NBC Early Today: FTC Will Investigate Loot Boxes
In case you missed it, Senator Maggie Hassan participated in Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee hearing this week, where she received a commitment from FTC Chairman Joseph Simons and all of the FTC commissioners that they will investigate “loot boxes” in video games, which allow for in-game purchases and surprise winnings that can encourage gambling-like behavior in children. The Senator urged the Commission to ensure that children are being adequately protected, and to educate parents about the potential negative impacts of these games.
In case you missed it, Senator Maggie Hassan participated in Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee hearing this week, where she received a commitment from FTC Chairman Joseph Simons and all of the FTC commissioners that they will investigate “loot boxes” in video games, which allow for in-game purchases and surprise winnings that can encourage gambling-like behavior in children. The Senator urged the Commission to ensure that children are being adequately protected, and to educate parents about the potential negative impacts of these games.
Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted a bill she recently introduced that would help end surprise medical bills from emergency care or care that patients thought was in their insurance network during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on health care costs.
Senator Maggie Hassan during a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee hearing, questioned commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the FTC’s oversight of deceptive marketing practices, particularly for opioids. The deceptive and fraudulent marketing of OxyContin by Purdue Pharma, which intentionally misled the public for over a decade about the drug’s potential for abuse and addictive impacts, is thought to have played a large role in starting the devastating opioid epidemic.
As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned Ronald Vitiello during his nomination hearing to become the Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Senator Hassan specifically pressed the nominee on the long-term mental health impacts on children that result from detaining families indefinitely and separating children from their parents, as well as ICE’s treatment of members of New Hampshire’s Indonesian community.
Senator Maggie Hassan pressed Acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Russel Travers on recent reports that a resurgent ISIS has 30,000 fighters engaged in its attempts to reassert control over Iraq and Syria, seemingly contradicting President’s Trump’s assertion that ISIS has been “obliterated”.
In the lead-up to the final vote on Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination, Senator Maggie Hassan delivered a speech on the Senate floor regarding her opposition to Judge Kavanaugh.
Senator Maggie Hassan speaks on the Senate floor about her deep concern over Judge Kavanaugh's harmful record on health care.
Senator Maggie Hassan delivered a speech on the Senate floor, calling out the failure by some of her colleagues to take seriously the multiple credible allegations of sexual assault against Judge Kavanaugh.
Senator Maggie Hassan pressed a representative from Google on recent reports that Google is working on a search engine for China that would provide compromised results, during a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The Senator emphasized concerns that doing so would not only enable the Chinese government to continue censorship, but also to continue carrying out human rights abuses against its citizens.
Senator Maggie Hassan pressed Executive Associate Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Matthew Albence and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Border Patrol Robert Perez on their agencies’ recommendation to lift restriction imposed by the the Flores settlement.
Senator Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor ahead of a vote to pass major bipartisan legislation to help combat the devastating opioid crisis and save lives. This bipartisan bill includes legislation that Senator Hassan helped develop as a member of the HELP Committee, as well as other key measures that the Senator either authored or cosponsored to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts.
Senator Maggie Hassan emphasized the need for greater federal support for small companies and service providers in the face of cyber threats and highlighted the importance of strengthening cyber resiliency during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Commerce Committee hearing where she pressed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske about the Trump Administration and TSA’s continued efforts to eliminate critical airport security programs, such as Visible Intermodal Protection and Response (VIPER) teams and Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Reimbursements grants.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, where she pushed Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about the steps the agency is taking to understand how per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water is impacting the health of Granite Staters and Americans.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned Seema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), about how to prevent big pharmaceutical companies from misclassifying their drugs as ‘generic’ so that the companies can pay out less in the drug discounts mandated under the Medicaid rebate program.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing, where she confronted Commander Johnathan D. White, Incident Commander in the Office of the Assistance Secretary for Preparedness and Response who is tasked to lead the Unaccompanied Alien Children Reunification mission at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), about the agency’s failure to ensure that states are notified by and have support from federal agencies when an unaccompanied immigrant child is placed with a sponsor who lives in those states.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, where she pressed Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Ajit Pai, and FCC Commissioners Michael O’Reilly, Brendan Carr, and Jessica Rosenworcel on President Trump’s portrayal of the press as the “enemy of the people.” Senator Hassan’s questioning comes as nearly 350 newspapers across the country published editorials today decrying this rhetoric from the President and standing up for the freedom of the press.
Senator Maggie Hassan spoke on the Senate floor marking this week’s 53rd anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing Medicare and Medicaid into law. Senator Hassan highlighted the need to fight back against attempts from Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans to slash funding for these critical programs.
Senator Maggie Hassan, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) committee hearing, discussed the need to reduce administrative burdens in the health care system for patients and their families. Senator Hassan referenced her own experience navigating administrative hurdles with insurance companies to get her son Ben, who experiences disabilities, the care he needs.
Senator Maggie Hassan, during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, responded to the Trump Administration’s efforts to weaken the quality of the Registered Apprenticeship model and highlighted the success of these programs in New Hampshire.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Hearing, where witnesses applauded Senator Hassan’s leadership in authoring, with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), the AIRWAVES Act, which focuses on closing the urban-rural digital divide and promoting 5G innovation. Senator Hassan questioned the witnesses on what 5G would mean for telemedicine, public safety, rural communities, and people living with disabilities.
During a Senate Commerce hearing, Senator Hassan confronted a Michigan State Official for disparaging a survivor of Larry Nassar’s abuse.
Senator Maggie Hassan raised concerns about recent news that the drug giant Novartis brokered a sweetheart deal with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) over an innovative new gene therapy which Novartis has priced at $475,000. The deal was halted after CMS’s own lawyers raised concerns, saying they were “surprised and concerned” with Novartis' influence on the process.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing focused on cybersecurity in the wake of the cyber vulnerabilities “Spectre” and “Meltdown” that were found in processing chips made by Intel, ARM, and AMD.
Senator Maggie Hassan recognized retired Air Force Master Sergeant Lee Hirtle of Northfield as June’s “Granite Stater of the Month” for his incredible dedication to honoring service members and veterans who have passed. Master Sergeant Hirtle is also a retired New Hampshire State Trooper.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where she pressed Brian Ritchie of the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the Trump Administration’s policy of separating families at the border and emphasized the urgent need to immediately reunite children with their parents. The Senator also noted the long-term health impacts family separation has on children.
Join Senator Maggie Hassan for a panel discussion on the current state of media and the future of the free press. This briefing will explore a range of topics including the current state of media, disinformation, “fake news,” and threats to the free press.
Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the inherent conflict between privacy and profitability at companies such as Facebook that sell user data as part of their business model during a Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing.
Senator Hassan questioned HHS Secretary Alex Azar during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on the cost of prescription drugs.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where she highlighted the importance of strengthening counterterrorism efforts and pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Undersecretary David Glawe, who also serves as Counter Terrorism Coordinator, about the Department’s efforts to prevent, respond to, and mitigate terrorist threats to the homeland.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on the health care workforce in America, where she highlighted the importance of supporting and strengthening the direct care workforce in New Hampshire and across the country, noting that the majority of hands-on care for older adults and individuals who experience disabilities is provided by direct care workers and that the demand for direct care workers is expected to increase by 49 percent between now and 2022.
Senator Hassan spoke on the Senate floor, reinforcing the importance of protecting a free and open internet so that all hard-working Granite Staters and businesses across the country can thrive.
As member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen at a hearing on the “authorities and resources needed to protect and secure the United States.”
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on mitigating cybersecurity risks, where she highlighted the importance of bolstering election security as the 2018 midterm elections get underway. The Senator also reiterated the need to strengthen security around the Internet of Things.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection hearing titled, “Olympic Abuse: The Role of National Governing Bodies in Protecting Our Athletes,” where she commended the bravery and courage of survivors of sexual abuse and highlighted the importance of holding those responsible accountable in order to prevent further abuse.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on the bipartisan Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, which includes a number of priorities Senator Hassan has championed.
As a member of the Senator Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the joint Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committees hearing titled, “Facebook, Social Media Privacy, and the Use and Abuse of Data.”
In a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, Senator Hassan highlights the importance of the 340B program for rural hospitals.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing today, where she pressed Trump Administration cabinet secretaries on the importance of protecting consumers, investing in water infrastructure, and supporting workforce training initiatives.
In the wake of the third nor’easter in two weeks, Senator Maggie Hassan spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the devastating impacts of climate change in New Hampshire and across the country, and stressed the urgent need to act to combat climate change.
As students across the country engage in walk-outs and demand action to prevent future acts of gun violence, Senator Maggie Hassan announced the Spaulding High School community as March’s “Granite Staters of the Month,” recognizing the compassion and commitment to helping others that they displayed following the horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the importance of improving and expanding broadband infrastructure during a Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee hearing. Senator Hassan specifically highlighted the AIRWAVES Act, bipartisan legislation she introduced with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) to help free up more spectrum resources and invest in rural broadband initiatives.
Senator Maggie Hassan led a roundtable discussion on the importance of passing the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0, specifically highlighting provisions in the bill that would support first responders and public safety officials. Senator Hassan was joined by Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jon C. DeLena, Manchester Police Chief Nick Willard, and Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan.
Senator Maggie Hassan emphasized the urgent need for additional federal funding to combat the fentanyl, heroin, and opioid epidemic, an assesment echoed by witnesses Governors Larry Hogan (R-MD) and Kate Brown (D-OR) today at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing about the future of the Vermonter train service. Anderson had previously testified before the House transportation committee indicating that service lines like the Vermonter could be discontinued due to a lack positive train control.
Senator Maggie Hassan spoke on the Senate floor in support of common-sense legislation to help prevent gun violence and protect our communities.
In her remarks, Senator Hassan highlighted the brave advocacy of Stoneman Douglas students in the wake of the shooting that killed 17 members of the Parkland, Florida high school community.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned nominees to be Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioners about the importance of protecting consumers from predatory student loan scams during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing.
Senator Maggie Hassan spoke on the Senate floor, where she commended mothers of opioid overdose victims for their courage in speaking out about their personal experiences and highlighted the importance of increasing federal resources to combat the fentanyl, heroin, and opioid epidemic in New Hampshire and across the country.
Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Cassandra Levesque, an 18-year-old from Barrington, as her “Granite Stater of the Month” for February. Cassandra fights to outlaw the practice of child marriage in New Hampshire, where she got a bill introduced in the state legislature that would have closed the loopholes that allow childhood marriage to occur.
Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the impact that the opioid crisis has on children and families in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing.
During a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reauthorization, Senator Maggie Hassan pressed DHS officials on the importance of effective intelligence sharing across the department’s agencies and the need to ensure that the nation’s election infrastructure is secure.
During a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the importance of improving higher education affordability to help students obtain postsecondary credentials and degrees, particularly given workforce needs in the 21st century innovation economy.
In response to the President’s State of the Union address, Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the urgent need for less talk and more action from the Trump Administration on critical bipartisan priorities such as combatting the heroin, fentanyl, and opioid crisis.
My guest for tonight's State of the Union address is McKenzie Harrington-Bacote, who works in the Office of School Wellness for the Laconia School District. McKenzie is doing critical work to prevent substance misuse and support students impacted by this crisis – and people like her on the front lines need more resources. Tonight, I hope we finally hear the President take the lead in pushing for the substantial additional resources it will take to help turn the tide of this crisis.
During a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the importance of expanding high-quality Competency Based Education (CBE) programs and touted Southern New Hampshire University’s successful CBE efforts.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Commerce, Science, and Transportation field hearing titled “Driving Automotive Innovation and Federal Policies” at the Washington Convention Center where she questioned witnesses from the auto industry and academia on how autonomous vehicles (AVs) can support people who experience disabilities and the importance of protecting AV consumer privacy.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned medical professionals during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) about the nation’s preparedness and response plans to address public health needs in the event of major disasters like Hurricane Maria.
During a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned higher education experts about how to help students complete degrees and the harmful impact of a proposed graduate student loan cap on students.
Senator Maggie Hassan pressed representatives from Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube about how social media companies can be more proactive in reporting violent extremists on their platforms. During a Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing, Senator Hassan specifically highlighted the Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign encouraging people to alert authorities to suspicious behavior, and questioned the witnesses about their companies’ support for that campaign.
WMUR report on Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announcing a proposal to include $25 billion in additional funding to combat the opioid crisis in the budget agreement that is currently being negotiated.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic,” about the role Big Pharma has played in contributing to the fentanyl, heroin, and opioid crisis during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) led a press conference with Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and individuals on the front lines of the substance misuse crisis to call for a significant increase in federal funding to combat the opioid crisis in a year-end spending bill.
Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) pressed Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, on the Trump Administration’s failure to take leadership in calling for more federal funding to combat the fentanyl, heroin and opioid crisis. During the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, Senator Hassan also highlighted the flawed formula used to allocate opioid funding under the 21st Century Cures Act, which leaves hardest-hit states like New Hampshire without adequate federal resources.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing focused on the need to address the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs.
December's Granite Stater of the Month is a shining example of what makes New Hampshire such a strong, resilient state. While battling leukemia, 8-year old Mighty Max has been collecting thousands of toys for other children. It's my honor to tell his story on the Senate floor.
During a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, about the harmful impact that the Republican tax plan would have on biomedical research and the next generation of researchers who would see their higher education costs rise dramatically under the Republican proposal.
As part of her efforts to keep New Hampshire and the United States safe, secure, and free, Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where she questioned counterterrorism officials about the evolving terror threat, particularly the flight of ISIS fighters from Syria to other countries.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing with substance misuse experts, medical professionals, and public safety officials where she underscored the urgent need for increased federal funding to address the fentanyl, heroin, and opioid epidemic. Senator Hassan also highlighted the critical role that prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) and New Hampshire’s Safe Stations play in combating substance misuse.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the nomination of former pharmaceutical company executive Alex Azar to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Senator Hassan pressed Azar on the need for more federal opioid funding for the hardest hit states like New Hampshire, and raised concerns about his commitment to lowering skyrocketing prescription drug prices given the nominee’s close ties to pharmaceutical companies.
During his time at the Department of Justice, Steven Bradbury showed that he lacks the judgment and commitment to our shared American values that are necessary to serve within our government. I am speaking out against his nomination to General Counsel for the Department of Transportation.
During a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned former and current Equifax executives about protecting consumer data and the company’s responsibility to adequately notify consumers of and remediate the damage from data breaches like the one Equifax recently experienced.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing for Kirstjen Nielsen, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing where she highlighted the cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with the Internet of Things (IoT). Senator Hassan pointed to the devastating cyber-attack on the New Hampshire company Dyn Inc., which infected baby monitors and other internet-connected devices with malware and led to dozens of major retailers and media websites being taken off line for several hours.
Given the Trump Administration's attempts at sabotage, it's more important than ever to tell our friends and neighbors about this open enrollment period. That's why I am on the floor talking about how important it is to get covered through HealthCare.gov (even if you already have coverage through HealthCare.gov, it still pays to shop as you may be able to get a better deal). Open enrollment is from Nov. 1 until Dec. 15, for more information visit healthcare.gov.
Senator Maggie Hassan pressed Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long about the federal government’s inadequate response and relief efforts for Puerto Rico during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned witnesses from the satellite industry about the importance of closing the rural-urban divide on broadband connectivity during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology on Wednesday.
Greg Drugan was a young graduate of Keene State College with dreams of becoming a doctor. Unfortunately, he lost his life to substance misuse disorder. Senator Hassan will be telling his story on the Senate floor to highlight the opioid crisis, its effects on Granite Staters, and the need for on-going action.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned a representative from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American (PhRMA), the trade group representing the branded drugs, on Allergan’s anti-competitive attempt to shield its patents from review and keep drug prices high during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing.
In a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing today, Senator Maggie Hassan pressed a representative from the national organization representing primary pharmaceutical distributors on the industry’s efforts to undermine the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) authority to crack down on opioid distributors.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the federal response to the heroin, fentanyl, and opioid crisis. Senator Hassan questioned Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb on what steps the FDA is taking to implement the bipartisan Opioid Addiction Risk Transparency Act, legislation that Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Todd Young (R-IN) to help ensure that health care providers understand the addiction risks of “abuse-deterrent” opioids so that they can properly communicate those risks to their patients. The bill was signed into law as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017.
Senator Hassan highlighted the more than 30 years of educational research showing that all students perform better when students who experience disabilities are fully included in the classroom, and asked how states should apply these insights in their plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a hearing of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security where she underscored the importance of securing airports in New Hampshire and across America. Senator Hassan specifically highlighted President Trump’s proposed budget cuts to Transportation Security Administration programs that would undermine security at small and medium airports, including Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
At the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing on threats to the homeland, Senator Maggie Hassan highlighted the importance of Visa Security teams in the fight against ISIS, and emphasized her commitment to ensuring that the FBI has the resources it needs to combat domestic terrorism and keep Granite Staters and Americans safe, secure, and free.
At a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan addressed the crisis in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Senator Hassan called on the Trump Administration to take urgent action to get federal resources to Americans on the ground in Puerto Rico where there is currently no electricity and only 40% of people on the island have running water.
Senator Maggie Hassan speaks at a press conference following the withdrawal of the Graham-Cassidy Trumpcare bill by Senate Republicans.
During last night’s health care debate, CNN took a question from Ashley Hurteau, a New Hampshire substance misuse treatment advocate who got treatment because of her coverage through New Hampshire’s bipartisan Medicaid expansion. Ashley was Senator Hassan’s guest of honor for President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.
Ashley asked Senator Graham, “if Medicaid expansion is cut, what protections would there be to ensure people suffering and dying from addiction would continue to have access to health insurance coverage for treatment?” To which Senator Graham responded, “it's not Medicaid expansion that saved you.”
Senator Maggie Hassan introduced the Middle Class Tax Break Act, legislation that would create a $1,000 Working America Tax Credit for middle class families who have earned income up to $200,000. The bill would also provide a $500 tax credit for individual filers who have earned income up to $100,000.
Senator Hassan spoke on the U.S. Senate floor highlighting the harmful impact that the Graham-Cassidy health care bill would have on Granite Staters and all Americans. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Hassan participated this month in bipartisan health care hearings focused on stabilizing the individual health insurance market and lowering costs.
Senator Hassan stressed the importance of supporting sex trafficking survivors and making it easier for them to seek justice during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017 – legislation that Senator Maggie Hassan cosponsored. This bipartisan measure will help ensure justice for victims of sex trafficking and ensure that websites such as Backpage.com can be held liable and brought to justice.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a bipartisan Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee health care hearing where she highlighted the importance of protecting Essential Health Benefits, which are critical to Granite Staters suffering from substance use disorders, as well as providing long-term certainty around funding for cost sharing reductions to foster stability in the health insurance market.
During a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing with bipartisan Governors from across the country, Senator Maggie Hassan discussed health care solutions to stabilize health insurance markets and lower health care costs.
During a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned David Glawe, nominee for Undersecretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence & Analysis, on intelligence sharing within the DHS and the importance of preventing homegrown terrorism.
Senator Maggie Hassan delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting how the dangerous Trumpcare bill, which even President Trump called “mean,” would hurt Granite Staters from all walks of life, including those who get coverage through Medicaid expansion, seniors, and women who could lose access to critical health services. Senator Hassan also highlighted how Senate Republicans have been writing this bill behind closed doors, refusing to hold a hearing for the public to examine their proposal.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing for President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Brock Long. Senator Hassan met with Mr. Long yesterday and discussed the needs of New Hampshire communities in preparing for and responding to natural disasters.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where she urged Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, to commit to exploring the implementation of a bug bounty program at the Department of Homeland Security through the bipartisan Hack DHS Act, which Senators Hassan, Portman (R-OH), and others introduced last week to strengthen cyber defenses at the Department of Homeland Security.
As part of her efforts to keep New Hampshire and America safe, secure, and free, Senator Hassan highlighted the negative impact that budget cuts to the Coast Guard would have on the Coast Guard’s role in drug interdiction and counterterrorism efforts.
Senator Maggie Hassan questioned witnesses at the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on emerging technologies for cybersecurity about the need to enhance protections and safeguards against distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks.
Senator Hassan participated in the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing where she questioned an FDA official on the designation of certain opioids as “abuse-deterrent” and pushed the FDA to engage in efforts to combat the substance misuse crisis. Senator Hassan pointed out that the designation of certain opioids as “abuse deterrent” is misleading because these products are just as addictive as other opioids.
Calling attention to the importance of working across party lines to combat the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis and the need for continued federal action, Senator Maggie Hassan today delivered her first official speech on the U.S. Senate floor.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in a hearing of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security on “Improving TSA for the Security of the Traveling Public,” where she highlighted the importance of increasing resources for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in order to keep travelers safe and support airports like Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Senator Maggie Hassan delivered remarks on the Senate floor, opposing the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protecting Agency.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management hearing on “Empowering Managers: Ideas for More Effective Federal Workforce,” where she highlighted the importance of budget predictability and the benefits of bringing biennial budgeting to Washington.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the floor debate in opposition to Senator Sessions’s nomination to serve as Attorney General, highlighting his lack of commitment to upholding the constitutionally protected rights of millions of Americans and his inability to serve as an independent check on President Trump.
Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the floor debate on Betsy DeVos’s nomination, highlighting that Mrs. DeVos is completely unqualified and unprepared to serve as Secretary of Education.
Senator Hassan’s Opening Statement at Hearing on Backpage.com's Knowing Facilitation of Online Sex Trafficking
Senator Maggie Hassan was officially sworn-in as New Hampshire’s newest United States Senator by Vice President Joe Biden. Senator Hassan is the second woman in American history to be elected as both Governor and United States Senator, along with fellow New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
