News | Page 2 | Congresswoman Jackie Walorski

Walorski Votes to Repeal Job-Killing Medical Device Tax

House Passes Permanent Repeal of Tax That Puts Hoosier Jobs and Innovation at Risk

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today voted to repeal the job-killing medical device tax and protect Hoosier jobs in the innovative medical device manufacturing industry.

“Our economy is booming because of historic tax cuts and regulatory reforms, and we need to keep that momentum going,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “It’s time to end the medical device tax once and for all. Permanently repealing this job-killing tax will protect Hoosier workers and help patients access the life-saving medical technology they need.”

The House passed H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act, which would permanently repeal the 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device sales, by a vote of 283 to 132. Congress earlier this year suspended the tax through 2019. Walorski in December introduced H.R. 4617, which would have suspended the medical device tax for five years.

Video of Walorski speaking on the House floor in support of H.R. 184 is available here. The full text of her remarks is below.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise today in support of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act.
“This legislation will permanently repeal the job-killing medical device tax. Hoosiers are proud to be leaders in medical innovation, with more than 300 medical device manufacturers in our state that support nearly 55,000 jobs. These are high-paying jobs, with workers in the industry earning about $50,000 per year on average.
“However, after Obamacare’s medical device tax took effect, the industry lost almost 29,000 good-paying jobs nationwide from 2012 to 2015, according to Commerce Department data. That’s why Congress took bipartisan action in 2015 to suspend the tax for two years, and did so again earlier this year. But if it goes back into effect after 2019, it will impede new discoveries and stifle medical innovation while destroying good jobs.
“Right now, our economy is booming because of historic tax cuts and regulatory reforms, and we need to keep that momentum going. It’s time to end the medical device tax once and for all. Permanently repealing this job-killing tax will protect American workers and help patients access the life-saving medical technology they need.
“Mr. Speaker, the medical device tax would have a devastating impact on Hoosier workers and people from across the country who depend on these products. The Protect Medical Innovation Act will boost American innovation and manufacturing, and it will encourage medical research and development that make a real difference in people’s lives. I urge my colleagues to support this vital piece of legislation, and I yield back.”

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski Shares Hoosier Farmers’ Concerns at Hearing on Tariffs

Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Examines Impact of Tariffs on Agriculture

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today at a hearing of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee shared the concerns of Hoosier farmers who have seen negative effects from tariffs imposed by the United States and retaliation from foreign countries.

“A friend of mine named Harold Parker summed it up with one word: when asked about what’s happening right now with these tariffs in northern Indiana, he said the results are ‘terrible,’” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Another family farm in my district that grows 3,200 acres of corn and 3,000 acres of soybeans estimates that they’ve lost almost $700,000 in gross income since June 1st because of price drops in both.”

Walorski asked the panel of farmers and agriculture leaders to react to statements by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross that American farmers can easily make up for lost market share if China turns to non-U.S. agricultural exports.

“One thing I have heard Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross repeatedly say is, essentially, well if China is buying more Brazilian soybeans, the U.S. can just sell to wherever Brazil isn’t selling anymore,” Walorski said. “Basically, he’s saying that U.S. agriculture can fill the void wherever Brazil and others are abandoning in order to sell to China or the EU. Is it really that simple?”

“It is not that simple,” said Michelle Erickson-Jones, co-owner of Gooseneck Land and Cattle and president of the Montana Grain Growers Association. “We do not want to give up and be a residual supplier to China. They are the biggest consumer of protein in the world. And they are also a huge opportunity for the wheat market, and that is not something that we want to give up and be a residual supplier.”

“As simplistic as it seems, these markets are not fungible by any means,” said Cass Gebbers, president and CEO of Gebbers Farms. “We would never want to forego the opportunity to sell to, say, the Chinese customer.”

Video of Walorski’s full remarks and the responses to her question is available here.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski Leads Bipartisan Letter Warning Against Auto Tariffs

149 Members of Congress Urge Secretary Ross Not to Put American Jobs, Economic Growth at Risk

WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of 149 members of Congress today called on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross not to put American jobs and economic growth at risk by imposing tariffs on automobiles and automotive parts.

In a letter led by U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.), the members highlighted the economic benefits of the auto industry and warned of negative consequences if the ongoing Section 232 national security investigation into imports of automobiles and automotive parts results in tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions.

“We support the Department of Commerce as it seeks a level playing field for our manufacturers and workers in the global marketplace and penalizes bad actors,” the members wrote. “We do not believe that imports of automobiles and automotive parts pose a national security threat. Rather, we believe the imposition of trade restrictions on these products could undermine our economic security.”

A signed copy of the letter is available here, and the full text is below.

Wednesday, July 17, 2018
The Honorable Wilbur Ross
Secretary
Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20230
Dear Secretary Ross:
We support your efforts to ensure a fair and level playing field with our trading partners, and we agree with you that the manufacturing base, particularly the automotive and automotive supplier industry, is important to the economic security of the United States. However, we are concerned that the recently announced Section 232 national security investigation into imports of automobiles and automotive parts could have a significant negative impact on the economic security of our country.
Our nation’s automotive industry is a critical driver of the American economy, historically contributing between 3.0-3.5% of our total GDP. It depends on a vast and complex network of suppliers to build vehicles, a large dealer network to sell them, and a substantial retail and aftermarket industry to supply repair and replacement parts – establishing facilities and creating jobs in every state. The industry has rebounded from the depths of the Great Recession, and in some parts of the industry, employment is actually higher than pre-recession levels. However, imposing tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions on automobiles and/or automotive parts threatens to undo that momentum.
We urge you to keep the following factors at the top of your mind as you conduct your investigation and develop recommendations:
Quality, high-paying jobs are at stake in every state that span the industry: suppliers, dealers, and automakers; research and development, design, and manufacturing; installation and maintenance;
Innovative, advanced technology work, including research and development and manufacturing of high-value, highly technical components, is conducted here in the U.S.;
Close trading partners, many of which are our allies and valuable export markets for vehicles and parts manufactured in the U.S., are planning retaliation against our vulnerable industries;
Suppliers, automakers, and dealers have planned considerable investments in innovation, expansion, workforce training, and job growth;
The industry is facing price increases and supply challenges due to other trade actions;
Price increases from tariffs, quotas, and other trade restrictions will ultimately be borne by American families in the form of higher vehicle prices, delayed purchases, and foregone vehicle maintenance, among others; and
Unintended consequences will hurt other industries that rely on products that could be subject to trade restrictions, including used automobiles, heavy-duty vehicles, military vehicles, RVs, heavy machines and construction equipment, vintage and antique automobiles, and other vehicles.
We support the Department of Commerce as it seeks a level playing field for our manufacturers and workers in the global marketplace and penalizes bad actors. We believe, however, that the taxpayer dollars being used by the Commerce Department for this investigation would be better spent on other endeavors. We do not believe that imports of automobiles and automotive parts pose a national security threat. Rather, we believe the imposition of trade restrictions on these products could undermine our economic security.
Sincerely,

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski Statement on Russia

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin:

“Russia is not our ally, and Vladimir Putin is not our friend. As DNI Dan Coats reaffirmed this week, it is undeniable Russia interfered in our election and seeks to undermine our democracy. America must continue to stand strong against Putin’s destabilizing actions and prevent further attacks on our country.”

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski Votes to Send Health Care Bills to House Floor

Ways and Means Committee Approves Measures to Expand Consumer Choice, Lower Costs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today voted in the Ways and Means Committee to send a series of health care bills to the House floor that would improve flexibility, expand consumer choice, and lower costs for families.

“With rising premiums and fewer options, Hoosier families need more affordable health care and more control over how they pay for it,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “These bills are all about flexibility, consumer choice, and bringing down costs. We are one step closer to helping families reduce the burdens of health care expenses and empowering them to better plan for the future.”

BACKGROUND

The Ways and Means Committee this week approved 11 bills aimed at expanding consumer-directed health care and lowering premiums for individuals and families.

The legislation included measures to expand and modernize tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSAs), allow for an off-ramp from Obamacare’s rising premiums, provide retroactive relief from the burdensome employer mandate, and further delay the health care law’s costly “Cadillac tax.”

Walorski spoke at the committee markup about H.R. 6313, the Responsible Additions and Increases to Sustain Employee Health Benefits Act of 2018, which would allow balances in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to be carried forward each year. The bill would repeal the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule that prohibits rolling over FSA balances. Video of Walorski’s remarks on H.R. 6313 is available here.

The committee approved the following bills for consideration on the House floor:

H.R. 6199 – reverses Obamacare’s prohibition on using tax-favored health accounts to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medical products and adds feminine or “menstrual care” products to the list of qualified medical expenses for the purposes of these tax-favored health accounts.
H.R. 6301 – expands access and enhances the utility of health savings accounts (HSAs) by offering health plans a certain amount of flexibility in their plan design while still maintaining eligibility for HSA contributions. This flexibility will allow insurers to offer coverage for high-value, low-cost services like telehealth, chronic disease management (e.g. diabetic testing strips), or primary care visits below the deductible.
H.R. 6305 – expands access and enhances the utility of HSAs through three common-sense improvements to the rules governing HSAs: (1) clarifying that certain employment related services (such as on-site clinics) are not treated as disqualifying coverage for purposes of HSAs; (2) allowing an eligible individual to make HSA contributions if a spouse has a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), provided that FSA does not also reimburse for expenses of the spouse with the HSA; and (3) allowing FSA and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) terminations or conversions to fund HSAs.
H.R. 6317 – allows HSA-eligible individuals that participate in a direct primary care (DPC) arrangement not to lose their HSA-eligibility merely because of their participation in a DPC. In addition, it allows DPC provider fees to be paid for out of HSAs.
H.R. 6312 – adds qualified sports and fitness expenses to the definition of qualified medical expenses.
H.R. 6309 – expands access to HSAs for working seniors.
H.R. 6306 – expands access and enhances the utility of HSAs by: (1) increasing the contributions limits for HSAs; (2) permitting spousal catch-up contributions into the same account; and (3) creating a grace period for medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA.
H.R. 6314 – expands eligibility and access to HSAs by allowing plans categorized as catastrophic and bronze in the individual and small group markets to qualify for HSA contributions.
H.R. 6311 – provides an off-ramp from Obamacare’s rising premiums and limited choices by allowing the premium tax credit to be used for qualified plans offered outside of the law’s exchanges and Healthcare.gov. In addition, it expands access to the lowest-premium plans available (“catastrophic” plans) for all individuals purchasing coverage in the individual market and allows the premium tax credit to be used to offset the cost of such plans.
H.R. 6313 – allows balances in FSAs to be carried forward each year.
H.R. 4616 – provides retroactive relief from Obamacare’s employer mandate and one additional year of delay in the implementation of the law’s Cadillac tax.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski Statement on Supreme Court Nomination

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement on President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court:

“President Trump made an excellent choice. Judge Kavanaugh has impeccable credentials and a strong record of defending the Constitution. I have no doubt he will continue to uphold the rule of law and respect the sanctity of life as a justice of the Supreme Court. The Senate should confirm his nomination without delay.”

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski Votes to Give Troops a Pay Raise, Rebuild the Military

House Passes FY19 Defense Funding to Boost Military Readiness, Give Servicemembers Biggest Pay Raise in 9 Years

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today voted to invest in rebuilding the military, providing servicemembers their biggest pay raise in nine years, and supporting military families.

“Our servicemembers and their families make tremendous sacrifices to keep America safe, and we are making sure they have the tools, training, and support they need,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “This investment in our national security will continue rebuilding the military so it can confront any threat, and it will give the brave men and women of our Armed Forces their biggest pay raise in nine years.”

BACKGROUND

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.R. 6157), which passed the House by a vote of 359 to 49, would provide $676.4 billion in defense funding for FY19.

Rebuilding Our Military

H.R. 6157 increases discretionary funding for the Department of Defense by $17.1 billion over FY18.
Boosts investment in maintenance, training, restoration, and modernization.
Modernizes the military and prepares for the future of warfare with a $92.4 billion investment in research and development.
Includes $1 billion above the president’s budget request to fill military readiness shortfalls.

Supporting Troops and Military Families

Fully funds a 2.6 percent pay increase for servicemembers – their biggest raise in nine years.
Provides $34.4 billion to provide care for our troops, military families, and retirees.
Includes funding above the request for cancer research, traumatic brain injury, and psychological health research, and sexual assault prevention and response.
Supports our troops in the fight against terrorist organizations like ISIS and other threats overseas.
Fulfills the requested increase of 16,400 military personnel.

The House this week also passed a motion to begin a conference committee with the Senate to finalize the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (H.R. 5515). The House-passed FY19 NDAA authorizes $717 billion in defense funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski Votes for 2018 Farm Bill

Agriculture and Nutrition Act Protects Crop Insurance, Reduces Regulatory Burdens, Promotes Ag Exports, Strengthens SNAP

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today supported House passage of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R. 2), also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, which would provide long-term certainty for Hoosier farmers and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“Farmers are the backbone of America, and we depend on them to keep safe, nutritious, and affordable food on our tables,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “The Farm Bill boosts protections for our family farmers, promotes ag exports, and cuts red tape so local farm operations can grow and thrive. It also strengthens SNAP so people who fall on hard times have a better chance to build a bridge out of poverty and achieve the American Dream. This vital legislation builds on the positive impact tax cuts are having for farmers, businesses, workers, and families across Indiana. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to send final legislation to President Trump for his signature.”

BACKGROUND

Walorski last year sent a letter to House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway outlining Hoosier priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill based on feedback she received from farmers in the 2nd District. Many of the priorities Walorski advocated were included in H.R. 2, which passed the House by a vote of 213 to 211.

Protect Crop Insurance: The Agriculture and Nutrition Act preserves this crucial backstop for farmers and ranchers and strengthens the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) options.
Reduce Regulatory Hurdles: Unnecessary and duplicative bureaucratic rules put great burdens on farmers and ranchers. The 2018 Farm Bill streamlines regulations and reduces red tape.
Promote Agriculture Exports: Exports are as important as ever for Hoosier farmers at a time of low commodity prices and falling farm incomes. This legislation authorizes funding for vital tools for trade promotion and market development. It also allows the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to farmers affected by unfair foreign trade practices.
Support Voluntary Conservation Efforts: Indiana is a national leader in voluntary conservation programs, the Farm Bill will allow Hoosiers to continue to innovate and lead with tailored solutions to local issues. H.R. 2 folds the best features of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) into the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Prepare for Disease Outbreaks: The Farm Bill continues to invest in and improve research, preparedness, mitigation, detection, and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), foot and mouth disease (FMD), and other diseases. It establishes the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, establishes a new U.S.-only vaccine bank, and enhances the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
Invest in Rural Broadband: Our lives are becoming increasingly digital, and farm operations are no different. Unfortunately, internet speeds in rural America greatly lag behind urban and suburban areas. The Agriculture and Nutrition Act will help bridge this gap by investing in rural broadband and requiring USDA to establish forward-looking broadband standards.
Strengthen SNAP: Congresswoman Walorski worked to comprehensively examine SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, in the 114th Congress when she chaired the Nutrition Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee. Dozens of hearings have shown that SNAP is a crucial part of the safety net, that the program works, and that there are improvements that can be made. The Agriculture and Nutrition Act strengthens and streamlines SNAP and its Employment & Training (E&T) programs to better help individuals build a bridge out of poverty.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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House Passes Walorski Opioid Bill Named for Hoosier Doctor

Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management, Treatment, and Recovery Act Would Address Opioid Epidemic by Improving Access to Non-Addictive Pain Treatments

WASHINGTON – The House today passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) to combat the opioid epidemic by improving access to non-opioid pain treatments. The bipartisan bill was named in honor of Dr. Todd Graham, the South Bend doctor who was shot to death last summer after refusing to write a prescription for opioid painkillers.

“The opioid epidemic continues to tear apart families and devastate communities all over the country,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “We all need to work together to find commonsense solutions to prevent and treat addiction. Before he was tragically killed, Dr. Todd Graham was leading the way in treating the underlying causes of pain rather than simply prescribing pills. The bipartisan legislation that just passed the House will help build on his legacy by breaking down barriers to non-opioid treatments and giving doctors better tools to prevent addiction and assist in recovery.”

The Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management, Treatment, and Recovery Act (H.R. 6110) passed the House unanimously by voice vote. Dr. Graham’s wife Julie was at the Capitol for the bill’s passage. Video of Congresswoman Walorski speaking on the House floor about the legislation is available here.

BACKGROUND

The House in recent days has passed dozens of bills to prevent opioid abuse, support addiction treatment and recovery, and combat the shipment and sale of illegal drugs. H.R. 6110 is an updated version of legislation Walorski introduced to reduce overprescribing of opioids by examining ways to expand the use of non-opioid alternatives in Medicare. The legislation was recently approved by the Ways and Means Committee.

Among other provisions, H.R. 6110 would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study ways to improve access to non-opioid pain management treatments. HHS would solicit stakeholder feedback, conduct a study, and submit recommendations to Congress improving payment, coverage, and coding policies related to the use of multi-disciplinary, evidence-based non-opioid treatments for acute and chronic pain management for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part A or B. The study would include an evaluation of possible coverage and payment barriers that prevent Medicare beneficiaries from accessing non-opioid alternative pain treatments and technologies.

H.R. 6110 also includes steps to improve treatment strategies and case management for various high-risk patient populations. It also includes other bipartisan provisions to ensure there are no misaligned financial incentives to prescribe opioids over non-opioid alternatives, and it provides best practices and educational resources for the expansion of addiction treatment for those suffering from mental or behavioral health issues, particularly in rural areas.

Todd A. Graham, M.D., a doctor with more than three decades of service, was shot and killed on July 26th, 2017, after refusing to prescribe an opioid painkiller to the shooter’s wife. Dr. Graham was a double board-certified physician in both Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Walorski: We Are Taking Action to Fight Opioid Abuse

House Passes Dozens of Bills to Address Epidemic; Will Consider Walorski’s Legislation Named for Dr. Todd Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today applauded the passage of dozens of bills in the House aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic through prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts.

Next week, the House will consider legislation Walorski introduced to improve access to non-opioid pain treatments. The bill is named for Dr. Todd Graham, the South Bend doctor who was shot to death after refusing to write a prescription for opioid painkillers.

“Opioid abuse is a crisis that affects every community in America, and we are taking action to help fight this epidemic,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “These commonsense solutions will help prevent opioid abuse, treat addiction, and support recovery so people can rebuild their lives. I look forward to continuing our work next week, when the House will consider my bipartisan legislation, named in honor of Dr. Todd Graham, that aims to fight the opioid crisis by expanding access to non-addictive alternatives to treat pain.”

BACKGROUND

The House this week passed more than two dozen bills to prevent opioid abuse, support addiction treatment and recovery, and combat the shipment and sale of illegal drugs. The measures approved by the House include legislation to:

Crack down on the shipment of illicit synthetic opioids into the U.S. from overseas (H.R. 5788 – Securing the International Mail Against Opioids Act);
Prevent drug traffickers from circumventing the law by creating chemically-altered synthetic drugs (H.R. 2851 – Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act);
Support transitional housing for individuals recovering from opioid addiction (H.R. 5735 –� THRIVE Act);
Help veterans access treatment for mental health or substance abuse issues (H.R. 2147 – Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act);
Expand peer-to-peer counseling for women veterans (H.R. 4635);
Encourage innovative research into non-addictive pain medications (H.R. 5002 – ACE Research Act); and
Reduce the number of unused prescription drugs at risk of misuse (H.R. 5041 –� Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act).

Next week, the House will consider additional legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, including a bill Walorski introduced to expand access to non-opioid alternatives for pain treatment. The Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management, Treatment, and Recovery Act (H.R. 6110) aims to reduce overprescribing of opioids by examining ways to expand the use of non-opioid alternatives in Medicare

H.R. 6110 is an updated version of legislation introduced by Walorski and recently approved by the Ways and Means Committee. Among other provisions, it would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study ways to improve access to non-opioid pain management treatments. HHS would solicit stakeholder feedback, conduct a study, and submit recommendations to Congress improving payment, coverage, and coding policies related to the use of multi-disciplinary, evidence-based non-opioid treatments for acute and chronic pain management for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part A or B. The study would include an evaluation of possible coverage and payment barriers that prevent Medicare beneficiaries from accessing non-opioid alternative pain treatments and technologies.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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