United States Senator Mike Crapo - Idaho

*August Recess: An
Opportunity to Visit with Idahoans*

Congress is in a state work
period for the month of August.
Despite the term "recess" often used
to describe this time, it does not mean a vacation from congressional
duties.
Instead, senators and representatives return to their state
or district to conduct on-the-ground meetings.
I am currently
traveling throughout Idaho meeting with residents from every corner of
the state.
So far, I have:

-
Visited with veteran leaders in
*Minidoka and Cassia counties*;

-
Presented a Congressional
Record Statement to *Idaho Alzheimer's advocates* honoring their hard
work in advancing their advocacy efforts in the Gem State;

-
Hosted a news conference [link 1]in the Magic Valley with local
pharmacists and mental health professionals to discuss my legislation
to *cut prescription drug prices*; and

-
Visited the *Porthill
Port of Entry*, which continues operating on limited hours.
I am a
co-sponsor of Senator Risch's legislation [link 2]to require Customs
and Border Protection to return all northern ports of entry to--at a
minimum--pre-pandemic hours for the purposes of commerce and national
security.

Work continues to meet with more Idahoans in the
state.
You can keep up with my visits on Facebook [link 3], Twitter
[link 4]and Instagram [link 5].
I look forward to taking your
thoughts, concerns and issues with me back to Washington when the
August work period concludes.
If you wish to share additional
thoughts with me, please use the EMAIL ME form on my WEBSITE [link
6].



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*Lowering
Prescription Drug Costs, Expanding Trade, Providing for the Common
Defense*

Prior to the start of the August state work period, I was
busy in Congress making your voice heard on a number of
priorities.

-
*Advancing Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug
Costs:*The Senate Finance Committee, on which I serve as Ranking
Member, advanced my legislation to help lower out-of-pocket
prescription costs for patients.
The Modernizing and Ensuring
Pharmacy Benefit Manager Accountability Act (MEPA) brings more
transparency, accountability and competition to the drug supply chain,
particularly where pharmacy benefit managers are concerned.
This
legislation will empower consumers, plans, providers and pharmacies to
make informed, cost-effective and clinically appropriate
decisions.
You can read more on my website here [link 7].
We are
continuing work on additional provisions, and I look forward to
advancing these important policies through the full Senate.

-
*Expanding Trade and Strengthening Ties with Taiwan: *As we continue
to stand up to China's economic aggression in the Asia-Pacific region,
our relationship with Taiwan is even more critical.
Taiwan is Idaho's
second largest trade partner, accounting for the purchase of more than
$470 million in Idaho products in 2021.
The Senate passed my
legislation with Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) to set robust
transparency and consultation requirements for any future agreements
negotiated under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century
Trade.
This would ensure the Biden Administration does not conduct a
go-it-alone trade agenda, and would promote American interests in
trade with the country.
Deepening our ties with Taiwan and its
vibrant democracy is important for strengthening our long-term
partnership, and Idaho businesses and producers stand to gain from
improved access into Taiwan's market.
You can read more on my website
HERE [link 8]and HERE [link 9].

-
*Providing for the Common
Defense: *Congress passed, with my support, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), fulfilling Congress's
constitutional duty to "provide for the common defense."
The FY 2024
NDAA delivers much-needed resources for both our active servicemembers
and veterans.
The bill includes a number of provisions important to
the state of Idaho in final passage, all of which you can read about
here on my website [link 10].
It also included my bill to expand the
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act coverage to Idaho and other
western states, providing justice to downwinders affected by radiation
from nuclear testing.
I continue pressing for passage of my Fighter
Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act [link 11], which prevents
closure of Air National Guard fighter squadrons at a time when pilot
and maintenance manning are at critically low levels.

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Contact
Information:

Website:

Offices:
239 Dirksen Senate
Building
Washington D.C., 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6142

Idaho
Falls
410 Memorial Drive
Suite 205
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone:
(208) 522-9779

Boise
251 East Front Street
Suite 205
Boise, ID
83702
Phone: (208) 334-1776

Lewiston
313 'D' Street
Suite 105
Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (208) 743-1492

Caldwell
524 East
Cleveland Blvd.
Suite 220
Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone: (208)
455-0360

Pocatello
275 South 5th Avenue
Suite 100
Pocatello,
ID 83201
Phone: (208) 236-6775

Coeur d' Alene
610 Hubbard
Street
Suite 209
Coeur d' Alene, ID 83814
Phone: (208) 664-5490
Twin Falls
202 Falls Avenue
Suite 2
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone:
(208) 734-2515

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