This week I had the pleasure of sharing some holiday cheer with Granite State veterans as part of my seventh annual Holiday Cards for Heroes program. It was my honor to meet the residents of the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, where I delivered student-made cards to help say “thank you” to our veterans. These beautiful handmade cards are just one small way to express our deepest gratitude this holiday season.
A Bipartisan Bill to Fund the Government, Tackle the Opioid Epidemic, and Support Rural Communities in NH
This week, the House of Representatives passed funding bills to avert a government shutdown and advance key priorities in the Granite State. I’m thrilled this legislation includes the following:
- Over $5 billion in funding that I helped advance to combat the opioid epidemic. This funding will make a real difference in the fight against the disease of addiction by bolstering treatment and recovery services and supporting law enforcement and interdiction efforts.
- $3.7 billion in funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income families in New Hampshire stay warm this winter.
- An increase in funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) from $22 million to $25 million, which I led my colleagues to secure. This increase will help the NBRC continue its work to support local communities across the Granite State.
Working with the Trump Administration to Pass a New Trade Agreement
Cross border trade is essential to the health of New Hampshire’s economy, as so many businesses rely on exporting goods and services to Canada and Mexico. This week, I was proud to cast my vote to pass bipartisan legislation that would implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This agreement includes key improvements secured by House Democrats to strengthen labor enforcement in Mexico, lower prescription drug prices and remove outdated NAFTA policies.
This deal will set the standard for what Granite State families and folks nationwide should be able to expect from trade agreements. From supporting Granite State workers to increasing market access for our local dairy farmers, I will continue my work to make sure New Hampshire’s economy works for everyone.
Thanks to all who joined my telephone town hall this week to ask questions and get an update on my work in Congress! From health care to holding the Trump Administration accountable – I appreciated the opportunity to answer questions from Granite Staters about the issues that matter most to them.
Upholding my Oath to the Constitution and Holding the Trump Administration Accountable
Earlier this week, I returned from a bipartisan trip to Belgium to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge – the Germans’ last significant offensive during World War II. My late father, Malcolm McLane, was shot down during the Battle of the Bulge and spent the final six months of World War II in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. In this solemn moment, on this historic day for our nation, I had an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of my father and all World War II veterans. We owe them – and all of the men and women who have served our nation – an incredible debt of gratitude for their service and bravery.
With a heavy heart, I upheld my oath to protect and defend the Constitution when I cast my vote to charge President Donald John Trump with articles of impeachment. I did so to protect and defend the future of our great nation – our American democracy – for generations to come.
Introducing Legislation to Protect Granite State Businesses from Online Sales Tax
This week, I was proud to join Congressman Chris Pappas to introduce the Stop Taxing Our Potential (STOP) Act, which would overturn the harmful 2018 Supreme Court Wayfair decision that forces New Hampshire small businesses to collect online sales tax from over 10,000 jurisdictions across the country. Granite State businesses are ramping up for the holiday season to sell goods online all across the country. Unfortunately, the imposition of a burdensome online sales tax is hanging over their heads. Requiring small businesses to collect an online sales tax from thousands of different tax jurisdictions will hurt growth in New Hampshire and increase red tape. I will continue to advance efforts that will protect our economic competitiveness in New Hampshire.
Working to Lower Granite State Energy Bills and Create Jobs
New Hampshire communities are already experiencing the negative impacts of climate change, and it is imperative that Congress advances legislation to expand clean energy projects and protect our planet. This week, I introduced the Community Energy Savings Program Act of 2019 (CESP), legislation that would promote the expansion of clean energy projects in New Hampshire and across the country. I was proud to introduce this bill to lower the financial barrier for families and communities across the Granite Staters who wish to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. By expanding access to low-cost loans, we can drive down costs for families, create green energy jobs and reduce carbon pollution that is harmful to public health.
Happy Holidays
From my family to yours,
—Annie