Friday, March 29, 2013

KEATING: APRIL COMMUNITY EVENTS

Washington, DC – Below is a list of upcoming Coffees with Bill and Mobile Office Hours for the month of April.

Coffee with Bill is a program designed so that constituents can come speak to the Congressman in a casual, convenient atmosphere.  All are welcome to attend.

Mobile Office Hours afford residents who are unable to visit the Congressman’s office because of time or geographic restrictions the opportunity to access the office’s services.  A member of the Congressman’s staff will be on hand to assist constituents with matters concerning Social Security, mortgage or foreclosure modification, immigration, disability, veterans’ benefits and more. 

COFFEES WITH BILL

MOBILE OFFICE HOURS

KEATING TO HOLD SECOND ANNUAL DC COFFEE WITH BILL

Washington, DC – Last year, Rep. Bill Keating hosted over 100 constituents at his first ever DC Coffee with Bill, and he plans on keeping the tradition alive by hosting it again this April.  Just as last year, the DC Coffee with Bill will take place in the Congressman’s Washington, DC office over MA School Vacation Week, which is April 15^th through the 19^th.  Due to the already large demand to participate, the Congressman will be hosting two separate DC Coffees with Bill – on Tuesday and Thursday mornings of that week, respectively.

Any constituents who will be in DC during that week and would like to attend either the Tuesday or Thursday DC Coffee with Bill should contact the Congressman’s Washington, DC Office at 202-225-3111.

DC COFFEE WITH BILL DETAILS

Washington, DC – Below is a statement from Rep. William Keating regarding the oral arguments before the Supreme Court challenging California’s Proposition 8 and the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act.

In the 1967 opinion for the seminal case Loving v. Virginia, the US Supreme Court stated that ‘marriage is one of the “basic civil rights of man,” fundamental to our very existence and survival.’  Almost half a century later, it is time for the Court to live up to its own words.

California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act are the opposite of our American ideals.  If the Supreme Court denies same-sex couples the fundamental right to marry, it will fly in the face of many years of legal precedents upholding equality for all as well as everything our country is founded on. 

Marriage is a commitment between two adults and no other man nor institution should be able to interfere with that commitment.  Now is the time to finally declare that all men and women in this country are truly equal by striking down marriage inequality.

KEATING STATEMENT ON TURKEY-ISRAEL PROGRESS
 

Washington, DC – Below is a statement from Rep. Bill Keating, Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, following recent developments between Turkey and Israel.

“Today’s conversation between Prime Ministers Erdogan and Netanyahu is a welcome change in the recent relationship of these two historic allies.  I commend both leaders for moving forward in the interest of regional peace and security. Furthermore, their nations have had a long-standing partnership that stemmed from the interconnectedness of their people.  It is heartening to see that some bonds, even in the face disagreement, are too difficult to break. During a time of great instability and uncertainty in the Middle East, I hope that the progress made today can serve as an example to others.”  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 21, 2013

KEATING TESTIMONY FOR FY14 APPROPRIATIONS FOCUSES ON
FISH, COASTAL RESTORATION, & COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAMS

Testimony for CJS Subcommittee’s Bill

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bill Keating testified about Fiscal Year 2014 funding before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS). There, he urged House appropriators to include emergency assistance for commercial fisheries disasters among their top priorities for the year. The Congressman also urged the panel to prioritize funding for fisheries management, coastal restoration, regional ocean planning, critical scientific research, and competitive grant programs such as the SAFER Grant and Drug Court Discretionary Grant.  The text of the Congressman’s oral testimony is below.

Rep. William R. Keating (MA-09) Testimony
CJS FY14 Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing
March 21, 2013

Thank you to Chairman Wolf, Ranking Member Fattah, and Members of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for holding today’s hearing on funding for Fiscal Year 2014 and for providing me with the opportunity to testify.

I have the honor of representing Southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, the Islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, the South Shore, and the South Coast. For us, investments in fisheries management; coastal restoration; regional ocean planning; competitive grant programs; and critical scientific research make the difference between a paycheck and a pink slip.

I would like to begin by urging my colleagues on the Committee to work with me and my peers in providing emergency assistance for an economic disaster issued by the Department of Commerce in September of last year for the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) fishery. This was an unprecedented declaration by the Secretary in advance of the 2013 fishing season, which begins in less than six weeks. Members of the Committee have already received many appeals from my colleagues and me on this subject.

The true impact of fisheries disasters on coastal communities is incalculable. Fishermen from coast to coast will face an immediate and irreparable loss of livelihood if we are unable to provide them with financial assistance to survive the next fishing year. I thank you for your previous cooperation, and hope that you will continue to work with me to provide emergency funding.  In recent years, our fishermen’s businesses have suffered due to inadequate data collection that dictates catch quantities. We can – and we must – implement fair and effective fisheries management policies while targeting government abuse and inefficient waste.

To that extent, I encourage the Committee to provide robust funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service. It is imperative that the National Marine Fisheries Service maintain the resources to increase the frequency and accuracy of stock assessments; invest in cooperative research with the industry; and improve recreational fishing data collection programs.

Another top priority for Southeastern Massachusetts is funding for investments in ocean and coastal management and science. Massachusetts has set the national standard for implementation of comprehensive and proactive ocean and coastal management through our participation in the Northeast Regional Ocean Council. And, it is through Regional Ocean Partnership grants that the Commonwealth has been able to coordinate and navigate the complex resource management conflicts that arise from these promising new ocean uses. To this end, I hope to see $10 million provided for the Regional Ocean Partnership competitive grants program.

As many of you are all too familiar, 2012 brought some of the most extreme and unprecedented climate events ever recorded. My district is just one example of the many communities dependent on core habitat restoration and protection programs that directly benefit these economies and are critical to restoring coastal and estuarine habitats. Thus, it is imperative that we provide robust funding for NOAA’s coastal restoration programs, including the Community-based Restoration Program; the Estuary Restoration Program; and the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). To reiterate: there is an undeniable link between restoration and conservation efforts in coastal communities like mine and their economic viability.

Furthermore, before coming to Congress, I served as a District Attorney for twelve years. One of my top concerns has always been for public safety, particularly during times of fiscal uncertainty. To that end, I would like to request that the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program be appropriated to match the authorization that we passed in December.

This funding is critical for fire houses across the country, particularly in New Bedford where understaffed men and women are already serving the needs of multiple communities in the region. Surely we can find alternatives to stripping the backbone of our communities - police officers, fire departments, ambulances – of the resources that protect residents and bring stability to neighborhoods. This is an issue in which I have been deeply engaged and one I will continue to pursue throughout the appropriations process.

Finally, I would like to note that one of my first acts as Norfolk Country District Attorney was to initiate a drug court discretionary grant in the area I represented. I strongly support funding the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program - which helps to develop treatment drug courts that integrate substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, and transitional services for non-violent, substance abuse suspects.

The American people understand: this is the year of budget constraints. My testimony not only reflects the priorities of the Ninth Congressional District of Massachusetts, but echoes the messages I have heard from across the country. We must ensure that this budget incorporates effective funding decisions that encourage efficiency but do not overlook the critical needs of Americans of all backgrounds.

Once again, I thank Chairman Wolf, Ranking Member Fattah, and Members of the Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify today.  

KEATING INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN STOPP ACT TO PROMOTE

ABUSE-DETERRENT TECHNOLOGIES IN ADDICTIVE PAINKILLERS

Joined by Rep. Kennedy and others in important fight

Video of presser includes demonstration of abuse-deterrent drugs

(The video of the press conference is available at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fknIVGLprlw)

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) announced federal legislation addressing abuse-deterrent formulations for commonly abused painkillers. The Stop the Tampering of Prescription Pills (STOPP) Act was written by Rep. Keating, who then reached across the aisle for bipartisan support to Rep. Rogers (R-KY), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.  Other Massachusetts Members who are cosponsors of Rep. Keating’s legislation include Reps. Tierney, Lynch, Markey and Kennedy.

Rep. Keating originally introduced the STOPP Act, first-of-its kind legislation to address prescription drug abuse, in July of 2012.  He is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse.

“As a former District Attorney, I have investigated far too many deaths related to prescription drug abuse,” said Rep. Bill Keating.  “In my state of Massachusetts, almost two people a day die from overdoses.  This is a silent epidemic and it is destroying families, not just in Massachusetts, but across the country.  According to CDC data, more people are dying from overdoses – the majority of which are cause by prescription drugs – than automobile accidents.  With the FDA’s recent approval of the first opoid-based generic drug to re-enter the American market without abuse-deterrent technology, we need the STOPP Act now to stem this dangerous tide.  The STOPP Act isn’t a silver bullet but it will save lives.  What this legislation is proposing, the FDA should be doing on its own.  Because they are not, we are ready to act.  I thank my colleagues Reps. Rogers, Rahall and Kennedy for standing behind this critical legislation.”

“Today this country sees more deaths from prescription drug overdoses than from heroin and cocaine combined,” said Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA). “In the face of abuse that grows more prevalent and painful by the day, measures like the STOPP Act are critical. I applaud Congressman Keating and Congressman Roger’s consistent leadership on this issue and look forward to working with them to help the overwhelming number of families and communities across the country battling this epidemic.”

STOPP Act Specifics

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths related to drug abuse exceeded those related to motor vehicle accidents for the second year in a row.  That data further suggests the number of deaths from drug abuse is on the rise.  Prescription drugs are the country’s fastest growing area of drug abuse, second only to marijuana but ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs. 

There are three categories of prescription drugs that are most abused: stimulants, depressants and pain medication.  Of the three, abuse of opiate-based pain drugs – comprising some of the most powerful medications available – has increased dramatically.  While the benefits of these products in treating and managing pain are widely recognized, the growing misuse and abuse of these products has resulted in a sharp increase in fatal overdoses and heroin addiction.  In fact, more people die of prescription opioids than cocaine and heroin combined.

The time-released characteristics of powerful opioids are compromised when crushed or dissolved resulting in the full potency of the drug being released all at once, and studies have shown that drug abusers tend to crush or otherwise break down time-released products into a form that can be snorted or injected for a more intense high. 

In 2010, the manufacturer of time-released OxyContin introduced abuse-deterrent features that make it more difficult for the drug to be misused.  Yet, FDA recently approved the generic of an opoid-based drug that employs abuse deterrent technologies despite the fact that the generic failed to include similar preventative technology.  And there are more of these drugs currently waiting for approval.  The availability of these new generics that are not abuse deterrent will compromise the benefits of the preventative technologies currently being employed.

The STOPP Act is the first federal legislation that directs pharmaceutical manufacturers to invest in research and production to formulate tamper resistant drugs in order to compete with drugs of a similar nature that already employ tamper resistant technologies. 

•  If a pharmaceutical manufacturer submits an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that refers to a listed drug that utilizes a tamper resistant formulation, the application must include data demonstrating that the new drug is tamper resistant to a degree comparable to the listed drug.  If the ANDA does not make such a showing, FDA must refuse approval of the application.

• FDA must refuse approval of a New Drug Application (NDA) for a new drug, which is an oral dosage form, that contains a controlled substance as an active ingredient and does not utilize a tamper resistant or abuse deterrent formulation, where FDA has previously approved a drug that:  (1) is an oral dosage form, (2) contains the same controlled substance as an active ingredient, (3) utilizes a tamper resistant or abuse deterrent formulation, and (4) has not been discontinued from marketing.

• Any NDA subject to refusal under this provision must submit data demonstrating that the new drug utilizes a tamper resistant formulation or abuse deterrent formulation, as applicable.

•  If a listed drug begins to utilize a tamper resistant formulation, any drug previously approved under an ANDA that refers to such listed drug must be deemed not therapeutically equivalent – and thus not substitutable – to the listed drug, unless and until the generic also begins to utilize a tamper resistant formulation, under a time frame that is mutually agreed to by the drug company and FDA.

•  If approval of a listed drug has been withdrawn, or if such drug is withdrawn from sale, after a tamper resistant version of that drug has been approved under another NDA, then such drug shall be considered withdrawn from sale for a safety reason.
  

• FDA must refuse a suitability petition where the petition references a listed drug that utilizes an abuse deterrent formulation, and the new drug contains any active ingredient(s) that differ in any respect from those contained in the listed drug.  As a result, any such new drug must be approved under an NDA rather than an ANDA.

The STOPP Act will have no impact on patients that rely on the pain management features of these drugs when dealing with chronic pain and end-of-life pain issues.  The practical effect of legislation will be to make the abuse of opioids and other controlled substances more difficult, while at the same time insuring that those who need pain relief receive it.

The bill also grants the FDA waiver authority for drugs that are absolutely critical and experiencing drug shortages for the period in which those drugs are in high demand and there is no tamper resistant alternative.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013  

PRESS CONFERENCE 3/15: KEATING, ROGERS INTRODUCE
FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO PROMOTE ABUSE-DETERRENT
TECHNOLOGIES IN ADDICTIVE PAINKILLERS

Will include demonstration of abuse-deterrent technology

Washington, DC – On Friday, March 15, 2013, Reps. Bill Keating (D-MA) and Hal Rogers (R-KY) will be announcing federal legislation addressing abuse-deterrent formulations for commonly abused painkillers. The Stop the Tampering of Prescription Pills (STOPP) Act was written by Rep. Keating, who then reached out to Rep. Rogers, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to partner with on the initiative.  Rep. Rogers is a co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, of which Rep. Keating is a member.

Rep. Keating originally introduced the STOPP Act, first-of-its kind legislation to address prescription drug abuse, in July of 2012 and Rep. Rogers was an original cosponsor.

Said Reps. Keating and Rogers:

“Prescription drug abuse does not discriminate by region, socioeconomic status, or age.  It is affecting families across the country at an alarmingly rapid rate, and Members of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse are united in their determination to slow the rising tide of medicine abuse. A critical piece in preventing painkiller abuse is the development of abuse-deterrent formulas for opiates that make it more difficult for abusers to crush, snort or inject drugs for illicit purposes.

“Unfortunately, earlier this year, the FDA approved the first generic drug to re-enter the American market without abuse-deterrent technology – a dangerous precedent.  Allowing the generic formulations of abuse-deterrent drugs to enter the market without the same preventative mechanism will only lead to cheaper, more easily available pills to abuse. We hope that FDA and Congress will heed our call and make sure that all painkillers employ abuse-deterrent technologies.  With another generic application looming before the FDA in April, these mechanisms will help prevent overdoses and decrease the illegal use of prescription painkillers, as well as spur innovation and the future development of these promising abuse-deterrent technologies. ”

EVENT DETAILS

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

KEATING STATEMENT ON MAGNUSON-STEVENS HEARING

Washington, DC - Today, the House Natural Resources Committee is holding the first hearing on the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.  Below is a statement from Rep. Bill Keating, who represents the South Shore, Cape, Islands, and South Coast, including the Port of New Bedford.

“I look forward to participating in the robust conversation that will surely follow today’s hearing and continue throughout the next year as we work toward constructive reform and reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. In 2011, the House Natural Resources Committee heard testimony from the authors of several bills to reform the very subject of today’s hearing. While the Committee chose not to address Magnuson-Stevens reform in the 112^th Congress, we once again have an opportunity to tackle gaps and redundancies in management.

“Now is the time to prioritize maximizing harvests of healthy species, finding further flexibility in the Act’s arbitrary ten-year rebuilding requirement, and improving management of areas that are closed to fishing. Furthermore, it is imperative that the Magnuson-Stevens Act take into account the full social and economic impact of existing and future regulations on local communities. NOAA views the social and economic impact written into Magnuson-Stevens as more administrative than policy-oriented.  But the original intent of Congress was that the impact on fishing communities and business should specifically influence policy, which is why it was included in the legislation in the first place. At the end of the day, our focus should be on preserving and protecting the livelihoods of thousands of men and women from coast to coast and the direct effect on regional economies.”

KEATING: MARCH COMMUNITY EVENTS

Washington, DC – Below is a list of upcoming Coffees with Bill and Mobile Office Hours for the remainder of March.

Coffee with Bill is a program designed so that constituents can come speak to the Congressman in a casual, convenient atmosphere.  All are welcome to attend.

Mobile Office Hours afford residents who can’t visit the Congressman’s office because of time or location restrictions the opportunity to avail themselves of the office’s services.  A member of the Congressman’s staff will be on hand to assist constituents with matters concerning Social Security, mortgage or foreclosure modification, immigration, disability, veterans’ benefits and more. 

COFFEES WITH BILL

MOBILE OFFICE HOURS

Monday, March 11, 2013 

FEDERAL FISHING ADVISORY BOARD’S CHIEF

INITIATIVE – END TO END REVIEW – MOVES FORWARD

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Bill Keating held another meeting of the Federal Fishing Advisory Board, which he founded in 2012.  In an important step forward, the Board was presented with the final plan of action for the end-to-end review of groundfish assessments, which will be coordinated between SMAST, NOAA and industry stakeholders.  Moving the end-to-end review forward was the chief initiative of the Board.

The end-to-end review will focus on three areas:  1) incorporating environmental change in assessments and management; 2) fishery monitoring and survey selectivity; and 3) overfishing reference points and uncertainty buffers.  In July, Rep. Keating wrote a letter to Sam Rauch, deputy assistant administration of NOAA, asking for the comprehensive review of the groundfish stocks. 

“Today’s meeting was huge success,” said Rep. Keating.  “To finally see movement on the end-to-end review is critical.  The action plan includes buy-in from all key players – including NOAA, SMAST and members of the industry.  I am thankful that Bill Karp of the National Marine Fisheries Service has agreed to work with SMAST and the industry on this very important review.  While this fishing season will not benefit from the review, we hope that it will improve the accuracy of stock assessments in the future and held avoid the current crisis our fishermen are currently facing.”

“I’m thrilled to be working very closely with Congressman Keating on various fisheries issues.  His leadership in this area is critically important to the New Bedford economy,” said John Quinn, member of the New England Fisheries Management Council.

The Federal Fishing Advisory Board meeting was attended by Mayor Jon Mitchell, Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senator Mark Montigny, Senator Marc Pacheco, Representative Jim Cantwell, fishermen, representatives of SMAST and industry stakeholders.  Representatives for the offices of Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mo Cohen, Rep. Chris Markey and Senate President Therese Murray.

Also discussed at the meeting were the possible economic and environmental impacts of the opening of closed areas in the Gulf of Maine.  Rep. Keating’s office will be working directly with John Quinn and other New England Fisheries Management Council members on this issue.

The Board further discussed how the Magnuson-Stevens Act is interpreted with respect to the social and economic impact outlined in the act as well as the ten-year rebuilding program for stocks.