Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 31 to Nov 18

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 18 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. First — Happy Thanksgiving! On the Hill The New Republic: Recently, I joined the New Republic for the Run-Up Live, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Congress. In regards to their question about Republican control of the House, I said that with the gavel comes the initiative: if the GOP wants to focus on lower costs and clean energy, then Democrats will engage and debate in good faith. But if it's going to be political theater designed only to weaken the president, then House Democrats will hit back hard. You can watch the full discussion here. Speaker Pelosi: Last week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she would not seek re-election as the House Democratic Leader. I am thankful for her fearless leadership, especially during the Trump administration. I agree with her sentiment that "we must move boldly into the future, grounded by the principles that have propelled us this far and open to fresh possibility for the future." You can watch my comments about the next wave of Democratic leadership here. Make your voice heard → A recent controversial discussion at COP27 — the climate conference hosted by the United Nations — revolved around "loss and damage." A loss and damage fund will send monies from developed nations to mitigate climate harm suffered by poorer nations. One big question is, what about China? It's simultaneously the world's biggest carbon emitter (much bigger than the USA) but also, still, a developing nation. Do you support wealthier countries, like the U.S., providing loss and damage payments to poorer countries? Let me know below if you support this proposal. Do you support a Loss and Damage system in response to extreme weather events? Around the Fourth Lakeville Fire Department: Recently, I visited the Lakeville Fire Department to learn about their new equipment. Local, state, and federal officials came together to better equip the Lakeville Fire Department to fight both structural and forest fires. Better gear doesn't just make for better firefighters — it means longer careers and healthier retirements. Veterans Day: I celebrated Veterans Day at the Veterans Day Parade in Seekonk. I spoke at the parade to honor fellow veterans who have sacrificed for our country. The call for a nationwide moment of silence in President Biden's Veterans Day Proclamation is an important marker of respect. I was proud to further the efforts of Former Representatives Barney Frank and Joe Kennedy, and current Representative Steve Lynch, to recognize this moment of silence in all future Veterans Day presidential proclamations. I encourage all Americans to participate in the coming years. Climate and Housing Conferences: Two weeks ago, I hosted conferences on affordable housing and clean energy. The affordable housing conference highlighted that the cost of housing is the single biggest challenge facing the Commonwealth. We were joined by Juana Matias, the HUD regional administrator, and spoke with housing officials and developers across the district about the programs and funding available for affordable housing development. I also reiterated my commitment to policies, from zoning reform to Low Income Housing Tax Credit expansion, that surge production of affordable housing units. You can watch my floor speech highlighting the affordable housing conference here. At the climate and clean energy summit, we covered policy, clean tech, and international affairs. I left this event optimistic because of the growing political will, abundant talent and innovation, and increasing global cooperation around the imperative of a clean energy transition. We are going to achieve a future of clean air, clean water, and clean energy that is too cheap to meter. Sincerely, 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 Oct 17 - Oct 28

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW OCTOBER 17 - OCTOBER 28 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Ukraine: Recently, I criticized a letter sent by a group of progressive Democrats that encouraged President Biden to shift his strategy in Ukraine and negotiate directly with Vladimir Putin. The letter is an olive branch to a war criminal who's losing his war. President Biden's current three-pronged strategy in Ukraine is effective, and we should not blink nor pull back. The first initiative has been focused on sanctioning Russia's central bank, industrial base, and oil exports; the second has been military and economic support for Ukraine; and the final initiative has been strengthening and unifying international alliances, particularly in Europe and East Asia. We must sustain bipartisan support for the people of Ukraine as they fight on the front lines of the free world. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to sustain bipartisan support for the strategic defeat of Russia in Ukraine. Let me know below if you support this approach. Do you trust President Biden's strategy in Ukraine? Around the Fourth Affordable Housing Forum: I am hosting an Affordable Housing Forum on November 9th from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. The forum will feature special guest Juana B. Matias, HUD New England Regional Administrator, who will moderate two panels about current programs and initiatives to foster the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the district. The first panel will highlight federal HUD programs and the second panel will feature state organizations CHAPA and MassHousing, along with non-profit developer 2Life Communities. Our panelists will present topics on community development, public & multifamily housing, building pro-housing community coalitions, the CommonWealth Builder Program, and examples of successful development of affordable housing. Please RSVP by November 5 if you plan to attend. My staff will follow up with details, including the name and address of the venue, prior to the event. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity. Please feel free to share this event with your family and friends, as it is also free and open to the public. Climate Summit: As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I am hosting a climate summit in Needham to discuss climate change and the clean energy transition on November 10th. This is your reminder to RSVP by November 5 if you plan to attend. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity. This event is free and open to the public, so feel free to share this invitation with your family and friends. The Climate Summit will feature three panels of experts that address, respectively, climate policy in Massachusetts; clean energy science & technology; and climate diplomacy.           When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM           Where: Needham, MA (address will be sent a few days in advance to those who RSVP) Supporting the Life Sciences: Recently, I spoke at Mansfield Bio-Incubator's annual open house. Life science talent is everywhere across the state of Massachusetts, but access to the life science ecosystem is not equally distributed. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator is proof that expanding access across the state is critical to continuing our success as the most innovative state in life sciences. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator will continue to play an important role in leveling the life science playing field by providing affordable first-class lab space and a supportive, inclusive culture of innovation. Bellingham High School: I visited Bellingham High School's STEM Week showcase and it was so motivating to see the students' projects. My message to the students was two-fold: first, Congress is committed to funding science, with expanded investments in basic research and STEM workforce development. And second, regardless of what vocation they choose, they should apply the essence of science by bringing a mindset of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. Ensuring High-Quality USPS Service: Last week, I met with the Boston Postmaster to discuss constituent concerns about local mail service. In this meeting, I discussed the service delays that some of our district has experienced and brainstormed with the Postmaster on ways to spread the word about employment opportunities in the Postal Service. I am committed to continuing to advocate for high-quality postal service. In Congress, I have consistently supported efforts to improve mail delivery service, including opposing the privatization of the USPS, objecting to proposed slowdowns and rate increases, and calling for the maintenance of six-day mail service and door delivery. I also joined my colleagues in passing the Postal Service Reform Act, which helps ensure the long-term financial stability of the USPS. Sincerely, 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 Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 3 to Oct 14

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW OCTOBER 3 - OCTOBER 14 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Energy Prices: Last weekend, I discussed rising energy prices and the need to transition to clean energy independence on Fox News. Instead of relying on oil from Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela, we need domestic clean energy to provide energy security and a healthier planet for future generations. I also highlighted the bipartisan initiative I have led in Congress to support the G7's price cap on Russian oil, to reduce prices for American consumers and to deprive the Kremlin of hard currency for its illegal war. Further, I am keenly aware that our district is struggling with increased costs to heat our homes this winter, with some households facing as much as a $500 increase over last winter. To mitigate these high energy costs, I have continuously supported funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program assists eligible low-income households with their heating energy costs and provides bill payment assistance. You can learn more about applying for LIHEAP assistance here. I am also supporting the release of home heating oil reserves in New England. Ukraine: Earlier this week, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling on countries not to recognize the four regions of Ukraine that Russia has claimed. The resolution also demands that Moscow reverse course on its "attempted illegal annexation". The resolution passed by a vote of 143 to 5, with 35 countries abstaining. This vote tally is a thunderous diplomatic win for Ukraine, the United States, and the free world. It also represents a searing defeat for Russia. The U.S. will continue to stand with Ukraine during a long, cold winter. We will stay with Ukraine as long as it takes. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to establish American clean energy independence and, in turn, lower energy prices for American families. Let me know below if you are concerned with the price of electricity and home heating oil ahead of winter. Are you concerned with high energy prices for this winter? Around the Fourth Climate Summit: On November 10th, I am hosting a climate summit in Needham to discuss climate change and the clean energy transition. You are invited to attend. The summit will bring together climate stakeholders from the Massachusetts 4th and beyond to hear directly from leaders in academia, industry, and public policy about their efforts to curb climate change, and how Massachusetts can lead the nation in the transition to clean energy. Featuring opening remarks by Olin College of Engineering President Gilda A. Barabino, Ph.D., and Former Congressman and Current Citizens Energy Managing Director Joe Kennedy III, the Climate Summit will present three panels that each highlight a different group of climate & clean tech professionals and their leadership in the public and private sectors. Please share this event with your family and friends. Please RSVP by November 1 if you plan to attend. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity.           When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM           Where: Needham, MA (address will be sent a few days in advance to those who RSVP) Wellesley College STEM Panel: Last week, I celebrated the opening of Wellesley College's new Science Complex. I spoke on a panel titled "Changing the Face of STEM," which focused on the importance of having more women, including women of color, in the science and technology fields. As the son of a trailblazing woman scientist, I am a committed champion of diversity in STEM to narrow the gender pay gap, ensure a diverse and talented STEM workforce, and to prevent biases in these fields and the products and services they produce. You can watch the full panel here. Sincerely, 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 Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Sep 12 through Sep 30

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER 12 - SEPTEMBER 30 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill The Clean Energy Transition: I wrote in the Washington Times that the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy need not be along party lines. Republicans must combat science deniers within their ranks and join Democrats in making progress on clean energy innovation. And Democrats should be open to collaboration on the market-based solutions that Republicans tend to favor.  There are common values on which to build: members of both parties should want to leave a healthier environment for their children while creating a stronger economy that is free from Middle Eastern oil. Writing about clean energy in a conservative publication is part of my go-everywhere, talk-to-everyone approach to delivering results on the critical issues of our time. Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act: Prior to voting in favor of the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act, I spoke on the House floor about the importance of this legislation. The bill will strengthen protections for federal employees who expose wrongdoing. Federal whistleblowers who put their livelihoods on the line to expose bad actors deserve their day in court if they face retaliation. I also passed an amendment to the bill to ensure their cases appear with the urgency they demand. Wall Street on the Hill: Recently, the CEOs of big U.S. banks testified before the Financial Services Committee. In my questioning, I focused on how Wall Street and Washington can work together to outcompete the Chinese Communist Party as it strains under its draconian zero-Covid policy. Congress and big banks both have tools and resources to expand U.S. productive capacity, particularly by building more housing and increasing labor force participation. I also asked the CEOs about whether they believed the Fed Chair would maintain inflation-fighting credibility with Wall Street in the year ahead. If markets don't believe the Fed's forward guidance, the central bank's ability to prevent long-term inflation would be undermined. Upon my questioning, these closest Fed-watchers raised their hands in a vote of confidence in the Fed chairman's resolve. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to ensure Americans have access to affordable housing. At the state and local level, building multi-family housing by-right is critical to driving down housing prices. Let me know below if you support building more multi-family homes. Do you support building multi-family housing to drive down housing prices? Around the Fourth New England Council: Recently, I addressed the New England Council to highlight the accomplishments of this Congress while presenting a new, collaborative vision for the future. I've worked with progressive Democrats on curbing climate change, with moderate Democrats on lowering costs for families, and with Republicans to support the people of Ukraine. My core message: I will continue to work left, right, and center to deliver results for working families. Sincerely, 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 Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Aug 29 - Sep 11

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 11 I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Remembering 9/11 Anniversary of September 11th: On Sunday, we commemorated 21 years since our way of life came under assault, in an attack so horrifying that the images and sounds are forever seared in our collective memory. In solidarity, I spoke at the Newton Fire Department in honor of the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. As a country, we commit ourselves to freedom and democracy, in their memory. On the Hill MBTA: I met with Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) General Manager Steve Poftak and other MBTA officials on the shutdown of the Orange Line and other service restrictions caused by maintenance and safety concerns. The federal government has provided sufficient funding to the MBTA, but now the MBTA needs to properly use the funding for increasing staffing and performing maintenance. Specifically, they need to hire at least 2,000 people over the next two years. I do not believe that the Federal Transit Administration should impose receivership on the MBTA. The FTA has demonstrated its value in enforcing safety upgrades and should stay in close oversight of the MBTA, but as a former local official, I strongly believe that state and local officials are best equipped to run the MBTA. Supporting Ukraine: Ukrainian forces recently retook over 1,000 square miles in northeastern Ukraine from Russian troops. Ukraine's counteroffensive is the most significant development in the war since Russia's retreat from Kyiv and is further evidence that Russia can be defeated. I am continuing to work to maintain strong bipartisan support in Congress for Russia's strategic defeat. We must continue providing economic, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukrainian forces to ensure their victory on the front lines of the free world. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to provide widespread access to public transit. Let me know below if you have access to reliable, public transportation. Have you been impacted by recent public transit service restrictions? Around the Fourth Investing in Health: I joined Governor Baker in speaking at the opening ceremony for a new Blackstone life sciences location in our state. Blackstone is investing in new cures, good jobs, and better care for Massachusetts residents. And, increasingly, the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem is extending to southeastern Massachusetts, where, for example, Thermo Fisher Scientific recently opened a biomanufacturing facility in Plainville. Meet-Ups Across the Fourth: Throughout the month of August, I hosted a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants throughout the district. I enjoyed hearing from constituents on a variety of topics, from Congress's recent action on climate change to providing support to Ukraine to continuing our work to lower health care costs. I will take all of this information with me back to Washington and keep it in mind as relevant legislation arises. Sincerely, 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 Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Aug 15 through Aug 26, 2022

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW AUGUST 15 - AUGUST 26 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Afghanistan Withdrawal Anniversary: Last week marked the one year anniversary of our withdrawal from Afghanistan. The United States is in a stronger strategic position because of President Biden's tough call. I spoke on Boston Public Radio about how the U.S. can form a mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan. The U.S. should invest in Afghan-led mining, with strict conditions, to support the Afghan people, strengthen our supply chains for clean-energy inputs, and out-compete China. The American people owe humanitarian support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. I strongly support efforts to improve food security, welcome Afghan allies to the United States, and protect women and girls. Our greatest long-term gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Make your voice heard → President Biden recently strengthened the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. His new regulation codifies the program, which currently offers work permits and protection from deportation to more than 600,000 undocumented immigrants. Following the new regulation, the President called on Congress to pass legislation that takes similar steps. I support making the DACA program permanent to protect undocumented immigrants who were brought into the U.S. as children. Let me know if you agree. Do you support codifying the DACA program? Around the Fourth New Jobs in Our District: I was honored to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Thermo Fisher Scientific's new location in Plainville. Massachusetts is the world capital of life sciences, and this state-of-the-art facility will further establish the Commonwealth as not just the leader in medical R&D, but also in bio-manufacturing. I look forward to working closely with Thermo Fisher as they continue to create good jobs and innovate in viral vector manufacturing. Coffee Meet-Ups Across the District: Over the past few weeks, I've hosted a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants throughout the district. It has been great meeting constituents across the Fourth and hearing what's on their mind. I still have six meet-ups remaining this summer and I'd love to see you there. To RSVP, or to find out more information, please head to this link: Coffee With Your Congressman.   Sincerely, 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

Auchincloss Op Ed: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining

As we mark the one year anniversary of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, please see the below oped from Congressman Auchincloss. Congressman Auchincloss commanded infantry in Afghanistan and special operations in Panama. In Afghanistan in 2012, he led patrols through villages contested by the Taliban. In Panama as part of the Marines' elite reconnaissance branch, his team trained local units to stop the drug trade. He's now a major in the reserves.

Key Point:

"Without boots on the ground, we have more resources to counter Russia and China, while maintaining the capability to take terrorists off the battlefield. Afghanistan, though, is struggling. But there is a path forward that helps the Afghan people while further strengthening America. Western mining can do what Western militaries never could: put Afghanistan on the path of self-sufficiency. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth. Mining could bootstrap economic development for the Afghan people. It could also secure for the United States the raw materials necessary to boost semiconductor and clean energy production, as intended by the blockbuster Chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act....The American people owe this support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. Our greatest gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Mining is the first step."  

FOX: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining

By: Congressman Jake Auchincloss 

America can use mining partnership in Afghanistan to force human rights improvements

One year after ending the failed war in Afghanistan, the United States is in a stronger position. Without boots on the ground, we have more resources to counter Russia and China, while maintaining the capability to take terrorists off the battlefield. Afghanistan, though, is struggling. But there is a path forward that helps the Afghan people while further strengthening America.

Western mining can do what Western militaries never could: put Afghanistan on the path of self-sufficiency. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth. Mining could bootstrap economic development for the Afghan people. It could also secure for the United States the raw materials necessary to boost semiconductor and clean energy production, as intended by the blockbuster Chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act.

We can't delay. Days after the United States left, the Chinese Communist Party started ramping up its decade-long designs on Afghanistan's $1 trillion of mineral deposits. The Chinese see 20 years and $2 trillion of American blood, sweat, and treasure as the groundwork for their own extractive industries. Their designs include a tenuous contract with the Afghans to mine copper at Mes Aynak, near Kabul.

The Chinese offered a power plant and a railroad as part of the contract. They work well with the Taliban's allies in Pakistan. And, they do not hold the Taliban to account for its human-rights abuses and drug trade.

There is an opening for the United States, though. The Chinese are not delivering economic development. They reneged on building the railroad. They also balk at establishing copper processing on site. Instead, they want to transport the raw ore out of the country, preventing Afghan industry from climbing the next rung of the value chain. The Taliban's Minister of Mines and Petroleum is reported to prefer American to Chinese miners; this year, he had a virtual meeting with a few American companies, inviting them to invest in Afghanistan.  

The United States and its Western allies should take him up on the offer, with strict conditions. The agreement could start with copper mining at Mes Aynak, a direct rebuttal to the Chinese. Cooperation might then expand to sites with lithium, iron, rare earth elements, gold, lapis lazulis, and other in-demand minerals or gems. Also, possible: oil and gas production in northern Afghanistan, where the China National Petroleum Corporation seeks to restart operations in the Amu Darya Basin, but where U.S. companies are also well-positioned.

In exchange for Western investment in the mineral extraction and processing, power generation, transportation, and workforce development necessary to build an Afghan mining industry from scratch, U.S. diplomats must require the Taliban to partner with one or several multilateral development banks (MLB), such as the Asian Development Bank or the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. The MLB would draft and enforce the contracts, especially royalty rates. It would also work to ensure that mining revenues support social and economic development, not narco-terror cabals. Funding should be a public-private partnership; unfrozen Afghan central bank funds and global aid could be first dollars in, starting with a feasibility study, to de-risk companies' long-term investments.

The challenges in this project are immense. The Taliban might lie, cheat, and steal. China and Pakistan might obstruct. Mining companies might drag their feet. But, we must do something to change the status quo. The Afghan economy runs on opium and meth. The only near-term alternative to drugs is minerals. So, let's try it. As a first step, I have a bill in Congress to direct the State Department to study a Special Economic Zone in Afghanistan for mining.

This project is also not an excuse for inaction on immediate crises. The United States, already the world's largest humanitarian donor to Afghanistan, must do more to improve food security, especially for children. To honor our commitment to allies, the administration should expand Operation Allies Welcome and Congress must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. And, we must use every point of leverage to change the Taliban's most egregious behavior, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls and the release of Mark Frerichs.

The American people owe this support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. Our greatest gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Mining is the first step.  

Jake Auchincloss represents the Massachusetts Fourth Congressional District in Congress where he is Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Auchincloss Oped: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining