Dear Friends, 

It has been a busy and productive legislative week in Washington. As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I led several pieces of legislation to pass with bipartisan support. This legislation will soon be voted on by the full House of Representatives. This week I also voted to pass a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, to improve safety and accessibility for air travelers nationwide.

House Energy & Commerce Committee Passes Legislation To Improve Health Care Access

From maternal mortality to the opioid crisis, our nation faces a multitude of critical healthcare challenges. I'm proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver real solutions to the American people.

The Action for Dental Health Act of 2023: would direct federal support to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations, especially seniors, children, and those living in rural and urban communities. I co-led this legislation with Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02).

The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023: would assist states in preserving maternal health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes, and finding solutions to enhance health care quality and outcomes for mothers. I co-led this legislation with Reps. Michael Burgess (TX-26), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Kay Granger (TX-12).

The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Act of 2023: would reauthorize critical federal research, education, and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality. I co-led this legislation with Reps. Anna Eshoo (CA-16), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Michael Burgess (TX-26), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), and Jennifer Kiggans (VA-02).

The Remote Opioid Monitoring Act: would create a study focusing on the benefits and efficacy of remote monitoring of prescribed opioids by their health care providers. I co-led the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act with Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12). 

Passing the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act 

I voted to pass the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This bipartisan effort protects the safety of the flying public and secures the future of America’s aviation system. 

Upcoming Deadlines To Receive Veteran's Benefits

Eligible Veterans who file their PACT Act claim, or quickly submit the intent to file, by August 9, 2023, may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. For additional information, please visit: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/.

Since my colleagues and I passed the PACT Act, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has delivered more than $1.4 billion dollars in PACT Act health benefits to Veterans. Additionally, more than 665,000 Veterans have applied for PACT Act-related benefits, more than 3.9 million Veterans have received new toxic exposure screenings, and more than 287,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care. 

If you would like to share your thoughts with me, feel free to visit my website, at https://robinkelly.house.gov/. You can also keep in touch through Facebook and Twitter. 

Please know that my door is always open to you.

Sincerely,

Robin Kelly
Member of Congress