Hello Friends, 

This week, I brought the voices of thousands of Granite Staters to Congress and questioned major oil company executives about their business practices and role in rising gas prices.

Oil companies did lose profits during the pandemic — most Americans did. But one bad year does not excuse the practice of ripping off American consumers.

In New Hampshire, Granite Staters are paying even more than the national average per gallon of gas. It’s past time we promote long-term American energy independence through investments in clean, renewable energy to insulate our economy and consumers from short-term crises.

It was inspiring to witness the Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as our nation’s first Black female Supreme Court Justice. Photo courtesy of TIME.

Government should look like the America it represents, and the Senate’s vote this week to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as our nation’s first Black female Supreme Court Justice reflects the tremendous progress our country has made. 

Judge Jackson’s record speaks for itself – an experienced jurist, she has the knowledge, background, and perspective to resolve some of the most pressing judicial questions of our time as a Supreme Court Associate Justice.

I will continue working to support our service economy and ensure local restaurants can overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19 and remain open to their communities.

Our Granite State restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries, and food service industry play a critical role in our state’s economy and culture — but many are still struggling with pandemic-related debt.

This week, I was proud to vote with my colleagues from across the aisle to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide needed resources to restaurants in New Hampshire and across the country. I urge the Senate to act on this important legislation swiftly. 

In New Hampshire, we saw very early on the devastation of the mental health and addiction epidemic.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health and addiction crisis and pulled back the curtain on the extent of the epidemic, it did not create it. That’s why I founded the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force in 2015, and why I am proud the Task Force — now the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force — has grown to include 145 members from both sides of the aisle, working to bring an end to the crisis.

Earlier this week, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee considered many bills from the Task Force’s 2021 Legislative Agenda to ensure those struggling with addiction and mental health get the support they need.

I will continue working to bring the voices and priorities of our men and women in uniform to Congress.

Our New Hampshire National Guard (NHNG) members go above and beyond to serve the Granite State and our country, and I am proud to bring their voices and priorities to Congress.

It was great to meet with some of the men and women of the NHNG in the Capitol this week and talk about our ongoing work to support them.

From safety equipment to training resources, I am proud to deliver for our New Hampshire first responders.

On Thursday, I met with the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs and discussed their priorities. Our state’s firefighters and first responders put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. It’s essential that we honor their dedication and sacrifice and provide them with the resources they need.

As co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, I am working across the aisle to expand support and tools for survivors in New Hampshire and across the country and hold perpetrators accountable.

Are you a Medicare beneficiary? Medicare will cover up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests each calendar month, at no cost to you. You might need to show your red, white, and blue Medicare card to get your free over-the-counter COVID-19 test.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3JeiQgl

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden extended the pause on federal student loan repayments through August 31, 2022. This extension will assist borrowers in achieving greater financial security and support ongoing efforts to continue improving student loan programs.

Learn more: http://StudentAid.gov

Last-minute flight changes or cancellations? Learn more about your rights and next steps if that happens: https://bit.ly/3uldjRe

If you received the expanded Child Tax Credit advance payments in 2021, you must file your taxes to claim the full amount of the credit — up to $3,600 per child. 

Learn more to take full advantage of this program: https://bit.ly/3gj6S9j

As always, the CDC and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services are the best resources to turn to for information about COVID-19. If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider.

To stay updated on my work in Congress and around the Granite State and for important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. 

I hope you have a safe and fun weekend!

Sincerely,

Annie