In previous years, these reimbursement rates have been reduced by up to 50 percent. This week I threw my support behind the bipartisan " Protecting HOME Act," which would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to apply specified payment adjustments for durable medical equipment. America doesn't need a permission slip from the Chinese politburo to talk to its friends and partners around the world, and now is the time for us to deepen our friendships and economic cooperation with other democratic nations. This week I introduced a bill to end to America's failed "One China Policy," and seek closer ties with Taiwan. The seeds of our misguided relationship with China were planted in the 1970s when then-President Jimmy Carter recognized Communist China and cut off ties with America's long-time ally, Taiwan. But the origin of America's flawed approach to China did not begin in a Wuhan lab or wet market nine months ago. This year gave all of us a close-up look at the disastrous, real-life results of more than four decades of failed U.S.-China policy – a policy characterized by constant Chinese deception, rampant human rights abuses, unfair trade practices, widespread espionage, threats and regional bullying. Tom visits the CWA Airport in Mosinee, WI. Adequate and reliable broadband access is critical to ensuring that rural residents have access to online learning platforms, telehealth services, and the same opportunities for economic development and growth that people in big cities enjoy. That's why this week I joined with other members in writing to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin requesting flexibility to use unspent funds from the CARES Act to be used for permanent broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Speaking of broadband, I remain committed to bridging the urban-rural technology divide. for the distribution of child pornography within the film. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii labeled the film "child pornography" saying, "it would whet the appetite of pedophiles and help fuel the child trafficking trade." I joined 33 other lawmakers in sending a letter to Attorney General Barr this week recommending that he bring charges against Netflix Inc. Lawmakers have been outspoken about the sexualization of children as young as eleven throughout the film. Like most Americans, I was shocked and disappointed by the decision of online streaming giant Netflix to host the controversial movie "Cuties" on its platform this month. These grants are included as a part of President Trump's Rural Action Plan, which will help to expand the healthcare resources available to rural Americans such as increased broadband for telehealth capacity, innovative payment models for rural providers, and increased behavioral health services. The program is a multi-year initiative to reduce morbidity and mortality of substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) in high-risk rural communities. ![]() The announcement builds upon the August RCORP Awards reflecting a total fiscal year 2020 investment of nearly $115 million. On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded an additional $25 million to 80 different recipients across 36 states as part of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). I made the case for my bill this week in a Lakeland Times column that you can read here. This week several other lawmakers from Wisconsin and other states joined that effort, and we hope to enlist more support from both Democrats and Republicans in the coming days. Telegram readers know that I introduced legislation earlier this month to permanently remove the gray wolf from the list of federal endangered species and put decisions about wolf management back in the hands of state and local officials. ![]() Restoring state authority over wolf management Bringing better broadband to rural Wisconsin.Restoring state authority over wolf management.In this edition of the Telegram we've got some updates for you on: Click the icon below to watch my floor speech on the topic. This week several members participated in a discussion on the House floor to discuss the growing criminal violence, rioting and lawlessness that continues to grip far too many American communities and neighborhoods. ![]() ![]() Instead of advancing this targeted and temporary effort to help American families, they chose to filibuster it. Senate Democrats blocked an effort to pass a limited coronavirus relief package that included additional Paycheck Protection Program funds and common-sense liability protection for hospitals, health-care workers, businesses, schools churches and non-profits as well as assistance for displaced workers. Unfortunately, the focus seemed to be more about activity and less about accomplishment. Congress reconvened this week for legislative business.
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