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Dear John,
Today, I joined my Democratic colleagues in the House to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will tackle inflation by paying down our national debt, make historic investments to curb climate change, and greatly reduce health care costs for millions of Americans. This landmark bill builds on the economic recovery and progress spurred by the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and the CHIPS and Science Act. The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed the Senate earlier this week, now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature to become law.
Although we have the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, too many Americans and Rhode Islanders are struggling to get by because of the rising cost of goods. Americans are finally experiencing some relief at the pump with average gas prices continuing to fall this week. The Inflation Reduction Act will help us to further drive down costs for hardworking Americans while also tackling the climate crisis head-on. Importantly, this legislation will also lower prescription drug costs, an expense that has been plaguing families for far too long. I was proud to vote for this bill today and will continue to work with my colleagues to build on this progress as we deliver an equitable economy that works for everyone.
This bill will:
- Lower the cost of health care: reduces the cost of health care for millions by extending ACA enhanced subsidies for three more years, locking in lower health care premiums that save 13 million people an average of $800 a year, and lowering drug prices.
- Slash prescription drug costs: For the first time ever, empowers Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs; requires drug companies to pay Medicare rebates if they raise prices faster than the rate of inflation starting in October 2022; and creates a new out-of-pocket cap for Part D drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries of $2,000 a year, starting in 2025.
- Lower the deficit and reduce inflation: makes a historic down payment on deficit reduction of approximately $300 billion to fight inflation.
- Fight climate change: Through the largest environment investment in our nation's history, this bill will invest $370 billion in addressing climate change and reduce our carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030.
Updates from Rhode Island
National Park Service Awards $7 Million to Preserve the Governor Stephen Hopkins House
Rhode Island received $424,000 through the National Park Service’s Semiquincentennial Grants program to help preserve the historic Governor Stephen Hopkins House in Providence. This modern day national historic landmark commemorates the history of Rhode Island’s former governor who was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence.
RIPTA Gets $22.37 Million Federal RAISE Grant to Electrify Aquidneck Island Bus Service
Thanks to a new federal RAISE grant, Aquidneck Island’s streets will be receiving 25 new clean-energy electric buses and recharging infrastructure. This significant federal investment will help Rhode Island continue to lead the way in green energy innovation. The RAISE grant will help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, advance RIPTA’s ongoing efforts to make their fleet more environmentally sustainable, and combat climate change right here at home.
Providence Receives $7.8 Million for Accessibility and Resiliency Planning Along Providence Riverwalk and Waterplace Park
This week, the City of Providence was awarded $7.8 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE grant program. Funding will enable Providence to undertake planning, permitting, and community engagement steps to address accessibility, safety, and resiliency issues at two heavily visited downtown spaces, the Providence Riverwalk and Waterplace Park. This is a great example of how vital federal funding can help preserve and improve these public spaces for generations to come.
$3 Million for the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities
Today, I joined the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College as they celebrated their renewed funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal investment renews the University Center for Excellence in Development Disabilities Education, Research and Service designation for five years and supports the Center’s critical efforts to support the education, workforce development, inclusion, and success of individuals with disabilities, their families, and their communities.
Bolivian-American Association Festival Urkupiña
On Saturday, I had the privilege of joining the Rhode Island Bolivian-American Association for another memorable Festival Urkupiña. Thank you to all of the volunteers and skilled dancers who came out to celebrate such a festive event.
Our Lady of the Rosary feast
Last weekend, I also visited the Our Lady of the Rosary Feast and got to see so many great friends at this wonderful event. Thank you to all those who made the special weekend event possible.
Dominican-American Festival
On Sunday, I had the honor of joining the incredible Dominican-American community in Rhode Island for their 2022 Dominican Festival. Thank you to everyone who organized and attended this wonderful event.
Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church's Annual Picnic
On Sunday I also had a wonderful time visiting Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church's annual picnic. Thank you to all those involved for putting on such a wonderful event.
Buddhist Center of New England Dedication Ceremony
I had the honor this week of joining the Buddhist Center of New England for the dedication of their new wall honoring the Noble Eightfold Path and the blessing of Buddha’s statue. I thank the center for their teaching and the rich traditions they bring to our community.
Updates from Washington, D.C.
Introducing the Ensuring Friendly Skies for Passengers Act
Have you experienced summer plans ruined by delayed or canceled flights? This week Rep. Schakowsky and I introduced a bill holding airlines accountable for preventable staff shortages. After taking tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money during Covid, it is completely inexcusable that the major airlines are short staffed and canceling thousands of flights a day. This commonsense bill protects consumers by removing a longstanding exemption that has shielded airline carriers for their abusive practices—including breaking the antitrust laws—and bans industry practices that leave consumers high and dry. I applaud Chair Schakowsky for this important legislation that is long overdue.
President Signs CHIPS and Science Act into Law
On Tuesday I attended the President’s signing of the CHIPS and Science Act into law. The outsourcing of American manufacturing jobs has not only resulted in job losses and lower wages at home, it’s threatening America’s standing as an economic superpower on the global stage. The CHIPS and Science Act is the bold action we needed to maintain our global standing and provide a strong economic future for American families, small businesses, and workers.
By signing this bill into law, Congress and the President are investing in our nation through:
- boosting our domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chains,
- Ending our dangerous dependence on foreign manufacturers,
- Advancing U.S. scientific research,
- Lowering costs for American consumers,
- And creating 100,000 new, good-paying jobs.
You can learn more about the CHIPS and Science Act here.
Uniting for Ukraine: Welcoming Refugees
On April 21, as part of fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the United for Ukraine program.
This program will enable Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a two-year period of parole. To qualify for the program, Ukrainians must have a supporter in the United States. These supporters are responsible for providing their Ukrainian sponsors with financial support throughout their time in the United States.
You can learn more about the program, and becoming a sponsor, here.
Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests for Medicare Beneficiaries
More than 59 million Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, are eligible to receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, authorized, or cleared over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost. You can learn more about the program here and find participating pharmacies here.
Shields Up: Guidance from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is advising all US organizations, of all sizes, to be prepared to respond to any disruptive cyber security. CISA is reporting that "[e]volving intelligence indicates that the Russian Government is exploring options for potential cyberattacks."
CISA has launched the Shields Up program to help organizations prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of any attack.
Any abnormal cyber activity or incidents should be reported to [email protected] or 888-282-0827.
You can learn more about Shields Up and the support CISA can provide here.
Important Passport & Travel Reminder
As more Rhode Islanders and people around the world get vaccinated and boosted, we are seeing an increase in both domestic and international travel. With travel resuming, many folks are looking to renew passports and this uptick in requests has led to a backlog at the State Department. Turnaround time for expedited processing is now at 5-7 weeks and regular processing is taking 8-11 weeks from submission to receipt.
Before booking international travel, please remember to check the expiration date on your passport and plan accordingly. Passports last for 5 or 10 years, depending on your age when the passport was issued. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
You can learn more from the State Department here.
As always, I am here to serve you. If there is anything I can do, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at [email protected].
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