The foundation of good health is a clean environment. From there, we must also invest in public health, robust medical research and a health care system that provides access and coverage to every individual. Exploring new cures for disease at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and strengthening the Affordable Care Act are examples of key steps we can take to improve the health of all Americans.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Congressman Sarbanes has voted for legislation to provide critical protective equipment and mental health resources to health care workers and fund the equitable distribution of coronavirus tests and lifesaving vaccines. As we continue to work to recover from the pandemic, it will be critical to invest in rebuilding our public health infrastructure and make data driven decisions about how to best prepare for the next pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic also exacerbated our nation’s ongoing mental health and substance use crises. Congressman Sarbanes has supported legislation to provide robust funding for opioid treatment and prevention programs, and authored legislation, which became law in 2016, to allow co-prescribing of lifesaving naloxone to individuals who are at an elevated risk of an overdose. He has also sponsored legislation to strengthen critical mental and behavioral health programs for children.
Congressman Sarbanes is also working to ensure every individual can access high-quality, comprehensive and affordable health care. He is a cosponsor of the Medicare for All Act and has worked to secure strong funding for school-based health centers, which deliver primary, mental health and preventive services to children in convenient and safe settings. He is also a cosponsor of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Prescription Drug Costs Now Act, which would lower high prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices, capping out-of-pocket costs and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable by prohibiting unreasonable price increases. Congressman Sarbanes also voted for the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which would limit out-of-pocket costs for this life saving drug at $35 per month for those covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
Congressman Sarbanes strongly believes every individual - regardless of where they live - should be able to exercise their reproductive freedom and control their own health, life and future. He is a strong supporter of the Title X Family Planning Program and is proud to support the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify the fundamental right to abortion access, as well as the Access to Birth Control Act, which would remove barriers that prevent individuals from accessing contraception.
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Congressman John Sarbanes has been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and has received 100% ratings on the congressional scorecards of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL.