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Dear John,
This week I hosted a Social Security Day of action in Rumford, commemorating 87 years since the start of the program, and reaffirming the commitment of Congressional Democrats to preserve and protect it.
In Rhode Island, over 230,000 individuals rely on their hard-earned Social Security checks to survive. Social Security is more than a government program. It’s a promise. It’s a promise that says if you work hard and play by the rules, you’ll be able to enjoy your retirement years without worrying about how you’ll make ends meet.
As we commemorate 87 years of Social Security, Democrats in Congress are defending this solemn trust and fighting to strengthen the program, ensuring this earned benefit keeps up with expenses seniors face today and in the future.
Meanwhile, the Republican Study Committee, which represents 157 out of 211 House Republicans (nearly 75%), has an extreme plan that would gut Social Security by raising the retirement age to 70, with future increases likely, reducing cost-of-living adjustments for seniors and changing the benefit formula, and pushing for privatization.
For generations, Social Security has been a sacred promise to people who have earned their retirement through decades of hard work, and we cannot ever let these extreme Republican proposals see the light of day. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass the Social Security 2100 Act, legislation that would protect and enhance Social Security and recognize that Social Security benefits need to keep up with our changing economy, and the costs our seniors experience most directly.
Updates from Rhode Island
Veterans Community Conversation and BBQ
On Monday, I hosted my 5th Veterans Community Conversation, and the first since COVID postponed the event in 2020 and 2021. These discussions are an important opportunity to hear about the pressing issues that are top-of-mind for veterans, active servicemembers, and their families. It was great to be with all the brave men and women who have served our country and made our state proud. One of the key issues we discussed was the PACT Act, which Congress passed, and the President signed into law last week. The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. If you think you might be eligible for PACT Act benefits, visit www.va.gov/PACT
Oasis International's 29th Annual African Summer Bash
Last Saturday I had a wonderful time joining Oasis International for their 29th annual African summer bash. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to make this event possible.
India Day Celebration
Last weekend I joined with India Association of Rhode Island to recognize and commemorate the incredible impact that the Indian community has made on this country and the world as we celebrated the 76th anniversary of India’s independence.
National Health Center Week
I had the honor of joining the RI Health Center Association as we recognized employees who have been beacons of strength, service, and care to their patients and colleagues. Congratulations to this year’s National Health Center Week awardees, and thank you to all the health care providers, doctors, nurses, and assistants that work tirelessly on the front lines every day.
Updates from Washington, D.C.
President Biden Signs the Inflation Reduction Act into Law
On Tuesday, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. This historic legislation will tackle inflation, lower health care and prescription drug costs, reduce energy costs, and take important steps to combat climate change.
This law builds on the economic recovery and progress spurred by the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and the CHIPS and Science Act. I was proud to pass this new law, and will continue to work with my colleagues to build on this progress, put people over politics, and deliver an equitable economy that works for everyone.
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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