RLC Weekly: Getting the Job Done

Dear Colleagues,

With every bridge built, road laid, factory opened, medical bill lowered, and job created, House Democrats and the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) continue to share the economic progress made possible by the Investing in America agenda. Here are a few highlights of House Democrats sharing this message this week:

Lowering Costs and Protecting Health Care

Many House Democrats are spreading the word on the beginning of Medicare's Open Enrollment Period 2025 by sharing the message of lower health care costs in their communities. Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) hosted Andrea Palm, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary, in her district this week to highlight the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act which include capping the price of insulin at $35 a month, making vaccinations free, lowering out-of-pocket prescription drug costs to $2,000 a year, and allowing Medicare enrollees to pay out-of-pocket costs over monthly installments. Read more from Rep. Stevens here.

House Democrats are also explaining how Republicans’ Project 2025 plan would devastate Medicare and Social Security. Rep. Greg Stanton (AR-04) and Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) each spoke alongside Protect Our Care to highlight the ways that this ultra-conservative power grab can threaten access to affordable health care, gut Social Security, and raise the costs of prescription drugs. Hear directly from Rep. Stansbury here.

Rebuilding Infrastructure for Today and Tomorrow

From the moment a project breaks ground to its completion, House Democrats are informing their communities about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Reps. Gerry Connolly (VA-11) and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) joined U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner (all D-VA) and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to highlight new federal funding for the Long Bridge Rail Project. This project will create thousands of jobs and open the door to public transportation from northern Virginia to Washington D.C. Listen to Rep. Spanberger discuss the impact of this funding on local radio here. 

Additionally, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21) celebrated the progress made at the Fresno Airport Terminal, thanks to over $21 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. One year after the groundbreaking, Rep. Costa said this investment brought "new jobs, investments, and economic growth" to the area. Read more from Rep. Costa here.

Safer and More Sustainable Communities

The Inflation Reduction Act continues to empower communities to address environmental injustices and create a safer future for our children. In Southern California, Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D., (CA-25) joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and local leaders to celebrate the Species Conservation Habitat Project Expansion. The project is made possible in part to $250 million from the Inflation Reduction Act over the next five years. "For years, I’ve heard from our communities about the Salton Sea’s harmful impacts," said Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D., (CA-25) on social media. And thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, he was able to announce that, "Progress is possible!" Read more from Rep. Ruiz here.

What Else?

• The Department of Commerce unlocked $93 million in proposed direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act by agreeing to a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with Infinera this week. Read more on this here.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $125 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program this week. EPA says this will "incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions." Read more on the selectees for this funding here.

For more updates on how to help implement the Investing in America agenda locally, please follow us on social media and share your story on how these investments are making a difference in your community. You can also visit our website for additional resources that will help track these historic investments.