Rockingham Times

October 25, 2021

Dear Friend,

For nearly two years, our nation has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Tragically, we’ve lost over 730,000 Americans, including more than 1,540 here in New Hampshire. However, thanks to the historic, around-the-clock research led by our nation’s incredible doctors and scientists, we now have lifesaving tools that have the ability to put an end to this pandemic once and for all: the COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines are the difference between life and death, between managing care in our communities and overflowing hospitals. And we know they are safe and the most effective way to save lives. During negotiations for the American Rescue Plan that was signed into law earlier this year, I fought for robust federal funding to support New Hampshire’s vaccination efforts. And when New Hampshire was short-changed the federal resources we deserved, I fought to get our fair share to ensure our state would have access to every resource necessary to put an end to this crisis. Yet, in the worst display of partisan politics I have seen in my lifetime – and as communities across our state face an alarming surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations – all four Republican members of the Executive Council voted to reject this urgently needed federal funding.

This is not a game. These partisan actions are putting lives at risk by denying critical funds and embracing dangerous misinformation. During a virtual press conference I hosted with New Hampshire's congressional delegation this morning, I heard firsthand from doctors, hospital administrators and health care stakeholders about some of the devastating effects this disastrous vote will have on Granite Staters’ public health, such as parents who will be delayed for months in getting their kids vaccinated and providers that won’t receive the federal resources they need to grapple with the surge of COVID-19 cases in their communities.

I continue to urge councilors to put the health and safety of Granite Staters first and immediately bring this funding back up for a vote and approve it without delay. I’ll do everything in my power to continue to steer more federal dollars to New Hampshire, but it is paramount that the state does its job and approve the funding the congressional delegation secured to protect Granite Staters’ health and safety.

Sincerely,

P.S. As a reminder: Need Help? Contact My Office

One of my most important responsibilities as a U.S. Senator is assisting New Hampshire residents who need help navigating federal agencies. I’ve worked with my staff to help Granite Staters avoid foreclosure, secure military commendations, deliver delayed Social Security and Medicare assistance and access VA benefits, among other services. If you have an issue with a federal agency, you can open a case here. If it is time-sensitive, you can call my Manchester office at (603) 647-7500.

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