Puede encontrar una versión del boletin en español aqui. Dear John,
It was great to be home in Pennsylvania meeting with community members and local business owners on topics that impact our community like health care, public service, and agriculture — just to name a few. Now, I am back down in Washington, D.C. for votes! You may be wondering, when am I in D.C. and when am I able to be home in Pennsylvania?
In this week’s update, I’ll be sharing more about the Congressional Calendar (which you can see below), my recent visits in our community, bipartisan legislative wins, and a story of how we helped a constituent update her records so she could switch Medicare plans. Take a look!
Breaking Down the Congressional Calendar |
I don’t get to pick and choose where I go (if I could, I’d rather be back home in PA!). I follow a calendar that’s issued each year by the majority party in the House called the Congressional Calendar. This calendar shows when we are required to be in D.C. to vote. That’s when the House is what we call “in session.” When we are not in session, Members get to be back home in our communities and meet with you, our constituents!
When home in PA, I split my time between Berks and Chester Counties hosting town halls, meeting with leaders in our community, and listening to what’s top of mind for Pennsylvanians. It’s an important time for me to make sure that I am best representing our diverse community in Congress. Sometimes, when we are “out of session,” I also take opportunities to deepen my understanding of international issues, visit our troops, and foster connections with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. These invaluable experiences occur on Congressional Delegations or CODELS. For instance, I’ve been to Ukraine, our southern border, and the Horn of Africa. Be sure to check out the Congressional Calendar for yourself here!
How I Spent My Time in Pennsylvania (the highlights!)
Welcoming Secretary Becerra to Kennett Square |
Last Friday, I visited LCH Health and Community Services in Kennett Square with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Secretary Becerra and I toured the facility and had the opportunity to sit in on a listening session with nurses, staff, and administrators about how the Inflation Reduction Act has been helping our community save on healthcare bills with its many cost-saving provisions, particularly for prescription drug prices. This visit is a testament to the commitment of the Biden Administration to improving healthcare access for all Americans. Thank you LCH and Secretary Becerra!
Visiting a Small Business in Lewisville |
Farmers work 365 days a year and in all kinds of weather! So, a little rain did not stop our visits to our local agriculture businesses, like Old Stone Cider in Lewisville! This family-owned and operated farm has acres and acres of apple trees — all used to make their delicious hard cider! I had the opportunity to tour their farm and learn how their STEM education is used in their fermentation process. Thank you, Old Stone Cider, for being a very special establishment in our community. Learning About Innovative Medical Care for Animals |
I also visited the University of Pennsylvania’s world-renowned veterinarian center, New Bolton, right here in Kennett Square. At New Bolton, they focus on medical care for larger domesticated animals like goats, pigs, cows, and even racehorses. Recently, they have been developing new disease surveillance and prevention research. Their work on the H1N1 avian flu has been imperative in assisting farms and the agricultural workforce, while protecting our food sources. Thank you to the incredible staff, administrators, and future veterinarians for their incredible STEM innovation!
To see the many other events I participated in like seeing Coatesville’s Small Business Incubator, meeting with Phoenixville administrators and JROTC students, and visiting the local, sustainable FarmerJawn, be sure to follow me on social media where I provide daily updates!
Sharing Bipartisan Good News
Throughout my time in Congress, I have continuously advocated for solutions that bring Americans together, and I'm happy to share more bipartisan good news! Last week, the House unanimously passed the Eliminate Useless Reports Act of 2024, which, as the name suggests, eliminates unnecessary federal agency reports and saves taxpayer dollars. I'll work to get this to the President’s desk so we can make our government more efficient. |
I also introduced a bipartisan bill with fellow Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and Doug Lamborn (R-CO) to reduce potential election-related risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI).
My bill, the Preparing Election Administrators for AI Act, would ensure that all of our incredible election workers and volunteers have the tools to be aware of and identify possible AI and cybersecurity threats. The integrity of our democratic process is important to all Americans, and I will work to make sure our elections remain free, fair, and secure.
Helping our Community Update Records with Medicare! |
Navigating federal agencies can be tough, but my office is here to help. Carolyn from Chadds Ford attended my Medicare town hall and remembered to reach out to my office when she lost her Rx plan. We were able to assist Carolyn in updating her record, which made it possible for her to switch Medicare plans and regain her access to prescription benefits.
Do you, or someone you know, need help with a federal agency? Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office via this form. We are happy to assist you! |
Serving as our community's representative is the honor of my lifetime, and I hope to hear from you soon about any issue that concerns you.
As always, please contact my office if you need assistance.
Be well and see you soon! |
Chrissy Houlahan
U.S. Member of Congress |
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