Democrats are working on the Build Back Better Agenda in Congress, which is about three things: More Jobs, Lower Taxes for Working Families and Lower Costs. 

For many middle-class families and working Americans, health care is their biggest monthly expense. Millions of Americans are one emergency trip to the hospital away from bankruptcy. 

This week, I joined Protect Our Care's nationwide bus tour for their stop at Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. I was proud to stand with health care workers and caregivers fighting to lower health costs and expand coverage.

I am fighting to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, no matter where they live, can afford the medicine and care they need. In Washington, I'm looking forward to passing the Build Back Better agenda, which will reduce the burden of sky-high health care costs for working people and make quality care more accessible.

In the course of two decades in Afghanistan, American forces have diminished al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the September 11 attack on our nation, along with the threat they posed to our national security. Words cannot express my gratitude for the sacrifices our troops made in defending our homeland from terrorism abroad.

While I believe, like most Americans, that we needed to bring an end to the longest war in our nation's history, I also believe it is critical for the federal government to do everything necessary for a safe drawdown and extraction of American citizens, allies and Afghans who courageously partnered with our military in this mission. Going forward, it will also be important for Congress and the White House to work together to ensure terror threats to our nation do not originate from this region again.

I know this is a difficult time for many of our brave servicemembers who sacrificed so much over the course of this war. To those struggling during this difficult time, I want you to know that you are not alone. Here are a few resources:

• Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
  
  
• For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
  
  
• Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
  
  
• VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
  
  
• Download VA's self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
  
  
• VA Women Veterans Call Center - Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 6:30PM ET)

Firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities, so they need up-to-date equipment that will keep them safe when they're out on the frontlines. 

That's why I was proud to help bring a total of $127,000 in federal funding to three fire stations in Wayne and Luzerne counties.

These funds will be used to purchase much-needed gear that will protect our firefighters as they work hard to protect us. 

U.S. medical experts have announced a plan to administer COVID-19 booster shots for fully vaccinated adults starting the week of September 20. The booster shot will increase protections from the worst outcomes of the virus, like severe illness, hospitalization and death. And it will help us continue to fight back against this pandemic.

Adults over the age of 18 who received the mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) will become eligible to receive a booster shot eight months after their second dose. For those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: medical officials are still reviewing whether a booster will be necessary.

The evidence shows that the COVID-19 vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself from the virus. If you or a loved one have questions about the best choice for your health, talk to a trusted care provider so you can make an informed decision. The sooner we can beat this virus, the sooner we can get back to doing the things we love.

Be safe and well,