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Take 5: Ellmers lays out legislative priorities
This week, we Take 5 with Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, who represents the 2nd Congressional District of North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives, about a number of legislative issues.
Take 5: Ellmers lays out legislative priorities
The Sanford Herald This week, we Take 5 with Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, who represents the 2nd Congressional District of North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives, about a number of legislative issues. Ellmers, a Republican, is a native of Michigan who lives in Dunn and worked as a nurse prior to her election to Congress in 2010. The 2nd Congressional District includes all of Lee County as well as all or parts of Alamance, Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Moore, Randolph and Wake counties. Question 1: Your anti-human trafficking amendment is on its way to the president’s desk to be signed into law. What does this amendment do, and why is it important? **Note, Rep. Ellmers’ amendment became law as of Friday, May 29th** Ellmers:Human trafficking is a pertinent issue for us in North Carolina — largely because of our three major interstate highways and four international airports. Research shows that human trafficking victims often come into contact with a health provider while still trapped in the cycle, so my amendment will create a program in nursing and medical schools dedicated to educating health care professionals on signs and symptoms of abuse so they can intercede early on. This amendment ultimately will help victims within our country, and I am proud to see this bipartisan legislation head to the president’s desk. Question 2: As the representative of Fort Bragg, I know you’ve been a tireless advocate for the 440th Airlift Wing and the men and women stationed on post. Tell us a little about your efforts to save the 440th Airlift Wing and why it’s so important this wing stay intact. Ellmers:The Airborne and Special Operations units the 440th supports are unique because of the paratroopers within the Global Response Force. These men and women are on call 24/7, packed and ready to deploy anywhere in the world within hours. Throughout my efforts to save the 440th this year, I personally have met with the secretary of the Air Force, the deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve and the chief of staff of the Air Force to discuss mygrave concerns. I have submitted an appropriations request and four amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit closure of this wing. I am proud to relay my amendment requiring the secretary of defense to certify that this proposal will not impact military readiness was adopted unanimously into the NDAA — and this certification by the secretary must take place before the Air Force can move forward with any decision.
Question 4: You played a leading role in crafting a Medicare reform package that recently was signed into law by the president. Can you talk about your efforts in this process and what this means for senior citizens back home in North Carolina? Ellmers:Over the last several years, I have worked with my colleagues in the House Doctors Caucus and Health Subcommittee to repeal a flawed component of the Medicare reimbursement system, which was having a detrimental impact on senior citizens and doctors. The replacement legislation I helped craft was critical to reforming our Medicare system so that it now provides certainty, stability and better health care for North Carolina’s senior citizens. This legislation was bipartisan, bicameral and recently signed into law by the president, which means senior citizens on Medicare will have quality access to their preferred doctor. Question 5: You voted to support the recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contained your amendment to protect the 440th Airlift Wing. What does this budget mean in terms of national security for the hardworking men and women stationed at Fort Bragg? Ellmers:As the representative of Fort Bragg, I believe it’s imperative that we provide our military with the resources and steady financial backing necessary to plan for a military of the future. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $604 billion in spending for national defense and improves pay and benefits for our troops and service members at Fort Bragg. The NDAA authorizes resources needed to defeat the terrorist group ISIL while also prioritizing funds for our troops, veterans and families. Additionally, this legislation strengthens congressional oversight by imposing greater restrictions on the president in order to prevent a unilateral transfer of terrorists. Question 6: What legislation have you been working on recently? Ellmers:I currently have legislation working its way through each subcommittee that I sit on within the Energy & Commerce Committee. Within the Communications & Technology subcommittee, I have legislation requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to post the text of approved rules on its website within 24 hours. The public has a right to know what policies the FCC is enacting, and this legislation is crucial to ushering in transparency at an agency often criticized for its behind-closed-doors process of legislating. Within the Energy & Power Subcommittee, I have two pieces of legislation included in the committee’s comprehensive Energy Package. One will benefit constituents, as it allows for them to reduce their utility bills, and another secures our nation’s electric grid from severe weather and physical and cyber-attacks. I have three pieces of legislation included in the Health Subcommittee’s comprehensive health package called “The 21st Century Cures Act.” One provision will reform the vaccine delivery process so that we can get new treatments and cures to the markets faster for North Carolinians. Another provision will broaden access to health care technologies so that the 1.1 million senior citizens enrolled in Social Security in North Carolina have access to innovative medical technologies. The final piece of legislation improves the loan repayment program for students at North Carolina universities who have an interest in pursuing the medical and research field.
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is She represents the Second District of North Carolina which includes all of Fort Bragg.
ellmers.house.gov | 202.225.4531 |