Dear John,

I was honored to receive the Distinguished Public Service Award from Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) at their facility's grand opening in South Scranton. 

The $2.1 million in Community Project Funding I secured for the organization's new Circle of Care program will ensure at-risk and low-income pregnant women have access to quality prenatal and postnatal care along with critical, wrap-around support services.

The Circle of Care program is the first maternity medical home in Pennsylvania that puts patients at the center of care. It's designed to meet the region's need for expanded comprehensive prenatal, obstetric, postpartum and newborn care services including WIC nutrition support, dental services, onsite lab and pharmacy services, substance use disorder care management, behavioral health, primary care and pediatric care services, all under one roof.

Read more about the services now being offered in our district here. 

Over the past several weeks, my district offices have received a significant uptick in outreach from constituents who are experiencing delays in obtaining their passports. 

That's because an unprecedented surge in demand for travel documents has created a growing backlog, causing significant delays for those hoping to embark on international trips. 

The standard passport renewal process, which typically takes a few weeks, can now take up to 13 weeks, while even expedited service could take up to nine weeks.

Before booking international travel, please remember to check the expiration date on your passport and plan accordingly. Passports last for 5 or 10 years, depending on your age when the passport was issued. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

You can learn more from the State Department here.

Every five years, Congress crafts a new Farm Bill to address the country’s agricultural and food policy needs. The last farm bill was passed in 2018 and Congress is now preparing new 2023 legislation.

The bill covers a variety of issues facing rural and agricultural communities including commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, rural development, forestry, energy, horticulture and crop insurance, among others, with key programs of the bill implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

We only write a farm bill every five years so it’s important we get it right. That's why I'm asking for input from regional farmers, consumers and all those involved in the agriculture industry by filling out the 2023 Farm Bill survey found here. 

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to working hard for our local farmers and delivering the results they need.

Be safe and well,