Dear John,

Today wraps up a busy week spent down in Washington. In addition to introducing new legislation and attending multiple hearings, I had the opportunity to meet with a number of constituents and regional organizations to discuss the issues that matter most. 

In order to provide the best representation for Pennsylvania's 8th District, I spend several hours a week meeting with Northeastern Pennsylvanians to discuss my current activities in Congress and listen to your concerns and ideas regarding a variety of topics and issues.  

Some of the groups I welcomed to my D.C. office this week include:

• The Sons of AmVets Department of Pennsylvania to discuss veterans’ issues and my legislative priorities for the 118^th Congress.
• The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center and regional manufacturing leaders to discuss economic development and manufacturing in our district.
• The President and the Chief of the Delaware Nation to talk about their tribe's rich history and its connection to Pennsylvania. 

I’m thrilled to be having these important conversations face-to-face, and I look forward to many more to come.

Read on for more of this week's highlights. 

Also this week, I re-introduced the National Flood Insurance Program Affordability Act, which would ease some of the financial burden resulting from updated flood maps in our region.

This proposed legislation would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide discounts on National Flood Insurance coverage to low-income households, small businesses, and certain non-profits. 

Protecting homes and small businesses from the threats of flooding should not come with the additional threat of undue financial hardship. This legislation will require FEMA to keep premiums fair and affordable for National Flood Insurance Program policyholders.

Read the full text of the bill here.

I was proud to receive a score of 100% on the League of Conservation Voters’ 2022 National Environmental Scorecard.

As your Congressman, I find it important to introduce and support legislation that preserves Northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural beauty, protects our air and water, and invests in good-paying, clean energy jobs.

You can learn more about the LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard here.

It’s that time of year again. Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. this Sunday, March 12.

Before heading to bed Saturday night, don’t forget to move your clocks ahead by an hour. The annual 'spring forward' means sunrise and sunset will come about an hour later, allowing for longer daylight hours in the evening.

For those heading out to enjoy our region's multiple St. Patrick's Day parades scheduled for this weekend, just remember that mornings will be coming an hour sooner. 

Be safe and well,