url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-department-interior-decision-allow-minnesota-advance,Emmer Statement on Department of Interior Decision to Allow Minnesota to Advance Responsible Mineral Exploration,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following the U.S. Department of Interiors decision today reversing the Obama Administrations improper denial of two mineral leases in Minnesota, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement: Minnesotans send our gratitude to the Department of the Interior for their action to reverse course set by the Obama Administration and allow our great state to regain control of our mineral leases to advance responsible mining. This action today, coupled with the passage of the MINER Act last month, demonstrate a commitment to unwind the politically motivated actions by the previous Administration and put Minnesota and the nation on a path to prosperity for local economies and communities for generations to come. CLICK HERE to learn more about Congressman Emmer's MINER Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-doi-legal-opinion-confirms-lawless-minnesota-land-grab-rejects,"New DOI Legal Opinion Confirms Lawless Minnesota Land Grab, Rejects Arbitrary Anti-Mining Actions by Obama",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04) and Western Caucus Member Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statements after the United States Department of the Interiors Office of the Solicitor issued a new legal opinion concluding that Twin Metals Minnesota has a non-discretionary right to a third renewal of its two federal mineral leases held in Northeast Minnesota for more than 50 years and determined that the BLM does not have discretion to deny the companys renewal application: Congressman Emmer said, Minnesotans send our gratitude to the Department of the Interior for their action to reverse course set by the Obama Administration and allow our great state to regain control of our mineral leases to advance responsible mining. This action today, coupled with the passage of the MINER Act last month, demonstrate a commitment to unwind the politically motivated actions by the previous Administration and put Minnesota and the nation on a path to prosperity for local economies and communities for generations to come. Western Caucus and House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals Chairman Paul Gosar said, Todays legal opinion confirms that President Obama and his agency minions had no legal authority to cancel two mineral leases in order to appease anti-mining extremists. I thank Secretary Zinke, Deputy Secretary Bernhardt and their team as well as President Trump and his staff at the White House for hearing the concerns of the people of Minnesota and working diligently to overturn the Obama Administrations lawless land grab. Background: Courtesy of the Department of the Interior: Today, the United States Department of the Interiors Office of the Solicitor issued a new legal opinion concluding that Twin Metals Minnesota has a non-discretionary right to a third renewal of its two hardrock mining leases, located in the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. The new M-Opinion (Memorandum Opinion) M-37049 reverses and replaces a prior opinion on the topic which was issued in March 2016. Under the new legal opinion, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will work together with the surface management agency, USDA Forest Service, to reconsider a 2016 decision in which the BLM denied Twin Metals pending lease renewal application. The agencies will conduct the appropriate environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to make a final agency decision on the application and to identify appropriate terms and conditions for surface protection. The M-Opinion is available HERE. Courtesy of the Western Caucus On November 30, the House took action to reject the Obama Administrations Minnesota land grab by passing H.R. 3905, the Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act. The full press release can be found HERE. On January 19th, 2017, the day before President Trump was sworn in, the previous administration published a 234,328-acre federal mineral withdrawal application in the Federal Register, to restrict for a 20-year moratorium, lands within the Superior National Forest in Northeast Minnesota. This action immediately placed this vast area off limits to future mineral leasing, exploration and potential development for two years while the 20-year withdrawal is being considered. The total withdrawal application boundary spans approximately 425,000 acres, including 95,000 acres of state school trust fund lands. In conjunction with this massive mineral withdrawal, the Obama Administrations Bureau of Land Management inappropriately rejected Twin Metals Minnesotas application to renew two hardrock mineral leases in Minnesotas Superior National Forest leases that were signed in 1966 and renewed without controversy in 1989 and 2004. These bureaucratic decisions could decimate local economies, stifle job creation as well as cause significant harm to K-12 education and mining in Minnesota. These were political, anti-mining and anti-education actions taken by the Obama Administration. The University of Minnesota-Duluth estimates the creation of 12,000 construction jobs and 5,000 long-term mining jobs if mining projects already being pursued in Duluth Complex are allowed to move forward. These are good-paying jobs, as the average annual mining wage in Minnesota was $78,635 in 2015. Education will be significantly harmed as Minnesota is projected to lose up to $3 billion in royalty revenues for the States Permanent School Trust Fund that would support nearly 900,000 K-12 students statewide if the withdrawal application and cancelled leases are not rejected. To date, Twin Metals has invested upward of $400 million a significant investment in reliance on the two federal mineral leases that the BLM executed with the company's predecessors and renewed each time they expired. Todays action was the first of three actions by the Trump Administration that need to occur to reverse the Obama land grab. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-emmer-handel-jayapal-kuster-wasserman-schultz-walz-introduce-abby,"Reps. Emmer, Handel, Jayapal, Kuster, Wasserman Schultz, Walz Introduce the Abby Honold Act",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Abbys Act will help law enforcement prosecute sexual assault, improve care and treatment for victims Bill was inspired by Abby Honold, a former University of Minnesota student and rape survivor, Officer Kevin Randolph, who helped Abby win her case against her perpetrator, andLinda Walther, the sexual assault nurse who examined Abby minutes after her attack WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) teamed up with Reps. Karen Handel (GA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Debbie Wasserman Shultz (FL-23) and Tim Walz (MN-01) to introduce the Abby Honold Act in an effort to help law enforcement prosecute sexual assault while improving care and treatment for victims. Specifically, the bill will use existing funds to train law enforcement in evidence-based, trauma-informed interview techniques to prevent re-traumatization of the victim, improve communication between victims and law enforcement, and ensure accurate and complete information is collected and submitted to law enforcement. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Sexual assault is a crime and it is vital for law enforcement to have accurate and complete information to prosecute it as such, said Rep. Emmer. For Abby, and for the thousands of victims who experience trauma, this is a key part of their recovery process, as is a compassionate response in the immediate aftermath. We are taking an important step forward to provide better treatment to sexual assault victims in crisis and making certain it is treated like the heinous crime it is. I am proud to have helped introduce this important bill, ensuring that victims of sexual assault across the country will have the best possible support from their local law enforcement, and that these individuals will be provided the care they desperately need and deserve, said Rep. Handel. Our bipartisan legislation will ensure that our communities are safer, and dedicated to smart, compassionate policing. We're aiming to give officers in every precinct and every state the tools to help survivors of rape and sexual assault seek justice, without being re-victimized through the investigation process, said Rep. Jayapal. This bill cannot take away the trauma that survivors have experienced, but it can ensure that police have the best tools to work with trauma survivors and that survivors voices are fully heard. I'm honored to work with my colleagues on making this legislation a reality. Survivors of sexual violence deserve all the support we can provide and that means promoting better trauma-informed training for law enforcement and other personnel who assist survivors. I'm proud to cosponsor this common sense legislation that will make necessary improvements in training for those working with people when they are at their most vulnerable, said Rep. Kuster. Abby Honold's courage and determination to help sexual assault victims across the nation will have a real impact on the way law enforcement officials respond to these heinous crimes. Victims of sexual assault who are brave enough to come forward and report an attack need to know that police are ready to hear their stories. This legislation makes it more likely that perpetrators of sexual assault will be swiftly brought to justice, said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. It's time to end the re-traumatization of assault survivors who step forward seeking help, support, and justice, said Rep. Walz. Thats why I'm proud to join with my colleagues to introduce the Abby Honold Act. This bill will help train law enforcement, first responders, university officials, and others who interface with victims of sexual violence how to use best practices and trauma-informed techniques. When trauma is experienced, the victim often goes into shock and the part of the brain that normally records events, the prefrontal cortex, shuts down. Unfortunately, most interview techniques are developed to specifically tap into the prefrontal cortex. For trauma victims, memory recall and accuracy of events and details will be distorted, often leading to suspicion of the victim. Abbys Act is an important first step in ensuring that victims of sexual assault receive better treatment, as well as equipping law enforcement with accurate and complete information to prosecute the crime. Im in awe of Abbys ability to turn an incredibly horrific experience into something that could help other survivors, said Senator Klobuchar. We can and should do more for survivors, including ensuring law enforcement has the skills and resources to avoid re-traumatization and effectively see investigations through to prosecution using the most sensitive and effective techniques. I am incredibly grateful to Senator Klobuchar and Congressman Emmer for introducing my bill. I never would have imagined that I could have made something good come out of what happened to me. Victims of sexual violence deserve better when and if they report to police, and law enforcement deserves better training and resources for sex crimes, said Abby Honold. CLICK HERE to read the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1940,Paulsen Bill to Help Small and Local Craft Breweries Included in Tax Reform,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the inclusion of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the tax reform package passed by Congress: Six thousand breweries across the country98 percent of which are small or independentwill no longer be burdened by out-of-date regulations and high excise taxes, said Congressman Paulsen.Now, they can focus on growing their business and the local economy by expanding, creating more jobs, and fostering a sense of community. The bipartisan Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which Congressman Paulsen introduced earlier this year along with Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03), modernizes the tax code and streamlines regulations for producers of craft beverages, cider, wine, and distilled spirits. It eliminates red tape by simplifying beer formulation approvals, simplifying beer recordkeeping and inventory rules, and allowing for the transfer of beer in bond to breweries. Additionally, it reduces administrative backlogs by ensuring proper funding for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Small brewers are increasingly playing an important role in cities and towns across Minnesota and the country thanks to a growing appreciation of craft beverages; 83 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a local brewery. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsens work in Congress visitpaulsen.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-commends-secretary-zinke-groundbreaking-order-creating-first-ever,Emmer Commends Secretary Zinke on Groundbreaking Order Creating First-Ever Nationwide Survey of Critical Minerals,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) commended U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke for signing a groundbreaking secretarial order directing the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history. Secretary Zinkes action followed the Presidents executive order to identify new sources of critical minerals, ensure miners and producers have access to the best data, and streamline the leasing and permitting process to expedite production, reprocessing and recycling of minerals. ""I commend Secretary Zinke and the President for their work to support our miners, streamline the permitting and review process, and enhance our national defense with this important order today, said Congressman Emmer, whose MINER Act, which passed the House last month, protects Minnesotas right to explore and, if environmentally appropriate, mine valuable precious metals. Emmer continued: Minnesota, like so many states across this great nation, is fully prepared to step up and help unleash Americas full mining potential which will improve national security, add jobs, bring economic prosperity and enhance the lives of every American. Our current environmental regulations ensure that we can secure critical minerals while protecting our nations big, beautiful landscape, and I am glad that this administration agrees sound economic, environmental, and security policy can and should coexist."" ""Right now the United States is almost completely reliant on foreign adversaries and competitors for many of the minerals that are deemed critical for our national and economic security. As both a former military commander and geologist, I know the risk this presents to our nation,"" said Secretary Ryan Zinke. ""The problem is, we can't fix the problem if we don't know where the minerals are within our own borders. Other nations are far ahead of us with mapping of their mineral resources, leading to private sector investment overseas rather than right here at home. Drafting a complete topographical and geographic survey of the United States is exactly the kind of task the U.S.G.S. was created to do."" The United States is heavily reliant on imports of certain minerals that are vital to our national security and economic prosperity. According to a recent reportfrom the USGS, the United States imports nearly 90 percent of the platinum, palladium and other critical elements used to make integrated circuits, computer hard drives, and catalytic converters. This dependency on foreign nations, including Russia and China, creates a strategic vulnerability for the U.S. if supplies of these key minerals were disrupted by foreign government action, natural disasters, or other events. There are several domestic deposits of these resources throughout the United States, including Minnesota which sits atop vast quantities of untapped copper, nickel, platinum, palladium and other critical minerals. Access to these reserves however has been limited by a lack of comprehensive surveys, permitting delays, and litigation concerns. Read the full USGS report here. Read Secretary Zinkes Secretarial Order here. Learn more about Emmers MINER Act here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-cfpb-decision-delay-enforcement-dodd-frank-data,Emmer Statement on CFPB Decision to Delay Enforcement of Dodd-Frank Data Collection Rule,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced its intent to provide relief for community financial institutions seeking to comply with excessive Dodd-Frank data collection and reporting requirements. This action is in line with Congressman Tom Emmers (MN-06) Home Mortgage Reporting Relief Act (H.R. 4648) which would have amended the law to provide small businesses and banks with this regulatory relief. Community banks and Credit Unions in Minnesota and around the country are cheering this decision, said Congressman Emmer. Now, rather than navigating through red rape, these small and medium-size lenders can focus on doing what they do best: helping Minnesota families achieve the American dream. I thank Director Mulvaney for his leadership at the CFPB on this issue and look forward to continue working with this administration to keep slashing burdensome regulations to allow the American economy to flourish. CLICK HERE for more information on the CFPBs decision. CLICK HERE to read the letter Emmer recently led to the CFPB on this issue. CLICK HERE for more information on Emmers Home Mortgage Reporting Relief Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-administration-acts-reduce-dependence-foreign-critical-minerals,Trump Administration Acts to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Critical Minerals and Strengthen National Security,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04), Vice-Chairman for Policy and Appropriations Mark Amodei (NV-02), Vice-Chairman for Indian Affairs and Oceans Don Young (AK-At Large), Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Bruce Westerman (AR-04), House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01) and Western Caucus Members Mike Johnson (LA-04), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Jason Smith (MO-08), Greg Gianforte (MT-At Large), Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following statements following President Donald J. Trump'sexecutive orderto break America's dependence on foreign minerals and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke's secretarialorder to begin work on identifying immediate domestic sources for critical minerals: Chairman Gosar said, Our reliance on foreign nations of questionable stability and demonstrated hostile intentions towards the United States for critical minerals constitutes a serious security threat. This situation has come about even though the United States could readily procure the vast majority of the 23 minerals identified in the USGS Report domestically and sustainably, were we only to choose to greenlight development of our bounty of mineral resources.At a recent hearing of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee which I chair, I emphasized the extent to which arbitrary mineral withdrawals and a federal bureaucracy loathe to authorize mineral projects have brought us to this precarious juncture.But there is a way forward. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Zinke for taking action to advance American energy dominance and strengthen our national security. Congressman Amodei stated, Having introduced critical minerals legislation that has passed out of the House the last three Congresses in a row and watching that bill run straight into Senate paralysis I appreciate the fact that the Administration has taken the lead on this issue and is moving the ball toward the goal line. The unique and resource rich geology in Alaska makes the state an excellent candidate for finding critical minerals, said Congressman Don Young. This strategic decision by President Trump will ensure that the U.S. is more self-sufficient and that our military can operate without risk of losing access to these crucial minerals while helping create jobs and boost both the Alaskan and national economy. Congressman Westerman stated, Americas dependence on foreign sources of materials for manufacturing has been a concern among leaders in Congress, the executive branch, and industry for many decades. President Trumps action addresses those concerns and puts America on the road to mineral independence. I appreciate the President and Secretary Zinkes leadership in addressing this important security and economic challenge. Tapping into our abundant domestic supply of critical minerals is good defense policy that has the added bonus of creating jobs and economic growth. These actions underscore President Trumps commitment to responsibly develop more of our own resources and reverse Americas dependency on foreign sources. I look forward to continuing our work with the administration to achieve this shared objective, said Congressman Rob Bishop. Congressman Mike Johnson stated, The presidents decision marks an important turning point in prioritizing our nations sovereignty and security. Americas mineral resources are among our greatest assets and our independence in this area is key to strengthening our national defense. Once again, President Trump and Secretary Zinke have shown real leadership in reducing U.S. dependence on foreign resources. Congressman Lamborn said, ""Today less than half the minerals American manufacturers need come from our own soil. That fosters dependence on foreign aid and poses a significant problem for national security. While serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources for six years, this is an issue I worked on intensively. President Trump's Executive Order changes course for the better. We will no longer rely on foreign competitors for vital minerals needed to keep our country safe. Secretary Zinke's order backs the president's decision by increasing American mineral production. The new administration is putting America first and making American security the top priority. Putting critical mineral control back in the hands of domestic companies ensures a safer, better tomorrow."" Americas reliance on foreign nations for important minerals and resources that our military needs puts our national security in jeopardy. We must make it easier to identify and produce these minerals so that everything our armed forces need can be made right here on our soil. I support the Presidents decision to issue this Executive Order that will create jobs as well as streamline and safeguard our supply lines, Congressman LaMalfa remarked. Congressman Adrian Smith stated, New efforts to mine rare earth minerals in places like Elk Creek, Nebraska, demonstrate we are capable of mining and refining these critical inputs for 21st century technology at home. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Zinke for recognizing the need to grow our economy by utilizing resources which already exist within our borders. The number one responsibility of your government is to keep you and your loved ones safe. Energy security knowing we can do everything from building the best equipment for our military to putting gas in our cars and heating our homes is a major part of that safety and security.But for too long, the government has been dependent on foreign countries supplying us with these critical resources when we have them right here in southeast Missouri. President Trumps action to change this will make us less reliant on countries like Russia and China who dont have our best interests at heart and willsecure Americas energy independence while bringing jobs back to the United States, said Congressman Jason Smith. Congressman Gianforte stated, Montana is home to the only platinum and palladium production in North America. Rare earth elements and platinum metals are integral parts of high-tech components, from batteries to computer chips to display screens to engines, that are vital for our economy and national defense. With Russia controlling much of the worlds platinum group production and China controlling nearly 80 percent of rare earth production, greater domestic production of these materials would protect us from relying on other nations. Opening a mine in the U.S. is difficult, and this order will improve the process. I applaud the efforts of the president and look forward to making it easier to create high-paying mining jobs in Montana. By increasing exploration and production of key minerals in the United States, President Trump has kept his promise to prioritize our national strategic interests. Arizonans will see expanded job growth and trade opportunities. I applaud this administration for protecting our affairs, said Congressman Biggs. Like so many states across this great nation, Minnesota is fully prepared to step up and help unleash Americas full mining potential, concluded Congressman Emmer whose MINER Act, which reverses the misguided, last-minute actions of the Obama Administration to stop any exploration of one of the most valuable precious metal deposits in the world, passed the House last month. This will add jobs and bring economic prosperity; improve national security and decrease our reliance on foreign countries like Russia and China; and enhance the lives of every American. Further, our current environmental regulations ensure that we can secure critical minerals while protecting our nations big, beautiful landscape. I am glad this administration agrees sound economic, environmental, and security policy can and should coexist. I commend Secretary Zinke and the President for their work to support our miners, streamline the permitting and review process, and enhance our national defense with this important order today. Background: Courtesy of the White House Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump signed anExecutive Order to reverse the decades-long trend of increasing dependence on foreign imports of critical minerals that are essential to American prosperity and national security. The comprehensive order aims to identify new sources of critical minerals, ensure miners and producers have access to the best data, and streamline the leasing and permitting process to expedite production, reprocessing and recycling of minerals at all levels of the supply chain. Courtesy of the Department of the Interior: Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed a secretarialorderdirecting the initial steps to producing the first nationwide geological and topographical survey of the United States in modern history. The order also directs Interior bureaus to begin work on identifying immediate domestic sources for critical minerals. Earlier this week, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey released a report that detailed the extent to which the United States is fully, majorly, or partially dependent upon foreign competitors and even adversaries for our supply of ""critical minerals."" The report identified 23 of the minerals that are most-needed to sustain our national defense and economy and are used in manufacturing everything from batteries and computer chips to equipment used by our military. The report shows a troubling trend of foreign dependency. Click HERE and HERE to read DOIs press releases on these matters. Courtesy of the Western Caucus On December 12, 2017, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing on the arduous and uncertain regulatory scheme governing domestic mineral development and resulting impacts on Americas economic and national security. Panel members discussed Americas reliance on foreign minerals and the benefits of increasing domestic production. Each of the last three Congresses, the House has passed Vice-Chairman Amodeis National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act. This legislation sought to address delays in the permitting of American mining projects, which can currently take seven to ten years or longer. This bill required the lead permitting agency to identify a project lead to coordinate with all involved, set and adhere to deadlines, establish clear goals, and track progress. It also streamlined judicial review and litigation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-applauds-new-tax-reform-looks-tackle-government-spending-new-year,"Emmer Applauds New Tax Reform, Looks to Tackle Government Spending in the New Year",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement after Congress passed, and sent to the President's desk for signature, a new United States tax code:This is a historic day for Minnesota and for America. The President's signature on these significant reforms to our tax code will deliver major tax-relief for the middle-class, allow businesses around the country to create new opportunities for every American and boost our nations economy. Minnesotans will not only see bigger paychecks starting next year, they will be able to keep more of that hard-earned money. This revamp of our nations broken tax code is long overdue. But our work has only just begun. With a better tax code in place and our continuedeffortsto roll back thousands of harmful regulations, the next step is addressing reckless government spending. Our national debt is upwards of a whopping $20 trillion and continues to skyrocket every day. As we move into next year, we will start reforming government spending to ensure future generations of Minnesotans live in a more prosperous America. To read the full legislative text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, clickhere. To read the policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, clickhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1937,Paulsen Statement on Passage of Once-in-a-Generation Tax Reform,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the historic passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Today marks a new beginning for hardworking, middle-income Americans who will be able to keep more of the money they earn, better provide for their families, and save for retirement, said Congressman Paulsen.Families and businesses across the country will no longer be held back by a broken, outdated tax code and can instead have hope in a prosperous future. Congressman Paulsen spoke on H.R. 1 on the House floor before passage of the bill, which can be seen here. The bill includes provisions that: Lower individual tax rates; Nearly double the standard deduction; Double the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for each child; Preserve the mortgage interest deduction for current and future homeowners; Lower the top U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; Modernize our international tax system so American money earned overseas is no longer taxed twice, but is brought back home to keep headquarters, manufacturing, jobs, and innovation in the U.S.; Deliver significant tax relief for Main Street small business with a first-ever 20 percent tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of income earned; Allow immediate expensing so companies can buy new equipment and software without complex depreciation schedules; and Protect the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans. The finalized plan also includes two provisions authored by Congressman Paulsen. The first is the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act. At many startup companies, employees are offered stock options or equity interest as part of their compensation. Currently, if employees exercise these options, they are required to immediately pay taxes often times before they may have the available cash to do so. As a result, these rank-and-file employees cannot afford to exercise their stock options and therefore miss out on a significant financial opportunity. This is a deterrent to many that wish to join a startup company. The Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act will help startup companies attract and keep top talent by allowing employees to defer the taxes on their stock options for five years when they are likely to have the funds necessary to make their tax payment. It also includes the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which modernizes the tax code and streamlines regulations for producers of craft beverages, cider, wine, and distilled spirits. It eliminates red tape by simplifying beer formulation approvals, simplifying beer recordkeeping and inventory rules, and allowing for the transfer of beer in bond to breweries. Additionally, it reduces administrative backlogs by ensuring proper funding for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsens work in Congress visitpaulsen.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-house-passes-major-tax-cut-legislation,"Emmer Supports, House Passes Major Tax Cut Legislation",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement after he supported, and the House passed, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) which now moves to the Senate for consideration this evening: This is a major victory for Minnesotans and Americans across the country. Today the House put the American people first, delivering major tax relief and letting middle-class families keep more of what they earn. By lowering individual taxes, expanding the child tax credit, doubling the standard deduction, providing relief from the Death Tax, and letting businesses create opportunities for millions across the country, we are delivering on our promise to get the American economy back to its full strength, with the American people, not the government, in the drivers seat. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill so our President can sign it into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-emmer-hultgren-stand-small-businesses-and-community-banks-introduce,"Reps. Emmer & Hultgren Stand Up for Small Businesses and Community Banks, Introduce Legislation to Provide Regulatory Relief",2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) continue to stand up for small businesses and community banks, introducing the Home Mortgage Reporting Relief Act (H.R. 4648) this week. The bill gives community banks and credit unions additional time to comply with new, excessive data collection and reporting requirements required by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). I consistently hear from community banks and credit unions throughout the Sixth District that the CFPBs new rules will make it harder for them to do what they do best: help Minnesota families achieve the American dream, said Congressman Emmer.While we work to blunt the impact of these burdensome regulations, this bill will provide Main Street banks additional time to comply with the new rule so that they can focus on getting Americans into new homes in a timely manner rather than figuring out how to navigate through more red tape. The new Home Mortgage Disclosure Act requirements again demonstrate that the CFPB does not understand our community banks and credit unions. Just as one burdensome mortgage rule is finalized, our community financial institutions have to deal with a new rule. This bill will give community banks and credit unions some breathing room so they can refocus on meeting the financial needs of families and small businesses in Illinois, said Congressman Hultgren. The Home Mortgage Reporting Relief Act: Provides a one year safe harbor for financial institutions from having to comply with the data collection and reporting requirements, respectively, issued under the CFPBs October 2015 and September 2017 amendments to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (Regulation C). Restricts the CFPBs ability to make any of the new data collected and reported publicly available. Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) the CFPBs revised Regulation C final rule will go into effect on January 1, 2018. The final rule requires banks and credit unions to collect 48 additional unique data fields on any mortgage loan they originate and report this data to the CFPB. This change more than doubles the number of data fields currently required to be collected and will result in small community mortgage lenders to compile a total of 110 data points in order to process a mortgage. These new data fields will cause community financial institutions to divert resources to deal with the additional bureaucratic red tape, increasing costs and the time it takes to process a mortgage for home buyers. Further, the ultimate publication of this data by the CFPB raises numerous consumer privacy concerns. According to the Department of Treasurys June 2017 reportA Financial System That Creates Economic Opportunities Banks and Credit Unions: The new reporting requirements have created two concerns among market participants, both related to the public disclosure of the data. The new fields include additional borrower-specific data, which taken with existing HMDA fields and publicly available information, could be used to determine the specific identity of a borrower, raising privacy concerns. Additionally, the new fields contain loan-specific features, including mortgage note rate and fees. The new HMDA loan level data could help competitors re-engineer a lenders pricing models, which could cause competitiveharm to the lender. Click here to read the full report. Congressman Emmer is a member of the House Financial Services Committee. Additional resources: Emmer Letter to CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaneyon new data rule (11/27/17) Emmer Introduces Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act (6/21/17)Emmer Introduces Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act (4/20/16) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1938,"Paulsen, Moore Introduce Legislation to Help Trafficking Victims, Invest in Resources and Training",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) introduced the Trafficking Victims Protection Act to promote justice and services for trafficking survivors. This legislation encourages federal agencies to promptly report data on human trafficking offenses to the FBI and requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit an annual assessment on trends from human trafficking investigations. It also further improves training for law enforcement personnel by promoting a victim-centered approach to combatting human trafficking. When human trafficking survivors are freed from this modern-day slavery, we need to make sure these victims have the resources they need to get back on their feet and get the justice they deserve, said Congressman Paulsen.We must remain diligent in the effort to end sex trafficking and bolster the tools we have to help those in need. For far too long, Americas criminal justice system has failed to protect those who have fallen victim to human trafficking, said Congresswoman Moore.In order to substantively combat this pervasive and complex issue, local and federal law enforcement officials must have the tools and training necessary to identify and respond to human trafficking in all of its forms. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017 not only addresses these concerns, but also builds upon the progress of the Violence Against Women Act to strengthen existing laws and grant federal agencies the capacity to provide critical services to trafficking survivors. During a time in our national politics when sensible legislation is regularly stymied by partisan entrenchment, I take great pride in the work Rep. Erik Paulsen and I have achieved in developing a bipartisan approach to end this form of modern-day slavery. Additionally, the bill formally authorizes an Office of Victim Assistance within the Department of Homeland Security. The specially trained victim assistance personnel at this office play a crucial role in securing victims cooperation with trafficking investigations. Congressman Paulsen is a longtime advocate for combating sex trafficking. He has authored multiple laws to help victims of trafficking including: The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act The Recovering Missing Children Act The Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsens work in Congress visitpaulsen.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/peterson-klobuchar-walz-mccollum-nolan-emmer-and-ellison-urge-us-customs,"Peterson, Klobuchar, Walz, McCollum, Nolan, Emmer, and Ellison urge U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to initiate a pilot program in border crossing technology and to delay the reduction in service hours at the Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Congressman Collin C. Peterson led a bipartisan letter with Senator Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Tim Walz, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Rick Nolan, Rep. Tom Emmer, and Rep. Keith Ellison urging U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to delay the announced reduction of service hours in Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry (POEs), and to create a pilot program using proven technology to increase service for non-commercial crossings at those sites. CBP surprised residents living in northwest Minnesota by announcing they would be dramatically reducing service hours in the Lancaster and Roseau POEs and shift officers to Pembina, ND. Residents attending town halls voiced their strong objections to the reduction of service citing concerns about the impact it would have on the regions economy. In the letter, the lawmakers identify the pilot program already underway at the NW Angle as a model for what can be created at the Lancaster and Roseau POEs. We write to urge U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to initiate a pilot program that utilizes existing virtual interview process technology at the Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry (POEs) and delay the reduction in service hours until the pilot can be launched. The lawmakers continued, with slight infrastructure improvements, Lancaster and Roseau POEs will be able to safely and efficiently process passenger vehicles twenty-four hours a day without rerouting them through inconvenient ports in Pembina or Warroad. If CBP agrees to expand the use of this technology for these ports of entry, it could have wide-ranging benefits for Minnesota. The benefits of the new technology include establishing an efficient way for area residents and tourists to check-in with CBP officials remotely while expanding resources for local businesses and resort owners. Current hours of service at the Port of Lancaster are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The CBP has announced that they will reduce the hours of service, operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. between October 1 and April 30 and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. between May 1 through September 30. Travelers wishing to cross into the U.S. when the port is closed may cross at the Pembina, North Dakota POE which is open 24 hours and located approximately 30 miles west of Lancaster. The current hours of service at the Port of Roseau are 8 a.m. to midnight. The new hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. year round. Travelers wishing to cross into the U.S. after hours may cross at the Warroad, Minnesota POE which is also open 24 hours and located approximately 21 miles east of Roseau. Read the letter below: Dear Executive Assistant Commissioner Todd C. Owen: We write to urge U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to initiate a pilot program that utilizes existing virtual interview process technology at the Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry (POEs) and delay the reduction in service hours until the pilot can be launched. We believe that a pilot at these ports would result in a mutually beneficial situation for local residents that depend on reliable access to these POEs and the agency which has expressed a need for more officers at the Pembina, North Dakota port. We are pleased with the current pilot program that is underway at the Northwest Angle, a remote and unique area in Minnesota which will greatly benefit from virtual interview process technology. The mechanics and model of this pilot can also be applied in a cost-effective manner to the Lancaster and Roseau POEs, which are updated facilities that already possess license plate readers. With slight infrastructure improvements, Lancaster and Roseau POEs will be able to safely and efficiently process passenger vehicles twenty-four hours a day without rerouting them through inconvenient ports in Pembina or Warroad. When CBP announced the agency would reduce service hours at Lancaster and Roseau POEs, two town hall meetings were held on November 6th and November 2nd, 2017. At the Lancaster town hall alone, a petition was signed by 495 constituents who agreed with the statement that the reduction in service hours will have a negative economic, financial, and personal effect on those who operate businesses, travel, and live near these POEs. The pilot program we are advocating for in this letter could significantly address many of these concerns. We understand CBPs overall goal is to optimize service along our nations land borders in a fiscally responsible manner. The Planning, Program Analysis, and Evaluation Office within the Office of Field Operations plays a vital role in leveraging technologies which better serve our citizens needs. In your response, we request that you identify any existing technology that could be utilized in a virtual interview process pilot program at the Lancaster and Roseau POEs. This pilot would serve as an efficient and innovative way for CBP to continue serving our communities while meeting that goal. While this request is considered, we ask that the agency delay current plans to reduce service hours at these ports until a pilot program can begin implementation and the ongoing needs of the communities can be evaluated in an open and transparent manner. We look forward to working with you to advance this use of technology as a possible solution for all stakeholders. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1935,Paulsen Congratulates Edina HS Student for Winning Congressional App Challenge,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announced the winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge, congratulating Jack Hong, a student at Edina High School. Jack created an app called Pomo Timer, which helps students enhance their productivity by blocking distracting websites on the user’s computer for short periods of time. “Congratulations to Jack Hong on winning the Congressional App Challenge,” said Congressman Paulsen. “America needs talented young programmers and STEM students now more than ever to fill our workforce needs for the future. I’m very impressed with the ingenuity and intellectual curiosity displayed by Jack and everyone who created and submitted an app for consideration.”  Congressman Paulsen also recognized Jack and his achievement on the floor of the House of Representatives, as well as runner-up Madeeha Rizvi of Brooklyn Park and Minnetonka Middle School students Zara Thomas and Omar Elamri on earning Honorable Mentions. The apps designed by the challenge’s winners will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website. The Congressional App Challenge was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as a million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the United States invests in our youth now, and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1936,Paulsen Urges Further Delay of Medical Device Tax,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the introduction of a five-year delay to the medical device tax. This legislation, H.R. 4617, would repeal the 2.3 percent excise tax included in President Obama’s health care law that applies to the sale of medical device products. “If we want to protect and create more high-paying jobs and if we want to ensure more life-improving and life-saving technologies are available to help patients, we cannot allow the medical device tax to start up again,” said Congressman Paulsen. “This tax should be eliminated and fully repealed, but short of that, we should at least suspend this onerous tax for another five years.”  Congressman Paulsen is the chief author of legislation to permanently repeal the medical device tax. In the 114th Congress, Congressman Paulsen helped pass a two-year suspension of the medical device tax with bipartisan support. Unless action is taken, the medical device tax will go back into effect on January 1, 2018. This year, Congressman Paulsen introduced the Protect Medical Innovation Act to permanently repeal the medical device tax. This legislation has broad bipartisan support with 260 cosponsors. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-2017-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Emmer Announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) today announced the winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge: “For the past three years, my office has participated in the Congressional App Challenge which aims to encourage middle and high school students from all over the nation to develop their own software application, otherwise known as an app. I am proud that my office has participated in this program since its inception. STEM skills are of vital important to the workforce of tomorrow, and I am glad that students across my district are learning and practicing these important skills.   “I want to congratulate this year’s winning team: Jessica Tober, Erika Mork, Ella Mork and Samantha Pieper from Central Middle School in Norwood Young America. Their app, ‘Time Resurrection’ is designed to plan your day, which includes a checklist function for your long list of homework assignments, and a questionnaire to help determine the best time in your schedule to finish your tasks. We congratulate these young Minnesotans and look forward to seeing what they do in the future!”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=127,Lewis welcomes long called-for Pentagon Audit,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the Department of Defense (DOD) Comptroller David Norquist announced the start of an audit of the Pentagon, something Lewis has long called for and has introduced legislation to mandate: “Our men and women in the field need the right resources, and without an audit of the DOD it’s been impossible to know whether its multi-billion dollar budget was being spent responsibly. I’m glad to see an audit finally beginning (as has been in law since 1990). I’ve been calling for this since my arrival in Congress, with my Defense Spending Accountability Act and language in the House Budget highlighting the importance of the audit. “It’s important that we use what we learn from an audit to reduce waste and make the Pentagon much more accountable to the people it serves. Military readiness doesn’t equal spending for spending’s sake. We can have the best military in the world and tackle our national debt simultaneously, and I look forward to the results of the audit helping to guide the government in making progress on both of these important goals.” Background: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has placed DOD on the High Risk List since 1995.  This means DOD has had sustained and uncorrected deficiencies, on a massive scale, in their financial management. As GAO has stated, this has hindered the DOD’s ability to make sound and financially prudent decisions. This not only wastes taxpayer dollars, it also makes it harder to ensure military readiness. The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon buried a report that showed $125 billion in administrative waste- read it here. This is the first-ever audit of the DOD’s $2.4 trillion in assets. Lewis’ H.R. 2040, the Defense Spending Accountability Act, can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-legislation-ensure-care-vulnerable-mothers-and-children-passes-0,Emmer Legislation to Ensure Care for Vulnerable Mothers and Children Passes House,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding today’s passage of H.J. Res 123: “Today, the House passed language from the CHIP Stability Act (H.R. 4515) that I introduced with Rep. Costello (PA-06). This provision allows for CHIP funding through the end of the year to bring certainty and much needed support for thousands of Minnesotans. I am proud to be a voice for the individuals who depend on CHIP and will continue to fight on behalf of Minnesota families.” Click here to watch video ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-franken-resignation,Emmer Statement on Franken Resignation,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding the resignation of Senator Al Franken: “I am pleased Senator Franken made the right decision for the great state of Minnesota and our country. Elected officials hold the trust of the constituents they represent, and it is crucial we cherish and honor that trust. I am hopeful this will move our society towards better behavior.”                        ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=126,Lewis continues to advocate for our kids,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis continues to advocate for our kids f t # e Washington, December 7, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for a short-term Continuing Resolution funding the government and ensuring Minnesota has the federal resources to maintain Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage: “This is my second vote to renew CHIP and stand up for our kids- and yet the Senate still has not acted. Their inaction does a disservice to families in Minnesota. This is urgent, and that’s why the House is again moving to provide the important resources and flexibility Minnesota needs for children’s health care. “As with CHIP, the House has already passed each of the appropriations bills to fund the government for 2018. The Senate has yet to act on these either. That’s why I supported a short-term extension while we work to address government funding for the coming year.” ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=125,Lewis supports the right to self-defense for law-abiding citizens,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis supports the right to self-defense for law-abiding citizens f t # e Washington, December 6, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting to support the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, H.R. 38, as it passed the House today including the Fix National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Act: “Families in Minnesota have the right to feel secure. The Constitution gives, and the Supreme Court has upheld in two recent decisions, an individual right to bear arms. For many, a concealed carry permit is a way to feel secure wherever they go- and in fact, women are the fastest-growing group of applicants for these permits. “Your right to be safe, just like to drive, doesn’t end at the state line with arbitrary limits on travel. If you are a law-abiding citizen with a permit for a concealed carry- and you’d have to comply with a host state’s laws- you shouldn’t have to turn around every time you reach the bridge to Wisconsin. And to make sure that criminals and bad actors aren’t able to get these permits, we also ensure our background check system has the most accurate and up-to-date information from government agencies and the states. “This protects the right of responsible Minnesotans to self-defense wherever they are.” ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-continues-efforts-protect-care-vulnerable-mothers-and-children,Emmer Continues Efforts to Protect Care for Vulnerable Mothers and Children,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Ryan Costello (PA-06) introduced legislation to provide short-term funding for the Minnesota Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Emmer and Costello’s responsible stopgap solution, the CHIP Stability Act, helps Minnesota’s most vulnerable while the Senate finishes the job to fund women and children’s health insurance. “Unfortunately, lack of action in the Senate has forced Minnesota to find alternative funding in order to continue coverage for CHIP recipients,” said Emmer. “I am proud to join Rep. Costello to introduce this responsible legislation and urge my colleagues in the Senate to take quick action to pass long-term CHIP reauthorization for Minnesotans and millions of families across the country.” “Nearly 177,000 children in Pennsylvania and millions across the country utilize CHIP, making this a critically important program that we must keep fully operational,” said Rep. Costello. “While it is unfortunate this legislation is necessary, we must bridge the funding gap, and I will continue to push for a long-term reauthorization of the program.” Emmer introduced the State CHIP Flexibility Act last month, which would provide more flexibility and avoid fines to the state for continuing to cover pregnant women under the program. To ensure that pregnant women are covered for the entirety of their nine-month pregnancy, Minnesota opted to carry-over CHIP funds. Unfortunately, current law penalizes state foresight and flexibility, and instead imposes a fine on any state who utilizes carry-over funds. Minnesota is one of just two states in the nation to face this penalty. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Subcommittee Chairman Michael Burgess (R-TX) are original co-sponsors of Emmer and Costello’s bill. Additional Resources: Emmer Introduces Legislation to Ensure Care for Vulnerable Mothers and Children (11/16/17) OP-ED: Clock is ticking on plan to fund children's health insurance (11/22/17)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=124,Lewis' College Completion bill included in historic higher education reform,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis released the following statement after Education & Workforce Committee Chairwoman Foxx introduced the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform Act, or PROSPER Act, a higher education reauthorization and reform bill that contains Lewis’ H.R. 4336, the College Completion and Success Act: “One of my top priorities is equipping our young people with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st Century economy. With six million unfilled jobs in this country, we clearly need a new approach to higher education that provides additional options in order to meet the needs of both our economy and our students. Many students prefer a two-year or technical qualification that leads straight to a well-paid, skilled job, and we need to make those opportunities more widely available with apprenticeships and work/study programs that give students relevant on-the-job experience. That’s why I was glad to see my dual enrollment amendment already pass the House and give young people the chance to gain practical experience even while in high school. “Regardless of the educational path they choose, we need to make sure students are graduating prepared to thrive in the workforce - and my College Completion and Success Act, included in the PROSPER Act, actually reforms the student aid system so that schools have skin in the game and are incentivized to help them do better. I’m proud to support this bill and look forward to helping these historic reforms become law.” To see a summary of the bill, click here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1934,Paulsen Votes to Protect Boundary Waters,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding his opposition to H.R. 3905, which threatens Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area by not providing it with the same environmental protections that other National Forests receive. The legislation also tosses aside more than 100,000 public comments and stops a current environmental review of copper-sulfide mining. And, it would weaken the Antiquities Act, a conservation tool used on a bipartisan basis by 16 presidents since 1906 to protect our nation’s history. “The Boundary Waters is Minnesota’s Yellowstone, and as a national treasure, its waters need to be protected,” said Congressman Paulsen. “I want to make sure the Boundary Waters is preserved for future generations to enjoy without compromising standard environmental practices or its natural beauty.”  Congressman Paulsen spoke on H.R. 3905 on the House floor, which can be seen here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-protects-thousands-jobs-and-billions-dollars-minnesota,Emmer Protects Thousands of Jobs and Billions of Dollars for Minnesota,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3905 – Minnesota’s Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act, also known as the MINER Act – led by Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06). ""Mining has been a way of life for Minnesotans since the 1800s and is a crucial part of our state’s economy. Unfortunately, in its waning days, the previous administration took unnecessary, politically motivated actions aimed at Minnesota’s mining industry by refusing to renew mineral leases and starting the process to withdraw nearly a quarter of a million acres of federal land from development. “The MINER Act reverses the misguided, last-minute actions of the Obama Administration to stop any exploration of one of the most valuable precious metal deposits in the world. The MINER Act is about protecting Minnesota’s right to explore and, if environmentally appropriate, mine valuable precious metals. “Nothing in this legislation will circumvent any of the numerous strict local, state and federal environmental regulations and permitting requirements currently in place – especially when one of the world’s most beautiful national treasures is at stake. By passing the MINER Act today, we are protecting more than ten thousand jobs and billions of dollars in revenue and education funding, while leaving an extensive process intact to protect and preserve the environment and our state.” Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-07) and Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) are original cosponsors on this legislation. Additional Resources: Emmer Praises Committee Passage of the MINER Act (11/8/17) Emmer Introduces MINER Act (10/3/17)  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=123,Lewis supports Minnesota mining,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for the Minnesota’s Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest (MINER) Act, H.R. 3905, as it passed the House. Lewis also supported H.R. 3115, the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act, as it passed the House in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote earlier this week: “I was pleased the House passed two bills this week that return Minnesota mining decisions back where they belong- to Minnesotans.  The MINER Act gives us the chance to provide good jobs for families in our communities while ensuring we protect the natural beauty that makes Minnesota such a picturesque state. In too many instances we have seen the federal government put roadblock after roadblock in the way of important infrastructure projects nationwide.  For years mining and energy sector projects have been stopped before they can even draft a proposal for consideration.  “The MINER Act addresses this overreach by federal bureaucrats and brings power back to Minnesota, while the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act speeds up a process that has been laden with federal red tape.  Ultimately, the people who live here know best how to protect our land, while also providing vital opportunities to use the natural resources we have been blessed with to benefit our citizens and their families.” Background: H.R. 3905, the Minnesota’s Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest (MINER) Act: •                    Halts northern Minnesota mineral withdrawals by requiring Congressional approval for these actions •                    Ensures National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for any reinstated or future leases •                    Ensures strict environmental review for any projects proposed in the area, as established under current law •                    Expressly affirms Minnesota’s commitment to restricting any mineral development in the Boundary Waters or its state and federal buffer zones   H.R. 3115, the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act •                    Ratifies the appraised land values and objectives of the NorthMet Land Exchange •                    Does not authorize any mining to occur •                    Does not affect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or the Rainy River Watershed •                    The land exchange allocates 6,690 acres of private lands to the Forest Service and allocates 6,650 acres of Federal surface land to PolyMet   ### __________________________________",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1933,Paulsen: Justice Stras One Step Closer to Serving Minnesotans on the Bench,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement regarding today’s Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing of Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court David Stras for his nomination to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. “This hearing was long overdue for a qualified, fair-minded legal scholar,” said Congressman Paulsen. “I am confident that Justice Stras, who has received widespread praise from both sides of the aisle over an impressive career in law, will serve Minnesotans well on the Court of Appeals.”  Earlier this year, Congressman Paulsen sent two letters, along with Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02), to the Trump administration recommending Justice Stras. In a Star Tribune op-ed over the summer, he continued to advocate for Justice Stras’s confirmation as Minnesota’s senators delayed moving his nomination forward by not turning in their “blue slips.” Earlier this month, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (Iowa) announced Justice Stras’s hearing. A vote for his confirmation is not yet scheduled. Justice Stras has served on the Minnesota Supreme Court since he was appointed by Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2010. In 2012, he was elected to a six-year term on the state’s highest court. Prior to his service on the Minnesota Supreme Court, Justice Stras clerked for Justice Melvin Brunetti of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Justice J. Michael Luttig of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. He also served as a member of the University of Minnesota Law School faculty from 2004 to 2010, and has written articles for several law reviews as well as authored a casebook still published today. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=122,Lewis statement on sexual assault incidents,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis statement on sexual assault incidents f t # e Washington, November 17, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement regarding ongoing news stories relating to sexual harassment and sexual assault: “As I have said many times, the whirlwind of sexual harassment—and now even sexual assault—incidents by people in positions of public trust is extremely troubling. Suffice it to say, anyone who commits sexual assault isn’t fit for public office. I continue to believe the best lesson we can learn from all of this is to recommit ourselves to restoring respect for women—in fact, for everyone, in society.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1931,Paulsen Statement on the House Passage of Historic Tax Reform,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement following the historic passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first major tax reform legislation in more than three decades out of the House of Representatives: “After more than 31 years, the House passed tax reform that will allow our economy to grow and benefit American individuals, families, and businesses,” said Congressman Paulsen. “Tax reform for me is about one thing: Restoring the hope for a prosperous future for ourselves, our parents, and—most importantly—our children.”  The House now awaits the passage of a Senate tax reform bill, so the two can be sent to a Conference Committee. Congressman Paulsen spoke on H.R. 1 on the House floor this week, which can be seen here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.   For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-ensure-care-vulnerable-mothers-and-children,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Ensure Care for Vulnerable Mothers and Children,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced legislation to provide a fix for Minnesota’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding and provide more flexibility for the state. On November 3, the House adopted the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, H.R. 3922, to reauthorize the CHIP program for five years. Minnesota is one of two states that faces a fine after expending all of its CHIP funding and requiring alternative funding to get through November 30. Minnesota has opted to carry-over funds in order to ensure that pregnant women currently receiving CHIP coverage will continue to receive health care for the entirety of their nine-month pregnancy. Unfortunately, current law penalizes state foresight and flexibility, and instead imposes a fine on any state who utilizes carry-over funds. This legislative fix would eliminate the fine and effectively save the state of Minnesota approximately $10 million. “Because of lack of action by the Senate, Minnesota has already been forced to find alternative funding in order to continue coverage for CHIP recipients,” said Emmer. “What’s even worse, despite the state’s efforts to ensure we do not leave pregnant women in the lurch, Minnesota will be penalized. I am proud to introduce legislation to allow Minnesota more flexibility to continue providing coverage for children and pregnant mothers while we wait for the Senate to pass legislation reauthorizing CHIP.” The State CHIP Flexibility Act is H.R. 4404. Rep. Collin Peterson (MN-07), Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Rep. Jason Lewis (MN-02) are original cosponsors of the legislation. Click here to read full text. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-stands-main-street-minnesota-and-middle-class-families,Emmer Stands Up for Main Street Minnesota and Middle-Class Families,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding the House of Representative’s passage of the first substantial tax reform in 31 years: “Today is a historic day for taxpayers across the country. After eight years of dismal economic growth, stagnant wages and burdensome regulations, we finally have a chance to change that.  I was proud to support the Tax Cut and Jobs Act as we work to simplify our overly complicated and burdensome tax code for families and businesses across the nation, and enable the United States to become the economic powerhouse it deserves to be. “This legislation unties the hands of small businesses and corporations so they can be competitive on a global stage. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also puts middle-class families first by doubling the standard deduction, increasing the Child Tax Credit, retaining the Adoption Tax Credit, and ultimately lowering tax rates for 99% of Americans. “It is important to keep in mind, though, that our work to make the United States a better place for families and a more competitive place for business is far from complete. I look forward to working with my counterparts in the Senate to reconcile the differences between our two proposals. We must also stay focused on addressing our runaway spending and ensure that we spend the taxpayer’s money as responsibly as possible. “We did not get here overnight, and we will not fix things overnight. But, I am proud that today, we started down the path toward boosting our economy and letting middle-class Americans keep more of the money they worked so hard to earn.""                         ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-following-allegations-against-senator-franken,Emmer Statement Following Allegations Against Senator Franken,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement today related to allegations against Senator Al Franken (D-MN): “Any and all allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault deserve our attention and must be taken very seriously. The American people put their trust in elected officials, which makes allegations against lawmakers especially concerning. Standing up for victims and against harassment and assault is not a partisan issue and I support investigations into any claims against elected officials.”                        ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=121,Lewis votes for major tax reform legislation as it passes the House,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis votes for major tax reform legislation as it passes the House f t # e Washington, November 16, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 1- The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: “Families in Minnesota need a tax code that works for them. That’s why I ran for Congress and that’s what I voted for today. We need lower taxes on middle class families and small businesses. We need a simpler tax code that doesn’t require hours of your time or more of your money to comply with. And we need a tax code that encourages economic growth, job creation, and rising wages. That’s what I support and it’s why I voted for this bill to help the hardworking families in Minnesota’s 2nd district.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-rep-emmer-and-colleagues-introduce-resolution-condemning,"Rep. Ellison, Rep. Emmer, and Colleagues Introduce Resolution Condemning Terror Attack in Mogadishu",2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. — On the one-month anniversary of the October 14th terror attack on Mogadishu, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), along with Reps. Steve Stivers (R-OH), Karen Bass (D-CA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Denny Heck (D-WA) introduced House Resolution 620, which condemns the attack, expresses sympathy for its victims and their families, and reaffirms U.S. support for Somalia. The October 14th terror attack killed more than 350 people, including three American citizens, and injured another 200—making it the single deadliest in Somalia’s history.“It’s been a month since the terrible and cowardly attack on Mogadishu, and my heart still breaks for the people of Somalia and their families and friends here in the United States,” Ellison said. “The people of Somalia have shown incredible resilience— coming together not only as part of an inspiring effort to recover from this attack, but also to rebuild their nation in the spirit of peace and prosperity. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to express solidarity with the people of Somalia by strongly condemning the senseless violence, extending our condolences to all those affected by the attack, and reaffirming continued U.S. support for Somalia.” “Just over a month ago, Mogadishu experienced a horrific and tragic terrorist attack,” said Emmer. “This attack hit close to home with three of our fellow Americans - including one Minnesotan - among the more than 350 men, women and children who lost their lives far too soon. I stand with my colleagues and the Somali community to condemn last month’s attack. I am proud to work with my colleagues to offer condolences and lend support as Somalia works to rebuild itself and its communities in the wake of this recent tragedy. Today, and every day, we stand against terror and join together to rid this world of evil.” The full text of the resolution reads as follows: “Strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia on October 14, 2017, and expressing condolences and sympathies to the victims of the attack and their families. Whereas on October 14, 2017, a truck bomb filled with military grade and homemade explosives detonated at a busy intersection in the center of Mogadishu, Somalia, and took the lives of more than 350 people and injured more than 200 additional people; Whereas at least three Americans, Ahmed AbdiKarin Eyow, Mohamoud Elmi, and Abukar Dahie, were killed in the attack; Whereas the Somali Government believes that Al-Shabaab was responsible for the attack, although no official claims of responsibility have yet been made; Whereas Al-Shabaab has previously avoided claiming responsibility for Al Shabaab operations when it believes the operation may significantly damage its public image among Somalis; Whereas the Department of State condemned ‘‘in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that killed and injured hundreds in Mogadishu on October 14’’; Whereas the Department of State stated that ‘‘the United States will continue to stand with the Somali government, its people, and our international allies to combat terrorism and support their efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity’’;  Whereas according to the Department of State’s Country Report on Terrorism for 2016, Al-Shabaab is the most potent threat to regional stability in East Africa; Whereas the United States continues to support counterterrorism efforts in coordination with the Government of Somalia, international partners, and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) mainly through capacity building programs, advise and assist missions, and intelligence support; Whereas Somalia’s president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, declared three days of national mourning in response to the attack; Whereas the vibrant, bustling district of Mogadishu where the attack occurred is characteristic of the city’s revitalization, and the solidarity and efforts by the city’s residents to rebuild already are a testament to their resilience; and  Whereas Somalia has been a strong partner to the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— (1) strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia on October 14, 2017; (2) expresses its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies for the victims of the attack and their families; (3) honors the memories of Ahmed AbdiKarin Eyow, Mohamoud Elmi, and Abukar Dahie, who were murdered in the horrific terrorist attack; (4) recognizes the significant efforts to combat terrorism by the Government of Somalia, the countries contributing troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia, and United States forces in Somalia; (5) reaffirms United States support for the Government of Somalia’s efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity and combat terrorism in Somalia; and (6) renews the solidarity of the people and Government of the United States with the people and Government of Somalia.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-house-passage-21st-century-flood-reform-act,Emmer Supports House Passage of 21st Century Flood Reform Act,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding today’s passage of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act: “I am proud to join my colleagues in the House to pass common-sense legislation to reauthorize and reform our National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP),” said Emmer. “The 21st Century Flood Reform Act, extends the program's authorization for another five years while incorporating reforms which lay the groundwork for a private flood insurance marketplace to take hold. While there is more to be done to bring the NFIP out of debt and improve the way it operates, the reforms included in this legislation take important steps to better prepare policyholders for future disasters. I am glad we are looking to the future to prevent Congress from being forced to continue governing from crisis to crisis.” Emmer spoke in support of the bill on the House Floor during debate of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act. Emmer serves on the House Financial Services Committee that passed NFIP reforms in June of this year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-support-pressure-injury-prevention-day,Emmer Urges Support for Pressure Injury Prevention Day,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced H.Res. 617 to designate the third Thursday of November as “World Wide Pressure Injury Prevention Day.” Prevention of injury and disease plays a vital role in the health care of our nation. While there is a spotlight on many important issues that require our attention, there are also lesser-known areas that also deserve acknowledgment. “I am honored to support raising awareness for pressure injuries, sometimes known as bed sores, and work to increase the quality of life for millions of Americans,” said Emmer. “Pressure injuries occur more frequently than any other preventable health issue, and by designating the third Thursday in November as a day of recognition we can highlight the need to address these often avoidable and debilitating injuries. It is crucial we bring awareness to this crisis so we can lessen the pain and suffering associated with pressure injuries while reducing health care costs.” The cost of care due to pressure injuries annually is approximately $10 billion. Pressure injuries are also responsible for more than 60,000 deaths each year. Last year alone, 2.5 million patients developed a pressure injury in the hospital and required stays more than twice in length. Pressure injuries also hit the veteran community especially hard, impacting more than one-third of veterans with spinal injuries and costing nearly $80,000 more than veterans not affected. Additionally, there are 17,000 lawsuits each year due to pressure injuries. The Medical Alley Association supports the designation of Pressure Injury Prevention Day.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=120,Lewis- give our troops a raise and keep the Pentagon accountable,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis- give our troops a raise and keep the Pentagon accountable f t # e Washington, November 14, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for the House-Senate conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 2810: “I’m grateful to the thousands of Minnesotans who risk their lives every day to defend our freedom. Our troops deserve a pay raise, and this bill gives it to them. I’ll always stand with men and women in uniform to ensure military readiness and to get them the equipment they need. “In an era of cybersecurity risks and rogue states developing nuclear missiles, I’m glad that we provide resources today to focus more on these significant threats. To do that properly, we have to know that the Pentagon is spending taxpayer dollars where they are needed most. While the NDAA makes some much needed acquisition and spending reforms, I’ve been very clear that more needs to be done to use our resources in the best way possible. My Defense Spending Accountability Act, H.R. 2040, would audit the Pentagon and ensure that our troops are being well-served and that we prioritize military readiness.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1930,Paulsen Statement on Passage of Historic Tax Reform Out of Committee,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement following the historic passage of the first major tax reform legislation in more than three decades out of the Ways and Means Committee: “For the first time in a generation, middle-income and hardworking Minnesotans are closer to a tax code that works for them, rather than against them,” said Congressman Paulsen. “Making the tax code clearer, simpler, and fairer will help create a healthier economy with more jobs and bigger paychecks. Mainstreet Minnesota small businesses will be able to hire more people and give their employees a raise. Our employers will be able to compete around the world selling American goods and services, and invest more in American headquarters, jobs, research, and innovation. And, families across Minnesota will have more money in their pockets to save for the future.”  The tax reform proposal is set to go to the House floor next week. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-emmer-bill-help-main-street-america,House Passes Emmer Bill to Help Main Street America,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer’s (MN-06) Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act passed out of the House of Representatives by a vote of 232-188. This is Emmer’s second bill to pass in the 115th Congress. “Small business owners and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our society, and responsible for more than half of new jobs created each year,” said Emmer. “Unfortunately, for far too long, government regulations have tied their hands making it difficult to startup or expand. Today, the House of Representatives took a step to change that with the passage of the Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act. This legislation clarifies existing law so that small businesses and startups have more ways to access capital which is so vital to their success, getting them one step closer to achieving the American Dream.” Small businesses accounted for 99.7 percent of all businesses in the United States last year, but only half of them have a survival rate of longer than five years. According to the National Small Business Association's 2016 Year-End Economic Report, only 69 percent of small businesses surveyed said they are able to get adequate financing. The Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act brings clarity to the Securities Act of 1933. By defining what qualifies under the “non-public offering” exemption, this legislation will provide certainty to small business owners and entrepreneurs as they work to startup or grow their businesses. This legislation requires three specific criteria to be met simultaneously in order to trigger a safe harbor exemption for a security offering. These criteria ensure that: Each investor has a substantive pre-existing relationship with an owner; There are no more than 35 purchasers of securities from the issuer that are sold in reliance on the exemption during the 12-month period; and  The aggregate amount of all securities sold by the issuers does not exceed $500,000 during the 12-month period preceding.  Additionally, Emmer introduced an amendment to enhance the existing anti-fraud provisions in the underlying bill and provide increased protection for Americans from bad actors trying to swindle and defraud investors. The Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act is H.R. 2201. It was approved during the 114th Congress as part of the Accelerating Access to Capital Act (H.R. 2357). H.R. 2201 bill is supported by: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the National Small Business Association (NSBA), Heritage Action for America, the Small Business& Entrepreneurship Council and Engine, the “Voice of Startups in America.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=118,Lewis introduces College Completion and Success Act,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis introduces College Completion and Success Act f t # e Washington, November 9, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after introducing the College Completion and Success Act, H.R. 4336: “Students make a big investment in a college education to earn a degree and enter the workforce with the right skills. There’s a completion crisis in this country as far too many young people drop out and end up owing huge sums of money with no degree to show for it- and with taxpayers on the hook for federal loans. Colleges must be more engaged in the academic success of their students, especially students from less-advantaged backgrounds. My legislation puts more financial responsibility on colleges to ensure they do their job and keep students on the pathway to a bright future.” Background: Only about 55% of full-time students attending 4-year institutions actually make it to graduation. The numbers are even lower for part-time students and those attending 2-year institutions. Students who do not earn a degree are three times more likely to default on their loans, leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab. The College Completion and Success Act reforms the burdensome institutional refund process so colleges do not “earn” all of a student’s financial aid until the student actually completes the semester. By streamlining how colleges calculate the amount of aid earned, schools will be able to spend less time and resources on compliance. The bill shifts the primary burden of repaying unearned aid onto the colleges, giving them a strong incentive to promote student persistence and success. Taxpayers’ investment in higher education is protected when student completion is not achieved and students benefit by regaining Pell eligibility, increasing their ability to return to school and complete a degree.    ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-praises-committee-passage-miner-act,Emmer Praises Committee Passage of the MINER Act,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement after the MINER Act passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources: ""Today, we came one-step closer to undoing the Obama Administration’s politically motivated actions in Northern Minnesota. I am proud that my bipartisan MINER Act passed the House Committee on Natural Resources. Passage of this legislation ensures Minnesotans have a say in sweeping bureaucratic decisions made in Washington. Environmentally responsible mining and exploration in Northern Minnesota will unleash our ability to tap into our abundance of natural resources, and provide for a better way of life for our children, just as those in Northern Minnesota have done for decades. ""We can preserve our beautiful state without permanently destroying any future job creation or economic development. We can utilize the largest untapped copper-nickel deposit in the world for Americans, and in an environmentally sound way. While there are still numerous environmental and safety benchmarks that must be met in the coming years before any mining can occur, passage of the MINER Act will let our federal, state, and local environmental review process to proceed. I am thankful for the leadership of Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar, Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop, and the support of my colleagues – the future of Minnesota is brighter because of today’s vote."" The MINER Act is H.R. 3905. Click here for more information. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=116,Lewis stands up for your Fifth Amendment rights,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after joining a bipartisan group of his colleagues in the House in calling on the Appropriations Committee to curb civil asset forfeiture. “One of the foundational principles of our democracy is due process- the right to keep your own property unless the legal system fairly determines otherwise. When government unfairly infringes on your life, liberty, or property, that’s an unacceptable abuse of power. “Sadly there have been far too many examples of innocent Americans being deprived of their own money or property without any just cause shown, without criminal conviction, and without even having criminal charges filed. We should never be incentivizing the unlawful taking of property; that’s why I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues today to call on the Justice Department to ensure that your rights are respected at all times.” Background from Lewis’ letter to the Appropriations Committee: A federally adopted forfeiture occurs when a state or local law enforcement agency seizes property allegedly tied to a criminal act and requests a federal agency take the seized asset and forfeit it under federal law.  In 2015, then-Attorney General Eric Holder imposed certain limits on adoptive forfeiture.  Regrettably, the Department of Justice reversed this policy in July and announced an expansion of the civil asset forfeiture program.  24 States and the District of Columbia have adopted reforms to their forfeiture laws. The Department of Justice’s reinstatement of adoptive forfeiture undermines these State laws and continues to threaten the due process rights of innocent Americans. Our nation was founded on the principles of due process and property rights. Lewis and his colleagues requested the inclusion of language in appropriations legislation that prevents the reinstatement of adoptive forfeiture to protect innocent Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=117,Lewis supports local job creators,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for the Save Local Business Act (H.R. 3441) as it passed the House today: “Small businesses in Minnesota provide invaluable employment for thousands in Second District, and those paychecks support our families. Today we took an important step to roll back government overreach and restore longstanding employment policies that have consistently worked well for our local employers and small businesses. Unelected bureaucrats shouldn’t put obstacles in the way of new jobs and raises for hard-working Minnesotans. I’ll keep working to see this bill become law to provide our workers and job creators with the clarity and stability they need to thrive.” Background: On August 27, 2015, the NLRB issued a decision in Browning-Ferris Industries of California (BFI) that overturned decades of Board policy in determining whether two or more entities should be considered “joint employers” under the National Labor Relations Act. Under the traditional joint employer standard, employers must have actual, direct, and immediate control over terms and conditions of employment including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, and direction of employees. Under the new “BFI” standard, companies sharing only indirect or potential control over another’s workforce may be considered joint employers, as the ‘right to control’, even if not exercised, is evidence of joint employer status. However, H.R. 3441 does not affect employee or bargaining rights as they exist today. An expanded joint employer standard would seriously undermine the franchise business model and would cause franchisee owners to be relegated to a middle-management position at the businesses they worked to create. This would result from franchisors facing increased threats of liability and, as a result, putting restrictions on their franchisees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=119,"Scott, Lewis Introduce Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Legislation",2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Jason Lewis (R-MN) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at safely reining in the size and associated costs of the federal criminal code and prison system. H.R. 4261, the Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Effective (SAFE) Justice Act takes a broad-based approach to improving the federal sentencing and corrections system, spanning from sentencing reform to release policies.  The legislation, which is inspired by the successes of states across the country, will break the cycle of recidivism, concentrate prison space on violent and career criminals, increase the use of evidence-based alternatives to incarceration, curtail over-criminalization, reduce crime, and save money. “Our criminal justice system is badly broken and in need of major reform,” stated Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA). “I am pleased to introduce a state-tested, evidence-based, bipartisan bill with Congressman Lewis.  The SAFE Justice Act implements the successful reforms from the states and restores accountability, fairness, and rationality to the federal criminal justice system.  Most importantly, it utilizes an evidence-based approach to reduce over-criminalization and over-incarceration and reinvests the savings from these reforms into communities with prevention and early-intervention programs to improve public safety.” “Criminal justice reform is one of my absolute priorities,” stated Rep. Jason Lewis (R-MN). “That’s why I was proud to work with Congressman Bobby Scott on a Juvenile Justice bill that’s already passed the House. And that’s why I’m glad to team up with Rep. Scott again to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans by cosponsoring the SAFE Justice Act.” “Since 1980, Congress usurped state and local authority by putting more than 4500 federal crimes on the books—including arbitrary mandatory minimums that in some cases throw non-violent or first-time offenders in jail, leading to a vicious cycle of recidivism,” continued Rep. Lewis. “There are better ways to spend Americans’ tax dollars and keep our communities safe through real evidence-based initiatives that actually reduce crime by reserving costly prison space for hardened criminals. These common sense, local solutions are why the SAFE Justice Act has wide bipartisan support and I look forward to continuing my work with Rep. Scott on this vital legislation.” In the past 10 years, the federal imprisonment rate has jumped by 15 percent while the states’ rate has declined 4 percent. The drop in the states’ imprisonment rate, which occurred alongside sustained reductions in crime, can be attributed in large part to the more than two dozen states that have enacted comprehensive, evidence-based corrections reforms. “The principles underlying the SAFE Justice Act would increase public safety, foster human dignity, and hold the Bureau of Prisons more accountable for the billions in taxpayer money it spends,” said David Safavian, the Deputy Director of the American Conservative Union Foundation.  “These are principles on which Liberals and Conservatives can find common ground.”  “I strongly commend the bipartisan efforts of Congressmen Bobby Scott and Jason Lewis to introduce the SAFE Justice Act,” said Hilary Shelton, Director of the NAACP’s Washington Bureau, and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy.  “The SAFE Justice Act adopts models that states have used to successfully cut prison costs and the prison population while reducing crime rates.  It will effectively reform our expensive and ineffective criminal justice system by focusing mandatory minimums on drug kingpins, as Congress originally intended.  It will reinvest prison savings into people by improving early prevention and intervention programs, prison programs, and reentry programs.  Congress should immediately pass this bill and I urge President Trump to sign it into law.” Similar to the successful reform packages enacted in many states, the SAFE Justice Act aligns the federal prison system with the science about what works to reform criminal behavior. It reflects the growing consensus among researchers that, for many offenders, adding more months and years onto long prison terms is a high-cost, low-return approach to public safety.  It also looks to the growing number of practices in correctional supervision that are shown to reduce recidivism. ""The SAFE Justice Act will bring long-overdue sentencing reforms that will ensure prisons are reserved for violent and career criminals. It also proposes corrections reforms designed to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety,” said Jason Pye, the Vice President of Legislative Affairs at FreedomWorks. “More than 30 states -- including traditionally Republican states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas -- have enacted similar evidence-based reforms and seen crime rates continue to decline while also achieving budgetary savings. The SAFE Justice Act would bring the successes of the states to the federal level. We applaud Reps. Bobby Scott and Jason Lewis for reintroducing the bill, and we look forward to engaging on the bill in the days ahead."" “Mandatory minimum sentences have wrecked the lives of people they were never intended to impact,” said Kevin Ring, President of Families Against Mandatory Minimums. “This bill is a step in the right direction to ensuring that low-level, nonviolent drug offenders are not spending decades in prison because of bad sentencing policies.” “More than 30 states have safely reduced the size and cost of incarceration by adopting evidence-based, consensus-driven sentencing and corrections reforms,” said Pew Charitable Trusts. “States have adopted these reforms with wide bipartisan majorities; more than 8788 votes in favor vs just over 800 against. From Texas to Oregon to South Carolina, these states have shown that it is possible to reduce crime and incarceration at the same time. Congress can learn from these states’ successes as they consider changes to the federal criminal justice system, and it is encouraging to see bipartisan support for reform in the House.” The SAFE Justice Act will: Ø  Reduce recidivism by – ·         incentivizing completion of evidence-based prison programming and activities through expanded earned time credits; ·         implementing swift, certain, and proportionate sanctions for violations of supervision; and ·         offering credits for compliance with the conditions of supervision. Ø  Concentrate prison space on violent and career criminals by  – ·         focusing mandatory minimum sentences on leaders and supervisors of drug trafficking organizations; ·         safely expanding the drug trafficking safety valve (an exception to mandatory minimums) for qualified offenders; and ·         creating release valves for lower-risk geriatric and terminally-ill offenders. Ø  Increase use of evidence-based sentencing alternatives by  – ·         encouraging greater use of probation and problem-solving courts for appropriate offenders; and ·         creating a performance-incentive funding program to better align the interests of the Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Probation Offices.  Ø  Curtail overcriminalization by – ·         requiring regulatory criminal offenses to be compiled and published for the public; ·         ensuring fiscal impact statements are attached to all future sentencing and corrections proposals; and ·         charging the Department of Justice, the Bureau of Prisons, and the Administrative Office of the Courts with collecting key outcome performance measures. Ø  Reduce crime by – ·         investing in evidence-based crime prevention initiatives; and ·         increasing funding for community based policing and public safety initiatives. Original cosponsors of the SAFE Justice Act: Reps. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Mia Love (R-UT), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Additional information about the SAFE Justice Act:                                                                             # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1922,Paulsen Applauds Appointment of Brad Finstad as Minnesota State Director for the USDA Office of Rural Development,2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement on President Trump’s appointments of two Minnesotans to key agriculture positions. Brad Finstad, the CEO of the Center for Rural Policy and Development, was named the Minnesota State Director for the USDA Office of Rural Development; and Joe Martin, former Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, was named Farm Service Agency Director. “I’ve known Brad since we served in the Minnesota Legislature together and I know his commitment to rural Minnesota is unwavering,” said Congressman Paulsen. “His personal and professional background will serve him well in making sure our state’s rural communities have the resources they need to address childcare, the opioid epidemic, and aging infrastructure.” Finstad currently serves CEO of the Center for Rural Policy and Development, a non-partisan, not-for-profit policy research organization based in St. Peter, Minn. Prior to his current role, he served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2008, representing Brown, Redwood, and Watonwan counties and serving on the Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veteran Affairs Committee. He also worked as an agricultural advisor to U.S. Representative Mark Kennedy from Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Agricultural Education. Paulsen also applauded Joe Martin’s appointment to Farm Service Agency Director, saying, “Joe Martin’s long tenure in the Minnesota agriculture community will ensure the USDA offers the best service to Minnesota farmers and rural Minnesota.” Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1923,"Paulsen, Kind, Blackburn, and Matsui Applaud Agreement to Repeal Harmful Medicare Therapy Cap",2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03), Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07), and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) released the following statements welcoming the bipartisan agreement by the Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee to permanently remove Medicare’s cap on outpatient therapy. This agreement is based on the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act, introduced by the aforementioned Representatives earlier this year, which ensures seniors receive the care that they need. In 1997, Congress placed an annual cap of $1,980 on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services under Medicare. Since enacting this cap, Congress has recognized the potential harmful effect on Medicare beneficiaries and has acted several times to prevent its full implementation and allow an exception process for “medically necessary” treatments. “Our seniors depend on access to physical, speech, and occupational therapies and, thanks to this bipartisan agreement, they will be able to receive these services,” said Congressman Paulsen. “I am pleased that the therapy caps, which I have worked to repeal, will be permanently ended beginning in January.” “I am glad that we were able to work together to provide certainty to thousands of Wisconsin seniors who use physical, occupational, and speech therapy to continue living their lives to the fullest,” said Congressman Kind. “With this bipartisan agreement Wisconsin seniors will no longer face arbitrary rules and can receive the quality care they deserve.” “For far too long we have kicked the can down the road on therapy caps,” said Congresswoman Blackburn. “Our nation’s seniors deserve a permanent fix, granting them the certainty and access to quality therapeutic services they need. I have been working for years to put an end to the caps and I am pleased we came to a bipartisan agreement to do so. But our work is not yet done – it is imperative we find a fiscally responsible way to ensure this policy becomes law, so it doesn’t act as an additional burden on the American taxpayer.” “Following an illness or injury, seniors need access to the care that allows them to recover in their communities,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “That is why Reps. Paulsen, Kind, Blackburn, and I lead H.R. 807 to repeal Medicare’s arbitrary caps on outpatient therapy. I’m pleased that our Committees have come together with this bipartisan framework to ensure physical, speech, and occupational therapy remains accessible for older Americans. With this framework, we would close a loophole and bolster the essential services provided through Medicare in our country.” Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-republican-tax-relief-middle-class-americans,Emmer Supports Republican Tax Relief for Middle-class Americans,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding the introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to reform the United States’ tax code: “For far too long, we have been forced to sit idly by as our tax code has squeezed the middle-class, destroyed economic growth, and drove people and corporations out of this country. This has left us with a tax code that is nearly 75,000 pages long, too complex for the average family or business owner to understand, and has not been updated in more than three decades. “But, today that all changes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act puts us in a position to finally undo our overly burdensome and complex tax system. Minnesotans currently face the 4th highest tax burden in the country, but because of the plan released today, they have a chance to see some relief from the heavy hand of the federal government. “This tax reform is about middle-class families and those who are just starting out. This is about helping more Americans on their quest to raise a family and achieve the American Dream. This is about pulling our nation out of the past eight years of dismal GDP growth and boosting our economy to grow at a rate of 3-4 percent like we know it can. This is about families and businesses across this country once again being able to choose how to spend their money. “Today is a reminder that we know we cannot tax our way into prosperity. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues as this legislation is thoroughly debated in Congress in the coming days and will continue find ways to cut spending and put more of the American people’s hard-earned tax dollars back in their pockets.” The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is H.R. 1. Click here for text and summaries. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=114,Lewis: supporting seniors' right to see their doctor,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis: supporting seniors' right to see their doctor f t # e Washington, November 3, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 849 – Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2017, as it passed the House: “I voted yesterday with Republicans and Democrats to get rid of the Obamacare-established ‘Independent Payment Advisory Board’ (IPAB) – which could have unilaterally made sweeping changes to Medicare spending affecting millions of our seniors. “This board represented a huge bureaucratic overreach and was thankfully never put in place, but in order to preserve seniors’ access to health care in the Second District, it was important that the House take action. While sensible reforms need to be made to ensure Medicare is still viable for seniors in the future, IPAB was a total misstep and I’m glad to have been able to protect the doctor-patient relationship our seniors have through Medicare.” Background: H.R. 849 terminates the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) which has the unprecedented authority to unilaterally alter Medicare policy, could ultimately reduce seniors’ access to health care, and puts the government at the center of our health care system. IPAB: Puts the government – rather than patients and doctors – at the center of our health care system by allowing the board to unilaterally alter Medicate policy  Puts 15 unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats – whose decisions can only be overridden by supermajority vote in Congress – in control of Medicare. If no board members are appointed, the HHS Secretary would be solely responsible for developing the legislation to cut Medicare to achieve the savings target. Is free from judicial review and delegates far too much power to the Executive Branch Calls for new cuts in addition to the more than $800 billion Obamacare took from Medicare to spend on new enrollment programs While the current Medicare program is unstable, allowing a panel of bureaucrats to make critical health care decisions instead of patients and their families is the wrong approach H.R. 849 is strongly bipartisan  ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=115,Lewis supports vital health programs,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis supports vital health programs f t # e Washington, November 3, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Community Health Center funding in the Championing Healthy Kids Act, H.R. 3922: “I’m proud to be an advocate for high-quality, accessible healthcare for low-income kids in Minnesota. This extension of CHIP funding is long-awaited and incredibly important for families in my state. Access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas is also a priority of mine, and I’m glad that my vote today will enable these important community health clinics to keep providing their crucial services in the Second District and around Minnesota.”   ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1921,Paulsen Statement on Release of Once-in-a-Generation Tax Reform Bill,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – After months of meetings and hearings on fixing the broken tax code, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) joined his colleagues in announcing a new tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, that will grow the American economy with bigger paychecks and more jobs. “Too many Minnesotans are living paycheck to paycheck and haven’t seen a raise in a long time,” said Congressman Paulsen. “Tax reform will make our economy boom again, allowing middle-income and working families to keep more of their dollars earned, reducing everyday costs of living, and giving Americans the ability to save more for their retirement and their children’s future.” As a member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Paulsen helped draft the first major tax reform legislation since 1986. This plan delivers a 21st-century tax code that is built for growth, supports middle-income families, defends our workers, protects our jobs, and puts the U.S. first. A simpler, flatter, and fairer tax code will help small businesses hire more people and invest more in their business. The tax reform bill:   Doubles the Standard Deduction, so low- and middle-income Americans will see twice the amount of their paycheck protected from taxes, $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples; Consolidates the current seven tax brackets; Lower rates for American businesses of all sizes; Throws out special-interest loopholes that are primarily used by those with connections in Washington; Brings profits back home by exempting foreign profits earned by U.S. businesses from taxes when those funds are brought back to the U.S.   Text of the bill can be read here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=113,Lewis welcomes historic tax reform bill,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis welcomes historic tax reform bill f t # e Washington, November 2, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after House Republicans introduced their tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “Minnesotans have been living under a broken tax code for over three decades, and now we have a chance to fix that and deliver a tax cut for middle-class families. In fact, under our plan, a typical family of four would see a $1,182 tax cut. “Our tax reform bill eliminates the bottom bracket for low-wage earners, doubles the standard deduction for a married couple to $24,000, institutes a new family credit, and brings the small business rate down to 25. We’ll get this done so that hardworking families get a break at tax time.” ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-s-forestry-reform-bill-passes-house-bipartisan-vote-sent,"Westermans Forestry Reform Bill Passes House with Bipartisan Vote, is Sent to Senate",2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus)    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04), Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), Chief Forestry Officer Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Executive Vice Chairman Scott Tipton (CO-03), Chief Rules Officer Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Chief Defense and Interior Officer Chris Stewart (UT-02), Chairman Emeritus Steve Pearce (NM-02), House Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), and Members Reps. Doug Collins (GA-09), Kristi Noem (SD-AL), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), Mimi Walters (CA-45), Paul Cook (CA-08), Jeff Denham (CA-10), Doug LaMalfa (01), Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Liz Cheney (WY-AL), and Greg Gianforte (MT-AL) issued statements following passage on the House Floor of Rep. Westerman’s H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forests Act: Congressman Gosar said, “Today, the House has taken a major step forward in making our federal forests healthy again. We have demonstrated our commitment to halting the practice of fire borrowing so that the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service don’t have to rob fire prevention accounts in order to finance fire suppression. And we have finally passed reforms that will clear the way for proactive forestry management by the Forest Service once again. The cumulative effect of these actions will be that in a few years’ time, absurd phrases like ‘wildfire season’ and astronomical figures like $2.5 billion dollars spent on nearly nine million acres burnt will sound like made-up fictions. But before that can happen, the Senate needs to take a vote and the President has to put his signature on my friend Congressman Westerman’s great bill.”    Speaker Ryan stated, ""The Resilient Federal Forests Act addresses the obstructionist litigation by requiring litigants opposing forest management activity to come to the table rather than just saying “no.” The legislation also incentivizes and rewards collaboration and encourages local participation in forest health projects. This legislation also fixes the fire “borrowing” issue, making sure these agencies have the funds they need to fight wildfires throughout the summer, and to start managing our forests proactively.” Majority Leader McCarthy said, “Our federal forests are a tinderbox, and our current policy of neglect and over litigation created the conditions for wildfires. I’ve visited the results of this neglect, seen the communities wiped of the map, and walked through completely destroyed forests. In my own district, the Erskine Fire burned over 48,000 acres last year and destroyed nearly 300 homes. “This year has proven to be another catastrophic year for wildfires,” Congressman Westerman said. “Dozens of lives have been lost, thousands of homes destroyed, and millions of acres burned. Congress spoke today and said enough is enough. We must give the Forest Service the tools it needs to stop these fires before they start. We must end the practice of fire borrowing and treat wildfires as the natural disasters they are, funding recovery efforts through FEMA. We must do what is right for our environment and stop these catastrophic wildfires. I thank Speaker Ryan, Leader McCarthy, and Chairman Bishop for their leadership on this issue and I thank my co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle."" “Devastating wildfires have ravaged the West, taking lives, destroying property and causing significant damage to our precious environment. These large wildfires are the result of decades of misguided forest management strategies, which have left federal land management agencies focused on firefighting rather than on managing forests to reduce these types of catastrophic fires in the first place,” said Congressman Tipton. “The Resilient Federal Forests Act will take necessary steps to reverse this trend by streamlining the permitting process for management activities such as removing dead and downed timber, and allowing agencies to work with local experts to proactively mitigate devastating insect infestations.” “My constituents know as well as anyone the immense threat that wildfires pose to local communities. In just the past four years, the 4th District of Washington has seen the two largest fires in state history. We have lost hundreds of homes, business, and structures. My constituents are still struggling to recover from the Carlton Complex Fire in 2014 and the Okanogan Complex Fire in 2015. The human toll has been high. Several residents have lost their lives, including three firefighters in 2015. Active forest management is a matter of saving lives and livelihoods, of protecting our communities, and ensuring our constituents’ healthy and safety, which is why I am proud to support passage of this legislation,” stated Congressman Newhouse. Congressman Stewart said: “Without a doubt, current federal policies have contributed to recent catastrophic wildfires. Wildfire management begins with proper land management. This bill reverses the tide of federal mismanagement and removes heavy handed regulations that have paralyzed forests managers for decades. I am proud that the House passed this legislation. Now the Senate must act to ensure we have healthy forests for generations to come.” “We in New Mexico are all too familiar with the economic and environmental devastation created by catastrophic wildfires,” said Congressman Pearce. “How we manage our federal forests is badly in need of updating to ensure communities, watersheds, endangered species, local businesses, and firefighters are kept safe. We must increase and expedite forest thinning and other forest treatment projects to restore forest health across the country. Today’s common sense bill will cut government red tape and streamline the approval processes for essential forest management projects to ensure our fire-prone, federal forests get the treatment they need."" “The Forest Service has warned us that our forests are in terrible shape,” said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. “When you don’t actively manage forests, diseased and dying trees serve as fuel for the next major fire. We’ve seen these catastrophic fires right here in Eastern Washington, and we must take action to protect our forests and reduce our risk of fire. This legislation proposes real solutions to create healthier, more resilient forests.” “Wildfires have threatened too many of our forests in northeast Georgia and around the country, so we’re taking smart steps through the Resilient Federal Forests Act to get the federal agencies the tools they need to protect our land,” said Congressman Collins. “The years-long pine beetle epidemic has turned much of South Dakota’s Black Hills into a tinder box,” said Congresswoman Noem. “We are fortunate to have so many dedicated foresters working in this area, and I’m proud to have scored some critical victories in support of their efforts over the years. The Resilient Federal Forests Act would put additional tools at their disposal. With the House’s stamp of approval, I strongly urge the Senate to take the legislation up quickly and allow these critical resources to be deployed.” “Wildfire disasters don’t typically receive as much national attention as other natural disasters,” said Congressman Schrader. “But all corners of the country watched as the fires out west devastated homes and communities during this devastating wildfire season. Our current laissez-faire approach to forest management, with exclusively reactive efforts to fight increasingly horrific wildfires that threaten and destroy our communities is completely inadequate and becoming more and more costly. The bipartisan bill we passed today rewards communities that are proactive and collaborative in the stewardship of their forests, with rural advisory committees and wildfire protection plans to manage their forests without redundant NEPA processes. With this bill, we’re empowering good leadership and good management, providing for research and development and innovation in renewable forest timber construction technologies, and bringing together environmental and timber communities. While this bill is by no means perfect, and is not a silver bullet, it’s a step forward in the right direction as we work to curb the unnecessary and costly destruction caused by these fires.” Congresswoman Walters stated, “Three weeks ago, the Canyon Fire burned over 6,000 acres, destroyed 25 structures, damaged dozens more, and forced over 16,000 Orange County residents to evacuate their homes and businesses.  The cost of extinguishing this wildfire and its economic impact have yet to be determined, but it is clear that hazardous fuel buildup endangers communities and costs taxpayers more and more each year.  The current federal wildfire management program is unsustainable.  I am proud to have supported the Resilient Federal Forest Act to put our U.S. Forest Service on a fiscally responsible path that will undoubtedly save countless lives in the years to come.” “This past year we’ve continued to see firsthand in California the devastating consequences of wildfires, both environmentally and economically. This critical bipartisan legislation will help reduce the threat of future wildfires by instituting reforms to improve forest management, improve wildlife habitat, and streamline the environmental review process,” said Congressman Cook. “When we fail to actively manage our forests and federal lands, we put ourselves and our neighbors at risk. The Resilient Federal Forests Act will allow us to reduce the presence of forest materials – such as dead or disease-infested trees – that fuel massive wildfires. It also solves the fire-borrowing problem to improve our response to wildfire suppression. I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this important bill to help protect Californians and all Americans from out-of-control burning of our forestlands,” said Congressman Denham. Congressman LaMalfa said, “A complete lack of forest management has left our forests more combustible than ever – leaving our firefighters wholly unprepared to contain overwhelming wildfires that quickly get out of hand. Forest fires will occur, but we can take logical steps to manage them that will help prevent them from spreading and extinguish them more quickly – resulting in less damage and lower costs. The Resilient Federal Forests Act will allow the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to properly manage our federal forests, which will improve overall forest health and reduce the risk of such severe wildfires.” “Our national forests are becoming increasingly overgrown with hazardous fuel due to lack of active management,” said Congressman Thompson. “The Resilient Federal Forests Act is a vital piece of legislation for the Forest Service, allowing for more authority and flexibility for improved forest management. As a member of both the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees, I understand how important it is we provide our Forest Service with the tools needed to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires, insect and disease infestation and damage to municipal watersheds. I applaud my colleagues for their support of this common-sense legislation to combat future forest fires.” Congressman Lamorn said, “Wildfire funding is vital for western states, particularly my home of Colorado. I support legislation that protects our land and secures protection for our future. The Resilient Federal Forests Act speeds up the reforestation process, incentivizes collaboration among government and organizations, and creates new programs to effectively respond after a disastrous wildfire.” “I am proud to support Congressman Westerman’s Resilient Federal Forests Act, to take a proactive approach to forest management and disaster mitigation. This legislation improves our ability to prepare for, and prevent, future wildfires and shifts the federal government away from its current practice of simply responding to crisis after crisis, costing billions of dollars and putting homes and American families at risk,” said Congressman Emmer. Congresswoman Cheney stated, “This year has been one of the largest wildfire years in our nation's history and we have seen livelihoods across the west threatened. In my home state of Wyoming, we find ourselves in an indefensible situation. Mismanagement of our forests by the federal government and years of bad policy are causing and exacerbating fires, putting our forests, our water, our wildlife, and, most importantly, our people at risk. The Resilient Federal Forest Act is an important first step and a bipartisan effort to begin to help improve management of our forests."" “The Resilient Federal Forests Act provides common sense reforms that will benefit Montana’s forests, economy, and environment. Meaningful forest management will improve the health of our forests, boost wildlife habitats, create good-paying Montana jobs, and reduce the severity of our wildfires. The amount of public support for more active forest management has been tremendous. Conservation organizations, foresters, stakeholders, and local leaders throughout Montana recognize the need for better forest management, and I commend them for taking steps to help ensure we start managing our forests again. I will continue to advocate for healthier forests in Montana and throughout the West. I encourage the Senate to act quickly on this bill to provide Montanans with relief and a long-term solution to address catastrophic wildfires,” concluded Congressman Gianforte.  Background: Over the last decade, wildfires have overtaken the West. The underlying problems have gotten to be so severe that states which traditionally do not have wildfire problems are finding themselves having to reckon with thousands of acres burned, homes evacuated and the air filled with smoke. Some figures drive this point home. 8.8 million acres burned across the United States this year alone, costing the United States Forest Service (USFS) $2.5 billion dollars in fire suppression costs. Over 50,000 significant fires were burning this summer at once, and a total of 80 million acres were considered high-risk due to forest service lacking the resources to apply management to them beforehand. The search for legislative solutions to the wildfire problem began from the ground-up in the 115th Congress. The House held multiple hearings and consulted dozens of experts in seeking to draft wildfire and management reform legislation. Environmental concerns and air quality were key factors throughout this process, with additional hearings devoted to these issues. Two major problems were identified: for one, the USFS and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have encountered significant regulatory and judicial roadblocks to instituting the sort of active management of our forests that would reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfire. But even if the aforementioned impediments were ameliorated, these agencies still faced a more significant problem: themselves. Because of the increasing costs of wildfires, USFS has been maxing out its suppression account each year and has been forced to raid its forest management and other accounts in order to put out fires. They’ve had to use resources designed to prevent forest fires in order to put them out. This merry-go-round practice is called “fire borrowing,” and it has dramatically exacerbated the problem of catastrophic wildfires. Congressman Bruce Westerman’s H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forests Act, provides solutions for each of these systemic issues. His bill is a package of forest management reforms that include regulatory expedition for forest management projects, a new arbitration pilot program for court cases in which an injunction against forest management projects is sought, as well as new incentives for agencies to coordinate with state and local governments to seek forest management solutions. The net effect of these reforms will be to reduce the barriers to proactive forest management while preserving environmental protections and the legal right to recompense for harm or breach. Finally, his bill introduces a new funding mechanism for catastrophic wildfire disasters. H.R. 2936 would establish a wildfire sub-account within FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. Subject to Congressional appropriations, the new account would lie untouched and separate from other disaster funding until wildfire suppression costs expend all of the funds in BLM or USFS’s own accounts. The bill would prohibit these agencies from engaging in “fire borrowing,” and instead establishes a process whereby the Secretaries of Interior or Agriculture request of the President a transfer of funds in the amount required to cover suppression costs. A list of outside support for the bill can be found HERE. Bill text is HERE. Click HERE to read more background information about the bill courtesy the House Natural Resources Committee",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=112,Lewis: Let's get tax reform done,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis: Let's get tax reform done f t # e Washington, October 26, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for the Senate Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 – the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution, as it passed the House today: “I’m committed to delivering a tax cut for families in Minnesota’s 2nd District. “As a member of the House Budget Committee, I’ve been working hard to get us to the point where the formal tax reform process can start for the first time in over 30 years. Hardworking Minnesota families can’t wait any longer for relief from the broken tax code. “Today’s passage of the Budget puts us on a path to lower taxes on middle-class families and small businesses, a simplified filing system where you can complete your return on a postcard, and a more competitive business rate to encourage American companies to create jobs in our communities here at home. I’m proud to have supported tax reform by voting for the Budget today.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=111,"Lewis: the President takes a good first step on drones, but we need more",2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after President Trump issued a memo instructing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to draft a pilot program for the integration of drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): “I’m pleased to see the President take this important action today recognizing the significant role that drones have to play in a 21st century economy. As this technology continues to grow and develop, we have to work to successfully incorporate drone use while keeping in mind the specific needs of each of our local communities. That’s exactly what my Drone Innovation Act does.  “While this pilot program recognizes some of the principles I’ve advocated for, unfortunately, it doesn’t go far enough in protecting local control and the rights to privacy and property. “As we move forward, the next step is to ensure that our communities cannot only help expand the beneficial uses of drones, but that they also have the ability to take effective action when it comes to putting in place reasonable limitations on public use.  I look forward to continuing to work alongside the White House and Secretary Chao to see that these foundational principles and rights are upheld.” Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie expressed support for Lewis’ bill, saying: “We in law enforcement are uniquely interested in drone technology, and we already use it in emergency management and operations to help save lives.  But we can do more. Drone operations can be expanded while still ensuring that public use of drones works well within our communities. I'll keep working with Rep. Lewis towards that goal.” Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz also said: “The drone industry poses exciting new opportunities, as well as challenges, for our local communities. As Mayor of Burnsville, I applaud Rep. Lewis’ efforts to ensure that local control, acceptance, and competitiveness is respected as drones become more and more a part of daily life.  I was pleased that Rep. Lewis highlighted this technology earlier this year and has worked in Washington to ensure local and state involvement in integration.  I look forward to working alongside Rep. Lewis, the FAA, and our state government to ensure our community can let drones thrive, while always keeping the needs of people in Burnsville as my first priority.” Background: Lewis introduced the bipartisan Drone Innovation Act (H.R. 2930) on June 16, 2017. Today, the White House sent DOT guidance for drone integration including a pilot program with a voice for tribal, state, and local governments. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is permitted to form ‘test zones’, and is expected to start the first program within a year. The government, and industry, will be able to increase flight operations including beyond visual line of sight.  Data on community participation and unmanned traffic management will be collected to better inform FAA and Congressional decision making in the future. The Drone Innovation Act and Lewis’ subsequent work embodies a new approach to civil UAS, commonly known as drones. Lewis’ approach seeks to ensure safety in the national airspace, as well as balance the principles of local control and a right to privacy with a need to continue encouraging American innovation in cutting-edge technology. H.R. 2930 addresses civil UAS flying up to 200 feet above ground level within a state, local, or tribal government’s jurisdiction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) retains control over the national airspace. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to work with state and local officials to develop a framework for local operation, around a set of principles Lewis outlines to encourage innovation and protect privacy. The bill also establishes a pilot program for federal partnerships to assess best practices.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-condemns-disparaging-comments-save-boundary-waters-leaders,Emmer Condemns Disparaging Comments from Save the Boundary Waters Leaders,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement in regards to recent disparaging comments from leaders of Save the Boundary Waters against miners and union workers in Northern Minnesota: “This nation was built on the backs of the American worker, and Minnesota was built on the backs of Minnesota miners. For some Minnesota families, mining is in their blood going back to the beginning of Minnesota’s statehood. These men and women are responsible for keeping our towns, our state, and our country alive. They are the ones we have to thank for providing the precious metals needed for our cell phones, computers, vehicles and wind turbines. “Apparently, Save the Boundary Waters’ leaders think rather differently telling the New York Times, ‘They want somebody to just give them a job so they can all drink beer with their buddies and go four-wheeling and snowmobiling with their buddies, not have to think about anything except punching a clock.’ “All Americans, and all Minnesotans, have the right to say or believe what they will, but that is not the Minnesota Nice we are known for, and I am embarrassed to hear fellow Minnesotans speak so disparagingly about our neighbors. The next time Save the Boundary Waters leaders voice their opposition, I hope they take a minute to realize all they have thanks to the mining industry and the incredible workers who provided it to them. “I urge my fellow Minnesota colleagues to join me in condemning these unnecessary mean-spirted attacks on our hardworking citizens.”    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-reforms-bring-relief-main-street-minnesota-approved-committee,Emmer Reforms to Bring Relief to Main Street Minnesota Approved in Committee,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) participated in a legislative markup in the House Financial Services Committee to bring much needed financial relief to American families, small businesses, and local financial institutions. Emmer spoke on two of his bills, the Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act, that were among those considered in committee. “This week was a good week for Main Street Minnesota,” said Emmer. “Our focus has been – and should be – on bringing relief to communities across this nation as we work towards growing, not stifling, our local economies. From introducing reforms to help our nation’s job creators grow and prosper, to reducing regulations currently tying the hands of our small community banks and credit unions, these necessary reforms aim to get our economy back to the powerhouse we know it can be. I am proud of the productive work of this committee and am pleased to have two of my policy reforms included.” The Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act is H.R. 2201. To watch Emmer’s opening statement on H.R. 2201, click here. This bill is supported by: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Engine. The Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act is H.R. 2954. To watch Emmer’s opening statement on H.R. 2954, click here. This bill is supported by: National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, Credit Union National Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America. For a full list of bills included in the committee markup, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-applauds-administrations-actions-clean-power-plan,Emmer Applauds Administration's Actions on Clean Power Plan,2017-10-10,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s recent decision to rescind the Clean Power Plan: “The Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan - which was estimated to cost more than $30 billion dollars - was promulgated without Congressional approval, making it the perfect example of federal overreach. It has been proven time and time again that a one-size-fits-all policy does not work for our state and I am pleased the Trump Administration has taken this step. I am proud that Minnesota companies and elected officials have taken it upon themselves to work to reduce carbon emissions without the heavy hand of the federal government demanding so. In fact, even without the constraints of the Paris Accords or the Clean Power Plan, Minnesota is still on track to meet previous reduction goals, proving that Minnesotans are capable of implementing policies that work for Minnesotans and are in the best interest of the future of this nation. “I applaud the Trump Administration’s decision to roll back the overreaching Clean Power Plan, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the Trump Administration towards an all-of-the-above energy plan so that we can maintain a prosperous economy and healthy environment that generations to come can enjoy.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-administrations-decision-remove-cuban-diplomats,Emmer Statement on Administration's Decision to Remove Cuban Diplomats from Washington D.C.,2017-10-04,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding the Administration's move to expel diplomats from the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C.: “The Administration’s decision last week to withdraw all non-essential personnel from our embassy in Havana was concerning but understandable to ensure the safety of our foreign service staff on the island. Unfortunately, yesterday’s actions do not seem to advance our efforts of identifying a cause or culprit behind these 'sonic attacks.' Instead of sending us back down a path of isolation, we must foster open lines of communication as we continue the investigation to determine who must be held responsible for these attacks on Americans. We cannot lose sight of the fact that an improved and sustained relationship with Cuba brings us one step closer to ensuring the stability and security of the entire Western Hemisphere.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1914,Paulsen Promotes Tax Reform to Ignite Startups and Entrepreneurs during JEC Hearing,2017-10-03,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – At a Joint Economic Committee hearing titled “The Startup Slump: Can Tax Reform Help Revive Entrepreneurship?,” Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) emphasized the importance of tax reform and how it could boost the economy by creating an environment that encourages entrepreneurs. Startup companies are a vital part of the economy. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, new firms less than a year old are responsible for nearly all net new job creation, creating an average of 3 million jobs per year. A separate study by the Economic Innovation Group found that each new startup creates an average of six new jobs per year. Unfortunately, current complexities in the tax code hamstring new companies, preventing many from even getting off the ground. For example, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reports that tax compliance is 67 percent more costly for small businesses than for larger ones. Tax reform will not only help simplify the current code so small businesses and startups can more easily navigate their tax filings, but also close loopholes that benefit larger companies and special-interest groups. To watch Congressman Paulsen’s statement and questioning during the Joint Economic Committee hearing, click here. For more information on the tax reform framework, click here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-miner-act,Emmer Introduces MINER Act,2017-10-03,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced Minnesota’s Economic Rights (MINER) in the Superior National Forest Act, which will help restore mineral rights to Minnesota so that our miners, the state of Minnesota, and nation can once again thrive. Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-07) and Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) joined Emmer as original cosponsors. The MINER Act requires approval from elected Representatives in Congress for any federal proposal to withdraw land from mining, or establishment of national monuments in Minnesota. Additionally, this legislation would allow the renewal of mineral leases in the area and would ensure that future leases in the area remain valid and renewed, consistent with current law. Lastly, this legislation includes language to specifically protect one of Minnesota’s natural treasures by stating, “Nothing in this section may be construed as permitting the prospecting for development and utilization of mineral resources within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Mine Protection Area,” and specifically requires environmental review of any leases issued under the bill’s provisions. “In their final hours, the Obama Administration enacted a series of harmful and reckless policies, which have hindered our ability to utilize our state’s abundance of natural resources and bring jobs to a part of our state that badly needs them,” said Emmer. “I know that we can responsibly mine and bring jobs back to this region without destroying the forests, lakes and streams that all Minnesotans hold dear. That is why I am proud to introduce the MINER Act, which will allow mining as long as it meets strict environmental requirements, so that we can advance our state and local economies while protecting Minnesota’s beauty for future generations.” The MINER Act is H.R. 3905. Click here to read the full text. Additional resources: Release: House Unanimously Approves Emmer Amendment (Sept. 7, 2017) Video: Emmer testifies to restore Minnesota’s mineral rights (July 27, 2017) Release: Gosar, Emmer, Nolan and Westerman tour MN mining operations (July 19, 2017) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-cuba-working-group-statement-response-ongoing,Congressional Cuba Working Group Statement in Response to Ongoing Investigation in Cuba,2017-09-29,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – The bipartisan Cuba Working Group in the U.S. House of Representatives issued the following statement regarding Secretary Tillerson’s recent meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla and the decision to withdraw all non-essential personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Havana: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the 21 brave Americans who join the ranks of those who have sacrificed their own health and welfare in service to our country. Their safety and well-being are paramount. “The federal government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our diplomats and Foreign Service personnel, regardless of where they serve. Those who are responsible for perpetuating these harmful and unacceptable acts will be held accountable. “As the State Department, law enforcement and intelligence communities continue their investigation, we are encouraged by the willingness of the Cuban Government to serve as a partner in resolving this matter. A swift, apolitical resolution is in the best interests of both nations and we support continued cooperation and engagement until the source and motive of these attacks are determined. Calls to sever all diplomatic ties or travel, or encourage retaliatory efforts without identifying the responsible parties are misguided and do nothing to ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic personnel and their families moving forward. “Situations like these require responsible diplomacy from both nations. We appreciate the hard work and professionalism of all of the men and women involved in determining the cause of these attacks. The entire Cuba Working Group will continue to monitor this investigation and stands ready to assist the Administration in developing a targeted and appropriate response for the perpetrators of these attacks, once the investigation is complete.” The Cuba Working Group is a bipartisan coalition in Congress comprised of members focused on improving the future of U.S. foreign policy during a time in which the U.S.-Cuba relationship is rapidly being reshaped. Members include Representatives Tom Emmer (R-MN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rick Crawford (R-AR), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Mark Sanford (R-NC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Ralph Abraham (R-LA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Justin Amash (R-MI), Don Beyer (D-VA), James Comer (R-KY), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Clay Higgins (R-LA). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-group-65-members-congress-call-trump-administration-let-cuba,Bipartisan Group of 65 Members of Congress Call on Trump Administration to Let Cuba Buy U.S.-Made Reconstruction Products After Hurricane Irma,2017-09-28,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, a bipartisan group of 65 Members of Congress, led by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), and Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to implement changes to allow U.S. companies to sell products for reconstruction to Cuba after Hurricane Irma devastated the country. The Members wrote, “[T]here is a simple change you can make that would provide necessary support to the Cuban people while at the same time helping U.S. businesses: remove restrictions on the ability of U.S. companies to export needed relief and reconstruction supplies to the Cuban government and its people.” “It is well known that U.S. companies, both large and small, have shown a keen interest in selling products to Cuba, as exemplified by the formation of the Chamber of Commerce-led U.S.- Cuba Business Council. Making this regulatory change would not only help the Cuban people rebuild, but would provide a boon to companies in America who provide good jobs to our people. This change would not be controversial. Even before Hurricane Irma hit Cuba,  90 percent of Americans supported increasing U.S. business engagement with Cuba. At this difficult time for the Cuban people, denying them the ability to purchase high quality, American-made construction, medical, and other crucial supplies is cruel and counterproductive.  We urge you to take action without further delay.” ""Like much of the Caribbean, Cuba was devastated by Hurricane Irma,"" said President of Engage Cuba, James Williams. “There are steps the United States can, and should take, to allow US businesses to help our island neighbor, without costing taxpayers a dime. Right now is not a time for politics; it's a time to help the Cuban people rebuild.”  Signatories include: Karen Bass (CA-37); Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08); Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02); Earl Blumenauer (OR-03); Robert A. Brady (PA-01); Cheri Bustos (IL-17); Salúd O. Carbajal (CA-24); Kathy Castor (FL-14); David Cicilline (RI-01); Katherine Clark (MA-05); Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09); Steve Cohen (TN-09); John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13); Luis Correa (CA-46); Rick Crawford (AR-01); Charlie Crist (FL-13); Peter DeFazio (OR-04); Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03); Ted Deutch (FL-22); Mike Doyle (PA-14); Keith Ellison (MN-05); Tom Emmer (MN-06); Dwight Evans (PA-02); Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03); Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15); Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01); Brian Higgins (NY-26);Jared Huffman (CA-02); Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30); Walter B. Jones (NC-03); Robin L. Kelly (IL-02); Ro Khanna (CA-17); Barbara Lee (CA-13); Ted Lieu (CA-33);Zoe Lofgren (CA-19); Betty McCollum (MN-04); James P. McGovern (MA-02); Gregory Meeks (NY-05); Grace Meng (NY-06); Gwen Moore (WI-04); Seth Moulton (MA-06); Jerrold Nadler (NY-10); Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32); Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL); Richard M. Nolan (MN-08); Scott H. Peters (CA-52); Chellie Pingree (ME-01); Mark Pocan (WI-02); Ted Poe (TX-02); Jared Polis (CO-02); Jamie Raskin (MD-08); Bobby Rush (IL-01); Tim Ryan (OH-13); Mark Sanford (SC-01); Jan Schakowsky (IL-09); David Scott (GA-13); Jose Serrano (NY-15); Mark Takano (CA-41); Paul D. Tonko (NY-21); Norma Torres (CA-35); Nydia Velázquez (NY-07); Peter J. Visclosky (IN-01); Tim Walz (MN-01); Peter Welch (VT-AL); Frederica S. Wilson (FL-17). Full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear President Trump, We are extremely saddened by the loss of life and destruction in the Caribbean from Hurricane Irma. Cuba was particularly hard hit: ten people perished and billions of dollars’ in damage was done to their already weak infrastructure and housing, in what was the strongest hurricane to hit Cuba in 85 years. Cuba absorbed much of Irma’s force, lessening the storm’s impact on southern Florida and the United States. Historical grievances should be put aside during a humanitarian crisis like this – the people of Cuba need urgent support to rebuild. Fortunately, there is a simple change you can make that would provide necessary support to the Cuban people while at the same time helping U.S. businesses: remove restrictions on the ability of U.S. companies to export needed relief and reconstruction supplies to the Cuban government and its people. Although current Treasury Department embargo regulations authorize U.S. companies to provide services related to infrastructure in Cuba (31 CFR 515.591), Commerce Department export regulations require that U.S. exports to support the provision of such services be approved on a case-by-case basis.  (15 CFR 746.2) Obama administration regulations specifically licensed only the sale of tools and construction materials to private entities, servicing only privately-owned buildings, thus excluding public facilities such as schools and hospitals. At this critical time, we should relax these restrictions to allow other appropriate entities in Cuba to purchase needed relief and reconstruction supplies and equipment, even if only temporarily during the rebuilding period. It is well known that U.S. companies, both large and small, have shown a keen interest in selling products to Cuba, as exemplified by the formation of the Chamber of Commerce-led U.S.- Cuba Business Council. Making this regulatory change would not only help the Cuban people rebuild, but would provide a boon to companies in America who provide good jobs to our people. This change would not be controversial. Even before Hurricane Irma hit Cuba, 90 percent of Americans supported increasing U.S. business engagement with Cuba. At this difficult time for the Cuban people, denying them the ability to purchase high quality, American-made construction, medical, and other crucial supplies is cruel and counterproductive.  We urge you to take action without further delay. Thank you kindly for your consideration. We look forward to your response. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1913,Paulsen Statement on Tax Reform Framework,2017-09-27,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the announcement of a new tax reform framework: “This is an exciting week for Minnesota’s middle-class families and small businesses,” said Congressman Paulsen. “After more than three decades since the last major tax reform, the framework released today outlines how fixing our broken tax code will lead to more jobs and bigger paychecks. Tax reform is about one thing: Restoring the hope of prosperity for American workers, their families, and, most importantly, the next generation.” The framework released today represents a consensus from the key tax-writing committees in Congress as well as the administration on what should be included in tax reform. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Paulsen has been very involved in this process, participating in numerous hearings, visiting local businesses and companies, meeting with constituents, and more. This framework will deliver a 21st century tax code that is built for growth, supports middle-class families, defends our workers, protects our jobs, and puts America first. It will deliver fiscally responsible tax reform by broadening the tax base, closing loopholes, and growing the economy. The framework: -          Doubles the Standard Deduction, so low- and middle-income Americans will see twice the amount of their paycheck protected from taxes, $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples; -          Consolidates the current seven tax brackets to threeof 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent. An additional top rate may apply to the highest-income taxpayers to ensure that the reformed tax code is at least as progressive as the existing tax code; -          Unleashes job creation for American businesses of all sizeswith 20 percent rates for corporations and no more than 25 percent for small and family-owned businesses; -          Throws out special-interest loopholes that are primarily used by those with connections in Washington and the wealthy; -          Brings profits back home by exempting foreign profits earned by U.S. businesses from taxes when those funds are brought back to the U.S.   The full framework can be found here, and additional information can be found here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-tax-reform-framework,Emmer Statement on Tax Reform Framework,2017-09-27,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding the announcement of the new unified Republican tax reform framework: “After 31 long years, Congress finally has a plan to reform our nation’s tax code by putting middle class families and the American worker first. The past three decades have made it clear that we cannot tax our way into prosperity. Americans know how to spend their money better than government bureaucrats and Minnesotans know how to spend their hard-earned dollars better than Washington. Today’s framework is an incredible first step towards our goal of modernizing and simplifying our archaic and overly burdensome tax code. “This framework identifies key areas of much-needed reform that will allow for a fairer and simpler tax code that all American families and businesses can understand. I am extremely pleased to see the new corporate tax rate target of 20 percent – something I’ve long advocated for through my CREATE Jobs Act – which will encourage United States businesses to keep their jobs and revenue here, while allowing them to once again be competitive internationally. Additionally, this plan will lead to certainty and permanency for our nation’s job creators so they can spend their time and resources growing their business rather than conforming with a complicated tax code. Lastly, I am encouraged by the focus on tax incentives such as the child tax credit, the charitable tax deduction and the home mortgage interest deduction on which the average American depends. “I look forward to having conversations with Minnesotans about this plan as it makes its way through the committee process, and am excited to play a role in our first tax code overhaul since 1986.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=106,Lewis on Tax Reform: Our Families Need Relief,2017-09-27,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the release of the unified tax reform framework: “American families and businesses suffer under some of the highest tax rates in the world, and consequently families have less income and businesses create fewer jobs. Our economy has been stuck in low gear for years, growing far slower than the post-WWII average of 3.3%. As a result, median family incomes have failed to keep pace since the 2007 recession.  “Today, that changes. Our tax reform plan doubles the standard deduction, which will massively reduce the tax burden on millions of families and allow them to file their returns on a postcard. It encourages investment and capital formation by lowering rates on small business pass-through income. And we finally end the outdated practice of being the only industrialized nation to tax foreign profits twice—once abroad and again when proceeds are brought back for investment here at home.  “I want a tax code that promotes economic growth—not one that merely divvies up a shrinking economic pie. It’s time to close the tax loopholes so we can embrace good policy where everyone has skin in the game--but at much lower rates. This plan is about defending the American Dream—the right to fly as high as your wings will take you. “As John F. Kennedy said when he unveiled his proposed tax cuts in 1962: ‘The present patchwork of special provisions lightens the tax loads of some only at the cost of placing a heavier burden on others. It distorts economic judgments and channels undue amounts of energy into efforts to avoid tax liability... In short, it is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now...’ “JFK was right. Tax reform not only worked then, but whenever it’s been tried—in the ‘20s, the ‘60s and the ‘80s. And it will work today for America’s families and business.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=105,Lewis statement on Minnesota's reinsurance waiver,2017-09-26,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis statement on Minnesota's reinsurance waiver f t # e Washington, September 26, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Minnesota’s waiver for the Premium Support Program: “I'm glad that CMS has responded to Minnesota's waiver request under Obamacare's section 1332, and I'll keep working alongside my delegation colleagues to further address the instability in Minnesota's market. But this is a symptom of a much larger problem--the law itself. “Democrats rammed Obamacare through without reading it. The unbelievably complicated Obamacare bill was so destined to destroy healthcare markets that HHS--starting under the law's own architects like Kathleen Sebelius-- granted over 1200 waivers by 2012--in many cases outright favors to certain states, companies, unions, or collections of companies in a given representative’s district. “I will continue to work so that Minnesota has as many options as possible under this demonstrably failed experiment. But make no mistake, Obamacare is not good government and it strains credulity that so many of the law's defenders remain steadfast in obstructing real reform.”  f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1911,Congressman Paulsen Holds Extended Office Hours,2017-09-18,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Eden Prairie, MN - Congressman Erik Paulsen is holding extended office hours to accommodate additional meetings with constituents at his Eden Prairie Office. Details are below.What: Extended Office Hours with Congressman Erik Paulsen Where: Erik Paulsen's District Office, 250 Prairie Center Drive #230 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 When: 5pm to 7pm Wednesday September 20th How to Sign Up: Click HERE to request your meeting. Please provide ALL requested information, please also put ""Wednesday Office Hours"" in the Organization line of the meeting request form*. Meetings will be 15 minutes in length and will be assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. A member of staff will confirm all appointments by the prior evening. *Only attendees listed on the meeting request at the time of submission will be able to attend the meeting. *Group sizes are limited to 6 individuals",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-congressional-delegation-urges-departments-health-and-human,Minnesota Congressional Delegation Urges Departments of Health and Human Services and Treasury to Grant Minnesotas Reinsurance Waiver,2017-09-15,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Based on preliminary rates, federal approval of Minnesota’s reinsurance program would help bring down premiums for several individual market health insurance plans in the state. Without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially. In a letter, the federal lawmakers urge Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to complete their consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, Rick Nolan, Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer, and Jason Lewis today urged the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to grant Minnesota’s reinsurance waiver. Based on preliminary rates, federal approval of Minnesota’s reinsurance program would help bring down premiums for several individual market health insurance plans in the state. Without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially. In a letter, the federal lawmakers urged HHS Secretary Tom Price and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to complete their consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible. “On July 31, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released two sets of proposed individual health insurance rates: one set that assumes federal approval of the Minnesota reinsurance program and one that does not. These proposed rates show that federal approval of Minnesota's waiver application would have a significant impact on cost. By contrast, without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially,” the lawmakers wrote. “This matter is urgent because the Minnesota Department of Commerce must imminently finalize approval of the individual market rates. Accordingly, on behalf of our constituents, we urge you to complete your consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible.”  The full text of the lawmakers’ letter is below. Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Secretary Price, We write to request that the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant Minnesota's application for a Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver as soon as possible. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature voted to establish a state-based reinsurance program, the Minnesota Premium Security Program (MPSP). The Governor and both Democratic and Republican leaders strongly support this effort to address premium costs and access to affordable healthcare in our state. On July 31, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released two sets of proposed individual health insurance rates: one set that assumes federal approval of the Minnesota reinsurance program and one that does not. These proposed rates show that federal approval of Minnesota's waiver application would have a significant impact on cost. By contrast, without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially. This matter is urgent because the Minnesota Department of Commerce must imminently finalize approval of the individual market rates. Accordingly, on behalf of our constituents, we urge you to complete your consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible.  Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1910,Paulsen Honors Fallen Wayzata Officer Mathews on House Floor,2017-09-14,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) honored fallen Wayzata officer William Mathews on the House floor on Wednesday night. Officer Mathews, 47, was tragically struck last Friday while removing hazardous debris from Highway 12.  “Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day in more ways than we can imagine to keep us safe,” Congressman Paulsen said in his remarks. “Officer Mathews lost his life in service to his community, and he will not be forgotten.” Officer Mathews served in law enforcement throughout the state of Minnesota for two decades in various capacities and was a nine-year-veteran of the Wayzata police force. While in Wayzata, he had been a firearms instructor, a field training officer, and a reserve coordinator. Officer Mathews leaves behind his wife, Shawn, and their seven-year-old son, Wyatt. His funeral is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, September 14. To watch Congressman Paulsen’s remarks, click here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=103,Lewis supports omnibus bill,2017-09-14,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis supports omnibus bill f t # e Washington, September 14, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, H.R. 3354: “Today the House marked a return to regular order--passing all 12 appropriations bills through committee and on the floor--for the first time in over a decade.  Moreover, these bills conform to the budget resolution that I supported in the Budget Committee. While we meet our obligations for essential functions, I look forward to enacting the mandatory spending reductions and tax reform measures that we fought hard to include in the Budget resolution. Only then will we make real strides towards leaving our children with a growing economy, less debt and a brighter future.” ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1909,Paulsen Co-Chairs Bipartisan JEC Hearing on Digital Trade featuring Minnesota Small Business Owner,2017-09-12,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – At a Joint Economic Committee hearing titled “The Dynamic Gains from Free Digital Trade from the U.S. Economy,” Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) emphasized the importance of digital trade. As co-founder and co-chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, the Congressman is an advocate in ensuring that the United States continues to be a leader in the free flow of digital commerce.  Congressman Paulsen also introduced Nick Quade, general manager of Relay Networks in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Relay Networks is a provider of network, wireless, and telecom equipment as well as uses e-commerce, making digital trade an important part of their business. Congressman Paulsen asked Mr. Quade questions about how to best help small businesses overcome certain barriers, reach more customers, and grow their companies. To watch Congressman Paulsen’s statement and questioning during the Joint Economic Committee hearing, click here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-calls-senator-franken-reconsider-obstruction-justice-stras,Emmer Calls on Senator Franken to Reconsider Obstruction of Justice Stras,2017-09-08,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding Senator Franken’s refusal to support the nomination of Justice David Stras to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals:“The United States is a nation of laws, and to maintain respect for the rule of law it is imperative we have individuals like Justice David Stras to uphold and defend our laws in courts around the country. A current member of the Minnesota Supreme Court, Stras is widely recognized as the most qualified person for this position, and is well regarded on both sides of the aisle. He boasts the highest rating from the American Bar Association, and has even sided with more liberal judges when it meant upholding the Constitution.“Justice Stras is one of the nation’s premier legal minds in the areas of federal courts, constitutional law, and, in his own words, the ‘proper, limited role of the judiciary.’ It is because of these traits, that Stras’ nomination to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals garnered immense support from both sides of the aisle. Among those backing Stras were more than 100 Minnesota attorneys, a dozen members of Congress, and fellow Minnesota Supreme Court justices.“Unfortunately, Senator Franken simply could not move past political partisanship to do what is best for the people served by the Eighth Circuit Court. Instead, through his refusal to advance Justice Stras’ nomination, Senator Franken has chosen to be a roadblock in this procedural process, effectively denying the proper administration of justice. Seating Justice Stras was the first of many positions the administration will need to fill in order to restore our court systems to their proper functioning role. I am disheartened that Senator Franken has chosen to obstruct this lengthy process so early, and deeply concerned that the seat could now go to someone less qualified and from outside of Minnesota. I call on Senator Franken to reconsider his obstruction of the full consideration of Justice Stras.”Emmer applauded President Trump’s nomination of Justice David Stras in May. Click here to read the release.               ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-castor-lahood-lead-bipartisan-push-reform-us-policy-toward-cuba,"Emmer, Castor & LaHood Lead Bipartisan Push to Reform U.S. Policy Toward Cuba",2017-09-08,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of The Ripon Society) WASHINGTON, DC – With U.S. policy toward Cuba in a state of flux, The Ripon Society held a breakfast discussion yesterday morning with three Members of Congress who are working to end the Cold War-era embargo that has defined U.S.-Cuban relations for over 65 years and put in place a new set of economic policies that would bring certainty to the law and benefit both the people of Cuba and the United States.The Members participating in the discussion included U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer (R/MN-6), Kathy Castor (D/FL-14), and Darin LaHood (R/IL-18).  The three belong to the Cuba Working Group, a bipartisan caucus in the House that was established to promote increased trade, travel and investment in Cuba, while promoting human rights in that country and improving the security posture of the United States.  Emmer helped found the group in December of 2015, and opened his remarks by discussing why someone from his state is interested in this issue.“One of the first business groups to visit Cuba in the late ‘70s when President Carter was boosting up the travel restrictions happened to be a group from Minnesota,” he explained.  “We are home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, and we have agriculture and manufacturing as the two primary drivers of our state's private economy. Minnesota is all about trade, and we also have a population that is all about trying to help other people. So when [restoring relations with] Cuba was a possibility, you not only had folks going down to Cuba from Minnesota for commerce possibilities, but also to try to help.”Emmer was elected to the U.S. House in 2014 after serving six years in the Minnesota House.  A member of the Financial Services Committee, he is the co-sponsor of legislation that would lift the Cuba embargo and allow for businesses in the private sector to trade freely with Cuba, while prohibiting taxpayer funds to be used on promotion or development of this new market.“I came to Congress a couple years back with more of a Cold Warrior mentality,” he added, further expanding on his views.  “I took a trip in June of 2015 to the island, and it completely changed my view of the people. They want a relationship with the United States of America.  So I now talk about how important it is from an economic standpoint -- the opportunity to travel, the opportunity for the hospitality industry, for our agriculture industry, for manufacturers.  You can go down the list. But for me, the real issue is not repeating history.”“This is more about our national security than anything else. We have an island that is 90 miles off of our Florida cost. It is in our backyard. It is a key to our relationships in the entire Western Hemisphere at this point in time. And we have people in our government today who still want to continue a policy that has frankly been an abject failure. Why? Well, because I guess they think doing the same thing over and over again and not getting a different result is not the definition of insanity … We put an embargo in to undermine the Castro regime, and in effect it has done just the opposite. It has empowered the Castro regime at the expense of the Cuban people --- the very people we are trying to help. And so we're going to keep doing this over and over?  It makes no sense.”As for the promotion of human rights, Emmer said that is a goal that can best be achieved with more U.S. engagement and a greater American presence on the ground.“They made more advances in terms of human rights when Barack Obama took his delegation down to Cuba almost two years ago than had been made in years,” he stated.  “You cannot change the human rights abuses if you are not on the island and if you are not present in creating some accountability and transparency. At the end of the day, this is what you have to look at. If we continue down the road we're pursuing, you actually risk having someone else move into Cuba -- someone who does not have the United States’ best interest in mind. Is it going to be China? Is it going to be Russia? Could it be the Iranians? Someone will fill that void if we are not there.”Castor agreed.“Think about how long this Cold War policy has been in place,” the Democratic lawmaker stated.  “Over 50 years -- the embargo and a bar on the ability of Americas to travel freely.  Americans can travel anywhere in the world.  Up until recently, you could go to North Korea.  You can go to Iran and you can go to Syria. What is it about this policy that says Americans don't have the fundamental right to travel that they enjoy everywhere else in the world?  That's wrong.  The embargo's wrong, and it's outdated. It has outlived its usefulness and it is causing a lot of damage.”Castor was elected to the House just over a decade ago after serving four years as a County Commissioner in her Florida District. A member of the steering committee of the Cuba Working Group and cosponsor of the legislation to lift the embargo, she said her interest in the issue was sparked in part by working with local families with relatives back in Cuba who came to her for help in dealing with the outdated – and often unjust -- law.“The number one constituent matter in my office in Tampa was just trying to work through the bureaucratic red tape to try to get families to travel an hour away to see each other,” she recounted.  “Whether it was the grandkids to see their dying grandmother for the last time, or I even had a case with a family with a brother who had cancer and the bone marrow match was his sister in Cuba.  Just think about the agony they were going through, and then subjecting them to that kind of bureaucratic red tape and having to fight with the State Department and others just to try to get them on that hour-long flight.  It was very eye-opening to me. That's what helped me take on this issue, because I think that if we are going to improve human rights on the island of Cuba and improve business opportunities here in America and in Cuba, we've got to go full bore on the policy of engagement and turn the page on these Cold-War policies of the past.“We fought a war with Vietnam, reconciled, and now Vietnam – in their economic output and in our relationships -- is much healthier. Yet Cuba, 90 miles off the coast of the United States, remains stuck. I often think that it's the governments that get in the way -- the U.S. government and the government of Cuba. I think the Obama policy was right to empower everyday Cubans.  In the times that I've traveled earlier in my Congressional tenure and years later, I've seen a dramatic change in the ability of cuentapropistas -- small business owners -- to build businesses, employ folks, and give them a new lease on life. “The wages there are very low except in the sectors where the Cuban government has allowed openings. Whether it's in restaurants or in the Airbnb space or some technology, these folks are creative and dynamic and they need support.  By closing down the ability of Americans to travel or putting pressure on their families not to send remittances or blocking the ability of American businesses to partner with them, it is simply counterproductive in this day and age.”LaHood was elected to the House in 2015 after serving four years in the Illinois State Senate.  A member of the Joint Economic Committee and Committees on Science and Natural Resources, he said his interest in reforming U.S. policy toward Cuba is, like Emmer and Castor, also driven by the needs and interests in the people he represents back home.“For me, it's about jobs and economic opportunities,” the Illinois Republican declared.  “Of the 435 congressional districts, ours is the 9th largest in terms of corn and soybean production. Caterpillar is headquartered in our district, as is John Deere and ADM.  I look at the economic opportunities, and what trade has done for a district like mine. Cuba is a very small market, but to be able to load up grain on the Mississippi River and the Illinois River and go down through the Gulf and go to Cuba from there -- it's an opportunity for us. My conservative farmers and the folks who live in my district, they understand it. They get it. They ask, ‘Why can't we do this? Why don't we have a market? Why don't you open this up?' You try to explain to them the reason for that, and it's difficult to do.""Listen, we all believe in human rights. We believe in democracy. We don't like dictators.  We don't like what Castro and his regime have engaged in. But trade helps all boats rise. We've seen that around the world.  Engagement, economic opportunities, and economic freedom – they all help countries get out of that socialist mentality.”Following their remarks, the three members were asked a number of questions, including one about the prospects that the embargo toward Cuba will be lifted in the coming year.""Well,” Emmer stated, “I felt much better when the Trump administration first took office. I actually thought that we would have a willing partner because of what he was talking about with national security, etc. Again, I'm not going to name names.  But a handful of people have literally hijacked this issue because it's emotional. I can’t put myself in their shoes. I don't know what their family's experience was. I'm a kid from the Midwest. I'm not here to judge them for their strong feelings and how important this is.  They had property stolen, they had relatives murdered and tortured.  But we are now in the 21st century, and we are talking about where we go from here.”Castor concurred, and spoke of the positive developments that have occurred in the U.S.-Cuba relationship in recent years.“We have made such great progress,” she said. “Just a few years ago, there was no regular mail delivery between the U.S. and Cuba. We could get a package to China, to Russia, anywhere, but not to Cuba on a reasonable basis. Speaking of weather forecasting, we've made great strides there and it's important today. It used to be the Cubans said, 'No, hurricane hunters can't fly over Cuba to look at these storms.' Now, we are cooperating when it comes to weather forecasting … They are cooperating in law enforcement, they are cooperating in music, in science, and now we have got to make a larger step to move to lift the embargo.”LaHood was more blunt.“I am not optimistic at this point that the embargo will get lifted just from the rhetoric from the administration,” he stated matter-of-factly.  “I think there is going to have to be something that occurs, an event of some sort, because you look at the conditions and threshold that the other side has put up, and they're really unattainable in some ways. You know, prosecuting the Castro family, or holding them accountable in some way, or making sure they are removed before you begin the conversation. I think that's a non-starter.“I think it’s a very, very difficult, uphill battle.  When you talk to the folks on the other side -- to Tom's point -- everyone has a personal family story related to something that occurred to them and their family and their property. Again, I can't understand that because I wasn't in that situation. But at some point, you've got to move beyond that and get to the policy and the politics of how we move on.”To view the remarks of Reps. Emmer, Castor and LaHood at The Ripon Society’s breakfast discussion yesterday morning, please click on the link below: https://youtu.be/i7v553au3oc The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 – Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people. For more information on The Ripon Society, please visit www.riponsociety.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-unanimously-approves-emmer-amendment,House Unanimously Approves Emmer Amendment,2017-09-07,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer’s (MN-06) amendment was adopted unanimously and added to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018.This amendment would roll back actions from the outgoing Obama Administration by prohibiting funds from being used to withdraw federal lands from mining or mineral exploration in the Rainy River Watershed on the Superior National Forest. It does not authorize or approve the development of any new mines, nor does it permit mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or limit the environmental review process required for the development of new mines. Emmer joined debate on the House Floor this evening to speak on behalf of his amendment   “Today we took a good and necessary first step to restore Minnesota’s rights to pursue safe, responsible and precise development of federal lands,” said Emmer. “Through this unanimous vote, we are sending a strong signal to the Administration that these lands, and the control of their resources, needs to remain with the people of Minnesota. I am thankful for the support from my colleagues and will continue to work towards bringing jobs, revenue and hope of a more prosperous future back to our great state.” The Emmer Amendment was Amendment #70 to H.R. 3354. Click here to read the full text.For Emmer’s related testimony before the House Natural Resource Committee, click here.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=99,Rules Committee approves Lewis amendment transferring $70 million to bridge skills gap,2017-09-07,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rules Committee approves Lewis amendment transferring $70 million to bridge skills gap f t # e Washington, September 7, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the Rules Committee approved his amendment to transfer $70 million of education funding to support technical education:“There’s a skills gap in our country as colleges push students to take a four-year degree instead of equipping them with the technical knowledge to get on the fast-track for an in-demand career. My amendment would simply transfer the proposed funding increase from well-funded programs that encourage more four-year degrees and put that $70 million where it’s needed most: state grants to improve Career and Technical Education (CTE). Encouraging CTE means that young people avoid debt and graduate school ready to succeed in a well-paid job.”Background: Lewis’ amendment transfers the funding increase that TRIO and GEAR UP would have received and puts the money towards Career and Technical Education (CTE) state grants. TRIO and GEAR UP remain funded at their 2017 level. CTE, which is funded well below the 2007 level despite widespread bipartisan support, would receive a much-needed $70 million boost. CTE Statistics• High school graduation rate for students who concentrate in CTE is 93%, well above nation average of 80% • High-risk students are 8 to 10 times less likely to drop out in the 11th and 12th grade if enrolled in a CTE program • 4 out of 5 high school CTE graduates who pursued postsecondary education had earned a credential or were still enrolled 2 years later • 27% of people with less than an associate’s degree earn more than avg. bachelor’s degree  • Over 80% of manufactures report that talent shortages will impact their ability to meet customer demand • Currently, only 19% of high school students are concentrating in CTE, 81% are taking an academic route### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1906,Paulsen Statement on the Nomination of Justice Stras to Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals,2017-09-06,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the decision by Minnesota’s senators not to move forward with Supreme Court Justice David Stras’s hearing for his nomination to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals: “Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras is well-respected, has strong bipartisan support, and the highest rating from the American Bar Association,” said Congressman Paulsen. “I'm disappointed that both Senator Franken and Senator Klobuchar announced they will deny Justice Stras a fair hearing, putting partisanship ahead of an opportunity to put one of Minnesota's strongest legal minds on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.” Last month, Congressman Paulsen wrote an op-ed in the Star Tribune urging Senators Franken and Klobuchar to move forward with Justice Stras’s hearing, highlighting his impressive legal career and support from across party lines. The op-ed can be read here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1908,Paulsen Statement on DACA,2017-09-05,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the administration's announcement about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: ""Our broken immigration system needs to be fixed, because it's harming our economy and locking out the next generation of innovators,"" said Congressman Paulsen. ""This includes ensuring that young people who came to the United States through no fault of their own and have done nothing wrong are able to be valuable contributors to our country."" Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.  For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=100,Lewis Statement on Sen. Franken Obstructing Nomination of Justice Stras,2017-09-05,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis Statement on Sen. Franken Obstructing Nomination of Justice Stras f t # e Washington, September 5, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after Senator Al Franken refused to return a ‘blue slip’ to the Senate Judiciary Committee to allow the nomination of Justice David Stras to proceed:   “Senator Franken’s decision to withhold a blue slip from Justice Stras denies an eminently qualified jurist a fair hearing in the Senate. By not returning his blue slip, Franken went beyond simple opposition to the nomination and is actively shutting down debate. Chairman Grassley is well within his rights to proceed with a hearing on a nominee that the American Bar Association unanimously called ‘well-qualified’, their highest rating. It’s no surprise that a Republican Administration nominated a judge whose philosophy differs from Franken’s. To feign outrage at that ignores the many decisions that Stras has made which simply respect precedent, as well as his votes with the majority on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Further, Franken is denying Minnesota a voice on the Eighth Circuit. Senator Franken should reconsider, and I would support Chairman Grassley wholeheartedly should he choose to move forward with a hearing on this impressive nominee.”   ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=98,Lewis on DACA,2017-09-05,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis on DACA f t # e Washington, September 5, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month phase-out:“Federal law-making authority rests with Congress-- not the executive branch. I support returning this power designated by the constitution to Congress. President Obama’s executive order skirted Congress’ constitutional authority and made DACA untenable in its current form. It’s important that we debate comprehensive solutions in the next six months and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to address the final status of DACA enrollees.”### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1907,ICYMI: Paulsen Commentary on the Importance of Moving Forward with Justice Stras' Confirmation Featured in Star Tribune,2017-08-25,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Eden Prairie, MN – Commentary authored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) about the importance of moving forward with the confirmation of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit was featured in today’s edition of the Star Tribune. The column, which can be found here, explains why Minnesota’s two Democratic senators should return their blue slips rather than “partisan game-playing… [that is] keeping an outstanding legal mind off the Eight Circuit court.” As explained in his commentary, Justice Stras has widespread bipartisan support from a diverse group of judges, attorneys, and law professors and has proven his qualifications through an impressive legal career.   U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen writes: Klobuchar, Franken impede the path of an outstanding judge Despite his superb qualifications and bipartisan support, David Stras' advance to the federal court is being held up by Minnesota's Democratic senators. This needs to stop.  By Erik Paulsen When Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras was nominated for the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the news was met with enthusiastic support by Minnesotans from across the political spectrum. A diverse group of judges, attorneys and law professors urged the Senate to act on Stras’ nomination and confirm him for the Eighth Circuit. Among those who signed letters of support for Stras are former colleagues on the Minnesota Supreme Court, including retired Justice Alan Page and others appointed by a bipartisan list of governors, as well as former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Gov. Mark Dayton. Stras is also supported by 12 former members of Congress from Minnesota (Republicans and Democrats), by members of the faculty at the University of Minnesota Law School and by more than 100 prominent Minnesota attorneys. Despite this widespread, bipartisan support, the U.S. Senate has stalled on considering the Stras nomination. Stras has no confirmation hearing in sight, even though other judges nominated around the same time have either had a hearing or will have one soon. When the Senate held a confirmation hearing in July, it was for another Eighth Circuit nominee — Judge Ralph Erickson from North Dakota — whose nomination was submitted to the Senate after the White House submitted Stras’ name. The reason for the delay is that Stras’ nomination is being held up by Minnesota’s Democrat U.S. senators — Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken. Neither senator has returned the “blue slip” necessary for the nomination to move forward. Under Senate tradition, any senator can delay or halt a nominee from the senator’s home state by refusing to return the blue slip to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Thus, as long as the Senate follows the blue-slip tradition, Klobuchar and Franken can block Stras from receiving a confirmation hearing simply by refusing to return their blue slips. To be clear, Klobuchar’s and Franken’s refusal to return their blue slips has nothing to do with Stras’ merit. There is no dispute that Stras has all the qualifications and attributes to be an outstanding judge. He received a well-qualified rating from the American Bar Association, which is the highest recommendation possible. He is a renowned expert on federal courts — before joining the Minnesota Supreme Court, Stras was a scholar on federal courts at the University of Minnesota Law School. And in the seven years he has served on Minnesota’s high court, Stras has demonstrated a commitment to the impartial rule of law, basing his decisions on reasoned analysis of the Constitution, statutes and precedent without personal or political bias. As he explained in one case, “my role as a judge is not to implement my own policy preferences, but to interpret the law as written.” Stalling Stras’ nomination is the latest example of partisan game-playing in Washington. By blocking his confirmation, the senators are keeping an outstanding legal mind off the Eighth Circuit court, and preventing another Minnesotan from joining a court where the majority of judges are from other states. This is unacceptable. Along with many other Minnesotans from across the political spectrum, I urge Sens. Klobuchar and Franken to end their obstructionism and allow Stras’ nomination to proceed for a confirmation hearing and vote. Erik Paulsen, a Republican, represents Minnesota’s Third District in the U.S. House.   Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit Paulsen.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1905,Congressman Paulsen Holds Extended Office Hours,2017-08-20,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Eden Prairie, MN - Congressman Erik Paulsen is holding extended office hours to accomodate additional meetings with constituents at his Eden Prairie Office. Details are below.What: Extended Office Hours with Congressman Erik Paulsen Where: Erik Paulsen's District Office, 250 Prairie Center Drive #230 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 When: 5pm to 8pm Wednesday August 23rd How to Sign Up: Click HERE to request your meeting. Please provide ALL requested information, please also put ""Wednesday Office Hours"" in the Organization line of the meeting request form*. Meetings will be 15 minutes in length and will be assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. A member of staff will confirm all appointments by the prior evening. *Only attendees listed on the meeting request at the time of submission will be able to attend the meeting. *Group sizes are limited to 6 individuals    Congressman Paulsen Holds Extended Office Hours",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1901,Paulsen Hosts Roundtable to Improve Health Care for Seniors,2017-08-16,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) hosted a Health Care Providers Roundtable in Eden Prairie on Tuesday as part of an effort to eliminate red-tape bureaucracy in Medicare that stands in the way of delivering better care for seniors. Minnesota doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other health care professionals—including Care Providers of Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic, Zipnosis, Novu Health, Life Science Alley, and others—all identified burdensome rules that are increasing the cost of Medicare.    “Minnesota health professionals came together to identify key areas bureaucratic rules and mandates that should be eliminated because they’re driving up costs for seniors,” said Congressman Paulsen. “We can find bipartisan solutions to make Medicare simpler and more efficient for beneficiaries, and conversations with these stakeholders is an important part of that process.”   Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1899,Paulsen Statement on the Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center and the Ongoing Investigation,2017-08-07,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the events at the Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington on Saturday morning: ""As I said over the weekend, I am so relieved to hear that no one was hurt in events at the Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center on Saturday morning,"" said Congressman Paulsen. ""My office and I have been monitoring this ongoing investigation and been in contact with Dar Al-Farooq. I have full confidence that the investigation will get to the bottom of this and am encouraged by the progress the FBI as well as local and state authorities are making to make sure justice is served. Any attack of this nature is an affront to our American and Minnesotan values, and we will continue supporting the Dar Al-Farooq and Muslim community."" Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.   For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-holds-summit-find-solutions-skills-gap-crisis,Emmer Holds Summit to Find Solutions to the Skills Gap Crisis,2017-08-03,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Otsego, MN – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) held an “Addressing the Skills Gap Summit” with educators, business owners and community leaders to discuss potential solutions to the skills gap crisis facing Minnesota, and the nation as a whole.  In his time representing Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District, Emmer has toured many educational institutions to learn all about the incredible career and technical programs offered. Additionally, he has met with many business owners, school leaders, and representatives from different industries to learn about the devastating impact the skills gap is having on our economy and workforce. These tours and meetings inspired Congressman Emmer to hold a summit intended to advance partnerships that will work to address our workforce shortages. “One of the biggest falsehoods that we as a society are telling the generation of tomorrow is that they must attend a four-year university if they expect to thrive and prosper,” said Emmer. “This well-intended, but misinformed, advice has actually had the opposite effect, leaving many critical jobs unfilled and numerous Americans without the career skills that they need in order to drive our economy forward. We held this summit to address these concerns, and cultivate a conversation with the stakeholders who are – and must be – most involved in finding solutions. After listening to the different conversations and suggestions put forth, I am optimistic that we are well on our way to fixing this problem so we can get our workforce and economy back on track.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-joins-discussion-2018-farm-bill,Emmer Joins Discussion on 2018 Farm Bill,2017-08-03,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Emmer Joins Discussion on 2018 Farm Bill Otsego, MN – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) attended Minnesota Farmfest to participate in a listening session hosted by House Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conway. The purpose of this listening session was to hear firsthand the different perspectives and concerns of Minnesota’s farmers and agriculture industry in regards to the next Farm Bill. Agriculture is a key industry in Minnesota and Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District in particular. Since agriculture is such a vital component of Minnesota’s economy, Congressman Emmer places a high priority on his relationships with the state’s many farmers and agriculture groups, to better understand how he can help them thrive in his district, state and across the nation.  (Ranking Member Collin Peterson, Congressman Tom Emmer, Chairman Mike Conway) “Minnesota’s farmers work hard seven days a week, 365 days a year, so that our state, and nation remains fueled and well-fed,” said Emmer. “Without their work and dedication, we would not have a future, which is why it is imperative that my colleagues and I hear their input and give them a voice in Congress. I am proud to have had the opportunity to participate in this morning’s Farmfest listening session hosted by Chairman Conway and see so many of our colleagues in the great state of Minnesota for this important conversation. I am now even more optimistic that the next farm bill is well on its way to reflecting our farmer’s needs so we can provide for them, as they provide for us.”“Midwest agriculture is wide and diverse, and each sector faces different challenges and opportunities” said Chairman Conway. “I appreciated joining Congressman Emmer in Minnesota to hear directly from those most impacted by the farm bill about ways to improve economic conditions in farm country and all of rural America. I look forward to taking what we learned and using it as we continue crafting the next farm bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/30-members-request-committees-work-together-protect-farmers-and-ranchers,30 Members Request Committees Work Together to Protect Farmers and Ranchers from Crushing Regulatory Burdens,2017-08-01,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04),  Western Caucus Members Mike Johnson (LA-04), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Greg Gianforte (MT-AL) and Doug Collins (GA-09), and Representatives Buddy Carter (GA-01) and Daniel Webster (FL-11) released the following statements after 30 Members of Congress signed and sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committees on Natural Resources and on Agriculture requesting that those Committees work together to address the numerous regulatory inefficiencies and statutory roadblocks in the agriculture community by modernizing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and similarly outdated laws and regulations:Congressman Johnson stated, “Farmers and ranchers are vital to our Louisiana economy and community. Unfortunately, out-of-control Washington bureaucrats have imposed overly burdensome regulations threatening their way of life and hindering their ability to work. The Endangered Species Act must be modernized to protect farmers and ranchers across the nation. They are the backbone of this nation and cannot afford to live under excessive regulations any longer.”“Northeast Georgia’s poultry and farming communities bring food, jobs and economic growth to our country. These hardworking producers have been unnecessarily burdened by federal policies including the Endangered Species Act, which serve neither farmers nor the Americans that depend on their products. I haven’t found a bureaucrat more motivated or more equipped to steward our natural resources than local farmers, and I support the House’s efforts to bring them relief from misguided government red tape,” said Congressman Collins.Congressman Emmer stated, “Today’s court ruling against the delisting of the gray wolf emphasizes why Congress needs to work to modernize the ESA. Minnesotans knows what is best for Minnesota, and we must work to be sure the voices of state and local stakeholders are taken into consideration. We cannot continue to force our farmers and ranchers to bear the brunt of these restrictions and costly regulations forced upon them by Washington bureaucrats. By modernizing the ESA, we have a real chance to bring our farmers, ranchers, agriculture community relief from the current regulatory regime.”“The long reach of unnecessary federal regulations threatens the livelihoods of Montana farmers and ranchers. The Endangered Species Act, along with other outdated federal mandates have empowered environmental extremism and jeopardize our Montana way of life. We need common sense reform,” said Congressman Gianforte.“Like most industries, overly restrictive mandates and nonsensical regulations from the federal government are choking the life out of family farms and ranches though out the country,” said Chairman Gosar. “Just yesterday, the House Committee on Agriculture heard testimony from an 8th generation farmer who indicated things are so tough that his family farm likely won’t survive another generation. The Endangered Species Act and federal rules affecting the Ag community need to be modernized and brought into the 21st century. Ranchers and farmers need relief. Wildlife and plants in danger of extinction need a functional system that meets recovery goals and gets these species off the endangered list. There is a lot that can be accomplished if we drop the rhetoric and work together.” Congressman Carter stated, “As Georgia’s top industry, the hard work of our farmers and ranchers contributes to the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world. These hardworking Americans need to be shielded from overregulation to ensure they are able to accomplish their important work without Washington standing in the way. One way to accomplish this is to modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and similarly outdated laws and regulations and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this happen.”“Agriculture is one of the three pillars of Florida’s economy. Farmers and ranchers all over Florida grow and raise the food that ends up on kitchen tables around the world,” said Congressman Webster. “The economic engine of agriculture must be complimented with sound, long-term policies that balance the importance of protecting our nation’s beautiful lands. Unfortunately, overzealous bureaucrats in Washington turned the Endangered Species Act (ESA) into a weapon wielded against hard-working Americans.  With President Trump, we have an opportunity to reform the ESA to ensure that it meets its purpose without destroying the livelihoods of those who work the land,” he concluded. Background: Today, 30 Members of the House signed and sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committees on Natural Resources and on Agriculture—Chairmen Rob Bishop and Mike Conaway, and Ranking Members Raul Grijalva and Collin Peterson—urging them to work jointly to address the numerous regulatory inefficiencies and statutory roadblocks in the agriculture community by modernizing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and similarly outdated laws and regulations.To read the full signed letter click HERE.On April 26, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) titled, “Promoting Agriculture and Prosperity in Rural America.” The EO established an interagency task force and made clear that it is “in the national interest to ensure that regulatory burdens do not unnecessarily encumber agricultural production, harm rural communities, constrain economic growth, hamper job creation or increase the cost of food for Americans and our customers around the world.”Signers of the letter share these sentiments and believe that this Congress presents a bipartisan opportunity to address the many regulatory issues negatively impacting the agriculture community. They believe the Committees are well positioned to act on cost-saving, modernization measures that will bring the ESA and other rules into the 21st century. Signers indicated there may be no more important policy change for our nation’s agriculture community than reducing its crushing federal regulatory burden.The letter encourages the Committees to work together to adopt a system that induces and incentivizes thoughtful and collaborative regulation. Such a process will empower farmers and ranchers to do what they do best—produce food and other agriculture products in abundance for the American people and the rest of the world.The letter also makes clear that ESA and other federal regulations far too often result in a broken, burdensome process for farmers and ranchers, unfairly targeting them with costly compliance and unreasonable land restrictions.As Congress works to preserve our nation’s precious biodiversity while simultaneously growing our nation’s economy, we must loosen the current ineffective regulatory stranglehold in favor of one that functions as intended.The ESA was intended to be a tool to safeguard and rehabilitate species in need of special protections. However, private and governmental analyses alike indicate that the current law is failing to accomplish intended objectives.As Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, recently explained: Of 1,652 species of animals and plants in the U.S. listed as either endangered or threatened since the law was passed in 1973, only 47 species have been delisted due to recovery of the species.  In other words, the Fish and Wildlife Service has concluded that less than 3 percent of species in the United States under the protection of the Endangered Species Act have recovered sufficiently to no longer necessitate the protection of the statute. As a doctor, if I admit 100 patients to the hospital and only 3 recover enough under my treatment to be discharged, I would deserve to lose my medical license. *    *    * Letter cosigners (30): Representatives Mark Amodei, Brian Babin, Andy Biggs, David Brat, Ken Buck, Earl L. ‘Buddy’ Carter, Liz Cheney, Doug Collins, Sean Duffy, Jeff Duncan, Tom Emmer, Trent Franks, Mike Gallagher, Greg Gianforte, Louie Gohmert, Paul Gosar, Jody Hice, Mike Johnson, Walter Jones, Steve King, Raul Labrador, Doug Lamborn, Tom McClintock, Alex Mooney, Steve Pearce, David Schweikert, Scott Tipton, David Valadao, Daniel Webster, Roger Williams. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=94,Lewis statement on health care,2017-07-28,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the Senate failed to move forward on health care reform:“Health care markets are in disarray, as premiums, along with deductibles, continue to skyrocket and Minnesota families are hurting. Yet the status-quo folks in Washington still don’t get it. “Last night’s Senate capitulation was a political victory for the entrenched interests—from big insurance to big media—who fought so hard to preserve Obamacare. But as all too often is the case, it was a defeat for hard-working Americans. I was proud to support real health care reform that passed the House and tried to actually fix the failed experiment in government-run health care, including the problems that even predate the ACA. But Senate Democrats, and a few wayward Republicans, refused to even send a compromise to a conference committee to work with the House. This is not acceptable and the U.S. Senate must simply change its dysfunction. “But make no mistake, bailing out a ‘too big to fail’ system is not the answer. So as markets continue to deteriorate, health care costs continue their climb, and as out-of-control entitlements threaten our nation’s fiscal solvency, Minnesotans should understand that the same folks who gave us this mess apparently have little interest in changing it. They even tout scores from the same CBO that erroneously said that 23 million Americans would get coverage through the ACA by 2016. They and so many others were wrong by over 10 million. “Nevertheless, I will continue to fight for families in the 2nd district when it comes to affordable health care, tax reform and a rising tide of economic growth that benefits everyone.  That’s what I was sent to Washington to do and one setback won’t deter my commitment to that vision.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-defazio-reintroduce-app-act,"Emmer, DeFazio Reintroduce the APP Act",2017-07-27,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (OR-04) reintroduced the Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act. This introduction is in conjunction with the launch of the Congressional App Challenge, which kicked off today and both members are participating in.The APP Act will help American innovators more easily access the tools and resources necessary to create applications for mobile devices - otherwise known as apps. The App Act does so by creating a comprehensive website to provide individuals and small businesses with the information they need to find existing federal funding for the creation of apps as well as information on how to apply for that funding.Additionally, the App Act will help to update the current list of federal government apps by creating an app store where American consumers can rate and comment on the different government apps. This store will ensure the public is able to provide feedback, and obsolete apps are retired. Additionally, the App Act will provide government, non-profits, and businesses the resources to educate and train the next generation of programmers.“Our nation relies on technology now more than ever, so we must give American workers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields the tools and skills to maintain a competitive edge and bring our country fully into the 21st century,” said Emmer. “This is something I have been committed to since taking office, which is not only demonstrated through my work on the App Act, but also with my office’s participation in the Congressional App Challenge, a competition that encourages students to develop their own app.”“Mobile technology reaches every corner of the world and impacts our economies, governments, and more,” said DeFazio. “As technology expands, so must our capacity to innovate and keep pace with the latest developments. The App Act will streamline federal resources and help the next generation of developers stay competitive in the global market.” Click here to watch Emmer & DeFazio's APP Act video “ACT | The App Association is heartened by the introduction of the Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act, which would provide vital resources to our country’s tech companies and developers,” said App Association President Morgan Reed. “In addition to providing students with valuable resources for computer science education, this Act would make federal funding opportunities more easily available to the tech innovators driving job growth and adding value in virtually every sector of our country’s economy. Faced with a staggering skills gap that has left roughly 500,000 computing jobs unfilled, we are hopeful the APP Act will provide the resources to support the development of the bright minds fueling innovations in telemedicine, machine learning, the internet of things, and beyond. We applaud Representatives Tom Emmer and Pete DeFazio for their work to ensure their constituents, our members, and app developers across the country can acquire the skills needed to help local companies thrive.”The Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act is H.R. 3428. Click here to read the full text.To learn about the Congressional App Challenge, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-testifies-restore-minnesotas-mineral-rights,Emmer Testifies to Restore Minnesota's Mineral Rights,2017-07-27,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) testified before the House Natural Resources Committee regarding his discussion draft on the United States Forest Service (USFS)’s pending withdrawal application in Northern Minnesota. Click above to watch testimony “Today’s hearing was to bring forth a discussion on the potential to revitalize communities in northern Minnesota by recognizing the rights of Minnesotans to exercise their mineral claims if any proposed mining projects can satisfy all of our stringent environmental requirements,” said Emmer. “We have a real opportunity to reverse the politically motivated and short-sighted actions the Obama Administration enacted on their way out the door and bring good-paying jobs and revenue to a region that greatly needs it. Like all Minnesotans, I believe in preserving and protecting our natural resources and I have no doubt that we can find a way to preserve Minnesota’s pristine landscape without permanently destroying any future job creation or economic development in Minnesota. I am pleased we have taken action today to get us one step closer to allowing the research and exploration process to proceed, while protecting the potential future economic opportunities in the great state of Minnesota.”The discussion draft before the House Natural Resources Committee aims to restrict broad mineral withdrawals unless they are approved by an Act of Congress. It would also renew certain mineral leases with preferential rights of renewal, consistent with current law, and provide that future leases in the area remain valid for 20 years, with 10-year renewal periods. Additionally, this proposal includes language that states, “Nothing in this section may be construed as permitting the prospecting for development and utilization of mineral resources within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) or Mine Protection Area.”""Jobs for Minnesotans fully supports this legislation which provides hope and opportunity to Minnesota's mining region,” said Nancy Norr, Chair of Jobs for Minnesota. “All we ask of our elected officials and the federal agencies is to allow projects to go through the established and proven regulatory process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).""""I thank Congressman Emmer for bringing this important legislation forward,"" said Jason George, Legislative and Special Projects Director of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. ""Banning mining in a region that was set aside specifically for mining before a project has been put forward to study is not sound public policy. It is time that environmental extremists and Washington bureaucrats stop telling the good people of the Iron Range what is best for them.""  ""RAMS (Range Association of Municipalities & Schools) thanks Congressman Emmer for his efforts to bring forth legislation that will allow continued exploration outside the protected buffer zone of the BWCA,"" said Steve Giorgi, Executive Director of RAMS. ""The intervention by the USFS with their proposed land withdrawal has already had an economic impact on our region as reflected this spring when no new state leases were purchased the proposed withdrawal area.""To read the text of the discussion draft, click here.For additional information, please read previous releases on: Emmer’s meeting with Secretary Perdue, a letter sent to Secretaries Perdue and Zinke, and a recent mining tour to Northern Minnesota. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-mining-bill-rejecting-obama-administration-overreach-moves,Minnesota Mining Bill Rejecting Obama Administration Overreach Moves Forward,2017-07-27,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04), Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Western Caucus member Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Chairman of Jobs for Minnesotans Nancy Norr released the following statements after a successful hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals Resources examining Rep. Emmer’s draft legislation which will allow responsible mineral production to continue in Northern Minnesota: “Today’s hearing was to bring forth a discussion on the potential to revitalize communities in northern Minnesota by recognizing the rights of Minnesotans to exercise their mineral claims if any proposed mining projects can satisfy all of our stringent environmental requirements,” said Congressman Emmer. “We have a real opportunity to reverse the politically motivated and short-sighted actions the Obama Administration enacted on their way out the door and bring good-paying jobs and revenue to a region that greatly needs it. Like all Minnesotans, I believe in preserving and protecting our natural resources and I have no doubt that we can find a way to preserve Minnesota’s pristine landscape without permanently destroying any future job creation or economic development in Minnesota. I am pleased we have taken action today to get us one step closer to allowing the research and exploration process to proceed, while protecting the potential future economic opportunities in the great state of Minnesota,” he concluded. “17,000 jobs, $2.5 billion annually for our economy and $3 billion for education are at risk if we don't block the misguided anti-mining actions from the Obama Administration in Minnesota. 26 bipartisan members of the House have urged Secretaries Zinke and Perdue to rescind the 420,000-acre plus mineral withdrawal application and renew the improperly terminated leases,” Chairman Gosar said. “Congress has explicitly authorized mineral production and multiple-use activities in the Superior National Forest via public law and in 2004 the Forest Service confirmed these authorized uses. Further, no one is proposing to mine in the 1.1 million acre Boundary Waters Wilderness Area and this area already has significant buffers. All we are asking for today with this bill is the opportunity to present mining plans in an area authorized by Congress to mine and to go through NEPA’s full environmental process. I applaud Rep. Emmer for his leadership and providing the people of Minnesota a voice with this commonsense legislation that recognizes the need to safely produce critical minerals right here in America.” Congressman Westerman said, “The ability to mine is important for both our national defense and economic well-being. The ability to produce military-grade weapons, smartphones, and so much more depends on our ability to mine America’s natural resources in a responsible manner. Rep. Emmer’s discussion draft would protect responsible mining operations in Minnesota and ensure that America’s defenses and technology sectors continue to have access to the minerals necessary to keep America strong militarily and economically.” Chairman Norr stated, “This legislation will correct a grave injustice imposed by federal agencies in the previous administration. An injustice that could decimate our economic future and create a significant aberration from the existing federal mineral exploration and environmental review processes.  We seek your support to allow highly regulated mineral development and leasing to continue in one of the most mineral rich regions in the country…The Discussion Draft before you accomplishes many things. It will restore access to domestic minerals essential to our economy and national security, it will restore our government’s regulatory compact and the faith that Congress’ promises will be kept, and most important, will restore the economic future of thousands of Minnesotans.” Background: Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources examined Rep. Tom Emmer’s (MN-06) draft legislation which will allow responsible mineral production to continue in Northern Minnesota. Nancy Norr, Chairman of Jobs for Minnesotans, testified in strong support of the bill. To watch the video of the hearing, read other witness testimony and view other important information click HERE. Rep. Gosar showed a video at the hearing produced by the people of Minnesota on this issue that can be viewed HERE. In the video, Dave Lislegard showed us Lake St. James, a reclaimed mine site that now provides the drinking water for the city of Aurora. He stated that this is some of the best water in the country. No one wants to contaminate Minnesota’s water or the boundary waters.In the waning days of the Obama Administration, federal land management agencies took several actions that could decimate local economies, stifle job creation and cause significant harm to K-12 education in Minnesota. Rep. Tom Emmer’s bill rejects this overreach, calls for the rescission of the proposed 420,000 plus-acre federal mineral withdrawal application and the renewal of two improperly terminated leases.In June, Reps. Gosar, Emmer, Westerman and Nolan toured several mining operations, held a stakeholder meeting and visited the proposed federal withdrawal area outside of the city of Ely, Minnesota. The comments they heard on the ground from American families, businesses and individuals who want these jobs and support these mining projects led to this effort. On June 30, 2017, 26 bipartisan members sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue calling for the rescission of the 420,000 plus acre mineral withdrawal and the renewal of two improperly terminated leases. To read the letter click HERE. To read the press release click HERE. On January 5, 2017, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) proposed a 234,328-acre federal mineral withdrawal of National Forest System (NFS) lands, for a 20-year term, within the Rainy River Watershed on the Superior National Forest, immediately placing this vast area off limits to development for up to two years while the 20-year withdrawal is considered. The total withdrawal application boundary spans approximately 425,000 acres, including 95,000 acres of state school trust fund lands. In conjunction with this massive mineral withdrawal, the Obama Administration’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) inappropriately rejected Twin Metals Minnesota’s application to renew two hard rock mineral leases in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest – leases that were signed in 1966 and renewed without controversy in 1989 and 2004. To date, Twin Metals has invested upward of $400 million – a significant investment – in reliance on two federal mineral leases that the BLM executed with the company's predecessors and renewed each time they expired. All told, Minnesota is projected to lose up to $3 billion in royalty revenues for the State’s Permanent School Trust Fund that would support nearly 900,000 K-12 students statewide if the withdrawal application and cancelled leases are not rejected by the new administration. If left unchecked, the anti-mining actions pursued by the Obama Administration will block the creation of thousands of American jobs and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars. The University of Minnesota-Duluth estimates the creation of 12,000 construction jobs and 5,000 long-term mining jobs if mining projects already being pursued in Duluth Complex are allowed to move forward. These are good-paying jobs, as the average annual mining wage in Minnesota was $78,635 in 2015. These projects are also estimated to generate $2.5 billion annually for the economy. The proposed withdrawal also contradicts the legislative intent of Congress. In 1950, Congress took action to make minerals available for mineral exploration and development within the Superior National Forest. In 1978, Congress passed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act (BWCAW), a historic compromise that prohibited mining within the Boundary Waters Area but explicitly permitted mining to occur in the Superior National Forest. Environmental stewardship and positive economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Our members support regulations that ensure environmentally-responsible mining in order to protect water quality and preserve the scenic beauty of the Boundary Waters area, where significant buffer zones already exist, including areas created by the BWCAW Act and the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Act. Furthermore, any new mines proposed in the region will have to undergo, and adhere to, strict mandates and requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), state laws and other regulations. Unfortunately, the environmental study affiliated with the withdrawal pre-empts this comprehensive review from taking place, blocking the opportunity for a project to even be considered. Minnesotans across the state have supported the development of the state’s mining industry, and specifically have voiced support for the Twin Metals project. Countless individuals and local businesses have weighed in against the actions of the Obama Administration. Government officials on both sides of the aisle have publically opposed these actions. In January, the Minnesota State Legislature sent a letter and “expressed their outrage at the recent politically driven decisions.” Additionally, the Lake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution opposing the proposed withdrawal The Duluth Complex holds the world’s second largest copper deposit, third largest nickel deposit and second largest platinum-group metals deposit. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=102,Lewis stands up for Minnesota jobs,2017-07-27,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after cosponsoring the Save Local Business Act, which was introduced today:‘The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has changed the traditionally accepted definition of a ‘joint employer’ with little regard for the people in the middle-- hardworking Minnesotans who run or work for a small business. We need to return to the accepted standard of who actually has ‘direct control’ before these businesses-- and the jobs they provide-- are threatened by joint employer’s increased risk of liability and the accompanying constraints. The Save Local Business Act will help people in Minnesota know where they stand under the joint employer standard, and give them freedom from the uncertainty that this poorly thought-out policy has created.”Background: On August 27, 2015, the NLRB issued a decision in Browning-Ferris Industries of California (BFI) that overturned decades of Board policy in determining whether two or more entities should be considered “joint employers” under the National Labor Relations Act. Under the traditional joint employer standard, employers must have actual, direct, and immediate control over terms and conditions of employment including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, and direction of employees. Under the new “BFI” standard, companies sharing only indirect or potential control over another’s workforce may be considered joint employers, the ‘right to control’, even if not exercised, is evidence of joint employer status. An expanded joint employer standard would seriously undermine the franchise business model and would cause franchisee owners to be relegated to a middle-management position at the businesses they worked to create. This would result from franchisors facing increased threats of liability and, as a result, putting restrictions on their franchisees.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1898,Paulsen Announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge for Students,2017-07-26,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) is excited to announce that Minnesota’s Third Congressional District will be participating in the third Congressional App Challenge, an app competition for students in high school and below. “Behind every latest new app or technological breakthrough, there is a team of highly-skilled, creative workers and the one thing they all have in common is an education and background in STEM,” said Congressman Paulsen. “The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for our young innovators to use their brilliant minds and continue developing their skills for the future. I’m excited to see what these talented students come up with and wish them the very best.” The Challenge will run from July 26 through November 1, 2017. The competition is open to all students who meet eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. We strongly encourage of all skill levels to participate and to learn how to create their own apps. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and be given Congressional recognition for their achievements in STEM and Computer Science. Their apps will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., on house.gov., and on the Congressional App Challenge website. The Congressional App Challenge was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimate, the U.S. may be short by as many as a million programmers by 2020. There are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the United States invests in our youth now, and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The Congressional App Challenge encourage students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts. Recognizing the racial, gendered, and other disparities in the tech sector, the Congressional App Challenge also focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge widely accessible to students from all backgrounds. Deliberate efforts are made to include students from all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in tech. The Internet Education Foundation will be serving as the operation “sponsor” of the Congressional App Challenge. For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1897,Paulsen Pushes New Idea to Make College More Affordable and Accessible,2017-07-25,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – On the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) spoke on addressing the student-debt crisis by expanding access to higher education. One method is through encouraging income-share agreements, or ISAs. Through ISAs, students pay back a small portion of their loan depending on their income only if they are employed and receiving an income that meets a certain threshold. Rather than have to keep up with fixed, high-interest payments, which can be particularly stressful amid job uncertainty for recent graduates and pressure them to take jobs just to repay their loans, the freedom and flexibility that ISAs provide students allows them to pursue careers that put their degrees in to practice. You can watch video of Congressman Paulsen’s floor speech below: Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-and-lewis-announce-launch-2017-congressional-app-challenge,Emmer and Lewis Announce the Launch of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge,2017-07-24,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) today announced that their offices will be participating in the 2017 Congressional App Challenge. Emmer, Lewis and Congressman Paulsen are the only members from the Minnesota delegation who currently plan to participate in this challenge. Established in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge was designed to encourage our nation’s students to become both interested and proficient in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills. It does so by inviting high school students to compete against their classmates and students across the state in creating their own mobile device applications, better known as an app. “I am very proud that my office will open up this great opportunity for students in Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District for the third year in a row,” said Emmer. “Not only that, but I am also pleased that my Republican colleagues in Minnesota will be joining in on the fun. Our nation is currently facing a major skills gap crisis, and the technology sector has been hit hard, making this challenge even more important. If our nation is to remain relevant, successful, and globally competitive, we must encourage the generation of tomorrow to take an interest in some of these important fields. I am happy that this challenge works to do just that, and I look forward to seeing the brilliant products that Minnesota’s students come up with.”   ""I'm excited to welcome students from across the 2nd District to participate in my first Congressional App Challenge,” said Lewis. “Since I was sworn in, I've made education a priority, and STEM is an area where our young people can step into the jobs of the future and continue to keep the US in place as the world-leader in technology. My office is available to answer any questions and I'll be watching out for some great submissions from our high-schoolers!"" To learn more about the rules and requirements of this challenge, click here.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/klobuchar-franken-emmer-announce-national-science-foundation-grant,"Klobuchar, Franken, Emmer Announce National Science Foundation Grant Awarded to St. Cloud State University to Recruit, Retain, and Support Students in STEM Disciplines",2017-07-24,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Al Franken, and Representative Tom Emmer today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a grant to St. Cloud State University to recruit, retain, and support students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. The NSF award of $4,999,656 will address first-year retention and the transition of community college students to a four-year university.   “STEM education can prepare young people for high-tech, high-demand jobs,” Klobuchar said. “This grant will help St. Cloud State University create a supportive learning environment for the future engineers and scientists of tomorrow.” “I’m proud that this award will support students at St. Cloud State University and prepare them to compete in the 21st Century economy,” Franken said. “Students will be ready to take on high-skilled jobs after graduation and contribute to innovation in Minnesota and across our nation.” “We are in the midst of a digital revolution, and it is imperative we keep up with the changing times to ensure and improve our future success,” Emmer said. “In order for the United States to remain competitive, we must cultivate the important STEM skills in the generation of tomorrow, and this grant will help do just that.”   The NSF “Academic Collaboration and Coordination Model to Ensure Student Success in STEM (ACCESS STEM): A Partnership to Improve, Recruitment, Retention, and Student Success” project provides research-based support services designed specifically for students who may be at risk of leaving their institution or STEM major.   Klobuchar, one of the founding co-chairs of the Diversifying Technology Caucus and co-chair of the Women’s High Tech Coalition, has been a leader in the effort to develop a strong science and engineering workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow. Her bipartisan legislation to encourage, recruit, and support women in STEM fields, the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act and Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act, was signed into law by the President in January. Klobuchar’s provisions to require the Director of the NSF to consider recommendations from organizations representing underrepresented groups for the STEM Education Advisory Panel and allow for research to better understand factors relevant to the retention of STEM teachers from underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, were also signed into law in the reauthorization of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act. In 2015, Klobuchar’s bipartisan provisions allowing school districts to award funding to create a STEM-focused specialty school or enhance an existing STEM program within a school were signed into law as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act. For many years, Sen. Franken, a member of the Senate Education Committee, has been a leading champion of efforts to close the ""skills gap,"" which has left many employers in Minnesota and across the country with millions of jobs they can't fill because they can't find enough trained workers. In the past several Congresses, Sen. Franken has pushed his Community College to Career Fund Act to incentivize businesses to partner with the state's community and technical colleges on training and support efforts. When the Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law, Sen. Franken fought to include several provisions that targeted funding for STEM education and teacher professional development, ensuring that states would be able to recruit top-notch STEM educators and keep them in the classroom. And earlier this year, he introduced his new Advancing Career Pathways Innovation Act to encourage local K-12 school districts in Minnesota and across the country to also explore partnerships with businesses to expose elementary, middle, and high school students to a variety of career pathways. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-focus-tech-apprenticeships,Emmer Supports Focus on Tech Apprenticeships,2017-07-20,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) cosponsored the Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act.“As I travel across Minnesota, employers often express their frustration with the current skills gap and worker shortage facing our state and the nation as a whole, especially as the tech sector expands in Minnesota,” said Emmer. “As of April, more than 15,000 jobs in Minnesota’s technology sector remained unfilled – jobs with average annual salaries of nearly $100,000. I have had the opportunity to tour some of the apprenticeship programs and private-public partnerships in the great state of Minnesota and it is clear these programs are going to be the key to solving the skills gap currently plaguing our nation. I am proud to cosponsor the CHANCE in Tech Act to foster the creation of these private-public partnerships and cultivate new apprenticeship programs so that the generation of tomorrow has access to education that will bring this nation fully into the 21st century and beyond.”“The U.S. is expected to have 1.8 million unfilled tech jobs by 2024. The deficit is not because of a lack of desire by American workers, but a dearth of workers with the necessary IT skills,” said Elizabeth Hyman, CompTIA’s Executive Vice President of Public Advocacy. “If neglected, the IT skills gap will affect our country’s ability to protect national security interests and to compete economically on the global stage. The CHANCE in Tech Act introduced today will address the growing IT talent challenge by encouraging public-private funding for apprenticeship programs in the technology sector and providing students with the necessary skills to compete in the 21st Century workforce.”The CHANCE in Tech Act will direct the Department of Labor to assist in the promotion and development of access to apprenticeships in the technology industry. The CHANCE in Tech Act is H.R. 3174. Click here to read the full text. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1896,Paulsen Emphasizes Digital Trade as Part of NAFTA Modernization at Hearing,2017-07-19,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – In a House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade hearing, Congressman Paulsen (MN-03) spoke on the importance of including digital trade provisions in North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) modernization efforts to better reflect the rapidly changing economy. As the co-chair of the Congressional Digital Trade Caucus, Paulsen and co-chair Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) are sending a letter to the administration highlighting areas of digital trade that should be prioritized in future negotiations. To watch Congressman Paulsen’s statement and questioning during the House Ways and Means Committee hearing, click here. To read the letter from Congressman Paulsen and Congresswoman DelBene, click here. Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-meets-secretary-perdue,Emmer Meets with Secretary Perdue,2017-07-19,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) hosted a meeting with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Congressman Rick Nolan (MN-08) to urge the rejection of the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) application to withdraw approximately 425,000 acres of land from resource development in Minnesota. “I was pleased to organize and have a productive discussion with Secretary Perdue and Congressman Nolan to address an issue with significant importance to Minnesota’s economy,” said Emmer. “It is imperative the Trump Administration reverses the previous administration’s last-minute actions to withdraw more than 400,000 acres of land previously designated for resource development. Secretary Perdue expressed his willingness to partner with us on this important issue, to get government out of the way, and to allow our economy to flourish in Northern Minnesota and across the country.”Congressman Emmer led a letter in the House urging Secretary Perdue and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to halt the withdrawal process and reinstate leases in the area. This letter followed a Western Caucus trip to Northern Minnesota to see the proposed withdrawal area firsthand and talk to local Minnesotans, industry stakeholders, and elected officials in the impacted area. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-works-target-terror-financing,Emmer Works to Target Terror Financing,2017-07-19,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) participated in, and Co-Chaired, a Terrorism and Illicit Finance (TIF) Subcommittee hearing entitled “Managing Terrorism Financing Risk in Remittances and Money Transfers.” Click above to watch Congressman Emmer’s Opening Remarks “Every year, hundreds of billions of dollars in remittances and other value-transfer payments are sent around the world and play a crucial role in the lives and livelihood for millions of families,” said Emmer. “While much of the over $600 billion remittances sent in 2016 were used to support relatives across the globe, these transfers do remain vulnerable to exploitation by criminal and terror organizations. Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District in particular is home to one of the largest populations of Somali-Americans in the country, a population that relies heavily on the use of Money Service Businesses (MSBs) and other ways to send money to family members abroad, so it’s important we keep these lines of transfer open while ensuring the dollars sent are used for good, not evil.”“I am encouraged to see this subcommittee undertake the important challenge of reviewing our nation’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) laws to ensure our regulatory framework allows for the continued flow of money to friends and family members abroad while eliminating the use of remittances as a means to conduct acts of terror both overseas and here at home,” said Emmer. “Destroying funding streams to terrorists and keeping families connected do not have to be mutually exclusive, and I have no doubt that we can improve our regulatory system as it relates to remittances to accomplish both of these goals.”During the hearing, Emmer’s questions focused on the current regulatory environment for Money Services Businesses and the impact it has on the practice of “de-risking.” Emmer heard testimony from expert witnesses on the negative effects of de-risking and solicited feedback on how best to prevent it from occurring. This is the first of a series of efforts by Congressman Emmer and the TIF Subcommittee to stem the current tide of de-risking and ultimately eliminate the use remittances as a means for financing acts of terror and other illicit activities.Congressman Emmer serves on the House Financial Services Committee. Emmer sits on the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises, the Subcommittee Monetary Policy and Trade, and the Subcommittee Hearing on Terror and Illicit Finance.                       ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=91,Lewis: our balanced budget will kickstart tax reform,2017-07-19,2017,2017-07,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis: our balanced budget will kickstart tax reform f t # e Washington, July 19, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Blueprint, Building a Better America, as it passed the Budget Committee today:   “This budget puts our kids first by finally tackling the unchecked mandatory spending from Washington which threatens the federal government’s ability to provide--even function--for the next generation. Interest costs are exploding from record debt and that's why I was glad to support a Budget Committee blueprint that not only balances in ten years, but gets tax reform going in order to encourage economic growth and deliver a tax cut for the middle class.    “However, I do believe we should do more to enhance accountability over all federal spending moving forward. My Defense Spending Accountability Act to audit the DOD helps to do just that. I look forward to supporting this budget in the House to begin tackling the $20 trillion national debt.”Background: Building a Better America is the House Budget Committee’s blueprint for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. You can read it here. The budget balances within 10 years by addressing spending, reforming government, and growing the economy. The budget produces a $9 billion surplus in FY2027, and achieves $6.5 trillion in total deficit reduction over 10 years. It provides reconciliation instructions for tax reform in order to lower rates and simplify the complex tax code.This budget sets overall discretionary spending for fiscal year 2018 at $1.132 trillion, which includes: - $621.5 billion in defense discretionary spending - $511 billion in non-defense discretionary spending ###   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z