Good afternoon,

This week, I took the first step in fulfilling a promise I made to the 16th District and was elected on: repealing and replacing Obamacare with a more patient-centered, affordable, and flexible health care system. Ohioans are suffering under Obamacare. Premiums have risen over 90% since 2013, deductibles are skyrocketing, and insurers are running for the door in the exchanges.

Please understand that there is a lot of misinformation out there and the AHCA does not allow insurers to discriminate against people because of their gender and pre-existing conditions, and no one can be denied coverage.

The bill is now in the Senate's hands, where it will undergo more changes before its passed into law. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the other chamber on producing the strongest legislation possible to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all Americans.

Media Mashup

In my column this week, I was happy to recognize the important work of small businesses. If you haven't heard already, this week is National Small Business Week. Small businesses afford everyday Americans the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and to bring their dreams and ideas to fruition. It is important to remember that rather than let small businesses struggle with an outdated tax code and punitive trade restrictions, we need to set them up for success. It's time to make this country the best place in the world to do business again, and that starts with our small businesses.

I spoke to several outlets about the actions in the House of Representatives to reform health care and the tax system. You can check out my appearances on CNN New Day,The Lead with Jake Tapper, and MSNBC.

Washington Wrap Up

This week, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Comptroller General came to speak to my Bipartisan Working Group, urging legislators to address our federal government’s fiscal failures. Many important government programs like, Social Security, Medicare, and the PBGC face a troubling financial future. These are not Republican or Democrat issues, these are American issues and Congress must work together to solve these problems. Additionally, the Comptroller General testified before the House Budget Committee, of which I am a member, this past week. I encourage you to take a look at this report put out by the non-partisan GAO that discusses many of the fiscal problems facing our country.

I spoke to the recipients of the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership institute program – a great program started by the first Ohio woman speaker, Jo Ann Davidson. The institute provides an eight-month training to encourage women in business and civic leadership to assume more prominent roles throughout our government. It is always great meeting with this organization and I am so thankful for everything they do in our local communities.

It was nice to see something through fruition here in Washington. I was part of a group of lawmakers who pushed the Secretary of the Army to place a memorial honoring Vietnam helicopter crews in Arlington Cemetery. It’s always a priority to me that we give our fallen military heroes the recognition they deserve. There is no greater sacrifice than choosing to serve our country and without the great men and women in our Armed Forces, this nation could not be what it is today. I am looking forward to visiting this monument in the upcoming years.

District Doings

Today, my staff and I hosted a breakfast for the service academy appointees from the 16th district. These future leaders of our military will soon leave to attend West Point, The Naval Academy, The US Air Force Academy or the Merchant Marine Academy and begin their careers in service to our country. This year’s class is a true testament to not only the character of these leaders of tomorrow, but also to the 16th district as a whole. I am proud to have nominated these amazing young people and wish them all the best as their academy journeys begin.

This week, my staff helped local volunteers and The Greater Cleveland Food Bank with their annual harvest for hunger benefit featuring cuisine from more than 50 of Northeast Ohio’s best restaurants. My staff volunteered Orlando Baking Company to highlight their wonderful bread.

Finally, I want to thank all of the engaged citizens in the 16 ^th District for reaching out to me and my staff members this week to voice your opinions and share your concerns. As always thanks for allowing me to represent the 16th district in our nation’s capital.