Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

In case you missed it, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce advanced H.R. 9457, the Transparent Telehealth Bills Act out of committee on a bipartisan 34-0 vote. The legislation included my amendment to prevent additional costs for patients. Additionally, the House passed the Autism CARES Act, critical legislation to support those with an autism spectrum disorder. On Wednesday, the House considered H.R. 9494, the Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act of 2024. Unfortunately, I could not support this legislation due to harmful provisions that would negatively impact the people of the Fifth District of Connecticut.

More from the week:  I attended the Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony in the City of Waterbury where Jaqueline Matos was honored as Puerto Rican Mayor for the Day. This was a great way to start Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the strength, vibrancy, and achievements of the more than 63 million Hispanic and Latino Americans who call our country home. An update on our Passport Day event is also included.

For my full recap, please read below.

ICYMI: Transparent Telehealth Bills Act 

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce advanced H.R. 9457, the Transparent Telehealth Bills Act out of committee on a bipartisan 34-0 vote. Introduced by Rep. Aaron Bean (FL-04), the Transparent Telehealth bills Act would require that fees for services offered via telehealth can not include facility fees. However, as written, the legislation left the door open for providers to charge separate service and facility fees and pass those additional costs on to patients. 

I offered an amendment to add an extra layer of protection for patients. Specifically, my amendment prevents healthcare facilities from charging separate service and facility fees. This amendment is fair to providers who will continue to be paid for services rendered, and to patients, who will now only receive one bill for care received through telehealth.

I am grateful to my colleagues on the Committee on Education and the Workforce for working with me to ensure this bill protects patients who receive telehealth care. I look forward to supporting this bipartisan legislation should it come before the House of Representatives for a vote. 

Autism CARES Act

The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (CARES) Act is the primary source of federal funding for autism research services, training, and monitoring. Through this legislation, over $5.2 billion has been dedicated to autism causes over the last two decades at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Originally passed in 2006, the legislation is reauthorized every five years. Current funding for Autism CARES Act is set to expire on September 30, 2024. Last week, I joined my colleagues in passing H.R. 7213, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (CARES) Act of 2024, which authorizes $2.1 billion in research and grants to support autism-specific needs.

I voted yes on this important legislation to ensure those with an autism spectrum disorder can access the resources, education, and services they need to live healthy lives.

Learn more about the Autism CARES Act here.

An Update on Government Funding

On Wednesday, the House considered H.R. 9494, the Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act of 2024. Unfortunately, this Continuing Resolution (CR) included harmful provisions that are inconsistent with the values of the people of the Fifth District of Connecticut and the American people, and put countless families at risk.

Specifically, this CR would halt payments of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program by blocking 1 million low-income families from critical resources to afford childcare and other items. Further, the CR does not include funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA) and would negatively impact seniors who would experience longer wait and processing times.

Additionally, the CR would also underfund healthcare services our veterans rely on and leave FEMA without the necessary resources to assist with natural disasters, like the recent flooding Connecticut experienced.

For these reasons, I could not support H.R. 9494. I stand committed to work with my colleagues on a path forward to pass a bipartisan spending bill and fund our government ahead of the September 30, 2024, fiscal year deadline.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. During this time, we honor and celebrate the strength, vibrancy, and achievements of the more than 63 million Hispanic and Latino Americans across our country.

I kicked off the celebration this year at the Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony in Waterbury. During the event, we honored Jaqueline Matos as Puerto Rican Mayor for the Day. For over 31 years, Jacqueline has served as an educator in Waterbury Public Schools and provided an inclusive and collaborative learning environment for bilingual and multilingual students.

It was a particularly special day in Waterbury, as we welcomed the Puerto Rican Festival and Parade back to the city following a hiatus of more than 20 years. 

Another Successful Passport Day

We did it again! On Sunday, my office partnered with the U.S. Department of State and the City of Waterbury to host another Passport Day.

The event was attended by more than 130 individuals looking to apply for the first time or renew their passports. Currently, passport processing times can reach up to 13 weeks. Our Passport Day events help to streamline the process for applicants.

In addition to assisting with passport applications, attendees were able to receive information on how my office can assist with navigating federal agencies.

To learn more about our Passport Day, click here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.

And that’s a wrap!

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress