Hello friends,

This Fourth of July weekend, I am wishing you and your loved ones a safe and restful holiday. As we reflect on the history and progress of our great nation, I am celebrating the individual freedoms that make America such an incredible beacon of hope around the world and am focused on the work that lies ahead to deliver on the promise of liberty and justice for all.

It is an honor to represent the greatest state in our country in Congress.

I hope you get a chance to get outdoors and enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer!

It was great to see the new Cheshire EMS and learn about how the county is using the American Rescue Plan to keep citizens safe and healthy.

On Wednesday in Keene, I met with Cheshire County officials to discuss federal American Rescue Plan dollars and the impact they have had on the county. I was thrilled to hear more about the newly-established Cheshire County emergency medical services (EMS) with seven new ambulances, made possible by the more than $14.7 million I helped secure for the county through the American Rescue Plan.

In Keene, I also sat down with the owners of 21 Bar and Grill to talk about how the American Rescue Plan supported their business and their employees.

Beyond helping to safeguard our local economy, the American Rescue Plan represents an important investment in our state and our future, giving power to local leaders to utilize the resources as needed in their towns — investments that will continue to be a boon for our communities.

I will continue working to fulfill Medicare’s mission of providing access to high-quality care and improved health at lower costs.

People across New Hampshire rely on Medicare to access high-quality care when they need it — that’s why it is so important we strengthen and streamline the program to work for every beneficiary.

This week in the Energy and Commerce Committee, I urged my colleagues to strengthen oversight of Medicare Advantage plans and seize the opportunity to modernize our Medicare system by cutting unnecessary red tape and making full use of Medicare Advantage.

Every Granite Stater should have access to the health care they need, regardless of their zip code.

On Wednesday in the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I urged my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the MOBILE Health Care Act, a creative, all-hands-on-deck approach to deliver quality, affordable care to rural communities and vulnerable populations.

Mobile health services have proven to be incredibly successful here in New Hampshire, delivering essential care to Granite Staters who would otherwise not have access — success that could be shared across the country thanks to the MOBILE Health Care Act. This legislation will expand this innovative solution nationwide to close gaps in access to care.

I’m a proud partner with our local Granite State law enforcement officers as they work to keep our communities and our state safe.

New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty every day to protect our communities. Throughout our state, the tight labor market is making hiring employees difficult, and that extends to the field of law enforcement. It’s critical that our police departments have the personnel to effectively serve our communities and keep their officers safe on the job. 

I’m proud to back the Retain COPS Act and the Pathways to Policing Act, which would help keep officers on the force and recruit a diverse new generation of law enforcement.

Together, we are taking meaningful steps forward to end the addiction and mental health crisis.

Last week, a number of bills from my Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force’s Legislative Agenda passed through the House. Since 2015, I have led a Task Force of both Republicans and Democrats with the goal of identifying solutions and implementing policies to prevent addiction, expand access to treatment, and bolster our mental health care system.

I’m proud that the House passed the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, and I look forward to our continued bipartisan work to address the addiction crisis.

Thank you to the New England Council for hosting me at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

On Monday, I joined the New England Council to discuss my work in Congress and how we can support Granite State families and grow our economy. It's always a great conversation!

I’m committed to continuing to work across the aisle to deliver real results for NH.

It was great to meet with David Orgaz of the Better Homes & Gardens The Masiello Group to discuss efforts to expand access to affordable housing in our state.

When Michael reached out to our office for help rushing his passport renewal so he could travel to his daughter’s wedding, my team helped him get an emergency appointment right away so he could walk her down the aisle.

One of the most important jobs I have is assisting Granite Staters as they navigate federal agencies. My team works every day to help people renew their passports, receive their tax returns, and apply for federal grants. 

If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, please reach out to my Concord office at (603) 226-1002 or visit my website www.Kuster.House.Gov.

Our veterans should not face additional hurdles in accessing VA services — I will continue working to ensure that is the case. Photo courtesy of the Union Leader.

This week, the VA announced it will not be closing rural clinics, like those in Littleton and Conway. I pushed to keep the VA clinics in Littleton and Conway open because veterans throughout New Hampshire — including our rural communities — must be able to access the care and services they need. I’m pleased that Republicans and Democrats in the Senate — including Senator Maggie Hassan — have come together to keep these clinics open. 

Now, we must come together to invest in our health care and support system for veterans and military families in the Granite State and across the country.

As always, the CDC and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services are the best resources to turn to for information about COVID-19. If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider.

To stay updated on my work in Congress and around the Granite State and for important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

I hope you have a safe and fun weekend!

Sincerely,

Annie