Thursday, September 7, 2023

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update of the last 3 weeks in review

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW

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

On the Hill

IRA Anniversary: Last August, Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest investment in clean energy and climate action in history, which will put the United States on track to halve its 2030 emissions from its 2005 baseline while creating new jobs. It also lowered health care costs for millions by capping insulin at $35 per month and total out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 a year for our nation's seniors, in addition to lowering premiums for working families. creating tens of thousands of good jobs. Finally, the IRA is also projected to trim the deficit by hundreds of billions over the next decade by cracking down on tax evasion by the wealthiest individuals and by increasing some corporate taxes.

Trip Abroad: I recently traveled to England and Ireland with a bipartisan set of colleagues from the House and Senate. Following my meetings in London and Dublin, I had three main takeaways. First, Members of Congress discussed with senior officials of both countries the importance of upholding peace and stable governance in Northern Ireland 25 years after the historic Good Friday Agreement. Second, we discussed with our counterparts our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine as it fights on the front lines of the free world. And third, we reinforced the importance of our economic and trade relationships, which drive hundreds of billions of dollars in investments and millions of jobs in both directions.

Passport Awareness Month: September is Passport Awareness Month! Are you planning international travel for 2024? If so, check your passport expiration date today. Many countries require six months of passport validity to enter. Processing times for renewals are longer than usual. To avoid any issues, remember to apply for your passport 6-9 months before its expiration or your travel. Learn more here.

WCVB Interview: I recently joined On The Record on WCVB and spoke about competition between the U.S. and China. As a member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, I am focused on crafting tough and thoughtful statecraft to ensure the United States sets the terms for freedom, democracy, and prosperity to thrive in the 21st century. That statecraft begins at home. The United States will not outcompete China unless Americans protect our own democracy and unless Congress invests in science and education. The GOP's budget, which cuts funding for science and research, moves us backward.

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

Do you support robust funding for science and education?

Around the Fourth

Medfield Tour: I went on a walking tour with local leaders and hosted a meet and greet in Medfield. We walked Pleasant Street so I could see firsthand how infrastructure funding will help improve safe routes to school. I bought new books for Teddy and Grace at Park Street Books & Toys, where I also discussed the changing business model of children's bookstores with the owner. I also visited Zullo Art Gallery and the Medfield Public Library before spending an hour taking questions from constituents about immigration, foreign policy, and even classical music.

BioLife: I recently visited BioLife in Attleboro along with Mayor Cathleen DeSimone. I toured the site to see the operation in action. The company is scaling up its plasma facility, where local residents can earn compensation for donating lifesaving plasma to individuals with rare diseases. The Mayor and I offered our support for BioLife, which has positive health and economic development benefits.

Plainville Meet and Greet: Last week, I met with local officials and residents in Plainville to hear directly about local priorities. Water infrastructure will continue to be a focus of my work with the town, building on the previous funding we've secured for drinking water. I spoke with constituents about ensuring the solvency of Social Security and Medicare, supporting Ukraine, and driving to compromise in Washington without compromising values.

Berkley Tour: Berkley's new leadership invited me for a meeting with town officials and a drop-in at their senior center's "Coffee Talk Cafe." One big topic of conversation with seniors was the new annual out-of-pocket cap and monthly cap on insulin, which I helped pass last Congress. Additionally, I discussed water infrastructure priorities, education, public safety, and local finances with the Select Board, fire and police chiefs, superintendent, and town administrator.

Camp Visits: The Fall River Boys & Girls Club and People Incorporated welcomed me to Camp Jack and Camp Welch to see firsthand their programming for 300+ kids (Camp Welch) and for kids with diabetes (Camp Jack). Many of these children don't have much green space near their homes, so outdoor fun on bucolic open acres in Assonet is a wonderful and enriching summer experience.

Norfolk Meet and Greet: Recently, I spent the afternoon in Norfolk, first meeting with town officials and then at the farmers' market. I was able to have one-on-one conversations with constituents about healthcare, immigration, and even the need to revive the congressional Office of Technology Assessment, which used to provide lawmakers with research and recommendations for tech-heavy issues.

Cardinal Health: I had an engaging discussion with executives and researchers at Cardinal Health in Mansfield. We discussed medical supplies and technology as a growth industry for Massachusetts; concerns about Chinese semiconductors as a chokepoint in medtech supply chains; and their history of R&D for better patient care. I also pressed Cardinal Health, which has market power in the distribution of drugs, to collaborate substantively with Congress and the White House on solutions for the unacceptable shortages of generic drugs, including cancer treatments.

Onwards,