Dear John,

I am writing with a new update from The Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work. 

Last week, the House took steps toward reducing inflation by passing the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. This legislation would lower food costs in the grocery aisle by strengthening the food supply chain and lowering the cost of energy. Additionally, the House passed the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act, a legislative package to advance racial and economic justice by combating discriminatory practices in employment, income, wealth, and access to credit. The Senate passed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which includes my bill, the Palomares Veterans Act. Finally, I joined Sandy Hook Promise as an honorary co-chair for their annual Promise Champions Gala. 

For the full recap, please read below. 

Addressing Inflation

On Thursday, the House took steps to address inflation by passing the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. This legislation would reduce costs at the grocery store by reducing costs for farmers and strengthening the food supply chain. Additionally, the legislation would lower gasoline costs by expanding the availability of higher ethanol blends and other biofuels, helping to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. 

This package builds on actions the House has taken to ease costs for American families. Last month, the House passed the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act, legislation to help lower costs for consumers at the gas pump by addressing price gouging.  

Information on the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act is available here. 

Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act

Last week, the House passed the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act, a legislative package to advance racial and economic justice by combating discriminatory practices in employment, income, wealth, and access to credit.

The legislation extends the ban on discrimination in lending to include discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and geography. Also, the bill includes provisions aimed at ensuring minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs can access capital fairly and equitably. This legislation promotes lending accountability and makes homeownership more accessible and affordable. 

Additional information on the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act can be found here. here.

Honoring Our PACT Act 

Last week, the Senate passed the Sergeant First Class Health Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, comprehensive legislation to address the full range of issues impacting veterans exposed to toxic chemicals and provide access to benefits and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

This legislation includes my bill, the Palomares Veterans Act, which would remove barriers to benefits and compensation for veterans who responded to the 1996 nuclear accident in Palomares, Spain. 

The legislation awaits final passage in the House. For additional information on the legislation, please click here.

Sandy Hook Promise Champions Gala

On Wednesday, I joined Sandy Hook Promise as an honorary co-chair of the Annual Promise Champions Gala. Sandy Hook Promise was founded to honor the lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Their work supports violence prevention programs in schools, youth organizations, and communities nationwide. 

The organization works to end school shootings and create a culture that prevents violence and harmful acts that hurt children.  I am so thankful for their work on this vitally important issue.

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

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress