Congressman Crenshaw here. Once again, we saw a week dominated by Democrats' partisan impeachment inquiry. However, Congress did manage to get back to addressing some important policy as the end of the year approaches. 

This week, Congress reached an agreement on the USMCA trade deal and passed a drug pricing bill. I've highlighted my thoughts on both of those pieces of legislation below. Additionally, I've included a recap of the White House paid family leave event I attended as well as an inside look at the U.S. Capitol dome tour I went on with my Washington, D.C. team!

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This week, Congress reached an agreement on USMCA, the much-needed trade deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada. While I support the recent deal, the American people need to know that Democrats removed a crucial provision that protected American ingenuity that will result in Americans paying more for specialty drugs – something Democrats consider a ‘win.’

I’m disappointed that Democrats were so hell-bent on altering the President’s trade deal that they gave a great win to Canada and Mexico at the expense of Americans’ wallets. However, I continue to support the USMCA. This deal is too important to jeopardize. It will have an overall positive impact on TX-02, where trade with Mexico and Canada accounts for more than 30,000 jobs and billions of dollars in exports each year.

For my full thoughts on the updated USMCA deal, click the below image or click here.

This week I voted against H.R. 3, Democrats' partisan drug pricing legislation that would result in fewer cures. As Members of Congress, it's our job to create a system that incentivizes innovation, not tax it up to 95% like this bill would. There is a way to lower drug prices without stifling innovation, but this bill is not it. That's why I'm an original cosponsor of H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, a bipartisan alternative to H.R. 3 that would lower costs of specialty drugs while ensuring innovation continues to thrive.

In one of this week's "Here's the Truth" videos, I discussed the problems with H.R. 3 - and the GOP solutions to them - with House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Greg Walden (OR-02).

To hear the full truth on H.R. 3, click the below image or click here.

This week I visited the White House to discuss paid family leave alongside fellow members of Congress and Ivanka Trump. I understand that Americans face obstacles when it comes to having children. That’s why I’m an original sponsor of the New Parents Act, which creates a voluntary option for paid parental leave by allowing parents to have access to part of their Social Security after the birth or adoption of a child in exchange for reducing or delaying future benefits.

It’s rare that we get the chance to drastically improve the lives of hard-working families with no long-term impact on our budget. Events like the one this week at the White House are crucial to fostering a discussion about ways we can help hard-working families when they need it most.

With the support of the White House and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I look forward to continuing our efforts to put families first.

For a recap of the event, click here.