Dear Friend,

No words can fill the void left in the lives of those who have lost a family member, friend, or community member to COVID-19. This week, our state crossed the heartbreaking milestone of 1,000 deaths as a result of this virus. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the 1,022 Granite Staters who have lost their lives. More than 430,000 Americans have died as a result of this virus, and nearly 26 million have been infected. These numbers are staggering, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We have two safe, highly effective vaccines for COVID-19 that are being produced and distributed to combat this deadly virus, and today we learned that another promising vaccine may be available soon. But like most Americans, I’ve been frustrated with the slow pace of the vaccine rollout. 

There’s no greater public health priority than administering the vaccines to Americans as quickly as possible – as a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, this is my top priority. This week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to improve our nation’s immunization information systems and ensure the efficient and equitable distribution of vaccines in the Granite state and across the country. Last week, I introduced legislation to increase our efforts to manufacture and distribute the COVID vaccines and support the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to get shots into arms.

I’m pleased President Biden announced that he will reopen the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) online marketplace, HealthCare.gov, this week. No one should be forced to choose between their health insurance and putting food on the table. Access to affordable, quality health insurance for all Granite Staters is crucial, especially during a public health crisis like COVID-19. I’m glad to see President Biden put the needs of Americans first and I will continue working to ensure individuals and families in New Hampshire have the support they need to get through this pandemic.

I joined Rep. Peter Welch this week to introduce legislation that will provide $10 billion in utility debt relief for Americans struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before COVID-19 hit, many families in the Granite State and across the country struggled to pay their utility bills. The coronavirus pandemic has put additional stress on many households, creating a more widespread challenge during the cold winter months. We cannot let our most vulnerable citizens go without the essential utilities they need during this public health crisis. The Energy Debt Relief for American Families Act would help families stay connected to the services they need while preventing other ratepayers from ultimately paying off their debt. I urge my colleagues to support this beneficial bill.

Yesterday, our nation marked 35 years since the Challenger disaster, which took the lives of seven people, including Concord High School teacher Christa McAuliffe. Christa was an exceptional person who reached for the stars and inspired her students to do the same. I was honored to help efforts in the House of Representatives to create a commemorative coin to keep Christa’s pioneering spirit alive as she continues to spark a passion for science and exploration among younger generations.

Equal work should equate to equal pay, regardless of gender. It is unacceptable that in 2021, on average, women make 81 cents for every dollar their male counterparts make. This isn’t just an issue for women, it’s about families and communities that are missing out on hard-earned pay. We cannot allow American families who count on a woman to support them to suffer from pay discrimination. I am proud to co-sponsor and help reintroduce the Paycheck Fairness Act to bring our country one step closer to ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work, and I urge my colleagues to support this crucial legislation.

This week, the world paused to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, on the 76th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. We honor and grieve for the millions of innocent men, women and children killed during this horrific and shameful period in human history. It is vital that we never forget what happened - we must remain committed to fighting against bigotry and hatred and work to build a more inclusive and accepting society for all people.

Sign-ups for Phase 1B of New Hampshire’s COVID-19 vaccination process are now open. Phase 1B opens vaccine registration to:

• Those 65 years or older
• Those under 65 but medically vulnerable
• Residents or staff of residential facilities
• Correctional officers working in facilities

Confirm your eligibility and register for your vaccination on www.vaccines.nh.gov/. If you need assistance, you can call 2-1-1 for help. 

I was honored to nominate 26 talented young men and women this week to attend our nation’s esteemed military academies. Preparing for military service is an admirable but difficult endeavor, and these students have shown they are up to the task. I know they will make our state and our country proud! 

I’m thrilled the Biden-Harris Administration reversed the bigoted and cruel discriminatory policy set in place by the previous administration that banned transgender Americans from serving openly in our military. Our military members represent the best among us, and any brave, qualified individual willing to serve our country should be able to.

It is encouraging that Defense Secretary Austin ordered an assessment of sexual assault in our military. Our service men and women give so much to our country, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are protected and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I will continue working to end sexual assault in our military and hold those responsible for such crimes accountable. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an outsized effect on women and girls - and the only way we are going to build back from this pandemic and pave a path forward for a better future is if we address the economic, opportunity and social disparities facing women and girls. I’m glad President Biden established a White House Gender Policy Council to focus on uplifting the rights of girls and women, and look forward to working with the administration to ensure all Granite Staters have a chance to get ahead. 

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. 

Remember: hope and brighter days are on the way! We’re all in this together, and we will come out stronger on the other side. I hope you have a fun and safe weekend!

Sincerely, 

Annie