With 3.8 million Americans unemployed for 27 weeks or more and the labor force participation rate at 63 percent – a 36-year-low– we are experiencing a “new normal” in this country that is simply unacceptable. It is hard to understand why after 2,000 days and more than 22,000 pages of review, the president has not yet approved the Keystone XL pipeline, which would bring jobs and greater energy security to America. On the House Energy and Commerce Committee, we continue to push for approval of this project. Click here for more information on Keystone XL.
I ran for Congress because I was concerned about the damage Obamacare would do to our economy and our quality of healthcare. This is an issue I have worked on, and will continue to work on every day in the House.
In last week’s newsletter I told you about a bill I introduced to stop President Obama’s war on Medicare Part D. This week, I am happy to report that CMS Administrator Tavenner announced that the Obama administration will no longer continue their plans to make catastrophic changes to Medicare Part D. While this is welcome news, there remain over 500,000 North Carolina seniors —and millions more nationwide— whose Medicare plans are still in jeopardy.
The President’s health care law raids $700 billion from Medicare, with more than $300 billion of that being taken from Medicare Advantage. Seniors across the country are already feeling the effects of these cuts—as there are up to $2,000 in increased costs this year alone for each senior who uses Medicare Advantage. This week in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health we held a hearing on “Keeping the Promise: Allowing Seniors to Keep Their Medicare Advantage Plans If They Like Them.” You can find more about that hearing here.
On Friday, I voted for legislation to repeal and replace Medicare’s flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). By passing this bill, we are providing a long-overdue solution for Medicare’s payment system, while also replacing it with a system that focuses on quality, value, and accountability. You will find more information about this important bill in this newsletter.
This week, I joined my colleagues in a letter to Secretary Hagel and Chairman Dempsey to address many concerns relating to the president’s proposed cuts to Fort Bragg’s 440th Airlift Wing. Below you will find information regarding this issue: including links to the letter, my full statement regarding the proposed cuts and related news reports.
This week, I congratulated two great North Carolinians who are also constituents of the Second District — Peggy Kirk Bell, who was recently inducted into the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame, and Richard Petty, who received the Winner’s Circle award for his contributions to North Carolina’s tourism industry. I am so honored to serve these and so many other exceptional constituents of the Second District, who have contributed so much to our state.
If you know any Second District high school students interested in submitting an entry in the Congressional Art Competition, please let them know the deadline is April 4. Please share the information in this newsletter with them regarding requirements and the submission process for the contest.
Always remember that my office is here to serve you. If you have questions, concerns or need assistance from my office, please contact us using the information at the bottom of this newsletter.
Voting to Protect Patient Care for Seniors
Last week, I introduced H.R. 4160 – “The Keep the Promise to Seniors Act of 2014” – to block proposed rule changes to the prescription drug provisions of Medicare Part D plans.
On Monday, March 10, CMS Administrator Tavenner announced that the Obama administration would no longer continue their plans to make catastrophic changes to Medicare Part D. Thankfully, this time, they heard the calls of millions of seniors who raised the alarm over this deeply misguided rule, but this announcement is merely that. It sets no safeguards to prevent the Obama administration from changing course, as we have seen over and over again with the failed rollout of Obamacare.
14 million American seniors are now living under the threat that their prescription medications, and the competitive elements that make them affordable, could be changed or altered at any time. I will continue to monitor these developments and hold CMS and the Obama administration accountable for this decision so that our seniors can continue to benefit from the affordable options available to them in Medicare Part D. My full statement on this decision can be found on this page of my website.
On Friday, I voted for H.R. 4015 – “The SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act. I released the following statement regarding this vote.
“This morning I was proud to vote for legislation that will repeal and replace Medicare’s flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). For the first time since 1997, we have a bicameral, bipartisan solution to the challenges posed by the SGR. For far too long we have passed temporary patches, leaving Medicare patients to fear the loss of their doctors and providers. By passing this bill, we are providing a long-overdue solution for Medicare’s payment system, while also replacing it with a system that focuses on quality, value, and accountability.”
“I’ve heard from numerous doctors and health care professionals in my district who tell me that they cannot provide adequate care to their patients because of the uncertainty and flaws in the current SGR formula. I look forward to seeing this bill move quickly through the Senate so that it can be signed into law.”
Click here to read my full statement on this legislation.
Demanding Answers Regarding Proposed Fort Bragg Airlift Wing Cuts
This week, I released the following statement after leading a letter from North Carolina Members of Congress to Secretary of Defense Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey on proposals to inactivate Fort Bragg’s 440th Airlift Wing:
“This morning, I joined my colleagues in a letter to Secretary Hagel and Chairman Dempsey to address many concerns relating to the president’s proposed cuts to Fort Bragg’s 440th Airlift Wing. While the proposed cuts do not reflect a final agreement, I remain deeply concerned with what this means for the Fayetteville community and the men and women of Fort Bragg and Pope Airfield.”
“Not only do these cuts exceed what the law requires, they present unnecessary burdens on Fort Bragg and Pope Airfield troops, their families and our national security. It is also imperative that commanders and soldiers continue to have access to the flexible and quality training that this joint mission has provided over the past seven years.”
“As I continue to work with my colleagues and members of the military to monitor this process, it is incumbent upon Secretary Hagel and Chairman Dempsey to explain why these cuts are necessary and what led to this proposal. As the proud representative of Fort Bragg, I will continue to work with our military to ensure they have the resources to remain mission-ready as the dominant force for freedom throughout the world.”
Click here to read my full statement and the letter to Secretary Hagel and Chairman Dempsey.
A national museum for women’s history
I recently had the honor to write an op-ed on the importance of establishing the National Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C. Below is a brief excerpt:
Throughout history, conservative women have impacted our nation’s future and become an important voice in our democratic republic. We have proven ourselves as pioneers, innovators, leaders and decision-makers. We have created and contributed to many aspects of history—be it agriculture, medicine, politics, philosophy, science, and art. We have touched countless lives and shaped history, yet rarely does society teach, recognize or display our contributions—and it is time for this to change. In an effort to change this, I have joined my colleagues in advocating to establish the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) in Washington D.C.
Young women deserve a space to call their own—a physical space they can visit to hear and read about those who came before them and changed history. We need a tangible place that encourages our girls to wonder, to feel empowered, and to inquire about the people who fought to provide them with the freedom and opportunities they enjoy today. We need to share the stories of the strong women who have shaped our past and present so that young girls can learn the true meaning of perseverance and courage. There are too many women whose achievements have gone unrecognized and too many women whose efforts have been underappreciated. With such a vibrant history, it is a shame that we have yet to formally establish a museum dedicated to honoring their accomplishments. However, we are making strides.
Click here to read my full op-ed in The Hill.
The Second District Celebrates a New Member of the Hall of Fame
As part of Women’s History Month, it is my pleasure to congratulate legendary female golfer Peggy Kirk Bell for her lifetime of contributions to the sport and her recent induction into the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame. . On February 16, Peggy made history as the first female inductee into the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame. For 33 years, the CPGA Hall of Fame has honored and praised individuals living within the Carolinas for their remarkable contributions to the game of golf, and Mrs. Bell’s induction is long overdue.
Peggy is a golf legend with numerous accomplishments. She has shepherded the way for women golfers by being known as the first widely- acclaimed teacher of women’s golf, serving as a Charter Member of the LPGA, and also as chairwoman of the largest girl’s golf tour in the country. The second district of North Carolina is fortunate to have someone who has dedicated their lifetime to promoting the game of golf and expanding opportunities to young girls across the state.
Honoring a NASCAR Legend
This week I went to the House floor to honor Second District constituent Richard Petty’s contributions to the state:
I rise today to extend sincere congratulations to Randolph County’s very own Richard Petty, as he was one of five people selected statewide to receive the Winner’s Circle award. The annual Winner’s Circle award is given to individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to North Carolina’s tourism industry…Tourism is a powerful force to our state’s economic well-being, and Richard Petty has been influential in bringing racing fans from across America to the Tar Heel state. We are fortunate to have a North Carolinian who remains so steadfast in promoting the uniqueness of our state and the sport at large.
Click here to see my full statement in the Congressional Record.
Congressional Art Competition Requirements for Entry
Art works entered in the Congressional Art Competition may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth. The art work may be
- Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
- Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
- Collage
- Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
- Mixed Media
- Computer Generated Art
- Photography
All entries must be original in concept, design and execution.
Students wishing to enter the competition should fill out, print, sign and submit the Student Information Release form to my district office at 406 W. Broad Street; Dunn, NC 28334. All release forms and artwork for the 2014 competition need to be delivered to my office no later than April 4, 2014. If you need additional information, please contact Pat Fitzgerald in my Dunn office at 910-230-1910.
A Constituent Snapshot
It was great to talk with Miles Wobbleton and Mike Barlow (constituents and Campbell University CRs) who visited the Capitol while in Washington last week.
In the News
Rep. Renee Ellmers Pushes For National Women’s History Museum
FishBowl DC
Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) today penned an op-ed for The Hill in support of a National Women’s History Museum on the National Mall. The North Carolina Congresswoman who sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee names several of her Congressional colleagues including Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) who sponsored legislation and testified before the House Committee on Administration this past December in favor of a commission to pursue the museum.
A National Museum for Women’s History
Op-Ed – The Hill
“Throughout history, conservative women have impacted our nation’s future and become an important voice in our democratic republic. We have proven ourselves as pioneers, innovators, leaders and decision-makers. We have created and contributed to many aspects of history—be it agriculture, medicine, politics, philosophy, science, and art. We have touched countless lives and shaped history, yet rarely does society teach, recognize or display our contributions—and it is time for this to change. In an effort to change this, I have joined my colleagues in advocating to establish the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) in Washington D.C.”
Debate over military sexual assaults far from over
Fayetteville Observer
U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, a Republican from Dunn who represents Fort Bragg, “has been spending a great deal of time” on the issue over the past several months, said her spokesman, Tom Doheny. “Congresswoman Ellmers believes the priority must be protecting the victims of sexual assault while providing better tools for military authorities to investigate, prosecute and bring to justice,” he said. “She will be reviewing both bills and others that address this issue, but until legislation comes forth in the House, she will continue to meet with military leaders and sexual assault victims and work with her colleagues here in the House.”
NC congressional delegation lobbies for Bragg air unit
CBS 5 WRAL
Four members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey to urge them to keep an Air Force unit at Fort Bragg’s Pope Air Field. Republican Reps. Renee Ellmers and Richard Hudson and Democratic Reps. David Price and Mike McIntyre asked Hagel and Dempsey to answer a series of questions to gauge the impact of deactivating the 440th Airlift Wing, which provides airlift, airdrop and medical operations and supports training and operational requirements of Air Force, Army and Joint Operations forces.
Attempt No. 51: Tying ‘Doc Fix’ to Obamacare Repeal
Fox Business Network
Rep. Renee Ellmers, (R-NC), one of the co-sponsors for H.R. 4118, says there are more than 100 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House for the legislation, and that more than 700 state and national medical groups support it. “My hope is that if we can get to a conference committee that can repeal the SGR in full, and put us in a position where we can continue to reimburse our doctors,” she says. The only thing standing in the way, she maintains, is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
NC congressmen question DoD’s plans for 440th Airlift Wing at Fort Bragg
Fayetteville Observer
In a statement, Ellmers said the proposed cuts do not reflect a final agreement but are concerning for the Fayetteville community and Fort Bragg personnel. “Not only do these cuts exceed what the law requires, they present unnecessary burdens on Fort Bragg and Pope Airfield troops, their families and our national security,” said Ellmers, a Republican from Dunn. “It is also imperative that commanders and soldiers continue to have access to the flexible and quality training that this joint mission has provided over the past seven years.”
Our View: Tricare restrictions are unfair, should be reversed
Editorial – Fayetteville Observer
“More than 50 members of Congress – including Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan, and Reps. David Price and Renee Ellmers – signed a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to express concerns about the end of coverage for the tests. The bipartisan group – 26 Democrats and 25 Republicans – sought an answer by Friday. We hope they hear that the problem has been fixed. Our military families have earned top-notch insurance coverage.”
White House Withdraws Plan Allowing Limits to Medicare Coverage for Some Drugs
The New York Times
Two Republicans, Representatives Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania, a clinical psychologist, and Renee Ellmers of North Carolina, a registered nurse, had demanded that the White House withdraw the proposal. “Medications impact a person’s brain and body in unique ways,” Mr. Murphy said. “That’s why physicians and patients with serious mental illnesses often try different therapies until they find the right one.”
Medicare Officials Back Away From Changes To Prescription Drug Plan
Kaiser Health News
Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce panel sounded similar concerns. And, Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., a member of the House leadership team, introduced legislation that would stop CMS from moving forward with the rule’s prescription drug provisions. The bill is scheduled for a floor vote Tuesday.
NC lawmakers are questioning proposed changes to the military’s Tricare health system
Fayetteville Observer
Members of Congress who represent Fort Bragg are pressing defense officials for answers about changes to a military healthcare program. U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan and U.S. Reps. David Price and Renee Ellmers were among the more than 50 members of Congress to sign a letter sent last month to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. The lawmakers said they had concerns regarding Tricare’s change in reimbursement policy to exclude certain medical tests from coverage.