May Recap: What You Might Have Missed Last Month

Mary Gay Scanlon
4 min readJun 13, 2022

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In May, our country was again forced to confront the rising tide of gun violence across America when we witnessed back-to-back mass shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde, Philadelphia, and elsewhere.

In the face of such carnage, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the news of yet another shooting, but we cannot let up on the pressure to send common sense gun safety legislation to the president’s desk. We are not helpless, and the Constitution does NOT prevent us from passing bills that protect American lives while respecting the Second Amendment. I want you to know I’m doing everything I can in Congress to advance common sense gun reform and save lives. Just last week, the House passed two life-saving pieces of gun violence prevention legislation, and over the weekend, a bipartisan group of Senators announced a framework for gun safety legislation that they believe can pass the Senate. This time, things will be different. I’m not done fighting to protect our communities, and I need your help to keep up this fight. You can read more here.

Here’s what else I’ve been up to:

Legislative Activity

Introduced the Federal Firefighters Workforce Support Act to support federal firefighters — including those at the Philadelphia Navy Yard — burdened by dangerous staffing reductions

Voted for the Federal Firefighters Act of 2022 to improve access to injury and illness benefits for federal firefighters who risk their lives to protect all Americans

Took action to secure the baby formula supply chain

Highlighted the tireless work that local organizations and clinics, like the Delaware County Women’s Center in PA-05, are doing to ensure access to abortion and other reproductive health care

Voted to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to fill job openings, lower costs, and unleash the full potential of Pennsylvania’s workforce

Led three amendments to the House-passed Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to ensure youth have the support and training they need to prepare for the workforce

Voted for the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to lower gas prices for everyday Americans

Urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to continue taking steps to ensure our juvenile justice system works to achieve its rehabilitative goals and help young people reach their potential

Committee Activity

House Judiciary Committee: Revoking Your Rights: The Ongoing Crisis In Abortion Care Access

House Judiciary Committee: Examining Potential Reforms of Emergency Powers

House Judiciary Committee: Reviving Competition, Part 6: Rebuilding American Economic Leadership and Combating Corporate Profiting

What Else You Might Have Missed

Joined a bipartisan congressional delegation to the EU, NATO, Ireland, and the United Kingdom to participate in bilateral meetings focused on strengthening transatlantic trade relations, underscoring the significance of the Good Friday Agreement, and demonstrating support for Ukraine’s fight against Putin's unlawful invasion

Met with PASNAP nurses concerning what they’re experiencing as Crozer Health’s for-profit owner, Prospect, continues to cut services

Welcomed the Subcommittee on Elections of the Committee on House Administration to PA-05 for a roundtable on voting and ballot access in Pennsylvania

Announced nearly $1 million in federal funding for Darby Free Library restoration

Delivered $650,000 for mobile mental health crisis teams requested by Delaware County

Announced $1 million to support workforce training for formerly incarcerated Philadelphians

Celebrated the new Delaware Country micro-grant program launched using federal funding

Gathered with members of our community to honor the lives lost in Buffalo and Uvalde

Received an award from the National Association of Community Health Centers

Announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District

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Mary Gay Scanlon

Mary Gay Scanlon currently serves a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District.