Weekly Script January 22nd, 2023 WEEKLY SC℞IPT Friends, Thank you for taking time to read my weekly update. Below you'll learn more about what I'm doing in Washington to support Iowans in the first district. Visit My Website Martin Luther King Jr. Day This week our country honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is important to remember his legacy of peace, unity, and equality. Improving American Healthcare Last week I was chosen to serve and represent Iowa on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. In this new role, one of my top priorities is to advance healthcare legislation to benefit Iowans and all Americans. As a doctor, former nurse, and former director of Iowa’s Department of Public Health, I know firsthand the importance of ensuring people have access to medical care and lifesaving prescription medication. With inflation and rising costs, Iowans have had to make difficult decisions to provide for their families, especially when it comes to prescription medications. It’s time for Congress to address the issue and take real action to make drugs more affordable for all Americans. As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I plan to introduce legislation to increase competition between pharmaceutical companies, including reintroducing my Biologics Competition Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the process by which chemically equivalent interchangeable biological products are approved to be used in pharmaceuticals. This will encourage HHS to expedite the approval process for biosimilar products, which may be used interchangeably in place of more expensive drugs including insulin. In many cases, these products will increase pharmaceutical drug competition and the ability to use them interchangeably will lower drug prices. No one should be forced to choose between feeding their family and purchasing lifesaving medications. Government regulations have also hindered our healthcare system. For too long, the FDA approval process for medical devices has been outdated and is causing a lack of innovation and competition in the market. Another one of my priorities on the Energy and Commerce Committee is to modernize and streamline the FDA approval process for medical devices. Modernization will allow for new technologies to enter the market and make it easier for patients to receive lifesaving care. One of my bills, the Better Interoperability for Devices (BID) Act, would ensure the Department of Health and Human Services is consistently reviewing medical device interoperability to offer patients top notch care in an efficient manner. Lastly, one of my top priorities is to expand access to healthcare in rural areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was an effective resource in delivering medical care to patients from the comfort of their homes. By passing legislation to implement artificial intelligence and machine learning technology healthcare, especially telehealth services, will be more efficient and accessible to rural communities. I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and I look forward to spearheading legislation to improve our healthcare system. 20 County Tour It is always great to meet with Iowans as I travel across the first district! It truly is my favorite part of serving in Congress. Speaking to Iowans allows me to stay informed about what is happening in their communities and what I can do to help. This week I met with Ryan, the Kalona City Administrator, to see the plans for the future of the town. Ryan's commitment to the community is a perfect example of what makes Iowa is the best place to work, live, and raise a family. I also joined the students and teachers of Lone Tree School this week. I appreciate them taking the time to show me around and allowing me to participate in a lesson! I finished my week by joining the Quad Cities Chamber to talk about Iowa's leadership in the renewable energy space and why it is important that we build a cleaner, healthier environment for our children and grandchildren. Legislative Roundup This week I joined Representative John Moolenaar (MI-02) in introducing a resolution which would designate January 22-28 as National School Choice Week. I am also joining Representative Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) in a bipartisan group to work on a national paid leave program. Paid family leave affects both sides of the aisle, and I am eager to start working on legislation to address the issue. In the News This week I joined Newsmax to discuss how the cartels have been emboldened over the last two years because of President Biden’s lack of control over the border. It’s time to implement commonsense immigration policies that have been proven to work. I also talked about California's efforts to outlaw the sale of gas vehicles. To watch my interviews click HERE. Other News This week I was honored to receive an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America for my pro-life record. I will always fight to protect the sanctity of life. Sincerely, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more updates. ### Rep. Miller-Meeks | 1034 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]