Big News on a New Law to Reduce Prices for American Families
Hello Folks –
As August marches on, there is a lot happening! For the past couple of weeks – and for a few more weeks to come – I’ll be running around our region and working to be available, accessible, and accountable to you.
While the Seahawks were lining up against the Steelers and Bears (and making me a little worried about the season ahead), I was able to make it to the annual Jefferson County, Clallam County, and Grays Harbor County Fairs and the Key Peninsula Logging Show! I had the chance to try some delicious shaved ice, scones, and barbecue, while chatting with plenty of new folks along the way. (I should mention, August is highly caloric for me.)
I’m looking forward to seeing more folks across the region as I head from pillar to post across the district! Now, on to the news!
Reducing Prices for American Families
As countries around the world deal with inflation, we’ve got to take action to lower costs for the American people. That’s why I was proud to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act – legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden - that aims to lower health care costs, reduce prescription drugs costs, lower energy costs for consumers, and combat the climate crisis.
Folks need a break – and this new law will lend a hand. This legislation will lower health care costs for millions of Americans, as well as address the cost of prescription drugs and cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors. This includes a cap on insulin prices for Medicare beneficiaries at $35 monthly. The Inflation Reduction Act will also extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, potentially preventing 3 million people from becoming uninsured, and allow Medicare to negotiate lower costs across the board for beneficiaries.
These reforms, among others, represent significant savings for seniors and taxpayers, and I am proud that these provisions were included. Treatment costs should never present a barrier to someone’s health or quality of life.
This bill will invest $369 billion dollars to help curb greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience and grow our green economy. This is the largest ever investment in the fight against climate change, incentivizing the transition to technologies that reduce emissions and lower energy costs. The Inflation Reduction Act will also support climate solutions in rural communities, including climate-smart farming practices and funding to restore coastal habitats, something that is critical to a region like the Pacific Northwest.
Importantly, the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce the deficit by an estimated $300 billion over the next 10 years, by asking more of the very largest, most profitable corporations. This bill keeps the President’s promise to ensure nobody earning less than $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Middle-class families deserve some relief – and this new law will provide it. I believe that this bill will make a real difference for the folks I represent.
Visit from the U.S. Secretary of Energy
Our region wouldn’t be what it is without its spectacular coastlines and extraordinary natural resources, which is why I’ve focused on investing in clean energy and taking action to combat climate change to protect our coastal communities and forests.
I’m excited to share that earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Department of Energy Undersecretary for Science & Innovation Geri Richmond, joined me for a visit to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Sequim (PNNL-Sequim) – which houses the only marine research facilities in the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. The visit to Sequim was a great opportunity to showcase to leaders of the Energy Department the outstanding work that’s happening right here in our region to help our country achieve sustainable energy.
During the visit, Secretary Granholm, Undersecretary Richmond, and I toured PNNL-Sequim facilities and met with PNNL-Sequim leadership and team members to learn about the unique capabilities of the lab. We took a ride on one of the research vessels to learn more about PNNL’s marine and coastal research capabilities – which aim to advance DOE’s goal of using waves and wind from our waters to produce energy. We also toured PNNL’s unique seawater laboratories, which allow researchers and partners to evaluate new marine technologies in realistic seawater conditions. The tests conducted here aim to help advance the development of marine energy devices as well as support critical mineral separations; carbon dioxide removal; approaches for converting algae to fuels, food, and materials; and prevention of corrosion and biofouling that impacts technology performance.
In addition to touring the facilities, Secretary Granholm and I held a roundtable discussion with Olympic Peninsula community leaders to discuss community collaboration opportunities for climate and energy resilience in the region. The conversation focused on the energy needs of the Olympic Peninsula and challenges and opportunities for system upgrades in Jefferson and Clallam Counties. This was an important discussion for a lot of reasons – but particularly because we know that as we work to transition to renewable energy sources, we can’t leave rural communities and Tribal nations behind. I’m glad I could help ensure that DOE leadership learn more about the challenges our region faces – but also to talk about the opportunities that exist for collaboration. As our former quarterback Russell Wilson (who I’m kind of missing right now) has said, “Why not us?” Our region can be an important part of the solution to grow renewable energy and create jobs right here in rural communities in the Pacific Northwest.
During my visit with Secretary Granholm and Undersecretary Richmond, I also got the chance to chat with them about the Blue Energy Innovation Act – bipartisan legislation I introduced to harness the blue economy (technologies and economic development tied to the ocean and other waterways) and reassert the U.S. as the global leader in blue energy research and development. The goal is to see national laboratories, like PNNL-Sequim, and other facilities be utilized to develop cutting edge blue energy technology, capitalizing on water’s low-costs energy decarbonization potential.
This legislation can be a driving force to help Washington state become a global leader in driving innovation and creating blue economy jobs. As our focus shifts to renewable energy, our region can play a pivotal role in tackling the climate crisis, creating access to reliable and affordable energy in rural areas, and generating new jobs.
Helping You
When folks have an issue with a federal agency, my dedicated and experienced casework team is here to help. From ensuring federal agencies respond promptly to constituent requests, to holding agencies accountable when folks have not received the benefits that they have earned, to other matters, our team is focused on making sure government works for you.
So far in this Congress alone, my team and I have helped over 1,800 people and saved or returned over $12,200,000 to folks across our region.
Our casework team regularly meets with constituents by appointment in our Tacoma and Bremerton Offices. But our team is taking a roadshow to get information and resources out to you.
In the coming weeks, you can come and meet the casework team firsthand at one of our upcoming open house events to learn more about the services we can provide – and get the process started!
North Olympic Peninsula
Tuesday, August 23
10:00am – 3:00pm
Office of Rep. Kilmer
332 E 5th St
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Grays Harbor County
Wednesday, August 31
10:00am – 3:00pm
Aberdeen Timberland Library
121 E Market St
Aberdeen, WA 98520
Can't make one of these mobile office hours? Stay tuned for additional mobile office hours, schedule an appointment with our casework team by calling 360-373-9725, or check-out my website to get started.
Working for You
Improving Access to Health Care in Rural Communities
We've got to ensure folks in rural communities have access to affordable care. For years, I’ve been advocating for a reversal of a reimbursement policy that really stuck it to rural providers. In recent years, I’ve met with the leadership at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, introduced legislation, put language in appropriations bills, and done everything I can to ensure our providers in rural areas don’t get the short end of the stick. And I'm proud that after years of hard work advocating for change, the federal government is reversing their policy. Hospitals should be encouraged to bring their services closer to the people they care for, not be penalized for it. I stopped by Olympic Medical Center to chat with them about the progress we’ve made together. The reversal of this policy will represent a nearly $50 million benefit to the bottom line of OMC. This is a huge deal for protecting health care in rural communities and for protecting jobs. I'll keep at it!
Recognizing Our Servicemembers
U.S. Coast Guard Station Port Angeles does incredible work to protect the waters and the people of the Olympic Peninsula. It was terrific to meet Commander Brent Schmadeke and the impressive team. I also joined airborne capabilities demonstration to learn more about the important work they do to serve folks across our region!
Thank You to Our First Responders
It was great to join local first responders from the Tacoma Fire Department to see firsthand the challenges they’re facing in serving our region. The service they provide to our communities is so important! As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to ensuring our first responders get the funding support they need from the federal government.
Celebrating Diversity
I had a terrific time at the Puyallup Tribal Clam Boil & Coastal Jam earlier this month! It’s important to me to support our Tribal nations as they work to keep their traditions alive.
OK – that’s it for now, folks. As always, I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek