Rep. Jennifer McClellan is addressing some of the economic and healthcare challenges facing families while looking ahead to the potential risks of artificial intelligence.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, the Virginia Democrat discussed housing, healthcare, technology and mental health.
McClellan addressed the impact of high interest rates on the housing market and household borrowing costs. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday (September 16), bringing its target range to 3.75% to 4%.
She also criticized federal policies that she argues are adding to families' financial burdens, pointing to Medicaid cuts and the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. McClellan has previously called for Congress to restore the tax credits and reverse healthcare cuts.
Turning to technology, McClellan discussed the AI-Ready Networks Act, bipartisan legislation she introduced to examine how artificial intelligence is being integrated into U.S. telecommunications networks.
The legislation would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to study AI's use in telecommunications, including its potential impact on network security, reliability, transparency and the workforce.
McClellan also discussed the country's mental health crisis and barriers to accessing care. Earlier this month, she introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding insurance coverage for behavioral health crisis services.
She highlighted how healthcare disparities can compound those challenges for Black communities, including Black women facing maternal and reproductive health disparities, an issue McClellan has also addressed through her work in Congress.
Listen to the full conversation below!
For more of our interviews from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, check out Our Voices!
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