House Votes to Protect  Paychecks of American Families

This week the House took another step to protect American jobs and small businesses by passing the Save American Workers(SAW)Act. This legislation would repeal the 30-hour definition of “full-time employment” in the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, and restore the traditional 40-hour week.

We have already seen numerous examples of how businesses are cutting back hours, laying off employees and delaying expansion plans due to increased premiums in Obamacare. Our middle class is continuing to shrink and millions of hard-working Americans are losing income as a result of the health care law.

Our office has heard from thousands of constituents who have been negatively impacted by Obamacare and the economic costs of this law. We will continue to find ways to address the flaws with this health care law. 

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy Testifies

Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)Administrator Gina McCarthy appeared in front of the Energy and Commerce committee to discuss President Obama’s budget for the EPA in 2015. During questioning, I asked Administrator McCarthy why the Obama Administration wants to cut $581 million for clean water and sewer projects while adding money for enforcement of excessive regulations and climate change initiatives.

McCarthy acknowledged climate change was a higher priority for the Administration and even said we need to address climate change in order to get clean water. Small towns across West Virginia are struggling to invest and upgrade their water systems – yet the Obama EPA is putting its basic role of ensuring clean water low on its priority list.

I also asked McCarthy about the EPA retroactively revoking the permit for the Spruce Mine. That action will have a chilling effect not only on coal, but all businesses that require permits to operate.

Constituent Meetings in Marion County

On Monday, we hosted several meetings with constituents in Marion County including students from Fairmont State University in a Roundtable discussion on campus, officials with Pierpont Community and Technical College, and city officials from Barrackville.

Meeting with people in settings like these allows me to listen and better understand how to serve West Virginia. We’ve made it a priority to spend time reaching all corners of Marion County, including small communities like Barrackville.

Whether it’s discussing the economy with college students concerned about their future or water projects with local officials, these meetings are extremely helpful in setting our priorities.

Upcoming Health Forum at WVU

We will be hosting a roundtable discussion on rural health care at West Virginia University later this month.  Participants will include doctors, health care providers, administrators, researchers, patient advocates, and academics.  Co-hosted by WVU President Gordon Gee, this forum is open to the public to attend.

         Location:                        West Virginia University

         Date:                              April 21, 2014

         Time:                             1:00 – 3:30 p.m..

         Format:                          Roundtable Discussion

         Discussion Topic:          Rural healthcare in America

Constituent Meetings

This week, I also met a number of constituent groups, including a representative from the WV Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the President from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine:

If you are ever in the Washington D.C.. office please drop in and say hello. If you want an appointment just give my office a call at 202-225-4172.