This week, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius resigned after 5 years as head of Department of Health and Human Services. Her resignation transpires six months after the failed rollout of Obamacare, which she was responsible for overseeing. The American people deserve both accountability and answers to the many unanswered questions that remain. Just as I have done in the past, I will continue to ask tough questions of the Obama administration, and I will continue my fight against this failed healthcare law. Below, you will find my full statement on Sebelius’ resignation.
On Wednesday, I testified beforethe House Armed Services Committee in order to draw attention to President Obama’s misguided cuts and proposed inactivation of Fort Bragg’s 440th Airlift Wing. I’m grateful to Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for allowing me to testify on behalf of my constituents and the men and women of Fort Bragg. Video of my testimony is linked below.
Also this week, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on improving predictability and transparency in DEA and FDA regulations. This hearing was important as it provided necessary guidelines for physicians to administer prescriptions and treat their patients. Below you can find more information — including links to video of some of the questions I asked in the hearing.
My family, and the entire Harnett County community, lost a dear friend this week. I spoke on the House floor about the inspiration that Kellie Hinshaw was in our community and the incredible work she did in fighting Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. She was loved by all, and while there will be a great void in our lives, we are left with a heart full of love where Kellie has lived.
It has been a busy week, and I look forward to spending the next two weeks back in the 2nd district. I hope you will share this information with your friends. As always, please contact my office if we can ever be of assistance.
My Statement on the Sebelius Resignation
Kathleen Sebelius’ tenure in the Obama administration has come to an end just as it began: with a total lack of responsibility. We are now left with so many questions and so few answers after witnessing endless delays, glitches, excessive costs and cancellations because of this misguided and dangerous law. I look forward to a thorough investigation of what has transpired and how it related to her management of Obamacare’s implementation. The American people deserve accountability and answers.
Seeking Accountability
This week, I had the chance to question witnesses from the DEA and FDA during an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing entitled “Improving Predictability and Transparency in DEA and FDA Regulation.” I wanted to clarify whether the FDA is putting forward incentives for manufacturers to create abuse-resistant prescription drug products—which would make it harder for people to break down prescription drugs for abuse-purposes. Additionally, I wanted to know what kind of progress is being made when it comes to evaluating the success of abuse-deterrent technologies. Click here to see a video clip from the hearing.
During the hearing, I questioned a witness from the Food and Drug Administration. I have growing concerns about a number of prescribers who are abusing the prescribing rules that were put in place by the DEA, and I wanted to know what the DEA and FDA are doing to hold these unlawful prescribers accountable. Click here to see video of this exchange.
Testifying for the 440th Airlift Wing
On Wednesday, I testified before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) in a hearing on priorities for the 2015 fiscal year. In the hearing, I voiced my concerns with the president’s proposal to inactivate the 440th Airlift Wing located at Pope Field and spoke about my bill, H.R. 4101 called The Time Act. This Act would restructure TRICARE’s notification process, requiring a more timely notification system for any changes made in an individual’s healthcare coverage. Click here or on the image above to view my testimony.
An Inspiration to Our Community
I was heartbroken to learn that my friend, Kellie Hinshaw, lost her battle to cancer this week. My prayers are with her husband, Richard, and their boys.
Kellie brought together communities of cancer survivors and families, and the Harnett County community, to participate in Kellie’s Krew ACCRF Run for a Cure each year to support Kellie and others who were scarred by a terrible disease — Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer that most often strikes the bones in the face and neck.
I spoke about Kellie’s courage and contributions to our community on the floor of the House this week. Click here or on the image below to watch the video.
2014 Legislator of the Year
This week, I was honored to receive two Legislator of the Year awards for the work I am doing in Congress. I’m humbled by this recognition of my work in the House and will continue to fight to protect the free enterprise system which provides an environment for innovation and economic growth.
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
On Tuesday evening, I was presented BIO’s Legislator of the Year Award for 2014.
BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said of the award, “As a champion of America’s biotechnology industry, Congresswoman Ellmers has distinguished herself for leadership and support of a number of critically important issues, including Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, and the release of sequestered FDA user fees. Her important work on the Energy & Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee enables biotech companies to bring life-saving and life-enhancing technologies to market, while ensuring America remains the world leader in life science innovation.” Learn more about this award here.
Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)
It is an honor to be named PPAI’s 2014 Legislator of the Year. The award was presented Thursday during PPAI’s Legislative Education and Action Day in Washington.
Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO said of the award, “Congresswoman Ellmers’ efforts to create a ‘government-out-of-the-way environment allowing small businesses to get back to innovation and hiring,’ is commendable. She is a dedicated and stalwart small-business champion.” Click here for more information about this award.
A Growing NC Industry
With 10,000 jobs, $300 million in annual wages, and $791 in annual economic impact, I appreciate the contribution the North Carolina craft beer industry makes to our local economy. You can find information about North Carolina breweries and a list of special events during NC Beer Month at NCBeerMonth.com.
In the News
Health Law Draws Fresh GOP Fire as Sebelius Resigns
The Wall Street Journal
Some GOP lawmakers sought to pin her with more accountability for the problems with the health law’s online exchanges and the administration’s decision to delay many of the law’s deadlines. “Kathleen Sebelius’s tenure in the Obama administration has come to an end just as it began: with a total lack of responsibility,” said Rep. Renee Ellmers (R., N.C.)
Ellmers Speaks About Hinshaw On House Floor
Dunn Daily Record
U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers of Dunn delivers a speech on the House floor about Kellie Hinshaw who passed away this week as the result of a rare form of cancer. Mrs. Ellmers spoke about her friendship with Mrs. Hinshaw and Mrs. Hinshaw’s impact in the community.
PPAI Names Congresswoman Renee Ellmers 2014 Legislator Of The Year
Promotional Products Association International
As a small-business owner, Congresswoman Ellmers knows firsthand about the difficulties of running a small business while facing stiff regulations and tax rates. She has long been a proponent of small businesses, especially for minority and women-owned businesses. In her home state of North Carolina, 98 percent of promotional products companies are small businesses. “Congresswoman Ellmers’ efforts to create a ‘government-out-of-the-way environment allowing small businesses to get back to innovation and hiring,’ is commendable,” says Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO. “She is a dedicated and stalwart small-business champion.”
Proposal to Shift Funding for HIV/AIDS Program Divides Lawmakers, Advocates
CQ Roll Call
North Carolina Republican Renee Ellmers introduced the bill (HR 4260) last month with Democrats Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, winning praise from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The group said in a news release that the measure would ensure the program’s funding distribution is evidence-based and that the money targets effective interventions.According to information provided by Ellmers’ office, southeastern states including North Carolina have seen their populations of HIV-positive individuals grow over the last several years while they declined in cities that had large HIV-positive populations in the past.