Dear Neighbors,I introduced a bill with my Energy and Commerce Democratic colleagues this week to make sure we are prepared for future public health emergencies and to address drug shortages. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we apply lessons learned to ensure that we can respond to future public health emergencies, including the ongoing drug shortage crisis.The legislation also increases authorized funding levels for preparedness programs including the Strategic National Stockpile to sufficiently maintain current capabilities and absorb additional products that are developed as well as the Hospital Preparedness Program to ensure there is health care system resilience in the wake of public health emergencies. Finally, the bill provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with tools and authorities to help address the national drug shortage crisis and other supply chain vulnerabilities. These policies include improved mandatory reporting of drug and medical device shortages, increased transparency in drug and active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing and recall authority to ensure dangerous products can be removed from the market quickly. Read more hereBipartisan Progress to Combat the Opioid EpidemicI am pleased that my Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the bipartisan SUPPORT for the Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act this week to respond to the opioid epidemic. Tragically, the opioid epidemic continues to impact every community across the country. The legislative package we advanced reauthorizes critical programs in our fight against the opioid epidemic and includes some new provisions to expand prevention, treatment, and response efforts. This bipartisan bill will help connect justice-involved individuals with Medicaid while they await trial. It will also help ensure people who are incarcerated are connected to Medicaid upon their release. For incarcerated individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, the time of their release can be particularly dangerous. This legislation is going to help them get the treatment and support they need.   Long Branch Free Library Receives National Medal for Museum and Library ServiceI attended a presentation ceremony led by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the White House this week for the Long Branch Free Public Library. The library was one of just four libraries nationwide to receive the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. The Institute is an independent agency that serves as the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States.