News From Congressman Eliot Engel

 

HOUSE REPUBLICANS BLOCK NEW RUSSIA SANCTIONS

GOP Halts Action on Engel-Connolly SECURE Our Democracy Act

Republican House members today unanimously voted against new sanctions to punish Russia for its attack on American democracy. The GOP blocked action on the SECURE Our Democracy Act, legislation introduced by Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot L. Engel and Representative Gerald E. Connolly, which would impose sanctions on anyone found to have interfered with an American election from overseas going back to 2015.

Shortly before the vote, Rep. Engel said on the House floor, “When the next vote is called, my friends on the other side of the aisle have a choice to make. Will they vote to say to Putin—to our chief adversary—that we won’t tolerate his attacks on our democracy? Or will they again cede Congress’s oversight role and continue to cover up for the President, who cozies up to Putin, who sides with him over our allies, who continues to deny what everyone else knows is a fact. Make no mistake: the next vote is our opportunity to punish the criminals who interfered in our election—to send a message that there will be consequences for anyone who does so in the future. After this vote, every member will be on the record, letting the world know where they stand.”

“President Trump’s performance at the Helsinki summit with Vladimir Putin underscores the need for this legislation,” said Rep. Connolly during the floor debate. “Time and again, the President refuses to acknowledge the unanimous conclusion of all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies… that Russia was a threat and directly interfered with our 2016 election. Mr. Trump’s own Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, recently said ‘The warning lights are blinking red again. Today the digital infrastructure that serves this country is literally under attack.’”

The SECURE Our Democracy Act

•  Requires the Secretary of State to compile and regularly update a public list of foreign persons and entities who unlawfully interfered with a U.S. election after January 1, 2015 and any future election;

•  Bars entry to the United States and freezes U.S.-based financial assets of those listed;

•  Requires a public report;

•  Includes congressional oversight provisions to allow an override vote if the President waives the imposition of sanctions.

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Passes Engel Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act

  The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee unanimously approved H.R. 1676, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), legislation authored by Congressman Eliot L. Engel.

Palliative care focuses on alleviating suffering for patients and their loved ones, accompanying efforts to treat or cure illness. It involves communication with patients and their families to coordinate care, determine patient preferences, and assist with medical decision-making. This extra layer of support is appropriate for patients with serious illnesses starting at the point of diagnosis, through treatment, and onward through hospice and the end of life.

Palliative care can help patients and families cope with the symptoms, stress and pain of illness, but many aren’t aware of these benefits. In addition, there is a shortage of educated providers who can offer quality palliative care. The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act addresses these issues by expanding opportunities for training in palliative and hospice care. The bill also seeks to better educate patients, families and health professionals about palliative care’s benefits and encourages the National Institutes of Health to expand research around this topic.

H.R. 1676 was co-authored by Congressman Tom Reed and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter. It is supported by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and other organizations representing patients, providers, and health systems. The bill has also been cosponsored by 281 bipartisan Members of Congress.

“Most of us, sadly, have known a loved one who has faced a serious or life-threatening illness, and we know too well the confusion and stress those situations bring,” Engel said. “This bill will help us ensure there is a well-trained palliative and hospice care workforce available to care for patients and bring needed relief to families.”

“I care about ensuring there is a trained workforce capable of meeting the demands for new models of healthcare delivery, and I am happy to see this legislation gain traction,” Reed said. “Hospice and palliative care provide significant health cost savings while improving the quality of life for the seriously ill.”

“As a pharmacist for more than 30 years, I served as a pharmacy consultant for hospice care,” said Carter. “I saw firsthand the important impact that proper palliative care can have on patients and families going through incredibly difficult end of life decisions. This legislation ensures that there is a well-trained palliative care workforce available and ready for those individuals with serious illnesses and I am very glad this legislation was approved by our subcommittee today.”

“For millions of cancer patients and their families, palliative care can play an essential role in improving their quality of life throughout treatment and survivorship,” said American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) president Chris Hansen. “Today’s markup of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act is an important step forward in advancing access to palliative care services and we commend Representatives Engel, Reed and Carter for their steadfast commitment to this cause.  Expanding access to supportive care that treats the whole patient, not just their disease, is crucial for cancer patients, survivors and their families.”

Engel Lambastes Supreme Court Decision Undermining the Right of Workers to Organize

  “The Supreme Court’s outrageous 5-4 decision in Janus v. AFSCME is yet another harsh partisan blow to the working families of New York and this nation. The Court’s ruling bars public sector unions from charging fees to all public employees who benefit from their efforts to negotiate for better pay, better benefits, and better working conditions. 

“As a former member of the teachers union, I find today’s ruling particularly distasteful.  The Supreme Court’s conservative majority overturned four decades of legal precedent to undermine the ability of public service workers to negotiate for decent pay and fair workplaces.  This ruling is an outright attack on the public employees who educate our kids, keep our streets safe, fight fires, and rush to our aid when we have an accident.

“Now, thanks to this latest blow from SCOTUS, those of us who proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with labor must redouble our efforts. I will continue fighting for the rights of all workers to bargain collectively for better pay and benefits and safe work environments.  Unions remain the most effective vehicle for working people to secure their rights and freedoms, and they provide a pathway to the middle-class. We need to make sure that pathway remains opens. ”

Engel Statement on the Retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy

   “Justice Anthony Kennedy has served on the United States Supreme Court for thirty years and though I have often disagreed with him, he has sometimes been an important check on many of the far-right voices on the court. He provided critical opinions in cases that helped move our country forward, including Obergefell v. Hodges that established marriage equality and Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt that reaffirmed a women’s right to choose.

“The consequences of Justice Kennedy’s retirement cannot be overstated. The next Supreme Court Justice will be responsible for upholding fundamental rights for women, LGBTQ individuals, workers, and people of color. Given President Trump’s vigorous and consistent assault on the courts and the rule of Law, it is imperative that the next Justice be a defender of our Constitution and American values, not a hyper-partisan ideologue.

“I believe that the Senate should follow the precedent set by the Senate Majority Leader in 2016 and only consider a new Supreme Court nominee after the new Congress is seated.”

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Cosponsors Keep Families Together Act to End Family Separation at the Border

  Congressman Eliot Engel, who today called for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, is an original cosponsor of H.R. 6135, the Keep Families Together Act, legislation just introduced to prohibit the Trump Administration from separating families at the border.

The Keep Families Together Act would ban the Department of Homeland Security from separating children from their parents, restrict prosecution of asylum seekers, increase child welfare training for border agents, ensure transparency, and reunite separated families. The President could end this horrific policy of family separation at any time, but he refuses to do so and has instead falsely blamed Congress for the practice.

“Our country has long been known as a beacon of freedom and opportunity to those seeking a better life. The Trump Administration’s family separation policy is a betrayal of our American values,” Engel said. “It is unconscionable that President Trump is using the lives of vulnerable parents and children as a bargaining chip to demand his anti-immigrant policies and border wall. I refuse to stand by and allow young children to be torn from their parents’ arms and sent to detention centers and tent cities in the desert. I’m proud to support this critical legislation to end President Trump’s cruel and inhumane family separation policy.”

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Announces $244,789,502 in Title I Funding for Bronx Schools

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a top Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced the U.S. Department of Education has allocated $244,789,502 in federal funds to schools in the Bronx as part of the Fiscal Year 2018 Title I allocations.

Part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Title I program provides financial assistance to school districts with high concentrations of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet state academic standards.

“All children, regardless of race, income, language, or ability, should be given an equal playing field and access to the best possible education,” Engel said. “I have believed and fought for that ever since my days as a public school teacher. Unfortunately, our country faces an achievement gap between lower-income students and their more well-off peers. The Title I program provides critical resources to our local school districts to give underserved students the best possible chance to succeed in the classroom and close the gap.

“I will continue to fight for robust funding for our public schools, and advocate strongly for funding to help students achieve their highest potential.”

Engel Receives "Man Power Award" from Change a Life Ministries in the Bronx

  On Sunday, June 10^th Congressman Eliot Engel was awarded the “Man Power Award” by Change a Life Ministries for his outstanding work in both Washington and the community. The award was presented by Pastor Peggy Smalls at a ceremony held at Change a Life Ministries in the Bronx.

“Our Congressman has served with honor and grace, for there is no one greater. I present him with the 2018 Man Power Man of Honor Award,” said Change a Life Ministries Pastor Peggy Smalls.

“I am so proud to receive the Man Power Award and I want to thank Pastor Smalls and everyone at Change a Life Ministries for bestowing it upon me,” Congressman Engel said. “Representing my home borough as a Member of Congress has been my great honor. I have always said that when it comes to my constituents, no problem, care, or concern is too big or too small. I have worked hard to put the interests of the community first and will continue to do all I can to strengthen our neighborhoods.”

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Statement on Republican Attempts to Sabotage Medicare

“Yesterday’s report provides further proof that the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans’ irresponsible policies are hurting American families. By repealing the individual mandate, driving up individual market premiums, and increasing the rate of uncompensated care, the GOP is expected to drain the Medicare trust fund years sooner than anticipated. Their willingness to cut vital health programs is due in no small part to the tax scam they passed, which blew an additional trillion dollar hole in the deficit. So, to pay the price for their giveaways to the top 1 percent, Republicans are willing to sacrifice seniors’ health care.

“Just this week, we also learned that New Yorkers’ health insurance premiums are set to rise because of Republicans’ continued sabotage of our health care system. I am outraged that Americans, especially New Yorkers, are being forced to pay for the GOP’s political ploys. I will continue to hold the GOP accountable for their reckless governing.”

Engel Re-Introduces Anti-Swatting Act 

  Congressman Eliot Engel re-introduced the Anti-Swatting Act, a bill that would enhance penalties for people who falsify their caller ID information to mislead law enforcement.

“Just this morning, another serious incident of swatting occurred – this time at the home of Parkland survivor David Hogg. People who pull these dangerous ‘pranks’ are sick and need to be held financially and criminally responsible for their actions,” Engel said.

“Swatting” is the act of deceiving law enforcement by using falsified caller ID information to incite them to respond to a nonexistent emergency. Named for the SWAT teams that are frequently deployed in response to these phony emergency calls, swatting can cost taxpayers thousands of dollars every time a SWAT team is deployed, according to the FBI.  

Swatting also risks injury to the unassuming victims who are present when law enforcement arrives at the supposed crime scene, as well as to the hardworking officials who rush to the scene anticipating danger. The act also illegitimately occupies law enforcement’s time, creating the risk that they will be unable to respond to an actual, life-threatening emergency in a timely fashion.

This past December, our nation experienced its first fatal swatting attack when a 28-year-old father of two in Wichita, Kansas was shot by police who were duped into thinking that they were responding to a hostage situation.

The Anti-Swatting Act seeks to curtail these hoaxes by enhancing penalties for people who falsify their caller ID information, a technological trick known as “spoofing,” with the intent of misleading law enforcement. In addition, the bill would force swatters to reimburse the emergency services that squander finite resources while responding to the false emergency.

“Multiple swatting incidents have occurred in and around my district, and each one puts innocent civilians and our brave first-responders at risk, while wasting time and tax dollars. In response, I am re-introducing the Anti-Swatting Act to make clear that this type of behavior is dangerous and criminal,” Engel said. “My bill will increase penalties for this despicable act, and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. We need to do everything we can to combat swatting, and I encourage my colleagues to support this important measure.”

ENGEL TO POMPEO: TURN OVER DOCUMENTS RELATED TO WHISTLEBLOWER CHARGES

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, is calling on Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo to honor his commitment and produce documents related to whistleblower allegations of improper conduct by Trump Administration officials. In a letter to the Secretary, Rep. Engel pressed the Secretary to provide a timeline for turning over these materials, which deal with actions taken against career State Department employees because of their national origin or perceived political beliefs.

“During your May 23 testimony before this Committee, you committed to providing us a timeline by the end of that week for the release of documents related to these allegations,” wrote Rep. Engel.

He continued, “The most recent attempts by my office to obtain these materials have been met with the response that ongoing investigations by the State Department Inspector General (OIG) and Office of Special Counsel (OSC) preclude the Department from complying with our oversight request. An official asserted to my staff that such an action would jeopardize these executive-branch-based investigations. I don’t accept this explanation.”

Full text of Rep. Engel’s letter follows and can be found here.

Dear Mr. Secretary: 

I remain deeply concerned that Trump Administration appointees at the State Department have targeted career employees based on national origin or perceived political beliefs. During your May 23 testimony before this Committee, you committed to providing us a timeline by the end of that week for the release of documents related to these allegations.

Ranking Member Cummings and I made this request to your predecessor after whistleblowers provided evidence of these allegations. Heather Nauert, the acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, told reporters that our request would be fulfilled. Your May 23 testimony reiterated that commitment.

However, we have not received that timeline or any other acceptable response to our requests. Furthermore, correspondence to my staff from the Bureau of Legislative Affairs suggests the Department has no intention of fulfilling this commitment. The most recent attempts by my office to obtain these materials have been met with the response that ongoing investigations by the State Department Inspector General (OIG) and Office of Special Counsel (OSC) preclude the Department from complying with our oversight request. An official asserted to my staff that such an action would jeopardize these executive-branch-based investigations.

I don’t accept this explanation. No law or policy exists, to my knowledge, that would prevent the Department from turning over the requested documents while these other investigations go forward. Indeed, with your experience as a member of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, you understand that it’s entirely appropriate for Congress to conduct such an investigation on a track parallel to OIG or OSC efforts. 

Therefore, I renew my request for these documents and expect, by the end of the week, an appropriate timeline for access to these materials.

Sincerely,

ELIOT L. ENGEL

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Statement on National Gun Violence Awareness Day

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a Member of the Congressional Gun Violence Protection Task Force, issued the following statement on National Gun Violence Awareness Day:

“Today, I am wearing orange to honor the victims of gun violence, including Hadiya Pendleton who, at fifteen years old, was shot and killed a week after performing at President Obama’s 2013 Inauguration. This movement was started when Hadiya’s friends wore orange to commemorate her life, and the lives of so many others that were cut short by gun violence.

“National Gun Violence Awareness Day brings attention to the 33,000 Americans who are killed by guns every year. And for every one person killed with a gun, two more are injured. Our country faces a gun violence epidemic. It is long past time we come together to pass responsible gun safety laws that keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. In Congress, I’m fighting to keep our schools, streets, playgrounds, and homes safe. I’ve worked to ban assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and armor-piercing bullets, institute universal background checks, adopt extreme risk protection orders, and restore funding for gun violence research.  

“It is my hope that National Gun Violence Awareness Day will bring us one step closer to curbing gun violence in America.”

Engel, 64 House Dems Call Upon Trump To Stop Raising Health Care Costs

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel joined 64 House Democrats to urge President Donald Trump to end his campaign of intentional sabotage of the Affordable Care Act.

The Representatives sent their letter as a growing number of states face premium spikes that insurers have directly attributed to the Trump Administration’s acts of sabotage. These actions include the GOP tax scam – which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts will lead to millions more uninsured Americans – and moving to once again allow insurance companies to sell “junk plans.”

The Representatives wrote:

“We are deeply concerned by your Administration’s actions, which both trigger higher health insurance premiums as well as undermine access to high-quality, affordable health care for millions of hard-working Americans. The reporting of early filings by health insurers shows that healthcare premiums will rise sharply next year. Their justifications reveal that your Administration’s actions are to blame.”

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Blasts GOP Move to Weaken Dodd-Frank Financial Regulations

  “Yesterday, Congressional Republicans continued their march backwards by passing the most significant weakening of Dodd-Frank since the law was first written in response to the 2008 economic catastrophe, where 9 million people lost their jobs, 11 million lost their homes, and at least $113 trillion was lost in household wealth. Their move, which now awaits the signature of the president, opens the financial system back up to the abuse and risky behavior that almost collapsed the economy a decade ago, and does so at a time when financial firms are posting record profits, more than 163 billion in each of the past 3 years.  

“The American people literally cannot afford this GOP majority in Congress. The banking industry needs more scrutiny, not less. I opposed and voted against this bill because the legislation was touted as community bank relief, when in reality it was a megabank giveaway.  Bank lending is up 80% since the passage of Dodd-Frank in 2010.  Community banks are outperforming the larger banks and credit unions have expanded and are steadily increasing their lending.

“This bill, while masquerading as a community bank relief bill, is really one to undermine our efforts to curtail predatory and discriminatory lending practices. That is why I voted against it.”

Engel Cosponsors Legislation to Reauthorize Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Program

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, has cosponsored legislation to reauthorize the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Program.

CHGME funding allows America’s children’s hospitals to train future pediatricians and pediatric specialists. H.R. 5385, the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act, would authorize increased funding for this Program through 2023.

“I can think of few issues more important than ensuring America’s children get quality health care,” Engel said. “The Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Program plays a key role in making sure that happens, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill to reauthorize that Program.”

Among the children’s hospitals that use CHGME funding to train future doctors is Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Westchester. Blythedale’s graduate medical education program is helping to address workforce shortages by training residents in specialty fields like child psychiatry. This bill will help guarantee that important work continues.

“Blythedale Children’s Hospital, New York’s only independent pediatric specialty hospital, is very supportive of CHGME because it would strengthen federal support for vital pediatric training programs and the reauthorization will continue to support the pediatric workforce and protect access to care for children across New York,” said Adam S. Herbst, Esq., Chief Legal, Planning and Government Relations Officer at Blythedale Children's Hospital.

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Statement on Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education Decision

“Sixty-four years ago today, in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision, the Supreme Court struck down the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ as inherently unequal and unconstitutional. This ruling helped launch the civil rights movement that led to desegregation and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Unfortunately, the work of the civil rights movement is still in jeopardy today. We owe it to all children to ensure that our schools are free from discrimination and that students have equal access to a quality education. On this anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we must rededicate ourselves to the fight against discrimination and the promotion of educational equality.”  

Engel Statement on One Year Anniversary of Mueller Investigation

On the first anniversary of the Mueller investigation into the Trump Russia Scandal, but President Trump’s complaints about the length of the inquiry ring hollow. Compared to the duration of other high-profile investigations, Special Counsel Mueller’s inquiry barely registers.  The Republican Benghazi Committee dragged on for more than two years and found nothing more than the multiple other investigations into the same matter. Iran-Contra, Whitewater, and Watergate all lasted years. So, the idea that Special Counsel Mueller should observe some arbitrary deadline set by the subject of the investigation – Donald Trump, himself – is preposterous.

“Yet, even though Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation is comparatively short, the seriousness of the allegations is already clear. Mr. Mueller is racking up convictions and indictments, and all indications suggest there are more to come. President Trump and his Republican allies must not interfere or take any steps to obstruct justice in any way. Frankly, it’s past time for Congress to pass legislation guaranteeing that the Special Counsel can do his job free from political interference.”

Engel Condemns Trump’s Domestic Gag Rule

“When you visit your doctors, you trust that they are providing you with all of the facts and unbiased counsel about your health. The Trump Administration wants to change that. 

“They have unveiled a policy that will bar providers that specialize in reproductive health, like Planned Parenthood, from even providing information about abortion to patients if those providers receive federal family planning funds. 

“Denying people comprehensive, unbiased information about all of their health care options is unconscionable. Every person deserves to have complete information when making decisions about their health. This latest attack on health care doesn’t just threaten Americans’ well-being—it gets in between patient and provider, where the Trump Administration has no business being.”

Engel Legislation to Tackle Opioid Epidemic Advances to Full House

The Poison Center Network Enhancement Act extends the U.S. poison center program for five years. Since 2011, U.S. poison centers have handled nearly 200 cases each day involving opioid misuse.

Yesterday the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Poison Center Network Enhancement Act, legislation co-authored by Congressman Eliot L. Engel and Congresswoman Susan Brooks, for consideration by the full House of Representatives. This legislation will reauthorize the nationwide poison center program for an additional five years. 

Since 2011, U.S. poison centers have handled nearly 200 cases daily involving opioid misuse. Poison centers have also helped detect trends in the opioid epidemic, and experts have educated Americans about ways they could potentially save the lives of their loved ones. The Upstate New York Poison Center, for example, used the New York State Fair to educate New Yorkers about proper use of naloxone, the overdose reversal drug.

This bill will ensure that these important activities continue.

“Most of us already know about much of the work poison centers do, but many may not know about the critical role poison centers are playing in the fight to end the opioid crisis,” Engel said. “It is absolutely essential that this work continues. In Westchester County, 124 people died due to opioids in 2016. In the Bronx, more New Yorkers died of overdoses than in any other borough. We must do more to end this epidemic, and I am proud to see this important bill moving forward as part of that effort.”

News From Congressman Eliot Engel,

Engel Statement on Senate Passing Resolution Protecting Net Neutrality

   “I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for passing a resolution to protect net neutrality today. This vote is a huge victory for the American people, the majority of whom overwhelmingly support maintaining net neutrality. A free and open internet is essential to modern democracy and thus must be protected under any circumstance. Now that the Senate has taken this important step, it is up to the GOP controlled House to follow suit. Leadership must allow the House to vote on this critical resolution, which already has 162 cosponsors, myself included.”  

Engel Speaks in Opposition to GOP Cuts to SNAP in Farm Bill

  Congressman Eliot Engel took to the House floor today to speak in opposition to House Republicans’ proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in their Farm Bill.

“SNAP is a lifeline for 40 million low-income Americans and millions of working families,” Engel said. “It is the most effective anti-hunger program in the country.

“And yet, instead of protecting a successful program like SNAP, this cruel GOP bill would take over $23 billion in benefits away from children, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and working families struggling to make ends meet.”

Video of Congressman Engel’s remarks can be found at this link. Text of the remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise in opposition to the Rule.

SNAP is a lifeline for 40 million low-income Americans and millions of working families.  It is the most effective anti-hunger program in the country.  It is a proven pathway out of poverty for America’s most vulnerable families. 

And yet, instead of protecting a successful program like SNAP, this cruel GOP bill would take over $23 billion in benefits away from children, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and working families struggling to make ends meet. 

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle argue that the requirements in this Farm Bill would help people find work.  But if they are really interested in promoting jobs that allow people to care for themselves and their families, then I’d invite them to consider legislation to raise the minimum wage, ensure fair work scheduling, provide paid family and medical leave and paid sick days, and address basic living standards.

Instead, we’re considering a callous Farm Bill that cuts benefits from those who need it most in order to pay for massive handouts to corporations and the top one percent.

I urge my colleagues to vote against this rule.

News From Congressman Eliot Engel,

Trump “Failed to Offer Better Deal” on Prescription Drug Pricing

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a top member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on today’s speech by President Trump on prescription drug pricing:

“Today, President Trump had an opportunity to champion meaningful, comprehensive action for American consumers struggling with the rising costs of prescription drugs – and he failed.

“This is nothing new for the GOP. Earlier this week, House Republicans said no to even considering an ambitious Democratic plan to address the high cost of drugs. Last month, in the Energy and Commerce Committee, they voted to block an amendment that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to simply examine the rising price of the overdose reversal drug naloxone.

“And back in October, when I and other Energy and Commerce Democrats voted in favor of allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices—something the President once claimed to support—the GOP voted it down. That proposal was, unsurprisingly, absent from President Trump’s speech today – another in a long list of broken promises.

“Rising prescription drug prices are a key concern of millions of American seniors and working families. Prices of many medications that have been on the market for decades are surging. Medication for Americans with chronic conditions more than doubled in price over the past decade to nearly $13,000 – taking up four-fifths of the average Social Security retirement benefit.

“These rising costs have real implications for working families: the Kaiser Family Foundation found that about a quarter of Americans didn’t fill a prescription in the previous year because of the prohibitive cost.

“This cannot stand. Americans demand a better deal – and today, President Trump failed to offer one.”

Engel Announces $20,000 in NEA Funding for Wave Hill

   Congressman Eliot Engel, a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, today announced the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded a $20,000 grant for Wave Hill, Incorporated in the Bronx. The grant money will be used to provide workspaces, professional opportunities, and resources to encourage and support the development of local artists. 

“I am pleased the NEA has recognized the artistic and creative contributions made by Wave Hill, one of the great havens for artistic expression in New York’s 16^th District,” Engel said. “As a long-time advocate of federal funding for the arts, I am always pleased to see vital federal dollars come into our community, especially when they will help expand creative and learning opportunities for local artists. I know Wave Hill will do a wonderful job ensuring this NEA grant will provide great benefits.”

““The NEA’s support is crucial to Wave Hill’s commitment to offering artists access to our incomparable site and our horticultural and curatorial expertise, as well as giving them an opportunity to engage with the public,” said Wave Hill Senior Director of Arts, Education and Programs, Jennifer McGregor.

News From Congressman Eliot Engel,

  ENGEL STATEMENT ON IRAN DEAL WITHDRAWAL

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action:

“President Trump’s decision today makes much more likely a scenario we have long dreaded: an Iranian nuclear weapon. The nuclear agreement has its weaknesses—particularly that certain inspection provisions sunset a few years down the road rather than binding Iran in perpetuity. My hope was that in that time, we could have worked with partners to build upon the deal, extend its life, and address all of Iran’s other aggressive and harmful activities. The only way to improve the deal was for all parties to live up to their obligations.

“But by creating a phony crisis, President Trump has moved those sunsets up to today, and at the same time undermined American leadership and credibility on the global stage. Whatever the problems with the deal, we made a commitment, and now it’s the United States breaking its word. And President Trump bears sole responsibility for scrapping this deal rather than making a real effort to improve it.

“It’s hard to imagine another power—such as North Korea—would enter into an agreement with this Administration. This manufactured crisis and rash decision have cast doubt on everything the United States does and says around the world. But one thing is crystal clear: President Trump has made the world less safe today.”

House Energy & Commerce Committee Passes Engel RESULTS Act to Help Combat the Opioid Crisis

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded the unanimous Committee passage of H.R. 5272, Reinforcing Evidence-Based Standards Under Law in Treating Substance Abuse (RESULTS) Act and called on the GOP to end their assault on affordable health coverage to turn the tide of the opioid crisis.

The RESULTS Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Engel and Congressman Steve Stivers, directs the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory to issue new guidance to applicants seeking federal funding to treat or prevent mental health or substance use disorders. This guidance will ensure that those applying for federal funds have the information they need to implement evidence-based solutions to the opioid crisis, as well as the tools necessary to emulate successful approaches in their communities.

“This is a straightforward bill that will make it easier for those fighting the opioid epidemic in communities across the country to implement solutions that work,” Engel said. “I am very pleased that this commonsense bill will move to the House floor, along with several additional bills that will help address the opioid crisis.

“However, it’s important to recognize that these efforts do not happen in a vacuum. The Trump Administration has proposed more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, which covers 4-in-10 nonelderly adults living with an opioid addiction. These Americans covered by Medicaid were twice as likely to get the treatment they needed, compared to those without insurance or private coverage, in 2016. 

“If the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are serious about ending the opioid epidemic, they must also end their attacks on Medicaid and affordable health care.”

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Marks 2018 GLSEN Day of Silence to Raise Awareness of LGBTQ Bullying

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, marked GLSEN’s Day of Silence by introducing a resolution supporting the student-led movement to end LGBTQ bullying and harassment.

Hundreds of thousands of students across this country and throughout the world will take a vow of silence today to bring attention to the bullying and harassment of their LGBTQ peers. LGBTQ youth experience bullying, harassment, and assault at school at an alarming rate. Eight in ten LGBTQ students are harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender expression. One in eight are physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation or gender expression. More than half of LGBTQ students feel unsafe in their own classrooms, and nearly one third will miss a day of school this month because of threats, harassment, or violence.

“I have introduced a resolution supporting the Day of Silence every year for the past 16 years, and I’m proud to once again support this student-led movement,” Engel said. “This year we have seen inspiring, student-led movements push our country forward on issues from gun violence prevention to immigrant rights. The Day of Silence sends an important message that we will continue to fight back against discrimination and ensure that schools are safe and affirming for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in middle and high schools across the country take action to end the silencing effects of anti-LGBTQ harassment and discrimination. Their protest provides an opportunity to reflect on how each of us can take action to address these issues that too often silence LGBTQ youth in K-12 schools. This year’s Day of Silence has added importance. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed the Education Department take unprecedented steps to reverse hard-fought progress on LGBTQ equality won over the two decades since the Day of Silence was founded,” said Eliza Byard, GLSEN Executive Director. “We are incredibly thankful to Congressman Engel for his long-standing support of GLSEN’s Day of Silence, which enables LGBTQ youth to see elected officials who support them and who advocate for safe and inclusive schools for all.”

Engel on Passage of Opioid Bills, Marathon Health Markup

  This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee passed two bills co-authored by Congressman Eliot L. Engel that will help address the nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic. Both bills passed unanimously during a marathon markup session, at which more than 60 bills were up for consideration.

Congressman Engel partnered with Congresswoman Susan Brooks to author the Poison Center Network Enhancement Act, which will reauthorize the U.S. poison center program for an additional five years. Since 2011, U.S. poison centers have handled almost 200 cases daily involving opioid misuse.

The Reinforcing Evidence-based Standards Under Law in Treating Substance abuse (RESULTS) Act, which Congressman Engel introduced with Congressman Steve Stivers, will provide new guidance to applicants seeking federal grants to treat or prevent mental health or substance use disorders, better enabling them to carry out evidence-based activities.

“Families in the Bronx, Westchester and across the U.S. are suffering, and Congress must deliver solutions,” Engel said. “I am pleased to see these bills moving forward, as they will play an important role in our response to this crisis.”

During debate, Engel cautioned Republicans about the need to carefully consider policies that will have real implications for American families, rather than rush legislation that hasn’t been examined thoroughly.

“Americans need action – not the appearance of action,” Engel said. “Republicans’ insistence on considering so many bills at one time, some of which have been proposed only recently, is concerning to me. Our constituents expect us to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons of every policy we consider. If we fail to do that, we risk worsening the very crisis we are trying to solve.

“I am also disappointed by Republicans’ decision to block an amendment that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to examine the rising price of the overdose reversal drug naloxone. In 2016, the rate of opioid-related deaths in Westchester fell nearly 30 percent. Evidence suggests this was thanks in part to naloxone. Having HHS examine the rising prices that could pose a barrier to accessing this lifesaving drug makes good sense.”