Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Protecting Access to Healthcare


Photo of the Week


I enjoyed talking with members of the Veterans Treatment Court of Harnett/Lee/Johnston County on Wednesday morning while they were in Washington attending the National Conference. From left to right are pictured Vernon Steward, District 11A District Attorney; Marsha Johnson, Clerk of the Superior Court–Harnett County; Chief District Court Judge Jacquelyn Lee; and LTC(R) Mark Teachey, Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator.

 

Weekly Update
This week, I am thrilled to introduce H.R. 3339, the Protect Access to Lifesaving Screenings Act. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work on this lifesaving legislation with my friend, and breast cancer survivor, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. H.R. 3339 places a two year moratorium on the United States Preventative Services Task Force ‘s (USPSTF) proposal to limit access to mammograms for women between the ages of 40-49. As a nurse who practiced for more than 21 years, I understand the significance of preventative medicine. H.R. 3339 protects access to mammography screenings for the more than 22 million women who would be harmed if the USPSTF’s proposal were to go into effect. We need to do everything we can to aid women during their fight against breast cancer, but it’s even more essential that we put measures in place for early detection. You for information, you can read about my legislation here.

In North Carolina news, I was honored to speak at the Tar Heel Circle Luncheon hosted by the N.C. Society of Washington, a bipartisan group of North Carolinians working on and off Capitol Hill. I discussed several of the legislative initiatives I have taken while in Congress to help keep North Carolina great, including my role in founding the Grid Innovation Caucus; my anti-trafficking legislation, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act; and my fight to save the 440th Airlift Wing. Everything I do in my DC office is to benefit families, students and loved ones back home, and I am honored to continue serving the Second District. 

 

Fight for Flight: Continuing the Battle for the 440th

Check out Monday’s edition of the Dunn Daily Record to read about my efforts to save the 440th Airlift Wing. While I am pleased that the Air Force Reserve Command has delayed deactivation of the Wing until fall 2016, I will continue to fight for its preservation. To date, I have submitted four amendments to prevent closure of the 440th, one of which was adopted unanimously into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and would require the Secretary of Defense to personally certify that the Wing’s deactivation would not impact military readiness.

Here’s an excerpt: “‘Our goal — and what we see as our initiative from here on out — is to remain very vigilant…and able to interact with the Air force on this particular issue — watching and listening closely to any indication that they are moving forward on dismantling,’ [Rep. Renee Ellmers] said. ‘We feel very strongly that this would be a detrimental move to our military, especially when we consider military readiness.’ She continued, ‘We feel very strongly that we want to stay on message — we want to make sure we are continuing to have the conversation with our community, with our constituents and continue the conversation of how important the 440th is.'” To read more, click here.

Defending our Defenders


The Veteran’s Court of Harnett/Lee/Johnston County — members of which I met with on Wednesday morning — is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission and provides eligible veterans with an alternative judiciary process, facilitating access to programs, benefits and services — access their service to this country has earned.

I enjoyed meeting with officers of the Air and Army National Guard Wednesday in my Washington office.

I talked with the National Guard officers about the importance of retaining a strong national defense.

 

I “Pink” I Can: Protecting Breast Health

I look forward to working with my colleagues on H.R. 3339 in order to save lives. I echo my friend Debbie Wasserman Schultz sentiments in that it is wrong for the USPSTF to write off any woman in her forties who wants to have a mammogram. Mammography screenings are one of the most important ways we can encourage prevention and help save lives.