Showing posts with label Congress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Congress. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update For the prior 2 weeks (as of 3/19/24)


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LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW

I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed.

  • Introducing legislation to hold social media corporations accountable for youth mental health
  • Supporting TikTok's divestment
  • State of the Union recap
  • Lowering drug prices
  • Ukraine aid update
  • Bay State students in Washington

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  • Biotech conversation with European consuls general
  • Talking taxes with Citizens for Citizens
  • Visiting Mansfield
  • Delivering funds for bridges, clean water, and after-school activities

On the Hill

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Introducing legislation to hold social media corporations accountable for youth mental health: I was excited to welcome Myrieme Nadri-Churchill, one of my constituents from Brookline, as my guest for President Biden's State of the Union. Myrieme is the Executive Director of Parents for Peace, a non-profit that empowers families, friends, and communities to prevent teens from falling victim to radicalization, violence, and extremism online using a public health approach.

With the help of Myrieme's invaluable counsel, I recently introduced legislation to hold social media companies accountable for their effects on American youth. The Verifying Kids Online Privacy Act would build on the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 2000 (COPPA) by 1) increasing the internet age of adulthood from 13 to 16, and 2) requiring social media companies to verify the ages of their users in a privacy-protected manner.

As the youngest Democratic parent in Congress, I am intent on ensuring that parents don't have to fight the Big Tech companies alone. Congress must protect our children's well-being from the greed of social media platforms that productize our children's attention spans for the benefit of advertisers. 

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Supporting TikTok's divestment: Last week, I voted to force TikTok to separate from its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, as the first step in a comprehensive policy to support youth mental health and de-platform disinformation. Under Chinese law, TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. 

There are three steps Congress should take: 
  • Step 1: Force TikTok to answer to Congress, not the Chinese Communist Party.
  • Step 2: Pass my legislation to raise the age of internet adulthood from 13 to 16.
  • Step 3: Hold social media corporations accountable for illegal actions committed on their platforms, through Section 230 reform. 

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State of the Union recap: I joined MSNBC following President Biden's State of the Union address to share my key takeaways on the sharp contrasts the president laid out between Democrats' and Republicans' positions on reproductive freedom, affordable healthcare, addressing gun violence, and defending our allies against dictators. The enduring legacy of Obamacare is just one example. For over a decade, Democrats have been fighting on behalf of the American patient to protect those with pre-existing conditions, and we're going to continue that fight against insurance companies to lower prescription drug costs. 

The president opened the speech by directly linking January 6th with the Ukraine war: both are examples of authoritarians trampling on the rule of law. Russians didn't get a free and fair vote for their president in 2024; but Americans do. We must consider which vision of the American future to believe in – possibilities and progress or anger and regression. 

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Lowering prescription drug pricing: I joined The Hill for a fireside chat focused on lowering prescription drug pricing. I discussed my plan to rein in pharmacy benefit managers, which are drug-pricing middlemen owned by Fortune 50 health insurance companies. In particular, I advocated bipartisan legislation I helped introduce in the House, the Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act, which would sever the link between PBM compensation and the cost of medications. After decades of aggressive lobbying by the likes of UnitedHealthcare, Congress must get serious about holding these drug-pricing middlemen accountable. In his State of the Union speech, President Biden highlighted how Democrats were able to come together to take on the health insurance companies and pass Obamacare in the 2010s. This decade's fight against the insurance lobby must include lowering drug costs through PBM reform.

Ukraine aid update: I spoke with CNN's Kasie Hunt about the immediate need for Congress to authorize additional military assistance for our allies in Ukraine. I signed a discharge petition filed by Congressman McGovern to force a vote on Ukraine aid in the House. Congress has the votes to fund Ukraine in its fight for freedom, but Speaker Johnson refuses to allow an up-or-down vote on the floor. I encourage all my Democratic colleagues – and those Republican Members who quote Reagan in their campaign ads – to join me and sign the discharge petition.

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MA-04 students in Washington: I welcomed groups from Dexter-Southfield, Dover-Sherborn, and my own alma mater, Newton North, over the last two weeks during their annual trips to D.C. With our nation's Capitol as the backdrop, I talked to students about the importance of social media regulations (they didn't always agree), supporting Ukraine, and defending democracy at home and abroad. They asked questions about a typical day in the life of a Congressman and how I got the job. I advised them to be willing to take risks in pursuit of their curiosity. I'm always impressed by how thoughtful and engaged Bay State students are.

Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. 

Do you support forcing TikTok to be owned by a U.S. company?

 

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Around the Fourth

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Biotech conversation with European consuls general: I met with consuls general from Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy to discuss how the life sciences in Massachusetts
factor into the global biotech enterprise. In the wide-ranging conversation, we discussed the importance of immigration, medical research, IP laws, and commercialization policies that reward makers, not takers. A booming biotech sector has propelled the Bay State's economy for over twenty years, but policymakers should not allow our success to justify complacency. Other states and countries–friends and foes alike–are competing hard. 

In my recent op-ed on the subject in the Boston Globe, I explain how Congress should support progress: 
"Rationalizing the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, as recently advised by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, is one opportunity to reward biotech makers and discourage snake-oil salesmen, by simultaneously streamlining and toughening regulations. Another example is regulating pharmacy benefit managers, the middlemen of the drug supply chain who decide on behalf of insurance companies which drugs patients can access. The PBMs take billions in profits that should be directed to lowering patients' out-of-pocket costs.

In addition to supporting talent and passing pro-maker policy, policymakers should also provide infrastructure and standards for the life sciences. Clinical trials are the most expensive phase of biomedical innovation and are getting costlier. Improving the efficiency and diversity of clinical trials would be a rising tide to lift all biomedical boats, and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, which I helped site in Massachusetts, should make it a priority.

Another way to lift all boats is standardization, especially across bio-manufacturing, a growth sector for Massachusetts. Standardization of conventions, measures, and data reduces friction and amplifies U.S. soft power in international industry, as it did for telecommunications."

Talking taxes with CFC: I met with Citizens for Citizens (CFC), a Massachusetts Community Action Agency that assists over 30,000 individuals in the Greater Fall River and Taunton areas each year to provide short-and long-term services for low-income individuals and families. CFC provided information about free tax prep services offered through the Massachusetts Association for Community Action

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services for qualifying taxpayers. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years and provides free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their tax returns, including:
  • People who generally make $64,000 or less
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers

Our district has five VITA locations: CAN-DO in Newton, Citizens for Citizens in Fall River, Franklin Public Library in Franklin, and High Street Veterans Family Learning Center and Trustman Family Learning Center in Brookline. You can find the one nearest to you using the IRS locator tool: Find a Location for Free Tax Prep.

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Visiting Mansfield: I kicked off a full day in Mansfield by meeting with seniors at the Village at Willow Crossing, a senior living community that over 200 seniors call home. I toured the neighborhood and main lodge, which features 24-hour healthcare support that includes expert mind and memory care developed with Alzheimer's specialists. We discussed Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices and the lowering of Part D costs for millions. Now, Congress must ensure that health insurance companies are passing on further negotiated prescription drug savings to patients.

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Next, I joined seniors for the town's annual St. Patrick's Day Lunch at the Mansfield Council On Aging, where we continued the conversation on the future of Medicare. Many also asked about Social Security, and I emphasized my commitment to protecting those earned benefits as well as my continued support of the Social Security Fairness Act and the Social Security 2100 Act.

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Then, alongside Rep. Adam Scanlon and Town Manager Kevin Dumas, I toured the Cate Springs PFAS treatment plant, which was funded in part by the American Rescue Plan. Cate Springs is one of several local PFAS treatment facilities supported by federal funds. Clean drinking water is a human right, and since taking office I have directed millions of dollars to local PFAS remediation.

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Finally, I wrapped up the day at the Mansfield BioIncubator to meet with the startup Aclarity, which electrochemically destroys PFAS using technology invented in Massachusetts. Tougher EPA regulations are rightfully pushing industry, landfills, and treatment plants to eliminate PFAS rather than cycle it.

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Delivering wins for the MA-04: I am excited to announce that my office was able to secure $14,000,000 in Community Project Funding for important infrastructure projects across the district. We focused on bridges, clean water, and affordable housing.

Onwards,

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Jake

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WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110


Contact



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Saturday, January 27, 2024

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update on the last 2 weeks (as of 1/26/24)


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LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW

I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed.

  • Standing with hostages
  • Defending Ukraine
  • Securing the border
  • In the weeds with the IT industry
  • Combatting Antisemitism
  • Building more housing

          —

  • Honoring MLK
  • Visiting Fall River
  • Young Israel Sharon
  • Tackling opioids & meth

On the Hill

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Standing with the Hostages: I joined fellow Members of the House in standing behind hostage families at a candlelight vigil to commemorate 100 days since Hamas slaughtered, raped, and tortured innocent civilians and took hundreds more hostage. Congress must remain united in pursuing the release of all hostages.

Defending Ukraine: I voted against Speaker Johnson's short-term funding measure. Consistent with my position from last summer, I will not bail the Republicans out of their continuing dysfunction unless they present a clear, credible, and concrete plan to fund Ukraine. Ukrainians are caught between Putin to their East and Trump to their West while they fight on the front lines of the free world, in their pursuit of self-determination. The funds already approved have had tremendous return on investment – making Russia weaker, NATO stronger, and boosting U.S. industrial capacity and jobs, including a billion dollars for Bay State industry alone. Congress must stop delaying and start shipping more materiel to our ally. I joined CNN to discuss my vote. You can watch it here

Securing the border: I am angered by reports that Senate Republicans plan to torpedo an impending bipartisan deal to fund Ukraine and secure our border. By their own admission, they are responding to Trump's request that he wants to campaign on the border, so he doesn't want them to govern on it. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Mike Johnson must demonstrate political courage in standing up to Trump and MAGA in order to govern for the good of the country.

Last month, I joined state and local officials and service providers to deliver meals to migrants in our community. I remain committed to passing bipartisan immigration reform like the DIGNITY Act, which would upgrade border security and pre-process migrants in countries of origin; streamline & rationalize asylum & visa pathways; provide documentation and dignity to DREAMers; and help fund the upskilling of American workers.

Legislating on immigration in an election year is a tall order, but I will continue to press for pragmatism and compromise in order to improve border security and ensure due process.

In the weeds with the IT industry: I met with members of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) to discuss the importance to the IT industry of strong intellectual property laws; access to global markets; and a thriving U.S. R&D ecosystem. These issues are not just critical to outcompeting China, they are also impactful to the Massachusetts economy.

Combating Antisemitism: In response to the Boston City Council's vote against accepting counter-terrorism funds, I sent a letter to Council President Ruthzee Louijeune urging the council to approve the funding when Mayor Michelle Wu re-submits the request. The Boston Globe concurred in an editorial. Regrettably, the Boston City Council has again delayed approval.

The Israel-Hamas War has heightened our region's need for counter-terrorism security measures, as underscored in recent congressional testimony by the FBI Director. Greater Boston is a national hub for the Jewish community. As antisemitism proliferates, counter-terrorism funding is more pertinent than ever. Impeding its disbursement could undermine the trust of Greater Boston's Jewish community. It is imperative that the City Council reconsider and approve these federal funds to support the safety of Greater Boston, including the town of Brookline in our district, which would be covered under the grant.

Building more housing: I sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee requesting the expansion of the successful Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program in the bipartisan tax package. I am happy to report the expansion was included in the bill that House Ways & Means approved. You can read more about the proposal, which also includes an expansion of the Child Tax Credit and inducement of corporate research & development, here.

Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. 

Do you support federal tax credits for affordable housing?

 

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Around the Fourth

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Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: Needham Select Board Member Marcus Nelson and I spoke about our work to advance affordable housing as a foundation of racial justice at Needham's MLK celebration. The celebration's theme was building bridges, not walls. Exclusionary zoning is a paper wall. We can't build bridges if we can't build housing.

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Image Credit: Colin Furze, the Herald News

Visiting Fall River: With Mayor Paul Coogan, I visited the Homeless Overflow Shelter at the Timao Center, where federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding has supported the Shelter's dynamic team of first responders, substance abuse counselors and mental-health practitioners in treating the homeless population and putting these individuals on the path to self-sufficiency. At the Highland Head Start Birth to Five Center, I heard from early educators about the hundreds of children on their waiting list and the 'two generation' model they pursue, where they uplift both children and their parents. I then toured the Veterans Association of Bristol County, where Executive Director Ken Levesque explained his efforts to expand from a food pantry to a full-service veterans-services hub for southeastern Massachusetts, encompassing social services and community building.

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Young Israel Sharon: I joined the members of several Sharon temples at Young Israel of Sharon on Sunday, where I reiterated my support for the Israeli people and encouraged Israel's war cabinet to articulate achievable aims of returning all hostages; degrading Hamas to prevent it from waging further attacks; and establishing transitional governance for Gaza that is consistent with both Israel's security and the aspiration of the Palestinian people for a state of their own. Israel's reported offer of a two-month pause in return for all hostages is an important step in that direction. Hamas' rejection of the offer is another example of that terrorist organization's barbarity and the necessity of destroying its leadership and excluding it from governance.

Tackling Opioids & Meth: I met with the director and analysts from New England's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program. The HIDTA Program is funded from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and has a track record of success fusing government efforts in three domains:

  • Driving tight feedback loops between federal, state, and local law enforcement
  • Combining public safety with public health
  • Addressing drug trafficking along with related threats, including money laundering and illegal gun distribution
HIDTA briefed me on substance-abuse trends in Massachusetts, where in addition to the opioid crisis the analysts highlighted the alarming rise in methamphetamine abuse in the commonwealth, which previously has been spared that scourge. We also discussed bipartisan reauthorization of the HIDTA Program and the local Coast Guard's role in drug interdiction. This last element is of particular interest to me as a Member of the Coast Guard & Maritime Subcommittee and as a former commander of a joint training team for drug interdiction in Panama.

Onwards,

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Jake

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WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110


Contact



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Thursday, January 11, 2024

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the last 2 weeks (as of 1/09/24)


Congressman Auchincloss

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW

I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Happy New Year!

On the Hill

2023 Recap


2023 Recap: Despite a year of GOP dysfunction in Congress, my staff and I were able to visit all 35 cities and towns in MA-04, help nearly 2,000 constituents with casework, and make important progress on key issues. In 2024, I'll continue pursuing bipartisan avenues to lower drug prices, advance gun violence prevention legislation, and protect democracy at home and abroad. You can visit my website to learn more about how my office can help you cut through red tape and navigate the federal government in 2024.

January 6th Anniversary: This weekend marked the 3rd anniversary of the insurrection on January 6th – one of the worst days in American history. January 6th was not a choice between Democrat or Republican. It was a choice between the Constitution or authoritarianism. The choice remains.

Outcompeting China: I recently opposed and offered a parallel opinion to the House Select Committee on China's economic report. My objection is centered around the idea that the U.S. economy will outcompete China's by emphasizing science, education, and a pro-growth business climate, not industrial policy. You can read my full opinion here.

Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. 

Do you support investing in science and education, instead of industrial policy, to out-compete China?

 

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Around the Fourth

Congressional App Challenge


Congressional App Challenge: Congratulations to Ritika Roy, a high-school junior from North Attleborough who attends Bishop Feehan High School, for winning the Congressional App Challenge with 'Handshake', an app that real-time translates American Sign Language into English, and vice versa. Ritika demonstrated impressive technical skill and product development sophistication. Runners-up were Aishwaryalakshmi Saravanan (Sharon), Neha Raj (Sherborn), and Sophia Yan (Newton) for apps dedicated to breast cancer research, insights into state legislators' records, and homework planning. Our guest judge, Michael Costello (Newton), evaluated the technical coding elements for the challenge. The creativity and technical facility of all these high-schoolers is impressive, and the conversation was especially fun for me as a former tech product manager. 

Supporting Migrants: I joined state and local officials and social service providers to bring necessities, and some holiday gift bags, to migrant families at a motel in the district. Speaking with the on the ground service providers at the motel, the National Guard, and first responders who were running a vaccine clinic made me proud of the Bay State's 400-year tradition of welcoming new arrivals to our Commonwealth and integrating them into the economy and society.

I remain committed to securing federal funding to backfill the state's outlays on shelter and services, and to passing bipartisan immigration reform like the DIGNITY Act, which would upgrade border security and pre-process migrants in countries of origin, streamline and rationalize asylum and visa pathways, provide documentation and dignity to DREAMers, and help fund the upskilling of American workers.

Turkish-American Business Owners: I met with Turkish-American professionals at Lazzoni Furniture in Newton for a wide-ranging conversation on housing, workforce, and science. They are a tight-knit community whose stories underscore how critical immigration is to the dynamism of our culture and economy here in Massachusetts. Next time will be a breakfast event so that I can enjoy my favorite drink – Turkish coffee.

Visiting Franklin: With my partners in state and local government, I visited three sites in Franklin where federal action can drive progress. At the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, we discussed our efforts in ongoing negotiations with CSX Rail to purchase land in order to extend the trail to downtown Franklin. At the fire station, we celebrated the chief's recent string of success with federal grants for training and equipment, and got an update on his plans for the next application, this one to accommodate the increase in mental-health calls. Finally, we toured the Nu-Style brownfield, where the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding the cleanup necessary to redevelop the formerly polluted site.

I also visited the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin to see their programming, from electrical and HVAC to nursing and law enforcement, and to get briefed on their construction plans for a recently approved new facility, and how Congress's landmark climate law may be able to help lower the school's energy bills through tax credits for renewable sources.

I then toured Dean College, also in Franklin, and met with President Kenneth Elmore to learn about their new biomanufacturing certificate, an addition to curriculum widely known for theater and dance. As the Democratic Chair of the House STEM Caucus, I'm committed to supporting the full scope of STEM careers, from precision manufacturing through trades through R&D.

Islamic Center of New England: I met with members of the Islamic Center of New England at Sharon to tour the mosque and for, as they put it, a hard and heartfelt conversation on the war in Gaza. While we respectfully diverged on some geopolitical issues, we connected deeply, as Americans and as parents, on the tragedy of war and the suffering it brings to children; on the promise of the United States to treat all its citizens equally regardless of color or creed; and on the value of human-to-human conversations to demonstrate common ground and to build trust. I was particularly moved by the story of one member's grandmother, who taught herself the Quran, the Torah, and the Bible to widen her worldview.

Charlotte Elwy, of Wellesley

Congressional Award: In 1979, Congress established the Congressional Award Foundation to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Charlotte Elwy, of Wellesley, is the most recent laureate from the Massachusetts Fourth, earning a Silver Award for 200 hours of public service, 100 hours of personal development, and 100 hours of physical fitness. I encourage all Bay Staters between the ages of 13 and 24 to consider pursuing the Congressional Award.

Onwards,

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Jake

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WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110


Contact







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Saturday, December 30, 2023

Congressman Auchincloss Summarizes His 3rd Year in Congress representing the 4th District

This year has proved to be turbulent with Republicans taking over the majority and their constant infighting derailing even basic governance. Despite the political theater and GOP-manufactured dysfunction, Congressman Jake Auchincloss was able to achieve results: working to take on special interests to lower healthcare costs; working with the Biden administration to curb gun violence despite Republican control of Congress; establishing an influential voice on U.S. foreign policy regarding China, Ukraine, and Israel; and continuing to deliver top-notch constituent services.       

Legislative Victories and Representing Values

Rep. Auchincloss was appointed to the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In this committee he has fought for increased investment in science and education and an emphasis on sustaining U.S. leadership for the rules-based, international order instead of turning towards protectionism and isolationism. 

Unanimously passed legislation, the U.S. Supply Chain Security Review Act, through the House to assess the potential economic security and supply chain risks of foreign ownership of marine terminals at major U.S. ports. 

Led a letter with 67 House Members urging the inclusion of funding for safe firearm storage education in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Worked to lower health care costs and cut out greedy drug-pricing middlemen by co-leading or cosponsoring the following bills: the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, the Protect Patients Against PBM Abuses Act and the Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act.

Delivering Results at Home 

Outreach
  • Visited all 35 cities and towns in the district
  • Visited 47 businesses and nonprofit organizations in person across the district
  • Held 32 in-person or virtual town halls to share legislative updates and hear what’s on constituents’ minds. 
  • Hosted 13 youth-focused events to engage with young people across the district on topics ranging from climate change, mental health/social media, anti-Semitism, career readiness, and more.
  • Engaged 100+ students across the district via the Congressional App Challenge, Congressional Art Competition, and Military Academy nomination process.

Casework
  • 1975 casework inquiries completed
  • Casework completed for constituents in every city and town in the district
  • $285,569 of tax refunds returned
  • 740 emergency passports secured
  • Assisted 128 constituents with obtaining Social Security benefits
  • Assisted 339 constituents with navigating the US immigration system


Effectively Communicating and Making a Name for Himself in the Next Generation of Democratic Leaders 

Congressman Auchincloss continued his aggressive “go everywhere” media strategy this year, using his unique voice to meet audiences where they are. Called “as media-friendly as anyone on the Hill these days,” it was noted that “the second-term representative, [is] well, everywhere…[and] maintains a relatively aggressive schedule of cable TV appearances.” Thanks in part to this media strategy, Auchincloss “has emerged as a rising star in Massachusetts politics.” 

During his third year in office he has made over 225 local and national television appearances and penned national and local op-eds appearing in The Boston Globe, The Daily Beast, The Hill, The Economist, Iowa Starting Line, FOX, and Commonwealth Magazine. 

Congressman Auchincloss made headlines for being the first member of Congress to deliver a speech written by AI on the House floor. Auchincloss – who offers a unique perspective on emerging technologies as one of the few millennials in Congress and as someone with a background in the tech sector – helped kickoff one of the most closely watched debates on Capitol Hill, AI regulation. 

Congressman Auchincloss has used his position on the Select Committee on China and military background to become a leading voice in the Democratic Party on foreign policy issues including being an outspoken advocate for defending democracy abroad. He has taken a leading role in advocating for more aid for Ukraine, including during a speaking engagement at the Texas Tribune Festival; has been out front on supporting Israel’s right to defend itself; and calling for the US to stand with Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies against Chinese aggression.   

Called the “defender in chief,” Auchincloss has taken a leading role in pushing back on bad faith attacks against President Biden and his agenda while in a Republican controlled House. An “outspoken defender of President Biden on foreign policy,” Auchincloss has stood up for Democratic values both locally and nationally – featured in publications such as The New York Times. Auchincloss will continue to be a strong surrogate for the administration as a compelling voice among emerging Democratic leaders who can talk to a diverse audience. 

As we head into another year of Republican control, Congressman Auchincloss will continue to secure local wins despite being in the minority; stand up for Democratic values; and lay the groundwork for legislation that can be adopted when Democrats reclaim the gavel. 

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update from the last two weeks (12/19/23)


Congressman Auchincloss: An Update from the last two weeks (12/19/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW

I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed.

On the Hill

Congressman Auchincloss


National Defense Authorization Act: I support a strong U.S. military, especially in this more dangerous world for democracy. I voted 'No' on the NDAA because the Pentagon, as the world's biggest bureaucracy, should do 10% more with 10% less. As I said this summer, after my previous 'No' vote, the 10% savings would be enough to fund Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

Following the vote, I spoke on the House floor to call attention to Congress' failure to deliver for our democratic allies abroad before leaving Washington for the holidays. I asked that the House return to vote as soon as possible to approve the separate funding package that President Biden is requesting for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian support for Gaza.

Republicans' Incoherent Impeachment Inquiry: Last week, House Republicans voted to launch a baseless impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

Instead of working to lower costs and defend democracy, the House GOP is manufacturing this stunt to distract the American people from their party's inability to govern. The first year of this 118th Congress has been the least productive, in terms of laws passed, of any in recent history.

Washington Bridge Closure: During the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's recent hearing with the Federal Highway Administration, I asked about the closure of the Washington Bridge in Providence and called for it to be reopened with the same sense of urgency that Americans saw in recent closures in Pennsylvania and California. The closure of the bridge on I-195 is a major disruption for Bay Staters traveling to Providence, making commutes longer and limiting access to one of the biggest cities in New England.

I visited the bridge to see the state of congestion for myself and will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation to get the bridge reopened ASAP.

Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you.

Have you been affected by the Washington Bridge closure?

 

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Around the Fourth

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Discussing Competition with China: Congressman Ro Khanna of California and I serve on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. I always benefit from intellectual sparring with him to sharpen my own thinking about trade and industrial strategy. Two weeks ago, Ro and I dug deep on where we agree – manufacturing has importance to the U.S. political economy that is greater than just its share of GDP – and where we diverge: Ro subscribes to tariffs and industrial policy to compete with China; whereas I am skeptical of Washington's wisdom in directing the economy and would prefer policy-makers focus on getting the basics right.

Investing in infrastructure, science, and education and strengthening the rule of law is the best industrial strategy. One example: American 15-year-olds have slid backward on math scores since 2018, according to the most recent Program for International Student Assessment. Bipartisan commitment to excellence in math education would do more for U.S. economic dynamism in the 21st century than the sum consequence of all tariffs and subsidies.

Antisemitism on College Campuses: Antisemitism is a crisis on college campuses that has worsened since October 7th. After a recent Education and Workforce Committee hearing on campus antisemitism with the leaders of Harvard and MIT, I joined Representative Seth Moulton, a fellow Harvard alum, in making the following statement: "Harvard ranks last out of 248 universities for support of free speech. But when it comes to denouncing antisemitism, suddenly the university has anxieties about the First Amendment. It rings hollow."

Universities must divorce themselves from double standards and instead lay down clear commitments to free & open discourse, with consistently enforced standards to prevent harassment.

The Boards of Harvard and MIT have made their decision about who can lead their universities toward this higher ground of truth-seeking and pluralism. They now own those decisions and are accountable for meaningful & urgent progress.

LigerBots STEAM Expo: Teddy and Grace got a huge thrill from playing with robots at the annual LigerBots STEAM Expo at Newton North High School. And I got a kick out of speaking with student engineers from across the district, including Newton, North Attleboro, and Franklin.

When we got home, Teddy insisted that we build and program his own robot. His dad did his best but I'm not winning the Eastern Mass Championships any time soon...

Happy Holidays: Wishing everyone a happy holiday season! I hope you're able to spend them with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Onwards,

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Jake

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WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110


Contact






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