I hope this finds you enjoying a very happy Mother’s Day!
House Republicans remain focused on jobs and working to expand economic opportunity and security for America’s middle class. In a guest post on Speaker Boehner’s blog Thursday, I talked about five solutions Republicans are working on to help women and families. (Read the post in full below.)
There were many important votes taking places in Congress this week. On Wednesday, we voted to hold former IRS Exempt Organizations Division Director Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress for refusing to account for her role in the IRS’ targeting of conservative non-profit groups. We also passed a resolution (with the support of 26 Democrats) calling on Attorney General Holder to appoint a special counsel to investigate the IRS targeting. At GOP.gov/IRS you will find more information about the House’s ongoing investigation of the IRS targeting scandal.
Through the diligent work of committees in the House, information previously unknown about the September 11, 2012 terrorist attack on our consulate in Benghazi has been uncovered. Unfortunately, the White House has not been forthcoming with many of the facts surrounding the attack— they are even willing to defy subpoenas issued by standing committees. This week, the House took action by voting to create a Select Committee on Benghazi. I want to make sure the American people have the full truth about the attack that killed four innocent Americans.
I joined Congressman Jim Moran this week to introduce H.R. 4605, “The ChiPACC Act of 2014” (Children’s Program of All-inclusive, Coordinated Care). Terminally-ill children who are Medicaid-eligible need individualized and comprehensive treatment plans, and without this legislation, they are instead restricted to a limited array of hospice services under the traditional Medicaid model. This legislation expedites the application process for sick children and their families. More information on this important bill is provided below.
On Thursday, the House voted to expand access to charter schools. A strong education system is essential to a strong economy. Charter Schools provide an opportunity for children to learn in a more creative manner, and find ways to connect and engage with students through interactive lessons and innovative technology. H.R. 10 will allow successful charter schools to be replicated nationwide, and I was proud to vote for this legislation.
Also this week, we voted in the House on the establishment of a commission to recommend a permanent home for the National Women’s History Museum at the National Mall in Washington, DC. This bill does not provide public funding for the museum. I support this step toward creating a space where young women can learn about those who came before them and changed history. Click here to see a previous op-ed I wrote on the importance of establishing this museum.
Easing the Pain of Terminally-Ill Children
I released the following statement this Thursday after introducing H.R. 4605 – “The ChiPACC Act of 2014 “:
“There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child suffer through a devastating disease. Our families are the most precious gifts we have, yet the process of navigating through countless medical bureaucracies can be daunting, inefficient and costly. That’s why today I’ve joined Congressman Jim Moran to continue the mission he started by providing a legislative remedy to this problem.”
“This morning I introduced the ChiPACC Act of 2014, which allows states to bypass the cumbersome application process that parents must navigate in order to receive Medicaid benefits. This bill will reduce costs while providing greater efficiency and better options for states – so that they can provide the right aid at the right time. I’m proud to be a part of this effort and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in this important cause.”
Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA-8), who introduced this legislation last year, echoed this today:
“There’s nothing partisan about providing comprehensive care for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. We know that children are much more likely than adults to go in and out of terminal phases of their illness multiple times and require highly specialized care. Parents shouldn’t be forced to choose between hospice and curative care for their child. States need the flexibility to make easier and quicker decisions on providing Medicaid benefits to these sick kids.”
To date, there are 1.2 million terminally-ill children in the United States who could benefit from the Children’s Program of All-inclusive, Coordinated Care (ChiPACC). Currently, states can seek a waiver to acquire ChiPACC through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), but the waiver process is burdensome and can take upwards of three years for approval. Terminally-ill children who are Medicaid-eligible need individualized and comprehensive treatment plans, and without this legislation, they are instead restricted to a limited array of hospice services under the traditional Medicaid model.
H.R. 4605 – “The ChiPACC Act of 2014” (also referred to as the “Mattie and Melinda Bill,” in honor of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Melinda Lawrence) provides states with the option to enroll in a ChiPACC program through their state, thereby expediting the application process and allowing children to get the help they need at a faster rate. Additionally, the decision to implement this program is made on a state-by-state basis and is completely voluntary. The five states that have chosen to implement the ChiPACC program have seen average savings of more than $1,500 per child, per month compared to Medicaid. These financial savings demonstrate how this legislation can streamline costs for children who have life-threatening conditions.
Helping Women and Families
My guest post, “Helping Women and Families,” appeared on The Speaker’s Blog this week:
Today marks one year since the House passed the Working Families Flexibility Act, which makes it easier for workers to use their overtime towards paid time-off if that is their choice. This is especially helpful for working women, who often confront a lack of flexibility.
Unfortunately, the Democratic-run Senate is sitting on this and dozens of good jobs bills, many of which are geared towards helping women and their families. Our proposals recognize that throughout time, women have proven themselves to be pioneers, innovators, leaders, and decision-makers. We have become experts at juggling multiple responsibilities, and as such, the proportion of women entering the workforce full-time has jumped substantially.
In addition to providing more flexibility, here are four more solutions Republicans are working on to keep that trend moving in the right direction:
Protecting Hours and Wages. According to a recent Hoover Institution study, 2.6 million Americans are at risk for having their hours and wages cut as a direct result of ObamaCare’s 30-hour rule. An astounding 63 percent of those at risk of being hurt by this are women. That’s why the House passed a measure that restores the 40-hour work week so that you can obtain the hours and wages you need to make ends meet.
Lowering Health Care Costs. In addition to our duty within the workforce, many of us are mothers and caretakers, making approximately 80 percent of all healthcare decisions for our loved ones. While ObamaCare has done nothing but complicate our healthcare system, Republicans have instead focused on providing solutions to reduce costs, protect jobs, and allow families to retain their preferred doctors and pediatricians.
Lowering Energy Bills. Nielsen reports that more women than men are worried about rising food costs, “possibly because women have traditionally been primary shoppers for food and grocery items in most households.” Policies coming out of Washington that make it harder to produce American energy serve as a “hidden tax increase” on everyday expenses. That’s why Republicans are working on an all-of-the-above energy plan that will help lower costs and keep prices stable.
Supporting Small Businesses. The economic impact of women-owned businesses in the United States is now nearly $3 trillion. The National Women’s Business Council says that this translates to the creation or maintenance of 23 million jobs, but we know that two-thirds of small businesses will see their premiums spike under ObamaCare. To overcome this and encourage women entrepreneurs, Republicans are focused on reining in red tape and fixing the tax code to support our small businesses.
Women nationwide are contributing to this country’s economic success and competitive edge, and Republicans are working to ensure to we have the tools we need to thrive. Instead of stalling, Democrats in Washington should join us, so that one year from now, we’re talking about progress, not more missed opportunities.
Snapshots from the Week
It was a privilege to be part of a very moving ceremony last weekend honoring Wade Guy, an 89-year-old USMC and Army veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War (shown above). Veterans Legacy Foundation, members of the Marine Corps League, and friends and family were in attendance for the presentation of the following awards:
Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit citation, American Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star, Korean Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, United Nations Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar with Pistol Bar with Recoilless Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal and WWII Victory Medal
In the News
U.S. House oks new Benghazi investigation
Associated Press
A bitterly divided House voted 232-186 to establish the panel that Speaker John Boehner insisted would answer questions that linger almost 20 months after the Sept. 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission. Seven Democrats, many facing tough re-election campaigns, broke ranks and joined Republicans in supporting the probe. Rep. Mike McIntyre, a North Carolina Democrat who isn’t seeking re-election, voted in favor of the investigation, as did Republicans Rep. Renee Ellmers and Rep. Richard Hudson. Rep. David Price, a Democrat, voted against the measure.
The Odd Couple Behind the Push to Build a National Women’s History Museum
National Journal
Another conservative leader, Rep. Renee Ellmers, who’s facing a primary challenge from economic commentator Frank Roche, recently penned an editorial praising the effort as well. Ellmers, like Blackburn, is not someone who’s typically an ally of Maloney’s, and that is something she’s decidedly proud of.
