Media

As a long-time advocate for every American family having access to a family doctor, I’m pleased to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, which has enabled 20 million Americans to obtain the medical care they need at a reasonable price. I have often said that I wish the Affordable Care Act were as good as the opponents of reform say it is bad, and while there are undoubtedly improvements to make, we cannot allow repeal as Republicans obsessively seek.

Price gouging by drug companies is a growing problem. Despite Americans reporting this as their top health care concern, Republicans refuse to act. Today, I introduced a motion, supported by my Democratic colleagues, to preserve the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to enforce antitrust laws and protect competition in proposed mergers of drug companies. Republicans did not take this chance to act. You can view my floor speech below.

Today the House passed a modest, bipartisan bill to help foster children find loving homes. This is a welcome improvement, but also serves as a reminder of all the work that remains. There are far too many children in America who suffer from child abuse. The Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, established by my Protect Our Kids Act, recently released a report that provides a modest map to prevent these tragedies. But we need Congress to provide the political drive to steer these changes into law and avoid lurching from one tragedy to another.

Today, dedicated health care professionals visited my Washington D.C. Office. Dr. Mary Hoke, Dean of University of the Incarnate Word Nursing School, and Dr. Eileen Breslin, Dean of the Nursing School at the UT Health Science Center, were joined by colleagues and students to advocate for the Nursing Workforce Development Program and funding of the National Institute of Nursing Research.

Recently, an immigration judge said he thinks 3-year-olds can learn and apply immigration law. Sadly, this is the type of thinking with which important advocates, like RAICES, must deal with regularly. The following San Antonio Express-News editorial notes recent legislation introduced to provide counsel to children appearing in immigration court. As a sponsor of the House Bill, the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, I know access to counsel is imperative for those most vulnerable, children.

HHS Urged to Ensure Medicare Beneficiaries Know All Prescription Drug Payment Options

My wife Libby and I were pleased to join Judge Nelson Wolff, Suzanne Scott, theArtsFund, Wolf Trap, and Kathy Bruck with Pre-K 4 SA to announce a new initiative for arts based learning. San Antonio is alive with the arts and artists eager to share their talents with our youngest learners.

Our nation has a responsibility to uphold the promise of Social Security and Medicare for our seniors. This past year I remained resolute in my support of seniors and earned 100% on The Alliance for Retired Americans Seniors Scorecard for voting to protect these critical safety nets.

You can see the full scorecard, and the rest of the Texas delegation scores here.