The ACA strengthened Medicare by improving the solvency of the program and strengthening program integrity.

Now, more than 40 million Americans have access to affordable medications through the Medicare Part D program.

That is why in 2013 myself and our colleague, Ben Ray Lujan, first introduced the Medicare Part D Patient Safety and Drug Abuse Prevention Act.

But how can these questions remain open for so long, and how have you tried to resolve them, and maybe most importantly, how can we help you?

These are real dollars and real savings for Americans, allowing them to live healthier lives.

Congress will need to reauthorize the Pipeline Safety Act soon, and yet, as a number of us noted in our opening statements, PHMSA has yet to complete some of the most critical rulemakings mandated by the 2011 Act.

I am glad we are here today to discuss ways to strengthen and improve the program.

The Medicare Part D program has been a great success for our Nation's seniors and for people with disabilities.

I think that is a big step in the right direction.

I know that PHMSA used this authority to address threats posed to Santa Barbara by two of the lines operated by Plains All American, but I am concerned that perhaps the hurdle for using this authority is still too high.

I introduced the Medicare Prescription Drug Integrity Act of 2013.

The Affordable Care Act strengthened Part D and took crucial steps to improve affordability and access.