Press Releases | Page 2 | Congresswoman Jackie Walorski

Walorski Marks National Health Center Week with Bipartisan House Resolution

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today marked the start of National Health Center Week after leading a bipartisan House resolution to celebrate the nation’s health centers, which have been on the front lines of responding to COVID-19, particularly in underserved communities.

Walorski and U.S. Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.) last week led a bipartisan group of 77 members of Congress in introducing a resolution marking August 9th–15th as National Health Center Week.

“With our country facing an unprecedented public health crisis, Americans in rural and underserved areas depend on community health centers more than ever before,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Community health centers provide high-quality, affordable care to more than 29 million patients across the country and ensure Americans have access to the primary and preventative services they need. I’m grateful to all the dedicated health care workers who serve Hoosiers in our communities, and I’m proud to support National Health Center Week to recognize the essential role they play.”

“Community health centers such as Mt. Vernon Neighborhood Health Center and HRHCare in my district have been at the frontlines of helping respond to the coronavirus pandemic,” Congressman Engel said. “But these centers have long-provided exceptional care, often without much credit or fanfare. This resolution will help bring awareness to the incredible public health work they’re doing to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

“We are grateful to Representatives Engel and Walorski for introducing this resolution in support of National Health Center Week, a weeklong celebration of our nation’s Community Health Centers that runs from August 9 -15,” said Steve Carey, Chief Strategy Officer of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “We look forward to honoring the work of the 1,400 health centers and their staff who care for nearly 30 million individuals nationwide on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. We greatly appreciate the leadership of Representatives Engel and Walorski and the support of many members of Congress who cosigned this resolution.”

On May 21, 2020, Representatives Walorski and Engel led over 150 House Members on a bipartisan letter to Alex M. Azar, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, urging more funding for community health centers to support their efforts to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

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

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Walorski Bill Would Provide Tax Relief to Medical Device Startups, Other Tech Innovators

Bipartisan IGNITE American Innovation Act Would Provide Liquidity to Innovative Medical Tech Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus Crisis

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to build on the CARES Act to provide tax relief to high-tech manufacturers and innovators.

The IGNITE American Innovation Act would provide liquidity to small and mid-size businesses that were unable to utilize tax provisions under the CARES Act by allowing them to monetize up to $25 million in accumulated tax assets. The bill would also provide a bonus in tax assets generated by research and development of products to prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19. Walorski introduced the bill alongside U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.).

“America’s recovery from this unprecedented health and economic crisis will be driven by our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “High-tech innovators and medical device manufacturers – including many in northern Indiana – will play a vital role in improving health care, discovering treatments and cures, rebuilding our economy, and creating good jobs. The IGNITE American Innovation Act will give startups greater opportunity to continue growing, innovating, and developing life-saving technologies at a time when we need them more than ever.”

BACKGROUND

H.R. 7917, the IGNITE American Innovation Act, would:

Allow growth companies to monetize up to $100 million worth of accumulated net operating losses (NOLs) which were generated within the previous five years at the 21 percent corporate rate
Double the value for NOLs generated by products to prevent, diagnose, or treat COVID-19.
Allow growth companies to monetize R&D credits
Double the value of R&D credits generated by research into products to prevent, diagnose, or treat COVID-19.

The legislation is supported by a coalition of advocates for tech startups, including the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), TechNet, the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), Center for American Entrepreneurship (CAE), Angel Capital Association, and Technology Councils of North America.

“MDMA applauds Congressman Phillips and Congresswoman Walorski for their bipartisan leadership to provide support and resources for medical technology innovators who are passionately working to develop the cures and therapies of tomorrow,” said MDMA President and CEO Mark Leahey. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause severe disruptions for countless innovators who are simply trying to keep their doors open and retain their workforce, and this legislation would provide some of the liquidity that is needed to help the medtech ecosystem. While we appreciate Congress’ unprecedented efforts to stabilize the economy, the existing liquidity programs are inaccessible for many emerging, fast growing companies. The top priorities in the United States today are to save lives, and to save jobs, and the ‘IGNITE American Innovation Act’ would go a long way towards accomplishing these critical goals.”

“American medtech innovation is driven by small companies and start-ups on the cutting edge of improving patient care,” said AdvaMed Executive Director Ashley Wittorf. “In the best of times, these heavily R&D-focused firms struggle to find the financing and resources they need to navigate tough regulatory and reimbursement pathways in order to bring a new device or diagnostic to market, and that challenge has been magnified by the pandemic. The legislation introduced by Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) will serve as vital lifeline to these small, entrepreneurial companies, allowing them to weather the current COVID-related economic downturn and continue developing the next-generation treatments and cures patients are waiting for.”

“On behalf of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and its 1,000 member companies, we are proud to support the IGNITE American Innovation Act which will support start-ups through the economic crisis created by COVID-19,” said BIO CEO Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath. “This legislation is crucial in allowing the monetization of tax assets generated through a focus on research and technologies to provide much-needed liquidity for small biotechs to continue their critical mission to heal, fuel and feed the world.”

“CAE applauds introduction of the IGNITE American Innovation Act and thanks Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) for their leadership on this critical issue,” said CAE President John Dearie. “Research has consistently demonstrated that startups are disproportionately responsible for the innovations that drive economic growth and job creation. And, yet, the Covid19 emergency has imperiled an entire generation of young businesses, potentially crippling the post-crisis economic recovery. By helping to get badly needed capital to struggling startups, the IAIA makes a vital investment in America’s most innovative and promising young companies and, in turn, the U.S. economy’s capacity to sustain and recover from the Covid emergency.”

“On behalf of startups, their 2.27 million workers, and investors, we are thrilled to endorse the IGNITE American Innovation Act, the most significant pro-startup proposal under consideration during economic recovery negotiations,” said NVCA President Bobby Franklin. “This bill will create jobs and sustain critical economic activity immediately, activity that will pay long-term dividends to American workers and the U.S. economy through greater innovation and market competition, and more cutting-edge U.S. companies.”

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

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Bipartisan Group of 103 Lawmakers Urges House Leadership to Prioritize Affordable Housing in Next COVID-19 Bill

Walorski, DelBene Lead Call for Enhancements to Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to Aid Recovery

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) last week led a bipartisan effort calling on House leadership to prioritize affordable housing measures in the next COVID-19 package.

In a letter, 103 lawmakers urged enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) be included in the next COVID-19 bill to support affordable housing production and address disruptions caused by the current public health and economic crisis. The Housing Credit has been a proven tool to expand affordable housing for over 30 years and will be essential in the recovery from this pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only made the existing affordable housing crisis worse. Before the public health emergency, 11 million American households were already paying more than half of their income toward rent. Now, over 54 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the outbreak began, putting their ability to pay for housing at significant risk.

The letter calls on four specific provisions to be included to increase affordable housing production:

Increase the annual Housing Credit allocation by at least 50 percent. This would finance hundreds of thousands of much-needed affordable homes for low-income households.
Enact a minimum 4 percent Housing Credit rate. The Housing Credit is tied to federal borrowing rates. Borrowing rates were slashed in response to the pandemic, forcing a dramatic hit to the Housing Credit rate. This puts thousands of housing development projects at risk of being financially insolvent nationwide.
Lower the “50 percent test.” Increased development costs resulting from the pandemic are jeopardizing the financial viability of many projects. Lowering the 50 percent test would provide project flexibility during this uncertain time.
Allow housing developments to access additional equity. These boosts will help at-risk developments move forward in difficult to serve rural areas.

“This pandemic has only exacerbated the affordable housing crisis our country was already facing. We cannot ignore this crucial area of our economy, and more importantly the working families, veterans, seniors, and low-income families who will be able to afford their homes during this time and in the years ahead because of the Housing Credit. We will continue to be focused on communicating the developing needs of this community during all stages of this recovery process,” lawmakers wrote.

Several of these policies are included in the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (H.R. 3077), bipartisan legislation sponsored by Walorski and DelBene that gained the support of more than half of the House of Representatives and nearly half of the Senate before the pandemic.

“The COVID-19 crisis has reminded us of the importance of a safe, stable home. These broadly-supported, bipartisan proposals to strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit will help us keep affordable housing production moving to meet the vast and growing need,” said Emily Cadik, Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. “We thank Congresswomen DelBene and Walorski for their leadership on affordable housing at a time when it is needed more than ever.”

“Lower-income renters are more likely than anyone else to serve in America’s essential workforce, yet they face mounting housing hardships,” said Stockton Williams, Executive Director of the National Council of State Housing Agencies and Co-chair of the ACTION Campaign. “Congress can help many who need it in every state by expanding the Housing Credit as Representatives DelBene and Walorski have proposed and many members in both parties support.”

A copy of the letter can be found 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 Co-Introduces Bill to Help New Parents Receive CARES Act Stimulus Checks This Year

Bipartisan Legislation Would Allow Parents of Newborns or Adopted Children to Receive $500-Per-Child Economic Impact Payments This Year

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) last week introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure new parents quickly receive the additional $500-per-child payment provided by the CARES Act.

“Direct payments under the CARES Act have provided critical lifelines to Americans during this unprecedented crisis, but new parents shouldn’t have to wait until next year to receive the full benefit,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Ensuring parents of newborns receive their full payment as soon as possible is a commonsense way to help these young families thrive.”

“Amid a growing pandemic and with the regular stresses of parenthood, new parents have enough to worry about. They should not have to wait for money they are due from our CARES Act. The legislation we are introducing today will ensure that they can collect every cent they are owed without having to wait until next year,” said Rep. Pascrell. “I want to thank our Senate partners Tammy Duckworth and Tim Scott for their leadership on this important issue. Now more than ever Congress must support families with newborn babies and adopted children, especially those experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19. As we are fighting for another round of support for Americans, I know families cannot wait until next year to receive what they are rightfully due. That’s why we’re introducing this bipartisan legislation today. We must get these payments into the hands of families who need them most.”

“New parents face unique challenges, in addition to the huge financial strain this pandemic is having on all families across our country. Unfortunately, new parents are not able to get relief funding for their newborns through the CARES Act since it uses information from 2019 tax returns that doesn’t include children born in 2020,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure that the parents of newborns are able to receive this benefit now. The birth of a child should be a time of joy for families. Our government can help those families by ensuring they get the necessary help to get through this pandemic.”

“It is crucial that we in Congress work together to provide the support families need during these unprecedented times. New parents have already been faced with the challenge of welcoming home a child in the midst of a pandemic. By ensuring the $500 economic impact payments for children from the CARES Act are distributed earlier than next year’s tax filing season, we can help provide timely resources to the parents who need them the most. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide these resources to parents as soon as possible,” said Rep. Schweikert.

BACKGROUND

Currently, parents of children born or adopted on or after January 1, 2020, must wait until they file taxes in calendar year 2021 to receive those payments due to eligibility for the additional $500 per child being based on existing Child Tax Credit (CTC) rules. H.R. 7884 would waive the existing CTC rules and require the Internal Revenue Service to develop a system to provide payments to families with newborns or adopted children once a Social Security Number is assigned to the child. The legislation is identical to legislation (S. 3679) introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

Congresswoman Walorski previously introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure college students and adult dependents are eligible for direct payments. Under the CARES Act, most families received an economic stimulus payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child. However, the credit was not available for dependents older than 16, meaning that many college students and other dependent adults, such as those with disabilities who are cared for by a family member, are not eligible for relief. H.R. 6681 would allow thousands of Hoosiers who were previously excluded, to receive direct economic impact payments.

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

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Walorski Calls for Hearing on China’s Efforts to Hack Coronavirus Vaccine Researchers

Receives Assurances from Dr. Fauci That Any Vaccine Approved Will Be Safe, Effective, Affordable, and Widely Available

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today called for the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis to hold a hearing on China’s efforts to hack companies researching and developing a coronavirus vaccine. The U.S. Department of Justice last week announced the indictment of two hackers working with the Chinese government to target intellectual property and confidential business information, including COVID-19 research.

“Just last week, the Justice Department indicted two Chinese nationals for hacking companies that are working on a vaccine,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “We sent a strong message to China: this will not be tolerated. I’m glad the administration took action by naming and shaming those involved, as well as closing down a Chinese consulate that was a hub for intellectual property and trade secret theft. We must hold China accountable, Mr. Chairman. Before I close, can you commit to holding a hearing on the threat of Chinese espionage on vaccine producers?”

In today’s subcommittee hearing, Walorski also applauded the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed, an initiative to accelerate the development of a safe, effective, affordable, and widely available vaccine. In response to questions from Congresswoman Walorski, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, assured the American people the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not compromise or eliminate any safety standards in the vaccine approval process.

“I believe ultimately over a period of time in 2021, if we have – and I think we will have – a safe and effective vaccine, that Americans will be able to get it,” Dr. Fauci said. “The commissioner of the FDA, Dr. Stephen Hahn, has assured me and has spoken publicly that he would make sure any decision on the part of the FDA will be based on sound scientific data proving the safety and the efficacy. Given that, I think the American public should be assured that in the process of determining the safety and efficacy the proper steps have been taken to determine that, and when a vaccine becomes available it’s important for their own health and for the health of the country to take that vaccine.”

Video of Congresswoman Walorski’s remarks at the hearing can be found 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 Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge

Winning App Designed by Local Middle or High School Student Will Be Showcased at U.S. Capitol for One Year

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today announced the 2020 Congressional App Challenge and invited middle and high school students throughout Indiana’s 2nd District to submit their original app by Monday, October 19th. Details for interested students can be found below.

“Our nation’s future will be driven by a creative and innovative workforce, and I know the next generation of Hoosiers will be leading the way,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “The Congressional App Challenge is an incredible opportunity for local students to showcase the STEM skills and programming talent that will keep America at the forefront of technological development. I encourage 2nd District middle and high school students of all coding levels to participate, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with!”

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

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Entering the App Challenge

Interested students should register online by Thursday, September 10th. The deadline for final submissions for the 2020 Congressional App Challenge is Monday, October 19th. Information about submitting an app, including rules and guidelines and key dates can be found here.

The annual Congressional App Challenge, launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and to showcase the importance of computer-based skills for middle and high school students. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.). Students can learn more about the CAC partners and learning to code here.

The winning submission will be eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol Building, on the House of Representatives website, and on the Congressional App Challenge website alongside winning apps from other congressional districts nationwide.

Walorski Statement on Passing of Former South Bend Mayor and Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement on the passing of former South Bend Mayor and Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan:

“Joe Kernan showed us all the meaning of service, sacrifice, and leadership. We will remember with gratitude his decades of selfless service to his country and community as a Naval flight officer, prisoner of war, longtime mayor of South Bend, and lieutenant governor and governor of Indiana. Dean and I join all Hoosiers in mourning the loss of Joe Kernan and praying for his beloved wife and their entire family.”

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

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Walorski Introduces Bill to Double R&D Tax Credit

Legislation Would Boost Investment in Innovation, Expand Access to Tax Credit for Small Business Startups

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today introduced legislation to double the R&D tax credit and allow more small business startups to access the credit.

“America’s recovery from the unprecedented crisis we are facing will be driven by our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Doubling the R&D tax credit will encourage companies – especially small businesses and startups – to invest more in research and development that will unleash economic growth and prosperity. This commonsense measure will go a long way toward keeping America ahead of our global competitors and ensuring we continue to lead the world in scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and cutting-edge manufacturing.”

“America can be the world leader in innovation if we focus on economic growth and making the U.S. medically independent. We have an agenda for a healthy American economy, and it starts with bringing manufacturing back to the United States–particularly on the very medical supplies and drugs we need today,” Ways and Means GOP Leader Kevin Brady (R-Texas) said. “America is going to harness innovation to cure coronavirus, return drug manufacturing to the United States, and make America healthy again. I want to thank Rep. Walorski for her leadership on this bill.”

BACKGROUND

H.R. 7766 would double the rate for each of the options businesses have to access the research and development (R&D) tax credit.

Double the “Traditional” Credit to 40 Percent: For more established companies, the existing traditional credit rate – which uses a complicated formula – would double from 20 percent to 40 percent of the increase in R&D spending.
Double the Alternative Simplified Credit (ASC) to 28 Percent: The existing ASC rate – which uses a simpler formula – would double from 14 percent to 28 percent of the increase in R&D spending.
More than Double the Credit for Firms with Little Research History to 14 Percent: For companies with no history of U.S. research in the past three years, the credit would more than double from 6 percent to 14 percent of R&D spending. (The current rate would have been 7 percent if not for a prior drafting error.)
Double the Startup Limit to $500,000: Companies with relatively low income in the past five years can take one of the above credits as a credit against Social Security payroll taxes. The limit on the amount they may claim would double from $250,000 to $500,000.

This proposal is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers.

The full text of the legislation can be found 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: Great American Outdoors Act Will Boost RV and Boat Manufacturing, Protect Natural Resources

Bipartisan Legislation Will Revitalize National Parks, Enhance Access to Public Lands, Strengthen Outdoor Recreation Industry

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today voted for the Great American Outdoors Act, bipartisan legislation that will revitalize our national parks, strengthen conservation efforts, support RV and boat manufacturers, and create Hoosier jobs.

“Our nation’s public lands have long been treasured sources of respite, enjoyment, and beauty available to every American, and they play a critical role in our economy,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Hardworking Hoosiers know that better than anyone: manufacturers in northern Indiana build made-in-America outdoor recreation products, including 80 percent of the nation’s RVs. The Great American Outdoors Act will support RV and boat manufacturers and their workers, promote conservation, and revitalize our national parks so Americans can enjoy them for generations to come.”

Video of Walorski speaking on the House floor in support of the legislation is available here.

The House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1957, the Great American Outdoors Act, by a bipartisan vote of 310 to 107. The bill now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. President Trump has expressed support for the legislation.

Walorski last week authored a guest post for the RV Industry Association in support of the Great American Outdoors Act.

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 the Passing of Rep. John Lewis

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement on the passing of Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.):

“Without hesitation or fear, John Lewis stood against racism and inequality, and he moved America closer to fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all. Simply put, he made our country better.

“I’m deeply saddened at the loss of this iconic civil rights leader, and I will miss my colleague and friend. Dean and I join all Americans in our gratitude for John’s extraordinary life and legacy, and in praying for his family.”

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

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