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
conferencein 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 legislationto
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,
Twitterand
Instagram.
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.
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. 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 HEREand
HERE.
- 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. 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, 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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