Thursday, July 13, 2023

Congressman Auchinclos: An Update on the last 2 weeks in review (7/12/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW

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

On the Hill

House Republicans' Tax Plan: Recently, I wrote an op-ed on House Republicans' proposed tax package. Their current plan, a special-interest buffet which will not pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate, is more of the same. Just like they did under Bush and Trump, Republicans want to increase the deficit and help the rich.

Instead of more budget-busting tax cuts that hurt the middle class, House Republicans should focus on bipartisan dealmaking. I proposed three opportunities for them to work with House Democrats on a bipartisan tax package. First, we should reward work, not wealth, by taxing rich heirs, through curtailment of the step-up in basis for inherited assets, to expand the earned income tax credit (EITC). Second, the package should encourage corporations to invest in domestic research and development initiatives, instead of shielding overseas income from the standard 15% tax rate agreed to by our European allies. And finally, we should help lift children out of poverty by expanding the Child Tax Credit. You can hear me discuss my op-ed more by listening to my interview on the Julie Mason Show here.

Fighting for Reproductive Healthcare: In light of the one year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I took to the House floor to speak on my commitment to ensuring reproductive freedom. One in 3 American women are now living in states without access to abortion and have been stripped of a fundamental individual freedom.

House Democrats and I are taking action by working to force a floor vote on the Women's Health Protection Act, which would make Roe the law of the land, despite the objections of Speaker McCarthy and the MAGA extremists that hold him politically hostage.

Investing in Infrastructure: Last weekend, I discussed the critical investments Congress and the Biden Administration have made over the last two years, as well as the United States' relationship with China, on Fox News Sunday. Specifically, I spoke about infrastructure investments rising above party lines – when I tour infrastructure projects around our district with GOP officials, partisanship isn't relevant. We just want to build bridges, literally. With the help of those investments, now we are. Across our district and across the country, everyone will feel the impact of the transformative investments in infrastructure and energy. You can watch the full interview here.

China and Ukraine: I also joined MSNBC to talk about Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's trip to China and my support for Ukraine. I made it clear that the Biden Administration chose the right time to engage with China, with the U.S economy strong and the Chinese economy wilting under high youth unemployment and over-leveraged property markets. With this position of strength comes the authority for a tough message: trade by the rules, or lose markets.

I also spoke on CNN about the strong statecraft demonstrated by President Biden & Secretary Yellen. They are standing up to Russia and China on two continents right now. To back them up, Congress should send more aid to Ukraine and support the long-term drivers of economically outcompeting China: education, science, and the rule of law.

With regards to Ukraine, I spoke about the importance of providing continued support. Funding for Ukraine has had the highest return on investment for national security dollars in the 21st century. For less money than Americans spend on soft drinks annually, we've cratered Russia's military capacity, strengthened NATO, and made sure China knows the U.S. will support right against might. You can watch the full clip here.

Make your voice heard → The Women's Health Protection Act would codify the Roe v. Wade decision into federal law. Do you support that effort?

Do you support House Democrats' push to codify Roe?

Around the Fourth

Social Media Roundtable: I hosted an informative roundtable with educators and pediatric mental health specialists about what Congress can do to address social media's corrosive impact on children's mental health. As one participant said, "I'm ready to hit the panic button." Hearing the expertise and recommendations of these professionals is invaluable as I work in Congress to hold social media giants accountable for their role in the youth mental health crisis.

Farm Bill Roundtable: I also held a substantive and wide-ranging discussion about the Farm Bill reauthorization with farmers from across southeastern Massachusetts. My main takeaways were around SNAP benefits, crop insurance, cooperatives, and seasonal employment. I will continue to advocate for the needs of our local farms as the Farm Bill is considered in Congress.

Alnylam and Biotech: Two weeks ago, I hosted a town hall with employees of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Norton. This is the century of biology, and Massachusetts should strive to be the capital of cures and jobs. Alnylam is creating both through its life-changing advances in genetic engineering.

Our Commonwealth has the opportunity to be a global hub for life-changing advances in genetic engineering and other areas of scientific development, and companies like Alnylam will lead the way.

Discussion with the Boston JCRC: I joined the Boston Jewish Community Relations Council for a terrific discussion with leaders from Greater Boston's Jewish community. Ongoing dialogue with Jewish leaders is critical to me as we navigate the issues of antisemitism, social justice, defending democracy, Israel, and more, together.

Gillette Stadium: I recently visited Gillette Stadium and met with representatives of the Kraft Sports Group. Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place are premier entertainment and retail destinations for New England, and I am looking forward to our district hosting the 2023 Army-Navy game and the 2026 World Cup.

App Challenge: Registration is now open for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to learn to code by creating their own applications. The challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education.

You can register HERE. Final submissions are due November 1st, 2023. I look forward to seeing your submissions.

Onwards,