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Dear Friend,
It’s been a packed week in Congress, and I’m here with an update on my work to lower prescription drug costs for all Americans, support local law enforcement, and lots more. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Pushing to Lower Drug Costs for All Americans & Strengthening Medicare's Finances
Every American should reap the rewards of lower prescription drug costs made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, like the $35/month cap on the cost of insulin and drug price negotiation. We made these historic reforms for Medicare beneficiaries in 2022, and I strongly support the Lower Drug Costs for American Families Act to expand lower drug costs for everyone.
This week, in the House Education and Workforce Committee, I asked U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra about the Department’s proposals to expand lower drug costs to everyone by law.
When the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was enacted, Medicare was given authority to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs after 60 years of advocacy. The law achieved a significant milestone, capping insulin at $35 per month for medicare and because that example, three of the largest insulin producers are capping their costs at $35/month across the board.
In addition, Medicare has begin negotiations allowed by law for the ten most expensive medications which will go into effect in 2025. More prescription meds will follow.
The benefit of lowering costs is twofold. First, it will reduce out of pocket costs for patients, and second, it will strengthen the solvency of Medicare. For years, I’ve heard from seniors in eastern Connecticut who are concerned about the long-term future of the Medicare program. Thanks to a growing U.S. economy, experts continue to extend Medicare solvency projections. In their 2024 report, the Medicare Board of Trustees pushed back the solvency cliff from 2031 to 2036. An astonishing turnaround.
 At the same time as solvency improvements, historic drug price negotiation is strengthening the Medicare's program's finances for the long term. The lower, negotiated drug prices will not just lower costs for patients, they are ensuring future generations will benefit too!
Working to Improve Social Security's Cost of Living Adjustment
Social Security is the number one program to help seniors with the costs of living. Over 166,000 people, including 129,000 retirees, in eastern Connecticut receive Social Security benefits. On Monday, I visited the Tolland Senior Center to discuss my efforts to enhance the program for the first time in over 50 years.
The Social Security 2100 Act, a bill introduced by my friend and colleague Rep. John Larson, would ensure that Social Security's annual Cost of Living Adjustment is tied to the annual rate of inflation.
For too many seniors, rising costs have made it difficult to get by. Strengthening the Cost of Living Adjustment so that it reflects the inflation actually experienced by seniors is a commonsense move that would help millions of Americans. Congress must pass Social Social Security 2100.
Passed the House: The Bipartisan Coast Guard Safe-to-Report Policy
On Tuesday, the House voted in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion to pass the Coast Guard Authorization Act, a package which included my bill to protect Coast Guard personnel from punishment for minor offenses when they report and incident of sexual assault.
After courageous cadets and faculty brought the serious issue of sexual assault in the Coast Guard to light in 2018, I've worked in Congress to institute a Safe-to-Report policy in the Coast Guard. Previously, surveys found many victims of sexual assault in the Coast Guard chose not to report the assault because they feared repercussions for minor misconduct.
Under the leadership of Commandant Linda Fagan, the Coast Guard has independently implemented Safe-to-Report. Action from Congress will ensure safeguards are codified into law. I urge the Senate to act.
Supporting Local Law Enforcement – Police Week 2024
This week is National Police Week. Local law enforcement officers work tirelessly to keep us safe. They deserve our appreciation, this week and every week.
I’m proud to stand with eastern Connecticut’s local police departments, and in Congress, I’ve worked to deliver federal funding to help them do their jobs.
The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant programs provides eastern Connecticut police departments with resources to hire new officers, conduct training, and make equipment purchases. In the budget process for Fiscal Year 2024, I successfully pushed for the COPS program to receive full funding.
In each of the last three years, I’ve also worked with the Norwich, Suffield, and New London police departments to secure funding for vital equipment upgrades. These projects help the departments respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively.
Meeting with Junior Submarine Officers of the Year
Earlier this month, I had the honor of meeting with the Navy’s Junior Submarine Officers of the Year.
These highly talented, emerging leaders are stationed across the globe: the Groton Sub Base, aboard Virginia-class submarines like the USS Connecticut, and in the Indo-Pacific. They are the forefront of our submarine force’s future and we had a great discussion about how Congress and the Seapower Subcommittee can meet the needs of our Navy.
Congratulations to a New Eagle Scout
Congratulations to new Eagle Scout Paul Westerberg II of Vernon!
Last Saturday, I had the honor of joining Paul’s Eagle Scout “Court of Honor” induction ceremony in Vernon. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout requires a high level of character and commitment, and I know that Paul will carry on the integrity of the rank for years to come.
Celebrating 100 Years of Vernon’s Maple Street School
Finally, this week, I want to wish a happy 100th birthday to the Maple Street School in Vernon.
Yesterday, the school and the Vernon community held a celebration of the Maple Street School’s history. Thank you to the hard working teachers and staff who are carrying on the school’s tradition today.
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| Vernon Police Capt. Luke Gallant with his fifth grade teacher, Ann Drake |
Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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