The House Rules Committee recently held an important conversation about health care in our country and on one proposal specifically, Medicare for All. There’s a lot still to study in this proposal but what the hearing did shed light on is the need to dig into what's working and what's not working in our current system, and the need to work to make the system more efficient, improve transparency, and bring down costs while continuing protections for those with pre-existing conditions and ensuring everyone can access affordable, quality health care coverage.

A big thank you to all the panelists who participated in the Medicare for All hearing, particularly Ady Barkan who spent valuable time away from his family to share his experience with ALS. It was a thoughtful discussion and a start to tackling a huge issue facing our country.


In other news, I joined my Democratic colleagues in the House in passing H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, which blocks Trump from pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement. We've seen climate change come to our own community and state with wildfires and floods in recent years. With the Paris Agreement, the U.S. had an opportunity to create a clean energy economy that provides good-paying jobs and a cleaner environment for our children and future generations. Joining the nearly 200 countries in signing the Paris Agreement was a big step forward. Unfortunately, now we've taken a huge step back. As I said last week, Rome is burning and Nero is fiddling.

Lastly, my SAFE Banking bill continues to gain support. This week, 38 state and territory attorneys and 17 state treasurers sent letters to congressional leaders urging passage of H.R. 1595, which would allow marijuana-related businesses in states with existing regulatory structures to access the banking system. The SAFE Banking Act is about public safety, accountability and respecting states’ rights. This support from state officials underscores the need to respect states’ rights on this issue and make our communities safer by allowing the marijuana industry and related businesses access to the banking system. I look forward to a vote on my bill on the House floor in the coming months.

 

I support the Judiciary Committee’s efforts to continue the much-needed investigatory work, including bringing Special Counsel Mueller before the committee and holding the Attorney General in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena. The Attorney General has a duty to enforce the law and uphold the Constitution, and I believe he cannot ignore Congress’ legitimate need to see the full unredacted Mueller report along with all accompanying materials.

My office recognizes students for their various talents and contributions to our community throughout the year. Every spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to showcase artistic talent in each congressional district. On May 3rd, my office held a reception to view all the submissions and honor this year’s winners. A big thank you to all the students and their supportive teachers for helping make this year's art show a success! Click here to see the winning artwork.

First Place: Gabriel Messa (Golden High School, 12th Grade)
Artwork: “A Significant Historical Event” (oil paint, copic markers, resin and wood)

Second Place: Katrina Karo (Golden High School, 12th Grade)
Artwork: “Fade” (colored pencil and markers)
Third Place: Davis Christensen (Golden High School, 12th Grade)

Artwork: “Return to the Stars" (colored pencil)

We also recognized our Service Academy applicant class of 2018 during our Spring Awards Ceremony. We had an extremely talented group this year with 37 students applying for a nomination, 30 students receiving a nomination, and 7 students appointed.


Visit my website to see a complete list of upcoming events and activities, including several opportunities for students such as an internship in my office, Congressional Award, or Service Academy Nominations.

 

I always say “’Tis a privilege to represent the people of the 7th Congressional District and Colorado.” Here’s why:

Congrats to these two Coloradans for being selected to represent the U.S. at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer, including Golden's very own Lindsey Horan!

A special recognition to our newest Living Landmarks - Dave Powers, the Golden Lions Club, and Kevin and Kathy O’Connor.

I want to recognize the “Styrofoam Stoppers” for their efforts to switch their school from Styrofoam to recyclable plastic trays.

There are so many exciting things happening in the 7th District. Look for our next newsletter for more highlights in your neighborhood.