Washington Review: July 1, 2022
This week, I signed onto a letter to urge President Biden to work with the Senate to move forward climate change legislation and a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to ensure that the United for Ukraine program is administered fairly to all those in need, and joined several pieces of legislation to protect personal reproductive health data and to prevent future infant formula shortages.
This week, I cosponsored H.R. 8111, the My Body, My Data Act, introduced by Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA). Many services and apps record personal data, such as reproductive and health data, which could be used against women in states with abortion bans. Women’s bodily autonomy must be protected, and as states seek to dismantle a women’s right to bodily autonomy, we must ensure that our personal data is not used to achieve those ends. This legislation would limit the personal reproductive and sexual health data that can be collected and disclosed to only what is needed to deliver a product or service. It would also require entities which collect this information to share a privacy policy outlining how they collect and use personal health information and direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop rules to implement these requirements.
The infant formula shortage has strained family resources for several weeks, and we must take greater action to support struggling families and ensure this type of shortage never happens again. I cosponsored H.R. 7933, the Keep Infant Formula Safe and On the Shelves Act, introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). This bill would improve the safety and supply of infant formula by increasing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) inspection frequency and reporting for infant formula plants, including through unannounced visits. In addition, it would direct relevant federal agencies to assess the storage of infant formula and create distribution models for shortages, require manufacturers of infant formula to notify the FDA if they are aware that there may be a shortage, and establish a infant formula registry to be used by the FDA in the event of a shortage. These measures can prevent infant formula shortages, and make redistribution in the case of a shortage more efficient to ultimately protect families with young children.
This week, I signed onto a letter led by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas applauding the administration’s creation of the United for Ukraine program, which allows Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war to come into the U.S. on humanitarian parole, a temporary nonimmigrant status. The letter also urges that this program be expanded to those from third countries who were in Ukraine at the time that the war began, such as refugees and immigrants. Without broadening its scope in this way, the United for Ukraine program unfortunately has a racially disparate impact.
I also signed onto a letter led by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) to urge President Biden to do everything he can to reach a deal on a revise reconciliation package which includes the climate action and investments which passed the House in November 2021. World conflict, such as the war in Ukraine, will continue to disrupt global oil markets, and this letter also urges that the U.S. must break the cycle of reliance on global fossil fuel markets. To break our reliance on unstable oil regimes, we must invest heavily in a clean energy economy. These investments have already been passed in a set of policies ready to propel the country into the future. This letter urges the President to work with the Senate to reach a deal on climate investments.
Current Washington D.C. Office Status
In response to the pandemic, my staff continue to work in a hybrid model during this time. Please know we continue to monitor our phone system, so while we are unable to speak directly with you, we manage all voice messages left. If you reached out to us through phone or e-mail, please expect an e-mail response. Be sure to check your spam or junk folders for a response from our office. We appreciate your understanding as we all navigate working through the pandemic.
Vaccination Efforts
Vaccines are available to all individuals 5 and older who live, work, or study in New Jersey. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine, as a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19. To find your nearest vaccine location and make an appointment, please visit Vaccines.gov.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend booster shots. Booster shots are the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19. See updated CDC guidelines here.
Please know that I will continue working to get the 8th District the resources it needs. If you have questions or need assistance please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-7919 and follow instructions to be connected to my staff or send an email to NJ8inquiries@mail.house.gov.