Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives where he is serving his seventh term. He serves as the Chair of the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth and the National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee.
Jim grew up as the child of a single working mom in a small town. As a member of Congress, Jim works hard to provide all American children the same opportunities he had to succeed: access to a first-rate public school, affordable and effective health care, a decent and safe home, and a supportive community.
Every American should have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. No one should lose their home or financial stability in order to afford life-saving procedures or prescriptions. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) put our country on the right path by providing healthcare to millions of Americans and over 100,000 Connecticut residents. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the shortcomings of a system that links insurance coverage to employment.
During the onset of the pandemic, millions of workers were thrown off their healthcare plans and encountered rising prescription drug costs, high premiums, copays and deductibles, and complicated insurance processes to receive healthcare. Congress needs to find pragmatic, innovative solutions to expand healthcare coverage and decrease costs.
In my time in Congress, I’ve supported measures that expand mandatory paid medical and family leave, decrease rising prescription drug costs, expand health insurance subsidies, ensure coverage for telehealth services, encourage sensible Medicare and Medicaid reform and protect women’s reproductive freedom. I am proud to have supported some of the most comprehensive healthcare reforms this country has accomplished in recent decades through the Affordable Care Act, CARES Act and American Rescue Plan. Moving forward, I will continue to support measures that expand eligibility for insurance coverage and fund public health and medical communities to ensure robust medical research.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated health inequities. Research shows that Americans exposed to disproportionate amounts of air pollution are more likely to die from viruses like COVID-19, given the connection between toxic air pollutants and underlying health conditions. I’ve long supported initiatives to address health disparities from pollution. In March 2021, I voted in favor of the American Rescue Plan Act, which included $100 million for environmental justice programs and air quality issues. I will continue to work in Congress to build on this record funding and address the impacts of environmental harms on communities of color.
Separately, I’ve co-sponsored the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act which makes it easier for seniors in underserved communities to receive care.