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, Jake 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

Congressman Auchincloss provides an Update for the last 3 weeks (8/15/23)

Congressman Auchincloss provides an Update for the last 3 weeks (8/15/23) LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Congressman Auchincloss Economy: Last week, I talked about the state of the economy and the possibility of a government shutdown on NBC Boston. We're seeing real wages go up, just as last term's historic investments in infrastructure and manufacturing are unlocking hundreds of billions of dollars of public and private investment in long-term economic growth and security. Now, Speaker McCarthy is threatening the economic recovery by driving us towards a government shutdown. He has a choice to make: work with Democrats to strengthen the economy, for example through tax policy that rewards work, not wealth, or continue bowing down to MAGA extremists. I'm working to ensure we avoid a GOP-manufactured shutdown that would hurt the middle class and weaken our economy. China Committee Hearing: At the most recent hearing of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with China, I spoke about the importance of investing in basic research. In the minority during the last Congress, House Republicans argued for more funding for basic research to help the U.S. outcompete China. But now, with the gavel, their committees are slashing investments in science. This didn't used to be partisan, and the right path forward is clear: fund science! Gun Safety Reform: Recently, I spoke on the House floor about the need to pass gun safety legislation. As a Marine veteran, I know that weapons of war have no place on our streets, near our schools, or in our grocery stores. We must pass common-sense gun safety measures, like an assault weapons ban, to keep Americans safe. You can watch my full speech here. Processing Times: I also spoke on the House floor about the current delays with passport renewals and tax returns. I've heard loud and clear from my constituents that tax refund and passport processing times are too long. And I know that Republicans' proposed cuts to the IRS and State Department would only exacerbate the issue. We must instead support these agencies with increased staffing and reliable funding to improve these essential services. As always, if you need assistance with any federal agency, my office is here to help. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Have you faced delays with your passport renewals or tax returns?   Yes No Around the Fourth Meet and Greets: Last week, I hosted two events in Wrentham and Bellingham. I heard from constituents on a wide range of issues, including mental health and long-term care. Improved mental health care, from prevention to inpatient and outpatient services, must be a signature policy focus of the next decade. I also heard about the current migrant housing crisis in Massachusetts and I continue to advocate for expedited work authorizations for those who have arrived in our state and are ready to get to work.  Keep an eye out for more of these events later this summer! Manet Health Center: I recently joined the celebration of the new expansion of Manet Community Health Center in Attleboro. I applaud Manet for delivering quality healthcare services every day to my constituents in southeastern Massachusetts. I was proud to secure a $500,000 Community Project Funding grant for this top-of-the-line facility that honors their patients and practitioners at a time when deferred care and mental health are acute challenges for Bay Staters. Grifols: Last week, I toured Grifols plasma center in Fall River. When you donate plasma, you directly help those with rare diseases who have no other therapeutic options. Since its opening last year, Grifols has been welcoming new plasma donors to help create lifesaving medicines. Milford Youth Center: When I visited the Milford Youth Center, I was inspired by Jen Ward, her terrific staff, and the life-changing care they provide every day. The youth center is a powerful example of what happens when our community comes together to advocate, plan, and support children. Over more than a decade of hard work, Milford leaders – including my friend State Representative Brian Murray – turned a vision into a reality, creating a wonderful space for hundreds of children at an old armory. McAllister Towing: I also visited McAllister Towing, across the Taunton River from Brayton Point where President Biden spoke last summer to highlight good jobs and clean energy. McAllister Towing is building the infrastructure and operations to support offshore wind and maritime commerce in southeastern Massachusetts. I'm committed to continuing to work for targeted maritime investments that will accelerate economic development along the Taunton River. Onwards, Jake 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

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for the past 2 weeks in review (7/26/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Opposing the NDAA: I voted against the House version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While considering this year's NDAA, I was willing to change my past opposition and support measures that increased Pentagon spending so long as those additional funds were directed to Ukraine. I was also committed to protecting service members' reproductive freedom. This NDAA did the opposite. This NDAA repeats the same mistakes from years prior by encouraging the Pentagon to spend more, instead of forcing it to spend smarter. Further, it misses the mark on America's most urgent national security imperative: providing Ukraine the material necessary to defeat Russia. Our support for Ukraine has the highest return on investment of any national security funding of the 21st century. Congress can't ask Ukraine to do more with less while the Pentagon does less with more. House Republicans should have used this NDAA to stand up to autocrats – in Russia and in China. By failing to fully fund Ukraine, they are not standing up to Vladimir Putin and they are sending the message that they will not stand up to Xi Jinping. Additionally, I opposed an amendment to the NDAA that would restrict women's access to abortion. Our service members deserve reliable access to healthcare, regardless of where they are stationed. The U.S.-Israel Relationship: Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Israeli President's address to a joint session of Congress. President Herzog spoke movingly of his deep personal attachment to the US-Israel relationship and of his commitment to our common democratic future. I share President Herzog's commitment to the U.S.-Israel partnership. I also share his concern that it continues based upon shared values. A strong and independent judiciary is foundational to Israel's democracy, which for 75 years has been an inspiration to people the world over. As Americans well know through our constitutional amendment process, there are times when change may be necessary. Big change, though, requires deep consensus. I am disappointed that the coalition government did not seek consensus before passing the "reasonableness" component of its platform yesterday. I have expressed my concerns to the Israeli Embassy regarding the process and the importance of an independent judiciary. I will continue to use my voice and vote to help realize a strong and healthy relationship between the United States and Israel, refreshed by tough conversations and grounded in shared democratic values. Reducing Airport Delays: I also joined my colleagues in passing a bipartisan reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I helped shape this legislation to ensure it reduces airport delays for travelers, promotes cleaner travel by modernizing our airline infrastructure, and shores up aviation safety. Specifically, the reauthorization works to improve air travel for passengers by boosting the hiring of air traffic controllers to reduce delays. It also requires airlines to plan for reimbursements for hotel and meal costs when there are mass cancellations. Further, the legislation works to allow young families to sit together at no extra cost. I am committed to supporting legislation that makes air travel easier and more fair for the flying public. Outcompeting China: During hearings of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party, I spoke about how the United States can outcompete China and own the economic future. While Xi Jinping inserts the Chinese Communist Party into ever-more elements of the economy, which struggles with high youth unemployment and massive debt, the United States should focus on the basics: rule of law, education, science, infrastructure, and a more fair and dynamic economy. We should also seek to strengthen trade relationships outside of China, which is why I argued for reauthorizing the Generalized System of Preferences, which would reduce the tariff burden (and thereby consumer prices) on imports from non-Chinese developing nations that wish to partner with the United States. I also made it clear that Republicans' proposed cuts to federal science and education funding will hamstring our nation's competitiveness in STEM-led research and innovation. I strongly support, and will continue to advocate for, a doubling of our national R&D intensity, because science and education are critical drivers of social and economic progress. Make your voice heard → Should Congress continue to provide funding to Ukraine in their fight against Russia? Do you support Congress providing aid to Ukraine? Around the Fourth Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club: Recently, I visited the Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club with State Representative Soter and State Senator Fattman. The visit highlighted the importance of this organization in our community, and I remain as committed as ever to ensuring it has financial support for decades to come. The Club serves hundreds of children in the region by providing activities like fishing, swimming, games, and more. Most impressively, the Club does it all while using a 150+ year old facility that, put simply, isn't up to par. Because of this, I am working to secure the funding it needs by including it as one of my FY24 Community Project Funding requests. Southwick's Zoo: Teddy and I had a fantastic time visiting Southwick's Zoo, a landmark of our district. (Teddy's favorite animals were the monkeys). Beyond seeing all of the animals, we enjoyed hearing about the zoo's history as a family business, its conservation efforts, and owner Betsey Brewer's vision for future educational programming and community engagement. Sharon Meet and Greet: I hosted a meet and greet in Sharon to hear from constituents about their priorities and how I can best represent them in Congress. It was a great conversation covering everything from unfair tactics by drug-pricing middlemen to the current government-funding debates in Congress. I look forward to more events like this in the future. Keep an eye out for upcoming meet and greets throughout the district later this summer. Everwood Day Camp: On Friday, I also visited Everwood Day Camp in Sharon. I met with Jaime Pickles and her team, who have built a wonderful community of campers and counselors for hundreds of families throughout the district. St. Mary of Carmen Festival: I also spoke at the St. Mary of Carmen Society's 88th annual festival. I had a wonderful time enjoying the rich culture and community that Nonantum brings to the Fourth District and Massachusetts as a whole. Thank you to Frank Battista, Carl Pasquarosa, Chuck Proia, and countless others for their tireless work to bring this great event to us each year. Onwards, Jake 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

Jake Auchincloss: An Update from Your Congressman through June 25, 2023

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Gun Violence Prevention Press Conference: Last week, I joined fellow veterans on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to call for much-needed gun safety reforms. I spoke on the effectiveness of enacting common-sense safety rules. We know the policies that work: in Massachusetts, we have some of the most comprehensive gun safety legislation in the United States and we have the lowest per capita gun rate in the nation. In fact, research suggests that if Massachusetts gun legislation were adopted nationwide, tens of thousands of lives could be saved every year. Now, Republicans must find the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and support these life-saving measures. Prime Minister Modi's Joint Address: Last week, I was joined by Rakashi Chand from Newton as my guest of honor at Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's joint address to Congress. I had an informative conversation with Rakashi about U.S.-India relations and the Indian diaspora in the Massachusetts Fourth. Rakashi is committed to promoting Indian culture in our district, including her service as a past president of United India Association of New England and her leadership in organizing Holi and Diwali celebrations in Newton. Rakashi's work and family are a testament to the depth and richness of cultural and economic ties between the United States and India. As a member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, I am also committed to working to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship as a counterweight to China's aggression, and to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations. To that end, Prime Minister Modi's vow for a U.S.-India partnership that supports democracy and a rules-based order was welcome. But it remains at odds with India's funding of Russia's war against Ukraine. That's why I led a bipartisan letter encouraging India to reassess its importation of Russian oil. I also joined a congressional letter to President Biden that encouraged him to raise human rights and political freedom as areas of concern with Prime Minister Modi. ARPA-I: Recently, I spoke about the promise of the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure (ARPA-I) at the White House's summit. Modeled after its highly-successful predecessors, ARPA-E and DARPA, the new agency can catalyze improvements in how we build, maintain, and optimize our transportation infrastructure. I also encouraged ARPA-I to have a locally-focused mindset, that does not think of local government as the lowest level of government, but as the highest level of collaboration between people who want to make a place better. You can watch my full remarks here. Make your voice heard → Do you support the mission of ARPA-I? Should funding ARPA-I be a priority for Congress? Around the Fourth Haywood House: I joined local officials, advocates, and future residents at the ribbon cutting at the Haywood House in Newton. I enjoyed speaking with Mrs. Karen (Katy) Haywood, beloved wife of longtime housing advocate Reverend Howard Haywood of Myrtle Baptist Church. The Newton Housing Authority's Haywood House will provide affordable senior housing. I spoke about how it can be a template for the public-private cooperation necessary to turbocharge housing production in Massachusetts. Taunton Pride Celebration: I celebrated Pride Month at Taunton's Pride event. In remarks, I reflected on the importance of making our state and our country a place where everyone is included and celebrated for who they are. On the federal level, I'm a strong supporter of the Equality Act. We must pass this bill to make discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation illegal in all 50 states. Day of Portugal: Grace and I attended Fall River's celebration for the Day of Portugal. I joined Mayor Coogan and organizer Tony Rodrigues at the festivities. We had a great time listening to the music, enjoying the food, and talking with everyone who came out to celebrate. Juneteenth: The newly designated federal holiday of Juneteenth is an important opportunity to reflect on our nation's new birth of freedom. I had a wonderful time with friends and neighbors at Newton's Juneteenth Celebration. Onwards, Jake 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

Jake Auchincloss: An Update from Your Congressman for last 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Hearing: Earlier this week, as a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I heard testimony from survivors, experts, educators, gun owners, and law enforcement officials about the scourge of gun violence in this country. Their message was clear and compelling: we must politicize gun violence, because only voters can ultimately make the GOP see sense on this daily tragedy. I approach the issue as the parent of young children, as a Marine veteran who trained & patrolled with assault weapons, and as a representative from Massachusetts, which has the most effective gun laws in the nation. Every day, I am fighting to make the Massachusetts model the national standard. Final Debt Ceiling Update: Last week, I joined my colleagues in the House to vote to raise the debt ceiling. After unnecessary brinkmanship, the center held. Representatives from both parties came together to protect jobs & retirement accounts, trim spending, and preserve the full faith and credit of the United States. It is not the bill I would have drafted, but legislating in divided government requires compromise. You can watch my interview recapping the vote here. Investing in the Bioeconomy: This week, I led my colleagues in a letter outlining best practices for how the Biden administration can program science funding. The Industrial Revolution was made possible when chemistry and physics became engineerable disciplines. With the advent of gene editing, biology is becoming an engineerable discipline, too. The possibilities for healthcare, agriculture, climate, industrials, and more – a 'bioeconomy' – are immense. To capitalize on these opportunities in the life sciences, Congress must ensure public-private collaboration that helps industry to run fast within well-defined guardrails. One near-term counter-example is the bio-manufacturing of generic medicines for cancer and other diseases, where a breakdown in public-private cooperation has led to painful and unnecessary shortages. We must address this problem and prevent it from recurring. Make your voice heard → Do you support investing in the bioeconomy? Should investing in the bioeconomy be a priority for Congress? Around the Fourth Sharon Wear Orange: Last week, I spoke at a Wear Orange event in Sharon. As someone who fights in the trenches of congressional gun policy, it was motivating to see students, activists, and local elected officials come together for common sense gun safety. Gun violence is a policy choice. Every day that Republicans in Congress reject popular, proven gun safety legislation like an assault weapon ban, universal background checks, red flag laws, and safe storage requirements, is a day when they choose the NRA over the safety of children and families. I'm committed to staying on offense until the GOP puts kids ahead of the gun lobby. Habitat for Humanity Groundbreaking: After a couple weeks at home with our new daughter, there was no better way to get back on the road than to celebrate the groundbreaking of someone else's future home. Thanks to the terrific work of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, volunteers and sponsors came together to build a new house for a family in Norton. In Massachusetts, our greatest challenge is the cost of housing. We need to be building more housing of all types – small single-family lots, big multi-family complexes, and accessory dwelling units – to reverse rising costs. CPS Technologies: I also toured precision manufacturer CPS Technologies to see how recent investments in infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing are driving innovation and job creation here in Massachusetts. I always ask employers the same question, and get the same answer: "What's keeping you in the Bay State?"  – "Talent."  Massachusetts must continue to invest in its students and workers to stay competitive in the coming decade. Chamber of Commerce: I joined the Charles River Regional Chamber to honor Joe Prestejohn, the longtime owner of Cabot's Ice Cream in Newton. Cabot's has been a Newton staple for decades and Joe's lifetime of exemplary service and business leadership is a big reason why. Congratulations Joe! Onwards, Jake 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