WASHINGTON, DC – Greek-American Congressman John P Sarbanes represents Maryland’s Third Congressional District and on December 30 shared the following yr in evaluate of his 2021 legislative work:
“As we attain the last days of 2021, I want to present an replace on a number of points I do know you care deeply about. In addition to passing payments that can assist Marylanders make it via the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild our economic system, I’ve labored to advance these key priorities:
Protecting our Democracy. The House handed H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a sweeping package deal of democracy reforms that I launched as Chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force. Now, the Senate is contemplating a reformulation of this vital laws, the Freedom to Vote Act (FTVA). FTVA would guarantee all Americans have a voice and vote in our democracy. It would additionally enhance transparency about the function of cash in politics, fight election sabotage and prohibit partisan gerrymandering. Along with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, this laws would safeguard our democracy, and I imagine will probably be handed into regulation quickly.
Lowering Health Care Costs. I voted to advance the Build Back Better Act which is now awaiting motion in the Senate. This laws would making well being care extra inexpensive by capping out-of-pocket prescription drug prices, limiting cost-sharing for insulin to $35 monthly, closing the Medicaid protection hole, extending the American Rescue Plan’s medical insurance premium reductions via 2025 and increasing Medicare to assist older Americans pay for listening to aids. It would additionally permit the federal authorities to barter for decrease drug prices for seniors. It’s excessive time we held pharmaceutical firms accountable for extreme prescription drug prices. It’s the solely approach to make sure Americans can have entry to lifesaving medicines.
Fighting Climate Change. I voted for laws that will transition us to a clear vitality economic system, create good-paying inexperienced jobs, cut back air pollution and assist to guard the environment. I additionally supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to spice up Maryland’s resilience towards local weather change-related occasions. Additionally, I’ve lengthy pushed for the federal authorities to guide by instance in transitioning to vitality effectivity. I used to be glad President Biden not too long ago introduced his plan to cut back emissions throughout federal buildings and autos.
Protecting the Chesapeake Bay. My advocacy helped to safe the Biden Administration’s restoration of Clean Water Act protections for the Chesapeake Bay and lots of waterways, which is able to curb air pollution and help our area’s economic system. I additionally supported laws to enhance ecosystem administration and enhance environmental training.
Bolstering Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants. After years of calling for reform to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, I’m happy that the Biden Administration is overhauling the program. This will enhance qualifying funds for as many as 550,000 debtors with beforehand consolidated loans and take different steps to make it simpler for debtors to get the mortgage forgiveness they deserve.
I’ve pushed ahead on laws to help our veterans, shield DREAMers, improve background checks, empower American staff, shut the wage hole and strengthen anti-discrimination protections.
I’ve additionally been in a position to assist many Marylanders navigate federal businesses or entry vital federal advantages. To date, my workplace has: Resolved over 3,110 points involving federal businesses in 2021, together with almost 650 Marylanders struggling to entry unemployment help and lots of making use of for passports, experiencing points with the Internal Revenue Service and coping with the U.S. Postal Service.
If you or your loved ones need assistance with these points, please ship me an e-mail or name (410) 832-8890 throughout regular enterprise hours. My employees and I are right here to assist.
I stay up for serving you in Congress in 2022. Wishing you and your family members a protected, wholesome new yr.”