News from Washington, D.C.
Legislative Updates
Protecting Reproductive Rights
June 7, 2022 marked the 57th anniversary of the landmark Griswold vs. Connecticut decision in which the Supreme Court first held that the Constitution protects the right to use contraception.
On the anniversary of the Griswold vs. Connecticut decision, Congresswoman Manning introduced a resolution reaffirming the right to access birth control given the unprecedented attacks on reproductive freedom that women across the country are facing.
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Expanding Access to Mental Health Care Through Telemedicine
Telehealth for mental health can be safe and effective and removes barriers to care. Yet, many patients face insurance coverage constraints for telehealth services for mental health, especially when compared to physical health.
Congresswoman Manning introduced the Telemental Health Parity Act to help patients afford the telemental health care they need.
Bringing Down Costs of Food and Fuel
Congresswoman Manning voted to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, meaningful legislation to lower food and gasoline costs for Americans.
The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act is a package of bills that includes provisions to:
- Lower costs at the grocery store by lowering costs for farmers,
- Ensure robust competition in the meat and poultry sector,
- Empower farmers to help provide fuel choices and lower prices at the pump, and
- Strengthen the food supply chain.
“The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act is a strong step in the right direction to bring down everyday costs for Americans,” said Congresswoman Manning. “Lowering costs for farmers, strengthening our food supply chains, ensuring market competition, and bringing down prices at the pump are all actions that will help to curb inflation and protect Americans' hard-earned paychecks.”
Ocean Shipping Reform Act
Congresswoman Manning is a member of the New Democrat Coalition and their Inflation Working Group. The Inflation Working Group announced the released of an action plan to fight inflation.
The New Democrat Coalition Inflation Action Plan called for the passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.
Following the release of their plan, Congress passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, and President Biden signed the bill into law this month.
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act will crack down on rising shipping costs and
boost farmers’ and exporters’ ability to get their goods to the global marketplace.
Historic Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence Signed into Law
Congresswoman Manning, a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, voted to pass The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This bill was signed into law by President Biden this week.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is a commonsense law that will help states effectively implement red flag laws, close the "boyfriend loophole," enhance background checks for people under 21, and increase access to mental health services. This is the first bipartisan gun violence prevention bill to be signed into law in over two decades.
Read Congresswoman Manning's full statement below.
Common Sense Gun Safety Legislation
In addition to supporting the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Congresswoman Manning cosponsored and voted to pass the Protecting Our Kids Act and the Federal Risk Order Protection Act.
Congresswoman Manning gave impassioned remarks on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging support for the Protecting Our Kids Act. Watch below.
The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2022 establishes protections commonly known as ‘Red Flag’ laws, which ensure that those who pose a threat to themselves or others do not have access to firearms. These bills have both passed the House and are now before the Senate for consideration.
Active Shooter Alert Act
Congresswoman Manning voted for the Active Shooter Alert Act.
The Active Shooter Alert Act is a bipartisan, law enforcement-endorsed bill that creates an AMBER Alert-like system for active shooter situations.
This bill is a strong step toward saving lives during an active shooter situation by sharing information quickly and providing local police forces with the tools they need to protect communities.
STRONG Veterans Act
Congresswoman Manning cosponsored and voted to pass the STRONG Veterans Act, legislation to bolster mental health services for veterans.
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Committee Updates and Washington, D.C. Visits
Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol Hearing
Congresswoman Manning attended the Select Committee to Investigate January 6th hearing to make sure those responsible for the assault on our democracy are held accountable.
The Select Committee hosted five hearings in June. Their purpose is to detail the evidence they gathered during their 10-month long investigation and hear from witnesses regarding their experiences before and during January 6th.
Education and Labor Committee Hearing with Secretary Walsh
Congresswoman Manning asked Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh about the role that universal pre-K and affordable child care play in ensuring that women can return to the workforce. Watch their exchange below.
Celebrating Pride Month
Congresswoman Manning gave remarks on the House floor to celebrate Pride Month. Watch below.
Equality and Fairness Coalition
During pride month, Congresswoman Manning met with the Equality & Fairness Coalition to discuss her work in Congress to protect LGBTQ rights.
Wake Forest Health Network
Congresswoman Manning met with Dr. Elisabeth Stambaugh, Chief Medical Officer of the Wake Forest Health Network in Washington, D.C.
North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
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The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits joined Congresswoman Manning in her Washington, D.C. office to discuss the state of the charitable nonprofit sector in North Carolina and federal policy solutions that bolster their efforts.
West Forsyth High School JROTC Students
Major Richard Suggs and local JROTC students joined Congresswoman Manning at the Capitol. Congresswoman Manning sent her best wishes to the West Forsyth High School students as they went on to compete in the national finals of the JROTC Leadership and Academic Championship.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Pell Grant
Congresswoman Manning, a member of the Committee on Education and Labor, is a longtime supporter of Pell Grants and supported a $400 increase to the maximum annual award.
Watch her remarks commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pell Grants below.
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