Anne Arundel Today

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, members of the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and its chair, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), met with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for a conversation on the ongoing effort to implement policies and programs established by the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and other historic legislation that Democrats enacted last Congress. From protecting workers and families from COVID-19 to negotiating Medicare prescription drug costs for the first time, while limiting Medicare beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs and capping insulin prescriptions at $35 per month, these laws are promoting the health of the American people and creating new opportunities for them to get ahead. Additionally, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act made historic investments to address America's mental health crisis, including launching the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988. Members of the RLC and Secretary Becerra discussed how the Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats can continue coordinating to implement the Investing in America agenda in every community across the country.  

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries created the Regional Leadership Council in January 2023 and appointed Congressman Hoyer to serve as its Chair. In addition to Congressman Hoyer, the council consists of twelve Members who each represent one of the United States' twelve regions. The council is working to ensure that Americans in every corner of the country and in every zip code can access the opportunities created by the historic policies that Democrats secured in the 117th Congress, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Honoring Our PACT Act, and many others.  

"In the 117th Congress, Democrats fought to lower costs, create opportunities, and deliver results for the American people," said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. "Millions of Americans have started feeling the positive impact of that commitment – whether it's through cheaper prescription drug prices, lower monthly health insurance premiums, or expanded access to mental health services. The RLC is working to ensure that the resources that Democrats secured through the Inflation Reduction Act, American Rescue Plan, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act continue to bring down costs and open up new opportunities for Americans, no matter where they live. As our discussion demonstrated, Secretary Becerra is a crucial partner in that effort. My colleagues on the RLC and I look forward to continuing to coordinate with him and the rest of the Biden-Harris Administration to advance the Investing in America Agenda and to continue delivering results For The People." 

"The Biden-Harris Administration values our work with the members of the Council to implement legislation that helps advance health and wellness for all Americans," said Secretary of HHS Xavier Becerra. "The President's new lower cost prescription drug law, the investments in behavioral health thanks to the SAFER Communities Act, and so much more will change the lives of Americans from coast to coast. I look forward to continuing our work closely with the Regional Leadership Council on more important legislation in the future." 

Original source can be found here.