Showing posts with label Auchincloss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auchincloss. Show all posts

Saturday, March 14, 2026

An Update from Congressman Jake Auchincloss - 03/13/26

Good morning. I’m your Representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.




"A war of choice led by a president without a plan

Operation Epic Fury is a war of choice without congressional authorization. Given his lies to the Iranian protestors about help on the way, his weakness in Ukraine, and his blood-for-oil scheme in Venezuela, this president has no credibility on either the strategy or law guiding foreign policy. Congress must reclaim its war powers and insist that military force against Iran be debated in plain view of the American people, not on Signal chats.

Many Americans in the MA-04 have personal ties to the affected nations, particularly Israel and Iran, and I have spoken to individuals in both diasporas. They hold conflicting emotions, simultaneously – hope & fear, boldness & exhaustion. They and their families abroad, as well as all citizens of this Republic, deserve sound and lawful strategy from Washington.

I voted Yes last week on the War Powers Resolution to end hostilities with Iran until & unless the president comes to Congress for an authorization. I am ready to work across the aisle to craft congressionally directed strategy on Iran, especially for securing American air supremacy in the region to defend our allies & interests against the Islamic Republic’s belligerence; ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz; and supporting the Iranian people's right to self determination. But first, congressional Republicans must call the question on this fundamental issue of war powers by voting against a reckless commander-in-chief and for the Constitution.

Acting without oversight, the administration’s sophomoric strategy has created two problems:

 -  There’s a new Khamenei, and he’s worse than the old Khamenei
 -  The new Khamenei now has another ‘nuclear’ option, in addition to enriching the still at-large uranium: close the Strait of Hormuz for non-Chinese oil transit. 

Before the president travels to Beijing in a weakened position at the end of this month, he should present for congressional approval a plan for ending this war of choice while preventing the regime from denying transit through the Strait of Hormuz, in violation of international law. Kharg Island, the export site for nearly all Iranian crude oil (much of which goes to China), may be one critical element of that plan."

Onwards,

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Jake


Sunday, February 22, 2026

Auchincloss Announces Guest for President Trump’s State of the Union Address



Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) is announcing Amanda Blount, Executive Director of The Literacy Center in Attleboro, Massachusetts, as his guest for President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24.
Blount is a community leader who has led The Literacy Center–an independent nonprofit organization that provides educational programs and support services to adults in southeastern Massachusetts–for the past eight years. She also serves as the president of the Community Health Systems Foundation, a philanthropic public health foundation based in Attleboro.
Blount leads a team of 25 employees and more than 60 volunteers at The Literacy Center who empower disadvantaged individuals through quality adult education services; including courses in digital literacy, career counseling, and one-on-one tutoring. Students at The Literacy Center come from over 55 countries, including the United States, and speak over 20 languages between them. The Literacy Center estimates that it has served over 10,000 people in 38 years.
"Amanda is an antidote to the cynicism of today's politics," said Rep. Auchincloss. "She doesn't point fingers, she extends a helping hand. Every time I meet with her I leave optimistic. We need more doers and leaders like her."
"For nearly four decades, The Literacy Center has operated on a foundational belief that every person deserves the chance to learn and build a better life," said Amanda Blount, Executive Director of The Literacy Center. "Education opens doors. When more people have the tools to succeed, entire communities are strengthened — our workforce grows, our neighborhoods thrive, and our economy benefits. But to truly deliver high-quality education to those who need it most, we must go beyond the curriculum. We must ensure that every person who walks through our doors is treated with dignity and respect. We all carry dreams — for ourselves, for our families, for our futures. To pursue them, we need to feel safe. We need opportunities to learn. And we need to know that we matter. That is the promise at the core of who we are at The Literacy Center."

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Congressional Update and Q&A this Sunday, Feb 22 in Foxborough



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Hi neighbor,

A friendly reminder that this Sunday, February 22, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Foxborough. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I'm working to represent the district's values and priorities.

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss  

Sunday, February 22
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Foxborough, MA

Doors will open at 2:30pm. 

Location provided upon RSVP HERE.

*By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates.

Sincerely,

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Jake Auchincloss



Saturday, February 14, 2026

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss - Feb 22 in Foxborough


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Hi neighbor,

On Sunday, February 22, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Foxborough. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I'm working to represent the district's values and priorities.

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss  

Sunday, February 22
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Foxborough, MA

Doors will open at 2:30pm. 

Location provided upon RSVP HERE.

*By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates.

Sincerely,

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Jake Auchincloss



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Sunday, February 1, 2026

Talkin' TC! New Episode Alert! (video)

Talkin' TC! New Episode Alert!

(L-R) Congressman Jake Auchincloss with Kahlil Mateus
(L-R) Congressman Jake Auchincloss with Kahlil Mateus
Hosted by Kahlil Mateus, we sat down with Congressman Jake Auchincloss for a powerful conversation about the future of vocational‑technical education and why it matters for today’s students and communities. He also gives a behind‑the‑scenes look at life as a member of Congress and shares meaningful advice for students planning their next steps.

An inspiring, insightful episode you won’t want to miss.

🎥 Watch the full conversation at the link below!


@repauchincloss



Saturday, January 31, 2026

State Legislators Endorse Jake Auchincloss for Reelection

Twenty Democratic state legislators across the Massachusetts' Fourth Congressional District are endorsing Jake Auchincloss for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. Every Democratic state senator or state representative whose district overlaps with the congressman's is endorsing him.


"My focus right now is to defend democracy in Washington and to help lower prices in Massachusetts. From immigration rapid-response to housing and healthcare policy, state legislators are my essential partners in those efforts," said Congressman Auchincloss. "I'm honored to have their confidence and I'm committed to close partnership."

Listed below in alphabetical order are the state senators and state representatives endorsing Jake Auchincloss for reelection. Included next to their names are leadership roles and every town or city they represent in whole or part:
  • State Senator Cindy Creem, Majority Leader [Brookline, Wellesley, Newton]
  • State Senator Paul Feeney, Chair of Financial Services [Attleboro, Mansfield, North Attleborough, Norton, Canton, Foxborough, Sharon]
  • State Senator Becca Rausch, Chair of Environment and Natural Resources [Franklin, Bellingham, Dover, Medfield, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, Milford, Sherborn]
  • State Senator Mike Rodrigues, Chair of Ways & Means [Fall River, Freetown, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Lakeville, Rochester]
  • State Representative James Arena-DeRosa [Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Millis]
  • State Representative Lisa Field [Easton, Taunton]
  • State Representative Carole Fiola [Fall River, Freetown]
  • State Representative Dennis Gallagher [Raynham, Bridgewater]
  • State Representative Jim Hawkins [Attleboro]
  • State Representative Brian Murray [Hopedale, Mendon, Milford]
  • State Representative Steve Ouellette [Acushnet, Fall River, Freetown, New Bedford, Westport]
  • State Representative Alice Peisch, Assistant Majority Leader [Lincoln, Weston, Wellesley]
  • State Representative Ted Philips [Mansfield, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole]
  • State Representative Jeff Roy, Second Division Chair [Franklin, Medway]
  • State Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo [Newton]
  • State Representative Adam Scanlon [Attleboro, Mansfield, North Attleborough]
  • State Representative Greg Schwartz [Newton, Brookline]
  • State Representative Alan Silvia [Fall River]
  • State Representative Josh Tarsky [Dover, Medfield, Needham]
  • State Representative Tommy Vitolo [Brookline]

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Rep. Auchincloss introduces bipartisan, bicameral legislation to force Pharmacy Benefit Managers to act in employees’ best interests

U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04) and Ryan Mackenzie (R, PA-07), alongside Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the bicameral PBM Fiduciary Accountability, Integrity, and Reform (FAIR) Act. This legislation would establish fiduciary responsibilities for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – the middlemen of drug pricing – requiring them to act in the best interests of employees relying on employer-sponsored health plans, while keeping plan costs low.
U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss
U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss

Currently, PBMs that provide drug benefits for employer health plans often get away with price-gouging because they are not legally required to put employees’ interests first. The PBM FAIR Act would ensure these middlemen are classified as fiduciaries under law, which will help curb hidden fees and practices that drive up what employees pay for their medications.

PBMs are directly responsible for:
  • Marking up generic drugs at prices hundreds of times higher than actual cost,
  • Limiting patient choice, and
  • Denying claims with no or misleading explanations.
This bill reins in bad PBM practices and helps ensure employer-sponsored health care plans are affordable and accessible to all families.

“Instead of looking out for the best interests of employees, pharmacy benefit managers have been hitting them with prescription drug mark-ups, inconvenient pharmacy options, and wrongful denials,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. “This legislation puts force of law behind the best interest standard. The PBMs either improve access and affordability, or they'll pay out in lawsuits.”
                                                                                                                    
“Pharmacy benefit managers play a major role in determining what patients pay for their prescriptions, yet they often operate with little accountability,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “The PBM FAIR Act brings transparency to the system by requiring PBMs to act as fiduciaries under ERISA, ensuring that patients come first. By holding middlemen accountable we can also deliver lower healthcare costs to policyholders."

“For too long, middlemen have used opaque pricing and misaligned incentives to line their own pockets at the expense of employers,” said Senator Marshall. “PBMs shouldn’t profit by steering plans toward higher‑cost drugs or practices that drive up prices. This bill holds them accountable and ensures that every decision they make prioritizes the health and financial interests of the plans and people they serve.”

“Pharmacy benefit managers should be held accountable for their role in raising costs of prescription drugs,” said Senator Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring that PBMs are doing what’s best for Americans who rely on lifesaving medication.”

This legislation is supported by the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC).

“Employers, workers, and families should be able to rely on those who provide services to employer-sponsored group health plans, such as pharmacy benefit managers, to adhere to the same fiduciary duties the employer is held to. That means working to save money for patients, and doing what is right for the plan’s beneficiaries. Today’s unregulated, “honor system” approach is not working. When PBMs are performing services on behalf of the employer, they are standing in the shoes of the plan sponsor and should be held accountable. ERIC applauds Representatives Auchincloss and Mackenzie, and Senators Marshall, Kaine, Grassley, and Hassan for leaving politics at the door and taking a bipartisan approach to clarify this important extension of current law,” said James Gelfand, President and CEO, ERIC.

The full text of this legislation is available ->   https://auchincloss.house.gov/imo/media/doc/pbm_fair_act.pdf

Saturday, December 13, 2025

An Invite From Congressman Auchincloss to register for a Virtual Update with Q&A - Dec 15


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Hi neighbor,


On Monday, December 15, I'll be hosting a Virtual Update and Q & A. This is an opportunity for you to raise questions and hear updates on what I'm doing to represent the district's values & priorities.

Details about the Q&A are below. I hope you'll be able to join me. 

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss    

Monday, December 15
7:15 – 8:15 PM

RSVP for the Zoom link HERE

*By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates.

 

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Jake Auchincloss





Sunday, November 23, 2025

Congressman Jake Auchincloss Introduces ACA Copay Cost and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act

Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) introduced the ACA Copay Cost and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act to limit annual prescription drug cost-sharing for patients enrolled in health insurance plans through the ACA Marketplaces. Millions of Americans with ACA Marketplace coverage struggle to afford necessary medications, often facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs before reaching their plan's maximum limit. 

A 2025 analysis by No Patient Left Behind found that health exchange plans have increased patients' prescription drug costs by an average of 36 percent since 2021. The same analysis estimated that 5.6% of enrollees had annual pharmacy out-of-pocket costs greater than $2,000, significantly higher than the $560.75 average in 2023. 

Congressman Jake Auchincloss
Congressman Jake Auchincloss

The ACA Copay CAP Act would allow health plans to retain the majority of their plan benefit design flexibilities, while patients and taxpayers receive greater value from their premium subsidies and improved access to lifesaving medications. 

The ACA Copay CAP Act would: 

  • Establish new out-of-pocket caps for prescription drugs: 
  • Starting in 2027, self-only coverage on the ACA would include a $2,000 cap per year for prescription drugs. 
  • Starting in 2027, family coverage on the ACA would include a $4,000 cap per year for prescription drugs. 
  • Increase the annual cap as premiums increase each year: 
  • Starting in 2028, the cap amount would increase each year based on the premium adjustment percentage set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. 
  • Annual increases would be rounded down to the nearest $50 increment. 

"Insurance doesn't work if the co-pays and deductibles are unaffordable," said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. "When people pay premiums to insurance companies, they should be able to trust that the insurer will cover them when a doctor prescribes a drug they need. My bill is a step towards repairing that trust."

"While Republicans fail to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for working families, Congressman Auchincloss is working to reduce the cost of health care in the ACA," said Darbin Wofford, Deputy Director of Health Care at Third Way. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors now pay no more than $2,000 a year in out-of-pocket drug costs. Third Way applauds Congressman Auchincloss's introduction of the ACA Copay Costs and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act to extend that same protection to people in the ACA Marketplaces."

"This bill will provide life-saving financial relief to millions of families. As prescription drug prices in the United States continue to spiral out of control, forcing families to choose between the medication they need and putting food on the table, Big Insurance's pharmacy benefit manager subsidiaries are profiting handsomely," said Wendell Potter, President of the Center for Health and Democracy and Founder of the Lower Out-of-Pockets NOW Coalition. 

"Over the past decade, the seven largest publicly traded health insurers have reported more than $500 billion in profits, including $146 billion spent on stock buybacks—profits extracted in part from unaffordable cost-sharing requirements that patients face at the pharmacy counter., Health care should be about patients, not profits. Which is why Congress should advance this vital legislation without delay." 

"Though ACA enrollment is up nearly 80% since 2021, too many health plans offer 'coverage' in name only. Prescription drugs comprise just 10 cents of every dollar spent on health care. Yet from 2021 to 2023, insurers increased pharmacy copay costs for the average enrollee by 36%, and 5.6% of people had more than $2,000 in annual drug costs,"  said Peter Rubin, Executive Director of No Patient Left Behind. 

Patients and taxpayers expect premiums to pay for actual treatments. It is time to improve health plan quality. Thanks to Rep. Auchincloss and the ACA Copay CAP Act, we're one step closer to real truth in insurance by requiring health plans and their vertically integrated PBMs to provide meaningful consumer protections from unaffordable out-of-pocket drug costs."

The following organizations support the ACA Copay Cost and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act: No Patient Left Behind, Third Way, Center for Health and Democracy, Grady Legal, PA, California Physicians Alliance, A Healthier WE, Health Action New Mexico, Triage Cancer, Courage California, Hemophilia Federation of America, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, Arnall Golden Gregory LLC, Small Business Majority, Boomer Esiason Foundation, Doctors for America, Society of General Internal Medicine, Progressive Coders Network, and Patients Rising.

The full bill can be found HERE. 

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Officials Celebrate SNETT Trail Extension

A cold morning in mid-November, State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was joined by Congressman Jake Auchincloss, local Franklin town officials and members of the SNETT Rail Trail Committee to celebrate the acquisition of rail line from Grove Street to Union Street.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss, left, gets a tour of the site on Union Street in Franklin of the extension of the SNETT Trail
Congressman Jake Auchincloss, left, gets a
tour of the site on Union Street in Franklin
of the extension of the SNETT Trail
“This is a tremendous win for the community and will truly boost the crossing neighborhood in Franklin,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “The extension of the rail trail will give families and individuals the opportunity to walk, bike and run through Franklin and beyond. I want to thank Congressman Auchincloss, Franklin officials and the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for their persistence and commitment to Franklin’s resources and continuing to offer recreational and economic development options to the community.”

Representative Roy worked with Congressman Auchincloss to get CSX, a freight train company, and Franklin officials to provide a pathway for the town to acquire the rail line to turn it into an extension of the rail trail. That would connect the current trailhead on Grove Street to Union Street and extend the line across town. This extension makes the Southern New England Trunkline Trail an 80-mile recreation trail extending from Franklin to Connecticut.

"I am proud to be a part of the team to bring this vision to fruition" said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. "This acquisition will be the cornerstone of a revitalized Franklin Crossing Neighborhood and will provide an incredible opportunity for recreational enthusiasts, including bikers, hikers, walkers and many others to be able to access this 80 mile SNETT trail that will extend all the way to Connecticut. I want to thank Congressman Auchincloss, Rep Roy, the former Town Council for the support in acquisition and the Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for their steadfast advocacy. This is a true partnership for the greater good of all residents!"

The rail trail extension is game changing in making Downtown Franklin a compelling destination both for locals and people from further afield.  Franklin will be the ideal starting point for a family walk or bike ride combined with a visit to local businesses,” said Paul Stamp, Vice President of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee.

Massachusetts contributed $700,000 towards the purchase of the line and has committed and addition $1 million to prepare the trail for use. 

A group photo with Congressman Auchincloss, Representative Jeffrey Roy, Franklin town officials and members of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
A group photo with Congressman Auchincloss,
Representative Jeffrey Roy, Franklin
town officials and members of the
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee


“This Rail Trail extension is a game-changer for Franklin—creating a welcoming trailhead and bringing new visitors into our downtown,” said Cobi Frongillo, Past President of the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and former Franklin Town Councilor.  “Our community has pushed for this connection for years, and it’s finally moving forward thanks to the persistence of town leaders and the leadership of Representative Roy and Congressman Auchincloss.”

You can follow the Rail Trail Committee page for updates ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Friday, September 12, 2025

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss - Sep 14 in Franklin



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Hi neighbor,

On Sunday, September 14, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Franklin. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I'm working to represent the district.

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss

Sunday, September 14
3:00pm – 4:30pm
Franklin, MA

Doors will open at 2:00pm. 

RSVP here for location. 

Live stream

 

Sincerely,

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Jake Auchincloss

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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 Street
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110




 

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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss - Sunday, September 14


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Hi neighbor,

On Sunday, September 14, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Franklin. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I'm working to represent the district.

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss

Sunday, September 14
3:00pm – 4:30pm
Franklin, MA

Doors will open at 2:00pm. 

RSVP here for location. 

Live stream

 

Sincerely,

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Jake Auchincloss

    Image Image Image Image    

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 Street
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110




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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Jake Auchincloss takes WSJ to Fall River

Jake Auchincloss takes WSJ to Fall River
Jake Auchincloss takes WSJ to Fall River
Jake Auchincloss (@JakeAuch) posted Tue, Aug 26, 2025:
"The Wall Street Journal came to Fall River with me to talk about Democrats' future in a city we lost for the first time in a century.
Shared from -> https://t.co/rC7uEBcQK6



Friday, July 25, 2025

Congressman Auchincloss: An invitation for Update and Q&A Weds, July 30 at 7:30 PM


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Hi neighbor,

On Wednesday, July 30, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Newton. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I'm working to represent the district.

Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss

Wednesday, July 30
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Newton, MA

Doors will open at 6:30 PM   

RSVP here for location upon registration for this event. 

Live stream link here.

Sincerely,

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Jake Auchincloss

    Image Image Image Image    

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 Street
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110






 

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