This week, we observed Veterans Day, where we come together as a nation to express our profound gratitude to our veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. I was honored to join the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation and Governor Sununu at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen to pay tribute to those who serve and sacrifice to keep us safe. I am committed to ensuring those who have served attain the resources and support they need and deserve when they return to civilian life. Through my work in Congress, I will continue advocating for veterans and their families here in New Hampshire and across the U.S. To the brave Americans who put their lives on the line to keep us safe - thank you.

While we have known for some time that masks are very effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, the CDC confirmed this week that wearing a mask not only protects those around us from the virus, but they also provide significant protection to the person wearing the mask. As Dr. Fauci said, masks are a “two-way street.” They are most effective when we all wear them. For information from the CDC about how to select, wear, and clean your mask, click here.

The Republican-led lawsuit to destroy the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in its entirety was before the Supreme Court this week. It is unconscionable that in the midst of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 240,000 Americans and infected over 10.5 million people in our country, Republicans and President Trump continue to take extraordinary measures to overturn the ACA.

The ACA was an important step in improving access to health care for Granite State families and people across the country. During the oral arguments this week, I was encouraged to hear Chief Justice Roberts acknowledge that the ACA could remain intact without the individual mandate. Now more than ever, during a global pandemic, we must protect the ACA and maintain access to affordable health care.

Discussing the 117th Congress & working with the new administration. Watch here.

I’m excited and looking forward to working with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration on important issues, such as improving access to affordable health care and reducing the cost of prescription drugs. In addition, I’ll work with my colleagues and medical experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci to ensure a safe, reliable COVID-19 vaccine is available to the public so we can begin to put this pandemic behind us. I’ll also continue my efforts to create and grow clean energy jobs and pass legislation that will invest in our nation’s infrastructure and expand opportunity in New Hampshire and across the country. President-Elect Biden and Vice-President Elect Harris want to unify our country, and I look forward to working with the Administration to advance bipartisan legislation in Congress.

Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family intentionally fueled the opioid crisis for their own personal profit - one of the most egregious criminal acts in our nation’s history, which directly contributed to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans. 

This week, I joined Congresswoman Katherine Clark in leading a letter with a group of our colleagues to the Department of Justice demanding that the DOJ delivers real justice for American families and holds Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family accountable for their actions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to affordable, quality health coverage is more important than ever. Enrollment in healthcare.gov is open NOW through December 15th. If you need coverage or want to make changes to your existing plan for 2021, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.

Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is also happening now. From now until December 7th, you can enroll in Medicare health and drug plans. Visit medicare.gov for more information. 

While COVID-19 is at the front of everyone’s minds, it’s important to remember that influenza (the flu) is also a major concern as we approach the winter months. Public health officials and the CDC recommend that Americans 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, and it’s especially important this year during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on where to get a flu shot, click here. 

COVID-19 testing is available at many locations throughout the Granite State - click here for a list of testing sites (and see map below).

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 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!

Sincerely,

Annie