MA Delegation Digest 7/5 – 7/11/14

Senator Elizabeth Warren

• Sens. Warren and Markey joined dozens of other Democratic Senators in co-sponsoring a bill meant to directly reverse the controversial Hobby Lobby Supreme Court ruling. The Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act would prevent employers from denying coverage of any healthcare item or procedure, while allowing religious exemptions to remain for actual houses of worship and religious nonprofits.
• Warren continues to campaign and raise money for Democratic candidates in Ohio, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Senator Ed Markey

• Senator Markey cautioned FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler against using too much of the E-Rate Subsidy Program funding to support wifi access over basic connectivity. The program, which the two senators created, provides funds for advanced telecommunications for schools and libraries.

Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-2)

• Rep. McGovern joined two co-sponsors in introducing a privileged resolution that, if passed, directs the President to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq except those absolutely necessary for the safety of diplomatic personnel within 30 days, or by the end of the year if a pressing security need arises.

Rep. Niki Tsongas (MA-3)

• Rep. Tsongas attended a memorial service for the victims and survivors of a Lowell apartment fire that killed seven and displaced more than forty last week. Governor Deval Patrick and Lowell Mayor Rodney Elliot were also in attendance.

Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-5)

• Rep. Clark had a charged back-and-forth with gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker over the Hobby Lobby ruling. After Baker made comments that the ruling shouldn’t matter to Massachusetts women (given that state law provides contraceptive coverage), Clark fired back, saying that the case “absolutely matters. And I think that it is irresponsible and out of touch of Charlie Baker to think otherwise… If he doesn’t understand that, I don’t think he should be running for governor.”