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/president-trump-signs-farm-bill-law,President Trump Signs Farm Bill into Law,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, members of the Congressional Western Caucus released statements following signing of the Farm Bill into law by President Donald J. Trump Chief Defense and Interior Officer Chris Stewart (UT-02): Westerners have cause to celebrate the signing of the Farm Bill. Not only did it provide certainty for our farmers, it included many of my priorities that will deliver much needed habitat restoration for sage grouse and mule deer. Restoring western landscapes while mitigating the risk of catastrophic wildfires is a win for everyone. Chief Rules Officer Dan Newhouse (WA-04): Thank you, President Trump, for signing this critical legislation on behalf of Farm Country. The 2018 Farm Bill is a major accomplishment that gives Central Washington farmers and agriculture producers across the country much-needed certainty and a secure safety net. Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Glenn GT Thompson (PA-05): We were able to make significant reforms improving a number of programs, notably the safety net for our dairy farmers our dairy program. Our dairy farmers have continued to face difficult times over the past decade and we look for the law to provide some much needed stability to the sector. Overall, this is a huge win for producers, rural communities, and American consumers. Rep. Ralph Abraham (LA-05): The Farm Bill provides our farmers, ranchers and foresters with stability and the strong safety net that they need to plan for their futures. I'm proud of the work we did to get this bill over the finish line, and I'm glad it is now law. Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04): It was an honor to join President Trump at the White House today as the Farm Bill was signed into law. This law, combined with new work requirements from the Secretary of Agriculture, will provide Kansas farmers and ranchers with needed certainty, make historic investments in rural broadband, and help get people back to work to grow our economy. With the Farm Bill complete, I look forward to continuing to work on new ways to support Kansas agriculture, particularly through free and fair trade deals. Rep. Steve King (IA-04): I couldn't be happier that President Trump is signing a Farm Bill into law today that meets the immediate needs of rural America. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I worked to ensure that this legislation would promote increased foreign trade, provide producers with predictability, support a FMD vaccine bank, preserve funding for biofuel programs, and strengthen rural broadband services. The Farm Bill we crafted accomplishes all of these good things and many more. Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06): I am proud President Trump joined Congress to put our nation's farmers first. Today, the President signed into law important programs for our farmers, including my STRESS Act language, improved dairy risk management tools, funded programs to assist beginning farmers, and better improved livestock disease prevention and response mechanisms as part of this year's Farm Bill. Finally, our farmer's will get the support they deserve. Background: On Thursday, December 20, 2018, President Donald J. Trump signed into law H.R. 2, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, a bill introduced by Western Caucus Member Mike Conaway (TX-11). A short Committee-drafted highlights page is here. Longer Committee summary here. Messaging & talking points here. Text vis the Conference Report can be found here. The core of the package is the commodities title, Title I. Regardless of a Member's ideological stance on subsidy, price guarantee and similar government interventions into a market, the fact remains that these programs, by longstanding Congressional direction, have become an entrenched part of the domestic agricultural market, without which the U.S. agricultural industry would suffer amazing losses. The resulting market voids would be filled by foreign competitors, providing them advantage while diminishing food quality and safety just as our nation's farmers go out of business. Similarly, program lapses and overall uncertainty have extremely detrimental effects on this industry, which is under additional pressures due to ongoing trade disputes. Net farm income for 2018 is already projected to be at the lowest level since 2002, and a 50% drop has taken place over the last five years. This is the largest such drop since the Great Depression, per the House Committee on Agriculture. On account of the relationship between the provisions of Title I and the U.S. agricultural industry, the prudent and responsible action for stability in U.S. food markets and the livelihoods of those in the agricultural industry can only be passage of the Farm Bill. Title II, the conservation title, could be the strongest conservation title of any Farm Bill for Western Members. Increased funding proposals for the Environmental Quality Inceptives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) are contained in the Conference Report all welcome fiscal adjustments to useful environmental and soil conservation programs. The Conservation Stewardship Program is restructured to provide better incentives for farmers to address local resource concerns; funding for the program is reduced from $1.8 billion/year to no greater than $1 billion, with the difference being rerouted to the EQIP, ACEP and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The Conference Report provides $500 million for important conservation infrastructure initiatives that include flood prevention and watershed rehabilitation. Title II also establishes the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, in order to address the $1.5 billion in damages associated with these invasive species. The Title provides important revenues for the Voluntary Public Access Program and reauthorizes the Conservation of Private Grazing Land Program. On balance, the Title provides a smarter allocation of scarce and useful conservation & environmental control resources while improving incentives for such resources to be effectively used as intended. There is also policy progress along the lines of rural broadband, the opiate crisis, rural development and mental health care access in Title VI. Secretarial authority to make grants for rural broadband is expanded and standards thereof are improved for rural America. As pertains to rural health, the Conference Report increases resources for treatment quality and access and addresses record farmer suicide rates by reestablishing the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. Title VII provides important revenues for universities and research. The Conference Report provides new resources to strengthen the landgrant university system. Title VIII contains forestry provisions which enhance prevention and treatment of catastrophic wildfire. Insect and disease categorical exclusions to standard environmental review are renewed and expanded to expedite the removal of hazardous fuels from forests. Another categorical exclusion is added for federal land plots up to 4,500 acres for purposes of promoting Greater Sage Grouse and Mule Deer habitat. Good Neighbor Authority, whereby the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) may enter into cooperative forest management agreements with other entities, is expanded to authorize the USFS to enter into such agreements with counties and Indian Tribes. This adds several important, new tools to the USFS toolkit, improving their flexibility in addressing specific forest management problems. Finally, the Title authorizes USFS to establish a privately-funded pilot program for utility infrastructure rights-of-way vegetation management, in which limited vegetation management near electricity infrastructure outside of a right of way can be employed in order to stave off wildfires started by contact between trees or vegetation and power lines. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-expresses-support-efforts-combat-human-trafficking-0,Emmer Expresses Support for Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) expressed support for efforts that will help combat the practice of trafficking of Cuban baseball players. Today, Major League Baseball, the MLB Players Association, and the Cuban Baseball Federation reached an important agreement that will help address the issue of human trafficking that so many Cuban baseball players experience as they seek to play in the United States, said Emmer. It is great to see all parties take the initiative and put together a targeted agreement which will stop the repeated exploitation of these players and their families. The agreement establishes a framework for Cuban athletes to enter into the Major League system after certain criteria are met. This agreement is consistent with other agreements reached between MLB and countries like Japan, and Korea. Throughout his time in Congress, Congressman Emmer has supported numerous efforts to combat human trafficking in the United States and globally. These efforts include the Congressman's support of legislation like the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, H.R. 2200, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017, H.R. 1312. In addition, Congressman Emmer serves as a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Cuba Working Group. He is the lead sponsor of the Cuba Trade Act, H.R. 442, to lift the current economic embargo on Cuba, and you can read more about his work on Cuba,here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/farm-bill-passes-house-heads-president-s-desk,"Farm Bill Passes House, Heads to Presidents Desk",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation includes Emmer's STRESS Act to combat farmer suicide, provisions to improve dairy risk management tools, and provides funding for livestock disease prevention. WASHINGTON, DC Today, following passage of the Conference Report for the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly called the Farm Bill, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement: Today, Congress put the nation's farmers first. This Farm Bill includes improvements specifically needed for farmers in Minnesota's Sixth District, including better dairy risk management tools, funding to assist beginning farmers, and livestock disease prevention and response. I was proud to cast my vote in support of this legislation,said Congressman Emmer, whose district encompasses areas of rural Minnesota including parts of Stearns, Benton, Wright and Sherburne Counties. As this legislation heads to the President's desk, I am grateful to see the reauthorization of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network included. I take heart knowing my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have been supportive of this effort to deliver more mental health treatment to our farmers. They have suffered in silence for far too long,added Emmer. The STRESS Act language will reauthorize of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to give states needed resources to provide mental health services for farmers and ranchers. FRSAN was first authorized in 2008, though it did not receive funding and therefore lapsed. Farmers suffer a rate of suicide several times higher than the normal population. This is an important effort towards restoring our nation's attention to Americans in farming. Learn more about the STRESS Acthereand read the full legislative texthere. Read the full legislative text of the Conference Report for the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/western-caucus-applauds-epa-and-trump-admins-action-reverse-job-killing,Western Caucus Applauds EPA and Trump Admin's Action To Reverse Job-Killing WOTUS Rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, members of the Congressional Western Caucus commended the EPA's official repeal of WOTUS: Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04): ""Like a villain in Scooby Doo, the past Administration almost got away with an unparalleled expansion of Federal power. The WOTUS land and water-grab rule proposed by the Obama Administration was one of the greatest regulatory threats to the West and rural communities. Fortunately, this legally-dubious effort was unmasked for what it was by the Supreme Court and this Administration. I'm happy to see some sanity restored to Clean Water Act implementation. Thank you Acting Administrator Wheeler and President Trump for taking the lead and crafting a definition that adheres to the original law, promotes extremely clean and safe waterways, and remains Federalist in its nature."" Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-42): ""The Clean Water Act is an essential law that has made a tremendous impact protecting and improving the quality of one of our most precious resources. The updated WOTUS rule will help ensure our federal resource agencies are able to focus their efforts on our most significant waterways. It will also help eliminate the use of the Clean Water Act as a tool by serial litigants and extreme environmentalists to attack private property rights."" Executive Vice Chairman Scott Tipton (CO-03): ""The Obama Administration's Waters of the United States Rule (WOTUS) was one of the most onerous federal water and land grabs in this nation's history, usurping long-held state water law, threatening access to private water rights and jeopardizing the success of the economy. The damaging impact of WOTUS cannot be disregarded, so the EPA's proposed new rule is welcome news. It is high time that we provide certainty to America's farmers, ranchers and landowners, whose livelihoods rely on water."" Vice Chairman for Indian Affairs and Oceans Don Young (AK-At Large): ""The Obama-era WOTUS rule is a shining example of federal overreach. I'm pleased to see Administrator Wheeler take action in implementing President Trump's promise to overturn this shortsighted rule. I will continue to work with this administration to ensure state and local governments are able to effectively manage their waters without the unnecessary and inconsistent oversight of the federal government."" Chief Rules Officer Dan Newhouse (WA-04): ""I applaud the EPA's decision to repeal the burdensome WOTUS rule and give clarification to land owners, farmers, and ranchers across the country. The Obama Administration's WOTUS rule gave the federal government unprecedented power to expansively interpret the definition of a navigable waterway.' I know farmers and ranchers in Central Washington will continue to strive to be good stewards of their land and the environment, and the Trump Administration's newly-defined rule will finally give them the certainty they deserve."" Chief Regulatory Reform Officer Andy Biggs (AZ-05): ""I support Acting Administrator Wheeler's efforts to change course from the unconstitutional Obama-era WOTUS rule. This rule is a blatant attack on property rights and is an expansion of government bureaucracy. I am hopeful that this new administrative action will bring much-needed relief to farmers, ranchers, and minors across the West. I continue to call on Congress to codify the administration's positive steps."" Rep. Alex Mooney (WV-02): ""Replacing the Obama-era Waters of the United States rule is another example of President Donald Trump fulfilling the promises he made to all Americans. The previous rule represented the very worst of federal government overreach by regulating any puddle or trickle of water such as my constituent Lois Alt in Hardy County, West Virginia. This rule hindered farmers, land owners and communities across West Virginia. I applaud the Trump Administration for crafting a rule that respects private property rights and gives states flexibility in managing water within their borders."" Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04): ""The Trump administration's new WOTUS Rule is a win for farmers and ranchers across Kansas and our nation. By removing Obama-era regulations and providing needed certainty to the application of the Clean Water Act, this rule gives power back to states and farmers on how best to protect the environment while strengthening our economy. I am thankful the EPA and the U.S. Army listened to stakeholders in crafting this rule and look forward to its implementation."" Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22): ""The proposed changes to Waters of the United States by the EPA and the Department of the Army are the right call. These much needed improvements return power to the states and the people, and limit the intrusive Federal overreach the original proposal created. I applaud this decision that brings common sense back to water use decisions for local governments, farmers and the people."" Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-04): ""The Obama Waters of the United States Rule' that extended EPA control over all waterways in direct contravention of the Clean Waters Act was unwise as policy and unconstitutional as law. The new rule that replaces it moves us back to common sense and constitutional limits."" Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06): ""I applaud the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers for their proposed WOTUS rule. Our nation's farmers, ranchers and land owners across the country deserve clarity on where the Clean Water Act applies, and more importantly where it does not. Like all Minnesotans, I believe that we need to be good stewards of our land and waterways, and this new rule will accomplish just that."" Rep. Glenn GT' Thompson (PA-05): The Obama Administration's Waters of the United States rule was an unprecedented land grab that expanded the reach of the Clean Water Act far beyond Congressional intent. Farmers, ranchers and those who live off the land deserve certainty in how the law is administered, yet the WOTUS proposal did the complete opposite and only added more confusion. Uncertainty has governed the lives of farmers and ranchers for too long, and I fully support President Trump's efforts to truly clarify the Clean Water Act. Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA-50): ""It had long been the goal of those of us who seek to improve and protect the private property rights of all Americans to clearly define the regulatory definition of 'waters of the United States.' With the help and support of a President who has committed his administration toward the goal of limiting government overreach, private homeowners, farmers and ranchers will have peace of mind on their own property, knowing they can move forward with simple projects that in years before would have required months of waiting for a federal permit and thousands of dollars spent on legal professionals."" Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01): ""This provision is a broad government overreach that confuses our farmers, ranchers, and small business owners while taking away an individual's ability to make decisions regarding their own property. I look forward to this new rule that will curtail the current regulation that views a ditch as equivalent to a major waterway and digresses from Congressional intent. This common-sense reform will relieve our agriculture producers from Obama-era overly burdensome requirements."" Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08):""I applaud the EPA and the Trump Administration for taking action to end the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and restore power to Arizona's farmers, ranchers, and landowners. This land and water grabbing rule created under the Obama Administration is a prime example of a federal overreach placing unnecessary burdens on states and property owners. It's time for the onerous WOTUS rule to be repealed once and for all. Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02):The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule has been detrimental to our country's farmers and ranchers since the day it was put in place by the Obama Administration. The federal government doesn't belong regulating every creek, ditch, and stream.This proposed replacement rule from the Trump Administration gives farmers, ranchers, and small business owners the power to take care of their backyards without the unnecessary red tape they face now. I applaud the Trump Administration for the proposed rule. Rep. Garret Graves (LA-06):""The 2015 rule was an unconstitutional expansion of federal power that used bureaucrat-speak to strip landowners of their rights and local governments of their ability to manage waters within their borders. This new approach is the product of doing it the right way openly, with the input of the American people. The new rule respects the rights of private property owners and the sovereignty of states, right-sizes the federal government's role in enforcement and provides clarity where there was confusion. Instead of forcing a top-down, one-size-fits-all mandate, it recognizes that the issues on the ground in places like Arizona are fundamentally different than in places like Louisiana and gives states the flexibility to manage those differences. Most importantly, it doesn't compromise the goal: preventing pollution, ensuring clean water and protecting wetlands."" Rep.MikeJohnson (LA-04):""Regulating back yard ditches and mud puddles does nothing to ensure Americans' access to safe, clean and reliable water. It does, however, far exceed the powers granted to the federal government. Thankfully, the Trump administration's new plan clearly defines what is, and more importantly, what is not, subject to the Clean Water Act. Farmers and ranchers all across the U.S. can rest easy knowing their privacy and their land will be protected from government encroachment. Rep. Greg Gianforte, MT-AL:President Obama's Waters of the U.S. mandate further empowers federal bureaucrats in Washington and threatens our Montana way of life, particularly for our farmers and ranchers. Today's announcement from the Trump administration seeks to roll back federal overreach, clarify the federal government's jurisdiction, and return power to states and tribes to manage their waters. The administration's proposal will reduce uncertainty and help Montana's farmers and ranchers. Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03):Our nation's farmers and landowners have spent millions fighting the overreach of the 2015 Obama-era rule. The Trump Administration is right to narrow the scope, delivering much needed clarification on the definition and relief from bureaucracy run amok. Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05): The Obama-era WOTUS Rule was an unnecessarily overreach by EPA, which hampered growth in communities across America. It expanded the EPA's jurisdiction, leading to burdensome red tape for individuals and bureaucratic control over drainage diches, agricultural ponds, and isolated wetlands. The farmers, builders, and landowners in this country deserve freedom from burdensome and ambiguous federal regulations and flawed rules. I believe each state reserves the right to determine the best land management for itself. I'm pleased the EPA repealed and replaced WOTUS with reasonable regulatory reforms that complement existing state and tribal regulations and programs. I'm confident the benefits will be reaped for years to come. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01): After listening to those directly impacted by one of the previous Administration's most harmful rules, the EPA is replacing WOTUS with something that actually makes sense for land and business owners. Instead of attempting to needlessly regulate every puddle, ditch, and furrow in America, the new rule will focus on bodies of water and wetlands that are physically and meaningfully connected to other bodies of jurisdictional water. Now, those driving our economy will spend less time and money on land-use decisions and litigation and more time on running their business. States will finally have a clear definition of where federal jurisdiction ends and begins, as well as the ability to properly manage their own water. WOTUS was nothing short of a job-killing Washington power grab, and I'm glad to see it replaced with something that works. Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05):I applaud the Trump Administration, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of the Army for their committed efforts to reigning in the overreaching Obama-era definition of 'Waters of the United States' commonly known as WOTUS. We need clarity, predictability, and consistency. The Trump Administration has done just that by proposing a new rule that clearly lays out when federal jurisdiction will apply to WOTUS under the Clean Water Act. This new ruling will allow for federal oversight to be balanced with state authority to regulate their waters. This clearly defined partnership will allow for navigable waters to be regulated appropriately, while avoiding the negative impacts of federal overreach on farmers and ranchers, that is currently occurring. I look forward to supporting this new rule and working with the Trump Administration to ensure implementation of this new definition. This clearly defined partnership will allow for navigable waters to be regulated appropriately, while avoiding the negative impacts of federal overreach on farmers and ranchers, that is currently occurring. I look forward to supporting this new rule and working with the Trump Administration to ensure implementation of this new definition. Rep. Roger Marshall (KS-01):""The Trump Administration deserves accolades from rural America for their continued actions torepeal the misguided Waters of the United States rule. As Kansans know entirely too well, the Obama WOTUS rule dramatically expanded the reach of the federal government with minimal improvement in water quality. Today's announcement serves as a tremendous relief to landowners and farmers. This is yet another exciting step in fulfillingthis Administration and Congress' promise to return government to its proper role."" Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH-07):I applaud President Trump's efforts to reverse the power grab attempted by the Obama Administration. It is clear enforcement of the Clean Water Act must be a collaborative effort between the federal and state government. This is an issue I've been fighting for several years, working to make sure our agriculture community, homebuilders, private property advocates, and local governments are given a clear set of jurisdictional rules. We can protect the environment, encourage economic growth, and safeguard private property rights without unnecessarily expanding federal jurisdiction. This WOTUS rule does that while providing the certainty our nation's farmers and ranchers need. Rep. Ralph Abraham (LA-05):Obama's WOTUS simply went too far a puddle of water that might run into a ditch that then might run into a stream or river is by no means a navigable waterway and should not be treated as such. I'm still reviewing the new rule, but I'm pleased with what I've seen so far. We all want clean water, and we can achieve that without handing over our land rights to the EPA. Background: Courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency Today, December 11, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) proposed a revised definition of waters of the United States, which would delineate the scope of federal regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act in a clear and understandable way. The agencies are concerned that the previous administration's 2015 Rule defining waters of the United States may have greatly expanded Washington's control over local land use decisions. The agencies' new proposal respects the constitutional and statutory limits of federal government to regulate navigable water under the Clean Water Act and gives states and tribes more flexibility to determine how best to manage waters within their borders. The agencies' new proposed definition will fulfill President Trump's commitment to end this federal overreach. It ends year of uncertainty over where federal jurisdiction begins and ends. It is clear and easy to understand. It will help landowners understand whether a project on his or her property will require a federal permit or not, without spending tens of thousands of dollars on engineering and legal professionals. This certainty and clarity will save Americans time and money while accelerating infrastructure projects and economic development. Right now, because of litigation, the 2015 waters of the United States rule is in effect in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories; and the previous regulations, issued in the 1980s, are in effect in the remaining 28 states. This inconsistent regulatory patchwork creates uncertainty and hinders projects that can benefit both the environment and the economy. The proposed definition would establish national consistency and would rebalance the relationship between the federal government and states in managing land and water resources. States already have their own regulations for waters within their borders, regardless of whether they are federally regulated as waters of the United States. The agencies' new proposal will eliminate the time-consuming and uncertain process of determining whether a significant nexus exists between a water and a downstream traditional navigable water as directed under the agencies' 2008 Rapanos Guidance or whether a water has a significant nexus to a traditional navigable water, interstate water or territorial sea as codified in the agencies' 2015 Rule defining waters of the United States. EPA and the Army listened to those directly impacted by the regulations and are proposing a definition that includes the following key aspects: Excludes ephemeral streams and related features. Covers only adjacent wetlands that are physically and meaningfully connected to other jurisdictional waters. Cuts most ditches from unnecessary federal regulation. Eliminates the use of subjective tests to determine jurisdiction over individual waters. Retains exclusions for groundwater, prior converted cropland, stormwater control systems, some wastewater recycling structures, groundwater recharge basins, and waste treatment systems from federal Clean Water Act regulation. Regulates perennial and intermittent tributaries to traditional navigable waters. The agencies will take comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The agencies will also hold an informational webcast on January 10, 2019, and will host a public hearing on the proposed rule in Kansas City, KS, on January 23, 2019. Additional information on both engagements is available at https://www.epa.gov/wotus-rule. Comments on the proposal should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0149 and may be submitted online. Go to https://www.regulations.gov Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus One of the Western Caucus' main priorities is repealing the Obama Administration's Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which was finalized by former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in 2015. On March 25, 2014, the EPA and the Corps of Engineers released a proposed rule that would assert Clean Water Act jurisdiction over nearly all areas with even the slightest of connections to water resources, including man-made conveyances. Specifically, this WOTUS Rule attempted to expand agency control over 60% of our country's streams and millions of acres of wetlands that were previously non-jurisdictional. The Obama Administration tried to make the case that waters of the United States refers not just to permanent bodies of navigable water, but to far smaller bodies of water including those that are tiny, seasonal or even ones that do not connect up with larger water systems. This was an astounding departure from longstanding interpretation of the Clean Water Act that expanded federal power to reach into every nook and cranny of our nation's waterways under a flimsy Commerce Clause argument. Family farmers were kept awake at night, worried that rains wouldn't let up before turning their puddles into regulated ponds and running them out of business in the process. Recreational water and marsh users were rightfully wary that Federal regulators would invade their turf and suddenly declare their sport of choice too harmful on the waterway. Developers preemptively pulled out of projects deemed at high risk of falling under federal environmental jurisdiction all because the Feds may declare a nearby ditch jurisdictional. And when they do declare jurisdiction, it's not just water under the bridge. Individual Clean Water Act permits have taken an average of 788 days to process and $271,596 on the part of the applicant; fines and criminal liability await those who skirt these requirements. Lives and livelihoods are at stake. WOTUS negatively impacts states throughout the country by impeding upon state's rights, encroaching on private lands, and violating the civil liberties of many Americans. On 05/21/2018, Western Caucus Member Jim Banks (IN-03) introduced an amendment to the Farm Bill that would repeal WOTUS. It passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 238-173 and 13 Democrats supporting repeal. View Western Caucus Press Releases on WOTUS and the Farm Bill here and here. View letter sent to Farm Bill Conferees by Reps. Banks and Walker, Western Caucus Members and 51 total Members urging repeal of WOTUS here. On 07/19/2018, H.R. 6147, the Department of the Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act of 2019 passed the House of Representatives. One of the numerous provisions that the bill contained was a Western Caucus provision to repeal WOTUS. View the Western Caucus Press Release here. Last Congress, more than 170 bipartisan members cosponsored legislation calling for WOTUS to be repealed and another 120 bipartisan signed a letter urging repeal. That request can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/klobuchar-smith-emmer-peterson-nolan-mccollum-urge-centers-medicare-and,"Klobuchar, Smith, Emmer, Peterson, Nolan, McCollum Urge Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Reinstate Full Funding for Minnesotas Reinsurance Program",2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Representatives Tom Emmer, Collin Peterson, Rick Nolan and Betty McCollum urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reinstate full funding for Minnesota's reinsurance program. Although CMS indicated that Minnesota should expect $183,930,230 for plan year 2019, the state received a letter on November 30, 2018 stating that Minnesota would receive only $84,757,861 which would be about $100 million less than the anticipated amount. Minnesota's reinsurance program stabilizes the state's insurance marketplace to ensure that more Minnesotans have access to affordable, quality health care. A sudden notification that CMS would be reducing federal funding by roughly $100 million just one month before the 2019 plan year has created significant uncertainty for our state, and to date CMS has offered no explanation for why this dramatic reduction in funding has occurred, the members wrote. We strongly urge CMS to reconsider its decision and provide a level of pass-through funding for Minnesota that more closely matches the figure provided in the original 2017 agreement. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Administrator Verma and Secretary Mnuchin: We write to express our serious concerns in response to the recent decision from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce funding for Minnesota's reinsurance program by approximately $100 million for the 2019 plan year. On September 22, 2017, CMS approved Minnesota's 1332 State Innovation Waiver to implement a reinsurance program and outlined the funding that Minnesota could expect to receive for plan years 2019 through 2022.Although CMS indicated that Minnesota should expect $183,930,230 for plan year 2019, the state received a letter on November 30 of 2018 stating that Minnesota would receive only $84,757,861 which would be about $100 million less than the anticipated amount. Minnesota's 1332 waiver was an agreement with the federal government to stabilize the state's insurance marketplace to ensure that more Minnesotans would have access to affordable, quality health care. A sudden notification that CMS would be reducing federal funding by roughly $100 million just one month before the 2019 plan year has created significant uncertainty for our state, and to date CMS has offered no explanation for why this dramatic reduction in funding has occurred. We strongly urge CMS to reconsider its decision and provide a level of pass-through funding for Minnesota that more closely matches the figure provided in the original 2017 agreement. We also respectfully request responses to the following questions: What were the methods and assumptions used when calculating the pass-through funds for plan year 2019? Please also explain the $100 million discrepancy from the estimated amount for plan year 2019. Was the effectiveness of Minnesota's reinsurance program in reducing premiums a factor for a reduction in pass-through funds, and if so, to what extent? What steps can Minnesota take to prepare for future plan years to avoid the uncertainty that stems from pass-through funding that is inconsistent with the estimated figures outlined in the 1332 waiver approval letter? Thank you for your attention to this serious and urgent matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-members-commemorate-one-year-anniversary-president-donald-trumps,House Members Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of President Donald Trump's Official Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of Congressman Andy Biggs) WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Andy Biggs and 42 cosponsors introduced a resolution to commemorate the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump's official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and the announcement of his intention to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem. Congressman Biggs, along with many of the cosponsors, released the following statements: Israel is one of the United States' most enduring allies, and President Trump kept a significant promise by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and announcing his intention to move our embassy to Jerusalem. That embassy was opened in Jerusalem earlier this year. These milestones signify our commitment to our ally. I thank my many colleagues who joined me in this resolution. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) I am pleased to be an original cosponsor on this important legislation. This year has marked a restoration of the U.S.-Israel relationship. President Trump's moving of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was monumental not because he is the first president to promise this move, but because he is the only president who made good on that promise. I have supported moving the embassy since my start in Congress and am proud to have seen it come to fruition. I want to thank my colleague Rep. Biggs for initiating this great commemoration and for working with me collaboratively on the final bill. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Trump's momentous decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the recognized capital of Jerusalem. During his campaign, President Trump committed to finally make this move, and I applaud him displaying strong leadership and courageous action in support of one of America's closest allies in the world. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) My support remains unwavering for President Trump's courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision is a profound reflection of the President's commitment to fulfilling his promises and advancing peace in the Middle East. Congressman Gregg Harper (MS-03) One year ago, President Trump announced his decision torecognize Jerusalem as the unquestionable capital of Israel. The United States was the first to recognize Israel's independence in 1948.ThisMay, we celebrated 70 years of Israeli independence, and in a sign of our support, ceremoniously moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, again becoming the first country to do so. I applaud President Trump's leadership as we continue to reinforce our commitment to our closest friend and ally, Israel, and support her right to defend herself. Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) Jerusalem is the rightful capital of Israel. The recognition of this reality continues to build on our two nation's special bond which is why I support Representative Biggs' resolution to commemorate the anniversary of the President's declaration. Our ally has continuously stood by our side, and we should continue to stand by them. Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) Moving our embassy to Jerusalem, Israel's self-declared, historic, and eternal capital, sent a strong message to the world, that Israel is an ally of the United States and a bulwark of democracy and freedom in the Middle East. Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) On the one-year anniversary of President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a momentous event, I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution affirming our support for the United States' strongest Middle East ally, a Jewish homeland, and the Israeli people. Although Congress authorized moving the U.S. embassy more than two decades ago, only our current President, fulfilling a promise other presidents have made but broken, had the courage to act. Anti-Semitism and terrorist threats must never deter us from standing up for our principles, including a free and independent Israel with Jerusalem as its capital. In fact, standing up for our principles and supporting our allies is essential to creating peace and stability in the region. Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) As this resolution memorializes, the relocation of United States Embassy in Jerusalem is further proof that President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people. Seventy years after the official formation of Israel and more than 20 years after the United States Congress voted to recognize Jerusalem as its capital, this fulfilled promise signals strong support for our friend and ally. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) I am honored to join my colleagues in recognizing the one-year anniversary of the United States moving our embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalemthe eternal capital. This strong and historic move will forever stand as a message to the rest of the world that the U.S. stands with our Jewish brothers and sisters in the world's only Jewish state. Congressman Tedd Budd (NC-13) On the one year anniversary, I applaud President Donald Trump for fulfilling his campaign pledge to recognize Jerusalem as the rightful capital of Israel. Under the leadership of President Trump, our relationship with Israel has never been stronger. We must never forget the important role Israel plays in the world and I will continue to be a vocal supporter of our eternal friendship. Rep. Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) President Trump's decision, one year ago, to recognize Jerusalem for what it actually has been and is the actual capital of Israel, demonstrated great commitment to truth. President Truman had the courage to recognize Israel as an independent nation only minutes after it formed. Since then, we have had eleven Presidents who discussed Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel, but did not recognize it formally. A year ago, our president kept another of his promises made to the American people. This historic decision displayed to the world that the United States will fervently stand with its ally, Israel. I am proud we have a President who courageously did the right thing for the United States, for our ally Israel, and for the world, including those parts that do not know it. Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) Let today be a world-wide reminder that America stands with Israel, our greatest ally. We recognize that Jerusalem is Israel's rightful and eternal capitaland shall no longer be questioned. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) The city of Jerusalem holds a special place in the history of civilization and in the hearts of the people of Israel. By recognizing it as the capital of Israel, President Trump reaffirmed our commitment to a steadfast ally and carried out a law passed overwhelmingly by Congress in 1995. On the first anniversary of this important event, I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the ties that continue to join the United States and the State of Israel in friendship. Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) Israel, our strong ally, has the right to determine its capital city. Our president chose to honor their choice by moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, the historic home of the Jewish people. One year after the president's announcement that we would relocate our embassy, I join my colleagues applauding this historic move and urge other nations to follow the United States' example. Congressman Dave Brat (VA-07) One year ago, President Donald Trump made a historic announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to relocate our embassy there. I applaud President Trump for standing up for one of our closest allies. This recognition is based on ancient history and current political realities, and we must continue to voice that Jerusalem belongs to the people of Israel. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) America and Israel's unbreakable bond has been cemented through decades of trust, respect, and mutual cooperation. President Trump's public recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital, and his decision to relocate the US Embassy to Jerusalem, were historic moments for US-Israel relations, now and in the future. I am proud to stand with Israel, and to be a cosponsor of Congressman Biggs' important resolution. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) A year after recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, we are seeing good progress in the Middle East. It is encouraging to see a number of other countries follow our example in relocating their embassies to the one, true capital of Israel Jerusalem. Though there are still challenges to overcome, we will continue standing by our greatest ally. I'm delighted to celebrate this milestone with my colleagues and with the great people of Israel. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) I am excited to be a part of the one year anniversary of Jerusalem's recognition in Israel. The Administration's step to recognize Jerusalem as the capitol of the State of Israel and spiritual home for the Jewish people helped further our friendship with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. Congress has voted favorably many times in the past on this issue, and past Presidents have campaigned on this only to backtrack in office for fear of angering Palestinian and Arab communities. This year marks the continuance of my strong support on this issue. Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) Israel is our strongest friend and ally in the Middle East. This time last year, President Trump properly recognized Jerusalem as its capital and showed the world that the United States will always stand with her people, said Rep. Williams. For this reason I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Andy Biggs' resolution, Commemorating the Anniversary of President Trump's Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel. I commend the President for his unwavering support of Israel and for remaining dedicated to backing our allies. Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) All in one year, President Trump made the historic announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's rightful capital, and the State Department moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. These actions were long overdue and exemplify the strong devotion and commitment the Trump Administration and the nation have to Israel. I am thankful to be working hand in hand with President Trump as we both stand wholeheartedly with Israel, our great ally and friend. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) One year after President Trump publicly recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and soon after moved the U.S. embassy there, the United States remains committed to supporting the State of Israel. I applaud this administration in their decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and the eternal friendship between our countries remains strong. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) One year ago, President Trump issued a proclamation to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. With Israel's legislature, Supreme Court, President's office, and Prime Ministers office all being located in the city, Jerusalem is the epicenter of governance in the country. Congress has repeatedly voted to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite previous administrations - both Republican and Democratic - failing to deliver. This proclamation, which also relocates our embassy to Jerusalem, is yet another promise that President Trump has fulfilled. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Israel Victory Caucus, I firmly believe that by moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing it as Israel's capital, we are sending a strong message of America's support for our great ally - asserting the belief that Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, and that Israel has the undeniable right to exist and defend herself. Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-06) I was incredibly pleased when President Trump announced the United States' official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. As the eternal capital of the Jewish people, this was a long-overdue and necessary action to demonstrate America's unwavering support on behalf of our strongest ally in the Middle East. I look forward to the ongoing progress we will make to advance the important partnership and longstanding bond between our nations. Congressman John Ratcliffe (TX-04) It is the diplomatic right of any sovereign nation to choose where their capital is located; and, for 67 years, Israel has recognized Jerusalem as their capital, said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA). I applaud President Trump for moving the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem a year ago, and my good friend Rep. Andy Biggs for commemorating this seismic event between the United States and Israel. Congressman Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) America's relationship with Israel is unique, and it's strength is the foundation of American leadership in the Middle East. One year ago, President Donald Trump announced that our embassy was to be relocated to Jerusalem, and I was grateful for the opportunity to lead the House delegation to the embassy's opening in May. The President's commitment to Promises Made, Promises Kept strengthens our bond with the people of Israel, who know they have an ally in America. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) Israel has long been a friend and an ally to the United States, and it is a priority of mine to continue to stand with them and fortify our bonds. One year ago that bond was strengthened when the President did the right thing by affirming U.S. Law and recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) We have a special partnership with Israel -- the country is our greatest ally in the Middle East and the only democracy in the region. We share the same values regarding individual rights and liberties, and it is essential we stand by them. I am grateful for President Trump's leadership on this important issue and that he made the move to affirm Jerusalem as Israel's rightful capital one year ago. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) It has been a year since President Trump fulfilled his pledge to move the United States embassy to Jerusalem. This long-overdue action demonstrates the close friendship between the United States and its strongest ally in the region. I know President Trump will continue to strengthen our bond with Israel after neglect from previous Administrations. Congressman Todd Rokita (IN-04) One year ago, President Trump announced that the Unites States officially recognized the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel has long been our closest ally in the Middle East, and it was a great honor to witness the historic and long overdue opening of the American Embassy in the holy city of Jerusalem just a few months later. Today, I'm proud to celebrate the anniversary of this recognition, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the enduring ties between our two nations. Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-welcomes-cms-move-increase-access-mental-health-treatment,Emmer Welcomes CMS Move to Increase Access to Mental Health Treatment,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following Congressman Tom Emmer's (MN-06) letterto the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) calling for action, and eleven months after the congressional deadline, yesterday the agency outlinedhow states like Minnesota can utilize 1115 waivers toincrease access to mental health treatment. Specifically, in a letter to State Medicaid Directors, CMS provided information on how to navigate an outdated federal law, called the Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) exclusion, to ensure those suffering from mental illness receive the inpatient care they need. This is a positive step forward not just for Minnesotans, but for every American who suffers from mental illness and their loved ones, said Congressman Emmer. While there remains a severe shortage of mental health treatment across the nation, this long overdue guidance will allow states to navigate the outdated IMD exclusion law, a key contributor to that shortage. I am glad to see CMS take action following our letter and look forward to continue ensuring those who need care can get it. Through section 12003 of the 21st Century Cures Act which was signed into law in 2016, Congress required CMS to issue guidance for states in utilizing 1115 waivers to increase access to mental illness treatment. These waivers inform states on how they can redesign their mental health treatment systems and provide beneficiaries treatment in IMDs. Since 1965, the IMD exclusion law has significantly blocked access to treatment for those with substance use disorder or mental illness. Specifically, the federal government will not pay for their treatment services in facilities with more than 16 beds. Read Emmer's letter to CMS here and their response here. Read CMS guidance to states here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-reps-emmer-crawford-and-marshall-hill-american-farmers-need-cuban,"ICYMI: Reps. Emmer, Crawford and Marshall in The Hill: American farmers need the Cuban market",2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"American farmers need the Cuban marketBy Reps. Tom Emmer, Rick Crawford and Roger Marshall November 6, 2018 Farmers across the country are worried. Net farm income this year has hit a 12-year low and is expected to drop nearly 20 percent overall. With falling domestic demand, higher production prices, and competition from foreign producers already hurting our farmers, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. farm exports by China, the EU, Canada, Mexico and Turkey are an added weight on the shoulders of our growers and producers. American farmers are tough patriots, but they need strong export revenues to stay in business. Building new export outlets for American farmers and allied industries has become an imperative, and Cuba should be part of that mix. The list of farm sectors reeling from punitive foreign tariffs is long and getting longer. In soybeans, for example, nearly $14 billion worth of exports to China -- or roughly one third of total US soybean production in 2017 -- will be impacted by China's new tariffs. In dairy, retaliatory tariffs will cost our farmers $1.5 billion this year and another $3 billion in 2019. In pork, almost half of all U.S. exports are being impacted by tariffs. This is not just a near-term concern. Once foreign market share is lost, reclaiming those sales is an uphill fight. The positive reactions out of American agriculture to the new North American trade deal is testament to the urgent need for U.S. agribusiness outlets. In the case of Cuba, however, which offers an important growth opportunity just 90 miles away and an overnight voyage for shipping containers from U.S. Gulf and East Coast ports, a different solution is needed. Cuba is one of only a very few foreign markets where the potential for U.S. agricultural growth is quantifiable and achievable. That island spends $2 billion a year on agricultural imports to feed its 11 million people and 3 million annual tourists. Most of its imports are from Vietnam, China, the European Union, and other faraway locations, where freight rates are many times higher than ours. Arkansas for instance is the No. 1 U.S. rice exporter, and Cuba has the highest per capita rice consumption in the Western Hemisphere. However, since FY2009, Cuba has not imported any significant quantity of rice from the U.S. The U.S. held nearly 40 percent of market share in FY2004, but it has been lost to Vietnam and Brazil, who offer credit to Cuba. Likewise, soybeans are also a top export item for states like Arkansas and others and with recent trade disputes, it is important to diversify our trading partners. Of Cuba's nearly $2 billion in agricultural imports, 13 percent are soybean products. In Minnesota, U.S. soy exports could mean combined sales of up to $14 million, corn sales could reach up to $16 million; dairy has potential of $4.3 million. Similarly, many of Kansas' top agricultural products are staple imports for Cuba. Kansas exports over $800 million annually in wheat, but there is virtually no wheat trade between Kansas and Cuba. Cuba would readily buy our high-quality agricultural products were it not for our outdated financing rules on U.S. farm sales to Cuba. While the farm bill amendment allowing market promotion monies to be spent in Cuba is a step in the right direction, to position American farmers as the No. 1 agricultural supplier to Cuba, we need legislation allowing private credit and financing in agricultural sales to that market. Now more than ever, when simple fixes like this could help our farmers make export strides in our own backyard over Vietnam, China, and other distant locations that compete with our farm community, we should quickly make them happen. The savings represented by this fix -- $690 million over 10 years according to the Congressional Budget Office -- is all the more reason to get this done now. For lasting export growth for American farmers, we should also advance efforts to provide reciprocal bilateral trade improvements that help foster a more stable, mutually beneficial US-Cuba trading relationship. As China and other U.S. export markets are redefined, our country no longer has the luxury of shunning meaningful agribusiness markets located right under our nose. Expanded access for U.S. agriculture into Cuba and other new outlets has become nothing less than a matter of economic health, if not survival, for rural America. Crawford represents Arkansas's 1st District and is chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. Marshall represents Kansas' 1st District and is a member of the Agriculture Committee. Emmer represents Minnesota's 6th District. All three are members of the Congressional Cuba Working Group. -- Thisarticlefirst appeared in The Hill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=218,Lewis introduces The Workforce Reentry Act,2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after introducing H.R. 7069 The Workforce Reentry Act in the House yesterday morning. Breaking the cycle of incarceration and reducing recidivism will require an innovative approach towards helping ex-offenders reenter the workforce. My bill makes long-overdue reforms to an existing program, enhancing accountability to ensure individuals gain the skills they need to sustain meaningful employment. Helping these men and woman get back on the right track so they can contribute to our economy is critical to building a safer and stronger nation. Background: The Workforce Reentry Act reforms the existing Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program to prompt innovation and improvement in the reentry of ex-offenders into the workforce through competitive start-up grants, rigorous evaluation, and dissemination of best practices. Develops in-demand skills by prioritizing funding towards entities that provide programs or partnerships to equip ex-offenders with industry-recognized credentials in in-demand occupations, such as apprenticeship programs. Builds long-term success by requiring grant recipients to provide a 50% match of funds and a plan to continue effective programs with non-federal funds after the grant period concludes. Increases accountability and transparency by holding programs accountable for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity performance outcomes on employment, earnings, and credential attainment. Expands awareness around what works by requiring an independent evaluation and the dissemination of best practices, encouraging states, localities, and non-profits to pursue evidence-based approaches to ex-offender reentry into the workforce. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=219,Lewis hosts Tax Roundtable in South Saint Paul,2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"SOUTH SAINT PAUL- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after hosting a Tax Roundtable yesterday afternoon in South Saint Paul, where he was joined by local business employees and stakeholders to discuss how tax reform has benefited their businesses. After hosting today's Roundtable, it is clear the benefits Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are being seen throughout Minnesota and the Second District. With lowered individual rates, a doubled standard deduction and doubled child tax credit, individuals and families are seeing more money in their paychecks and increased savings. Small businesses in the Second District are thriving as well in part because of the lowered corporate and small businesses tax rate as well as the incentives to reinvest and expand. And as we've seen, when businesses thrive, their employees thrive. Wages have been increasing for employees across the country, and companies have given bonuses and provided expanded retirement benefits for their hardworking employees. It's great to come together with Minnesota businesses and stakeholders to hear their stories of personal and professional growth and prosperity thanks to tax reform! Roundtable Attendees: Schadegg Mechanical- Dan Schadegg Schadegg Mechanical- Keith Larson Waterous Co.- Bill Smith Waterous Co.- Denise Hemmer Broadcom- John Emling Braodcom- Sally Doherty UPS- Jeremy Welke Northland Auto Enterprises- Allen Lentsch River Heights Chamber of Commerce- Jennifer Gale Star Tribune Media Company- Chuck Brown ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-op-ed-star-tribune-working-together-works,Emmer Op-Ed in the Star Tribune: Working Together Works,2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Working Together Works By Tom Emmer October 15, 2018 As we enter the home stretch of another election, which we are told could be the most important election of our lifetime, we reflect on what has been, when we should be talking about big ideas for our future. Unfortunately, American politics continues to devolve into sound bites, dark and unflattering pictures, outrageous allegations and campaign smear. When we seek the positive, we are told instead that negative works. Really? It's not OK if I disagree? When I ran for Congress, I promised to bring our Midwest values to Washington. As I engage in our uniquely American election process, I constantly reflect on my and my team's performance to date. Have we been working on solutions to the biggest problems facing America's future? As far as my promise to take our values to Washington, I know our team does that each day. The majority of Minnesotans, regardless of political perspective, do not appreciate smash-mouth politics. Minnesotans are better than that; Minnesotans deserve better than that. Minnesotans appreciate thoughtfulness, respect for one another, teamwork, understanding and, of course, a good hotdish. (I realize some believe winning this year's Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition is our most impressive accomplishment to date.) No matter on which side of the aisle, I have the utmost respect for my colleagues in Congress, especially those in our Minnesota delegation. After all, we share the same grueling schedules, we all deal with daily criticisms from those with whom we disagree (or are just plain disagreeable) and, ultimately, we all want the same things: a strong economy, safe communities, good schools, clean air and water, and a better future for the next generation of Americans. We really only differ on how to get there. Politics, like life in general, is all about relationships. That is why, since I was first elected to Congress, I have made it a priority to get to know my colleagues as people their likes and dislikes, what they want to accomplish and what motivates them. In a time of incredible divisiveness and jumping to conclusions about a person's character, building relationships with Democrat and Republican members is paramount. What's more, those relationships have generated some incredible (and often, nonpartisan) legislation that all Americans can support: the Abby Honold Act, the Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide (STRESS) Act, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act and the Keeping Capital Local for Underserved Communities Act. The people I work for that's you sent me to Washington to solve problems, not identify them. Minnesotans are tired of the divisive and childish bickering. They expect us to offer and support policies that make their lives, and their children's lives, better and create more opportunity for everyone. As our nation continues forward, we need to get back to debating big ideas again. We have to stop the us vs. them approach and remember that we are all in this together. If we are going to be successful, we are going to have to work together, lead together and show the rest of the country how Minnesotans from all walks of life can (and do!) live well together. Tom Emmer, a Republican, represents Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. -- This piece originally appeared online in the Star Tribune. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-unleash-mobility-dignitaries-help-usher-i-94-expansion-editorial,ICYMI: Unleash the Mobility dignitaries help usher in I-94 expansion By the Editorial Board,2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"A new era in transportation for the northwest metro was heralded when a host of dignitaries broke ground for an Interstate 94 expansion project Friday, Oct. 12, in Albertville. The project will add a third lane in each direction from St. Michael to Albertville. ... Congressman Emmer added that transportation is one of the most important issues in this community. It's incredibly important to get three lanes all the way to St. Cloud. Not only did Commissioner Zelle agree with Emmer, but he made a big announcement: We are paving from Monticello to Clearwater and during construction, we'll make an additional lane a permanent lane. It's official! Photo Credit:Aaron Bronrn. ... The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that this project will be included in the Corridors of Commerce funding. The project will receive the full $56 million necessary to complete the lane capacity expansion. The coalition's goal is to Unleash the Mobility with lane capacity expansion by providing an additional travel lane to I-94 in each direction from Maple Grove to St. Cloud, as well as the addition of auxiliary lanes to the Brockton Lane Interchange at the Rogers/Dayton border. --- CLICK HERE to read the full editorial online. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/klobuchar-emmer-announce-passage-bill-rename-federal-courthouse-honor,"Klobuchar, Emmer Announce Passage of Bill to Rename Federal Courthouse in Honor of Judge Diana Murphy",2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Tom Emmer's legislation to rename the federal courthouse in Minneapolis after Judge Diana Murphy, the first woman to serve on the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, has passed in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Judge Murphy spent 38 years as a federal judge, including five years as the chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. She began serving on theU.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in 1980 and served as Chief Judge from 1992 to 1994, when she was appointed to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Murphy served as the first and only woman on that federal appellate bench until 2013. Judge Murphy passed away earlier this year. Judge Diana Murphy was the first woman to serve on the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and she was a tireless advocate for putting more women on the bench, Klobuchar said. Judge Murphy stood up for others and she did it with humor, joy and awe-inspiring achievement. She was a mentor and a friend, and this is a fitting tribute to a legal trailblazer. Judge Diana E. Murphy, the only woman to serve on the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for nearly two decades, was a trailblazer with an incredible career in public service, Emmer said. While dozens of courthouses in our state bear the names of impactful Minnesotans, the Minneapolis federal courthouse does not. Renaming it in Judge Murphy's honor would serve as a fitting tribute to her impressive legacy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/industry-groups-voice-support-emmers-digital-currency-and-blockchain,Industry Groups Voice Support for Emmer's Digital Currency and Blockchain Legislation,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Blockchain industry groups are voicing their support for Congressman Tom Emmer's (MN-06) trio of bills to support these new and promising technologies. Specifically, the legislation expresses support for the industry and development of blockchain and digital asset technologies in the United States; provides regulatory clarity to entities that never take control of consumer funds; and establishes a safe harbor for taxpayers with forked digital assets. Emmer was also recently selected as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: As the impact of blockchain continues to expand across many industries, public-private collaboration on how to harness the benefits of this technology is more important than ever. The U.S. Chamber looks forward to partnering with lawmakers to help educate and convene stakeholders on the growing uses of blockchain. Legislative solutions like the recent bills introduced by Congressman Emmer are critical to this effort. We are pleased to work with co-chairs Emmer and Foster, and the entire Blockchain Caucus on the important work ahead. -Tim Day, Senior Vice President, Chamber Technology Engagement Center (CTEC), and Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President, Center for Capital Markets Competitivenessat the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Blockchain Association was launched to work with policymakers to push for an informed and responsive regulatory environment. We applaud Rep. Emmer for his leadership. He understands that the token economy needs light-touch regulation and regulatory clarity in order to promote innovation and protect consumers.- Kristin Smith,Director of External Affairs,Blockchain Association Blockchain has the potential to profoundly impact digital transactions. Congressman Emmer is a leader in understanding and anticipating the potential for this transformative technology, most recently through his support for blockchain broadly and his efforts to clarify some of the salient issues facing the blockchain industry. We look forward to continuing our work with him and to the visionary approach he brings in support of the growth of the blockchain ecosystem. - Amy Davine Kim, Chief Policy Officer, Chamber of Digital Commerce We are excited for the leadership and perspective that Rep. Emmer will bring to the already dynamic Congressional Blockchain Caucus. The bills he introduced will ensure that American developers and entrepreneurs continue to lead the way as public blockchain networks fulfill the still-outstanding promises of the internet revolution. - Jerry Brito, Executive Director, Coin Center Representative Emmer's pioneering work represents a recognition of the growth and potential of digital currencies and blockchain technology. It is encouraging to see such significant efforts on a national level that will ensure the U.S. creates an environment for driving innovation. We are in a new era of technological growth and significant policies like these will play an imperative part in the success of blockchain. GBBC remains committed to helping all leaders understand blockchain's complexities and potential as it develops.-Sandra Ro, CEO,Global Blockchain Business Council. ConsenSys deeply appreciates the work of Congressman Emmer and his colleagues to bring clarity through sensible regulation and policy that promotes the responsible adoption and growth of blockchain technology and virtual assets. These efforts are vital initial steps in making sure organizations like ConsenSys, and the technology we build upon, can succeed in our mission of creating benefit for consumers here in the United States of America. Our technology presents a new paradigm that does not always fit neatly into existing regulation. Smart policy and regulation, such as these efforts put forth by Congressman Emmer, are a key component to progress. -Joseph Lubin, Founder, ConsenSys Countries abroad are aggressively adopting digital assets and blockchain technologies to enable the next generation of finance.The leadership in these bills and the work of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus are important steps forward to ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader in these critical technologies. -Brad Garlinghouse,CEO,Ripple CLICK HERE tolearn more about Emmer's legislation. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Congressional Blockchain Caucus. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=217,Lewis continually supports farmers and trade,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis continually supports farmers and trade f t # e Washington, October 3, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the Administration announced their NAFTA renegotiations, creating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Months ago, the House continued its work supporting our farmers and agricultural community by passing a Farm Bill. Our bill not only gave far more certainty to farmers, but included common sense reforms to the food stamp program. With the economy taking off, it's crucial we encourage ablebodied adults without dependents to get back into the job market through workforce training and modest work requirements.Unfortunately, some of my Democratic colleagues have focused on scoring political points instead of working towards a compromise. But while we continue our work getting the Farm bill across the finish line, I'm glad to say we're making significant progress toward improving trade relations. The newly announcedUSMCA agreement expandsmarket access for agricultural productsparticularly for dairy farmersand incentivizes domestic manufacturing, among other initiatives. Going forward, we must continue to expand on these successes by strengthening international trade relationships, especiallyprotections for America's intellectual property. The USMCA is a great start and puts American needs first by building on decades of trade relations between Canada, Mexico, and our great nation. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-nearly-500000-grant-wright-county-drug-court-program,"Emmer Announces Nearly $500,000 Grant for Wright County Drug Court Program",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced that the Bureau of Justice Assistance, under theU.S. Department of Justice, has awarded the Wright County Drug Court Program $498,716 to continue to provide rehabilitation services for Minnesotans struggling withsubstance use disorder. In an attempt to reduce recidivism and rehabilitate high risk chemically dependent adults, this grant will support the close monitoring of these individuals, through a collaboration by the judicial, medical and corrections facilities. We cannot arrest our way out of our nation's ongoing drug crisis, said Congressman Emmer.This grant provides the treatment Minnesotans need. I will continue to support similar efforts to rehabilitate and restore our communities rather than incarcerate them."" In June, Congressman Emmer wrote a letter to the Bureau of Justice Assistance in support of Wright County's Drug Program. Read the letterhere. Read more about the Bureau of Justice Assistance Enhancement Grant here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-common-sense-fix-recreational-vehicles-and-campers,Emmer Introduces Common Sense Fix for Recreational Vehicles and Campers,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced the Trailer and Camper Technical Corrections Actto provide consistency and clarity for recreational vehicle (RV) and camper dealers, their employees and consumers. While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made many important changes to the way businesses can deduct interest and depreciate expenses through clearer definitions and guidelines, towable RVs and campers were inadvertently excluded from the definition of Motor Vehicle, preventing dealers and retailers from obtaining critical financing when purchasing new inventory of RVs. ""As the law is currently written, our RV dealers do not have the clarity and consistency they need, putting them at an unnecessary competitive disadvantage,"" said Congressman Emmer. ""Since RV ownership continues to climb in Minnesota and across the country, it is imperative for Congress to immediately correct this oversight in the new tax law by passing this common sense legislation."" Currently, all 50 states define and regulate towable RVs and campers as Motor Vehicles. Through a small, technical fix, Emmer's bill ensures that motorized and non-motorized campers and travel trailers are treated the same under the U.S. tax code. CLICK HERE to read the full text of the bill. Additional Background: Minnesota is home to over 400 RV businesses and 85 RV dealerships, employing over 3,400 Minnestoans. In Minnesota, the RV industry has an economic output of $969.7 million. A record high of approximately 10 million households in the United States own an RV. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=2005,House Approves Sweeping Bipartisan Opioid Legislation,2018-09-29,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. House of Representatives today approved H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, sweeping bipartisan House-Senate legislation to combat the opioid epidemic. Congressman Erik Paulsen, a longtime leader in Congress in the fight against the opioid crisis, issued the following statement after passage: To Minnesota families and communities on the front lines of the opioid crisis: more help is on the way, said Paulsen following the bill's passage. It will help stop the flow of deadly synthetic drugs across our borders, establish new comprehensive opioid recovery centers and improve prescription drug monitoring programs. The end result will be less addiction, fewer overdoses, and safer Minnesota communities. The legislation includes Paulsen's Providing Reliable Options for Patients and Educational Resources Act,a bipartisan measure Paulsen authored alongside Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.). Seniors aren't immune from the opioid epidemic, and these measures will prevent addiction among seniors by educating them on alternative pain management treatments and the proper, safe disposal of prescription painkillers. It will help the more than 90,000 at-risk seniors from descending into a deadly spiral of addiction, Paulsen said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=2006,Paulsen Highlights Wins for Middle Class in House-Passed Tax Bills,2018-09-29,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives this week approved a package of three bills that makes permanent the tax relief for middle class taxpayer and small businesses enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last year, helps families save and thrive, and spurs job creation through entrepreneurship. TheProtecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act, the Family Savings Act and the American Innovation Act were all approved by the House this week. The package included several provisions specifically championed by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03): Fosters Innovation and Entrepreneurship by helping startup businesses survive and thrive. Paulsen wrote about this provision and how entrepreneurship and innovation drives economic growth here, and also spoke on the House floor this week about this measure specifically. Entrepreneurs and start-ups are a key source of innovation and job creation, particularly in Minnesota, said Paulsen. But the tax code today puts them at a disadvantageThis bill changes that. It brings the tax regulations governing start-ups into the 21st century. It will help entrepreneurs in capital-intensive sectors like medical devices make the necessary investments in research and development and manufacturing to grow and hire. Makes College More Affordable for Families by making student loans qualified expenses to be paid for with 529 tax-free college savings plans. Today, student loan payments are not a qualified expense, and withdrawing funds from the 529 to make student loan payments results in the funds being taxed as ordinary income, plus a 10% penalty. This legislation would solve this problem by expanding the list of 529 qualified expenses to include student loan payments, said Paulsen in remarks on the House floor. It would allow the family to use up to $10,000 in 529 savings to help pay down loans. This will make it easier to pay off loans and mitigate the anxiety that comes with starting a career after graduation. Lowers Health Care Costs for Seniors by extending the expansion of the medical expense deduction included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The 2017 legislation expanded the eligibility of medical expenses from 10 percent of gross income to 7.5 percent of gross income for 2017 and 2018. The Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act extends this expansion through 2020. Extending the expansion of the medical expense deduction will benefit more than four million Americans,"" Paulsen said. For more information about the tax package approved this week, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=214,Lewis votes to make individual tax cuts permanent,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis votes to make individual tax cuts permanent f t # e Washington, September 28, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of Tax Reform 2.0, which includes making individual tax cuts permanent. Americans have seen bigger paychecks, wage growth, a strengthening economy, small business expansion and more thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This week I was proud to build upon this growth by supporting Tax Reform 2.0, which includes making individual tax cuts permanent to help hard-working Minnesotan keep more of their hard-earned money and save for their futures. This tax reform package also gives certainty to our small businesses so they can plan and grow, and we ensured our tax code encourages new and innovate start-up businesses. We also helped families save more by eliminating age restrictions for retirement plans and expanded 529 plans so they can be used on apprenticeships and home schooling costs. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=215,Lewis’ bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform Act passes House,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis' bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform Act passes House f t # e Washington, September 28, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after his Juvenile Justice Reform Act, which he and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) have worked on with their colleagues in the Senate, passed the House this afternoon. Meaningful juvenile justice reform has been needed for decades and I've been working hard with Rep. Scott to deliver legislation for Minnesotans and Americans across the country that gives troubled kids a second chance. After working with our counterparts in the Senate, I am pleased our consensus bill unanimously passed the House today. With today's progress, we're one step closer to implementing the long overdue changes our juvenile justice system needs. Background: The Juvenile Justice Reform Act prioritizes evidence-based practices and specifically protects at-risk groups, including girls who have survived human trafficking and pregnant juveniles. The bill gives flexibility to states and local communities to best meet the needs of delinquent youth and improve public safety, including requiring judges to consider whether it's in the interest of justice' for a juvenile awaiting an adult trial to be held in an adult detention facility. Through the JJRA, Lewis will work to improve accountability and oversight to deliver positive outcomes for our communities and protect taxpayers. Statements of support: Justice for Youth R Street Institute Fight Crime Local law enforcement knows we need this. Red Wing Police Chief Pohlman on the Juvenile Justice Reform Act f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=213,DOT orders long overdue review on Met Council compliance,2018-09-25,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement regarding The Department of Transportation's issuance of a federal review of the Met Council's compliance with federal requirements in response to a request from Lewis' office. It's high time the Department of Transportation officially reviewed the Met Council's standing given their refusal to comply with federal law. By deliberately excluding locally elected officials from their board, the Council has utterly failed in their duty to be held accountable to the taxpayers of the seven county metro area they serve. Considering the Met Council is the only MPO in the country that has the independent authority to raise taxes as well as having a budget greater than 17 of the top 20 MPOs combined, it is grossly unacceptable for them to continue acting outside of federal compliance. The Department of Transportation under the Obama Administration even recommended that the Met Council move to have elected officials on their boardyet they still disobeyed. An official review of their structural compliance is long overdue and it's time to finally bring transparency and accountability to the Met Council board. Background: MAP-21 required that federally recognized MPOs that participate in transit improvement program planning, long-range capital plans, coordination of transit services, and that carry out other state activities, all of which rely on federal funding and grants, meet certain requirements. These requirements include a board makeup of locally elected officials, public transportation officials, and appropriate state officials. The Metropolitan Council (Met Council) currently has a Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) that consists of local elected officials, but in August of 2015, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration ruled that the TAB lacked any voting authority and therefore the Met Council did not meet the threshold of MPO compliance. Unfortunately, the Obama administration used a separate clause in federal law to grandfather the Met Council into compliance. However, despite ruling in their favor, even Obama's DOT agreed change is preferred, stating we would encourage the Council to move toward the structure described in 23 U.S.C. 134(d)(2) in order to make the MPO more directly accountable to its public... Currently, a majority of the MN House members, Senate members, and Counties in the MPO's covered area support an adjustment to the Met Council. 120 elected officials from MN have asked Congressman Lewis, DOT, and/or MN's two Senators to work on reform at the federal level. Congressman Lewis formally asked the Department of Transportation to review the standing of the Met Council (letter attached). Congressman Lewis successfully passed an amendment in the House this spring to require the Met Council to include elected representation on their board and bring it into compliance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-spearheads-groundbreaking-legislation-support-blockchain,Emmer Spearheads Groundbreaking Legislation to Support Blockchain Technology and Digital Currencies,2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), who was just named a co-chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, announced he will introduce three groundbreaking bills to support blockchain technology and digital currencies. Specifically, the legislation expresses support for the industry and development of these promising technologies in the United States, provides clarity to entities that never take control of consumer funds, and establishes a safe harbor for taxpayers with forked digital assets. The United States should prioritize accelerating the development of blockchain technology and create an environment that enables the American private sector to lead on innovation and furthergrowth, which is why I am introducing these bills, said Congressman Emmer. Legislators should be embracing emerging technologies and providing a clear regulatory system that allows them to flourish in the United States. About the bills: Resolution Supporting Digital Currencies and Blockchain Technology Expresses support for the industry and its development in the United States. Like the internet, the federal government should provide a light touch, consistent, and simple legal environment. Read morehere. Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act Affirms that certain blockchain related entities that never take control of consumer funds do not need to register as a money transmitter. Examples of these entities include ""miners"" that validate network integrity and multisignature providers that provide enhanced asset security to users. Read more here. Safe Harbor for Taxpayers with Forked Assets Act Taxpayers can only comply with the law when the law is clear. This bill will provide a safe harbor for taxpayers with ""forked"" digital assets. Further it will restrict fines against individuals that attempt to report these assets until the IRS provides any type of guidance regarding the appropriate means of reporting them.Read morehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-emmer-foster-announced-co-chairs-congressional-blockchain-caucus,"Reps. Emmer, Foster Announced as Co-Chairs of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus",2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) were announced as co-chairmen of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus. They join Congressman Jared Polis (CO-02) and Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) as leaders of the Caucus. This is an exciting time for blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, and I look forward to taking on this new leadership role, said Congressman Emmer. The Caucus is a platform for industry and government to come together to study and understand the implications of these new technologies. Together we plan to help fill in the gaps when it comes to fully understanding these new technological advancements in order for Congress to embrace and support all they have to offer the next generation and beyond. Blockchain is a disruptive technology that will change the way we do business in almost every sector. As the incoming Democratic co-chair of the Blockchain Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues to lead Congress so that policymakers and industry can work together to realize this promise and unleash its economic potential in the United States and around the world, said Congressman Foster. I am thrilled to have my colleagues Reps. Tom Emmer and Bill Foster join myself and Rep. Jared Polis as co-chairs of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus. Reps. Emmer and Foster are already leaders in this space on the Financial Services Committee, which makes their addition essential in helping grow the Blockchain Caucus towards its future goals, said Congressman Schweikert. Welcome to Representative Foster and Representative Emmer, as co-chairs of the Blockchain Caucus. I'm so pleased we are able to continue the tradition of having bipartisan co-chairs, said Congressman Polis. A lot has developed since I founded the Blockchain Caucus in 2016. The Blockchain Caucus continues to evolve and be used in so many new ways. It has the potential to reshape everything from cryptocurrencies to supply chains to banking to property titling - decentralizing cybersecurity and revolutionizing many industries. What an exciting time to move forward! The Congressional Blockchain Caucus was founded in the 114th Congress and is enjoying significant growth and an ever-expanding focus. This bi-partisan group believes in the future of blockchain technology, and understand that Congress has a role to play in its development. The Caucus believes in a hands-off regulatory approach to allow this technology to evolve the same way the internet did; on its own. Learn more about the Caucushere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nfu-honors-emmer-champion-family-agriculture-golden-triangle-award,NFU Honors Emmer as Champion of Family Agriculture with Golden Triangle Award,2018-09-14,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -National Farmers Union (NFU) recognized Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) with the Golden Triangle Award,the family farm organization's highest legislative honor, for his leadership and support at the federal policymaking level for family farmers, ranchers and their rural communities. Congressman Emmer receives the Golden Triangle Award from NFU President Roger Johnson and other NFU members in Washington, D.C. I am honored to be recognized by the National Farmers Union but even more so to work with them on behalf of Minnesota's farmers and ranchers. I am especially appreciative for their support of the STRESS Act to end farmers' mental health crisis, said Congressman Emmer. The Golden Triangle Award recognizes farm and food champions in Congress that display outstanding leadership on the issues that are important to both our industry and our organization. We're appreciative of their insight and devotion to securing the nation's food supply for the good of both American family farmers and consumers, said NFU President Roger Johnson. The Golden Triangle, first presented in 1988, symbolizes the core principles of the Farmers Union organization: education, cooperation, and legislation. This year's Golden Triangle honorees were selected for their leadership and dedication to improving the livelihoods of family farmers and ranchers. Learn more about Congressman Emmer's STRESS Act here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-recipients-fbi-directors-award-excellence-house-floor,Emmer Announces Recipients of the FBI Director's Award for Excellence on House Floor,2018-09-13,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) took to the House floor to announce the recipients from Minnesota's law enforcement who are receiving the FBI Director's Award for Excellence for their enduring work on the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling: Stearns County Deputy/Investigator Dennis Kern, Former Captain Pam Jensen, Retired Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent Ken McDonald, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special AgentShane Ball, and; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special AgentChris Boeckers. Watch Congressman Emmer speak on the House floorhere: Click hereto watch. Full transcript: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor five incredible members Minnesota's law enforcement, each of whom are deservedly receiving the FBI Director's Award for Excellence: Stearns County Deputy/Investigator Dennis Kern, former Captain Pam Jensen, retired Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent Ken McDonald, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agents Shane Ball and Chris Boeckers. 29 years ago, on October 22nd, 11 year old Jacob Wetterling disappeared. Minnesota was left in shock and horror. Our state hoped and prayed for decades that Jacob would return home. Though unable to change the tragic outcome of Jacob's life, Deputy Kern, Captain Jensen, Agent McDonald, Agent Ball and Agent Boeckers were able to offer some peace and comfort by apprehending Jacob's murderer. Mr. Speaker, words cannot adequately express the gratitude that the Wetterling family and all Minnesotans have for the law enforcement who never stopped searching for Jacob, who never gave up. To Deputy Kern, Captain Jensen, Agent McDonald, Agent Ball and Agent Boeckers, on behalf of all Minnesotans: Thank you and God bless you I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=212,Lewis votes for quality water infrastructure development,2018-09-13,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, which incorporates the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), passed with unanimous bipartisan support this afternoon in the House. Ensuring our country maintains and builds quality infrastructure to support our transportation and water resource needs is a top priority of mine as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. With WRDA 2018, we are continuing to invest in our nation's ports, locks, dams, waterways, and other water infrastructure to sustain and improve the transportation and commerce supported by our country's waters. It is vital that our infrastructure investment keeps pace with our growth and development as a nation. Background: The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 includes WRDA, which focuses on building and investing in water infrastructure and resources to strengthen trade and facilitate commerce, in addition to incorporating multiple other water system overhauls such as: -Modernizing drinking water infrastructure by providing states and utilities with compliance and asset management tools -Addressing antiterrorism and resilience measures in public water systems -Increasing consumer transparency measures for water quality -Promoting hydropower development and increasing consumer participation in rate-setting -Simplifying the process for states to receive federal funding for storm and wastewater systems -Providing technical assistance to small, rural, and tribal communities who may struggle to meet their clean water needs -Authorizing resources for combating sewage overflow -Supporting apprenticeships and on-the-job training in the water utility sector and helping connect students to successful career paths that benefit our communities ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=2003,Paulsen Reaffirms Commitment to Pre-Existing Condition Protections,2018-09-13,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONCongressman Erik Paulsen reaffirmed his commitment to protecting access to healthcare for Americans with pre-existing conditions by co-sponsoring H.R. 1121, the Pre-Existing Conditions Protections Act. The bill aims to reaffirm guaranteed health care access, ensure that enrollees cannot have benefits excluded from a plan due to a pre-existing condition, and that patients will not pay more based on their health care status. I understand that people want and deserve clarity about preexisting protections and the law. Sick Americans don't deserve to be treated unfairly because they have a pre-existing condition through no fault of their own,said Congressman Paulsen.This legislation underscores the importance of preserving protections for Minnesotans with pre-existing conditions and guarantee they're able to access affordable health coverage. Specifically, the bill would maintain the: Requirement for health insurance to cover preexisting conditions, Requirement for health insurers to accept every employer and every individual applying for coverage, Prohibition against health insurers discriminating against individuals based on health status factors, Prohibition against collecting genetic information in connection with issuing health insurance, and Requirements for workplace wellness programs connected to health insurance. Last year, Paulsen voted in favor of the American Health Care Act, which included the following provision (Sec. 137(b)) SEC. 137. CONSTRUCTIONS. (b) NO LIMITING ACCESS TO COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS.Nothing in this Act shall be construed as permitting health insurance issuers to limit access to health coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=2002,Paulsen Medicare Cost Plan Bill Sails to Passage on House Floor,2018-09-12,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON TheEmpowering Seniors' Enrollment Decision Act, bipartisan legislation authored by Congressmen Erik Paulsen (R/MN-03) and Ron Kind (D/WI-03),passed the House of Representatives today with unanimous support. The legislation extends the Medicare open enrollment period for seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Cost Plans that will terminate at the end of the year. Choosing a Medicare option is a big decision, and no Minnesota senior should be rushed in making such a choice through no fault of their won,said Congressman Paulsen. Giving seniors more time to study their options will help them make the best decision as they navigate a cumbersome and confusing process. The legislation was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee with unanimous bipartisan support last week. It now awaits action by the Senate. More information on the legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-receives-taxpayers-friend-award-fiscally-responsible-voting-record,"Emmer Receives ""Taxpayers' Friend Award"" for Fiscally Responsible Voting Record",2018-09-11,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) was honored by theNational Taxpayers Union (NTU) for having one of the strongest voting records inCongress for supporting lower taxes, limited government, and economic freedom. I am honored to be recognized by the National Taxpayers Union, said Congressman Emmer. Hardworking Minnesotans maintain a budget, spending within their means while taking good care of their families.Our government should follow their example and do the same. Only lawmakers with a voting record that is the best-of-the-best will earn NTU's Taxpayers' Friend Award, said Pete Sepp, President of NTU. Congressman Emmer has demonstrated a tireless commitment to supporting taxpayers' interests in Washington, and a dedication to solving the government's tax-and-spend problems with action rather than just words. Fixing America's budget problems takes hard work, and Congressman Emmer has been doing that work every single day."" This year Congressman Emmer scored 86 percent on the National Taxpayers Union's rating scale compared to the House average of just 51 percent. NTU's rating is calculated by evaluating every vote that has an impact on tax, spending, trade, and regulatory policy. See NTU's full 2017 congressional scorecard and further analysis here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=2004,"Paulsen, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ""Gag Clause"" Legislation",2018-09-10,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Erik Paulsen (R/MN-03) joined Reps. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Anna Eshoo (D-Ca.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Tx.) and others on Friday to introduce the Know the Cost Act, bipartisan legislation that prohibits gag clause provisions that limit the ability of pharmacists to inform patients of the most cost-efficient way of paying for medications. Currently, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) may include requirements in contracts that prevent pharmacists from providing advice to their patients on the best and cheapest out-of-pocket alternatives to medications covered under insurance. This is commonly known as a ""gag clause."" As a result, patients may be paying more for their prescriptions than is warranted. The Know the Cost Act prohibits group health plans offered by employers and individual health insurance plans, as well as Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Plans, from restricting a pharmacy's ability to inform a patient about the lower cost, out-of-pocket price options for their prescription. Additionally, the measure will require notifications to Medicare beneficiaries of the potential outcomes of paying out-of-pocket rather than with insurance. Families shouldn't have to walk into a pharmacy wondering if they're overpaying for their medications,Rep. Paulsen said. This bipartisan bill will improve transparency in drug pricing and lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs for middle-class Minnesota families. The measure is similar to legislation introduced by Paulsen and Eshoo last month, and reflects cooperation between members of both the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees. This measure was approved on Friday by the Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee. Similar legislation was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate last week. The legislation now moves to consideration by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=2001,Paulsen Statement on USDA Boundary Waters Decision,2018-09-07,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would remove a significant roadblock to copper-nickel mining in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: This decision threatens the Boundary Waters Minnesota's Yellowstone by ending an ongoing environmental assessment evaluating the threat posed by sulfide mining on the doorstep of America's most-visited wilderness area,said Congressman Paulsen.I call on Secretary Purdue to reconsider this decision and ensure the future of this fragile ecosystem is guided by science.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-celebrates-major-victory-minnesota,Emmer Celebrates Major Victory for Minnesota,2018-09-06,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement to cancel the Obama administration's political mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement: The Department of Agriculture's move today to cancel the federal withdrawal is a major victory for Minnesota. My MINER Act demonstrated the strong bipartisan support that existsfor unleashing our state's full mining potential. Despite arguments that Washington should make these decisions for us, now, Minnesota's mineral rights are finally restored back to the people of our great state. I am grateful to the President, Secretary Zinke, Secretary Purdue and the entire administration for their support in our efforts to fully restore Minnesota's right to explore. Background: During the last days of his administration, President Obama threatened more than 425,000 acres of land with a prohibition on development, potentially instating a 20-year ban on industry activity, including up to two-years for a temporary study. This unchecked move by the former administration decimated local economies, specifically a projected loss of nearly 17,000 jobs and billions of dollars of revenue. In October 2017, Congressman EmmerintroducedMinnesota's Economic Rights (MINER) in the Superior National Forest Act to restore Minnesota's right to exploreand, if environmentally appropriate, mine valuable precious metals. The HousepassedEmmer's MINER Act in November 2017 followed closely byactionfrom the Department of Interior to renew the mineral leases in the area. In June 2018, President Trump's announcedhis commitment to ending the two-year study and fully restoring Minnesota's right to explore during his visit to Duluth. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=211,Rep. Lewis receives “Taxpayers’ Friend Award”,2018-09-06,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Lewis receives Taxpayers' Friend Award f t # e Washington, September 6, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after receiving the Taxpayers' Friend Award by the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) this morning. Thanks to the Republican pro-growth agenda, we're delivering economic prosperity and tax relief to the majority of Americans. I'm proud to have supported initiatives like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which through lowered individual rates, a doubled standard deduction, doubling the child tax credit, and more, has given our nation's citizens more money in their paychecks, trying to reduce our country's spending and increasing fiscal accountability, as well as other trade and regulatory policy with Minnesota taxpayer benefits in mind. It's an honor to be one of only 66 House members to receive NTU's Taxpayers' Friend Award, and I'll continue to work toward promoting taxpayers' interests in Washington. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-over-300000-grant-telehealth-services-st-cloud,"Emmer Announces Over $300,000 Grant for Telehealth Services in St. Cloud",2018-09-05,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced that theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded CentraCare Health in St. Cloud, MN a grant of $324,290 to provide telehealth services for Minnesotans in rural areas. Specifically this grant will support implementation and evaluation of broad telehealth networks to deliver 24-hour Emergency Department (ED) consultation services via telehealth to rural providers. This grant will help make behavioral health care services more available for Minnesotans living in the Sixth Congressional District, said Congressman Emmer.I look forward to more opportunities to expand telehealth services across rural Minnesota. This is a great opportunity to deliver innovative mental health services in areas not possible before. We look forward to applying telehealth technologies so that integrated, patient-centered behavioral health services are available in our larger service area, said Rachael Lesch, RN, BSN, MBA, Senior Director of Population Health and Virtual Health at CentraCare. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=210,Lewis promotes smarter financial planning for students,2018-09-05,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1635, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act this afternoon, with Lewis' amendment attached. Too often we have students taking on unmanageable student loans with insufficient student and parent financial literacy at the time of borrowing. Under this legislation, students will gain more knowledge about their financial planning through comprehensive counseling before they agree to take out loans. My amendment builds on this idea by also including students' parents in the process, specifically by notifying them that their child may qualify for and should consider scholarships, grants, and federal work study jobs prior to taking out any loans. Working to properly equip students and families with greater awareness on their financial options can help protect them from over-borrowing and improve loan repayment. Background: H.R. 1635: Ensures all borrowers who participate in the federal loan program receive interactive counseling each year that reflects their individual borrowing situation. Provides awareness about the financial obligations students and parents are accumulating, including how interest accumulates and projected monthly payments to pay off the loan, by requiring borrowers to consent each year before receiving federal student loans. Informs low-income students about the terms and conditions of the Pell Grant program through annual counseling that will be provided to all grant recipients. Directs the Secretary to maintain a consumer-tested, interactive counseling tool institutions can use to provide annual loan counseling, exit counseling, and annual Pell counseling. Congressman Lewis' amendment: A notification for the parent borrower that their student may qualify and should consider accepting any grant, scholarship, or work-study job prior to borrowing parent PLUS loans. An explanation that parent borrowers can start paying off the loan while their child is still in school, and can pay the interest on the loan while it is in deferment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=2000,"Bipartisan Paulsen ""Cost Plan"" Bill Clears Committee Hurdle",2018-09-05,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The House Ways and Means Committee today approved bipartisan legislation authored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) that gives beneficiaries of Medicare Cost Plans more time to enroll in another Medicare coverage option after their existing Cost Plans are discontinued at the end of 2018. Medicare Cost Plans are plans administered by private insurers that offer Medicare Advantage plans. The Cost Plans will no longer be offered by insurers after 2018, and current enrollees will need to choose an alternative Medicare Advantage or traditional Medicare coverage option. Paulsen's legislation extends the Medicare open enrollment period which ends December through February for Cost Plan enrollees. Minnesota seniors deserve time to choose the Medicare plan that works best for their healthcare needs,said Paulsen. Selecting a Medicare plan can be confusing and time-consuming, which is why giving our seniors more time to learn about their options will help them make better-informed decisions as they navigate their Medicare choices. Of the more than 630,000 cost plan beneficiaries nationwide, nearly 400,000 of them live in Minnesota. Paulsen's bill was co-authored with Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and approved unanimously by the Ways and Means Committee today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=208,Lewis advocates for protecting constitutional rights of Americans,2018-08-30,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after participating in a criminal justice policy event yesterday afternoon, discussing the importance of criminal justice reform and what has been done at both local and federal levels to do so. Criminal justice reform is key to protecting the constitutional rights of Americans. With more than 4,500 federal crimes on the book, the federal government has overextended its power into state jurisdictions and doubled down on mandatory minimums which neglect to take unique situations in to account when sentencing. These misguided policies have fed into a cycle of recidivism, a misuse of taxpayer dollars, and a broken justice system. This is why I've worked over the past year to introduce both The Juvenile Justice Reform Act and the SAFE Justice Act with my colleague Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), why I cosponsored the Second Chance Reauthorization, supported the FIRST STEP Act, and cosponsored the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Actto address these wrongs. I look forward to continuing to fight for much-needed criminal justice reform. Quotes in support: Jason, I want to congratulate and thank you for your leadership and outstanding work on your bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform Act. Please let me know what I can do to help. - Congressman Rick Nolan I strongly commend the bipartisan efforts of the SAFE Justice Act the SAFE Justice Act adopts models that states have used to successfully cut prison costs and the prison population while reducing crime rates. Congress should immediately pass this bill. Hilary Shelton, Director, NAACP Local law enforcement knows we need this. Red Wing Police Chief Pohlman on the Juvenile Justice Reform Act 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 spendsThese are principles on which Liberals and Conservatives can find common ground. - David Safavian, the Deputy Director of the American Conservative Union Foundation. The [judicial] process itself is a little broken It's not just one thing or another, we need to fix this from a grass roots level all the way up to a government level. Gina Evans from MN Adult/Teen Challenge ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=207,Lewis hosts MPO Roundtable to discuss increasing Met Council accountability,2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after hosting an MPO Roundtable this morning, joined by various County Commissioners, State Representatives, and MPO stakeholders to discuss Metropolitan Planning Organization reform for the Twin Cities' Met Council. For years, I have expressed concern over the priorities of our regional MPO, the Met Council, and the lack of accountability they have to those they represent. As this Roundtable showed, I am not alone in my concerns. The Met Council is the only MPO in the nation that doesn't have locally elected representation on its board while also wielding the power to independently tax. My amendment, which unanimously passed the House this past spring attached to the FAA Reauthorization, requires the Met Council to fall into federal compliance and put an elected official on the board. Moving forward, I urge our Senators to support this initiative as well. Background: MAP-21 required that federally recognized MPOs that participate in transit improvement program planning, long-range capital plans, coordination of transit services, and that carry out other state activities, all of which rely on federal funding and grants, meet certain requirements. These requirements include a board makeup of locally elected officials, public transportation officials, and appropriate state officials. The Metropolitan Council (Met Council) currently has a Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) that consists of local elected officials, but in August of 2015, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration ruled that the TAB lacked any voting authority and therefore the Met Council did not meet the threshold of MPO compliance. Unfortunately, the Obama administration used a separate clause in federal law to grandfather the Met Council into compliance. However, despite ruling in their favor, even Obama's DOT agreed change is preferred, stating we would encourage the Council to move toward the structure described in 23 U.S.C. 134(d)(2) in order to make the MPO more directly accountable to its public... Our amendment does not seek to change the operations or scope of the Met Council. It does not attempt to change the activities of the board. It simply requires that for a board to be in compliance they need to have locally elected official representation consistent with every other MPO in the country. Roundtable Attendees: - Scott Co. Commissioner Mike Beard - Former Mayor of Burnsville Dan McElroy - Carver Co. Commissioner Randy Maluchnik - Rep. Tony Albright, District 55B - Dakota County Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord - Sen. Eric Pratt, District 55 - Anoka Co. Commissioner Mike Gamache - Shakopee City Councilman Matt Lehman - Former State Senator Kathy Saltzman - Lakeville City Administrator Justin Miller ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=206,Lewis advocates for transit connection to DCTC,2018-08-28,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after speaking at the Route 420 Ceremonial Opening this afternoon. Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) has long been a resource for students in the community looking to learn technical skills, but too many have lacked the ability to take advantage. Over the past year I have promoted linking MVTA's lines to the technical college, and I'm proud to say that the 420 extension will connect our communities to DCTC, allowing more students to pursue a skilled education. Background: Since coming to Congress, Representative Lewis has advocated at the local and federal levels for expanded MVTA operations. They are a critical provider of transit through the suburbs of the Twin Cities, covering both Dakota and Scott Counties. Congressman Lewis has formally written to the US Department of Transportation on behalf of MVTA on several occasions and urged completion of the DCTC connection since May 2017. A 2016 DCTC Student Survey indicated 30 percent of DCTC students were interested in using transit service. In addition to the connection from Rosemount Transit Station, Route 420 serves Apple Valley Transit Station, which has connections with the Red Line (Apple Valley Mall of America), Route 477 (Lakeville Minneapolis) and Route 442 (Burnsville Center-Apple Valley). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=205,Reps. Lewis and Shimkus promote federal accountability of nuclear spent fuel storage,2018-08-23,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reps. Lewis and Shimkus promote federal accountability of nuclear spent fuel storage f t # e Washington, August 23, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after attending a tour and Energy Roundtable at the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant this afternoon with Chairman John Shimkus (IL-15) and members of the Red Wing and Prairie Island Indian communities. The Prairie Island Nuclear Generation Plant has carried the burden and cost of long term nuclear spent fuel for far too long because the federal government has neglected its promise to local communities and power plants around the country to open a national repository for spent nuclear fuel. Joined today by Environment Subcommittee Chairman Shimkus and members of the Red Wing and Prairie Island Indian communities, we came together to discuss storage alternatives, as we owe it to our communities to remove this risk on local sites. Background: Chairman John Shimkus authored the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017, H.R. 3053, which provides practical reforms to the nation's nuclear waste management policy to ensure the federal government's legal obligations to dispose of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste are fulfilled. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=204,Lewis tours Hancock Concrete Products for National Concrete Pipe Week,2018-08-22,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis tours Hancock Concrete Products for National Concrete Pipe Week f t # e Washington, August 22, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis issued the following statement after visiting Hancock Concrete Products in Cannon Falls yesterday as a part of National Concrete Pipe Week. It was great to join Hancock Concrete employees, state representatives, and local community members to discuss our state's infrastructure needsspecifically the workforce needs. Employers like Hancock Concrete Products are struggling to find qualified technical workers and look to hire right out of high school. Expanding career and technical training opportunities for students can both help fill these in-demand positions and provide education for 21st century jobs. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=201,Lewis joins Administrator Linda McMahon for Small Business Roundtable,2018-08-13,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after joining Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Linda McMahon, and several Minnesota business owners at a Small Business Roundtable in Eagan this afternoon, where they discussed the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and workforce needs. Our historic tax reform, as well as numerous Republican regulatory reforms, are directly benefitting more the over 500,000 small businesses in Minnesota. And when businesses thrive, they can grow and distribute their gains to their hard working employees. It was great to be joined by Administrator McMahon today to speak with local business owners about their positive reactions to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, and also about their continuing needs like workforce development. One of my priorities as a Congressman has been to expand career and technical education (CTE) opportunities, so I was glad to discuss the importance of providing quality, technical training to young people so they can fill the thousands of in-demand, skilled jobs employers are looking to fill. Business development is key to growing a strong economy and prosperous country, and I'm proud to support a successful, pro-growth agenda on behalf of the Second District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=196,Lewis tours new Minnesota Vikings’ training facility,2018-08-10,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis tours new Minnesota Vikings' training facility f t # e Washington, August 10, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after visiting the new Minnesota Vikings' training facility, the TCO Performance Center, this past week during preseason training. As a Vikings fan myselfalmost as big a one as my wife LeighI was honored tovisit the Vikings' new home at the TCO Performance Centerand view firsthand the state of the art facility. It's especially great to welcome Minnesota's beloved Vikings to the Second District and witness the first training camp outside of Mankato in over 50 years! It's also veryexciting to see how this facility will positively impact the area for years to come, providing hundreds of new jobs to the districtand possibly many more as the campus expansion develops. But most importantly, I want to wish the team good luck in their first preseason game against the Denver Broncos this Saturday-- SKOL Vikings! ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=199,Lewis tours TransAmerican Strukturoc Inc.,2018-08-10,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis tours TransAmerican Strukturoc Inc. f t # e Washington, August 10, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after visiting TransAmerican Strukturoc Inc. (TAS) in Eagan yesterday. It's great to connect with businesses, employees, and members of the Second District to discuss important issues facing our community. At TransAmerican Strukturoc, I was able to speak with employees on an array of various issues including the benefits of tax reform, the concerns on finding technically-skilled workers, and the ways in which Congress can help expand employee access to quality health care through health savings accounts (HSAs). ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1999,"Bipartisan Paulsen-Eshoo Bill Targets Pharmacy ""Gag Clauses""",2018-08-10,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-18) have introduced bipartisan legislation that takes aim at barriers that prevent pharmacists from informing consumers of the most cost-efficient way of paying for medications. Known as gag clauses, these rules prohibit pharmacists from proactively informing customers if the cost of a medication would be less out-of-pocket than if they paid through their insurance plan. With a gag clause in effect, consumers must specifically ask pharmacists if their medication is cheaper out-of-pocket. Pharmacists who volunteer this information could face penalties. Consumers overpaid an estimated $135 million for medication in 2013 alone due to gag clauses. The Paulsen-Eshoo legislation, the True Cost-sharing Of Seniors' drugs Transparency (True COST) Act, gives the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to prohibit gag clauses. The legislation is similar to bipartisan measures authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and approved by the Senate Health Committee in July. Rising drug costs are a growing problem for Minnesota seniors and families,said Congressman Paulsen. These gag clauses tie pharmacists' hands and keep them from getting more affordable medications to their patients. One of the factors in the rising costs of prescription drugs is due to a lack of transparency. Families in my Congressional District and across the country keep struggling to afford the cost of medications they need, Rep. Eshoo said. This legislation lifts the outrageous restrictions currently in place that prevent pharmacists from informing consumers of the most cost-efficient way to pay for their medications. Specifically, the True COST Act (H.R. 6641): Requires a study on the prevalence of gag clauses Gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to prohibit gag clauses across insurance markets Requires a pharmacy to inform a beneficiary of the effect of purchasing the drug out of pocket vs. through their insurance Requires the pharmacy to inform a plan when a beneficiary pays out of pocket and the cost to ensure pharmacies are truly saving consumers money",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=195,Lewis hosts Career and Technical Education Roundtable,2018-08-09,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after concluding his Career and Technical Education Roundtable yesterday afternoon in Burnsville, where he was joined by community leaders, local business owners, and members of the labor community. Connecting young people with 21st Century job experience is a great way to get students on the track to succeed in filling much-needed, technical jobs. As a proponent of CTE programs, it's great to come together with people and organizations in the Second District that either provide training or support to those interested in skilled jobs. Employers are looking to hire technically skilled workers, and we can start bridging the current skills gap in our country through expanded CTE programming. List of Attendees: Jennifer Hildebrand, WSB & Associates, Inc. Alex Young, WSB & Associates, Inc. Kathy Funston, Career Pathways Coordinator for ISD 191 Russ Tesmer, CTE teacher from Burnsville HS Russ Hess, LiUna! Matt Campanario, Carpenter's Union Luke Palen, President, Spectro Alloys Corp. Jennifer Harmening, President, Burnsville Chamber Mike Kelley, Superintendent ISD 195 Scott Determan, Dean of Transportation, Industry, and Info Tech, DCTC ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1998,"At Women in Business Forum, Paulsen Talks Trafficking",2018-08-07,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"MINNEAPOLISCongressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) joined Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and business leaders from across the Twin Cities at a forum hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on efforts to combat human sex trafficking. The forum was part of the Chamber's Women in Business initiative, which seeks to bring together women business leaders with public policy makers for an exchange of ideas and perspectives on issues affecting Minnesota. Congressman Paulsen has been aleader in Congressin theeffort to combat human trafficking. Excerpts of Congressman Paulsen's remarks as prepared for delivery are below. For a long time, many thought of human trafficking as something that only happens in other countries, but the truth is it's happening in every one of our communities. In fact, human trafficking is the fastest-growing business of organized crime. The FBI has identified the Twin Cities as one of the nation's largest centers for trafficking, and each weekend as many as 45 Minnesota girls are sold for sex. Paulsen told the story of one 13 year old girl abducted into the sex trade and trafficked around the country. Dayanna was the oldest child in a family raised by a single mother. Her mother had no interest in taking care of Dayanna and her siblings, so Dayanna took it upon herself to look after her brothers and sisters. Looking for love and attention herself, Dayanna was seduced by a man who promised to treat her the way she deserved. He even called himself her boyfriend. At age 13, within days of running away, Dayanna found herself being trafficked in Philadelphia and Chicago, without a home and separated from her family. As tragic as this story is, her most heartbreaking comment was it was easier to be abused by a stranger than to continue to be abused by her mom. Sadly, this is happening to many young girls in America.' Paulsen discussed some of the bipartisan progress being made to combat sex trafficking and the work he's doing with lawmakers like Sen. Klobuchar. That's why several years ago, Senator Klobuchar and I worked together to pass a new law to encourage states to adopt Safe Harbor laws so minors involved in sex trafficking aren't prosecuted as criminals but are treated as victims. I also authored a new law called the Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act, which requires child welfare agencies to immediately notify the proper authorities when children go missing either from their homes or other childcare institutions such as foster homes or shelters. In the last year, we have passed an additional 18 bipartisan initiatives to combat trafficking, fight child abuse and exploitation, support and protect victims, and strengthen law enforcement. One of the most consequential new laws is the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA/FOSTA), which holds websites that knowingly facilitate human sex trafficking accountable. For years websites like Backpage and Craigslist have escaped accountability and liability for their role in growing this industry. The internet is the number one platform used by traffickers and 76% of victims have been advertised online at some point or another. Today,BackPage.comhas been successfully shut-down, and Craigslist has suspended its personal ads section. Paulsen closed by calling for continued action: There's still more that can be done. We have found that criminal records make it difficult for trafficking victims to find jobs or be approved for housing when they are attempting to reestablish their lives, which is why I am a coauthor of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. This bill allows victims to get non-violent crimes expunged from their records and helps them find affordable housing to get them off the streets and find employment. It's important that we give victims of this horrible industry every tool possible to help prevent them from being re-victimized and becoming easy targets for other traffickers to prey upon. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1997,"Paulsen Bill Spurs Charitable Giving, Creates Tax-Advantaged ""Flexible Giving Accounts""",2018-08-03,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) has introduced bipartisan legislation that incentivizes philanthropy by creating Flexible Giving Accounts, which enable taxpayers to set aside portions of their pre-tax paycheck to give to charities. Similar to Health Savings Accounts, FGAs will allow taxpayers to support qualified charities of their choice tax-free. Employers will be able to offer employees the opportunity to divert a portion of their pre-tax earnings into the FGA as part of their fringe benefits package. Taxpayers may then distribute those dollars to charitable organizations. Paulsen introduced the legislation with Reps. Ami Bera (D-CA), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Tim Walberg (R-MI). Currently, most American taxpayers take the standard deduction rather than itemize. The result is that most Americans see no real tax benefit from their charitable giving. The new accounts would allow the millions of taxpayers who do not itemize to receive a tax deduction. Americans are the most generous charitable givers on the planet, and philanthropy is the lifeblood of countless non-profit groups that do vital work in Minnesota. But the majority of taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions see no tax benefit from their giving,said Congressman Paulsen. Flexible Giving Accounts will be game-changers. They'll spur more giving by making it easier for American families to make regular contributions to charities of their choice and will mean less paperwork for taxpayers. Every day in this country, charities are changing lives and improving communities, said Congressman Gallagher, a co-sponsor of the bill. By empowering more Americans to set aside their hard-earned money each month, tax free, for charitable giving, this bipartisan bill would incentivize a culture of everyday philanthropy that in turn would deepen and diversify the country's giving pool. He continued,Flexible Giving Accounts are an opportunity for Americans to invest in their own neighbors and communities, and one we should take full advantage of for the good of the country. Paulsen's bill was introduced with the support of five other members of both parties. Paulsen is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, the chamber's tax-writing panel. The text of the legislation, H.R. 6616, can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-more-1-million-grant-infrastructure-improvements-st,Emmer Announces More Than $1 Million Grant for Infrastructure Improvements at St. Cloud Regional Airport,2018-07-31,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awardedSt. Cloud Regional Airport a grant of $1,242,179 for the construction of a 1,600 foot taxiway to provide access to aircraft hangars.Due to growing demand, St. Cloud Regional Airport is quickly running out of hangar space. This grant would provide for infrastructure construction that would support additional development of the airport. This grant award will help St. Cloud Regional Airport begin construction for additional taxiways, said Congressman Emmer.Investments in local infrastructure help our local economy by providing jobs and this investment will help Minnesotans in the Sixth Congressional District by expanding and developing a more efficient airport in the community. We greatly appreciate the help of our congressional delegation in acquiring this needed funding for our airport, said the Mayor of St. Cloud, Dave Kleis. There is a demand for private hangars on the airport and this will allow for that development, which will help increase future aeronautical revenue at the airport. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=185,"Lewis provision clears Congress, ready for Presidential signature",2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis provision clears Congress, ready for Presidential signature f t # e Washington, July 25, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, including the Congressman's dual enrollment provision to allow concurrent student enrollment in both high school and technical college. I want young people in the 2nd District to learn the skills they need to be successful in the 21st Century economy. Employers around the country are looking to fill well-paid, skilled jobs and career and technical education puts students on the pathway to success in those industries. I'm proud to see this legislation finalized with my language to encourage and expand dual enrollment opportunities, allowing high school students to begin working towards an in-demand credential or degree. Getting H.R. 2353 signed into law will be a major step forward in addressing the skills gap. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-emmer-cosponsors-bill-improve-national-suicide-hotline,"House Passes, Emmer Cosponsors Bill to Improve National Suicide Hotline",2018-07-24,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed and Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) voted for and supported as a cosponsor, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act (H.R. 2345). This bipartisan bill instructs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to study the designation of a 3-digit dialing code, similar to 9-1-1, for a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. Our nation is in the midst of a suicide crisis and Minnesota is no exception, especiallyin light of the state's crisis hotline recently being shut down, said Congressman Emmer. As the second leading cause of death in our state for young Minnesotans, suicide is quite literally killing the next generation. Today, the House is sounding the alarm by ensuring the national hotline is always available to and convenient for those who are suffering. I thank my colleague Rep. Chris Stewart for his leadership on this effort am proud to join as a cosponsor for the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. H.R. 2345 specifically instructs the FCC and SAMHSA to perform a cost and benefit analysis of using a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. It also asks them to recommend the best number for this purpose. Finally, the study will examine the overall effectiveness of the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line and recommend ways to improve the existing system. This is just one step towards helping turn the tide on America's suicide crisis, but every step counts, said Emmer.I look forward to leaders on every level, local, state and federal, coming together to provide care before crisis. Suicide statistics provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Clickhere. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS HAVING THOUGHTS ABOUT SUICIDE, PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE, AVAILABLE 24/7: 1-800-273-8255. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1991,"With Bipartisan Support, House Clears Paulsen Medical Device Tax Repeal",2018-07-24,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The House of Representatives today approved bipartisan legislation authored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) that permanently repeals the Affordable Care Act's excise tax on medical devices. The bill, called the Protect Medical Innovation Act, was passed by a vote of 283-132, including 57 Democrat supporters. Minnesota's innovators can breathe easier since we're one step closer to ending the medical device tax for good, said Congressman Paulsen. Today's vote shows strong bipartisan support for lifting this burden on innovators in an industry so important to Minnesota. I'm more optimistic than ever we'll be successful in giving these job creators the certainty and predictability they need to thrive. Minnesota has one of the nation's largest medical device sectors and has been disproportionately harmed by the tax. More than 35,000 Minnesotans at more than 700 different companies are employed by the medical device sector. Eighty percent of medical device companies have less than 50 employees and 93 percent have less than 500 employees. Today's vote is a win for American innovation, American jobs, and most of all for American patients, who benefit from the life-changing innovations our industry produces every day,said Scott Whittaker, President and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). We commend Rep. Erik Paulsen and a number of leaders from both sides of the aisle for their commitment to permanently repealing this onerous tax and for working to ensure our member companies have the long-term certainty they need to invest in R&D, hiring and other capital improvements to create the next-generation of treatments and cures. Paulsen has long been Congress' leading advocate for repeal of the device tax. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-emmer-celebrates-victory-minnesotas-mineral-rights-speech-house,ICYMI: Emmer Celebrates Victory for Minnesota's Mineral Rights in Speech on the House Floor,2018-07-20,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"We are getting Washington out of the lives and off the backs of thousands of hardworking Minnesotans Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) gave a speech on the House floor in celebration of overcoming the final hurdle to restoring Minnesota's mineral rights. The restoration of Minnesota's mineral rights followed the President'spledgeto rescind a federal mineral withdrawal of National Forest System lands in Superior National Forest, put in place by the Obama administration in its final days. Watch Congressman Emmer's opening statement here and closing statement here. Full transcript: Mr. Chairman I rise to offer an amendment - which I am pleased to say that I intend to withdraw - following months of hard work in this Chamber and with the Administration. Minnesotais home to the Iron Range, which boasts an abundance of natural resources and critical minerals.When it comes to protecting the environment while developing our economic assets, nobody does it better than Minnesota. That's why it was especially disturbing when the Obama Administration - ON ITS VERY LAST DAY IN OFFICE - proposed to withdrawal over 240,000 acres of land in my state from mineral exploration and development. It was communicated as a step to protect the environment, when in reality, it was Washington telling Minnesotans how to treat Minnesota. This last minute action threatens thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in state revenue and school trust funding, and handicaps our national security by increasing our reliance on foreign sources of minerals. That is why I offered this amendment to stop this unfounded action. This amendment is identical to one that was unanimously adopted by this chamber last year, and is wholly consistent with legislation I introduced - and the House passed - by a strong, bipartisan vote in November. What's more, this amendment echoes the good news that was delivered by the President to thousands of Minnesotans on June 20th when he explicitly expressed his intent to rescind this arbitrary withdrawal. Minnesotans are experts when it comes to mining in a responsible, environmentally cautious fashion. This amendment simply removes an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and restores this control to my home state of Minnesota. -- I thank the Chairman for his work and continued support on this issue. To make a few closing points: Nothing about this amendment would allow for mining in the Boundary Waters. Period. In fact, to demonstrate the disconnect and level of misinformation on this issue, my colleagues who stand in opposition to this amendment worked to have report language accompany this bill which incorrectly calls attention to a proposal to withdraw lands WITHIN theBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from mineral and geothermal leasing laws, despite the fact that there is no such proposal and it remains unlawful to mine within the Boundary Waters. Nothing about this amendment eliminates any existing environmental protections. This amendment reinforces the common sense reality that economic growth and environmental protection do not have to be mutually exclusive. I am pleased to have the support of the House on this very important issue during the 115th Congress I am pleased to have the pledged support and continued commitment from the Administration. And I am pleased that we will soon be able to get Washington out of the lives and off the backs of thousands of hardworking Minnesotans. -- For additional background, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=183,Lewis works to repeal overreaching regulatory burdens,2018-07-19,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the FY 2019 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill, fully repealing the Waters of the Unites States (WOTUS) rule. ""In an effort to cut government red tape, protect property rights and promote economic growth, I have worked hard to repeal overreaching regulatory burdens facing Minnesotansespecially something called the Waters of the US' rule or WOTUS. In fact, I have repeatedly voted to repeal this bureaucratic micromanagement of even the smallest streams, farm ditches and creek beds over the past year and a half. It's great to see our efforts to free farmers in Minnesota from this onerous and unaccountable rule-making take hold."" Background: Rep. Lewis has continuously supported a repeal of WOTUS throughout the 115th session by: Signing on as an original cosponsor to H Res 152, expressing the sense that the rule should be withdrawn or vacated Voting for H.R. 3219 and H.R. 3354, which would expedite an administrative withdrawal of the rule and allow the agency to ignore the administrative procedures act Supporting the Administration's efforts to delay the rule until 2020 Supporting the Administration's efforts to rescind or revise the rule Voting in favor of H.R. 5895, which included efforts to repeal the rule ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1989,"Minnesota Farm Bureau President Testifies on Tariffs, Trade",2018-07-19,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap appearing before the House Ways and Means Committee's Trade Subcommittee on July 18, 2018 WASHINGTON Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap testified today before the House Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Trade to discuss the impact of the Administration's tariff policies on Minnesota's agricultural community. Paap's testimony was arranged by Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03), who has frequently spoken out to voice his concern about the imposition of tariffs on goods exported across the world. Minnesota Farm Bureau strongly believes that with the current financial stress farmers and ranchers are facing, we need to maintain and expand market opportunities, Paap said in his testimony to the subcommittee. The current tariffs, continuing back-and-forth retaliatory actions and trade uncertainties are hitting American agriculture from all sides and are causing us to lose our markets. Once you lose a market, it is really tough to get it back. In trade wars, agriculture has been and continues to be the tip of the spear, Paap told lawmakers. It is critical that we limit trade disruptions and resolve trade disputes through negotiations, not tariffs or withdrawals from other trade agreement discussions. Minnesota's farmers are the best in the country, but misguided trade policy in Washington is putting them at risk,said Congressman Paulsen. Minnesota exported $7.1 billion in agricultural products in 2016 alone the fourth highest of any state. Our farms have warned tariffs and retaliatory measures will price our products out of markets all over the world. It's important that this story is told. Paap is just the latest Minnesotan that has testified to Congress in Congressman Paulsen's invitation. Recent witnesses have included small business owners, medical innovators and employers benefiting from tax reform. Paulsen's questioning of Paap is below. Rep. Erik Paulsen w/ Paap and his wife Julie prior to the hearing",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-cosponsors-als-disability-insurance-access-act,Emmer Cosponsors ALS Disability Insurance Access Act,2018-07-17,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"H.R. 1171 will eliminate unnecessary waiting period for patients with ALS WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) signed on as a cosponsor of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act (H.R. 1171) which willwaive the five-month waiting period for people disabled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and enable them to immediately begin to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. I am proud to sign on as a cosponsor of this critically important legislation, said Congressman Emmer.People suffering from ALS, like my constituentPeteKlinkhammer, should not have to wait to receive the care they deserve. Congress must come together and send this bill to the President's desk with the utmost urgency. Every day we wait is a day too long. I am greatly appreciative of Congressman Emmer and his staff for seeing the importance of this legislation, said Pete Klinkhammer, a constituent of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District who suffers from ALS. I agree with the Congressman's characterization of this being an urgent need, because I've seen the devastation ALS has caused families. This is how members of Congress serve their constituents, by listening to their concerns and following through. ""We greatly appreciate Representative Emmer's co-sponsorship and support of this bill,"" said Jennifer Hjelle, Executive Director of The ALS Association's Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter.ALS is a disease of ongoing physical, emotional and financial loss, and the families we serve cannot afford to wait five months for access to their disability benefits. Hopefully, with additional support from Rep. Emmer's colleagues in Washington, we'll see this bill written into law in the near future. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. ALS usually strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and some 20,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. There is no known cause or cure. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-emmer-talks-trade-kasm-radio-network,ICYMI: Emmer Talks Trade on KASM Radio Network,2018-07-17,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06)joined Joe Gill on KASM Radio Network to weigh in on the ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China, as well as give an update on the status of this year's Farm Bill. On the current state of global trade and tariffs: I am concerned. The good news is in the first quarter of this year exports out of Minnesota were up 9%. But if you want to know how important trade is to Minnesota, look at the fact that trade with Mexico, one of our top three trade partners, was down by 13%. So exports were up 9% total, but was down 13% with one of our top three direct trading partners. Why? Well, NAFTA has created a bit of a strain. And now you've got China retaliating... Our great soybean producers in Minnesota exported $28 billion worth of soybeans last year, and $14 billion of thoseexports went to China... I am very concerned, Joe. On the administration's actions against China: The Trump administration is trying to level the playing field...We want to freely trade but it has to be fair on both sides. In the meantime, the Chinese are not stupid, they are targeting ten states that Donald Trump won last election. Look,the administration doesn't call it a 'trade war,' they call it 'multiple trade disputes.' I don't care what you call it, it is very concerning... The administration has got to walk a very fine line and Congress will be weighing in. It's important to have fair and reciprocal trade, we do not dispute that, but you need producers to produce these commodities when this whole thing is done, so we are encouraging the administration to get this finished very quickly. On if the trade disputes continue and the future of farming: Well, the United States has the greater leverage, but we're talking about farm communities with farmers who are 55-65 years old. How long are they going to stay in, Joe? If this continues a lot of those folks will say, It has been a good run, but we're going to cash out. Then you've got the young people who you're trying to bring into our farming community, because we have not only sustain the industry but to grow it. How can they survive? On the 2018 Farm Bill: There will be a motion to go to conference before the end of this week, and they will work on it post haste. My colleague from Minnesota's Seventh District, Collin Peterson, has started to talk again with Chairman [of the House Agriculture Committee] Mike Conaway, which is a very good sign. If we cannot get it done before the end of July, I am very confident Joe that you are going to see the farm bill done before the end of September... As well, 60% of the very conservative members voted for the House farm bill, so that is another great sign in light of some of the disputes they have had over farm programs in the past. CLICK HERE to listen to the full interview online. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-signs-cosponsor-endangered-species-act-reform-legislation,Emmer Signs on as Cosponsor of Endangered Species Act Reform Legislation,2018-07-16,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Localizing Authority of Management Plans Act of 2018 will empower states, local governments, and tribes to manage species and improve habitat conservation WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) signed on as a cosponsor of theLocalizing Authority of Management Plans (LAMP) Act,legislation to update the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The LAMP Act will put states, local governments and tribes in charge of species conservation through cooperative agreements in order to reduce the volume of bureaucratic errors and work to correct faulty top-down assumptions. The Endangered Species Act is long overdue for reform and the LAMP Act is an important part of this effort, said Congressman Emmer.Farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and across the country want to protect America's wildlife, but the current ESA has failed, hurt farmers and their families, and cost billions.The top-down federal approach has not worked. In fact, less than two percent of all listed species has been removed since the ESA's enactment in 1973. The LAMP Act is common-sense reform to grant greater flexibility and responsibility to those most capable of species conservation. Specifically, the LAMP Act will permit the Secretary of Interior to enter into cooperative management agreements with states, local governments, tribes and other non-federal persons to better manage and recover species and improve habitat conservation. States with existing species conservation programs will be empowered to take the lead in managing and preserving those species. Emmer referenced the case of the Grey Wolf, which was originally listed as endangered in 1974. Since then, its population recovered and expanded more quickly than anticipated, leading the Fish and Wildlife Service to make efforts to return management of the Grey Wolf to the states in 2009. Special interest groups filed multiple lawsuits in a successful attempt to usurp states' power, and today, despite the Fish and Wildlife Service's best efforts to make it clear that this species has recovered and they are prepared to delist, the Grey Wolf remains listed in the Great Lakes region. The Grey Wolf is a perfect example of how the ESA is out of touch. We need clear objectives for species' and a process that won't be hijacked for nearly a decade by special interest group lawsuits, said Emmer. Additional Background: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has provided a framework for the protection of endangered and threatened species since 1973. Administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), it was originally envisioned as a law that would protect species believed to be on the brink of extinction. Following its enactment, there were 109 species listed for protection. Unfortunately, the ESA has fallen short of recovering and delisting species since its inception, with less than 2 percent of its current 1661 listed species delisted, many of which are either extinct or were listed in error. CLICK HERE to read the LAMP Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1990,Paulsen Advances Three Health Care Affordability Bills,2018-07-12,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The House Ways and Means Committee approved three bills authored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) that will make needed medical care more affordable for Minnesota families by expanding and strengthening Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Used by more than 20 million individuals and families nationwide, HSAs enable enrollees to contribute pre-tax dollars to a fund paying for qualified health care expenses. The passage of Paulsen's legislation follows a June hearing of the Joint Economic Hearing he chaired that examined how HSAs can lower health care costs and make America's health care system more consumer-friendly. Health Savings Accounts help Americans save for medical expenses and spend their health care dollars more effectively, said Paulsen.They've also been proven to lower health care costs. But there are ways we can modernize HSAs and make them more widely available. These bills will make quality care more affordable and more accessible to middle-income families. Minnesota has the third-highest enrollment in HSAs in the country, with nearly 1.2 million enrollees.According to one estimate, if half of employer-sponsored insurance plans utilized HSAs, Americans could save $57 billion in health care spending annually. Paulsen's bills each make HSAs more useful and more accessible to millions of Americans. H.R. 6317allows account holders to use HSA funds to cover expenses associated with Direct Primary Care (DPC) arrangements. Patients and employers using Direct Primary Care models pay their doctors and care providers directly, without third-party insurance involvement. It enables doctors and other providers to focus more directly on a patient's needs instead of insurance company administration and billing requirements. Existing rules prohibit Direct Primary Care patients from using HSAs to pay their provider fees. H.R. 6309helps working seniors by allowing Medicare enrollees over 65 to contribute to their HSAs. Existing law prohibits Medicare enrollees from continuing to contribute to Health Savings Accounts after turning 65. H.R. 6306makes it easier for families to contribute to and use HSAs. It increases maximum contribution limits to $6,650 for individuals and $13,300 for families. It also creates a grace period for medical expenses incurred before an HSA is established, and it permits spouses over age 55 to make catch-up contributions into an account each year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=184,Lewis: Conferee to NDAA Conference Committee,2018-07-11,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis: Conferee to NDAA Conference Committee f t # e Washington, July 11, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the initial National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA) Conference Meeting this afternoon, where he serves as an outside conferee for both the Transportation and Infrastructure and Education and Workforce committees. I'm honored to represent both the Transportation and Infrastructure and Education and Workforce committees as a conferee, and to highlight provisions incorporated into the House-passed NDAA that I feel are important to keep in the final joint legislation- including multiple maritime and aviation measures that ensure the prosperity and security of our nation. I also urged that the House and Senate keep the Senate-passed language that authorizes the Northern Minnesota land exchange that would allow miners to get back to work. I look forward to working out the differences in the House and Senate bills, and to a productive conference. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-emmers-main-street-growth-act,House Passes Emmer's Main Street Growth Act,2018-07-10,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Tom Emmer's (MN-06) Main Street Growth Act (H.R. 5877) which will create jobs, improve capital formation and encourage more early-stage Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) by facilitating the creation of venture exchanges. The bill passed 56-0 out of the Financial Services Committee last month. Today, the House took an important step to add to this economy's growing momentum by passing the Main Street Growth Act, said Congressman Emmer. A 2012 study found that for nearly 2,800 companies that participated in an IPO between 1996-2010, total employment across these businesses increased by 2.2 million jobs, while total revenue increased by over $1 trillion. However, participation in the IPO process has slowed over the years. Today the U.S. has half of the number of publicly listed companies than it had two decades ago. It is critical that the current market structure meets the need for all types of companies to encourage more to go public which generates millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in revenue for the economy. This bill, which I was thrilled to see pass unanimously out of committee, will do just that by facilitating the creation of venture exchanges to embolden more early stage IPOs and improve capital formation for businesses in Minnesota and across the United States. As it heads to the Senate, I look forward to both sides of the aisle coming together to ensure that American entrepreneursand workers can continue to succeed, concluded Emmer. Specifically, H.R. 5877 will allow the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to provide for the creation of venture exchanges. These specialized securities exchanges would help small and emerging growth companies gain access to the capital they need to grow and succeed. It would also establish an Office of Venture Exchanges under its Division of Trading and Markets to study and monitor the effectiveness of these new exchanges. CLICK HERE to read H.R. 5877, CLICK HERE to watch Emmer speak on the House floor on H.R. 5877. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1988,"Paulsen on 301 Tariffs: ""We're Shooting Ourselves in the Foot""",2018-07-03,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement today after the U.S. Trade Representative announced its final list of Section 301 tariffs and China announced $50 billion worth of tariffs in retaliation: I'm pleased to see some products, like certain medical devices and televisions, were removed from the U.S.T.R.'s final list, said Congressman Paulsen. It's a positive outcome of bipartisan efforts in Congress to remove items in these categories from the 301 tariff list. In recent weeks, Paulsen led efforts in the House to urge the removal of medical devices and consumer electronics from the list of products subject to 301 tariffs. But on balance, today was not a good day for American jobs. We've imposed import tariffs that will make it more expensive to buy and produce a whole range of goods here in the United States, raising costs for consumers and job creators. And China's retaliation measures, on soybeans in particular, will be especially damaging to Minnesota. I'm even more concerned about additional lists of products to potentially be targeted with tariffs by both the U.S. and China in the future. We're shooting ourselves in the foot and the casualties will be lost jobs and higher prices. The President needs to see that. There's still time to ratchet down the rhetoric and de-escalate tensions before too much damage is done. I hope we do, Paulsen said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=182,Lewis hosts opioid roundtable,2018-07-02,2018,2018-07,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- .- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after hosting an Opioid Roundtable this afternoon in Apple Valley, discussing the opioid epidemic as it affects Minnesotans, the efforts led by Congressman Lewis to combat the issue, and more with fellow panelists. Our country is facing an opioid addiction crisis that is devastating our communities, and my colleagues and I in the House are workingto combat this epidemicincluding passing my bipartisan bill to develop an advisory committee on opioids in the workforce so employers can effectively address addiction as it affects their employees.Ourcommunitiesneedthe flexibility and resources to tackle the crisis, and weneed to do a betterhelpingtreat addictions as medical issues instead of just a criminal issue. However, we cannot adequately address this crisis with federal legislation alone.Cooperation between federal, state, and local entitiesis the key totruly getting a handle on this crisis.That is whyIwas proud to hosttoday's roundtable to bringtogether local stakeholders to discuss the ways we can address opioid addiction in the Second District and Minnesota as a whole. Background: Roundtable attendees: 1.Congressman Jason Lewis 2.BryanKlabunde(MN Farmers Union) 3.LarryBourgerie(Society for Human Resource Management) 4.Ben Schmidt (Former addict and author of Six Years Lost) 5.MauraMcGarry, LGSW (Minneapolis VA Opiate Treatment Program) More on the Congressman's Legislation: H.R. 5892 Opioid Advisory Committee at Departmentof Labor This bipartisan legislationwasintroduced with Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA)and wouldcreate an Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Labor on actions the Department can take to address the impact of opioid abuse on the workplace.Itpassed the House by voice vote on June 13, 2018. The Advisory Committee will discuss opioid abuse and its impact on employer substance abuse policies, employer-provided benefits, workplace safety, productivity and absenteeism, alternative pain management treatments, employee privacy, community-based initiatives, and workplace policies to reduce the stigma of opioid abuse.The Advisory Committee will issue a report on successful programs and best practices for how employers can engage with employees impacted by opioid abuse. Groups Supporting: Minnesota Safety Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Society of Safety Professionals, American Trucking Association, Associated General Contractors ofAmerica, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Employee Assistance Professional Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Safety Council ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-applauds-minnesota-public-utilities-commission-decision-replace,Emmer Applauds Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Decision to Replace Line 3 Pipeline Using Preferred Route,2018-06-29,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Following the Minnesota Public Utilities Commision's (PUC)decisionto replace Line 3 using the preferred route, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement: I applaud the PUC's decision on Line 3 and am encouraged they agree replacing the pipeline using the preferred route is in the best interest for all Minnesotans. The fact is, Line 3 is old, needs significant repair,and is running at a fraction of its original capacity. Replacing it using the preferred route, which avoids reservation lands and environmentally sensitive areas, will ensure that the safe, continuous, reliable supply of North American energy is available to serve the needs of Minnesotans, Midwesterners and Americans. Additionally, a modern replacement, using state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, will provide thousands of jobs for Minnesotans. This is a win for all parties and I look forward to the project's completion. In an op-ed published in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Reps. Emmer, Collin Peterson (MN-07), Rick Nolan (MN-08) and Jason Lewis (MN-02) advocated for the PUC to replace Line 3 using the preferred route. Read the full piece online here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=180,Lewis supports PUC decision on Enbridge Line 3 replacement plan approval,2018-06-29,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis supports PUC decision on Enbridge Line 3 replacement plan approval f t # e Washington, June 29, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement in regard to the Enbridge Line 3 replacement plan decision announced today. It is a no-brainer to replace the pipeline with a new, safer version that will continue to provide a steady supply of oil to Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount and support thousands of jobs in our area. I'm glad the PUC joined me in recognizing this need and hope that review of the preferred route moves quickly. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1987,"Paulsen, Colleagues Push Minnesotan for Supreme Court Vacancy",2018-06-28,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03)today urged the President to nominate Judge David Stras of the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to fill the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court that will be open following Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement. Stras, a former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice, was confirmed to the federal appellate court in January. Paulsen was joined by Reps. Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Jason Lewis (MN-02) in writing the President to recommend Stras' nomination. Judge Stras was included in a list of 25 potential Supreme Court nominees published by the White House last year. We write to offer our highest recommendation for the nomination of Judge David Stras, currently serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, to fill the vacancy created by Justice Anthony Kennedy's recent retirement from the Supreme Court of the United States,the lawmakers wrote.Judge Stras has all the best qualities of a judge. As a true originalist and textualist, Justice Stras has continually displayed his commitment to interpret the law, rather than make it. Judge Stras' decisions are notable for their rigorous analysis of statutory and constitutional texts which apply the text as it was understood at the time of its adoption. As you know, Judge Stras' nomination is widely and enthusiastically supported in Minnesota. His supporters come from across the political spectrum, and include former colleagues at the University of Minnesota Law School and Minnesota Supreme Court. He is highly respected across the state, largely because his track record is truly beyond reproach,the lawmakers said. Paulsen first discussed his support for Judge Stras' nomination during an appearance on WCCO Radio Wednesday. The full text of the letter is below. June 28, 2018 President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write to offer our highest recommendation for the nomination of Judge David Stras, currently serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, to fill the vacancy created by Justice Anthony Kennedy's recent retirement from the Supreme Court of the United States. During the last two years, we each had the privilege of meeting Judge Stras personally and examining his record. Judge Stras has all the best qualities of a judge. As a true originalist and textualist, Justice Stras has continually displayed his commitment to interpret the law, rather than make it. Judge Stras' decisions are notable for their rigorous analysis of statutory and constitutional texts which apply the text as it was understood at the time of its adoption. Like the opinions of Justice Scalia, Judge Stras' decisions both on the Eighth Circuit and the Minnesota Supreme Court use dictionaries and plain-meaning analysis to rigorously analyze legal text and precedent. Judge Stras' views on the role of the judiciary arise from a true appreciation of constitutional separation of powers. Time and again, Judge Stras' opinions apply the text of the Constitution and statutes as written over the personal preferences of other judges, dressed up as the intent of the statute or a constitutional provision. Finally, as you know, Judge Stras' nomination is widely and enthusiastically supported in Minnesota. His supporters come from across the political spectrum, and include former colleagues at the University of Minnesota Law School and Minnesota Supreme Court. He is highly respected across the state, largely because his track record is truly beyond reproach. Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of service as you consider this historic vacancy. Sincerely, Erik Paulsen Tom Emmer Jason Lewis Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=179,Lewis fights for immigration reform,2018-06-27,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis fights for immigration reform f t # e Washington, June 27, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 6136, the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act, which failed to pass the House this afternoon. Even with a fix for separated families at the border; a more generous documented status for Dreamers, but not for the adults who brought them in; and a tough new plan for border security, today's vote on the immigration bill failed to garner a majority. This is extremely unfortunate as it was the second time in two weeks a reform bill came to the floor only to be defeated by misplaced opposition. The opportunity for genuine immigration reform is a fleeting one, and it's too bad we missed this opportunity to work with the Administration on a bill that I believe addressed most of the concerns that were being raised. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1986,Paulsen Statement on Immigration Vote,2018-06-27,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON-- Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today issued the following statement after the House of Representatives rejected a compromise immigration reform bill: ""I signed a discharge petition over the objections of my own leadership to force this debate, and I'm not giving up,"" said Paulsen.""Unfortunately, a minority of Republicans and every Democrat voted against securing the border and securing a future for young immigrants brought to this country through no fault of their own. Hardliners in both parties are stopping us from moving forward and making real progress, Paulsen continued.I'm going to be talking to my colleagues like Rep. Carlos Curbelo to plan a path forward. We need to permanently end the separation of kids from their parents at the border and give young DACA recipients certainty. It's too important to give up now."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1985,Paulsen Urges Reversal of Cuts to School Safety Funding,2018-06-26,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON-- Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today urged his fellow lawmakers to reverse funding cuts for school safety programs included in draft legislation funding the Department of Education and other federal agencies. In a letter to Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, Paulsen called on the subcommittee to ensure school safety programs are provided with robust funding as it crafts its Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations legislation. News reports this week indicate that the draft legislation being considered by the Committee would significantly reduce funding for these initiatives. In the wake of a series of school shootings across the nation, I'm greatly concerned that such funding reductions may hinder our ability to keep schools safe,Paulsen wrote. We have no higher responsibility to our children than to provide them with a safe learning environment. But instead of making our schools safer and more effectively training our first responders to act should the unthinkable happen, I fear that the reductions in this funding bill will put more students at risk. The full text of Paulsen's letter is below. June 26, 2018 The Honorable Tom Cole Chairman Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Cole: It has come to my attention that the proposed fiscal year 2019 spending bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments includes funding reductions for programs that aim to improve school safety and ensure that students have access to necessary behavioral health services. In the wake of a series of school shootings across the nation, I'm greatly concerned that such funding reductions may hinder our ability to keep schools safe. We have no higher responsibility to our children than to provide them with a safe learning environment. But instead of making our schools safer and more effectively training our first responders to act should the unthinkable happen, I fear that the reductions in this funding bill will put more students at risk. In light of growing nationwide concern over the safety of our schools, I respectfully urge you to reverse these cuts and provide robust funding for National Activities for School Safety (20 U.S. Code 7281). Sincerely, Erik Paulsen Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=177,Lewis: Let’s get immigration reform done,2018-06-25,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement in regard to immigration reform in the House. Last fall, Congressional Democrats voted to shut down the government because they wanted a solution for the Dreamers. And last week, Democrats voted against legislation which included a solution for the Dreamers. And this week, the House will vote again on immigration reform which includes a solution for Dreamers. Unfortunately, it appears Democrats will again vote against a solution for Dreamers. Confusing, eh? Unfortunately, it's not confusing when you realize their support for the Dreamers has been a con game seeking not to solve the critical issues surrounding immigration, but an opportunity to ply for votes and as a weapon to yield in their unending fight against President Trump. Most recently, that weapon has been the plight of children crossing the border illegally with their families. It is heart wrenching that children and families are separated--whether it's at the border or when parents send their children alone on a trek to our border. It was just as heart wrenching when the Obama administration separated families too. I supported the President's Executive Order ending the immediate separation. I supported legislation months ago that would have allowed families to be kept together. This week, I plan to vote again on a fix to this issueand a fix for the Dreamers as well. The legislation, known as the Compromise Bill, also includes important provisions that strengthen our border and increase our nation's security by stemming the flow of guns and drugs which are pouring over our border and moves to long-overdue merit and skills-based system for visas. It's too bad the Dreamers can't count on the Democrats support this week either.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1983,"Paulsen On Trump Immigration Tweets: ""President Trump Is Wrong""",2018-06-22,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today issued the following statement after the President tweeted this morning that Republicans should stop wasting their time on immigration until after the midterm elections in November: President Trump is wrong,said Paulsen.Congress needs to act now. Unlike the President, I won't give up on giving DACA recipients certainty and ensuring we're never separating kids from their parents at the border again. I signed a discharge petition to force this debate, over the objection of many in my own party, because it's critical that we finally take action to address these issues. I will continue to work with my colleagues to get the votes to pass common-sense immigration reform.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-applauds-house-passage-farm-bill,Emmer Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill,2018-06-21,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, following House passage of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2), commonly called the Farm Bill, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement: Today's passage of the 2018 Farm Bill is a considerable step to provide relief and certainty for our farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and across the nation. I am proud to see the House pass this critical package, which contains major improvements for farmers and ranchers in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District such as better dairy risk management tools for smaller operations, a strong crop insurance program, improved farm safety net programs like Agricultural Risk Coverage, and efforts to better respond to emerging diseases that devastate livestock producers throughout Minnesota, said Congressman Emmer, whose district encompasses areas of rural Minnesota including parts of Stearns, Benton, Wright and Sherburne Counties. The Farm Bill also included Emmer'sStemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide (STRESS) Act, which will make mental health treatment more available for farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers who, due to the nature of their work and the lack of mental health treatment available, suffer from higher rates of depression and suicide. As the Farm Bill heads to conference with the Senate, I am grateful to see the STRESS Act included and am encouraged to know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are supportive of this effort to deliver more mental health treatment to our farmers who are suffering a rate of suicide five times higher than the normal population, added Emmer. Specifically, the STRESS Act will reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to give states needed resources to provide mental health services for farmers and ranchers. Though the program was first authorized in 2008, it did not receive funding and therefore lapsed. Emmer's legislation will renew FRSAN, restoring our nation's attention to Americans in farming who are disproportionately affected by high rates of suicide. Learn more about the STRESS Acthereand read the full legislative texthere. Learn more about the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018hereand read the full legislative texthere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-commends-presidents-announcement-restore-minnesotas-mineral-rights,Emmer Commends President's Announcement to Restore Minnesota's Mineral Rights,2018-06-21,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Efforts include Emmer's MINER Act in 2017 WASHINGTON, DC- Following the President's announcement yesterday that his administration will rescind the federal withdrawal in the Superior National Forest and restore mineral exploration for Minnesota, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement: The President's announcement last night is great news for Minnesota. My MINER Act demonstrated strong bipartisan support for unleashing our state's mining potential and now, byreversing the politically motivated and short-sighted actions from the Obama administration on their way out the door, President Trump is stepping in to restore local control of Minnesota's mineral rights. I am hopeful that the steps needed to ensure a full reversal of the former administration's harmful actions are taken soon, specifically ending the withdrawal proposal that has now dragged on for 18 months, to dramatically revitalize local communities and their economies. Background: During the last days of his administration, President Obama threatened more than 425,000 acres of land with a prohibition on development, potentially instating a 20-year ban on industry activity, including up to two-years for a temporary study. This unchecked move by the former administration decimated local economies, specifically a projected loss of nearly 17,000 jobs and billions of dollars of revenue. In October 2017, Congressman EmmerintroducedMinnesota's Economic Rights (MINER) in the Superior National Forest Act to restore Minnesota's right to exploreand, if environmentally appropriate, mine valuable precious metals. The House passedEmmer's MINER Act in November 2017 followed closely by action from the Department of Interior to renew the mineral leases in the area. President Trump's announcement signifies his commitment to ending the two-year study and fully restoring Minnesota's right to explore. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-i-will-be-cancelling-superior-national-forest-mineral-withdrawal,Trump: 'I will be CANCELLING the Superior National Forest Mineral Withdrawal',2018-06-21,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,Members of the Congressional Western Caucus including Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Bruce Westerman (AR-04)and Members Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Kevin Cramer (ND-At Large) released statements after President Trump announced at a rally last night in Duluth, Minnesota that he would be cancelling the Obama Administration's political mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest: Congressman Emmer stated, The President's announcement last night is great news for Minnesota. My MINER Act demonstrated strong bipartisan support for unleashing our state's mining potential and now, by reversing the politically motivated and short-sighted actions from the Obama administration on their way out the door, President Trump is stepping in to restore local control of Minnesota's mineral rights. I am hopeful that the steps needed to ensure a full reversal of the former administration's harmful actions are taken soon, specifically ending the withdrawal proposal that has now dragged on for 18 months, to dramatically revitalize local communities and their economies. CongressmanGosarsaid, ""When the Minnesota mineral withdrawal was first announced in the twilight hours of the last Administration, we in the Western Caucus knew it would be an uphill battle to bring enough attention to it to get something done. So, we banded together, amplified the issue and worked to avert the terrible precedent and economic turmoil that would ensue if the withdrawal was left in place. Ultimately, piece by piece, these efforts have prevailed, with word of the problem making its way to President Trump just yesterday. When the President heard the numbers -17,000 jobs, $3 billion for education, $1.5 billion in annual wages, $2.5 billion annually for the economy - he recognized that the obviously right thing to do was to reverse the action. And, it just so happens that policy created with a pen can be wiped away by one, too - thanks, Obama. We appreciate President Trump for immediately seeing that the right thing for Minnesota workers and families is to strike this withdrawal from the books, and I look forward to seeing the region's economy and education flourish as a consequence."" Congressman Westerman stated, ""Unnecessary rules handed down by unelected Washington, D.C., bureaucrats that violate agreements going back to the 1950s threatened the future of mining and economic development in Minnesota. I visited the operation and met with the Minnesotans affected by this political move, where I got to feel the impact that decision had on both our country and our economy. I thank President Trump for reversing heavy-handed rules handed down by the Obama Administration, allowing Americans to continue investing in jobs, economic development, and education. Congressman Cramerconcluded, I commend President Trump for rolling back this misguided Obama-era land grab which took away our Minnesota neighbor's ability to develop minerals in the state. I've been working with my colleagues in Congress, including Members from both parties in the Minnesota delegation, since President Obama proposed putting these hundreds of thousands of acres off limits. President Trump's action will allow for jobs, increased wages, and reignite economic development in the Iron Range. Background: Last night at a campaign rally in Minnesota, President Donald Trump announced that his Administration will be rescinding a mineral withdrawal initiated by the Obama Administration affecting the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. Click here or on the tweet by NBC below to watch: 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. It is being reported that, upon being briefed on the situation, the President immediately saw the importance to Minnesota workers and families of rescinding the massive withdrawal. The Western Caucus - led by members Tom Emmer and Bruce Westerman as well as Chairman Gosar - has advocated for this outcome since the withdrawal was first put in place. On June 30th, 2017, 26 bipartisan Members of Congress sent a letter asking for the Administration to cancel this political land grab. The robust Member turnout for this regional issue demonstrated the extent to which Members who had no immediate interest in the policy saw clearly the unfairness, unjustified damage to the regional economy and harm to education funding streams the withdrawal would impose. Legislative solutions to the withdrawal offered by Congressman Emmer were proposed and accepted by the full House of Representatives with the backing and support of the Western Caucus.The House passed H.R. 3905 to cancel the Obama mineral withdrawal and reinstate the two leases that were arbitrarily denied (the leases have since been reinstated). A press release can be found here. The House also passed an amendment to cancel the political land grab to the Interior Appropriations bill. A story about the amendment passing can be foundhere. The total withdrawal application boundary spans approximately 425,000 acres, including 95,000 acres of state school trust fund lands. 17,000 jobs, $3 billion for education, $1.5 billion in annual wages, $2.5 billion annually for the economy were at risk if the mineral withdrawal was allowed to stand. The withdrawal also contradicted established legislative intent of Congress. In 1978, Congress passed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act (BWCAW), a historic compromise between interested parties that prohibited mining within the Boundary Waters Area but explicitly permitted mining to occur in the Superior National Forest. Unfortunately, debate surrounding mining in the Superior National Forest has often conflated the buffer of the Boundary Waters - in which mining will not be taking place under any proposed plan - with authorized mining in designated areas of the Forest. The President's announcement indicates he and his Administration were not mislead by those distortions. The area comprises the largest copper-nickel deposit in the world. There are billions of pounds of copper, nickel, and cobalt and millions of ounces of platinum, palladium, gold and silver. The market value of these resources is estimated to be $500 billion. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=176,Lewis votes to end carried interest loophole and Pentagon slush fund to balance budget,2018-06-21,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- In keeping with his longstanding promise of shared budgetary sacrifice, Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) today voted for theBrighter American Future Act which passed out of the Budget Committee today. While I was disappointed the Committee did not close all the loopholes it could, The Brighter American Future Act nonetheless lays out a plan to get our fiscal house in order. It includes the largest reconciliation package in over 2 decades by directing the 11 authorizing committees to identify $302 billion in saving over 10 years. During the mark up I supported two amendments that would help restore fiscal responsibility and fairer tax policies. I voted to get rid of the special interest deduction for hedge fund managers known as the carried interested and I supported an amendment addressing the overseas contingency operations (OCO) defense fund at the Department of Defense (DoD). The fact is fiscalaccountability needs to be applied across the board to halt the verydangerous fiscal path we're on so the future can remain as bright as it should. Background: Carried Interest Amendment: Right now, the profits Wall Street makes on other investors' money isn't taxed as ordinary income. Instead, these 'commissions' are considered capital gains, meaning the rest of us have to make up the difference. Amendment #8, which the Congressman supported, would have removed that loophole. OCO Amendment: The overseas contingency operations (OCO) has become a slush fund and is a gimmick to circumvent spending caps and hides the true cost of our national security. OCO perpetuates irresponsible budgeting that hurts long term planning for our national defense.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=174,Lewis for small business health care coverage,2018-06-20,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis for small business health care coverage f t # e Washington, June 20, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement in regard to the Administration's move to expand affordable health insurance to individuals, families, and small businesses. ""Glad to see the Secretary of Labor remove obstacles for self-employed individuals to join AHPs and save thousands on health care costs. From 2013 to 2016, approximately 7000 MN businesses stopped offering health care due to high costs of Obamacare. I have been working to expand access to affordable options for our small business and their employees and last year the House passed the Small Business Health Fairness Act. Smaller firms should have the same options as large-employer plans."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=175,Lewis attends Jobs Roundtable to discuss economic prosperity,2018-06-20,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after participating in a Jobs Roundtable in Duluth with other panelists including President Donald Trump and Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06). America is in a period of growth and prosperity, with the lowest unemployment numbers in nearly two decades, and the majority of Americans now believe the economy is in excellent condition. Here in Minnesota, 10,200 new jobs were added last month and dozens of companies are giving pay raises and bonuses to employees. I'm grateful for the opportunity to discuss the benefits our historic tax reform and other pro-growth policies are having in Minnesota and what more can be done to continue our nation's prosperity. Statements supporting the pro-growth agenda: With the historic record low unemployment both inMinnesota and across the country, there is increasing worker competition. This includes nearly every job across all sectors such as transportation, construction, general office, and tech. This competition is driving up wages for the middle class, which is the backbone of our Country. The recent tax policy allows companies to pay more wages in the competitive market, yet preserve corporate profitability. Paul Breckner, President of Data Sales The recent changes in tax policies have created jobs in transportation; from plants that build, to drivers who move, and technicians to support. These changes have created a positive movement in attitudes towards the American future. Greg Nuss, Owner of Nuss Truck and Equipment Background: Minnesota and the country as a whole have seen direct benefits from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and other pro-growth legislation, including: In May 2018 Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent. Over 600 companies have given pay raises, bonuses, 401(k) match increases, expanded operations, or reduced utility rates thanks to tax reform. o This includes companies in Minnesota: Priority Courier Experts, Circuit Interruption Technology Inc, Albert Lea Public Warehouse, Koch Companies Inc., U.S. Bancorp, Bio-Techne, Best Buy, TCF Financial Corporation, Data Sales Co., Inc., DTN, Ecolab Inc., and a number of national companies that have a presence in MN. o Data Sales in Burnsville gave $1,000 bonus to every employee (over 80) The average family of four in MN02 will see an over $3,000 decrease in their taxes. Decreased utility costs for households. 80 million customers in 39 states (including Minnesota) are seeing lowered utility bills.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1982,Paulsen Statement on Duluth Trump Rally,2018-06-20,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today issued the following statement on the rally being held by the President in Duluth, Minn. today: ""I'm rallying in Washington today to get votes on legislation that ends the unconscionable practice of separating kids from their parents at the border and gives certainty to young DACA recipients,""Paulsen said.""That's our job, and that's what Minnesotans sent me here to do."" ""I signed the discharge petition to force this debate in Congress over the objection of many in my own party,""Paulsen continued.""But this debate is more important than party, it's about the security of our nation and about who we are as a people. The DACA kids and the children being taken from their parents at the border deserve the compassion that has made our nation a shining city on a hill for generations of immigrants."" Paulsen earned praise from his colleague Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), who has been a leader in the House in the effort to reform our immigration system and fix DACA. I'm grateful to my colleague Erik Paulsen for his commitment to reforming our country's immigration laws in a way that secures the border, provides certainty and protections for young immigrants in the DACA program, and puts an end to the separation of children from their parents at the border,Curbelo said. In anticipation of immigration votes in the coming days, Erik and I are working intensely to build support for legislation that achieves these important goals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1984,House Clears Paulsen Opioid Legislation,2018-06-20,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington The House of Representatives last night approved H.R. 5775, the Providing Reliable Options for Patients and Educational Resources (PROPER) Act, bipartisan legislation authored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) that combats the opioid epidemic by educating seniors about alternative non-opioid pain management treatments and on the proper, safe disposal of prescription painkillers. The legislation was approved by unanimous bipartisan voice vote. Rep. Paulsen issued the following statement after its passage: Every day, 115 Americans die from opioid overdose,Paulsen said. And while seniors aren't typically thought of as an at-risk demographic, half a million seniors are regularly prescribed large doses of opioids and more than 90,000 are at high risk' of addiction. One of our best tools to combat the epidemic is education: informing Medicare beneficiaries about non-addictive alternatives to opioids, and on how to properly dispose of opioids when they're prescribed, said Paulsen. The legislation will help seniors better understand their options for pain management, and educate them on how best to safely dispose of their medications. It also instructs care providers to assess the whole patient' when delivering advice on pain management.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=172,Lewis pushes against misguided legislation—calls for real criminal justice reform,2018-06-15,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis pushes against misguided legislationcalls for real criminal justice reform f t # e Washington, June 15, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting no' on H.R. 2851, the Stop Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act, earlier today. While we all want to address the opioid problem facing our nation, this is misguided legislation. This bill does not address the underlying medical problems of the opioid epidemic and will only further hurt those facing addiction by doubling down on the status quo. Just as important, this bill cedes Congressional lawmaking authority to the Attorney General. So many of these drug offenses should be characterized as a medical issue and not just a criminal issue. Creating new mandatory sentencing, especially without criminal intent requirements, only further exacerbates the over-incarceration and over-criminalization problems at the federal level.That is why I have continually worked for criminal justice reform by introducing the Juvenile Justice Reform Act and the Safe Justice Act, and it is high time Congress gets these bills to the President's desk. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=173,Lewis fights for child care accountability,2018-06-15,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis fights for child care accountability f t # e Washington, June 15, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement regarding the joint letter he sent with Education and Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), urging HHS Secretary Azar to address the child care fraud scandals in Minnesota. It is imperative that we protect Minnesota families and others alike by ensuring proper oversight is in place on these federally-funding child care programs. The Department of Health and Human Services needs to be ready to address fraud in the program and prosecute any criminal activity to protect the health and safety of children and the families the programs are intended to serve and to ensure that tax payer dollars are not being improperly spent. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1980,Paulsen Urges Reversal of Policies Leading to Family Separation at the Border,2018-06-15,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement today on reports of families being separated at our borders: It's heartbreaking to hear about the situation along our border and the stories of children being removed from their moms and dads,said Congressman Paulsen. As the parent of four daughters, I cannot imagine the fear, trauma and confusion these children are going through after being separated from their parents. The United States should not forcibly break up families. That is just not what America is about. These families are seeking to come to the United States for a multitude of reasons, but fundamentally it is to build a better life than they left behind in their home countries. We have a responsibility to secure our borders and enforce our laws. But how we enforce those laws is a reflection of our values and who we are as a country. Tearing families apart should not be our policy and the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security should reverse this decision,Paulsen said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-winners-2018-congressional-art-competition,Emmer Announces Winners of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition,2018-06-13,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Otsego, MN Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) today announced the winners of the Congressional Art Competition for high school students living in Minnesota's Sixth District. Congratulations to this year's winner, Tyler, whose winning piece Ray of Color' will be displayed in the United States Capitol, as well as Esther and Shaelee, whose incredible artwork will be displayed inmy Washington andOtsego offices, said Congressman Emmer.Tyler's piece Ray of Color' stood out this year, but our judges always have a difficult time choosing a winner because Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District has so much talent. We are grateful to all of the Minnesotans who submitted their work and look forward to next year! Tyler Gfroerer, a senior at St. Michael Albertville High School, won first place for his colored pencil drawing entitled Ray of Color, named after Tyler's dog. Tyler is the son of Melissa and Matthew Gfroerer. His art teacher is Sara Henrickson. Ray of Color will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year, where it will be viewed daily by members of Congress, staff, and visitors. Esther Stoy, a senior at Blaine High School, won second place for her mixed media piece entitled Daddio, portraying Esther's father. Esther is the daughter of John and Suzanne Stoy. Her art teacher is Pat Undis. Esther was the first place winner of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition and the 3rd place winner of the 2017 Congressional Art Competition. Daddio will be displayed in Emmer's Washington D.C. office. Shaelee Peterman, a junior at Blaine High School, won third place for her acrylic painting entitled Old Friend Made Anew, portraying Shaelee's best friend's shoe. Shaelee is the daughter of Kelli and David Peterman. Her art teacher is Pat Undis. Shaelee's painting will be displayed in Emmer's Otsego office. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition for high school students across the United States. The winner from each district wins the chance to travel to Washington D.C. to visit with their Representative and see their artwork displayed in person. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmers-venture-exchange-bill-touted-markets-media,Emmer's Venture Exchange Bill Touted in Markets Media,2018-06-13,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"OPINION: Nothing Ventured, Nothing GainedBy Rob DalyJune 13, 2018 The House Financial Service's subcommittee on Capital Markets, Securities, and Investments is far from a subtle body. With its recent unanimous markup approval of the Main Street Growth Act, or H.R. 5877, it wants the US Securities and Exchange Commission to address venture exchanges. The bill layouts almost everything that needs to be done to establish venture exchanges and defining the securities that would trade on such entities. Unlike the JOBS Act with its tick-pilot provision, it is doubtful that the Main Street Growth Act will make it into law due to Congressional gridlock unless someone tacks the bill onto one of the must-pass appropriation bills. Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-R), the bill's author, must have known that since he included a Sense of Congress section that recommends that the SEC should start using its general exemptive relief authority granted to it under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as well as establish an Office of Venture Exchanges under its Division of Trading and Markets. The SEC knows that it must make a move regarding venture exchanges. Its Division of Trading and Markets held an industry roundtable on thinly traded stocks in April, where the participants floated the idea of one or more venture exchanges more than once. The problem the regulator faces is that there are too many unknown variables: Should there be more than one venture exchange? Should they use periodic auctions instead of continuous trading? Should over-the-counter trading of venture securities be banned? The bill is mum on how many venture exchanges it would like as well as on OTC trading, but it does mention the use of auctions. The one thing that is certain is that the current one-size-fits-all trading methodology is not working for the US cash equities market and has not worked for any other equities market around the globe, according to James Angel, a professor at the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University. Smaller companies need a market structure that provides suitable incentives for market participants to market their securities, he told Markets Media. The old Nasdaq did this with its wide spreads that were easily internalized by the dealers promoting the stocks. It is time for the SEC to screw its courage to the sticking place and move forward on establishing one or more venture exchanges. Until one is up and running, the regulator will not have any hard data to collect and analyze. It would be great if a venture-exchange pilot were successful right out to the gate without additional tweaks, but that is seldom the reality of experimentation. No matter what a pilot's outcome would be, the status quo is not a tenable long-term option. It is time to make a venture exchange a reality. -- Read full article onlinehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=171,Lewis advocates for Advisory Committee on Opioids in the Workplace,2018-06-13,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after his bipartisan bill, H.R. 5892, to establish an advisory committee on opioids and the workplace passed the House this afternoon. It's vital that my colleagues and I come together to address the opioid epidemic head-on, with purposeful legislation that combats the crisis from all anglesincluding in the workplace. I'm thankful to have worked across the aisle with Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-17) on this bill to help address the harmful effects of opioid abuse in the workplace and take proactive steps to see what actions employers can take to address affected employees. My bill is one of the important pieces of legislation the House advanced this week to help our communities address this crisis. Background: 70 percent of the almost 15 million Americans misusing drugs, including opioids, are currently employed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of overdose fatalities on the job has increased by at least 25 percent annually since 2012. In February of this year, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, and the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a joint hearing to examine how the epidemic is affecting workplaces and hear from business owners who have taken steps to address problems of substance abuse and addiction in the workplace. The U.S. Department of Labor could benefit greatly from more information about the solutions originating from the private sector to address the challenges of maintaining a healthy workforce in the face of the opioid epidemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=170,Lewis supports veterans and WOTUS repeal,2018-06-08,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis supports veterans and WOTUS repeal f t # e Washington, June 8, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which included the repeal of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, prioritizes Yucca Mountain as a solution for our spent nuclear fuel storage issues, and fully funds important Veteran Affairs (VA) services. After numerous attempts to repeal WOTUS for its bureaucratic micromanagement of even the smallest of streams, farm ditches and creek beds, I'm glad my colleagues could come together to relieve farmers and landowners alike in Minnesota and across the country. I'm also pleased that it takes steps to address nuclear fuel storage issues at Prairie Island by restarting the process to use Yucca Mountain as a solution. Finally, I'm proud to deliver full funding to the VA to support mental health programs, medical community care facilities, and address the egregious VA claims backlog. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1979,House-Passed Water Infrastructure Bill Includes Paulsen Measure on Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam,2018-06-07,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington The House of Representatives last night approved H.R. 8, the Water Resources Development Act, bipartisan legislation that authorizes investments into American ports, waterways, locks and dams. The legislation approved a measure introduced by Representatives Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) to expedite a study into alternative uses for the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. The lock has been closed to prevent the spread of Asian carp up the Mississippi River system. There is wide support in the community for re-purposing the site as a visitor center. Rep. Paulsen spoke on the House floor in support of the measure prior to Wednesday's vote. The amendment was adopted into the legislation by a unanimous voice vote. The broader legislation was approved with a 408-2 vote late last night. The Upper Lock, which is located in the heart of the Twin Cities and within a National Park is at the only major waterfall on the entire length of the Mississippi River,said Representative Paulsen. It presents a unique opportunity to transform the waterfront of the Twin Cities. The public interest here cannot be overstated, and there are several adopted plans for the area as a result by the City, the Park Board, the Downtown Council, local neighborhoods, and the Heritage Board, Paulsen continued. Local government actions reflect a readiness and commitment on the part of local government to engage. The Upper Lock disposition study should therefore move forward expeditiously. This amendment is an exciting milestone in allowing our community to reimagine the site at the St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam,said Representative Ellison. I look forward to seeing this site become a place for all Minnesotans to engage with the Mississippi River in new ways. A video of Rep. Paulsen's remarks on the House floor is available here. The full text of the Paulsen-Ellison Amendment can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=168,Lewis encourages local input in dredging-material management,2018-06-06,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after his amendment, attached to the Water Resources and Development Act of 2018 (WRDA), passed out of the House tonight urging the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to consider alternative dredged-material management plans. With the passage of WRDA we are continuing to deliver on our infrastructure promises. In addition to the aviation infrastructure funding we approved in April, this bill provides robust support for our waterways, ports, locks, dams, and other water infrastructure while retaining environmental protections and supporting ecosystem restoration that generates economic growth. I was also pleased my amendment was included in this bill. As someone whose family business was taken due to eminent domain, I know the importance of having local input in plans that would significantly affect communities. Just yesterday the city of Wabasha and the Corps signed an agreement to work on an alternative plan for dredged material that would spare a local family farm from destruction. My amendment will help ensure this plan is fully considered by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Background: The passage of this bill follows suit with a two year WRDA authorization cycle, well ahead of the end of 2018 and preserves the Congressional intent to readdress our water infrastructure next Congress. The bill addresses navigation, flood control, beach erosion control and shoreline protection, hydroelectric power, recreation, water supply, environmental protection, restoration, and fish and wildlife mitigation needs across the country.These functions are critical to maintaining the country's economic prosperity, national security, and environmental protection. Over the past year, the Drysdale family has been battling with the potential loss of their farm land to a 40 year Dredged Material Management Plan drafted by the Corps.Their farm and other parcels of land in the area would become a dredged-material dump zone through the use of eminent domain. The MOU signed yesterday by the Corps and the City of Wabasha describes a process by which the Corps can use existing authorities to collaborate with a non-federal entity in order to allow for greater flexibility of material placement. It is also environmentally friendly as it could allow the dredged material to be used in a manner that benefits society rather than taking up space on pristine farmland or along the shores of the Mississippi River.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=169,Lewis attends signing of VA MISSION Act at White House,2018-06-06,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after joining President Donald Trump at the White House this afternoon for the signing of S. 2372, the VA MISSION Act of 2018. With the signing of the VA MISSION Act today, I'm proud that we are making concrete steps to improve health care under the VA. Reforms made to the Veterans Choice program will increase veterans' medical access and flexibility to choose their own doctors and caregivers. Caregivers will also receive expanded benefits to properly compensate them for their selfless commitment to help our country's heroes. I'm proud to support the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country by fighting for better and more efficient care, and I'm glad we could get this done on the anniversary of D-Day. Background: The VA MISSION Act of 2018 is a bipartisan compromise aimed at modernizing the VA through various steps, including: Reforming and continuing funding for the Choice Program to ensure veterans can seek the medical care of their choosing, while also streamlining the program so veterans have more flexibility to seek medical care outside the VA system. Modernizing VA medical facilities to improve care for veterans by updating infrastructure and auditing the VA's assets. Creating equity between seriously injured pre-9/11 and post-9/11 veterans by allowing pre-9/11 caregivers to receive a monthly stipend and other support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=167,Lewis supports Wabasha dredging MOU,2018-06-05,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis supports Wabasha dredging MOU f t # e Washington, June 5, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement in regard to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed tonight by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the City of Wabasha, and the Wabasha Port Authority, establishing a partnership for a dredged material placement facility in Wabasha. I know first-hand how the eminent domain process can unfairly destroy a family business and I'm so pleased that the Drysdale's property rights are being respected.The MOU, signed by the City of Wabasha, the Corps, and Wabasha Port Authority, will help develop a plan that gives control of dredged materials to our local officials. This is a great start to ensuring that local residents have an opportunity to be heard in this important local matter. I look forward to advocating in support of this MOU in Washington. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1981,"Citing Tariffs, Lawmakers Express Concern Over Consumer Technology Prices",2018-06-01,2018,2018-06,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Congressmen Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) are leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week to voice concerns over the impact of proposed tariffs on consumer electronic prices paid by U.S. consumers. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the lawmakers cite their concerns that the Administration's tariff proposal would hike prices on a range of consumer technology products. The letter was signed by 34 members of both parties. It has been widely reported that actual or potential tariffs are already causing pain for U.S. agricultural exports, including pork, soybeans, corn and beef. Furthermore, we are equally worried that the imposition of these tariffs on everyday consumer products would amount to a de facto tax increase that disproportionately affects middle class and low-income American consumers,the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers cited specific products that may cost more for U.S. consumers as a result of the tariffs. According to a recent study done for the Consumer Technology Association and the National Retail Federation, increasing current U.S. tariffs on televisions by 25% would cost U.S. consumers $711 million in the first year alone; for ink and cartridges, U.S. consumers would pay an additional $529 million; and costs would also significantly increase for U.S. consumers of computer monitors (by $172 million) and batteries (by $24 million). We believe you have many tools at your disposal to achieve our shared objections. In particular, we urge you to work as closely as possible with our allies who share our concerns about China's unfair trade practices, and have begun to address these practices more directly thanks to U.S. leadership. We should avoid creating disincentives for our allies to join us in taking strong action, which higher tariffs could do. The most effective approach is for the international, not the United States alone, to stand up to China's unfair trade practices,the lawmakers concluded. A signed copy of theletter is available here. The full text is available below. May 30, 2018 The Honorable Robert E. Lighthizer United States Trade Representative Office of the United States Trade Representative 600 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20508 Dear Ambassador Lighthizer: We appreciate your commitment to addressing unfair trade practices by the Government of China, however we urge you to do everything possible to address these problems without closing markets, imposing tariffs, or enacting other government regulations that, might harm large numbers of U.S. workers, consumers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers. It is clear that China's policies regarding intellectual property and forced technology transfers have been a source of grave concern for many years, and it is time for a strong response from the United States. The challenge, of course, is how best to engage with China in order to secure desired changes in the policies. We do not believe that the current cycle of threatened tariffs between the United States and China will secure optimal results, and are concerned that there will be significant unintended adverse consequences to the United States. Indeed, even themere threat of tariffs can diminish U.S. economic growth, competitiveness, and exports. We appreciated your March 21st comments before the House Ways & Means Committee assuring that the Administration's approach under Section 301 would be to maximize the pain on China and minimize the pain on U.S. consumers. However, we are already hearing from our constituents that they could be facing higher costs, reduced production, disruptions in supply chains and lost sales. It has been widely reported that actual or potential increased tariffs are already causing pain for U.S. agricultural exports, includingpork, soybeans, corn and beef. Furthermore, we are equally worried that the imposition of these tariffs on everyday consumer products wound amount to a de facto tax increase that disproportionately affects middle class and low-income American consumers. According to a recent study done for the Consumer Technology Association and the National Retail Federation, increasing current U.S. tariffs on televisions by 25% would cost U.S. consumers $711 million in the first year alone; for ink and cartridges, U.S. consumers would pay an additional $529 million; and costs would also significantly increase for U.S. consumers of computer monitors (by $172 million) and batteries (by $24 million). We believe you have many tools at your disposal to achieve our shared objectives. In particular, we urge you to workas closely as possible with our allies who share our concerns about China's unfair trade practices, and have begun to address these practices more directly thanks to US leadership. We should avoid creating disincentives for our allies to join us in taking strong action, which higher tariffs could do. The most effective approach is for the international community, and not the United States alone, to stand up to China's unfair trade practices. Sincerely, _____________________ _____________________ Erik Paulsen Suzan DelBene Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Barbara Comstock David Schweikert Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ ____________________ Mike Bishop Lynn Jenkins, CPA Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Darin LaHood Tom Emmer Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Andy Biggs Ryan A. Costello Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Mike Coffman Rod Blum Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Anna G. Eshoo Dave Reichert Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Jackie Walorski Mimi Walters Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Adrian Smith Ann Wagner Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Roger W. Marshall, M.D. Karen Handel Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Derek Kilmer Vern Buchanan Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Gregory W. Meeks James A. Himes Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Scott Peters Carlos Curbelo Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Ron Kind Peter J. Roskam Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Cathy McMorris Rodgers Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ _____________________ Ron Estes Ami Bera Member of Congress Member of Congress _____________________ ____________________ Leonard Lance Fred Upton Member of Congress Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-recognizes-military-academy-appointees,Emmer Recognizes Military Academy Appointees,2018-05-31,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Otsego, MN Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) congratulated the Military Academy appointees nominated by his office. Chloe Foster (Forest Lake), has been selected to attend the United States Military Academy-West Point; Riley Keck (Forest Lake) has been selected to attend the United States Military Academy-West Point; Adam Nygaard (Big Lake) has been selected to attend the United States Naval Academy; and Audrey Gadison (Blaine), has been selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy. I am ecstatic that Chloe, Riley, Adam, and Audrey will be representing Minnesota's Sixth District at our United States Military Academies, said Congressman Emmer. These young Minnesotans have worked hard to earn this great honor and I wish them continued success as they take their next steps! (From left to right, Adam Nygaard, Chloe Foster, Congressman Emmer. Not pictured: Audrey Gadison, Riley Keck) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/secretary-zinke-announces-19-new-national-recreation-trails-17-states,Secretary Zinke Announces 19 New National Recreation Trails in 17 States,2018-05-30,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Courtesy of U.S. Department of the Interior) WASHINGTON - Continuing his work to expand recreational opportunities on public lands, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today designated 19 national recreation trails in 17 states, adding more than 370 miles to the national recreation trails system of more than 1,000 trails in all 50 states. By designating these new national trails, we acknowledge the efforts of local communities to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed by everyone, said Secretary Zinke. Our network of national trails provides easily accessible places to exercise and connect with nature in both urban and rural areas while boosting tourism and supporting economic opportunities across the country. On Saturday, June 2, hundreds of organized activities are planned as part of American Hiking Society's National Trails Day, including hikes, educational programs, bike rides, trail rehabilitation projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications. Trails of the National Recreation Trails system range from less than a mile to 485 miles in length and have been designated on federal, state, municipal and privately owned lands. The network of national recreation trails offers expansive opportunities for Americans to explore the great outdoors, said National Park Service Deputy Director Dan Smith. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System, I hope everyone will take advantage of a nearby national trail to hike or bike. While national scenic trails and national historic trails may only be designated by an act of Congress, national recreation trails may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture in response to an application from the trail's managing agency or organization. The National Recreation Trails Program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of Federal and not-for-profit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the National Recreation Trails website. Secretary Zinke designated the following trails this year as national recreation trails: CALIFORNIA Mt. Umunhum Trail The Mt. Umunhum Trail offers 3.7 miles of moderate terrain to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians as it passes through chaparral, pine and oak woodlands, over the headwaters of Guadalupe Creek, and climbs to one of the few publicly accessible peaks in the Bay Area. Views reveal the valley below, ridgelines, and nearby peaks. The trail emerges near the rocky summit where rare plants, lizards, birds, butterflies, and 360-degree vistas can be seen. FLORIDA Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Trail System In the City of Jacksonville's Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 20.85 miles of hiking and biking trails provide a variety of experiences for all skill levels: from easy hiking and biking on the 1.1-mile Service Road, to hiking the 6.0-mile Wellness Trail, to biking the very difficult 3.9-mile off-road Z-Trail. The trail system provides access to the shoreline, the extensive dune system, and maritime hammocks. KANSAS Fort Larned Historic Nature Trail On the grounds of Fort Larned National Historic Site, this 1.1-mile loop trail highlights history and nature. Fort Larned is located on the historic Santa Fe Trail and on the Central Flyway, a major bird migration corridor. There are fifteen stops along the trail corresponding to detailed information in the trail guide. A variety of habitats provide opportunities to view numerous species of birds. MASSACHUSETTS Fort River Birding and Nature Trail Designed and constructed through the teamwork of multiple youth, community, and Refuge partners, the 1.1-mile Fort River Birding and Nature Trail is located in Hadley at the Fort River Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. The trail is universally accessible and functions as an outdoor visitor center, connecting people to nature by immersing them in diverse habitats from grasslands, riparian areas, and upland forests. MICHIGAN Iron Ore Heritage Trail The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, multi-use, year-round trail that connects the sites and stories of the Marquette Iron Range, a significant historical area where iron mines operated to serve the country during the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, World War I, and World War II. The rail-trail connects Marquette to Republic in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. North Western State Trail The 32 miles of the North Western State Trail connect the resort communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Alanson, Pellston, and Mackinaw City in northern Michigan. Most of the universally accessible trail is located on the former Grand Rapids and Indiana line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It is open year round to non-motorized users and to snowmobilers in winter. MINNESOTA Cannon Valley Trail Paralleling the Cannon River, this 19.7-mile trail runs through diverse and spectacular scenery on a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line connecting the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing in southeastern Minnesota. The trail is open in all seasons for bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing. MISSOURI Wilson's Creek Greenway The 5-mile Wilson's Creek Greenway is the newest extension of a growing urban trail network in Springfield that is powered by a long list of diverse partners. The trail is a vital connection between neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and shopping areas; it plays a role in boosting social interaction, community pride, and mental health. People of all ages and abilities can access the woods and pastureland of the Ozarks for active transportation, bicycling, walking, running, skating, and wheelchair use. MONTANA River's Edge Trail The 53 miles of the River's Edge Trail in Great Falls is the perfect venue for biking, jogging, inline skating, running, and walking. Nineteen miles of fully accessible paved urban trails link many local parks and attractions along both sides of the scenic Missouri River. Connecting to the urban trails are over thirty miles of natural trails on the South Shore and North Shore for the best mountain biking and hiking in the region. NEW MEXICO Climax Canyon Nature Trail This easy to moderate 3-mile, figure 8 loop trail overlooking downtown Raton is named after the now abandoned Climax Mine. Schools use the trail as a field trip location to teach students about ecology, biology, geology, and natural science. With its historic significance and fantastic views of mountains, mesas, and New Mexico's high plains, the trail is one of Raton's outdoor recreation treasures. NEW MEXICO AND TEXAS Guadalupe Ridge Trail Starting in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 100 miles of trail traverses the rocky peaks of the highest point in Texas (Guadalupe Peak), Chihuahuan Desert terrain, mixed coniferous forests, riparian woodlands, and rocky canyons. The trail continues through the landscapes of the Lincoln National Forest. An optional loop includes Last Chance Canyon and the desert oasis of Sitting Bull Falls. The trail then crosses Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bureau of Land Management property, with stunning views of the rugged Guadalupe Ridge. The trail ends in White's City, New Mexico. The trail in places can include use by equestrian and stock, motorized vehicles, and bikes. NEW YORK Martin Van Buren Nature Trails This 3.7-mile system of trails is on 70 acres of land across from the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. The trails are ideal for hiking, walking, families, dog walkers, environmental education, and youth activities. Features include meadow, stream, marsh, forest, farm, rolling hills, and historic right of way. PENNSYLVANIA Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail Named for a local conservationist, the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail is a 3.1-mile urban rail-trail on the east end of the City of Johnstown. The trail offers views of the Stonycreek River, abundant bird-life and wildflowers, picturesque Buttermilk Falls, and serenity within an urban setting. As part of the local vision to make recreational trail use more accessible in the Greater Johnstown area, the trail provides opportunities for wellness, enhanced recreational experiences, and connections to other trail systems. SOUTH DAKOTA Blackberry Trail The Blackberry Trail is located entirely within Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This one-mile gravel trail connects with the Centennial Trail in the Black Elk Wilderness, a part of the Black Hills National Forest. Mainly used by equestrians as a spur trail to access Mount Rushmore, visitors have the opportunity to ride or hike in solitude, enjoying the trees, birds, and geology. TENNESSEE Bays Mountain Park Trail System Rising above the City of Kingsport, Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium features roughly 40 miles of trails suitable for all levels of hiking and mountain biking expertise. From scenic, fun, single-track trails to old service roads leading to the ridgetop fire tower, 31 named trails provide a great escape to the natural world. TEXAS Salado Creek Greenway The Salado Creek Greenway is a 15-mile scenic multi-use trail along Salado Creek within the northern part of the City of San Antonio. It has brought together people from all walks of life to share in health, recreation, wellness, and community. The trail connects the natural environment with the people who live near it and enhances the quality of recreation for the surrounding neighborhoods. UTAH Corona Arch This trail on Bureau of Land Management land leads to Corona Arch's impressive 140 by 105-foot opening and the adjacent Bow Tie Arch. Approximately 14 driving miles from Moab, the 3 miles roundtriptrail provides visitors with striking views of the Colorado River and a large slickrock canyon. VERMONT Wright's Mountain Trails This 7.2-mile network of paths and old logging roads provides recreational access to the forest land and wildlife habitat of Wright's Mountain, Bradford's highest peak. At the summit visitors enjoy a wonderful view in all seasons of the Waits River Valley. The pedestrian trails were constructed and are maintained by volunteers. VIRGINIA Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail is a 15.7-mile converted rails-to-trail located in King George County. The beautiful corridor with its continuous gravel and stone dust surface serves walkers, runners, and bikers. The trail is an official part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Each of the newly designated trails will receive a certificate of designation, a set of trail markers, and a letter of congratulations recognition from Secretary Zinke. Bringing these trails into the National Recreation Trails system will increase Montanans' access to their public lands, said Congressman Greg Gianforte. I appreciate Secretary Zinke's recognition of River's Edge Trail, which connects Great Falls with some of the best mountain biking and hiking through nearly 60 miles of trails. The collaborative effort among the city of Great Falls, Cascade County, state agencies, Northwestern Energy, and others made this important designation possible. The Blackberry Trail is an example of what a dedicated community can do to expand access to the Black Hills' incredible landscapes, said CongresswomanKristi Noem. Especially after the recent rehabilitation efforts, I am thrilled Secretary Zinke and the Trump administration have designated it as a National Recreation Trail. The designation of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail as a National Recreation Trail will provide hikers and recreationalists the opportunity to see some of the most picturesque landscapes in New Mexico, said Congressman Steve Pearce. The trail itself will run 100 miles from Guadalupe Peak through the Lincoln National Forest and ends at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Increasing access to our public lands is absolutely essential and something that I will continue to push for. I am happy to have helped work with local communities to make this come to fruition and applaud all those involved for their hard work. An avid outdoorsman, I often take advantage of the parks and trails in East Tennessee, said Congressman Phil Roe. In addition to being a great place for East Tennesseans to spend time outdoors, our beautiful lands also help the local economy. I know these new trails will benefit Kingsport, and I thank Secretary Zinke for expanding recreational opportunities in the First District. The great state of Minnesota is home to an incredibly vast landscape of naturecountless lakes, trails, rivers and native trees and forests define the Land of 10,000 Lakes, said Congressman Tom Emmer. Thanks to Secretary Zinke, whose designation of the beautiful Cannon Valley Trail as a national recreation trail is great news for all Minnesotans who appreciate this attraction year-round, sunshine or snow for everything from hiking to cross-country skiing. As hundreds of thousands of Americans participate in American Hiking Society's National Trails Day on June 2 and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Trails System Act all year, we applaud the opening of nineteen new recreational trails, said American Hiking Society Executive Director Kathryn Van Waes. Trails are an essential part of the fabric of our country and provide access to our public lands for all kinds of recreational users, from hunters and anglers to hikers and snow-shoers. Millions of Americans utilize our National Trails System to enjoy the great outdoors and understand our nation's heritage, said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President & CEO, The Corps Network. Whether it's hiking, biking, camping, hunting, or fishing - trails also provide access to our nations most treasured landscapes and recreation opportunities. The nations 130 Conservation Corps and 24,000 Corpsmembers are proud to help construct and maintain our National Trails System and we applaud Secretary Zinke's commitment to expanding trails and access to recreation opportunities in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act. Congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Act, said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors. Trails are exceedingly important to tourism and recreation in America's State Parks, and we continue to grow the trail systems in response to the many types of users. Outdoor recreation opportunities include not only hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, but also a place for snowmobilers and OHRVs. Waterway trails are also an integral part of the outdoor recreation experience. Whether it is biking the most difficult terrain or taking a leisurely hike along a natural path, the trails provide healthy activities everyone can participate in and enjoy. The National Trails Act led the way for the majority of the states to enact support for trails such as Tennessee, among one of the first in April of 1971 to enact their State Scenic Trails Act. National and state designations highlight the unique significance trails offer in this most popular of outdoor recreation activities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=166,Lewis: Families finally have the ‘right to try’,2018-05-30,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lewis: Families finally have the right to try' f t # e Washington, May 30, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the Right to Try Act in to law today. Successfully passing this legislation and having it signed by the President means giving loved ones, friends, and family across the nation a chance to fight for their lives. Right to Try gives terminally-ill patients the ability to use all available resources, including new drugs that have passed preliminary FDA safety tests, to treat their diseases. I'm proud to help give families hope when hope was seemingly lost. Background: The Right to Try Act was originally introduced in the House on February 7, 2017 to give patients a chance to receive treatments that haven't yet completed the years-long FDA approval process. Rep. Lewis was an original cosponsor. These drugs have passed safety tests and offer benefits that outweigh the risks for the terminally ill. Right to Try is law in 38 states, including Minnesota, and this bill would make sure that the FDA respects state law while maintaining safeguards, such as physician certification. The House passed the Senate version of the bill, and President Trump signed it into law on May 30th, 2018. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-fox-news-emmer-calls-president-forest-service-end-redundant-study,"ICYMI: On Fox News, Emmer calls on President, Forest Service to end redundant study and save thousands of Minnesota jobs",2018-05-29,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) joined Fox News Channel's Fox @ Night to discussmining in Minnesota and the need to reverse the last minute actions by the Obama administration to stop exploration of some of the most valuable precious metal deposits in the world. Congressman Emmer said [in part]: What happened under the Obama Administration, the day President Obama was leaving they tried to kill two potential leases for mining opportunities in Northern Minnesota. They started a study to withdraw 234,000 acres from any future exploration or potential development. This would be huge in Minnesota because you are talking 5,000 potential mining jobs, not to mention the 12,000 construction jobs that you would have if someone actually proposed a mine on one of these two leases. Now, thanks to President Trump and his administration, the Department of the Interior has announced they are renewing the two leases that President Obama tried to kill. We still have the study that is ongoing with the Forest Service that the President needs to end. That study has been going on for 17 months. It needs to be done so that they can get to the business of exploring whether or not the great people of Minnesota can mine the largest copper nickel deposit in the world. What the President has done with his administration is revitalize the opportunity for mining in Northern Minnesota. Now, we have to follow through. They have to end the study, get the leases finalized, and grow not only wealth but protect our precious minerals. If we have to go get them somewhere else, this is a national security threat. The President has done amazing things so far, they just have to close the loop on this. We have to make sure not only are the leases renewed but the study is ended so we can get on with the business of exploration and hopefully someday, development. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-watch-house-agriculture-committee-features-rep-emmer,ICYMI: WATCH: House Agriculture Committee Features Rep. Emmer on #FARMBILLFRIDAY Video Series,2018-05-25,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-6) underscores the impact depressed commodity prices and drops in net farm income have had on the lives of farmers and ranchers across the country. The STRESS Act, a measure he introduced, is included in the 2018 Farm Bill and will help address the mental and emotional strains of farming against the backdrop of today's down farm economy. Rep. Emmer said [in part]: This isn't just an occupation, it's a way of life. Right now farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers across the country are looking to Congress for a strong farm bill. Because life on the farm isn't what it used to be. Today, farmers are suffering some of the worst rates of suicide in the nation. Stress to make ends meet, social isolation, downturn of the market, low farm income, regulatory strains, and lack of treatment options all make it hard for farmers to get the help they need. That is why I introduced legislation to boost resources specifically for farmer's mental health. With the support of Chairman Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to report help is on the way. Our farmers who feed the world are feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. It's time we get them the help and care they deserve. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-attends-white-house-signing-ceremony,Emmer Attends White House Signing Ceremony,2018-05-24,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) attended the White House Signing Ceremony for S. 2155 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. Congressman Emmer looked on as the President signed the bill, which includes Emmer's Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act (HMDAA), into law. The President said, in part: I'm going to read a few names because these people worked hard. This is all about the Dodd-Frank disaster. And they fixed it, or at least have gone a long way toward fixing it... Jim Banks, Andy Barr, Kevin Cramer, Sean Duffy, Tom Emmer... Today's legislation is the next step in America's unprecedented economic comeback... So I'll be signing now a very, very important bill from the standpoint of people, and jobs, and loans, and getting out there and building a business. And it's a tremendous honor to be with all of you folks today. And thank you for the great job. Thank you for this incredible amount of work. I know how hard this one was... Emmer (center back) looks on as the President signs S.2155 into law. Disclaimer Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead This photograph is provided by THE WHITE HOUSE as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be reproduced, disseminated or broadcast, without the written permission of the White House Photo Office. This photograph may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://paulsen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=22&itemid=1977,Town Hall Signup Information,2018-05-24,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Erik Paulsen,P000594,paulsen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thank you for your interest in joining Congressman Paulsen for a town hall meeting. We're still finalizing details, but you can use the links below to register in advance. Paulsen Town Hall in Hamel Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 10 a.m. Constituent RSVP Here Paulsen Town Hall in Chanhassen Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 1:30 p.m. Constituent RSVP Here Paulsen Town Hall in Brooklyn Park Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 6:30 p.m. Constituent RSVP Here",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jasonlewis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=163,Lewis continues to push for DoD efficiencies,2018-05-23,2018,2018-05,Republican,House,MN,Jason Lewis,L000587,jasonlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement in regards to the six amendments he cosponsored or submitted to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 in the name of promoting more transparency and accountability at the Department of Defense (DoD). At a time when our national debt is over $21 trillion, Americans are questioning whether Washington is serious about reducing government spending. But genuine shared sacrifice means every program and every department deserves fiscal scrutiny. Though we must provide the additional resources our troops need to protect us, the $700 billion Pentagon budget also needs reform. That's why it's crucial that we work toward full auditability of the Department of Defense and why I introduced the Defense Spending Accountability Act last year. It is also why I have worked on six bipartisan amendments to the FY19 NDAA to increase oversight, transparency, and accountability at the DoD, including leading an amendment to ensure that we authorize DoD programs before we appropriate money to thema neglected protocol that was exploited during the last omnibus when Congress appropriated billions of dollars to numerous unauthorized programs. Since coming to Congress, I've promoted acrossthe boardspending restraintand I will continue to push forDoDfiscal responsibility. Background: The following are the six amendments Congressman Lewis cosponsored or submitted to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019. 1) Requires a report ranking all military departments and Defense Agencies in order of how advanced they are in achieving auditable financial statements as required by law. The DoD is still the only department in the federal government that is not auditable, even though it has been required in law for decades. Cosponsors: Lee, Barbara (CA), Lance (NJ), DeFazio (OR), Jones (NC), Welch (VT), Schakowsky (IL) 2) Reduces the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) by $9,000,000,000. The FY18 Budget Resolution set OCO spending to decrease to $60 billion in FY19. Unfortunately, the FY19 NDAA has OCO at $69 billion. The amendment simply brining OCO spending in line with FY18 Budget Resolution. Cosponsors: Welch (VT), Jones (NC) 3) Instructs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress a report on how funds authorized for overseas contingency operations were ultimately spent. Far too often, OCO expenditures are inherently unaccountable and this amendment will bring needed oversight to how these dollars are being used.Cosponsors:Norman (SC), Welch (VT), Jones (NC) 4) Ensures no later than 90 days after enactment, the Secretary of the Air Force shall publicly disclose the total dollar amount of any B-21 contracts. This amendment will bring needed transparency to a projected that is estimated to cost $42 billion. Cosponsors: Blumenauer (OR), Lee, Barbara (CA), Schweikert (AZ) 5) When selling defense systems to foreign partners, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) is tasked with recouping some of the costs of developing a system in addition to the cost of the actual items. This defrays the cost of research and development for American taxpayers. The amendment Increases transparency and accountability for cost waivers issued by DSCA. In recent years DSCA approved 192 waivers worth $8.78 billion to countries in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia and Quarter. DSCA approved of 99% waivers and a recent GAO report estimated the waivers amounted to $16 billion in costs not recouped by the federal government from FY2012- FY2017. Cosponsors: Raskin (MD), Duncan (TN) 6) Requires that all procurement and R&D programs that were not requested in the President's Budget Request be fully authorized in the NDAA before funds can be appropriated on them. Far too often Congress appropriates money without reauthorizing the program. This is an irresponsible way to legislate and it leads to waste.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z