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Hello everyone,
Like most Americans, I rely on the internet and GPS every day. But many people don’t realize that these technological breakthroughs came from little-known agencies in the Departments of Defense and Energy that support high-risk, high-reward research.
Five years ago, Congress established a similar agency within the Department of Agriculture – the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA). Its cutting edge research will unlock tools for our farmers and ranchers to address water conservation, soil health, disease and pest management, extreme weather, and many other challenges they face.
As Colorado’s family farmers and ranchers grapple with climate change and persistent drought, higher costs, and increased global competition, investing in this research is vital. This week, I introduced my bipartisan Advancing Cutting Edge Agriculture Act to double funding for AgARDA and expand its scope to deliver even more breakthroughs.
By investing in groundbreaking agricultural research, we can secure America’s food supply and give our farmers and ranchers the tools they need to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Sincerely,
Michael
HOLDING BIG PHARMA ACCOUNTABLE
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was a major win for the American people over Big Pharma, and the law has already lowered prescription drugs costs for 60 million Americans on Medicare. It has also led some of the biggest companies like Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi to cut the costs of life-saving insulin for everyone.
Several provisions of the law are already in effect – including a $35 cap on monthly insulin costs for people on Medicare and $0 copays for adult vaccines for people on Medicaid and Medicare Part D. This week, I urged the Biden Administration to continue holding Big Pharma accountable by publicly releasing a list of prescription drugs whose prices have risen faster than inflation.
Thanks to the IRA, companies that raise their prices above inflation rates must pay back these costs to Americans – saving our country millions of dollars and making vital prescriptions more affordable.
The day after our letter, we got some great news: the administration released the list of drug manufacturers and will begin to hold them accountable to lower prices. I will keep pushing to fully implement this law and make health care more accessible and affordable for every American.
PROTECTING AMERICANS’ DATA ONLINE
Doctors, lawyers, and bankers are required by law to protect Americans’ personal information. However, tech companies that collect and hold vast personal data on Americans are not subject to the same requirements.
This week, I introduced the Data Care Act to require websites, apps, and other online providers to take steps to protect our information the same way it’s protected at a hospital, in a courtroom, or at the bank. By establishing common sense rules to protect Americans’ data in the digital age, we can safeguard our personal information and stop the misuse of our data.
WELCOMING MILLIONS IN HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE
As Coloradans face rising energy costs, no one should have to make impossible decisions between keeping their families warm and putting food on the table. That’s why I supported historic investments for home energy assistance in the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and federal funding bills.
This week, I was grateful to announce nearly $23.5 million in additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Colorado families cover home energy costs – adding up to over $87.5 million in funding for our state over the last year.
Last season, approximately 77,500 low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes in Colorado benefited from this vital assistance. Applications are open through April 30, 2023, or until the funding is exhausted.
More information on applying for LIHEAP assistance is available HERE.
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