Hello Friends,

This week we received our Committee assignments for the 118th Congress. Which Committee Members of Congress serve on helps shape which legislation they advocate for and the issues they can lead on. I am proud to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee!

The next two years will surely bring their own challenges and opportunities, but through it all, I will continue fighting for New Hampshire communities and working to deliver for our state.

Onward!

The Committee has broad jurisdiction over energy, health, and technology policy.

This week, I was honored to be named to the prominent Energy and Commerce Committee. As a Member of the Committee, I will serve on Subcommittees for:

• Health
• Energy, Climate, and Grid Security
• Communications and Technology 

The past few years have presented incredible challenges and opportunities for our state and country. From recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthening American energy independence and addressing the substance use crisis, we have taken important steps forward to address the challenges facing our country. 

As we look to the future, I am eager to continue this progress on the Energy and Commerce Committee and carry it forward to deliver for New Hampshire and build a stronger future for all.

I will continue pushing for an all-of-the-above energy portfolio and standing up to corporate greed to protect New Hampshire families.

This week, Republicans in Congress put forward a misguided proposal that would deliver record profits for Big Oil companies without ensuring relief for Granite State families from high energy costs. 

We should expand our tools to promote American energy independence, not weaken them. This legislation is nothing more than a game of smoke and mirrors, a backroom effort to hide the true cause of volatile energy prices and line the pockets of Big Oil companies. The fossil fuel industry is already sitting on thousands of unused oil and gas leases, yet, the Republican majority continues to give them government handouts rather than take the necessary steps to lower energy costs for American households.

Learn more HERE.

No one should have to make sacrifices to afford the medication they need, including insulin. 

I worked to pass the Inflation Reduction Act which capped the out-of-pocket cost of insulin to $35/month for people with Medicare. We must extend that protection to all Americans living with diabetes — proud to support Senator Jeanne Shaheen's legislation to ensure insulin is affordable for everyone who needs it.

I will continue working to honor the life of Christa McAuliffe.

This week, on NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we honor the life and legacy of New Hampshire’s own Christa McAuliffe and all the Americans who lost their lives furthering the cause of space exploration.

These heroes will never be forgotten, and their impact will never be erased.

Learn more HERE.

We must expand access to safe, affordable housing options across our state to strengthen our economy and workforce. 

I was proud to support more than $3.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help Granite Staters afford their energy bills and other housing expenses. These funds are an important resource for individuals and families facing high costs – I will continue working to address the housing crisis and ensure no one is left in the cold this winter.

Photo courtesy of NBC News.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: All U.S. military veterans experiencing a suicidal crisis will be eligible for free emergency medical care at any VA or private facility effective on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023. 

This is a major step forward in access to mental health care for our nation’s veterans. The people who served our country in uniform deserve the highest quality of care we can offer. I will continue fighting to ensure that is the case.

Learn more: http://bit.ly/3kucqmP

TAX SEASON IS HERE: The IRS announced that starting this week, they will begin accepting federal income tax returns. While you have until April 18th this year to file your return, the sooner you can get started, the better! 

The IRS recommends filing electronically and discourages filing a paper return. I’m hopeful that the investments we’ve made through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to bolster customer service resources for the IRS will result in a better experience for folks interacting with the IRS this year. 

You can learn more at: https://www.irs.gov/ 

SUPPORTING TEEN MENTAL HEALTH: Yale University’s highly-anticipated course about the psychology of happiness has been retooled for teens to teach ways to manage their stress and feel happier as they navigate high school. Learn more HERE.

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