing facilities receive adequate funding.

Next Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00 PM, I will hold a telephone town hall with NH state health officials to discuss COVID-19 and the plans for vaccine distribution in the state. Stay tuned for information on how to join.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to affordable, quality health coverage is more important than ever. Enrollment in healthcare.gov is open and there are only a few days left to sign up. If you need coverage or want to make changes to your existing plan for 2021, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 by December 15th.

COVID-19 infections are rising rapidly in New Hampshire and across the country. While it’s important to remember that many people who get the virus never develop symptoms, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by understanding how the virus spreads, recognizing common symptoms and warning signs, and by taking the recommended precautions. 

As always, the CDC and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services are the best resources to turn to during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider. If you live in NH and have questions about coronavirus, dial 211 or visit CDC.gov for more information.

To stay updated on my work in Congress and around the Granite State, as well as for 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!

Sincerely,

Annie