Anna Eshoo: “I first thank the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Pallone, for his leadership and all of my…”

“I first thank the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Pallone, for his leadership and all of my colleagues on the committee who have worked so hard. I think today is a hallelujah day, and I say this because two of the greatest challenges facing our country are the following. The climate crisis: This is the single largest investment to take on the climate crisis head-on. I hear from children as young as first graders in my district caring about this issue. Two years ago this time, I had 77,000 evacuees from the wildfires in my congressional district. Taking on the climate crisis is absolutely essential. Seniors, the Medicare beneficiaries, we are changing their prescription drug prices today because Medicare will be able to directly negotiate and bring the prices down. Cap insulin at $35 a month--Senate Republicans sabotaged that cap on insulin for all Americans. I don't know how any politician can go home and brag about that. The out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries will not exceed $2,000 a year. We are investing in the IRS. My constituents have been waiting for too long for their refunds. Added staff is going to expedite the services that the IRS and the American people need from the IRS. Finally, deficit reduction--yes, America, this is paid for. This is truly a hallelujah day. This is a red, white, and blue bill. It is good for all Americans, and it will advance our collective future of America.”