An Update from Your Congressman Jake Auchincloss - March 10, 2023

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill China Select Committee Hearing: Last week, I participated in the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party's first hearing, where we discussed the CCP's threat to America. I spoke about my belief that competing with the CCP on values starts with defending those values at home. As I said in the hearing, January 6th, 2021 was Xi Jinping's best day in office. We must heal and strengthen American democracy if we're going to advance democracy globally. You can read more about our first hearing here. Taiwan: Yesterday, I spoke about my trip to Taiwan and the need for the United States to maintain a strong partnership with the island. I met with the president, government officials of both parties, business executives, and military commanders. The trip reaffirmed that we must remain committed to standing up to the Chinese Communist Party. The United States and Taiwan should help support each other's democracies through collaboration on countering disinformation and propaganda. We should also strengthen one another's economies through increased flows of trade and investment. Specifically, we should negotiate expanded market access, common rules, and the end of double taxation on Taiwanese investment in the United States, which is especially critical as we seek to revive US semiconductor manufacturing. As the United States seeks to strengthen our position in the Indo-Pacific, let us commit to Taiwan as a long-term ally. Environmental Scorecard: I am proud to have received an "A" rating from the League of Conservation Voters for the third year in a row. As a young parent, I am focused on leaving the planet better than we found it – and my voting record in Congress reflects that. Since the start of my first term, I have been a leading proponent of offshore wind development off Massachusetts' South Coast. From supporting clean energy to expanding transit to safeguarding our water, we must protect and heal our planet. I will continue to support legislation that advances environmental stewardship and advances the clean energy transition in the 118th Congress. Make your voice heard → What do you think about offshore wind? Do you support offshore wind as a clean energy source? Around the Fourth OpusNewton Groundbreaking: Earlier this week, I attended the groundbreaking for OpusNewton, a 174-unit apartment building for middle-income older adults who don't qualify for subsidized housing, but cannot afford market-rate units. I was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, State Senator Cynthia Creem, and Mayor of Newton Ruthanne Fuller in celebrating the production of more housing. We must continue to support developments like this one as Massachusetts grapples with its biggest challenge: the cost of housing. Town Halls: I'm hosting a series of three town halls tomorrow, March 11, in Milford, Attleboro, and Fall River. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you, hear your concerns, and answer your questions about Congress. You will also have an opportunity to connect with my staff to avail yourself of casework services in our office. If you'd like to attend, please see below the details and links to RSVP for each town hall. I hope to see you there. Milford Town Hall Saturday, March 11th 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Milford Town Hall 52 Main St, Milford, MA 01757 RSVP Here Attleboro Town Hall Saturday, March 11th 12:30 PM-1:30 PM Sweet Community House 44 Peck St, Attleboro, MA 02703 RSVP Here Fall River Town Hall Saturday, March 11th 2:30 PM-3:30 PM Fall River Government Center 1 Government Center, Fall River, MA 02720 RSVP Here 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: An Update for the past 2 weeks (2/25/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Marking the one year anniversary of Vladimir Putin's barbaric invasion of Ukraine, I stand more committed than ever to supporting the brave Ukrainians fighting on the front lines of the free world. For as long as it takes, with whatever it takes, all the way to Crimea. On the Hill All Politics is Personal: I was delighted to speak with Valerie Biden Owens - the chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware - about my public service, from  the Marines to City Hall to Congress. I encouraged young people interested in politics to spend time knocking doors instead of using social media. Trip to Taiwan: This week, I traveled to Taiwan to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other leaders in business and government. I was joined by Representatives Ro Khanna of California, Tony Gonzales of Texas, and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois. We discussed the partnership between the United States and Taiwan in semiconductor manufacturing, cross-strait security, upholding democracy, and more. In the coming weeks, I will be working on deliverables from the trip to deepen our ties in trade, military training, and disinformation prevention. On the Record: I joined Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti on On the Record to discuss the debt ceiling. I spoke about the need for bipartisan governance right now to ensure fiscal responsibility. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and the rest of the GOP claim to be serious about balanced budgets; however, the first bill that they passed this Congress was projected to increase the deficit by 100 billion dollars while allowing the wealthy and well-connected to evade taxes. Despite raising the debt ceiling multiple times under former President Donald Trump, the GOP is now holding hostage the full faith and credit of the United States without putting forward a coherent counter-offer. I am ready to support a deal that protects Social Security and Medicare and avoids defaulting on our debt, which would be a disaster for the economy and America's international standing. Make your voice heard → Do you think Congress should raise the debt ceiling? Do you support raising the debt ceiling? Around the Fourth New England Boat Show: Last Thursday I took my son Teddy to the New England Boat show. The recreational boating industry plays an important role in our regional economy, and I believe that marine science and technology is the most important growth edge for Southeastern Massachusetts. I'm committed to promoting jobs and businesses in this sector, and having some fun with the kids along the way. Parents for Peace: I met with Parents for Peace about the need for a public health approach to hate and extremism. Parents for Peace works to protect people from extremism, including by offering a toll-free helpline to assist with the deradicalization of a loved one from any form of extremism. They are currently working on developing an evidence-based Massachusetts Violence Prevention Model. Parents for Peace is making a difference with their critical advocacy and clinical work on one of the defining challenges of our era. MassChallenge: I recently joined MassChallenge for a panel discussion on the future of healthcare innovation. MassChallenge works to connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. On the panel, we discussed policy opportunities to accelerate health tech innovation as well as action Congress has already taken in this space. After hearing from entrepreneurs and experts at MassChallenge, it's clear that public payers need to better partner with innovators. In healthcare, the federal government must be the ultimate impact investor. 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: Update from the last 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill State of the Union: I attended the President's State of the Union address on Tuesday night, where he spoke of the progress we've made, from infrastructure to gun safety, and of the work still ahead. He proclaimed that our democracy, though bruised, remains unbowed and unbroken. Now, we must finish the job and deliver results for the American people. I was joined by Dr. Xiaoyan Qin, an independent pharmacist, as my guest of honor. I recently visited Union Pharmacy and spoke to Dr. Qin about being a small business owner and how rising healthcare costs affect Americans every day. She has made a name for herself with top-notch patient service in our district. We also discussed her experiences as an immigrant from China who has witnessed the opportunities America provides firsthand. As a small business owner and advocate for better drug-pricing policy, she represents how immigrants enrich our communities. China: I was honored to be appointed as a Member of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. This committee will assess the myriad military, economic, and technological challenges posed by China. As underscored by China's recent surveillance of U.S. sites, the relationship between the two greatest powers in the world is deteriorating. This Congress, and my generation, have an opportunity to rise above politics to chart a course for sound strategy. Americans' own cultivation of freedom, democracy, and science will be the hallmarks of a winning strategy. If Americans allow this heritage to wither, then no plan can save us. If we re-invigorate these strengths, then no nation can outcompete us. I am ready to chart that course. Regulating Social Media: We must bring social media companies before Congress and hold them accountable for the experiment they are running on our children for profit. As a father of two, I am deeply concerned about the impact social media has on children's mental health. It is unacceptable that these companies are targeting children as young as 8 years old. By setting a verifiable age of at least 16 for social media, Congress could empower parents as the gatekeepers of healthy online experiences for their children. I am committed to supporting legislation that will keep our children safe online. Make your voice heard → Are you concerned about the impact of social media on our children? Do you support setting an age limit for social media? Around the Fourth WinterFEST: I went to the Hyde Community Center in Newton for the second annual WinterFEST, hosted by Newton Community Pride. I enjoyed the hot soup and great company with my friends and neighbors. New Additions to the District: In the first month of the 118th Congress, I've been traveling to the towns added to the Massachusetts Fourth as part of redistricting. Recently, I had terrific conversations with officials and residents in Millville and Sherborn. I heard about issues ranging from water to housing to internet access. I am committed to advocating for these communities in Congress. 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

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update covering the past 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Roe Anniversary: Last Sunday marked the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, establishing the constitutional right to abortion. Now that the Court has rolled back that fundamental right by overturning Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights are being dismantled across the country. Thankfully, Massachusetts stepped up to be a safe haven for women who are in healthcare deserts. At the federal level, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the House to ensure women have access to basic healthcare, including the right to an abortion. Artificial Intelligence: Last week, I delivered the first floor speech written by AI. I spoke about the importance of international collaboration in this space. As the youngest parent in the Democratic caucus and someone with professional experience in tech, I know that AI has the potential to reshape how the next generation uses technology. Congress should help ensure that Facebook, Google, and Microsoft do not dominate the cloud computing, data intake, and algorithmic development that drive R&D in artificial intelligence, to the exclusion of start-ups, civil society, and the public sector. Everyone should be able to participate. AI can amplify creativity and productivity, but it can also turbocharge disinformation and other social ills. Regulation fell far behind the social media giants in the 2010s, and that shouldn't happen again. Purposeful and proactive deliberations, now, can help make sure AI is a useful tool, not a threatening one. You can watch me talk more about this speech and AI broadly on CNN here. Gun Reform: Last week, we suffered multiple deadly acts of gun violence, including one on the eve of Lunar New Year. I am angry that once again, the public square was tragically marred by violence. We must ban assault weapons to help stop these terrible acts before they happen. As a Marine, I slept, ate, trained, and patrolled with an assault weapon for four years – I know firsthand that these weapons of war have no place on our streets. I proudly received an F rating from the extremist Gun Owners of America and am committed to supporting common-sense gun safety legislation that will make our homes, schools, and public places safer. Make your voice heard → Do you think Congress should ban assault weapons? Should Congress ban assault weapons? 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 on the last 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. Happy New Year! On the Hill First Days of the 118th Congress: I was sworn in to my second term early Saturday morning after days of dysfunction from House Republicans. Two years after the insurrection of January 6th, the House GOP is still groveling to the extreme right, rather than governing for the exhausted majority. It is unacceptable. You can watch my FOX News interview reacting to Republican chaos on the House floor here.  Unlike last Congress, Republicans now hold the gavel in the House. With that gavel comes the initiative. If they decide to build on the bipartisan progress of the last Congress in lowering costs and achieving clean energy independence, then I am ready to be a good-faith partner in legislating. I am committed to continuing to put forward ideas and avenues of cooperation.  Their first actions were a poor start, gutting the congressional ethics watchdog and passing messaging bills to make it easier for wealthy Americans to cheat on their taxes and restrict women's access to healthcare. If they continue in this manner, then I will continue to fight back. House Democrats will not yield in our commitment to democracy, women's rights, gun-safety measures, and clean energy. Anniversary of January 6th: Following the 2nd anniversary of January 6th, I remain committed to protecting our democracy and safeguarding free and fair elections. I hosted a discussion with Genevieve Nadeau, who leads Protect Democracy's nonpartisan team focused on accountability for abuses of power. She highlighted the importance of the recently passed Electoral Count Act Reform and the need to support state and local election officials as they stand up to seditionists. I will take this conversation with me as I work in Congress to defend our democracy from bad actors. Make your voice heard → Do you think ensuring our election security and protecting our democratic institutions should be a top priority in the 118th Congress? Should protecting our democratic institutions be a top priority for Congress? Around the Fourth Year in Review: Over the last year, I was able to secure funding for water and transportation infrastructure in the district, meet constituents and businesses from across the Fourth, and advance critical policy priorities like offshore wind. I secured over $34 million for 15 community projects that will ensure clean water and spur economic growth. Further, my office completed over 1,670 casework requests, hosted 10 town halls, and returned $2.2 million in taxes for constituents. I also enjoyed meeting constituents from all 34 municipalities during my series of coffee chats across the district. I look forward to another year representing the newly-drawn Fourth and hearing from and meeting more of you. It is the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of the Massachusetts 4th, where I grew up and where I'm now raising my children. 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

US House of Representatives minority and majority leader initial speeches as the 118th Congress opens

Franklin is where we are, and a recipient down the 'food chain' so to speak from the Federal level, to the State (actually Commonwealth in our case), to the local. While Congress is not a direct influence, there is plenty of indirect influence. 

Hence it does matter for us to be aware of what happens there. Here are the two opening speeches of the newly elected House of Representatives. What they say, how they say it, and what they don't say, will effect us in ways we will find out as it happens.

House minority leader H Jefferies -> https://youtu.be/JLOAQjjKJbM

 

House majority leader K McCarthy -> https://youtu.be/pb_gA0009b4 

 

For more about the US Congress visit their page -> https://www.congress.gov/

https://www.congress.gov/

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Dec 12 to Dec 23, 2022

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW DECEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 23 I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. First, I'd like to wish you a happy holiday season! On the Hill Federal Spending: Earlier today, I joined my colleagues in voting to pass the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2023. This piece of legislation includes critical funding for health care, clean energy & climate action, and Ukraine. I also secured more than $38 million in funding for our district as part of the bill. These investments will help cities & towns in the Fourth provide clean drinking water, improve transportation, and stimulate economic development. I worked closely with state and local officials to prioritize these projects and align federal, state, and local funding sources for them. This final bill of the 117th Congress also included a measure — the Electoral Count Act Reform — to harden one institutional weak spot that Donald Trump tried to exploit in his insurrection on January 6th. This bipartisan law to safeguard the peaceful transfer of power, recommended by constitutional experts and the January 6th Committee, is a fitting way to conclude a term that began with an assault on democracy. Ukraine: I was moved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's words when he spoke at the joint session of Congress earlier this week. He made clear that in 2023, with Ukrainian courage and American resolve, we can defend the principles of the free world against Russia's unprovoked and unjust invasion. Speaking to us from the frontlines of freedom, President Zelenskyy thanked us for our support over the last ten months — and rightfully asked us for more. I am proud that the federal budget for FY23 included additional assistance for Ukraine. This funding will support Ukraine's military with training, weapons, and logistics; replenish US stocks of equipment sent to Ukraine; and provide economic support to the Ukrainian government. Additionally, I've worked across the aisle to build support for the Russian oil price-cap and will continue to work on bipartisan backing for Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine is sending a message to Moscow, it's sending a message to Beijing, and it's sending a message to other authoritarian regimes: the United States is committed to defending the principles of democracy and freedom across the globe. Make your voice heard → Do you think Congress should continue providing support to Ukraine to defend against Russia's invasion? Do you support continuing to provide assistance to Ukraine? Around the Fourth Ørsted Offshore Wind: Earlier this week, I visited Ørsted's Boston office and had a detailed conversation about the technology, politics, and economics of offshore wind. In order to hit President Biden's goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 - and to make sure that Massachusetts is the hub of this growing industry - we need strong public-private collaboration. Offshore wind will continue to be a top priority for me. From supporting construction and installation to growing our mariner workforce, there is plenty that the U.S. needs that Massachusetts can provide. I'll remain a champion of offshore wind in the 118th Congress because I want cheap, clean energy for Bay Staters and good jobs in southeastern Massachusetts. Congressional App Challenge: Congratulations to Alyssa Feinberg, Julia Hulburd, Salome Hizanishvili, and Sophie Strausberg for winning our district's Congressional App Challenge by developing CommunAphasia. Each year, middle and high school students from across the district are encouraged to learn to code and develop an app to be submitted for consideration. CommunAphasia took a unique approach to improve the quality of life of people with Aphasia - a language impairment that hinders a person's ability to communicate. The application provides a messaging system that uses icons and symbols to make it easier for people with Aphasia to communicate. The app also offers speech therapy exercises to improve comprehension and speaking abilities. I am proud of Alyssa, Julia, Salome, and Sophie for their hard work, creativity, and passion, and I look forward to seeing next year's participants' submissions. 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