The latest on influenza and reproductive freedom

I believe health care is a right. That means every person in Northwest Washington and across the country should be able to see a doctor, fill a prescription, and get the care they need without worrying about whether they can afford it. That belief has guided my work in Congress.

I reintroduced the Influenza Act, legislation to strengthen our nation's ability to prevent and respond to seasonal and pandemic flu. Every year, influenza sends children and adults to the hospital, forces working families to miss school and paychecks, and claims lives that could be saved. My bill would invest in faster vaccine development, expand access to flu shots, strengthen public health infrastructure, and combat misinformation so families can make informed decisions about their health.

I also joined more than 250 Democratic members of Congress in urging the Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone, a safe and effective medication that has been used by millions of patients for more than 25 years. Restricting access to medication abortion would put medically appropriate care further out of reach, especially for people in rural communities and for those who already face barriers to accessing health care.

These efforts are part of a larger commitment to ensuring everyone in Northwest Washington can get the care they need.

I support universal, affordable health coverage because no one should have to choose between paying the bills and getting the care they need.

I support protecting reproductive freedom because politicians should not interfere in personal medical decisions.

And I support strengthening public health systems because preventing illness saves lives and lowers costs for families.

Health care should be high-quality, affordable, and accessible to everyone.

That is what I am working toward in Congress.

More soon,

Rick