October was a productive month!
The House of Representatives passed two of my bills:
The Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act: This legislation permanently bans uranium mining in and near the Canyon to protect the health of northern Arizonans, the water supply of the southwest, and the growth of Arizona’s economy. Watch me speak about the importance of this legislation on the House Floor, here.
The Payment Commission Data Act: This bill increases transparency in the drug pricing industry by giving experts access to the data they need to provide recommendations to Congress, including information about drug rebates and prices charged by drug manufacturers and wholesalers.
I introduced new legislation, including:
The Medicare Vision Act, legislation to expand Medicare Part B coverage to include routine eye exams, procedures, and contact lens fitting services. This bill was voted out of the Energy and Commerce Committee and will advance to the full House for a vote.
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Boundary Modification Act, a bipartisan bill to preserve these historic lands and ruins and ensure that the San Carlos Irrigation Project has access to critical irrigation infrastructure. Casa Grande Ruins attracts tens of thousands of yearly visitors from all over the world and supports the tourism industry of Pinal County.
The GME amendment to H.R. 3, which would amend the Lower Drug Costs Now Act to establish a grant program for hospitals in rural and medically underserved areas.
I met with
the National Association of Manufacturers to discuss the importance of trade and how we can best support our export industry;
O’Halleran meets with the National Association of Manufacturers to discuss trade.
the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to discuss the importance of train safety at our border and across our country;
O’Halleran meets with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to discuss train safety.
and the Arizona Lifeline Air Base to hear about how we can increase accessibility of air ambulance services for rural communities.
O’Halleran meets with Arizona Lifeline Air Base to discuss rural health care expansion.
I also
penned an op-ed on the importance of lowering skyrocketing prescription drug costs;
participated in a child care roundtable with members of Arizona’s business community, law enforcement, and military about the importance of quality, affordable child care;
presented a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of Ralph Maassen, who served in the 492nd Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force during WWII;
attended the WWI Veteran Honors Ceremony for Cremains in Arizona, a moving tribute to the brave veterans who lost their lives serving our country and were never given a formal burial;
O’Halleran discusses issues with veterans at the WWI Veterans Honors Ceremony for Cremains.
and joined the Congressional ALS Caucus to work toward finding a cure for this disease that affects so many.
My job is to listen to you. I encourage you to reach out to any of my Arizona or Washington D.C. offices to share your concerns with me directly.
Sincerely,
Tom O’Halleran
