Dear john,
I want to thank each member of our district who joined me for this week's Telephone Town Hall. Because of your engagement, over 13,000 people were able to tune in to receive updates from me and my friend and colleague Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland. Together, we provided updates on the budget reconciliation process, oversight of the Trump Administration, and legislation we're working on to reform the criminal justice system. I encourage you to continue staying in touch and contacting my office if you ever need federal assistance.
This week in Washington, I teamed up with Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12), a fellow member of the Georgia congressional delegation to introduce legislation which would increase access to care for current and former energy workers. The Health Care for Energy Workers Act will allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to order care for current and former Department of Energy Workers who receive health care under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. This legislation would remove an unnecessary barrier to care, particularly for patients in rural communities. For more on this legislation, check out our press release.
With Reps. Hank Johnson (GA-04), David Scott (GA-13) Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, I signed a letter to the acting director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week to inquire why the USPTO no longer plans to launch a Southeast Regional Outreach Office here in Atlanta. Regional patent offices allow the USPTO to reach a more diverse set of stakeholders, and the Georgia delegation is speaking up to demand answers about this change in plans. To read our letter, click here.
We're reaching the end of Gun Violence Awareness Month, but my advocacy is not slowing down. Last week, I convened a panel discussion at New Hope AME Church with State Representative Michelle Au, State Senator Elena Parent, Dr. Randi Smith of Grady, and Brent Bailey with Community Justice Action Fund to discuss current legislative proposals, health system impacts and programs, and on-the-ground advocacy all focused on ending gun violence in our community. This month and every month, I remain laser focused on passing common sense legislation designed to keep our community safe. Thanks to New Hope AME Church and each of my panelists for their contributions to this important work!
