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

More Perfect Union: 068 - Congress, The Role of The House Speaker, and The Current Problem Facing The Republican Party (audio)

In this episode, the group discusses the problem republican's are having appointing a house speaker, how congress works, why this is holding up session, the democratic party's reaction, and so much more.

Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/068-congress-the-role-of-the-house-speaker-and-the-current-problem-facing-the-republican-party

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

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 Nov 21 to Dec 9

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 9 I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed.  On the Hill Respect for Marriage Act: Last Thursday, I was excited to join my colleagues in voting to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which President Biden signed into law. I celebrated this historic vote on the House floor with my trailblazing predecessor, Barney Frank. This critical law ensures that all Americans have the right to marry whom they love by making marriage equality and interracial marriage the law of the land. Protecting Offshore Wind: Last week, my continued advocacy helped ensure a win for offshore wind development in Massachusetts and across the country. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was intended to include a well-intentioned, but poorly considered, provision that would have prevented the U.S. offshore wind industry from reaching President Biden's goal of 30 gigawatts by 2030. Over the course of the last year, I led 30 of my colleagues in advocacy to remove the provision, which officially succeeded this week. The southern part of our district holds massive potential for offshore wind energy and economic development. I will continue to fight for the clean energy and green jobs that offshore wind promotes. Gun Violence Prevention: I, along with fellow members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, met with the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the Justice Department. We discussed his enforcement of regulations we passed in the bipartisan gun safety bill we passed earlier this year as well as the concerning rise of ghost guns. Ghost guns are assembled by consumers after purchasing different components of the gun from different vendors. I am committed to ensuring illegal guns, whether assembled commercially or individually, stay off the streets and out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Make your voice heard → The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act passed the House last week. I was the only Democratic veteran to vote against it. The bill currently totals $857 billion, representing an $80 billion increase over the previous year. I am a proud supporter of a strong and growing U.S. military, but the spending needs to be reined in. The Pentagon is the biggest bureaucracy in the world, and it can do 10% more with 10% less — but Congress needs to force the issue. What do you think? Do you support reducing the defense budget? Around the Fourth Small Business Saturday: I celebrated Small Business Saturday by stopping by some local businesses with Teddy. We went holiday shopping for Toys for Tots at Henry's Bear Park in Newtonville. I also visited Viva Fall River and met Executive Director Patti Rego, who won the 2022 Gateway Cities Innovation Award. This award recognizes Patti's exceptional contributions to one of the state's Gateway Cities - Fall River. Small businesses need our support, and while I'm working to support them in Congress, I urge you to support them this holiday season by shopping local. EPA Funding Announcement: On Friday, I joined EPA Regional Director David Cash, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Mayor Paul Coogan, State Senator Mike Rodrigues, and State Representative Carole Fiola in Fall River to announce $14 million in federal funding for Fall River. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is also investing over $7 million. These funds will help de-lead Fall River's drinking water and purchase electric school buses. As I said in my remarks to Fall River students: this is government at work, for you. The mayor's remarks were especially poignant. The days of Fall River being left behind or counted out, he said, are over. 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 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 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