Dear Friend,
It has been a somber week as our nation says goodbye to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This morning, I paid my respects to Justice Ginsburg in Washington as she made history once again, becoming the first woman to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol. Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer, a champion of gender equality, and a revered jurist. Only the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg empowered us to recognize what we are capable of with her courage and grace. I will forever be grateful for her life, her legacy, and the path that she paved. Justice Ginsburg leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that is larger than life. As we mourn this enormous loss, my thoughts are with her loved ones, colleagues, and friends.
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My floor speech in honor of Justice Ginsburg. Watch here.
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While we mourn this incredible loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Justice Ginsburg. |
As the nation mourns the loss of over 200,000 Americans from COVID-19, there have been positive signs of progress in our ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine for this virus. A safe, effective vaccine that enjoys the full faith of the American people will be crucial to defeating this pandemic. While our nation’s top doctors and experts are optimistic there will be a vaccine next year, we must face the reality that it will be a long while before a vaccine is approved and all Americans have access to it. It’s important that we continue to wear masks, practice physical distancing, and wash our hands frequently. Dr. Anthony Fauci told us this week that even after we have a vaccine for COVID-19, masks and social distancing will remain vital for some time.
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I’m pleased the House worked to advance critical bipartisan legislation that will prevent a harmful and unnecessary government shutdown. As our country continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure that our government remains open to support the economic and public health needs of Granite Staters. Importantly, this legislation includes a provision to save New Hampshire seniors from an increase in Medicare premiums. I urge the Senate to consider this legislation without delay.
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Taking part in the virtual Energy & Commerce Hearing. Watch here. |
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On Wednesday, I participated in a virtual Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on the Affordable Care Act’s impact on health care coverage during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. The Trump Administration’s efforts to sabotage the ACA are nothing new, but they are all the more dangerous as we face the coronavirus pandemic. Over 500,000 non-elderly Granite States - more than half - are living with preexisting conditions, and the ACA gives them crucial protections so they cannot be denied coverage or charged more. I’ll continue working to protect Americans with preexisting conditions, build on the progress we have made, and defend the ACA.
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My virtual discussion with the Chamber of Commerce. Watch here. |
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I met virtually with the US Chamber of Commerce and local Chambers on Wednesday to discuss the effectiveness of COVID-19 relief programs and receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award. While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with unique challenges, we know that by working together to safely restore our economy and help those who are impacted most, we can reestablish New Hampshire’s thriving business community. I’ve heard from many businesses, particularly early on in the pandemic, about issues applying for PPP and EIDL loans, and I was proud to work with a number of them to resolve these difficulties. This discussion gave me important insight into the challenges businesses continue to face during this crisis. I look forward to sharing these insights with my colleagues as we continue working to help businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Our Opioid Task Force Roundtable discussion can be viewed here. |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for those who are struggling with substance misuse and addiction, and technology has become more critical than ever as a tool to help prevent addiction and keep people safe. Yesterday, I led a Bipartisan Opioid Task Force roundtable conversation with members of the Task Force and experts on drug abuse prevention to discuss efforts to use technology to prevent addiction and promote patient safety. This Congress, I introduced the ALERT Act, bipartisan legislation to alert dispensers in real-time when a patient is at risk for abuse or harm by using existing prescription and dispensing data to review patient prescription history, including fill attempts. This is just one of the many ways technology can aid us in our fight to curb the opioid crisis. It was great to hear from these experts about how else technology can be used for this important purpose, and I look forward to our continued work together to support those with addiction and prevent substance misuse.
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Yesterday, we passed the bipartisan Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act in the House. This is an ambitious proposal to transition the US to a clean energy future and cut carbon pollution. I was proud that provisions from my Clean Energy Agenda were included in the legislation. As wildfires rage in the West, hurricanes devastate the Gulf Coast, and drought leaves large parts of the Granite State parched, climate change is making life more difficult for Americans. The Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act is an historic piece of legislation that will create jobs in the clean energy sector and reduce harmful carbon pollution that jeopardizes the health of our planet. I am proud the House adopted my amendment to double funding for the energy workforce program. With more than 12 million Americans unemployed, this provision will help Granite Staters learn the skills they need to land good-paying jobs in the energy industry.
This week, I wrote an op-ed for the Concord Monitor about climate change and our fight to protect our planet. By working together and advancing bipartisan climate initiatives, we can build a better life for future generations and protect our planet that we call home. Read my Concord Monitor op-ed here.
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Speaking on the Floor in Support of Scarlett’s Sunshine. Watch here. |
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I spoke on the House floor yesterday to recognize bipartisan passage of legislation to help research and prevent Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and support families who have lost a child to it. In 2018, my family lost my great-niece Lia to Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) before her first birthday - and our family will never be the same. Each year, roughly 3,500 infants tragically pass away from sudden, unexpected death in the United States, impacting families across this country in unimaginable ways. The bipartisan legislation that the House passed this week, the Scarlett’s Sunshine on Unexpected Death Act, is a comprehensive approach to improving national guidelines and data consistency for sudden infant death and sudden unexpected death for children. I am a proud sponsor of this bill, for my great-niece, Lia, and am pleased to see the House advance this important legislation this week.
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This week, I joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan in applauding the $3.52 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to the town of Bristol to strengthen its flood control infrastructure. Flooding poses a serious threat to New Hampshire businesses and homes, and this funding will help protect Bristol’s local economy. I will continue working to improve our state’s infrastructure and safeguard our communities from natural disasters.
I also joined the NH delegation in announcing the award of over $4.5 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to invest in renovating and modernizing the New Hampshire Northcoast (NHN) railroad line. The Northcoast railroad is crucial to our state’s economy, and this grant is an important investment in our state.
On Monday, the NH delegation and I announced nearly $8 million in federal funds for New Hampshire to support Granite State law enforcement agencies, strengthen the New Hampshire criminal justice system and bolster services for victims of crime in the state. This robust funding will improve public safety in our communities, bolster law enforcement’s efforts to prevent crime and keep Granite Staters safe.
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be mailing letters to people who typically aren’t required to file federal income tax returns but may qualify for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP). The letter urges recipients to visit the special Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool on IRS.gov before the October 15 deadline to register for an EIP.
COVID-19 testing is available at many locations throughout the Granite State - click here for a list of testing sites (and see map below).
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For more info on community-based testing sites, click here. |
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It is important to remember that even if you feel fine and aren’t showing any symptoms, you still could have COVID-19 and infect others, so it is critical to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the virus. In addition, keep a safe distance from others at public gatherings, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, and avoid crowds. Click here for information about how to properly use cloth face coverings to stop the spread of coronavirus.
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While COVID-19 has been the primary virus on people’s minds, influenza (the flu) remains a concern. According to the CDC, getting your flu shot is more important than ever this year to protect yourself and those around you. For more information on where to get a flu shot, click here.
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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
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