Taking the pulse: Examining health care in 2021

Table of Contents

VA makes great strides in uncertain times building trust, Cut out the middleman and get prescription forward thinking ...... 3 drug prices down ...... 14 Secretary Denis McDonough U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville Pandemic proves government closest to the Let states innovate for Medicaid programs that put people serves the people best ...... 4 patients first ...... 15 Governor Spencer J. Cox U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. Resurgent healthcare option poses challenge to Promising therapies for terminal patients advance while Obamacare ...... 5 approval remains stagnant ...... 16 Mike Sharman, Cost Sharing Solutions U.S. Sen. Mike Braun ARPA-H: Building on the lessons of fighting COVID . . . 6 Standing up for bipartisanship against government U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt takeover of prescription drug prices ...... 17 U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie Public health infrastructure must strengthen our biodefense ...... 7 A healthy community links social services with U.S. Rep. Tom Cole medical providers ...... 18 U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan It’s time to care for the caregivers ...... 8 U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell Legislative lifeline for children’s mental health needs ...... 19 Upgrade telehealth to connect patients with U.S. Rep. Rick Allen doctors during COVID-19 and beyond ...... 9 U.S. Rep. Young Kim Congress must act to reform the military health system ...... 20 Shipping vaccine intellectual property abroad undermines U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, M.D. American ingenuity and innovation ...... 10 N TIM ES AS HI N GTO Whip Steve Scalise and The battle against PTSD demands Congressional U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. bipartisanship and Israeli partnership ...... 21 U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz Look to Utah’s example for more accessible and affordable healthcare ...... 11 End veteran suicide, safeguard our heroes’ physical U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens and mental health ...... 22 U.S. Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino Millions in rural America deserve hospital access and CDC support ...... 12 It’s our duty to pass the PAWS for Veterans U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith Therapy Act ...... 23

T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI Former Rep. Steve Stivers A zip code shouldn’t determine the quality of maternal care ...... 13 CI A L AD U.S. Reps. Cindy Axne and Dan Newhouse A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

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Tony Hill Larry T. Beasley Thomas P. McDevitt David Dadisman Patrick Crofoot Director of ADvertising ceo chAirmAn generAl mAnAger grAphics supervisor & integrAteD sAles Christopher Dolan Joseph E. Teipe, Jr. Lea Anne Foster Advertising Department: presiDent & executive vice speciAl sections 202-636-3027 executive eDitor presiDent freelAnce eDitor SPECIAL SECTIONS Special Sections are multipage tabloid products that run in The Washington Times daily newspaper and are posted online and in PDF form onits website. Sponsors and Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections 2 are prepared separately and without involvement from the Times’ newsroom and editorial staff. VA makes great strides in uncertain times by building trust, forward thinking

telehealth program. During the first attend hearings with the Board of Vet- spouses, caregivers, and some children and worst days of the pandemic, VA erans Appeals, we created virtual tele- between the ages of 12 and 17. proved it could still safely deliver care hearings, ensuring that Veterans would Those successes, along with the to Veterans, providing primary care, be able to receive appellate decisions sacrifice of our caregivers, has led specialty care, and mental health care on benefits and services. to unprecedented trust in VA among appointments at previously unthink- And when claims ballooned at the Veterans. As of today, nearly 80% of able levels. beginning of the pandemic, and VA Veterans trust VA to deliver the world- The number of telehealth appoint- waited on 80,000 files from the National class health care and benefits they’ve ments peaked above 47,000 in a single Personnel Records Center (NPRC), earned — a 24% leap from 2016.

By Secretary Denis McDonough Department of Veterans Affairs

t the height of the pan- demic, Marine Corps Veteran Michael Novi- elli developed fatigue, aches, and a fever. He’d never “felt this sick [in his] whole life,” and his diagnosis was exactlyA what he feared. Like millions of others over the past year, Michael had contracted COVID-19. After four days at Northport VA

Medical Center, Michael was doing well A S P E enough to be discharged — but we at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) CI A L AD placed him on our telehealth program

to monitor his symptoms. That decision V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W likely saved Michael’s life. He shared his temperature, oxygen levels, and heart rate every day for two VA has long been at the forefront of health care innovation in America, weeks via telehealth. Then his VA nurse, with VA doctors performing the first successful liver transplant, Marjorie Rogers, noticed something inventing the first cardiac pacemaker, and developing the first Nicotine unusual in his heart rate. She called and told him to visit the emergency room patch — and that legacy continued during the pandemic. immediately, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted for an- day, which is more than were provided VA benefits experts brainstormed a fix That’s the sign of a job well done other two weeks. during an entire month before the pan- that decreased wait times for Veterans but we won’t pat ourselves on the back THE WASHINGTON TIMES “Marjorie saved my life,” he said. “If I demic. This was only possible because by nearly 40% and cut the previously because much more work is on the wasn’t on telehealth, I would have stayed VA had a strong foundation in place, skyrocketing backlog by 90%. horizon. We owe this level of dedica- HI N GTOAS N TIM ES home with pneumonia.” There’s no tell- allowing for exponential growth and VA has also proven that we can tion and attention to our Vets, their ing what would have happened then. cutting-edge innovation in its virtual lead on the most important effort for families, caregivers, and survivors. We Michael’s story is just one example care delivery. Veterans and all Americans right now: will continue to “fight like hell” for of the many lives that caregivers at VA Another important component of our getting shots into arms. We have vac- each one of them as they have done for have saved throughout the pandemic. pandemic response has been innova- cinated more than 3.4 million Veterans each one of us. |

They have stepped up time and again tion. VA has long been at the forefront of and employees because our medical Wednesday • June 30 2021 throughout this trying year, risking health care innovation in America, with center staff have worked tirelessly The Honorable Denis Richard Mc- their lives and leaving their families to VA doctors performing the first success- to turn entire hallways, exam rooms, Donough was nominated by President serve the brave men and women who ful liver transplant, inventing the first classrooms and auditoriums into Biden to lead the Department of Vet- served our country. cardiac pacemaker, and developing the makeshift, rapid vaccination clinics. erans Affairs (VA), confirmed by the And now, as we continue to fight first Nicotine patch — and that legacy VA also set up special walk-in clinics Senate, and sworn in the following day COVID, we are working to learn from continued during the pandemic. and special weekend vaccinations at a as the 11th Secretary of VA. He served successes of the last 18 months to make When personal protective equip- time when many had trouble finding a previously in the Obama Administra- sure that we don’t just go back to pre- ment stock was dwindling across location to get vaccinated. tion as White House Chief of Staff pandemic operations moving forward, America — putting the lives of doctors, These efforts were supercharged by and Principal Deputy National Security but instead create a VA that takes better nurses, and caregivers at risk — VA in- the SAVE LIVES Act, which provided Advisor where helped lead the Obama- care of our Vets than ever before. vented a new type of reusable PPE and VA with the authority to offer COVID- Biden Administration’s work on behalf One of the ways we can do that is mobilized 3D printers to create it. 19 vaccinations to all Veterans, regard- of military families and Veterans. by learning from the success of our When Veterans could no longer less of enrollment status, plus Veteran 3 Pandemic proves government closest to the people serves the people best

together and participating in sports and job training programs, like “SkillUpU- and civic-minded attitude of Utahns. other afterschool activities. Utah’s “Test tah,” that help displaced workers gain It’s been said that something good to Stay” and “Test to Play” guidelines new skills and pivot to industries in comes out of every crisis and while have gained national attention, but most need of workers. We learned that we there have been plenty of hardships importantly, benefited our children. can do hard things together. these past 15 months, the pandemic On the economic front, we chose While Utah has fared better than reinforced for me Thomas Jefferson’s to keep Utah open for business by many other states, COVID-19 laid bare deep wisdom: that government closest launching a “Stay Safe to Stay Open” significant gaps in our healthcare sys- to the people serves the people best.

By Governor Spencer J. Cox

ithout a doubt, the past 15 months have been nasty and brut- ish. Hundreds of thousands of Ameri- cans have died of COVID-19, many more have lost their Wjobs due to the pandemic, and we all feel some level of PTSD as we emerge from this long, dark tunnel. And yet, we do emerge. In Utah, we rise with a sober acknowledgement for what we’ve lost, but profound gratitude for what we’ve learned. Shortly after I took the Oath of Of- fice in January, we convened dozens of stakeholders involved in our state’s COVID-19 response. Only 305 Utahns

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO had been fully vaccinated and we knew we needed to rapidly accelerate that effort if we were to defeat this insidi- ous virus. We enlisted our local health departments to take a central role in setting up mass vaccination sites The results speak for themselves: Utah’s unemployment rate throughout the state. We appealed to is the lowest in the nation at 2.7%, with construction, retail our federal pharmacy partners to share sales, and many other parts of the economy booming. data more rapidly and relinquish the scarce doses that they couldn’t use fast enough. We consulted with our public campaign with the Salt Lake Chamber. tem. While 55.6% of White adults have Here in Utah, we’re committed to prov- health experts to shift our vaccine We also continued the statewide mask gotten at least one shot, just 28.9% of ing that every day. T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI eligibility from occupations to age, mandate issued by my predecessor, Pacific Islanders and 43% of Hispan- prioritizing vaccines for those who the Gov. Gary Herbert, in November 2020 ics have been vaccinated so far. This is Governor Spencer J. Cox is a sixth gen-

CI A L AD data showed were most at risk. until April 2021. Protesters picketed the yet another indicator that other factors eration Utahn and the state’s 18th gov- As vaccines have become more Utah State Capitol and our homes, but — where you live, family income, and ernor. An attorney, former city council- A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| plentiful, we’ve seen the numbers of the data showed that the mask require- your level of education — affect access man, mayor, county commissioner, state vaccinations climb and the numbers of ment increased economic activity, to health care and health outcomes. As legislator and lieutenant governor, he infections, hospitalizations and deaths allowing customers to be and feel safe an administration, we’re committed to has spoken out and led out on some of decline. We learned a coordinated, and many brick-and-mortar businesses doing a better job pinpointing these the state’s most daunting challenges community-minded effort works. to keep operating. The results speak for social determinants of health and, with including the COVID-19 crisis, homeless- We also fought to keep our kids in themselves: Utah’s unemployment rate the help of private sector partners, ness, suicide prevention, and bullying. In school. Thanks to an aggressive testing is the lowest in the nation at 2.7%, with developing a statewide equity plan to his State of the State address earlier this effort, a mask requirement for students construction, retail sales, and many address health disparities. year, Gov. Cox praised Utah’s healthcare and teachers, and strict quarantine other parts of the economy booming. As Utah rises from the pandemic professionals, public health servants, guidelines, all but one public school dis- To be sure, those in Utah’s arts and wiser and stronger than before, I am first responders, businesses, workers, trict in Utah maintained an in-class op- the gig economy have suffered deep deeply grateful for Utah’s people and seniors, and children and commended

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday tion since last August. As a result, most losses and are still in recovery. But as a institutions. Credit goes to our coura- “every single citizen of this state [who] Utah children and teachers have been state, we stand ready to assist all those geous health care workers, remarkable has made enormous sacrifices to save 4 able to stay in the classroom, learning still in need, particularly with better private sector efforts, and the charity lives and keep our economy open.” Resurgent healthcare option poses challenge to Obamacare

Though it received little attention healthcare sharing ministries based on ministries are not subjected to the at the time, a provision in the Afford- several different religions, the majority of same regulations that are imposed on able Care Act allowed organizations them are based on Christian principles. health insurance companies that oper- known as healthcare sharing ministries In fact, each ministry has their own set of ate on the healthcare exchanges. This to continue operating if they had been Christian beliefs or principles to which allows them to be more flexible in pro- in existence prior to 1999. This may members must agree prior to becoming viding members and potential mem- not have seemed like a big deal at the a member. Some ministries keep their bers with the type of healthcare pro- time, as concerns about a slide towards beliefs more vague while others, such gram they desire. For example, Share socialized healthcare took center stage as Share HealthCare, cite specific Bible HealthCare does not share towards medical expenses relating to abortions or sex changes because these services While the reason for joining a healthcare sharing are not aligned with their members’ ministry varies among the greater than one million religious beliefs. This not only allows Americans, many of them joined for one or more of members to feel confident that their money is not being used on anything the following reasons: Christian principles, freedom of which they would not approve, but from government interference, and lower cost. also allows members’ monthly con- By Mike Sharman tributions to remain low since their funds are not being spent on medically ince the day it was signed into unnecessary procedures. law back in 2010, there has been talk from both Repub- Lower Costs licans and Democrats about The monthly contribution paid replacing the Affordable by each healthcare sharing member Care Act. While Republicans is often substantially lower than the would like to replace the ACA with a free- monthly price they would pay with Smarket system to increase competition and a health insurance program. While reduce cost, Democrats would like a uni- nationally the average health insurance versal healthcare system in which all citi- premium was over $450 per month zens have free access to healthcare funded for an individual and over $1150 per by increased taxes. Despite both sides’ month for a family, healthcare sharing efforts to overhaul the healthcare system ministries are able to provide substan- A S P E in the United States over the past 11 years, tially lower prices. For example, Share the law continues to endure, as it recently HealthCare has an individual healthcare CI A L AD overcame a challenge in the Supreme sharing program ranging from $149 to

Court in mid-June. During the time since $299 per month and a family program V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W the law took effect, not much has changed ranging from $349 to $659 per month. for the typical healthcare consumer who Similarly, with Share HealthCare, continues to face rising monthly costs, the amount that an individual member higher out-of-pocket amounts, and less is personally responsible for paying choice in the marketplace. However, while before any sharing by fellow members the recent ruling by the Supreme Court takes place is as low as $3,330 per year preserved the Affordable Care Act, it also or $300 per medical event, compared to preserved a faith-based option that mil- the average deductible for an individual lions of Americans currently utilize to pay on health insurance exchange programs for their medical expenses. was over $4,300 in 2020. THE WASHINGTON TIMES As lawmakers and judges continue to Any of the above reasons would be debate what they think is the best path but, thanks to this provision, over one verses as the foundation for their stated a sufficient reason for many Americans HI N GTOAS N TIM ES forward for the American healthcare million Americans currently have a beliefs. In fact, Share HealthCare goes to consider joining a healthcare sharing system and also as we await inevitable way to pay for their medical expenses a step further in their commitment to ministry. When taken together, these further legal challenges to the Affordable without the need to be enrolled in a Christian principles, as they donate a por- three reasons along with several other Care Act, it’s average Americans who health insurance program through the tion of each monthly contribution to the advantages not mentioned above make pay the price (literally) for the inaction healthcare exchange. While the reason Soweto Academy, which provides access healthcare sharing a nearly irresist- |

of their elected officials as fewer employ- for joining a healthcare sharing minis- to clean water, healthcare, and schooling ible option for those in need of a way Wednesday • June 30 2021 ers are paying the cost of healthcare for try varies among the greater than one for abandoned and orphaned children in to pay for their medical expenses. If their employees and even those workers million Americans, many of them joined Africa. For many Share HealthCare mem- you’re in the market for a new health- making above average salaries are un- for one or more of the following reasons: bers, the idea of being able to help their care program, don’t let the government able to afford the monthly cost of health- Christian principles, freedom from gov- fellow Christians from across the country dictate what options you can choose. care programs on the government-run ernment interference, and lower cost. bear the burden of medical expenses Healthcare sharing ministries have exchanges. With increasing government while also helping children on the other been operating successfully for several involvement and cost in the health insur- Christian Principles side of the world is what drew them to decades and, in a time of uncertainty in ance industry expected to continue over From their beginning several decades join the healthcare sharing ministry. our nation, they provide an established the remainder of the Biden Administra- ago, healthcare sharing ministries have option for consumers who want the tion, a proven and effective method of been religious-based organizations that Freedom From Government freedom to choose for themselves. paying for medical expenses is desper- bring together members who practice Interference ately needed. Luckily, this already exists the same religion to share the burden Thanks to the provision in the Af- [email protected] and is available nationwide. of medical expenses. While there are fordable Care Act, healthcare sharing 5 ARPA-H: Building on the lessons of fighting COVID

learned during COVID-19 to eradicat- NIH also started a public-private commercialization of a product. ing other diseases and preparing for the partnership called ACTIV, short for ARPA-H will operate with autonomy next pandemic. Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic and with the discretion to pick projects One important reason we were able Interventions and Vaccines. Federal that best address major diseases. It might to respond so quickly against COVID- health agencies worked with 20 industry work on developing a blood test for 19 was because the federal govern- leaders to prioritize treatments for the universal cancer screenings, or develop- ment became a more active partner in new disease. So far, they’ve gotten 29 ing microneedle patches for self-admin- research and development, instead of treatments in clinical trials, with several istered, at-home vaccinations. just a sponsor. already helping patients. This new institute will be more When diagnostic tests were in short These programs prove that active col- nimble than other federal research orga-

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO supply at the height of the pandemic, NIH laboration between the government and nizations. It will be able to react quickly, created the Rapid Acceleration of Diag- the private sector, coupled with targeted focus on high-impact research, and ter- nostics program to speed up the process funding, can create scientific break- minate projects that fall short. And it will of getting more tests to market. RADx throughs. The federal government started focus on big ideas that are larger than used a process similar to the way venture acting like a venture capitalist, provid- what can be accomplished by a single capitalists on the television show Shark ing seed money to help get good ideas researcher. I believe this structure, like Tank analyze an investment. Ideas were through the development process quickly. we saw during the pandemic, will do the By U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt evaluated for ease of use, scalability, and What if we could do for cancer, Al- most to fill the gap in research between manufacturing capability. NIH received zheimer’s disease, ALS, or the next infec- an idea and a cure. ver the past year, we have Our COVID-19 research and devel- faced what we hope will be opment efforts have transformed how a once-in-a-lifetime pan- Now it’s time to apply the lessons learned we fund science and when we should T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI demic. The United States during COVID-19 to eradicating other diseases be willing to take more financial risk to responded, through the reap greater reward. We’ve shown that

CI A L AD and preparing for the next pandemic. expertise and leadership at in times of crisis we have the capabil- the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ity to find solutions at an extraordinary A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| Oits nationwide community of research- 716 applications and selected 139 for fur- tious disease what we did for COVID-19? speed. We can exceed our own expecta- ers, and partnerships with the private ther development. Ultimately, 32 commer- What would it take? tions. Now we must establish a perma- sector. We were able to create two vac- cialized diagnostic tests came out of the I believe the answer is ARPA-H. nent structure to harness this capability cines, two treatments, and 23 diagnostic program, increasing the number of tests Modeled after the Defense Ad- to improve the health of all Ameri- tests to fight the new virus. available by two million a day. vanced Research Projects Agency, cans. Now is the time for ARPA-H. All of them were invented, found At the Department of Health and or DARPA, ARPA-H would focus on safe and effective, and authorized by Human Services, Operation Warp Speed advanced research specifically for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri the Food and Drug Administration in narrowed about 100 possible vaccines health. It would be a new Institute at serves as the top Republican on the record time. At a moment of crisis, dur- to the top six and provided funding for NIH with the flexibility and resources Senate Appropriations Subcommit- ing shutdowns and social distancing, our research, development, and manufactur- to respond to the most daunting health tee on Labor, Health and Human scientists and health care researchers ing. So when a vaccine earned approval, problems Americans face today, as well Services, Education, and Related Agen-

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday were challenged like never before, and there were vials of it ready to distribute as the next pandemic. And it will fill cies. He also serves in Senate Repub- they prevailed. within 24 hours. Americans were getting the gaps we saw during the pandemic lican Leadership as the Chairman of 6 Now it’s time to apply the lessons shots in their arms three days later. between a basic scientific discovery and the Republican Policy Committee. Public health infrastructure must strengthen our biodefense

of experiencing a deadly pandemic is Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease build-up of America’s biomedical much more likely than a terrorist attack, Control and Prevention (CDC), and the research capacity laid a critical founda- and as such, we should be ready. Strategic National Stockpile of medica- tion. Thanks to incremental increases

Although the situation was awful tions and other medical supplies. at the NIH and the initiation of Op- A S P E across the months of the emergency, it Most critical in the earliest days of eration Warp Speed, our researchers could have been much worse and gone America’s pandemic response was the were in a much better position to race CI A L AD on for much longer. I am still encour- prior establishment and immediate toward development and delivery of

aged by the manner in which federal, availability of emergency funding in a vaccine at the fastest rate in human V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W state, and local governments pulled the Infectious Disease Rapid Response history. And they did just that. together, along with public health, Reserve Fund. As the former Chairman Make no mistake. If the pandemic medical, and pharmaceutical communi- of the House Appropriations Subcom- has taught us all anything, it is that we ties and American businesses and in- mittee that funds the Department of can stand to spend much more on bio- dividual citizens, to address the threat. Health and Human Services, I pro- defense resources – not less. While I am proud that Congress has made pub- lic health and infectious disease readi- While I am proud that Congress has made public ness a funding priority in the past and that the worthiness of such an invest-

health and infectious disease readiness a funding THE WASHINGTON TIMES By U.S. Rep. Tom Cole priority in the past and that the worthiness of such ment is receiving greater attention, it must become an even greater focus of t has been nearly a year and a an investment is receiving greater attention, it the federal government’s budget in the HI N GTOAS N TIM ES half now since the inception of must become an even greater focus of the federal years ahead. Certainly, this is an area the coronavirus pandemic, which government’s budget in the years ahead. where Republicans and Democrats can has taken millions of precious continue to work together. lives, disrupted communities, and caused unthinkable economic The dedicated, “all hands on deck” posed and advocated for the start of U.S. Representative Tom Cole, Oklahoma |

damage around the world. Indeed, for effort of all these groups was critical to this emergency fund so that our public Republican, represents the Fourth Wednesday • June 30 2021 Imany years to come, every country on our nation’s success. health defenders could draw funds Congressional District and serves on earth will grapple with both the suc- For its own part and in the years immediately to protect American lives the House Appropriations Committee, cesses and lessons learned throughout prior to the pandemic, Congress also whenever a biothreat occurred. Impor- where he is Vice Ranking Member of the every stage of the response to and recov- played a significant lead role, choosing tantly, the existence of this fund meant full committee and Ranking Member ery from the public health emergency. to prioritize incremental investment in that our public health defenders would of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health While the pandemic revealed numer- tools to strengthen and sustain Ameri- not have to wait on Congress to pro- and Human Services, Education, ous issues and vulnerabilities, it most ca’s ability to respond to threats in the vide supplemental emergency funds. and Related Agencies. He is Ranking obviously proved the critical value of biosphere. In fact, six years ago under When the coronavirus emergency was Member of the House Rules Committee. having a robust public health infrastruc- Republican leadership, Congress began designated a pandemic, the fund had Recognized by Time Magazine as “one ture and biomedical research capacity shaping policies and prioritizing fund- $100 million available to do just that. of the sharpest minds in the House,” he to combat and ultimately eradicate ing for our biodefense readiness, includ- Just as the rapid response fund is a Deputy Whip for the Republican deadly infectious diseases. Long before ing generously boosting funding year was a lifeline to public health defend- Conference and sits on the House COVID-19, I often noted that the risk after year for the National Institutes of ers in the first weeks, Congress’ prior Republican Steering Committee. 7 It’s time to care for the caregivers

By U.S. Sen. Bob Casey cast of home caregivers. Our society asks and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell these workers to ensure the health and well-being of seniors and individuals with ophia Samuel of Wilkes- disabilities, yet we pay them poverty level Barre, Pennsylvania, faced wages. Low pay and difficult conditions the difficult choice that mil- create turnover and worker shortages, lions of Americans across our which inevitably impacts care. We owe a Nation are forced to confront. fair wage to those who do this backbreak- She built a successful career ing work, and we owe consistency in care as a professor, earning $80,000 per year. to those receiving it. SHowever, her personal success coincided All of us, whether in our own family or with a decline in her parents’ health. Her that of a neighbor’s, have known someone mother, Elita, and her father, Albert, were who needs help at home – none of us are both diagnosed with cancer. They also immune from this challenge. We are all battled other chronic conditions, includ- one diagnosis away from needing help, ing diabetes and heart disease. On their like Elita and Albert, or of needing to own at home, they struggled. Sophia provide care, like Sophia does. This com-

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO helped where and when she could, but her The work of caregiving, which In their American Jobs Plan, President mon challenge to our basic infrastructure parents needed more hands-on care. For predominantly falls on women and Biden and Vice President Harris included is one Congress can and should address as Sophia, it was important that her parents particularly on women of color, has been $400 billion in funding for home and part of the American Jobs Plan. were able to receive care at home, lest neglected in the same way that our roads community-based services because they they be sent to a nursing home where they and bridges have been left to deteriorate recognize that infrastructure is more than Senator Bob Casey, Pennsylvania might be separated. She left her job as a over decades. As we emerge from the the route we take to work—it’s about how Democrat, serves on the Finance Com- professor and accepted work with a home pandemic, Congress has an opportunity our society functions. Investing in home mittee, the HELP Committee, and the care agency, which hired her to provide to build a bridge to create good-paying and community-based services will also Select Committee on Intelligence. He is care for her parents. Sophia’s salary went jobs for millions of Americans by invest- address problems that came into stark also Chair of the Special Committee on from $80,000 to $22,000 per year. She ing in home and community-based ser- focus during the pandemic. More than Aging. Legislation he sponsored that has went from preparing syllabi to managing vices. That is why we have introduced 183,000 residents and workers in nursing become law includes major portions of all aspects of her parents’ care. Sophia is the Better Care Better Jobs Act – legisla- homes and other long-term care settings the Keep Kids in School Act, the Emer- T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI not alone though. tion that would make a historic invest- lost their lives to COVID-19, representing gency Medical Services for Children Every year, thousands of Americans ment in home and community-based roughly one-third of deaths across the Reauthorization Act, and the Health

CI A L AD make the difficult decision to leave services by strengthening and expanding country. We can’t go back, but we can look Insurance for Former Foster Youth Act. the workforce and serve as caregivers. access to quality home care services and forward and rebuild our health care infra- A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| Many more Americans work in the lifting up the caregiving workforce that structure in a way that allows families to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell repre- caregiving economy where the wages provides them. receive care in the setting of their choice. sents Michigan’s 12th District in the U.S. they receive are outrageously low. And Sophia oversees all aspects of her par- The pandemic has brought new House of Representatives, where she has in the last year, nearly 3 million women ents’ care, managing medications, help- problems to the forefront, but it has also made it a priority to be a voice for the have been forced to leave the workforce ing them get ready in the morning, taking forced us to confront old ones. There’s no Midwest on issues that matter most to due to the pandemic. For too long, our them to and from doctor’s appointments, older problem in our Nation than the lack working families. A member of the House government viewed caregiving situa- cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping. of fairness and opportunity given to Black Committee on Energy and Commerce, tions as a largely private, family matter, Sophia’s work is what allows Elita and and Brown Americans, among other com- Debbie is focused on forging biparti- yet the challenges of caregiving are part Albert to remain in their family home. munities of color. It’s shocking, but not san solutions that support Michigan’s of the basic infrastructure of our soci- By investing in these services and the surprising then, that an industry domi- families and economy, including improv- ety. With millions of people serving as workers who provide them, Congress can nated by Black and Brown women pays a ing long-term care and ushering in the

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday caregivers – nearly 1.3 million in Michi- help more Americans receive health care median wage of $12 an hour. Many older future of the American auto industry. gan and 1.6 million in Pennsylvania – we in the setting of their choice and raise adults receiving home and community- 8 can’t afford to be complacent. wages for caregivers. based services often rely on a rotating Upgrade telehealth to connect patients with doctors during COVID-19 and beyond

Medicare and are not able to visit clin- preventing them from taking advantage the tools to make our healthcare system ics in person. of video telehealth services. We must more efficient and resilient for the 21st In Congress, I have cosponsored the continue to incentivize innovation and century. Telehealth services in particu- bipartisan Telehealth Modernization improve our services to ensure audio- lar have been instrumental in lowering Act, which would permanently remove only telehealth services are offered to a healthcare costs for patients everywhere Medicare’s geographic and originating wide range of patients. and reducing strain on our health infra- site restrictions that require patients to One bill that would help fix this structure. While the pandemic taught live in a rural area and to be physically problem is the Ensuring Parity in Medi- each of us to expect the unexpected, one present in a clinic to use telehealth ser- care Advantage and PACE for Audio- thing is clear: telehealth and other in-

By U.S. Rep. Young Kim

he COVID-19 pandemic made clear that telehealth care will only continue to grow as a vital part of our healthcare system. Over the past year, we saw incredible leaps in reimagining our approach to healthcare Tand patient services as patients of all ages were required to connect with their doctor or care provider remotely. As we move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and work to improve the quality of care and expand access to our healthcare A S P E system, taking advantage of technolo- gies as useful tools and adapting to our CI A L AD dynamic, changing marketplace should

be at the forefront to meet our goals. V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W I’ve heard firsthand from providers in California’s 39th Congressional District, from St. Jude Medical Center in Ful- lerton to Korean Community Services in Buena Park, of the importance of telehealth to help medical practitioners navigate the dangers of the pandemic by reducing infections while providing While the pandemic taught each of us to expect the unexpected, one thing much-needed care remotely. Everyone

is clear: telehealth and other innovative medical technologies will only THE WASHINGTON TIMES I’ve spoken to agrees that telehealth continue to become more prevalent and necessary in our daily lives. should – and must – remain a core part of healthcare services. HI N GTOAS N TIM ES However, we cannot forget that vices. This bill would greatly assist those Only Telehealth. This bill would help novative medical technologies will only telehealth is a new tool in our health in need of telehealth care through their ensure Medicare Advantage enrollees continue to become more prevalent and care system that still needs improve- Medicare coverage. who cannot access the video compo- necessary in our daily lives. That is why ment. During my time in Congress, I have also cosponsored the biparti- nent during telehealth visits are able to I will continue to do my part to improve I’ve been working to find ways to san ACCESS Act in Congress to provide access care through audio visits during patient services in for all Americans and |

upgrade telehealth services by remov- funding to develop telehealth capacity the COVID-19 pandemic. future generations. Wednesday • June 30 2021 ing barriers to patient care, expanding for certain nursing facilities and increase Language barriers also prevent many capabilities for health care providers access to telehealth services during the Americans from taking advantage of U.S. Representative Young Kim, California and promoting accessibility. COVID-19 pandemic. these services. As an immigrant, repre- Republican, represents the 39th Congres- Many laws were created under My home district in California is senting a vibrant, diverse community, sional District, which includes parts the assumption that people receiv- home to more than 70,000 Medicare I know many have trouble speaking of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Ber- ing telehealth care must live in rural Advantage enrollees, and California English and require more complicated nardino counties. She is one of the first areas. However, the COVID-19 pan- is home to nearly 3 million enrollees health care services to be provided in Korean American women in Congress demic made clear that is not always the statewide. For some patients in the their native language. I am working to and serves on the House Committees on case. In California’s 39th District, my low-income and rural population, video find ways to expand language capabili- Foreign Affairs; Small Business; and Sci- constituents live in urban or suburban communication is not possible due to a ties for providers in my community as ence, Space, and Technology. She is also areas that would be considered ac- lack of access to technology or internet. well as across the nation. a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus cessible for healthcare clinics. There Further, many in the senior or at-risk As we recover from the COVID-19 and was recently ranked the most bipar- are also many individuals who receive population may have physical limitations pandemic, we must take into account tisan Freshman member of Congress. 9 Shipping vaccine intellectual property abroad undermines American ingenuity and innovation

By Whip Steve Scalise and U.S. already tried this approach. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. The future of American medicine should not be plagued with violations of hroughout the misery of this sacred American intellectual property global COVID-19 pandemic, and socialist price controls. Instead, the heroic efforts of Ameri- the future should inspire generations can healthcare professionals of brilliant innovators and manufactur- have been on full display. ers to seek out new technology and With the help of Operation information with faith in their govern- Warp Speed and building on years of ment to safeguard their right to intel- Tresearch, American pharmaceutical lectual property protection. The Biden companies developed three safe and Administration is sending an alarming effective vaccines that have essentially message to the Americans who have

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO ended the pandemic. This impeccable labored tirelessly in pursuit of solutions American innovation has allowed us to since the pandemic originated. It’s the leave lockdowns, take off our masks, and wrong message. begin a return to normalcy. But, oddly, the Biden-Harris Ad- the IP from pharmaceutical companies, of the United States. U.S. Representative Steve Scalise repre- ministration is now seeking to under- what incentive will they have to invest It’s obvious that Biden’s plan to sents Louisiana’s First Congressional Dis- mine the foundation that led to this the billions of dollars necessary for the undercut American innovation and trict and is the House Republican Whip, success. In May, the Administration next life-saving breakthrough drug or investment will not yield safe and the second highest position in House Re- announced support for waiving intel- vaccine? It could put a screeching halt effective vaccines. But caving to the publican leadership. In addition to serving lectual property (IP) protections for to promising research to cure cancers, progressives’ radical list of demands is on the Energy and Commerce Committee, COVID-19 vaccines in the Agreement Alzheimer’s, ALS, and other deadly seemingly more important to the Biden Whip Scalise is also the Ranking Member on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual diseases. Suspending IP protections now Administration. of the Select Subcommittee on the Coro- T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI Property Rights (TRIPS) at the World would put us in a much worse position What’s worse, House Democrats navirus Crisis. Four years ago this month, Trade Organization. This would give for the next pandemic, but it also won’t want to expand on the innovation-killing he was critically wounded at a Congres-

CI A L AD the world, including China and other help the rest of the world deal with the policies of the Biden Administration sional baseball practice and credits the competitors, access to the IP of Ameri- current pandemic. That’s because it with H.R. 3’s government price controls heroic response of U.S. Capitol police A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| can companies that worked tirelessly to would likely take manufacturers years to on drugs. We already know that H.R. 3 special agents, Alexandria police officers, save us all from the pandemic. build the facilities and source the neces- will result in fewer new drugs, but the and medical staff for saving his life. Stripping innovators of their con- sary materials to safely produce vac- Democrats continue to ignore the reality stitutionally protected patents will cines, even with the intellectual prop- of their extremist policies. U.S Representative Mariannette Miller- undermine innovation, weaken our in- erty that President Biden would force If the Biden Administration is able to Meeks, M.D., Iowa Republican, represents ternational competitiveness, and only American innovators to give away. follow through on its intellectual prop- the Second Congressional District. She help the Chinese Communist Party, As German chancellor Angela erty giveaway and if House Democrats serves on the Education and Labor Com- who ruthlessly spread the pandemic. Merkel said, “I see more risks than continue to prescribe policy that aligns mittee, Homeland Security Committee, For years, we have all complained opportunities and I do not believe with H.R. 3, then the American people Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and the about China stealing IP from American that releasing patents is the solution will suffer. We will experience delays Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus companies, and now President Biden’s to provide vaccines for more people.” to essential drug development and Crisis. She served 24 years in the United

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday plan is to give it away for free? Truly It’s a sad day when the Chancellor of decreases in medical discoveries that States Army as a Lt. Colonel, nurse, and unbelievable. Germany is more concerned about can save lives and cure diseases, just as doctor, and four years as the Director of 10 If the government moves in and steals American ingenuity than the President they experience in other countries who the Iowa Department of Public Health. Look to Utah’s example for more accessible and affordable healthcare

in the marketplace. More than any other lowering costs. reduction in out-of-pocket costs. industry, healthcare has needed to Utah health systems collaborate Scheduled video visits also allow adapt to an ever-changing landscape to both in pre-pandemic and post-pan- primary care and specialty providers to

address the public health crisis. demic times. Particularly as COVID-19 conduct visits and follow-up communi- A S P E It is no secret that Utah is on the disrupted normalcy in the field, these cations virtually with patients. The pa- cutting-edge of healthcare innovation. health systems worked together in tient’s ability to communicate frequently CI A L AD Providers in the Beehive State are sharing resources and partnering in with their provider, even for non-acute

influencing this shift by creating solu- care delivery, infection control, test- care, has quite literally saved thousands V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W tions that meet worker and consumer ing, and vaccination efforts. They also of lives amidst the pandemic. preferences, leading the nation in the shared key learnings and ideas on During my career playing in the NFL, development of consumer-focused, ac- patient access to care. I learned that one of the true markers of cessible, and affordable healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has also a great team is having the ability to make Just one example of this progress driven increased adoption of digital the right in-game adjustments. By transi- is Intermountain Healthcare, a Utah- healthcare solutions. Even as case counts tioning to a value-based care model and expanding digital healthcare access, we can make quality care more affordable Providers in the Beehive State are influencing while also delivering improved out- By U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens this shift by creating solutions that meet comes. Thomas Edison once said, “The THE WASHINGTON TIMES value of an idea lies in the using of it.” worker and consumer preferences, leading HI N GTOAS N TIM ES he last 18 months presented Utahns are benefitting from healthcare many challenges for our na- the nation in the development of consumer- innovation – and can be a model to lead tion and healthcare system. focused, accessible, and affordable healthcare. the rest of the nation forward. The pandemic also high- lighted areas in which we based integrated health system with 24 lower and more people get vaccinated, U.S. Representative Burgess Owens, must adapt and innovate to hospitals and more than 2,400 physi- the industry predicts consumers will Utah Republican, represents the Fourth |

meet the needs of the future. Through- cians. These professionals are forging continue to desire healthcare at their Congressional District. He serves on the Wednesday • June 30 2021 Tout our history, “We the People” have ahead in transitions from fee-for-service fingertips. To keep people healthy and House Judiciary Committee, the House consistently risen to the occasion, to value-based healthcare, which better strong, healthcare will need to meet peo- Education and Labor Committee, and turning hurdles into opportunities, and aligns health systems, providers, and ple where they are: home, work, school, as the Ranking Member of the House overcoming adversity to make progress insurers to incentivize innovative care. travel, and everywhere in between. Early Childhood, Elementary, and Sec- and build a better tomorrow. This value-based model facilitates Utah health systems have incor- ondary Education Subcommittee. He Across the U.S., major industries a cost structure and environment that porated video and communications believes in dreaming big and follows the including retail, dining, and travel have makes it easier and more affordable to technology to facilitate care delivery and four guiding principles of faith, family, undergone digital transformations that provide and access quality healthcare. services. Intermountain and other pro- free markets, and education. Earlier in have supported rapidly evolving con- Digitally enabled care and communica- viders offer hospital-level care at home his career, Owens played ten seasons sumer preferences in recent years. Con- tion tools help keep patients healthy as an alternative to inpatient stays. At in the NFL for the New York Jets and sumer demands, disruptors entering and out of the hospital while improv- IHC, for example, these programs have the Oakland Raiders, winning the Su- the playing field, and pandemic needs ing the healthcare experience, boosting supported thousands of patients requir- perbowl with the 1980 Raiders’ team. helped accelerate much-needed change care quality, and, most importantly, ing acute care, with an estimated 20-30% 11 Millions in rural America deserve hospital access and CDC support

nation. By September 2020, COVID-19 CDC tasked specifically with this work. to 2019. The pandemic will certainly was more prevalent in rural America I believe this could be one reason our exacerbate this urban-rural disparity. than in any other type of community, public-health response to this virus has The troubling data in this study should with rates in the smallest towns nearly been less effective in rural areas. prompt us to act. double the rates in large metro areas. Establishing a new Office of Rural I am proud to be from rural Amer- This is not surprising. Health within the CDC would be an ica, and I want to preserve that rural For too long, our public-health in- important way to support rural com- lifestyle for my daughter and the family frastructure has been focused in capital munities through the end of this pan- she will raise one day. To do that, we cities and major metropolitan areas. demic and to strengthen public-health must address our rural hospital closure

By U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith

am a part of a proud fifth-gener- ation farming family. The town where I grew up – Monticello, Mississippi – has a population of fewer than 2,000 people. Rural America is where I come from, and preserving our rural way of life is Ia priority of mine in the United States Senate. Equitable access to health- care is one key to making life in rural America sustainable. Unfortunately, this is an uphill climb, as our rural areas are facing so many challenges when it comes to healthcare. One urgent challenge is the rap- idly escalating crisis of rural hospital closures. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, rural hospital closures hit

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO a record high, and this problem does not show any sign of abating. Sadly, my state of Mississippi has more rural Equitable access to healthcare is one key to making life in rural America hospitals at risk of closing than any sustainable. Unfortunately, this is an uphill climb, as our rural areas other state in this country. are facing so many challenges when it comes to healthcare. A hospital closure affects the whole community in so many ways. Not only are jobs lost but, most importantly, That lack of public-health infrastructure, capacity in rural America generally. I crisis and improve our public-health access to local healthcare is eliminated combined with the rural hospital closure envision this office as being empowered infrastructure so that the generations of for residents in an entire region. In crisis, meant that too many rural com- to look across CDC programs to ensure Americans to come can enjoy equitable an emergency, timely care is of the munities were largely unprotected when the agency’s work is properly address- access to quality healthcare and an over- essence, and having close-by access to COVID-19 arrived. ing the needs of the 57 million Ameri- all improved quality of life. T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI care can truly mean life or death. Im- This inequity has extended to the cans who live in rural communities. proving the financial security of rural rollout of the vaccines. Months before The care of these hard-working families U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mis-

CI A L AD hospitals is key to improving the rural- the approval of any of the COVID-19 vac- should not be a secondary consider- sissippi Republican, serves on the Ap- urban disparities in health outcomes. cines, I raised concerns about the logisti- ation after nationwide or metropolitan propriations Committee; Agriculture, A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| The Trump Administration recog- cal challenges of getting these specific needs are addressed. Nutrition and Forestry Committee; Energy nized this by targeting over $10 billion vaccines, which come in large batches In a recent Senate Appropriations and Natural Resources Committee; and from the CARES Act Provider Relief and must be stored at ultra-cold tempera- Subcommittee hearing, I pushed CDC Rules and Administration Committee. Fund specifically for rural hospitals tures, into all of the small towns across Director Walensky to establish such an With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pan- and providers. But those resources our nation. This has proven true, as office, and I will work through the Fiscal demic, Hyde-Smith established herself as are temporary, and much more work COVID-19 vaccination coverage has been Year 2022 process to do everything I can a leader in helping to secure billions in remains to be done to shore up our significantly lower in rural counties than to bring this to fruition because the need funding for rural hospitals to address the rural hospitals. in urban counties across all age groups. is very real. public-health emergency and to expand The COVID-19 pandemic is high- The Centers for Disease Control Earlier this month, the Journal of the telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries. In lighting the real public-health needs in and Prevention (CDC) must do more to American Medical Association pub- November 2020, she became the first rural America. While initially COVID- address the public-health needs of rural lished a study showing the gap between woman elected to represent Mississippi in

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday 19 cases were concentrated in urban communities. While CDC has made rural and urban death rates tripled the U.S. Senate. Prior to the Senate, she areas, the virus quickly spread through some efforts toward this end, I am con- over the past 20 years, growing from 62 was elected twice as the Mississippi Com- 12 rural towns and villages across the cerned that there is no entity within the per 100,000 people to 169.5 from 1999 missioner of Agriculture and Commerce. A zip code shouldn’t determine the quality of maternal care

By U.S. Reps. Cindy Axne physicians, and other community-based and Dan Newhouse providers like physician assistants, to provide maternal care services, our leg- s proud Representatives of islation bolsters our capacity to deliver rural areas, we know why high-quality care closer to home. generations of Americans The Rural MOMS Act is a biparti- choose to live and raise san, commonsense solution to address families in America’s small the maternal health crisis we have in towns: the camaraderie this country. and support in our rural communi- Through our bill, federal funding tiesA enables generations of Iowans and would help rural hospitals without Washingtonians to live out the Ameri- obstetrics units work with regional can Dream. providers to create collaborative care Unfortunately for families wanting networks, share best practices, and mea- to carry on that legacy, however, health sure outcomes. care for new mothers and their children The COVID-19 pandemic has shown is becoming harder and harder to find. us that telehealth can connect patients In Iowa and Washington – as well as with the care they need. The Rural many other rural areas across America The lack of access to prenatal, labor and delivery, MOMS Act would expand telehealth to – rural hospitals have been forced to and postnatal services doesn’t just hurt pregnant create a “virtual highway” for maternal make the tough financial decision to women and new mothers. It also hurts our families, health care and save hours of travel time shutter their obstetrics units; others for pregnant women and new mothers. have closed entirely. our communities, and our future success. And With more training programs for One study from the University of in the 21st century, it can and must be fixed. local providers, more funding to pur- Minnesota Rural Health Research chase equipment like fetal health moni- Center found that almost 1 of every 10 tors and ultrasound machines, and more rural counties nationwide lost obstetric innovative ways to close geographic services from 2004 to 2014. gaps, the Rural MOMS Act brings For pregnant women in rural long-overdue investments for new and America, that means long hours in the expecting mothers in rural America. car driving an hour or more from their The zip code that families choose to homes for an ultrasound or even a regu- live in shouldn’t mean they have to ac- A S P E lar check-up. cept subpar resources for care. The lack of access to prenatal, labor Through this legislation, rural moth- CI A L AD and delivery, and postnatal services ers and their children will get the care

doesn’t just hurt pregnant women and they need to foster the next branches of V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W new mothers. It also hurts our families, family trees in America’s small towns for our communities, and our future suc- generations to come. cess. And in the 21st century, it can and must be fixed. U.S. Representative Cindy Axne, Iowa America has some of the highest Democrat, is a fifth-generation Iowan cur- maternal mortality rates in the devel- rently serving her in second term for the oped world, and rural women bear Third Congressional District. She serves an outsized risk of pregnancy-related on the House Agriculture and Financial complications or deaths. According Services Committees, and as the Midwest to data from the Centers for Disease Regional Whip for the House Democratic THE WASHINGTON TIMES Control and Prevention (CDC), rural Caucus. She is a mother of two, and co- women are over one-and-a-half times owns her own small business with her HI N GTOAS N TIM ES more likely to die in childbirth than husband John in West Des Moines. their urban counterparts. Perhaps most alarmingly, while U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse, other countries are making progress Washington Republican, is a lifelong on the issue, rates of pregnancy-related resident of Central Washington and is |

death in the United States have more honored to represent the 4th District in Wednesday • June 30 2021 than doubled in the past three decades, Congress. A third-generation Yakima according to the CDC. Most of these Valley farmer, he brings real-world experi- deaths are preventable. ence to Congress as a businessman and We know that when rural Ameri- former state legislator ready to work hard cans talk about being “left behind” in support of conservative solutions that or how politicians don’t care about and support new families through our The Rural MOMS Act leverages that encourage job creation and economic them – this is what they mean. It’s time bill: the Rural Maternal and Obstetric sense of community. opportunity in Central Washington. Ne- for both parties in Congress to work Modernization of Services Act (Rural Family physicians are a trusted re- whouse understands that looking out for together to reverse this trend and rein- MOMS Act). source, and many have built a years-long taxpayers means that Congress must stay vest in rural families. Americans who live in rural relationship with their patients. In many on budget and make the government work That’s why we’re leading a bipartisan America know that it’s the close-knit cases, physicians care for patients from efficiently to fulfill its responsibilities. push in Congress to improve maternal bonds of community that make small multiple generations in the same family. health outcomes, close geographic gaps, towns thrive. By training more rural family 13 Cut out the middleman and get prescription drug prices down

filled. As one report on Florida’s Med- employees, even the community itself. bill requires the Federal Trade Com- icaid managed care program found, That is especially true for many rural mission (FTC) to study anticompetitive “PBM-affiliated pharmacies are making areas, where the local pharmacy is many practices by PBMs within the pharma- 18 to 109 times more profit over the folks’ only access to health care within ceutical supply chain. Since PBMs refuse cost of the drugs than the typical com- a few dozen miles. In Alabama, we’ve to show exactly how much of the savings munity pharmacy.” lost 14 rural hospitals in the last 10 years, they pass down to independent phar- Smaller, independent pharmacies further underscoring local pharmacies’ macies, further study by the FTC will can’t compete with the PBM heavy- importance as a vital piece of health care help shine a light on PBMs’ backroom weights and are often told, “take it or delivery in rural communities. practices. If the PBMs really do pass on

By U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville

ur great country was founded on hard work and competition. That sense of grit is the main principle in our free-market economy where consumers have choice, because competition breeds Ochoice, better quality, and better prices for customers. But not everywhere. Unfortunately, most Americans don’t have that choice when it comes to prescrip- tion drugs. The prices of life-saving medications keep going up. According to the AARP, prescription drug prices are rising even faster than inflation. Ameri- cans’ spending on medicines jumped 200% between 2000 and 2020. It’s time

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO the American people start to question why this is happening. Folks may not be familiar with Closing down a competitor pharmacy may be a success for a Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, giant PBM, but it can be devastating to the business owners, but they live with the effects of PBMs their families and employees, even the community itself. almost every time they go to fill a pre- scription and have to dig deep in their wallets to pay for it. leave it.” If they take the PBM’s offer, Coming out of a global pandemic, savings to consumers as they claim, I’m PBMs are essentially middlemen in they’re forced to operate on incredibly during which our rural health systems sure they will welcome the opportunity the prescription drug supply chain. They tight profit margins. If they don’t, their were already over-stretched, we should to show it to the public. negotiate with drug manufacturers to se- patients don’t have access to the drugs. focus efforts on protecting and bolster- Independent pharmacy owners and cure discounts on medications by adding The mom-and-pop pharmacists lose, ing patients’ access to care. Allowing the patients they serve deserve better. I T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI those medications to insurance plans’ and the patients lose, but the corporate PBMs to run roughshod over mom-and- firmly believe we can bring back free and formularies. They contract with pharma- PBMs win. pop pharmacies cannot continue. fair competition to the health care mar-

CI A L AD cies and insurance plans to process and We’ve seen this trend nationally. The state of Alabama took a good ketplace that will benefit consumers and pay prescription drug claims. Between 2010 and 2018, the number of first step in passing a law earlier this providers alike. It’s past time we change A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| PBMs claim they help patients by independent pharmacies decreased by year that would give more oversight and the status quo, give independent phar- negotiating lower prices from drug nearly 1,300, or 6%. But where this is transparency to PBMs’ practices. Among macies a fair shot, and ensure patients manufacturers. But the fact is PBMs particularly concerning is in our rural other things, the law prohibits PBMs have better access to the life-saving rarely, if ever, pass those savings on to communities, like those across the state from requiring the purchase of pharma- prescription drugs they need. patients. More often, PBMs use their of Alabama. cist services through a certain mail- bargaining power to bring the cost of a We’ve got nearly 600 independent order or retail pharmacy. The law also U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, Alabama drug down but pocket the difference for community pharmacies across my state, stops PBMs from banning pharmacists Republican, serves on the Senate Health, themselves. The PBMs get richer, while filling more than 32 million prescrip- informing patients about more afford- Education, Labor, and Pensions Commit- patients get squeezed. tions. More than half of those prescrip- able alternatives to the drugs the patient tee, in addition to the Senate Armed Ser- Moreover, PBMs determine which tions are for Medicare Part D and is prescribed. vices; Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; pharmacies will be included in a Medicaid patients. Closing down a com- But more transparency of PBMs’ and Veterans Affairs Committees. Be-

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday prescription drug plan’s network and petitor pharmacy may be a success for a actions is needed. That’s why I’ve fore being elected to the U.S. Senate, he can force smaller pharmacies to accept giant PBM, but it can be devastating to cosponsored the Prescription Pric- spent 40 years in higher education as 14 lower profits for each prescription the business owners, their families and ing for the People Act. This bipartisan a coach and mentor to student athletes. Let states innovate for Medicaid programs that put patients first

showcases this more than the Biden expanded access and is best suited to the shortfalls demonstrated the inability of Administration’s decision to block states needs of Hoosiers. In doing so, Hoosier our federal Medicaid program to operate from continuing their quality Medicaid health care officials created a sustainable, effectively in a time of crisis, let alone programs. In April, the Centers for Medi- cost efficient, and specialized health care provide adequate coverage for count- care and Medicaid Services revoked program that provides quality care for all less Americans. This reinforced what I,

Texas’ waiver that extends their state’s eligible Hoosiers. Not only have we have Congressional Republicans, and Hoosier A S P E Medicaid program – this coming after seen unbridled success in the program, health care officials have long known: ac- the Trump Administration approved the the Healthy Indiana Plan has also become cess to health insurance is not the same CI A L AD waiver on January 15, 2021. This unprec- the first state in the country to receive as access to quality health care.

edented action by the Administration federal approval to continue operating for This unprecedented global tragedy V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W has also been repeated as recently as another 10 years. In addition, the Healthy has highlighted more than ever before last week to attack parts of Indiana’s and Indiana Plan withstood the COVID-19 that state-based health care programs Arizona’s Medicaid programs. Instead of pandemic and has been credited by lead- have the ability to adapt, sustain, and encouraging efficient and effective state- ing health experts as a critical component provide adequate health care coverage based Medicaid programs, President of Indiana’s response to the shifting eco- for their communities. The Healthy Biden would rather Washington, D.C., nomic circumstances experienced during Indiana Plan demonstrated that even bureaucrats be in charge. State-based the pandemic. during the worst health crisis of our By U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. Medicaid programs can work – just look Over the past year, America experi- generation, it could provide health care to my home state of Indiana. enced the worst global health crisis of for our citizens by providing a response n 2010, former President Obama made, maintained, and implemented by THE WASHINGTON TIMES and Congressional Democrats told Hoosiers. This is something that our Hoosiers, and all Americans, that No action showcases this more than the Biden federal Medicaid program will never be HI N GTOAS N TIM ES the Affordable Care Act will save Administration’s decision to block states from able to do. The Affordable Care Act’s them money and provide greater continuing their quality Medicaid programs. flawed policies and regulations have access to care. In the following left Americans stuck with health care 11 years, we have instead seen a costly choices that continue to climb in cost Ioverhaul of the Medicaid and Medicare In my home state of Indiana, we know our generation. The immense strain of and decrease in number year after year. |

systems resulting in higher premiums, just how important Medicaid waivers are the COVID-19 pandemic upended health It is clear that a state-based solution, Wednesday • June 30 2021 decreased access to health care provid- in allowing states to use innovative solu- care as we knew it, attacked our families like the Healthy Indiana Plan, is best for ers caused by narrowed insurance net- tions to provide quality health care for the and loved ones, and caused more than Hoosiers and best for Americans. works, and lessened access to beneficial Medicaid population. Today, the Healthy 3.8 million deaths worldwide. During drugs. In short, promises made were not Indiana Plan (HIP) – the Hoosier state this time, the Medicaid program that U.S. Representative Larry Bucshon, promises kept. Medicaid alternative first created by Gov- was supposed to be stronger than ever M.D., Indiana Republican, represents We are currently witnessing history ernor Mitch Daniels and later expanded due to the changes instituted by Con- the Eighth Congressional District, which repeat itself. President Biden and his by then-Governor Mike Pence – provides gressional Democrats in the Affordable encompasses all or part of 19 counties administration have doubled down on affordable, quality care for more than 1.5 Care Act faltered. Significant adminis- in Southwest and West Central Indiana. the flawed health care law by promoting million Hoosiers. By rejecting participa- trative setbacks, including inadequate Prior to being elected to Congress in policies that inch ever closer to a govern- tion in the traditional federal Medicaid staffing, led to a massive backlog in 2010, Dr. Bucshon was a heart surgeon ment-run, socialist single-payer health program expansion in the Affordable Medicaid eligibility renewals, redetermi- for over 15 years. He is a member of the care system by putting the government Care Act, Indiana was able to fund and nations, and new applications that stifled House Energy and Commerce Com- at the center, not the patient. No action create its own Medicaid program which effectiveness of the program. All of these mittee and the GOP Doctors Caucus. 15 Promising therapies for terminal patients advance while approval remains stagnant

cancers, and other terminal diseases. improvements in disease management, the same end goal: providing patients Congress must update existing law and FDA’s slow and overly burdensome regu- with safe and effective treatments as 20th century regulation and better sup- latory pathways will prevent patients soon as possible. port investment in cutting-edge science with no treatment options and little time This particular drug was approved when it comes to terminal diseases. to wait, from accessing a potentially life- under an accelerated approval pathway, We owe this to these Americans saving drug. which is useful for bringing certain struggling with life-threatening diseases When there is a life-threatening dis- drugs to patients, but can be stron- for which there is no cure. ease with no effective treatment, patient ger. Delivering promising therapies to patients faster does not have to mean lowering FDA’s gold standard, but it does require increased patient safety, data monitoring, reliance on real-world evidence, and patient-focused drug development for those dying and ready to assume higher risk. The Promising Pathway Act is the legislative solution to support the By U.S. Sen. Mike Braun FDA in giving those struggling with serious and life-threatening illnesses ew and promising therapies a fighting chance to receive timely ac- for patients with serious cess to innovative treatments that still life-threatening diseases are show substantial evidence of safety advancing, but Congress and relevant early evidence of positive must modernize review therapeutic outcomes. pathways at the FDA and To accomplish this, the Promis- do so in a manner that maintains its role ing Pathway Act requires the FDA to Nin foundational and necessary safety and establish a rolling, real-time, priority efficacy standards. review pathway to evaluate provisional The Promising Pathway Act (S. approval applications for drugs intended 1644/H.R. 3761) is the solution. to treat, prevent, or diagnose serious FDA drug approval is the gold stan- or life-threatening diseases or condi- dard of safety, but Congress must do a tions. Under the Promising Pathway Act, better job supporting FDA professionals provisional approval is granted by the in doing what they do best while giving FDA to drugs demonstrating substantial them the tools necessary to be more evidence of safety and relevant early evi- nimble. Approval of safe and effective dence of positive therapeutic outcomes. treatments for devastating diseases is Drug sponsors would be allowed and

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO the difference between life and death encouraged to use scientifically substan- for patients with terminal diseases, and Congress must update existing law and 20th century tiated surrogate endpoints other than it’s critical for FDA to have the author- regulation and better support investment in cutting- those already validated by the FDA. ity to be both thorough and agile. We edge science when it comes to terminal diseases. The Promising Pathway Act will learned from the pandemic that FDA increase innovation in clinical trial professionals are, without out a doubt, design and encourage sponsors to capable of both. Consider this example. In June of groups have been clear they are will- use real world data to determine the When it comes to rare diseases, these this year, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (a ing to trade a greater degree of risk for benefits of the drug, and it will do so professionals are confined by an anti- developer of ALS therapies) submitted earlier access to meaningful treatments. without reducing the FDA’s standard of quated regulatory system. Under exist- a potential new ALS treatment for ap- Given advances in science, it’s also logi- effectiveness. ing FDA review pathways, all new medi- proval in Canada and Europe, known as cal for FDA drug approval pathways to It’s time to advance drug develop- cines must meet the same gold standard AMX0035. Amylyx’s clinical trial study- be continually rethought and reinvented ment for life-threatening diseases, and T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI for safety and efficacy. FDA defines effi- ing the safety and efficacy of AMX0035 to advance efficient access to meaningful we can secure access to safe, promising cacy based on studies showing the drug showed a slowed progression of the treatments for patients with progressive therapies for patients while maintain-

CI A L AD has an effect on a validated surrogate disease in patients with ALS and also a diseases that, left untreated or under- ing the FDA’s role in foundational and endpoint or measurements reasonably reduced risk of death by 44 percent, ex- treated, will negatively impact their daily necessary safety and efficacy standards. A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| determined to predict clinical benefit to tending ALS patients’ lives by an average lives or lead to premature death. Congress must act with urgency to pass patients, known as biomarkers. of six months. This should not be controversial, but the Promising Pathway Act. Generally, endpoints must be studied While individuals diagnosed with sadly it is. Currently, the FDA is em- for years, even decades, before gain- ALS living in Canada and Europe will broiled in an emotional dispute over a U.S. Senator Mike Braun, Indiana Re- ing the FDA’s seal of approval for use likely have access to this promising drug, aducanumab, which was recently publican, serves on the Aging Committee, in clinical research. Unfortunately, therapy by the end of 2021, ALS patients approved to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Agriculture Committee, Budget Commit- the statutory framework Congress in the United States will not receive the Some tout FDA’s decision as a signal for tee, Appropriations Committee, and the imposes on the FDA results in a strict same timely access to this therapy. more regulatory flexibility and innova- Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and unbending reliance on validated Instead, the FDA requested that Amy- tion, praising the approval as a victory Committee (HELP). Prior to the Senate, surrogate endpoints, which in turn leads lyx conduct an additional placebo-con- for patients with no available treatment he was the founder and CEO of Meyer to limitations on clinical trials designed trolled clinical trial before the company options. Others argue that the FDA’s Distributing, a company he built in his

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday for rare or lesser-studied diseases, such submits a New Drug Application for gold standard has been jeopardized, hometown of Jasper that employs hun- as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), FDA review. Despite Amylyx’s evi- putting patients at risk. No matter what dreds of Americans across the country. 16 Duchenne muscular dystrophy, rare dence of clinical value and measurable side of the issue you fall on, we all have Standing up for bipartisanship against government takeover of prescription drug prices

Act was not passed in its entirety, our medical innovation that will help pro- dictating the price and micromanag- bipartisan alternative still had 15 provi- duce new treatments and cures. ing access to vaccines than investing in sions that were signed into law last Con- On the other hand, Speaker Pelosi’s innovation, like Speaker Pelosi wants to gress. Since the start of this Congress, drug pricing plan would “negotiate” do here. As a result, these countries are four more provisions from H.R. 19 have drug costs, but the “negotiation” is forc- behind the United States in distributing

already been signed into law. ing up to a 95% tax on a drug company’s vaccines to their citizens, and this delay A S P E As the cost of gas, food, and other revenue if the company does not accept is costing lives. goods is increasing, the Lower Costs, the mandated government price. H.R. 3 After seeing how our system helped CI A L AD More Cures Act would decrease drug policies disincentivize companies to take put us in a strong position with COVID-

costs and give seniors in Medicare cer- risks on years-long projects to develop 19 vaccines, it’s puzzling that Speaker V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W tainty on their prescription drug spend- treatments. The Congressional Budget Pelosi is still pursuing a partisan drug pricing plan that could hinder the development of cures for ALS, cancer, Reintroduced this Congress, every single one or even the next global pandemic. I of the 40 provisions in the Lower Costs, More participated in a bipartisan meeting on Cures Act is bipartisan. It was disappointing to cancer research at the White House ear- lier this year and expressed to President By U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie see House Democrats stand behind Speaker Biden that I’m tired of the constant Nancy Pelosi’s partisan drug pricing bill, H.R. party line votes. I believe that we have uring the recent address to 3, last Congress and again this Congress. many opportunities to work together on THE WASHINGTON TIMES the Joint Session of Con- bipartisan polices, especially in health gress, President Joe Biden ing. Under this bill, Medicare benefi- Office estimated that Speaker Pelosi’s care. President Biden said we should HI N GTOAS N TIM ES said, “Now, look, if you don’t ciaries would benefit from the first ever government takeover of prescription “pass what we all agree on,” so let’s send like my plan, let’s at least out-of-pocket spending cap for prescrip- drug prices would result in up to 15 the Lower Costs, More Cures Act to pass what we all agree on.” I tion drugs. Seniors would also have their fewer drugs over 10 years, and the White President Biden’s desk to protect and agree with his sentiment broadly, and my insulin and insulin supply costs capped House Council of Economic Advisers encourage innovation and deliver lower Dgoal as the Republican Leader of the En- after they meet their deductible. Instead under the Trump Administration esti- drug costs for Americans. |

ergy and Commerce Committee’s Health of paying for costly drugs all at once, mated that up to 100 life-saving drugs Wednesday • June 30 2021 Subcommittee is to find areas that we can a patient smoothing provision in this would not come to market. U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie, Ken- agree on in order to deliver real results bill would lessen the burden for seniors I’m relieved Speaker Pelosi’s damag- tucky Republican, represents the Second for our constituents. That’s why I support by allowing them to spread out their ing, socialized medicine policies were Congressional District and serves as the H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act drug costs over a certain time period. not able to take a toll on our medical Republican Leader of the Energy and to lower prescription drug costs. The Lower Costs, More Cures Act also innovation this past year as we were de- Commerce Committee’s Health Subcom- Reintroduced this Congress, every prevents drug companies from gaming veloping COVID-19 vaccines. It does not mittee. He was also appointed to a second single one of the 40 provisions in the the system, promotes price transpar- make sense to me that House Demo- term as a Deputy Whip within the House Lower Costs, More Cures Act is bipar- ency, and helps end American taxpayers crats would want to pass a bill during Republican Conference. A 1987 graduate tisan. It was disappointing to see House from having to subsidize innovation for a global pandemic that would limit of West Point, Guthrie served as a Field Democrats stand behind Speaker Nancy other countries through stronger trade medical innovation. We have three safe Artillery Officer in the 101st Airborne Pelosi’s partisan drug pricing bill, H.R. agreements. The Lower Costs, More and effective vaccines and potentially Division – Air Assault at Fort Campbell 3, last Congress and again this Congress. Cures Act would not only decrease drug more to be approved soon. Our allies in and earned a master’s degree from Yale Although the Lower Costs, More Cures costs, but also prioritize and protect the the European Union focused more on in Public and Private Management. 17 A healthy community links social services with medical providers

our social services — can act as a deter- coordination. State partnerships will and strengthen communities. And it will rent to such partnerships. As a result, work to identify goals and be able to provide data to help policy makers plan doctors and emergency rooms are often articulate a plan to reach them. for the future to better target resources. overburdened by trying to fix problems Most importantly, states will have There is nothing more important they are ill prepared to handle and to get maximum flexibility to implement this than health and wellness—yet the help for their patients outside of the tra- plan in the most effective way possible. government spends far too many funds ditional medical system. Likewise, while What works in the Lower 48 states often on programs that don’t contribute to ho- there are dozens of programs to help does not work in Alaska, and I am sure listic health and wellness for everyone,

By U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan

t’s common knowledge that ac- cess to quality health care, diet and exercise greatly impacts our health. But far less attention has been given to other variables that also impact our health, like eco- nomic and social factors— also called I“social determinants” of health. Now, data increasingly confirms that access to social services and reliable transpor- tation, for instance, have a profound impact on health. The CDC even has a “life expectancy at birth” map that estimates your life expectancy based on your zip code. Where you live should not impact your access to quality health care and social services. Experts and provid- ers across the country are increasingly

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO focused on these social determinants to improve outcomes and lower costs. All too often, people go to the emer- gency room when they would be better served by another service provider. For example, someone struggling with homelessness might visit the emergency room for a meal and a safe bed instead Ultimately, the LINC ACT will support a more resilient health and social service of a shelter where they could receive system that is better able to respond to health and social challenges rather additional vital services. Because doctors than adding costly new programs that create red tape and confusion. and emergency room staff are often not trained on community resources, part- T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI nerships between the healthcare sector those most impacted by social determi- that is true of all 50 states. That’s why regardless of zip code or income level. and social services sector would provide nants of health, our social service agen- this bill allows the flexibility for each By strategically designing programs to

CI A L AD better care for people who need help cies continue to see unmet health needs. state to design their own unique and create statewide partnerships, the LINC and save money in the long run. A bill that I, along with Chris Murphy innovative plan with the flexibility to re- Act will end siloes, save money, and A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| We have already seen success in (D-CT), introduced, the Leveraging spond to each state’s culture and values. produce better health outcomes. some states where local governments, Integrated Networks in Communities States will also have to submit a plan for providers, health plans, and community- (LINC) to Address Social Needs Act long-term financial stability. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, Alaska Re- based organizations are collaborat- (S.509), will award grants to states to de- Ultimately, the LINC ACT will sup- publican, serves on the Commerce, Sci- ing with social service agencies and velop or enhance collaboration between port a more resilient health and social ence and Transportation Committee; the nonprofits to better coordinate services. health care organizations and social service system that is better able to Armed Services Committee; the Environ- The state of Alaska took steps to incor- service sectors. respond to health and social challenges ment and Public Works Committee; and porate social determinants of health by My bill incentivizes states to work rather than adding costly new programs the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Prior to including specific language about these with nonprofits and the health care that create red tape and confusion. his election to the Senate, Sullivan served determinants in our Medicaid program community to develop a strategic plan This bill will help health care organi- as Alaska’s Attorney General and Com- which will ensure that the most vulner- to integrate these sectors. The partner- zations and social service organizations missioner of the Alaska Department of

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday able are being taken care of. ships must include both government and better identify needs and partner on in- Natural Resources. He also serves as a Unfortunately, the siloed nature of our local providers to facilitate cross-sector terventions to improve health and qual- Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 18 current health care system — as well as referrals, communication, and service ity of life, lower long-term health costs, Legislative lifeline for children’s mental health needs

after their public school failed to meet Schools know best the needs of their help them to thrive – both inside and their daughter’s learning needs. No fam- student bodies and should have flex- outside of the classroom. ily should have to go through this. ibility in how they use funding to better There is a lot of work to be done to While the pandemic has undoubt- meet those needs. address the mental health crisis, and edly exacerbated the mental health Specifically, the bill would allow passing the Expanding Student Access crisis, even before the virus reached funds to be used to identify and dissemi- to Mental Health Services Act will our shores the CDC reported suicide nate best practices for mental health first bring us one step closer to doing so is the second leading cause of death aid; assist in the establishment or imple- and help save lives.

By U.S. Rep. Rick Allen

hile we are well on our way to the COVID-19 pandemic being in our rearview mirror, the social re- strictions and school closures over the past year have shined Wa light on another crisis – the mental health of our nation’s youth. That is why we must ensure that schools are fully open this fall. Research has shown that school closures reduced interactions between A S P E vulnerable children and trusted adults, while worsening conditions that contrib- CI A L AD ute to child abuse and neglect such as

financial strain and social isolation. V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W During the pandemic, emergency de- partments throughout the nation saw an increase in the proportion of children’s mental health–related visits. According to the Centers for Dis- eases Control and Prevention (CDC), “Beginning in April 2020, the propor- tion of children’s mental health–re- lated ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated THE WASHINGTON TIMES through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related My legislation provides school districts with increased flexibility in how HI N GTOAS N TIM ES visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 they can use funds from an existing grant program under the Every Student years increased approximately 24% and Succeeds Act to better provide mental health services for students. 31%, respectively.” I’ve heard from families for whom Schools know best the needs of their student bodies and should have these numbers are more than just flexibility in how they use funding to better meet those needs. |

statistics. Wednesday • June 30 2021 Last month, the House Education among high school-aged youths – a mentation of emergency planning, in- U.S. Representative Rick Allen, Georgia and Labor Subcommittee on Early heartbreaking statistic. cluding deploying emergency response Republican, represents the 12th Congres- Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary We must ensure our students are able teams at schools during an emergency; sional District. Prior to his election to Education held a hearing on the impact to get the support they need. That’s why establish relationships with local health Congress in 2014, he owned a construction of COVID-19 on students with disabili- I’ve introduced H.R 787, the Expand- agencies to improve coordination of ser- company and was awarded the Augusta ties. During the hearing, we heard from ing Student Access to Mental Health vices; and to provide telehealth services, Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Busi- a father of two special needs children Services Act. a vital tool to ensure any potential future ness Person of the Year. He serves as the who was forced to watch his nine-year- My legislation provides school school closures do not diminish the abil- Senior Republican on the Health, Employ- old son deteriorate before his eyes and districts with increased flexibility in ity to serve vulnerable students. ment, Labor & Pensions Subcommittee be admitted to a hospital because of how they can use funds from an existing By giving school districts the on the Education and Labor Committee the mental toll from social isolation. grant program under the Every Student ability to provide students with ad- as well as on Agriculture Committee. His wife was forced to quit her job and Succeeds Act (ESSA) to better provide ditional resources and services, we homeschool their nine-year-old daughter mental health services for students. can empower our next generation and 19 Congress must act to reform the military health system

is being spent on a system that consis- lose that leave. Civilian federal employ- have demonstrated my commitment to tently fails the people for whom it is ees already have the option to keep working on a bipartisan basis by intro- intended to provide. their pre-approved leave, so I firmly ducing multiple defense-related bills When I threw my hat in the ring for believe our military heroes deserve the with my Democrat colleagues. I fully Congress, I knew that this was an issue same option and my legislation will intend on working both these pieces of I wanted to bring attention to. Making give them that choice. legislation and continued reform of the sure servicemembers and their families Over the last few years, the Military Military Health System into this year’s never experience the failures of the Mili- Health System has undergone a wide National Defense Authorization Act.

By U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, M.D.

hen people think of the military they think of fighter jets, tanks, aircraft carri- ers, and missiles. No matter how advanced our technology gets, the most impor- Wtant thing about the U.S. Military is the people. Servicemembers are the bravest among us. These men and women vol- unteer to put themselves in harm’s way, potentially making the ultimate sacrifice, in defense of the sacred freedoms we hold dear in this country. Taking care of servicemembers and their families is not only our duty, but it is critical for allow- ing them to focus on the mission at hand – protecting and defending the United

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO States of America. When a deployed servicemember’s child gets the flu, for example, that fam- ily should be confident that the Military Health System is going to provide the care they need when they need it. My family and I lived with the Military Health System for nearly three decades, so we, along with millions of other military families, have seen just how in- Taking care of servicemembers and their families is not only our efficient and frustrating the system can duty, but it is critical for allowing them to focus on the mission at be. If someone like me, a Rear Admiral T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI hand – protecting and defending the United States of America. and Chief Medical Advisor to the leader of the free world at the time, had trouble

CI A L AD getting a doctor’s appointment how do tary Health System again is an important range of reforms aimed at improving U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson, Texas you think this system is serving a young, priority for me. When I was appointed to the quality of care, increasing military Republican, served in the U.S. Navy for A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| enlisted airman who is recently married the House Armed Services Committee, readiness, and ensuring access for all 29 years, retiring as a Rear Admiral in and expecting a child? Not well, I can I fought to be on the Military Personnel beneficiaries. In my role on the Mili- 2019. While serving on the battlefield in assure you. Subcommittee because I knew that is tary Personnel Subcommittee, I will Iraq, he was called back to the states to President Biden has proposed $753 where I could apply my experience to fix be actively involved in overseeing this serve in the White House Medical Unit billion in defense spending for the up- the broken system and improve the qual- transformation to a better, more effec- during President George W. Bush’s Ad- coming fiscal year, $54 billion of which ity of life for military families. tive Military Health System. ministration. Dr. Jackson went on to lead is for military healthcare. The Military One of the first bills I introduced in The work ahead will not be easy or the White House Medical Unit as Physi- Health System is responsible for 9.7 Congress falls under the jurisdiction of rapid, but I am committed to work- cian to the President during the Obama million eligible beneficiaries, including the Military Personnel Subcommittee ing with Republicans and Democrats and Trump Administrations and was active-duty servicemembers, military – the bipartisan Elaine M. Checketts alike to provide the Military com- appointed Chief Medical Advisor and As- retirees, dependent survivors, certain Military Families Act. Most people do munity with commonsense policies sistant to the President in January 2019 by

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday Reserve Component members, and all not know that if a servicemember is and resources that support service- President Trump. In addition to the House their families; yet most taxpayers do on pre-approved family leave and their members and their families. Since Armed Services Committee, he also serves 20 not realize how much of their money child passes away, they automatically I was sworn into office in January, I on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The battle against PTSD demands Congressional

bipartisanship and Israeli partnership A S P E CI A L AD disorder (PTSD). It’s time to do something different. among service members to date. Not

I have personally experienced PTSD Congress has a responsibility to these to mention the negative effects we V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W and understand the needs our veter- brave men and women to find solu- have yet seen on suicide rates from the ans require to return to a life of some tions to alleviate the trauma caused by coronavirus and isolation that went normalcy. PTSD— and that means investing in along with it. I know I’m not alone. No one wants to research and treatment that works. It’s really a no brainer to leverage the receive a phone call informing you that Each and every one of our veterans long-lasting partnership between Israel you’ve lost a brother or sister to suicide. should be offered a full menu of op- and the U.S. to ultimately save veteran But right now, veteran suicide is tions and treatment that is tailored to lives. That’s why I’m proud to spon- at an all-time high in America with them. Whether that’s counseling, ser- sor the bipartisan United States-Israel an average of 22 veterans committing vice dogs or medication, they should PTSD Collaborative Research Act with Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA) THE WASHINGTON TIMES to leverage research assets and experi- Congress has a responsibility to these brave ences of the U.S. and Israel to develop HI N GTOAS N TIM ES men and women to find solutions to alleviate best practices in the research, diagnosis the trauma caused by PTSD— and that means and treatment of PTSD. As partners on the battlefield, we must be partners in By U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz investing in research and treatment that works. finding solutions for our veterans. Every soldier we lose at home is |

ur brave service men and suicide every day despite the billions have every option at their fingertips to a reminder that we must invest in Wednesday • June 30 2021 women put their lives on being thrown at the problem and help them on the path to healing. veteran health resources and research. the line to protect our getting the same results or worse. In We can’t stand by as our brothers Just like on the battlefield, no one country and our freedom. fact, veteran suicide made up about 14 and sisters take their own lives. It’s on should be left behind. Sadly, they often return percent of total suicides in America in us to act. home from war differ- 2018. Not to mention, we’ve lost more As one of our most trusted allies, U.S. Representative Michael Waltz, ent— physically, mentally, or both— active service members and veterans Israel is an ideal partner on our jour- Florida Republican, represents the Sixth Othan how they left. to suicide than soldiers in Afghanistan ney to improving veteran health. Israel Congressional District. He is a member of As a veteran, I understand how in recent years. has a combat-tested military, in part a the Armed Services Committee, a Green difficult it can be to return home from From April to June 2020, 128 deaths result of a mandatory military service Beret veteran of the war on terror in Af- the battlefield with both visible and by suicide were recorded by the U.S. mil- requirement for citizens over the age ghanistan, a former White House counter- invisible wounds. I also know the pain itary. During that same period in 2019, 115 of 18. Just like the U.S., Israel continues terrorism policy adviser, and author of the of watching a fellow soldier lose their active service members lost their lives to to struggle with suicide among soldiers book “Warrior Diplomat: a Green Beret’s fight against post-traumatic stress suicide. That’s an 11.3% increase. as it remains the leading cause of death Battles from Washington to Afghanistan”. 21 End veteran suicide, safeguard our heroes’ physical and mental health

members have given their lives, but loss veterans take their own life every day. veterans in the last five years. To solve of life is not the only cost of war. For far Eighteen lives a day. Eighteen Ameri- this problem, we must first understand it. too many, the battle continues long after can heroes each day whose suffering This bill would instruct the VA to

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO they return home. was so great that they felt compelled to identify the total number of veterans In my own state of New York, there take their own lives. This is unconscio- who died by suicide during the five- are over 838,000 veterans who have put nable, but we cannot let their suffering year period and identify factors such their lives on the line to protect the sanc- be in silence. Those of us who are in po- as demographics, medication history, tity of our freedom, and every single one sitions of leadership must step up and and combat experience or trauma and of them deserves the best mental health be the voice for those who are unable to provide recommendations to improve care available. After surviving the horrors ask for help. We must make a commit- the safety and well-being of veterans. of war, our nation’s heroes deserve our ment, in no uncertain terms, to support Issues of mental illness can be complex and nuanced, but we owe it to our veterans and to those still actively Over the course of our history, hundreds of thousands serving to put the full resources of the Federal government behind demystify- T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI of American service members have given their lives, but loss of life is not the only cost of war. For far too ing trends among veterans of depres- sion, post-traumatic stress disorder

CI A L AD By U.S. Rep. many, the battle continues long after they return home. (PTSD), history of trauma and other Andrew R. Garbarino suicide risk factors. A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

| unwavering commitment to safeguarding our veterans during the difficult transi- Veterans have put everything on he United States of America their physical and mental health. tion from active service to civilian life. the line for their country. Now their is the greatest military power While suicide affects Americans These statistics are heartbreaking. country must return the favor with a in the world, but it comes at from all walks of life and is an issue of To think that so many of our service steadfast commitment to understand- price. We send the men and great national concern, it is an issue that members risked everything for their ing and addressing their suffering and women of our Armed Forces disproportionately affects our veterans. country, made it home safely, only to putting an end to veteran suicide. all over the world to fight Rates among veterans are, on average, live in a state of mental suffering is an for our country. Our service members 1.5 times higher than those who have not intolerable reality. U.S. Representative Andrew R. Tgo into battle risking life and limb for served in the military. In September 2019, That is why I introduced legislation to Garbarino, New York Republican, the promise of a free and prosperous the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) help us understand this horrifying trend represents the Second Congressional America. Too often their bravery and released an alarming report showing that so that we might begin to make headway District of New York which includes

Wednesday • June 30 2021 Wednesday service come at a great personal cost. at least 60,000 veterans died by suicide in reducing veteran suicide rates. The Vet- the South Shore of Long Island. He Over the course of our history, hun- between 2008 and 2017. According to the eran Suicide Prevention Act directs the serves on the Homeland Security 22 dreds of thousands of American service VA’s most recent annual report, nearly 18 VA to complete a review of suicides by and Small Business Committees. It’s our duty to pass the A S P E

PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act CI A L AD V E RTI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W three soldiers are not unique. As a Major options that make a real impact, includ- University and Kaiser Permanente, General in the Ohio Army National ing working with service dogs. Today, and, more importantly, the anecdotal Guard and the Representative for over far too few of our nation’s veterans have evidence from veterans; we know that 43,000 veterans in Ohio’s 15th District, I had the opportunity to benefit from this service dogs work. And finally, in know that there are tens of thousands of type of therapy in the way that Walter, February of this year, the VA released veterans who struggle every day with the Becca, and Bill have. Congress has the preliminary findings of its own decades- invisible wounds of service. But these opportunity to change that. It’s time to long study that further advances the three soldiers are three of the lucky ones: pass the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. body of research surrounding this type Walter, Becca, and Bill, were paired with This bill would create a pilot program of treatment. There are no more rea- service dogs. By working with Jackson, at the VA that will allow veterans to sons to delay. THE WASHINGTON TIMES Bobbie, and Athena, they got their free- participate in work-therapy programs, Last month, the House passed this dom back – they got their lives back. where they would learn the art and sci- legislation with an overwhelming vote, HI N GTOAS N TIM ES To date, the only treatments recog- ence of training a dog for service. Upon and a bipartisan coalition of Senators are nized by the Veterans Administration completion of the program, the veteran already working to pass it through the (VA) for post-traumatic stress (PTS) or will have the opportunity to adopt their upper chamber and get it to the Presi- dent’s desk. Every day that we delay, we lose 22 veterans to suicide. That is unac-

By Former Rep. Steve Stivers |

We owe it to our veterans to pursue creative options ceptable, it is time that Congress does Wednesday • June 30 2021 that make a real impact, including working with service everything in its power to rectify it. It is alter served in the dogs. Today, far too few of our nation’s veterans time to pass PAWS. Vietnam War. For de- cades, he was unable have had the opportunity to benefit from this type Former U.S. Representative Steve Stivers to leave his house of therapy in the way that Walter, Becca, and Bill represented Ohio’s 15th Congressional most days. have. Congress has the opportunity to change that. District from January 2011 to May 17, Becca deployed 2021, when he retired to accept a new to Iraq. When she returned, she spent role as President and Chief Executive Wseven years addicted to heroin. traumatic brain injury (TBI) are medica- new canine partner to provide contin- Officer of the Ohio Chamber of Com- Bill was under my command in Oper- tion or talk therapy. But for many, medi- ued relief from the symptoms of PTS, merce. A recipient of the Bronze Star, ation Iraqi Freedom. All he wanted was cations and traditional therapy do not TBI, and other mental illnesses. Stivers is a Major General in the Ohio to be able to take his fiancé to dinner. help veterans return to normalcy. We We’ve seen the peer-reviewed Army National Guard and has served Unfortunately, the stories of these owe it to our veterans to pursue creative evidence from institutions like Purdue in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Djibouti. 23 N TIM ES AS HI N GTO T TO TH E W S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V E RTI CI A L AD A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

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