Jack Morrissey | Congresswoman Jackie Walorski

Walorski Statement on Tariff Exclusion Process Improvements

Commonsense Fixes Include Changes Walorski Requested to Help American Manufacturers

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement on improvements to the steel and aluminum tariffs product exclusion process:

“It has been clear from the beginning that the product exclusion process for steel and aluminum tariffs is broken. By addressing some of the concerns I have raised after hearing from manufacturers across the country, these commonsense fixes will go a long way toward improving the process. I welcome President Trump’s action to ensure local businesses are treated more fairly and to protect American jobs. I remain concerned about the lack of transparency and consistency for companies seeking product exclusions, and I will continue working with Secretary Ross to bring about additional improvements.”

BACKGROUND

President Trump on Wednesday signed proclamations related to the section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs. The proclamations make the following changes to the product exclusion process:

Allowing companies to file for exclusions for products from countries subject to quotas;
Providing limited grandfathering for certain contracts for steel from quota countries; and
Extending retroactivity of relief to the date of filing, rather than the date of posting.

Congresswoman Walorski earlier this year called for improvements to the product exclusion process in order to reduce burdens on manufacturers and other small businesses. She led a bipartisan letter signed by 38 of her colleagues asking Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to implement changes to streamline the process and provide certainty and relief to small businesses impacted by the tariffs. Among the changes Walorski requested were extending relief retroactive to the date of submission and grandfathering existing contracts.

At a Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing in July, Walorski renewed calls for the Commerce Department to fix the broken exclusion process and highlighted problems encountered by U.S. manufacturers in all three phases of the process: posting, objections, and decisions.

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

###

Walorski Statement on U.S.-Mexico Understanding on Trade

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after President Trump announced an understanding was reached in trade negotiations with Mexico:

“I just met with Hoosier corn and soybean farmers in Miami County, and they told me what I hear from farmers and manufacturers across northern Indiana: they need long-term certainty when it comes to trade. A stronger, modernized trade agreement among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is critical to building on our nation’s economic momentum and helping Hoosiers thrive.
“Today’s announcement is a positive step, and I am optimistic it will lead to an agreement that better meets the needs of our nation’s manufacturers, farmers, businesses, and workers. I hope Canada returns quickly to the negotiating table, and I look forward to reviewing the details of any final agreement.”

BACKGROUND

Walorski earlier today spoke with Hoosier corn and soybean farmers at a “Shop Talk” event in Macy, Ind., hosted by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and Indiana Soybean Alliance.

In April, she led a letter signed by 64 members of Congress urging President Trump to build on the economic momentum spurred by tax cuts by remaining in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and modernizing the trade pact for the 21st century.

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

###

House, Senate Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Modernize Medicare Program That Helps Seniors Live at Home

Bipartisan Legislation Requires CMS to Finalize Updated Regulations for PACE Health Care Program by End of Year

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to speed up the modernization of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which allow seniors with complex care needs to continue living at home.

“Seniors facing health challenges should have the option to receive high-quality, comprehensive health care while continuing to live at home, and the PACE program helps them do that,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “PACE organizations across the country, including St. Joseph PACE in Mishawaka, have proven this integrated care program is effective in improving health outcomes and quality of life. The PACE program is long overdue for an update, and this bipartisan, commonsense legislation will ensure improvements are made quickly so more seniors can live at home longer.”

“The PACE program has proven to be extremely beneficial to the elderly and individuals living with disabilities in my community and in communities across the country,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “The administration has a responsibility to modernize the program and make it available to more Americans. This legislation will force this modernization and go a long way in achieving our goals of better care at lower costs for those in need.”

“We have a responsibility to care for the most vulnerable among us, and PACE organizations around the country help us to do just that by providing comprehensive and high-quality care to both seniors and those living with disabilities,” said Senator Carper. “This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that PACE remains an integral component of care for American senior citizens, and I urge both the House and Senate to take it up and pass it quickly.”

“Pennsylvania’s PACE programs help thousands of seniors who need an institutional-level of treatment remain in their homes while still receiving quality medical care,” said Senator Toomey. “As enrollment in PACE continues to grow, the program’s regulations must be flexible enough for providers to introduce new medical technologies that allow for better coordinated care. I hope the Finance Committee will soon take up our bipartisan legislation.

“We appreciate strong leaders in Congress supporting our efforts to expand the number of individuals who can benefit from the PACE model of care and the sites needed to serve them,” said Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of the National PACE Association (NPA). “The flexibility to be provided in the new PACE Final Rule are practices that have been developed and field tested over 20 years during which PACE providers have been serving many different types of people, families and communities.”

“We appreciate Rep. Walorski’s support of PACE,” said Stacey Newton, the executive director of Saint Joseph PACE in Mishawaka, Ind. “The new PACE Final Rule will allow us to expand PACE more quickly to improve the lives of individuals whose health care needs make them eligible for nursing home care. By serving them in the community, PACE is able to dramatically impact their quality of life and the quality of life for their families.”

BACKGROUND

H.R. 6561 / S. 3338 would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to finalize updated regulations for PACE programs by the end of the year. PACE is a proven model for delivering high-quality, comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated community-based health care to seniors and individuals with disabilities who meet the criteria for nursing home care but wish to live at home. Currently, 124 PACE organizations across 31 states serve more than 45,000 people. St. Joseph Health System operates a PACE organization serving Hoosiers at a center in Mishawaka.

In November 2017 and June 2018, a bipartisan group of members of Congress sent letters urging CMS Administrator Seema Verma to prioritize updating the existing regulatory framework, which is more than a decade old. An updated rule was proposed nearly two years ago but has not been finalized.

The members called for changes to improve efficiency and increase flexibility, including:

Allowing PACE organizations to include community physicians as part of their hallmark interdisciplinary teams (IDT);
Decreasing the burden of expansion by allowing existing PACE organizations to open new PACE centers without an application;
Providing services in alternative settings, other than the PACE Center, to better respond to beneficiaries’ needs and preferences; and
Configuring the IDT to meet the needs of individual participants.

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

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

Walorski Statement on Tariffs on Chinese Imports

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after President Trump approved tariffs on certain goods imported from China:

“President Trump is right to confront China’s unfair trade practices that stifle innovation and cost American jobs, but I am concerned these tariffs will harm our manufacturers, farmers, and workers. Any action must be narrowly targeted and balanced to avoid slowing the tremendous economic growth we’re seeing because of tax cuts and regulatory reforms.
“The administration must also implement a strong and fair exclusion process. It is critical that the mistakes of the Commerce Department – which has failed to provide transparency and due process to American businesses impacted by steel and aluminum tariffs – not be repeated.”

BACKGROUND

Congresswoman Walorski has led calls for improvements to the product exclusion process established by the Department of Commerce for Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs in order to reduce burdens on manufacturers and other small businesses. She sent a bipartisan letter signed by 38 of her colleagues asking Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to implement changes to streamline the process and provide certainty and relief to small businesses impacted by the tariffs.

After Walorski led 15 of her Ways and Means colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Ross urging retroactive relief for companies that successfully petition for product exclusions from the tariffs, President Trump signed an order ensuring tariffs paid while a product exclusion request is pending will be returned if the exclusion is granted.

At a recent House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Walorski pressed U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer on the administration’s response to threats of retaliatory tariffs that could harm American farmers, manufacturers, and other small businesses. She called on the administration to consider the impact retaliatory measures could have on small businesses and family farmers in Indiana.

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

###

Walorski Supports Record Funding for Veterans

House Passes VA Funding Bill with Increased Resources, Stronger Oversight

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today voted for legislation that provides a record level of funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and strengthens accountability measures.

“As Americans, we have a responsibility the brave men and women who fought for us,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “This legislation will help our veterans get the resources and care they earned, and it will strengthen oversight to restore a culture of accountability at the VA. As we continue working to fix the VA, we are making the investments needed to rebuild trust in the VA and keep our nation’s promise to our veterans.”

BACKGROUND

The Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.R. 5895) provides $85.3 billion in discretionary funding for the VA, an increase of $3.9 billion from current funding levels and the highest dollar amount ever for the department. It passed the House by a vote of 235 to 179.

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs portion of H.R. 5895 includes:

$71.2 billion overall for medical care, including mental health services, suicide prevention outreach, traumatic brain injury treatment, homeless veteran services, opioid abuse prevention, and rural veterans health initiatives;
$1.2 billion to modernize the VA’s electronic health record system so veterans can seamlessly transition to from military service;
$1.1 billion for the new Veterans Community Care Program and the Family Caregivers Program under the VA MISSION Act;
Resources to process disability claims for the 450,000 veterans waiting for the compensation they deserve;
Funding for VA oversight offices to protect whistleblowers and investigate reports of poor patient care;
Stronger oversight of VA claims processing and construction projects to ensure the VA is accountable to veterans and taxpayers; and
$10.3 billion for military construction projects, including military installations, schools and housing for military families, and medical facilities for servicemembers.

Earlier this week, President Trump signed into law the VA MISSION Act. The new law streamlines VA community care programs into one cohesive program and provides funding to extend the Veterans Choice Program until the new program is implemented. It also creates a nonpartisan process for reviewing and modernizing VA’s medical infrastructure, expands caregiver benefits, and improves provider recruitment, training, and retention.

Walorski recently testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, calling for greater accountability across the VA to improve care for veterans. Video of her testimony is available here.

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

###