Hello Friends, 

This week, Congress took a long-overdue step forward to deliver for our country’s veterans. The Senate finally passed the Honoring Our PACT Act – bipartisan legislation to recognize military toxic exposure and provide much-needed health benefits to millions of our nation’s veterans.

It was unacceptable for Republicans to block this legislation last month as part of a political stunt – our men and women in uniform deserve better.

I was proud to help get the PACT Act over the finish line in the House to ensure our nation’s veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while serving can access the health care they need and deserve. I’m relieved this bill is headed to the president’s desk.

Access to life-saving abortion care should not be limited based on where you live.

For many, pregnancy is not an easy path. It can be dangerous, unpredictable, and heartbreaking. The government has no place in deciding what care patients can receive and doctors can administer — leaving abortion access up to the states is having devastating consequences.

This week, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to make it easier for women to travel to get an abortion as well as enforce federal non-discrimination laws for those seeking the procedure. This is a positive step forward, but it is not enough to ensure every woman, regardless of where they live, has access to the abortion and reproductive care they need.

I will continue working to establish the right to abortion access — as protected under the former precedent of Roe v. Wade — and keep the government out of personal, private medical decisions.

I will always advocate for our Granite State attractions and tourism!

It’s great to see the Franklin Mill City Whitewater Park continue to be a boon for the community and the local economy!

Whether you are an experienced kayaker or just a beginner, families and tourists from across New England can find something to love.

With all of the conflict going on in the world, it is essential we prioritize our national security to keep our communities safe and protect our American values. This week, the Senate voted to overwhelmingly approve Sweden and Finland’s entry into NATO. This vote sent a resounding message to the world that the United States stands with our allies against Russian aggression.

As a Friend of Finland in Congress, I was proud to help introduce a version of this bill in the House and will continue working to strengthen our transatlantic alliance.

Military sexual assault and harassment are at an all-time high. The U.S. military’s own internal surveys indicate a staggering 38% increase in unwanted sexual contact in recent years. We owe the brave men and women who protect our nation the highest concern for their personal safety.

Last month, I was proud to lead the House of Representatives in passing a critical amendment to conquer sexual assault and sexual harassment through the National Defense Authorization Act.

Do you or a loved one need assistance navigating a federal agency? My office is here to help!

If you need assistance with a federal agency, please reach out to my Concord office at (603) 226-1002 or visit www.Kuster.House.Gov.

I was proud to help establish this program to ensure those who need support can access it.

The new nationwide 9-8-8 hotline offers 24/7 immediate and tailored assistance for those experiencing mental health and substance use crises. This new system connects callers with the closest crisis center for their area code to provide the best local support possible.

For those experiencing a mental health crisis in New Hampshire who do not have a 603 phone number, rather than calling 9-8-8, you can call 1-833-710-6477 to reach New Hampshire’s crisis center directly. 

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