Roy Blunt: Now that Democrats' impeachment is over, we can get back to work on issues Missourians care about

(From Sen. Roy Blunt, R-MO)

After weeks of Democrats’ politically-driven impeachment efforts tying up the Senate, I’m glad we can finally get back to the work on the issues Missourians care about.

Here are some of the priorities and policies I’ve been working on in 2020:

Expanding Access to Rural Broadband

More than 1/3 of rural Missourians do not currently have access to a modern broadband connection. That’s unacceptable. Broadband is as important as the telephone was 70 years ago. Every rural Missourian, whether they’re students, farmers, small business owners or health care professionals, will benefit from high speed internet. That’s why I’ve supported government funding programs that target areas without access to broadband and worked with local, state, and federal officials to end the digital divide.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Missouri will receive $60.9 million to expand rural broadband through a new USDA program. That program has brought a total of $100 million to Missouri providers. In 2018, Missouri was awarded the largest amount of any state through the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II auction: a total of $255 million over the next 10 years. I’m continuing to work with the administration to make sure we get federal support to the areas that need it most.

Fighting Flawed Liver Transplant Policy

Last week, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) moved forward with misguided changes to the national liver allocation policy. Under these changes, Missouri could see up to a 32% decrease in the number of liver transplants in our state. Nationwide, as much as 40% of the country could see increased costs and longer wait times. This deeply-flawed policy rewards historically low-performing organ procurement organizations and doesn’t take steps to improve their performance and help more people receive a liver.

I have repeatedly urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review OPTN’s policy-making process and HHS’ oversight of the program. I will keep fighting for a fair system that protects Missouri patients eagerly awaiting a life-saving liver transplant.

Connecting Veterans with Employers

I introduced, and the president signed into law, the HIRE Vets Act to help connect more veterans with employers who recognize the value they bring to the workforce. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program created a tiered recognition program to recognize employers that make veterans hiring, retention, and career development a priority. If you are a business owner, you can apply here.

I’m very proud that Missouri business owners have embraced this program and made it a priority to not only hire veterans, but to provide workforce development opportunities for them to grow in their careers after the military. Last year, seven Missouri employers participated in the program. I look forward to seeing more Missouri employers recognized this year.

Creating Opportunities for America’s Farmers, Ranchers, and Businesses

While the news focused on impeachment around-the-clock, the Senate passed, and President Trump signed, the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement. USMCA will level the playing field for American farmers and business owners, allowing them better access to our two neighboring markets. This modern trade agreement will also strengthen our digital trade and expand market access.

Because of our agriculture-driven economy, Missouri is one of the states that benefits the most from trade deals that create fair standards for our farmers and ranchers.

Our economy is stronger than it’s been in 50 years thanks in large part to having the right tax policy and right regulatory policy in place. With USMCA and the other trade agreements President Trump has secured, we’ve also got the right trade policy.