Representative Angie Craig Testifies on Democratic Accomplishments and Priorities in the 117th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig testified in front of the House Ways & Means Committee on Democratic accomplishments and outstanding priorities in the 117th Congress. As part of the committee's "Members' Day Hearing,'' Craig applauded recent efforts to deliver relief to the American people as part of the American Rescue Plan and encouraged members of both parties to support urgent priorities for her constituents – from addressing the cost of health care and defending Social Security to supporting Minnesota's biofuel and biodiesel industry.
Applauding Provisions in the American Rescue Plan
Expanded definition of dependents: "There was widespread and bipartisan recognition that limiting the benefit to dependents only 16 years old and younger needlessly left millions of American families from their critical aid. Our partnership was critical also to push forward the text of the All Dependent Children Count Act and to ensure an additional $1,400 per dependent regardless of age."
Relief to multi-employer pension plans: "Providing retirement security for the union workers in my Congressional District who put in honest work throughout their careers – only to see their pension benefits significantly at risk – was a huge accomplishment."
Expanded eligibility for health care coverage savings: "And, by advancing my colleague Representative Underwood's Health Care Affordability Act as part of the American Rescue Plan, over 44,000 uninsured Minnesotans will be newly eligible for health care coverage savings."
Advocating for Progress on Outstanding Priorities
Bringing down the cost of health care: "As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Subcommittee on Health, I am eager to partner with you to help move another legislative priority similar to last Congress' H.R.1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, this year."
Supporting biofuel and biodiesel industries: "Biodiesel should receive equal treatment to ensure the ability to thrive, grow and further decarbonize the hard-to-electrify segments of our transportation sector."
Shoring up Social Security for Minnesota's seniors: "The other is consideration of ways we can strengthen and shore up Social Security for millions of seniors relying on this critical retirement security. I support Rep. Rodney Davis' Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset."
A full video of Representative Craig's remarks is available here.