url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-winner-of-2021-congressional-app-challenge,Emmer Announces Winner of 2021 Congressional App Challenge,2021-12-31,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced his selection of the app Depression Revolution as winner of the Congressional App Challenge. The app was developed by Aryssa Trotter, a seventh-grader at Central Middle School in Norwood Young America.

Depression Revolution is designed to connect Minnesotans suffering from mental illness with resources to help.

“Today’s students are learning in a world of rapidly-developing technology. For our next generation of innovators, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills are more important than ever,” said Emmer.

“The promise shown by the young coders and developers of Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District is impressive.” Emmer continued, “I am encouraged to see young people recognize the potential of technology to combat our nation’s mental health crisis.”

Depression Revolution will be displayed in the United States Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website, House.gov. Aryssa has also earned an invitation to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.

Background:

The Congressional App Challenge is an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the most prestigious prize in student computer science. Members of Congress can host district-wide contests for students in middle school and high school.

The Challenge accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc). To learn more about the competition, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/2021-year-end-wrap-up,2021 Year End Wrap-up,2021-12-27,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This year, my office introduced nearly thirty bills and dozens of letters ranging from the hyper-local to the national. Some of the highlights include:

A letter signed by more than 200 of my colleagues opposing efforts to spy on American’s bank accounts.

Legislation to fix our broken budget process and prevent future government shutdowns

A bill to set clear and consistent regulations for crypto investors.

An amendment requiring an Inspector General’s oversight in the distribution of $35 million in American Rescue Plan funding A letter urging Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in support of the Minnesota Air National Guard’s C-130 fleet. This effort led to the continuation of the 133rd Airlift Wing’s mission in Minnesota.

A bill to make the St. Cloud Police Department’s hugely successful COP House program nationwide.

In addition to curbing reckless government spending, it is my goal to ensure as much taxpayer money as possible is allocated to projects in the Sixth District. My office also brings money back to the district through casework, which can help secure federal benefits or tax returns owed to constituents.

Some highlights of my work to bring money back to CD6 include:

$3.7 million in funding for the St. Cloud airport

More than $245,000 in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to build a new park in St. Francis.

$19,022 in disability compensation for a veteran family from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

$51,000 in owed Social Security disability payments for a constituent who had been waiting for months.

Some of my office’s most direct work to support Sixth District constituents is through our casework services. My dedicated casework team assists constituents in navigating their Veterans Administration and Social Security benefits, immigration concerns, tax issues and more. You can read more about their work and get help here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/a-christmas-message,A Christmas Message,2021-12-24,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This has been a difficult year, and unfortunately, the holiday season has been no exception. Every part of celebrating has become more complicated, from heating our homes to having presents under the tree.

Families are on track to pay $3,500 more for essentials just to keep pace with rising prices. That doesn’t leave much wiggle room in household budgets for those extra expenses that pop up around the holidays, like gifts (wholesale prices are the highest on record), or a nicer cut of meat for Christmas dinner (beef prices are up 20% from last year alone). Even holiday traditions that many of us take for granted, like having a Christmas tree, have been thrown into flux by supply chain issues.

All these factors make for a more stressful holiday season, especially for parents trying to provide a memorable Christmas for their families. It’s during times like these—when finding that holiday spirit seems a little more difficult—that I’m reminded that Christmas should be a time of renewed faith in our family and community.

After all, the holiday began with one divine gift: the idea that the Holy Spirit could be present with us here on Earth. It’s present in our everyday acts of kindness and charity. I’m so grateful for the men and women who have brought this spirit to life here in the Sixth District.

Once you notice them, it’s hard to stop. Flipping through our local papers this week, I’ve read about Agape Warriors Ministry, who will be serving 1,000 Christmas dinners at the east side VFW Post 4847 and delivering meals to groups like Quiet Oaks Hospice House. I have seen the success of Place of Hope, which this year increased its shelter capacity for those experiencing homelessness by 40-60%. I am inspired by the work of young people like St. Cloud Technical & Community College Leadership Club, who led a donation drive for the women and children who have found safety at Anna Marie’s Alliance.

It’s affirming to see our community standing together to lend support to our neighbors in these difficult times. I’m hopeful that our nation will be able to correct the course on the difficulties we face. Until then, we can be proud that the spirit of the season is alive here at home.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-forest-service-do-not-cut-permits-entry-boundary-waters-canoe-area,Stauber to Forest Service: Do Not Cut Permits for Entry to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area,2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Upon learning that the Superior National Forest intends to make significant cuts to quotas for entry to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) penned a letter to the United States Forest Service demanding that they not cut permits citing the negative economic repercussions that this decision could have on the surrounding communities.

Of this decision, Stauber stated, ""Following a record-breaking year, I am incredibly disappointed to learn that the Forest Service plans to cut permits for entry to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, especially since they did not consult those who would be most impacted in this decision: the residents of northeast Minnesota. Cutting permits could deprive up to 40,000 individuals from enjoying America's most visited wilderness, meaning that there will be fewer tanks of gas purchased in our gas stations, fewer lodging reservations, and less patronage of our restaurants. This is the last decision that should be made as my constituents continue to struggle with the impacts of the Biden Administration's inflation crisis. Many residents of Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District have built their livelihoods around the Boundary Waters, so the Forest Service must reconsider this incredibly harmful decision.""

Read Stauber's letter, HERE.

Estimates from news reports and conversations with constituent stakeholders estimate a net loss of around 32 permits per day.

Stretched out across a five-month season for most cooperators, that amounts to roughly 4,800 permits per year. Permits can cover groups ranging from one person to parties of nine, meaning that cutting these permits could prohibit up to 40,000 from visiting the Boundary Waters.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-emmer-introduces-legislation-to-rename-the-avon-post-office-in-honor-of-minnesota-national-guardsman-kort-m-plantenberg,Congressman Emmer Introduces Legislation to Rename the Avon Post Office in Honor of Minnesota National Guardsman Kort M. Plantenberg,2021-12-05,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On the second anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of three Minnesota National Guardsmen, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced he will be introducing legislation to rename the Avon post office in honor of Army National Guard Warrant Officer Candidate Kort M. Plantenberg.

Representatives Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Dean Phillips (MN-03), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) will be cosponsoring this legislation.

“Kort embodied the very best of Minnesota” Emmer said. “I am proud to honor his legacy by creating a living memorial to him in the community he called home.”

Left: Plantenberg in Kuwait, 2018 Right: Congressman Emmer honors the National Guardsmen, December 9, 2019

Warrant Officer Candidate Plantenberg enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 2016 as an aircraft electrician and served a nine-month deployment in Kuwait, where his unit provided aerial medical evacuation. Following his deployment, Plantenberg was hired as a federal technician UH60 mechanic at Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in St. Cloud.

Kort tragically lost his life alongside fellow Guardsman, Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers Jr. and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles P. Nord when their helicopter experienced a mid-flight mechanical failure near St. Cloud. Plantenberg was born in St. Cloud in 1991 and raised in Avon. He was a graduate of Albany Area High School and the University of Minnesota –Duluth.

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) will be introducing legislation to rename post offices in honor of Rogers and Nord, both from the Seventh Congressional District.

“When people enter military service, it’s as if they gained another family,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke of the Minnesota National Guard. “Two years ago, the Minnesota National Guard lost three of its family members and together, with their families, we have mourned their loss. We realize no words can help ease the loss of Warrant Officer Candidate Plantenberg , but we hope the family finds some comfort with the renaming of the post office to help preserve Kort's legacy.”

In 2019, Congressman Emmer joined colleagues from the Minnesota delegation to memorialize the fallen National Guardsman on the House floor. Watch here.

Read the bill here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-michelle-fischbach-honors-fallen-mn-guardsmen,Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Honors Fallen MN Guardsmen,2021-12-05,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On December 5, 2019, three Minnesota National Guardsmen were tragically killed when their UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter experienced engine failure during their flight. In honor of their memory, Representatives Michelle Fischbach and Tom Emmer are proposing legislation to rename local post offices in their honor.

“Today marks the two year anniversary of the tragic UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crash that killed two of the 7th District’s own, Charles P. Nord, James A. Rogers Jr., and their fellow brother in arms, Kort M. Plantenberg. This week, along with Congressman Emmer, I will be proposing bills to rename post offices in their honor,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, “This is a humbling day. These young men were taken far too soon, and every little bit we can do as a country to remember them and thank them, though it will never be enough, has value.”

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles P. Nord was working on building a home in Perham with his wife Kaley, their daughter Lydia, and their unborn son Jack Charles. Shortly after graduating high school in 2007, he enlisted in the MN National Guard. He was selected to Warrant Officer training to qualify for helicopter flight school at Fort Rucker, AL, where he graduated with high honors. Nord and his family moved back to Minnesota where Charles found his calling as a medevac helicopter pilot. In addition to rising to Chief Warrant Officer 2, he was a crop sprayer at Bond Helicopter Service of Perham. He often said he landed his dream job. Friends and family remember him by his quick-witted humor, his ability to brighten anyone’s day, and his incredible love for his family and friends.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Rogers, Jr. was an outgoing, charismatic young man. He attended Saint James High School and graduated from Saint Cloud State. He joined the MN National Guard in 2009 and went on to complete flight school training in Fort Rucker, AL. Throughout his time in the Guard, he was awarded several medals and ribbons including Army Achievement Medal and the Air Medal. Rogers had big plans. He wanted to go back to flight school to add fixed wing commercial aircraft to his skillset before going on to earn an MBA or Law degree. He had a large extended family, and loved spending time with them and his friends. Loved ones say he could always be counted on for a practical joke or a kind word just when you needed it most.

Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach’s congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/a-message-of-thanks,A Message of Thanks,2021-11-24,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"In my family, as I’m sure in many of yours, Thanksgiving carries with it a number of traditions year after year. The same prayer before the same meal, the same jokes and the same stories told for decades. The traditions, like the people, are part of what makes Thanksgiving special.

Over time, though, new faces have been added around the table. My wife, Jacquie, and I have welcomed seven wonderful children to liven up the Thanksgiving holiday over the years. One by one, they have started to bring their significant others with them to dinner. This year, there will be four generations of Emmer’s together at our Thanksgiving table. I couldn’t be more grateful.

Despite the joys of gathering, this year has not been without its stresses. As American families sit down to their most expensive Thanksgiving dinner ever, rising costs across the board will stretch paychecks and make the holidays more challenging for everyone. Regardless, we still have so many reasons to be thankful. Rebounding from the unprecedented challenges brought on by COVID and drought conditions, Minnesota’s farmers and ranchers continued to provide food and ensure our shelves are stocked. Our truck drivers and freight operators are working around the clock to keep us connected and our economy moving. And in every community, small businesses remain the pillar of growth and opportunity that reminds us of life before the pandemic and keep us optimistic for what lies ahead.

We must also never forget the sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform, who are the reason we are able to enjoy such a holiday. For all the old and new faces around the dinner table, there are over 1.4 million active-duty Americans who might not be able to share this holiday with their family. My sons Joe and Bill are currently serving in the Navy and Marine Corps, and Jacquie and I could not be prouder of the sacrifices they, like so many others, have chosen to make.

So, as we gather with family and friends, welcome new faces and tell old stories, please take a moment to thank our fellow Minnesotans who have kept our shelves stocked, our plates full and our country free. Everything we have, we owe to one another.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/11/rep-fischbach-introduces-the-promoting-ties-with-taiwan-act,Rep. Fischbach Introduces the Promoting Ties with Taiwan Act,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) introduced the Promoting Ties with Taiwan Act, a bipartisan bill that will encourage growth of relations between Taiwan and new international partners. The bill would require the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to help Taiwan foster new bonds of friendship and trading connections around the world to prevent Taiwan’s isolation.

“Taiwan is a valued friend and an important trading partner for the United States. I’m proud to propose concrete steps that our government can take towards encouraging similar relationships between Taiwan and other countries around the world,” said Rep. Fischbach. “I hope to see a cascade of new friendships for the Taiwanese founded on mutual respect and trade benefits.”

“Taiwan is one of our leading partners in the Asia-Pacific. Our bill will deploy America’s diplomatic strength to reduce the coercive influences designed to isolate Taiwan by requiring the State Department to help Taiwan foster closer relations with the rest of the world,” said Rep. Peters. “Peace in the Taiwan Strait is an enduring security interest for the United States, Taiwan, allies, and partners committed to a rules-based international order that promotes the prosperity and interests of all. It is an honor to help introduce this bipartisan legislation and I look forward to leading this effort with my colleagues.""

""Taiwan's rapid economic growth and remarkable transition to democracy make it a global success story -- one that can serve as an example for other nations to emulate. Taiwan can help -- but is too often prevented from doing so by Communist China's relentless and irrational campaign of bullying and checkbook diplomacy,"" said Rep. Tiffany. ""This legislation is an important step toward helping Taiwan overcome those obstacles to share its expertise and it's goodwill around the world.""

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues as an original co-sponsor of the Promoting Ties with Taiwan Act. A strong relationship between our two nations is imperative, as the United States remains one of Taiwan’s largest trading partners,” said Rep. Emmer. “It’s time we develop a comprehensive strategy to support Taiwan, expand their global partnerships, and advance a more unified future with our allies.”

“Taiwan is a beacon of freedom and democracy in East Asia and it’s in America’s best interest to grow Taiwan’s partnerships with the international community. This important bill will help preserve and promote Taiwan’s positive political, economic and cultural connections with other countries and international organizations,” said Rep. Bacon.

“We cannot wait any longer to do everything we can as a nation to bolster Taiwan,” said Congressman Tim Ryan. “China gets more aggressive every single day, and this legislation will go a long way in helping Taiwan to engage on the world stage. I look forward to its swift passage and seeing it signed into law.”

“Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed a special relationship for many years, including Kansas’ Big First district,” said Rep. Mann. “The Promoting Ties with Taiwan Act will not only help build on this foundation that will improve our relationship, but will also help the Taiwanese people develop partnerships with allies around the world. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill, and excited for Taiwan’s future.”

""The U.S. and Taiwan have long maintained a strong partnership. This bill takes steps to further integrate Taiwan into the international community to counter growing threats from the Chinese Communist Party,"" said Rep. Costa. ""Taiwan has much to contribute to the world. We must do what we can to counter Chinese efforts to erode self-determination and democracy for the people of Taiwan.""

For more information, you can read the one-page summary here and the bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/11/reps-fischbach-rice-meng-mast-luria-zeldin-lead-bipartisan-letter-in-support-of-israel-s-participation-in-visa-waiver-program,"Reps. Fischbach, Rice, Meng, Mast, Luria, Zeldin Lead Bipartisan Letter in Support of Israel’s Participation in Visa Waiver Program",2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–U.S. Representatives Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Grace Meng (NY-06), Brian Mast (FL-18), Elaine Luria (VA-02), and Lee Zeldin (NY-01) today sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in support of Israel’s participation in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Israel is under consideration to be added to the program after it was discussed in a bilateral meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in August.

In their letter, the Members urged the expeditious addition of Israel to the VWP and requested an update to Congress on the status of current negotiations. If accepted, Israel would join a group of allies who already benefit from participation in the program, including Australia, South Korea, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, France, and Greece.

“Israel’s participation in this program would grow the U.S. economy, strengthen national security at each of our borders, and increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange, which bolsters our already unique bilateral relationship,” the Members wrote in their letter.

In addition to Fischbach, Rice, Meng, Mast, Luria, and Zeldin, the letter was signed by the following 52 members of Congress: Auchincloss (MA-04), Bacon (NE-02), Banks (IN-03), Bilirakis (FL-12), Brown (MD-04), Budd (NC-13), Cammack (FL-03), Costa (CA-16), Craig (MN-02), Deutch (FL-22), Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Garbarino (NY-02), Gonzalez (OH-16), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Graves (LA-06), Griffith (VA-09), Jacobs (NY-27), Joyce (OH-14), Keller (PA-12), Kim (CA-39), Kustoff (TN-08), Lamb (PA-17), Mann (KS-01), Manning (NC-06), McKinley (WV-01), Meijer (MI-03), Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-02), Moolenaar (MI-04), Murphy (FL-07), Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Panetta (CA-20), Phillips (MN-03), Quigley (IL-05), Reschenthaler (PA-14), Salazar (FL-27), Schrader (OR-05), Sherman (CA-30), Smith (NE-03), Smith (NJ-04), Strickland (WA-10), Suozzi (NY-03), Timmons (SC-04), Titus (NV-01), Torres (CA-35), Torres (NY-15), Trone (MD-06), Van Drew (NJ-02), Wagner (MO-02), Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Weber (TX-14), Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02), and Wexton (VA-10).

The final letter can be found here, and the text can be found below:

Dear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Mayorkas:

We write to you in support of Israel’s participation in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens and nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

We are encouraged by Secretary Mayorkas’ remarks last month confirming that Israel is in the “pipeline” to be added to the program. These remarks follow a bilateral meeting in August between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, where Israel’s participation in the VWP was discussed.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, visits from Israel to the United States averaged 418,000 people per year for three years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. Israeli travelers account for $1.2 billion in spending annually, with an average $4,000 in personal spending per trip.

CBP’s Visa Waiver Program allows expedited entry upon arrival to the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent high-risk individuals from traveling to the United States and incorporates national-level risk assessments. Israel’s participation in this program would grow the U.S. economy, strengthen national security at each of our borders, and increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange, which bolsters our already unique bilateral relationship.

Israel would join a group of forty other allies who benefit from participation in the Visa Waiver Program.

We know you share in the goal of ensuring that the benefits that the Visa Waiver Program promises to U.S. tourism, to our country’s national security, and to the U.S.-Israel relationship are realized. We therefore urge you to expediently add Israel to the Visa Waiver Program, and provide an update to Congress on the status of the current negotiations.

Sincerely,

###

As always, my office is open and ready to serve constituents of Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District! Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there is anything I can do to help. Have a great weekend!

Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach’s congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-on-hr-5376,Emmer Statement on H.R. 5376,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, following the passage of H.R. 5376, Congressman Emmer issued the following statement:

""The Congressional Budget Office made clear that this multi-trillion-dollar spending bill adds hundreds of billions of dollars to our debt, adding to the inflationary pressures hurting every American household. This is not the time to be imposing new taxes and new mandates on our job creators, yet President Biden and Speaker Pelosi continue to push an out-of-touch agenda that will lead to higher prices and more government involvement in the lives of the American people.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/11/rep-fischbach-introduced-stop-the-grinch-act,Rep. Fischbach introduced STOP the GRINCH Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"By Omri Nahmias

A bipartisan group of House members sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging them to add Israel to the Visa Waiver Program.

Representatives Lee Zeldin (R-New York), Kathleen Rice (D-New York), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minnesota), Grace Meng (D-New York), Brian Mast (R-Florida) and Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) spearheaded the letter, with an additional 52 members signing it.

“We write to you in support of Israel’s participation in US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens and nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa,” the lawmakers wrote on Monday. “We are encouraged by Secretary Mayorkas’s remarks last month confirming that Israel is in the ‘pipeline’ to be added to the program. These remarks follow a bilateral meeting in August between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, where Israel’s participation in the VWP was discussed.”

According to the lawmakers, Israeli travelers account for $1.2 billion in spending annually, with an average of $4,000 in personal spending per trip.

“Israel’s participation in this program would grow the US economy, strengthen national security at each of our borders, and increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange, which bolsters our already unique bilateral relationship,” the letter reads. “We know you share in the goal of ensuring that the benefits that the Visa Waiver Program promises to US tourism, to our country’s national security, and to the US-Israel relationship are realized. We therefore urge you to expediently add Israel to the Visa Waiver Program and provide an update to Congress on the status of the current negotiations.”

Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked met with Mayorkas last week to discuss the visa waiver, and said afterward that the process to grant visa exemptions will not be finished before 2023.

“There is a mutual desire for this to succeed,” she said, and that the two decided to establish governmental teams to tackle the remaining challenges. The US team will visit Israel in January, and Shaked and Mayorkas will follow up once a month.

“We agreed that a team of US officials will arrive in Israel in January to discuss additional details that need to be worked out,” Shaked said. “We have two primary tasks: the first is to establish a system that would allow the US immigration officers to check if a certain person who seeks entry has a criminal record – the US could inquire about some 1,000 Israelis a year. It would require us to make some adjustments, such as a legislative change to allow the US to access our criminal records system.”

The second task, she said, is to lower Israel’s refusal rates to 3% by next September.

“There are several things that can be done to meet this threshold,” Shaked noted. “For example, we asked Mayorkas’s team that if a person opens a visa application but ends up not submitting it, [that] it wouldn’t count as a refusal. Today, such cases count as if a person who did not complete the form was rejected.

“Another cause for refusal is the high volume of applicants in their early 20s. [Former ambassador to Washington] Gilad Erdan raised this issue in his meetings at the DHS, and explained that in Israel, many people in their 20s are going on a long trip after army service.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/11/rep-fischbach-votes-no-on-democrats-social-spending-bill,Rep. Fischbach Votes NO on Democrats’ Social Spending Bill,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Tonight, H.R. 5376, the Democrats’ $1.7 trillion social spending bill, narrowly passed the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) released the following statement after voting against this legislation:

“The spending in this bill will exacerbate already record-high inflation. It will increase tax audits on small businesses. It provides amnesty and payouts to illegal immigrants. It does not have Hyde Amendment protections included anywhere, directly acting against the of millions of Americans who do not want their tax dollars to fund abortions. And, the tax cuts in this bill will overwhelmingly favor the very wealthy, while middle-income households are likely to see an increase in their taxes. This bill is no what the country needs now and it proves how little regard Democrats in Washington have for the American people.”

As always, my office is open and ready to serve constituents of Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District! Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there is anything I can do to help. Have a great weekend!",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-votes-no-biden-and-pelosi-s-multi-trillion-tax-and-spend-package,Stauber Votes NO on Biden and Pelosi’s Multi-Trillion Tax-and-Spend Package,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after voting against Democrats' multi-trillion tax-and-spend package:

""From skyrocketing inflation to severe supply chain disruptions, the United States of America is in a constant state of crisis due to the failed policies of the Biden Administration.

""Unfortunately, instead of working together to put this country back on the right path, Joe Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and their allies in Congress are doubling down on this failed agenda by pushing a tax-and-spend package that will fundamentally change America and make problems we are facing even worse.

""It's the content – not just the cost – of this legislation that is especially dangerous for American families and our economy. Some of the worst provisions included in this package would:

Implement one of the largest tax increases in our nation's history.

Hire 87,000 new IRS agents to target ordinary Americans.

Perpetuate labor shortages by eliminating work requirements to receive welfare benefits for able bodied adults – at a time when there are over 10.4 million job openings.

Impede and ban domestic energy and mineral production, increasing our dependency on OPEC, China, and Russia.

Permit the taxpayer funding of abortion.

Give amnesty to illegal aliens, further incentivizing illegal immigration and worsening the border crisis.

""Make no mistake, this bill will hit working families the hardest by raising taxes and causing inflation to soar to new heights. While coastal elites might not notice more price hikes at the gas pump or checkout line, working families in Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District most certainly will. My constituents deserve better, which is why I voted NO.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-offers-resolution-honoring-national-rural-mental-health-day,Emmer Offers Resolution Honoring National Rural Mental Health Day,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) offered a resolution expressing support for the designation of November 18, 2021, as “National Rural Mental Health Day.”

“The National Center for Health Statistics reported the 2017 suicide rate for the most rural counties was 1.8 times higher than the suicide rate for the most urban counties. Statistics like this should cause alarm and inspire action,” said Emmer.

“Currently, there is a chronic shortage of mental health professionals in rural communities, and residents must often travel long distances to receive the services they desperately need. Congress should be committed to addressing these health care shortages and ensuring every corner of America has the resources it needs,” Emmer concluded.

The resolution raises awareness for our rural communities and commits the House of Representatives to the following initiatives:

designating November 18, 2021, as National Rural Mental Health Day;

addressing disparities in mental healthcare across the country, including in rural America; and

maintaining continued support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and other programs that aid struggling individuals in our rural communities.

Background:

Congressman Emmer has long fought to secure mental health resources for rural Americans. In 2018, Congressman Emmer introduced the STRESS Act to address the lack of mental health resources available in rural areas, specifically individuals who work in agriculture, an industry that has long suffered from higher rates of depression and suicide.

The STRESS Act reauthorized the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program that was first created in 2008 but lapsed due to a lack of funding. The STRESS Act passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, renewing the FRSAN and moving America one step closer to addressing this crisis. Since then, Emmer has led the way to provide continued funding for this program in each appropriations cycle.

In addition, Congressman Emmer has advocated for telehealth services for rural communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth appointments became commonplace, proving especially successful for mental and behavioral health. Congressman Emmer urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to continue to offer telehealth services beyond the pandemic as a standard service for patients.

Congressman Emmer also introduced the Grant Residency for Additional Doctors (GRAD) Act of 2021 to address the physician shortage facing rural and underserved America. This legislation would direct the Department of State to establish a dedicated staff position within the department to process J-1 visa applications during times of increased demand. A J-1 visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant visa that international medical students and physicians use to work in U.S.-based medical residency programs. By addressing delays in the J-1 visa process, foreign physicians can help to stave off the severe doctor shortage that America, especially rural America, is currently facing.

To read more about Congressman Emmer’s work on health care, visit his website here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-and-bergman-introduce-house-resolution-expressing-support-role-great,Stauber and Bergman Introduce House Resolution Expressing Support for the Role Great Lakes Shipping Can Play in Alleviating the Supply Chain Crisis,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) introduced a House Resolution expressing support for the Great Lakes shipping industry and the important role that this industry can play in alleviating President Biden's supply chain crisis.

Of his Resolution, Stauber stated, ""Currently, scores of ships from around the world are waiting in waters off the coast of California, leaving shelves across the country bare and causing consumer prices to skyrocket. While top officials within the Biden White House dismiss this issue as a ‘high class problem' and continue to ignore the matter, Americans from every walk of life are experiencing the supply chain crisis firsthand. As the Representative of the largest freshwater port in the world, I know the thousands of workers who make up the Great Lakes shipping industry can play a part in resolving this matter, which is why I am proud to introduce this House Resolution with Rep. Bergman today.""

Bergman stated, ""Never underestimate the Great Lakes. With President Biden's supply chain crisis hitting home in every sense of the word, there is no better time than now to highlight the capacity of our Great Lakes ports and shipping industry. I'm introducing this resolution with Rep. Stauber, a fellow Great Lakes representative, because we know the hardworking men and women who drive Great Lakes shipping and support our local economies stand ready as an example of industry efficiency.""

See a link to the resolution, HERE.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system handles 160 million tons of cargo annually. While West Coast ports have experienced delays and a collapse of basic supply chain operations, Great Lakes ports over the same period have not experienced delays or backups.

The introduction of this Resolution comes one day before Congressman Stauber is set to host a supply chain roundtable, where one of the topics will center around the need to expand Great Lakes shipping to increase the importing and exporting of goods.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-prioritize-mental-health-care-for-women-who-experience-pregnancy-loss,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Prioritize Mental Health Care for Women Who Experience Pregnancy Loss,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced legislation to intensify the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) focus on helping women cope with the loss of a child during pregnancy. The Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act directs the NIH to prioritize resources and research into clinical mental health complications following a pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.

“The loss of a child takes a terrible toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the mother. For those who experience a miscarriage, stillbirth, or an abortion, the pain and grief can be unimaginable. Of all the federal resources directed to the NIH each year for medical research, little is allocated to understand and identify treatment for mental health conditions following a pregnancy loss,” said Emmer.

“As thousands of women confront these tragic situations each year, it is important that we continue to better our understanding of the mental health complications and improve the delivery of treatment and care for those who are suffering,” Emmer concluded.

Background:

Pregnancy loss can have severe and long-term effects on the mental and emotional well-being of a woman. What little study done at the federal level shows that symptoms of mental and emotional distress after a pregnancy loss can include depression, intense grief, substance abuse, sleep disturbances, and difficulty with relationships. As with any clinical health issue, additional research can unlock new ways to help individuals struggling to cope with the mental health challenges following the loss of a child.

The Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act requires the National Institutes of Health to coordinate with other national research institutes to determine what care is needed for individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss. This includes:

Developing improved screening and diagnostic techniques for women who may be more likely to experience severe mental health challenges following the loss of a child,

Developing information and education programs for health care professionals and the public, and

Directing clinical research for the development and evaluation of new treatments.

You can read the text of the Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act here.

Multiple stakeholder groups have expressed support for the Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act, including the Family Research Council.

“The loss of an unborn child—regardless of the circumstances surrounding the unborn child’s death—is always something to mourn. For too long, mothers and fathers of babies who have never taken a breath outside the womb have suffered in silence carrying a pain that is often brushed off by those who have not experienced it. Studying the mental health effects of the death of an unborn child is a step towards recognizing the humanity of the child and impact the child had on the world. Doing so will help parents cope with the suffering that accompanies the death of an unborn child.” Mary Szoch, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, Family Research Council

The Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act is a continuation of Congressman Emmer’s efforts to direct mental health resources and assistance to areas of greatest need. In 2017, Congressman Emmer introduced the STRESS Act to improve the availability of mental health resources for Americans living in rural communities. He has also introduced the Expanding Access to Inpatient Mental Health Act to eliminate an arbitrary cap on mental health services, and the Behavioral Health Coordination and Communication Act to streamline the delivery of mental health services in the federal government.

You can read more about Congressman Emmer’s work on mental health, here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-s-credit-union-governance-modernization-act-passes-committee,Emmer’s Credit Union Governance Modernization Act Passes Committee,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer’s (MN-06) Credit Union Governance Modernization Act was adopted by the House Financial Services Committee by a unanimous vote. It now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives.

The Credit Union Governance Modernization Act (H.R. 2311) updates credit union practices and improves employee and member safety. Specifically, the legislation modifies the credit union member expulsion process while ensuring a fair procedure for reinstatement.

Current law requires a federal credit union to hold a vote of its entire membership before it can expel a member who engages in egregious, dangerous, or illegal conduct. This can include physical damage to property, harassment, or threats. The Credit Union Governance Modernization Act broadens the ability to expel members for cause and streamlines the expulsion and reinstatement process.

“Today, the House Financial Services Committee took a step to improve the safety of credit unions across the nation. My home state of Minnesota has already taken steps to enact changes similar to what the Committee agreed upon today. It’s critical we make credit unions safer for both employees and their members,” said Emmer.

“Our community financial institutions are already facing difficulties navigating burdensome regulations as they support their local neighborhoods and businesses, and we need to take steps to make their vital work easier. This nonpartisan legislation will ensure our main street credit unions have the tools to succeed. I hope this legislation will advance past the House floor soon,” Emmer concluded.

Read the Credit Union Governance Modernization here. This bill is supported by the Minnesota Credit Union Network, the Credit Union National Association, the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, and Public Citizen.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-and-trone-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-restore-benefits-to-defrauded-veterans-and-their-families,Emmer and Trone Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Restore Benefits to Defrauded Veterans and Their Families,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Representatives David Trone (MD-06) and Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced legislation to ensure that veterans who fall victim to fraud receive proper reimbursement. Current law states that if a veteran passes away before their fraudulent case is resolved, their family can’t seek reimbursement for the misused dollars. The Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act would allow families and beneficiaries of a deceased veteran to reclaim defrauded dollars.

“It is unacceptable that when a defrauded veteran perishes before they are able to recover what was taken, those funds remain unreturned to the veteran’s family or beneficiaries,” said Rep. Emmer. “Congress can and should ensure that in these unfortunate cases the funds are returned to a veteran’s loved ones. This legislation will solve that problem while honoring our veterans and their sacrifices.”

“I want to do everything I can to help veterans and their families who have experienced fraud,” said Congressman Trone. “Falling victim to fraud is bad enough, but what’s even worse is when that money is never returned. These folks have sacrificed so much to serve their country honorably, the least we can do is ensure that their families are reimbursed for the benefits after they’ve passed on.”

The Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act was endorsed by The American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/11/rep-fischbach-proposes-legislation-renaming-two-post-offices-in-her-district,Rep. Fischbach Proposes Legislation Renaming Two Post Offices in Her District,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) led the entire Minnesota House delegation in introducing two bipartisan bills to rename post offices in the 7th Congressional District.

“I’m proud to have the support of the Minnesota delegation in renaming two post offices after local heroes,” said Rep. Fischbach. “These bills would rename the Vergas Post Office after Jon Glawe, a veteran who dedicated 36 years to delivering mail in Vergas, taking over the route of his late father, and the Oklee Post Office for Coya Knutson in honor of the first female elected to Congress from Minnesota.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-and-tiffany-introduce-legislation-help-american-seniors-weather-biden,Stauber and Tiffany Introduce Legislation to Help American Seniors Weather the Biden Inflation Crisis,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced the Inflation Transparency for Seniors Act to provide American seniors with an inflation projection in order to help them better plan for their future. Specifically, this legislation will add the Congressional Budget Office's calculated inflation forecast to every Social Security Report.

Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""With inflation recently reaching a 31-year-high thanks to Biden's destructive economic policies, many Americans are left wondering how they should manage their personal finances. This is especially true for our seniors, many of whom live on a fixed income. America's seniors deserve better. By introducing legislation that will provide seniors with transparency on inflation projections, this legislation will not only help them better plan for their future, but it will also help hold any Administration accountable for enacting policies that place undue financial burden on the American people.""

Congressman Tiffany stated, ""The American people deserve transparency. With the Democrats' excessive spending fueling runaway inflation and impacting Americans' kitchen table budgets, the Inflation Transparency for Seniors Act will require the government to provide seniors with projections to gain a better understanding of the implications of big government socialist spending plans. Rising costs are burdening all Americans, especially those living on a fixed income.""

BACKGROUND:

The Labor Department recently reported that during the month of October, consumer prices spiked at their fastest pace in more than thirty years.

As inflation reaches a 31-year-high, the Biden Administration has been pushing trillions more in spending that will cause this inflation crisis to worsen.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-and-kuster-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-reduce-opioid-related-deaths,Emmer and Kuster Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Reduce Opioid-Related Deaths,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"**This bipartisan legislation would modernize patient care in Medicare and Medicaid to better prevent opioid-related injury in hospitalized patients**

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Tom Emmer (R-MN) introduced the Inpatient Opioid Safety Act of 2021, legislation to improve patient safety, simplify care, and reduce preventable opioid-induced injury and death under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Though opioids are effective in managing pain, the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation warns that drug-induced respiratory depression after surgery is a serious patient safety risk. This bill would modernize how hospitalized patients receiving opioid medication are treated by requiring hospitals to use continuous physiologic monitoring.

It is estimated that 180,000 individuals experience opioid-related serious adverse events annually in the inpatient setting. While the number one reason for these adverse events is medication errors, improper monitoring is indicated as the second-leading cause of inpatient opioid morbidity. The bipartisan Inpatient Opioid Safety Act of 2021 seeks to change that and help save lives across America.

“Beyond the threat of addiction, opioid medications can cause serious complications for patients after surgery,” said Rep. Annie Kuster. “Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid and Medicare for treatment, and this bill would modernize post-operative care to prevent opioid-related injury and death. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation, and look forward to working across the aisle to get this over the finish line for patients across the country.”

“In an inpatient setting, opioids remain the most commonly used form of pain management,” said Rep. Tom Emmer. “As a result, drug-induced respiratory depression remains a serious safety risk for patients. With the addition of proper continuous patient monitoring, instances like this can easily be detected and avoided. This legislation will ensure patient safety comes first and reduce preventable tragedies from opioid-induced injuries and death.”

“Research done at Dartmouth-Hitchcock over many years has shown that patient harm and deaths caused by the administration of opioids in the hospital are preventable,” said Dr. George Blike, Medical Director, Center for Surgical Innovation at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. “I thank Representatives Kuster and Emmer for their on-going leadership to take critical steps to improve patient safety across the country.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-veterans-day-stauber-introduces-bill-eliminate-tricare-enrollment-fees,"Ahead of Veterans Day, Stauber Introduces Bill to Eliminate TRICARE Enrollment Fees for American Heroes",2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Days before Veterans Day, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Restore TRICARE Select Act to eliminate or cap TRICARE enrollment fees that were placed on American veterans without much warning. Stauber introduced this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02).

Specifically, this legislation will completely eliminate the TRICARE Select enrollment fees for service members who retired prior to January 1, 2018 and were especially caught off-guard by these new fees. It also caps enrollment fees for veterans who retired after January 1, 2018.

Of his legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""Despite promises made to America's heroes, President Obama signed legislation that enabled his Department of Defense to place burdensome enrollment fees on military retirees who signed up for TRICARE. This broken promise came as a surprise to American veterans as they were never required to pay for TRICARE before. That's why I am proud to join my colleague Jared Golden in introducing legislation to help correct this wrong and reinstate important healthcare protections for countless veterans.""

Read the bill text HERE.

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and the American Legion all support this legislation.

BACKGROUND:

TRICARE is a civilian network administered by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that provides healthcare benefits to active-duty and retired service members, National Guard Reserve Members, and their families when services cannot be provided at a military treatment facility.

Despite promises made to veterans, the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Obama approved a request from the DoD to implement enrollment fees for TRICARE Select -- $150 per individual and $300 per family.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-opposes-pelosi-s-irresponsible-tax-and-spend-agenda,Stauber Opposes Pelosi’s Irresponsible Tax-and-Spend Agenda,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after voting against the Senate infrastructure bill, which is part of the Democrats' multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend package:

""No one wants an infrastructure bill more than me, and I have long stated that it is important we return to regular order with a bicameral, bipartisan package that invests in traditional infrastructure projects, creates jobs, and spends taxpayer dollars wisely.

""Regrettably, Nancy Pelosi and other Democrat leaders made it abundantly clear that the $1.2 trillion Senate infrastructure bill is inextricably linked to their bloated multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend package.

""I will not be complicit in paving a destructive and irreversible path towards socialism. This massive spending package is not about real infrastructure, and instead will make businesses less competitive, outsource jobs, saddle American families and future generations with more debt and higher taxes, send inflation soaring to greater heights, and completely devastate our economy.

""Make no mistake; a vote for this ""infrastructure"" package is a vote for the reckless multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend spree. That's why I voted NO.""

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Senate infrastructure bill will add almost $300 billion to the national debt.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-calls-for-reforms-to-federal-home-appraiser-regulations,Emmer Calls for Reforms to Federal Home Appraiser Regulations,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) sent a letter to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Acting-Director Sandra Thompson urging her to reform the regulation of home appraisers in an effort to address growing backlogs in the homebuying process.

“Over the past 12 years, we have seen a 20% to 25% decline in the number of registered appraisers, causing homebuyers to face increasing wait times and inflated prices when seeking a home appraisal,” said Emmer.

“Americans deserve the opportunity to buy a home without hidden costs. The FHFA should use their authority to update and improve the regulations pertaining to the appraiser industry in order to encourage more entrants into the profession, eliminate additional costs on homebuyers, and ultimately strengthen our economy,” Emmer concluded.

Background:

Under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency has regulatory authority over the appraisal process. Representative Emmer’s letter called on FHFA to consider the following reforms:

Review the current efficacy of appraisal management company models, which often serve as unnecessary middlemen in the appraisal process and can drive-up costs for consumers.

Further evaluate alternatives to the traditional appraisal, including when and how automated valuations models (AVM), hybrid appraisals, desktop appraisals, and other valuation products could be used without causing undue harm to the stability of the real estate market.

Reassess the current minimum educational and professional standards for appraisers, such as the requirement appraisers hold a college degree, and suggest qualification alternatives to ensure the industry maintains necessary standards without imposing unnecessary barriers for new professional entrants.

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-and-soto-advocate-for-the-trading-of-bitcoin-spot-etfs,Emmer and Soto Advocate for the Trading of Bitcoin Spot ETFs,2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) sent a bipartisan letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler questioning why, based on previous SEC-stated concerns, the SEC is comfortable allowing an exchange-traded fund (ETF) based on derivatives contracts to trade but not comfortable allowing a Bitcoin spot ETF to trade.

“The SEC’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation has been unacceptable. While the trading of Bitcoin futures ETFs is a great step forward for the millions of American investors who have been demanding regulatory clarity, it does not make sense that Bitcoin spot ETFs cannot also commence trading. As I am sure Chairman Gensler understands, Bitcoin futures are, by definition, a derivative of the underlying Bitcoin spot market,” Congressman Emmer said.

“American investors deserve consistency and choice. If the SEC cannot outline the perceived material difference in risk profiles, then they should allow ETFs based on spot Bitcoin to be traded. I look forward to Chairman Gensler’s response to our concerns,” Congressman Emmer concluded.

“Cryptocurrency has proven to be a driver of economic growth in our society,” said Congressman Soto. “Therefore, it is crucial for us to clearly regulate it in order to maximize the potential benefits and mitigate any risks. It’s important for us to come together to ensure that investors have consistency.”

Background:

Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allowed trading to commence for two Bitcoin futures exchange-traded funds (ETF) that provide exposure to CME-traded Bitcoin futures.

While this is a step forward for millions of Americans who are demanding access to simple ways to invest in Bitcoin, these products are potentially volatile in contrast with a Bitcoin spot ETF. They may also impose substantially higher fees on investors due to the impact of rolling futures contracts each month.

Until October, the SEC chose not to approve Bitcoin futures ETF and Bitcoin spot ETFs due to concerns about the spot markets potential for fraud and manipulation. The SEC stated numerous times that these concerns could be alleviated if either of the following are demonstrated:

The underlying Bitcoin market is resistant to fraud and manipulation

A significant amount of trading happens on a regulated market.

The Bitcoin futures ETFs that commenced trading last week are based on CME Bitcoin futures contracts. The CFTC regulates the CME. Going further, over 90% of the CME Bitcoin futures pricing comes from Coinbase, Kraken, and Bitstamp – three spot Bitcoin exchanges.

The trading of Bitcoin futures ETFs, based on regulated futures contracts that are based largely on three spot markets, begs the question of what makes a Bitcoin spot ETF, that is based on the underlying asset, any different? Both products are based on the spot market.

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-reintroduces-legislation-to-promote-capital-formation-on-main-street,Emmer Reintroduces Legislation to Promote Capital Formation on Main Street,2021-11-01,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) re-introduced the Main Street Growth Act, which would create jobs, improve capital formation, and encourage more early-stage Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

“It is critical that our capital market structure meets the needs of American companies, regardless of size or type. This legislation will make it easier for thousands of small and emerging growth companies – including over 100 in Minnesota - to go public, generating millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in revenue for the economy. I look forward to both sides of the aisle coming together to ensure that American entrepreneurs and workers can continue to succeed,” added Emmer.

Although our capital markets saw a historic rise in IPOs in 2020, participation in the IPO process overall has slowed dramatically over the last 20 years. The number of IPOs declined more than 63% from the 1990s to the 2000s and has stayed relatively flat through the 2010s. In addition, the number of small IPOs (under $100 million) has declined significantly.

The Main Street Growth Act will allow the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to provide for the creation of venture exchanges. These specialized securities exchanges will help small and emerging growth companies gain access to the capital they need to grow and succeed. The bill improves access to capital for emerging growth companies, which can help the economy rebound during this time, and bring many Americans back into the workforce.

This legislation was unanimously approved by the House Financial Services Committee and passed out of the House of Representatives during the 115th Congress. You can read the full text of the Main Street Growth Act here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-biden-administration-to-reconsider-action-that-jeopardizes-emergency-air-medical-transport-services,Emmer Urges Biden Administration to Reconsider Action that Jeopardizes Emergency Air Medical Transport Services,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Walsh, and Department of the Treasury Secretary Yellen to express concern about implementation of the No Surprises Act, which could jeopardize emergency air medical transport services in Minnesota and throughout the nation.

“Emergency air medical transport is a necessary and life-saving service. Any threat to its availability could mean life or death for Americans across the country. The Biden Administration has set forth broad standards in their proposed coverage rule that will make the reimbursement process for air ambulatory services unpredictable and hinder the ability of companies, like Life Link III in Minnesota to offer these services to the American people,” said Emmer.

“Specifically, the lack of a credible database for these services to measure reimbursement rates will be catastrophic for the industry, leading to fewer emergency air medical transport services. In addition, individuals who require these services will be left navigating a cumbersome insurance claims process when coverage is inevitably denied for this life-saving service,” Emmer continued.

“This is truly unacceptable. I am urging the Biden Administration to revise this decision and ensure the rule respects the intent of Congress and preserves access to air emergency medical transport services,” Emmer concluded.

Background:

Congressman Emmer expressed concern with the recent release of the interim final rule (IFR) for Section 102 of the No Surprises Act. This rule could jeopardize emergency air medical transport services, like those provided by Life Link III in Minnesota.

Life Link III was founded in 1985 as one of the first independent, non-profit medical consortiums in the country to transport critically ill patients by air. Today, Life Link III is the largest air medical consortium in the country, providing exclusive hospital-based specialty-team transport, for which it has been internationally recognized.

Congressman Emmer is concerned Life Link III’s services could be especially hindered by the IFR’s changes to the qualifying payment amount (QPA), which establishes insurance reimbursement for air medical services.

Based on the proposed rule, Congressman Emmer outlined the following concerns to the Biden Administration:

In 2023 and following years the QPA will be changed to rely on the median of 25% of claims paid. In situations where there is insufficient data to find a median, insurers will be able to use an eligible database to determine the QPA. However, there is currently no credible database with sufficient data specific to air ambulatory services.

The QPA does not include any single-case agreements, which often represent a significant number of contracts. This may skew the QPA downward and lead to increased disputes over payment disagreements.

Most concerning for Americans is denied patients will be forced to navigate an insurer’s appeals process to avoid full financial liability for these critical services.

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-stauber-joins-leader-mccarthy-congressional-representatives-and-industry,"ICYMI: Stauber Joins Leader McCarthy, Congressional Representatives, and Industry Stakeholders in Roundtable on Energy Crisis",2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) joined Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Congressional colleagues, and industry stakeholders in a roundtable to discuss skyrocketing energy prices and how the Democrat reconciliation bill will only exacerbate this energy crisis.

On rising energy prices and Democrat policies, Stauber stated, ""The keep-it-in-the-ground mentality, it's strong and well-funded. We have to fight back because this is an attack on the middle class…the middle class is going to pay more for gas at the pump.""

When Stauber was asked by a member of the press as to what American families can expect in the winter months, Stauber stated, ""Look at the price of natural gas. Many of our homes are heated by natural gas…and prices are expected to jump by 54 percent. I mean that's several hundred dollars more a year. In my district, the average median income is 51,000 dollars a year. That's real money.""

Image

Watch the full roundtable, HERE.

During the Trump Administration, America was the world leader in oil and gas production, flooding the market with supply and keeping energy prices affordable.

Unfortunately, through policies like the cancellation of Keystone, the ban on new oil and gas leasing on federal lands, and the ban on mining in northern Minnesota, the Biden Administration has eroded American energy production and eliminated American energy independence.

Democrats are now pushing a reconciliation package that would make this energy crisis permanent. Included in their massive reconciliation package is a moratorium on oil and gas production on federal lands.

Their plan will:

Enact crushing new costs and fees on domestic producers.

Impose a drilling moratorium on top of existing regulations.

Halt efforts to develop copper and other minerals necessary for renewable energy and battery storage.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-applauds-investment-to-address-stress-in-farm-country,Emmer Applauds Investment to Address Stress in Farm Country,2021-10-27,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) announced their commitment to invest nearly $25 million dollars for 50 grants to support the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN).

Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following statement in response:

“When we reauthorized the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, we ensured that farm families and rural Americans would have access to mental health resources. However, the work doesn’t end there, and our farmers have experienced increased stress due to supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 and a difficult harvest season because of the drought. Now more than ever, an increased investment in these resources is essential. The agriculture community faces incredible financial and emotional challenges through their work, but they should never suffer in silence without access to the care they need.""

Background:

Due to the nature of their work and the lack of mental health resources available in rural areas, individuals who work in agriculture suffer from higher rates of depression and suicide. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) was first created in 2008, but it did not receive any funding and therefore lapsed.

Congressman Emmer introduced the STRESS Act in 2018, which renewed FRSAN and brought attention to Americans in rural areas who lack access to mental health care. The STRESS Act language was included in the 2018 Farm Bill, and the program was reauthorized. Since then, Emmer has led the way to provide needed funding for this program to carry out its mission in each appropriations cycle.

Due to the USDA’s investment, a grant of $500,000 will be issued to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Bend, Don’t Break project which aims to connect farmers and rural Minnesotans with resources to help reduce stress, anxiety, and crisis situations. The program supports mental health counseling, farm advocates, marriage retreats, and a 24/7 Farm & Rural Helpline.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-leads-letter-pelosi-and-schumer-demanding-they-stop-cepp-carbon-tax,Stauber Leads Letter to Pelosi and Schumer Demanding They Stop the CEPP Carbon Tax,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) recently led a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer, demanding they listen to American middle class families, labor unions, and rural electric cooperatives by eliminating the Clean Electricity Performance Program (CEPP), or carbon tax, from reconciliation negotiations and any future consideration.

Congressman Stauber stated, ""From soaring energy prices to failed supply chains, our nation is in a constant state of crisis thanks to the misguided policies of President Biden and Democrats in Congress. With a potential winter heating crisis around the corner, I urge Democrat leadership in Congress to refrain from doubling down on their failed agenda and smothering our electric grid with blanket mandates that will only exacerbate these problems and cost American families more.

Stauber continued, stating, ""We need a reliable and resilient energy grid that provides low-cost energy to American families. This can only be accomplished by supporting an all-of-the-above approach, not picking winners and losers from Washington, D.C.""

The CEPP is a new take on old, failed carbon tax policies and corporate welfare. It caters to the far-left and international elites by unrealistically demanding we alter our energy grid in ten years with no thought to reliability or affordability.

Ultimately, it would amount to another tax on American families at a time when they can least afford it.

Read the full letter, HERE.

Stauber was joined by 18 of his colleagues in the House in sending this letter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-protect-cfpb-whistleblowers,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Protect CFPB Whistleblowers,2021-10-25,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced the CFPB Whistleblower Incentives and Protection Act to create a whistleblower program at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Created following passage of the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010, the CFPB was given the power to regulate dozens of industries, including auto lenders, credit unions, community banks, student loan servicers, and more. In its short time as a new regulator, the CFPB has placed burden after burden on the financial services industry, making it harder for the American consumers they are obligated to protect to access the financial products and services they need to thrive.

Whistleblowers have proven to be an effective means of exposing conduct within the CFPB that does not serve the American consumer. This legislation encourages whistleblower reporting by offering compensation and protection to whistleblowers, similar to what is done with other federal agencies and departments. Reports have found that financial rewards provide incentives for potential whistleblowers to come forward.

Specifically, the bill amends Dodd-Frank to provide compensation to whistleblowers and ensure their identities remain confidential. It also requires the CFPB to submit a report to Congress no later than October 30th each year detailing the awards granted to whistleblowers in the previous year.

“Instead of fear of retribution, retaliation, or financial ruin, whistleblowers should be supported as they come forward and help ensure the Bureau is protecting American consumers. This legislation is one small step to provide them with reasonable protections and compensation,” said Emmer.

“This common-sense fix would ensure that we fairly reward whistleblowers while also keeping our focus on being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Our efforts to reform the CFPB should put the American consumer first, and this legislation does that,” Emmer concluded.

Read the text of the CFPB Whistleblower Incentives and Protection Act here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-continues-push-to-protect-americans-financial-privacy,Emmer Continues Push to Protect Americans' Financial Privacy,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and 201 of his colleagues sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Yellen reasserting their concerns with the Administration’s proposal to expand the data collected on Americans’ bank accounts.

In response, Congressman Emmer issued the following statement,

“I am deeply disturbed by the continued efforts of the Biden Administration to expand IRS data collection on millions of Americans. When more than 100 Members of Congress voiced their objection to this proposal, Treasury’s lackluster response demonstrated just how out-of-touch the Department is with the very real concerns of the American people.”

“Over the last several months, Congressional offices have been inundated with messages from constituents concerned about the privacy implications associated with this proposal. The Administration’s half-hearted attempt to mollify critics by suggesting they will simply increase the reporting threshold is dismissive and will still affect millions of Americans who do not want more of their personal data sent to the IRS as a means to pay for reconciliation.”

Background:

On September 13th, Congressman Emmer led a letter with 142 of his colleagues expressing concern with the Administration’s plan to require financial institutions and other financial services providers to report a range of new data points on accounts with annual gross inflows and outflows totaling more than $600 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Following that letter, the Department of Treasury responded on September 29th attempting to justify their actions as an effort to “close the tax gap”. However, they failed to address the privacy implications of their proposal. Recently, the Administration and the majorities in Congress have begun considering increasing the threshold from $600 to $10,000 (or an even higher amount). Arbitrarily increasing the threshold to $10,000, as most recently proposed, will still apply to individuals at every rung of the income ladder.

Read Congressman Emmer’s September 13th letter here.

Read Congressman Emmer's October 21st letter here.

Congressman Emmer has served on the House Financial Services Committee since 2015. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-introduces-house-resolution-support-first-amendment-rights-parents,Stauber Introduces House Resolution to Support First Amendment Rights of Parents at School Board Meetings,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Biden Administration's weaponization of the Department of Justice to crack down on parents for exercising their First Amendment rights at school board meetings, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced a House Resolution supporting the First Amendment rights of parents who wish to speak out on their child's education.

Of this resolution, Stauber stated, ""As a parent, I am increasingly troubled by the Biden Administration's intent to paint parents who express concerns at school board meetings as domestic terrorists. Parents have a constitutionally-protected right to speak at school board meetings. This right is more important than ever with schools implementing critical race theory along with harmful mask and vaccine mandates. The Administration's approach is wrong. Parental rights matter, and Congress must demonstrate support for their First Amendment right to speak up.""

24 Members of Congress joined Stauber in introducing this resolution. Click HERE to read the full text of the resolution.

BACKGROUND:

After an interest group requested the Department of Justice label parents protesting at school board meetings as domestic terrorists, Attorney General Merrick Garland agreed by mobilizing the Justice Department.

Four sitting members of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights condemned this action.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-slams-biden-administration-s-broken-promise-minnesota-s-miners,Stauber Slams Biden Administration’s Broken Promise to Minnesota’s Miners,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Upon receiving the news that the Biden Administration is putting forward a new political, partisan obstacle intended to ban mining in northern Minnesota, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement slamming the decision:

""Quite simply, President Biden is putting politics over science.

""Nearly a year ago, candidate Joe Biden pledged to support Minnesota's miners in their mission to obtain good-paying mining jobs, bring economic prosperity to a region that desperately needs it, and secure America's critical mineral supply chain. Joe Biden has officially failed to uphold this promise.

""At the beginning of the year, I sent a letter to President Biden opposing Deb Haaland for Interior Secretary, citing concerns over her longstanding anti-mining position. Meanwhile, Biden also nominated Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary, who is on the record for his opposition to mining. My concerns were met with silence from the President.

""To be clear, I not only place blame on this Administration, but am disappointed in our United States Senators and Democrat House members from Minnesota who have the President's ear and either stood silently by, or actively let these union jobs go up in smoke. They are complicit in this incredibly harmful decision. I'm concerned there will be more devastating decisions ahead.

""Today's announcement further proves that the Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress are incapable of doing what's right for union members and working families across northeast Minnesota.

""Rather than promoting the dignity of work, they're comfortable seeing Minnesota's union members and skilled workers sidelined. Instead of empowering Minnesotans to develop the minerals necessary for almost every sector of our economy under the strongest labor and environmental standards in the world, they are willing to rely on hostile nations that utilize child slave labor and terrible environmental practices. This decision is unacceptable on every level, and I will not stop until it has been reversed.""

BACKGROUND:

In 2016, with only days remaining in the Obama-Biden regime, the Administration initiated a political withdrawal intending to ban mining in northern Minnesota. President Trump responsibly ended this stunt, offering a fair process for the company to begin permitting the Twin Metals project.

Today, President Biden reverted to the Obama-Biden scheme of using a political study to ban mining.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/10/northern-border-to-reopen-next-month,Northern Border to Reopen Next Month,2021-10-13,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alexander Mayorkas released a letter today announcing that the U.S. will now allow fully vaccinated travelers from Canada to enter the U.S. over land. In response to the announcement, Representative Michelle Fischbach issued the following statement:

“The letter acknowledges the importance of cross-border travel for the economies of border communities, but it’s incredibly disheartening that it’s happening so late in the year. I have been urging the Administration to open the Northern border since I took office in January. I am so glad these businesses - that have gone through two devastating tourist seasons - can finally start recovering. I look forward to welcoming Canadians back to Minnesota very soon.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-krishnamoorthi-davis-and-obernolte-introduce-legislation-to-inspire-the-next-generation-of-programmers,"Emmer, Krishnamoorthi, Davis, and Obernolte Introduce Legislation to Inspire the Next Generation of Programmers",2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Congressman Danny Davis (IL-07), and Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-08) reintroduced the Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act. This legislation is designed to help American innovators more easily access the tools and resources needed to create applications for web and mobile devices.

“Facilitating the development of the technology workforce is essential for a strong post-COVID recovery. The APP Act will help entrepreneurs and encourage innovation at a critical time. As the digital revolution continues, it's imperative we keep up with the changing times to improve our future success, and the APP Act will ensure we do just that. In order for the United States to remain competitive, we must encourage innovation and highlight the importance that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills will have on our future,"" said Emmer.

“This is something I have been committed to since taking office, which is not only demonstrated through my work on the APP Act, but also with my office’s participation in the Congressional App Challenge, a competition that encourages students to develop their own app,"" Emmer concluded.

“In introducing the bipartisan APP Act, we are making a promise that American innovation and technology will continue to be at the forefront of the world economy for the next generation. Employment within the information technology (IT) sector is expected to grow by 13% by 2026, faster than in any other. The APP Act will help people gain the skills they need for those IT jobs through providing the tools necessary to learn how to develop applications and apply for grant funding to carry projects to fruition,” Krishnamoorthi said.

“Not since the invention of the printing press has a technology transformed, democratized, and empowered a people like the development of the “app” which has placed powerful computing and communication tools into the hands of every individual worldwide. Because we have lived through, and immersed in, this great transformation we have come to almost take it for granted. If we are to realize the full potential of these tools, we must open the doors to all the underlying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to every member of our society. The APP Act is another significant step in that process,” said Davis.

This legislation is supported by the App Association, in response to the bill’s introduction, they issued the following statement of support: “ACT | The App Association proudly supports the introduction of the APP Act. The app economy represents $1.7 trillion of global commerce and employs 5.9 million Americans. However, more than 500,000 jobs remain unfilled due to a lack of highly skilled candidates. Budding developers from a wide variety of backgrounds encounter obstacles to joining the app economy, but the federal government can provide vast opportunities for them to solve problems with mobile software. The APP Act helps make federal resources for would-be developers accessible so that even those with little or no experience can find funding, training, and data resources to help them create digital solutions for everything from healthcare and manufacturing to entertainment. Additionally, the APP Act would centralize both the available opportunities for developers to make apps for federal agencies and the mobile apps that already exist. We thank Reps. Tom Emmer, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Danny Davis, and Jay Obernolte for their leadership with the APP Act and look forward to working with them to widen the path for young developers and enable the app economy to innovate and meet its growing demand.”

Background on the APP Act:

The APP Act creates a centralized website to provide individuals and small businesses with the information they need to find sources of federal funding for the creation of apps. Federal funding for app design can be available in the form of grants, programs, and prizes but is often scattered across several websites

The APP Act will also create a platform where Americans are able to rate and comment on the different federal government apps and retire old or obsolete ones. Additionally, the APP Act will feature successful educational programs and non-profit resources that provide computer science education for the next generation of programmers.

Click here to read the text of the Advancing and Promoting Programming Act.

Background on the Congressional App Challenge:

Each year, Congressman Emmer's office participates in the Internet Education Foundation’s Congressional App Challenge. In 2013, Congress established this challenge, recognizing that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills are becoming increasingly important to the economic success of the United States. People who are trained in these fields will be better equipped to find work and advance their careers in a world that is increasingly dominated by technology.

This competition invites high school students around the country to compete against their classmates in creating their own software application for mobile devices, better known as an app.

To learn about the Congressional App Challenge, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-votes-against-raising-debt-ceiling,Stauber Votes Against Raising Debt Ceiling,2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) voted against the Senate provision to raise the debt ceiling. Following the vote, Stauber made the following statement:

""Voting to raise the debt ceiling would enable President Biden and his allies in Congress to fund their $5.5 trillion tax and spend package, which is filled to the brim with pork. It is unacceptable that Democrats want to spend more money at this critical juncture instead of discussing pro-growth policies that will change the direction of our nearly $29 trillion in national debt.

""Democrats control the White House, Senate, and House – so if they want to spend trillions of dollars that we can't afford – then they can do so alone. When inflation soars to even greater heights and American families suffer as a result of their expensive policies, the blame will fall squarely upon their shoulders.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/10/rep-fischbach-pushes-secretary-of-agriculture-on-emergency-haying-and-grazing-waiver,Rep. Fischbach Pushes Secretary of Agriculture on Emergency Haying and Grazing Waiver,2021-10-08,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Fischbach participated in a hearing where she had the opportunity to question Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack about why the Department has not responded to several requests for emergency assistance needed due to the ongoing drought across Minnesota.

“…You mention that producers have faced the possibility of having to liquidate herds due to the lack of availability or affordability of feed and forage from this summers’ drought,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “In my district, this was not just a possibility, but a reality. Nearly all of my state has been in some kind of abnormally dry condition, and over three quarters in severe drought.”

In July, the Congresswoman wrote a letter with Senator Klobuchar, signed by the Minnesota Delegation, urging Secretary Vilsack to grant an emergency waiver for haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in Minnesota prior to the primary nesting season. Secretary Vilsack did not authorize this and gave no explanation. Even more inexplicable, emergency haying was also disallowed as drought conditions worsened, something that the Secretary himself could not explain. Congresswoman Fischbach continued, saying “I can’t for the life of me figure out why a county’s haying situation is suddenly in better shape, enough to lift this emergency authorization, as the drought conditions actually worsen. I will continue reaching out to the Department of Agriculture, and everyone else I can, until they listen to our farmers and grant the emergency waiver they need.”

The full exchange between Congresswoman Fischbach and Secretary Vilsack can be found here.

A list of federal and state drought resources available can be found on Congresswoman Fischbach’s website.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-advocates-for-alternative-pain-management-options-to-address-the-opioid-epidemic,Emmer Advocates for Alternative Pain Management Options to Address the Opioid Epidemic,2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) continued his advocacy to fight the opioid epidemic in America.

Specifically, Congressman Emmer sent a letter to Tamara Syrek Jensen, the Director of the Coverage and Analysis Group for the Centers for Clinical Standards and Quality, and Dr. Stephen Boren, the Medical Director for National Government Services to express concern regarding the currently proposed local coverage determination (LCD) for epidural interventions and other non-opioid forms of pain-management.

“The current proposal reduces the use of epidural injections to an unmanageably low level and fails to consider the previously-eligible patients in desperate need of pain management who depend on this procedure. Non-opioid relief choices are already limited and, for some patients, this option has been relied on for 25 years,"" said Emmer.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated families and communities across this nation, and our government must support all available forms of non-opioid pain management for patients struggling with chronic pain. Changes must be made to the LCD before it is too late,” Emmer concluded.

In accordance with evidence-based policies put forth by the Multi-jurisdictional Committee, an advisory committee tasked with analyzing the quality of evidence used to make a determination, Congressman Emmer strongly encouraged the following revisions to the LCD:

Provide coverage for multiple procedures in the same session, when reasonable and necessary,

Expand the greatly constricted inclusion criteria for indications and medical necessity,

Increase the number of procedures during the diagnostic or initial phase,

Add percutaneous adhesiolysis to the list of eligible procedures, which is designed to break up scarring in the epidural-site in order to relieve chronic low back and leg pain.

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/9/rep-fischbach-democrat-failures-to-fund-the-government-continue,Rep. Fischbach: Democrat Failures to Fund the Government Continue,2021-09-30,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Senate amendment to H.R. 5305, a bill to temporarily fund the government. In response, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

“As I’ve said before, this bill highlights the Democrats’ inability to perform the basic function of passing a budget and funding the government for a full fiscal year. This constitutionally mandated role is where Congress’ focus and energy needs to be – not on pushing through hyper-partisan legislation that only serves to rally the radical Democratic base.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-sends-letter-to-protect-life-saving-medical-therapies-for-patients-in-need,Emmer Sends Letter to Protect Life-Saving Medical Therapies for Patients in Need,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to express concern regarding both the outcome and process surrounding the Fiscal Year 2022 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule.

Specifically, the Congressman is concerned that the rule threatens to remove a critical therapy option known as laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for inoperable patients suffering from brain cancer and epilepsy. The process also failed to include stakeholder input, which sets a concerning precedent.

""Individuals facing the challenges of epilepsy, or the tragedy of an inoperable brain tumor deserve every opportunity to seek any care available. If access to LITT is terminated, patients across the nation will suffer,” said Emmer.

""LITT was developed in my home state of Minnesota, a place known for innovative medical technologies like the pacemaker, prosthetic heart valves, and more. We are proud of our contributions to the medical community, especially LITT, as it has become the last hope for many suffering from inoperable brain tumors and epilepsy. Limiting patient access to life-saving treatment is unconscionable. We deserve answers as to why this therapy is being threatened, and why there was not a standard public comment period,” Emmer concluded.

To read Congressman Emmer’s letter, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/9/line-3-replacement-project-set-to-be-fully-operational-friday,Line 3 Replacement Project Set to be Fully Operational Friday,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Enbridge Inc. announced the completion of the Line 3 Replacement Project, which will be in service October 1. The new line replaced an existing line that was corroding and operating at half capacity. In preparation for this project, input was gathered from 71 public comment regulatory meetings and more than 3,500 community engagement meetings, making it the most studied pipeline project in Minnesota state history.

“This is a monumental step for the health, safety, and livelihoods of the people that live and work along the 337-mile stretch of pipeline in Minnesota,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). “The project was also the largest privately financed construction project in state history, supporting thousands of skilled labor jobs across northern Minnesota and millions in construction-related revenue to communities near the pipeline’s route.

“I want to thank every single person involved in this historic project. You did the hard work of engaging with local communities and exceeded legal and regulatory requirements during the scientific review phase. You also faced near-constant attempts to block the project from urban environmentalists and liberal special interest groups. I commend you all for the time and energy you have invested. The state of Minnesota will benefit for decades to come because of your efforts.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-line-3-completion-major-win-every-minnesotan,Stauber: Line 3 Completion a Major Win for Every Minnesotan,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement celebrating the completion of the Line 3 Replacement Project and the establishment of an in-service date of October 1st.

""Line 3's completion is good news and a major accomplishment for our state. This would not have been possible without the hard work of the union members, contractors, and tribal members who successfully and safely managed its construction, as well as those who staunchly advocated for this replacement project. President Biden, several Congressional Progressives, and anti-jobs activists continue to do everything in their power to eliminate necessary energy projects, making the news of this project's completion especially uplifting. This is a win for every Minnesotan, and I am looking forward to seeing Line 3 positively impact our state's economy and environment for many years to come.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-wright-county-town-hall,Emmer Announces Wright County Town Hall,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Otsego, MN – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced that he will be holding a town hall in Wright County.

""My staff and I strive to be transparent, accountable, and most importantly — accessible. Town halls are a great way to facilitate this,"" said Emmer. ""If there is an issue or concern you hope to express – or want to know where I stand on an issue – please join me in Wright County on October 5th!”

Date: October 5, 2021

Time: 7:00PM-8:00PM

Location: Montrose City Council Chambers

200 Center Ave S,

Montrose, MN 55363

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-fed-chair-to-support-digital-asset-innovation,Emmer Urges Fed Chair to Support Digital Asset Innovation,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led a bipartisan letter with 6 of his colleagues to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The letter highlights concern with Powell’s statement that the biggest supporting argument for a Fed-issued digital currency is that it could eliminate the need for private sector innovation.

Specifically, Congressman Emmer asked,

What steps is the Fed taking to coordinate with other federal regulators on the development of policy guidance for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, and other critical related policy issues such as custody and accounting, to ensure the United States remains a leader in financial innovation?

What steps is the Fed taking on its own or in coordination with regional Federal Reserve Banks to provide regulatory clarity to banks that wish to offer cryptocurrency or other digital asset custody to their customers?

When does the Fed plan to release the discussion paper exploring the design of a United States central bank digital currency (CBDC) and does the Fed intend to highlight the importance of preserving a marketplace of private payment networks?

Since cryptocurrency networks facilitate a myriad of applications, from decentralized identity to decentralized file storage, do you believe a CBDC would make such applications, and the cryptocurrencies that power them, obsolete?

“Empowering individual Americans to become everyday investors should be our highest priority – decentralized digital assets provide that opportunity. The Federal Reserve must work to support domestic innovation,” said Emmer.

“It’s imperative that we get this right – or we risk losing the momentum of this technology altogether. Our government should never be in the business of thwarting innovation. I look forward to Chairman Powell’s response, and to continue working together to develop the best regulatory framework that supports digital assets,” Emmer concluded.

Read Congressman Emmer’s letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-upcoming-service-academy-information-night,Emmer Announces Upcoming Service Academy Information Night,2021-09-27,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Otsego, MN – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced today that his office will be hosting a Service Academy Night for individuals interested in applying for a nomination to one of our nation’s service academies.

""Our service academies produce some of the most honorable young men and women that serve our nation, and I have the distinct honor of assisting them with the nomination process,"" said Emmer. “These young people make a bold commitment to our country, and they learn the skills and tools to become future leaders. I am proud to play a supportive part in their journey.”

The meeting will give participants the opportunity to learn about the application process as well as the Congressional nomination process. Representatives from the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy will be available to answer any questions.

To learn more about Military Academy Nominations, click here.

When: Monday, October 11, 2021, 6:00 PM CT

Where: St. Cloud Library, Mississippi Room,1300 W St Germain St, St Cloud, MN 56301

For more information, contact Alejandra Henriquez in our Otsego office at (763) 241-6848 or at Alejandra.Henriquez@mail.house.gov.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-stauber-and-fischbach-urge-administration-to-provide-clarity-after-canada-border-closure,"Emmer, Stauber, and Fischbach Urge Administration to Provide Clarity After Canada Border Closure",2021-09-27,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas requesting an immediate report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Congress with a plan for operationalizing new border procedures once reopened.

President Biden extended the closure of land borders until October 21, at the earliest. Northern border states are especially impacted by the United States-Canada border closure. Currently, Customs and Border Protection does not appear to have a plan in place or the resources necessary to execute a safe reopening without causing tremendous delays at land ports of entry (LPOE). This is a major problem for members of the commercial trade sector, who need to know whether DHS will assign appropriate resources to maintain adequate levels of security and efficiency so that all LPOEs can operate successfully.

“The closure of our northern border impacts Americans and Canadians alike, and the impact is especially felt by Minnesotans like those who live in the Northwest Angle. Between the halt to trade, the disruption to the tourism industry, and the separation of our citizens, this closure has been devastating,” said Emmer.

“The impact is impossible to quantify exactly, but prior to the pandemic, cross-border trade in goods totaled nearly $720 billion. In fact, 90 percent of the Canadian population lives within one hundred miles of the border, making Canada our country’s largest inbound travel market. It’s safe to say, our country has suffered because of this border closure,” Emmer continued.

“The ongoing closure of our northern border continues to have detrimental economic and social costs which grow every day the closure remains in place. Our LPOE checkpoints must reopen safely and efficiently, and DHS must be prepared for this eventuality,” Emmer concluded.

“Biden’s continued border closure ignores science, logic, and the economic hardship of border communities across the country. From the Northwest Angle in my district all the way down to Marshall, I consistently hear from communities in Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District about the need to more appropriately facilitate the travel of people, goods, and services with our state’s closest trading partner. The Biden Administration has now inexplicably lifted the ban on travel for international visitors by air, while simultaneously extending the ban on travel by land, without reason. I call on President Biden to urgently respond to the needs of communities along the northern border and ensure land ports of entry are adequately resourced so regular commerce can return once again,” said Fischbach.

“I was greatly disappointed when President Biden once again extended the restrictions on land travel from Canada. The border communities we represent are unfairly suffering as the Administration continues to prevent non-essential land travel all while allowing air travel. Hopefully, by requesting an operationalizing report on border procedures from the Department of Homeland Security, the Administration will recognize the error of their ways and end these restrictions in October,” said Stauber.

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-emmer-and-hill-author-op-ed-on-china,ICYMI: Emmer and Hill Author Op-Ed on China,2021-09-27,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Representative Tom Emmer (MN-06) authored an opinion piece with his colleague Representative French Hill (AR-02) titled “Don’t Let China Rewrite the Rules for the Global Economy.” The piece was featured in House Financial Services Committee Republican Leader Patrick McHenry’s published editorial in Morning Consult. Read Congressman McHenry’s piece in Morning Consult here.

Read Congressman Emmer & Congressman Hill’s piece below, or by clicking here.

“The World Health Organization’s (WHO) ineptitude in the early days of COVID-19 shed light on China’s growing influence over international institutions. The decline of the WHO should serve as a warning as China seeks to expand its malign reach, particularly in economic governance at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the G20.

These are the organizations that shape the world’s financial architecture, providing countries with lifelines during crises, setting conditions when they borrow, and monitoring the overall health of the global economy. China feels entitled to a greater say in how these organizations work. The U.S. must make it clear that they haven’t earned it.

China is now the largest official creditor in the world, with its lending having increased from almost nothing in 1998 to an estimated $1.6 trillion in 2018. Chinese leaders have placed particular emphasis on financing infrastructure across the globe under their Belt and Road Initiative, which now encompasses around 3,000 projects with a value of nearly $4 trillion.

Because Beijing doesn’t comply with international standards for lending terms that the U.S. and other major creditors have agreed to, the details of much of this financing remain murky. This intentional deception poses massive challenges to the work of the IMF and multilateral development banks, where America and its allies have traditionally been the top shareholders.

Without an understanding of countries’ obligations to China, public and private creditors can’t structure their loans effectively, allowing risk to form and metastasize unseen. At the same time, if creditors aren’t aware of Beijing’s own potential liabilities when China’s borrowers’ default, they may be blind to weaknesses in the world’s second largest economy.

The U.S. once believed that encouragement by the U.S. and her allies of the Chinese government would convince it to see the error of its ways. Officials thought if China had arrived as an economic power, then boosting its weight in international bodies must follow, and it just might convince Beijing to behave more responsibly. In 2010, the Obama Administration signed off on a more than 50 percent increase to China’s shareholding at the IMF, a move that the Fund hailed as better reflecting “global realities.” Five years later, the U.S. also allowed China’s renminbi (RMB) to be added to the IMF’s basket of elite currencies. This action handed Beijing a propaganda win even though the RMB still lagged the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar as an international reserve currency.

Whatever good intentions may have led to this three-decades-long strategy, the following years have been one long reality check. In addition to the expansion of Belt and Road, China reapplied capital controls and dismissed the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) trade finance standards to subsidize its exporters.

Most egregiously, the Chinese Communist Party defied international norms of behavior by assaulting Hong Kong’s democracy, stonewalling inquiries into the origins of COVID-19, and carrying out genocide in Xinjiang.

It’s masochistic to believe that a genocidal and expansionary Chinese Communist Party that rejects global rules is qualified to hold greater sway over international financial institutions. Having a voice in these institutions isn’t about the size of a country’s economy, it’s about commitment to the values that serve as the foundation of multilateral cooperation.

For its part, the IMF is now considering additional changes to its shareholding, with a decision expected in 2023. China will argue that its voting weight should rise again, this time leapfrogging Japan to take second place behind the U.S. Not only should the U.S. veto this move, but it should also make any future increase for China at the IMF, the World Bank, and other lenders contingent on Beijing first adhering to multilateral credit standards.

There are reasons to be hopeful that the world may have had enough of China’s behavior. In 2018, the U.S. led reforms at the World Bank that would reduce its assistance to China, an economy that now far exceeds the Bank’s eligibility threshold. Last November, the Treasury Department and like-minded members of an international working group suspended negotiations on export credits, fed up after eight years of Beijing dragging its feet on issues like debt transparency. And despite China’s creation of rivals to the IMF and World Bank, they haven’t come close to displacing these U.S.-led institutions. A Chinese-led order will face hurdles as long as global public opinion of Beijing stays at or near historic lows.

Keeping the pressure on China will be vital until it starts playing by the rules. The tarnished reputation of the WHO serves as a warning to guard against China’s reverse Midas touch wherever possible. There will be times when cooperation with China is necessary, but that cooperation is only sustainable if it’s based on shared values. It is up to China to prove it takes them seriously.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-votes-against-democrats-barbaric-abortion-demand-until-birth-act,Stauber Votes Against Democrats’ Barbaric Abortion on Demand Until Birth Act,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) voted against the Democrats' Women's Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755), better titled the Abortion on Demand Until Birth Act. This legislation would enable abortion on demand until birth by removing nearly all pro-life protections for the unborn and mandating that every state be a late-term abortion state.

Of this legislation Congressman Pete Stauber stated, ""As the pro-life father of four and foster parent, it absolutely breaks my heart that the Democrat majority in the House chose to pass a barbaric bill that would allow abortion violence up until the moment of birth. This legislation is a despicable attack on the sanctity of life and goes directly against the will of the American people, as the overwhelming majority of the population opposes abortion with no limits. I will always stand up for life and push back on the Democrats' radical pro-abortion agenda.""

Specifically, this extreme and inhumane legislation would:

Allows abortions of unborn children for any reason and at any stage of pregnancy up until birth.

Allows discriminatory abortions on the basis of a baby's sex, race, and potential disability.

Overrides pro-life laws and prohibits states from enacting legislation that protects unborn children.

Earlier this week, Congressman Stauber spoke on the House Floor to express his strong opposition to this legislation.

Watch the full speech, HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/9/icymi-house-republicans-urge-president-biden-to-keep-renewable-fuel-standard-promises,ICYMI: House Republicans Urge President Biden to Keep Renewable Fuel Standard Promises,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined a group of House Republicans urging President Biden to keep his promise on upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by not decimating the demand for billions of gallons of ethanol.

From their letter to President Biden:

“If your Administration makes the unprecedented move to reopen the finalized 2020 RVO, and strip the demand for billions of gallons, the industry will certainly be devastated. As you stated, ‘Lip service won’t make up for the nearly four years of retroactive damage that’s decimated our economy and forced ethanol plants to shutter.’ If these rumors are correct, demand for over 5 billion gallons of renewable, clean fuels will be lost.

“Biofuels production is a major piece of the rural economy in our districts, therefore, we strongly urge you to direct your EPA to reconsider the rule to ensure that your Administration makes good on these promises to ‘fight for family farmers and revitalize rural economies…by ushering in a new era of biofuels.’”

When he was running for president, Biden stated Trump-era RFS waivers were “harmful” and called for “setting strong [Renewable Volumes Obligation] levels for 2021.” Now, it’s again being reported that President Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] is “considering big cuts to biofuel blending mandates for 2020, 2021 2022.” This past June, it was reported the Biden Administration was “considering ways to provide relief to U.S. oil refiners from biofuel blending mandates.”

You can find a copy of the letter here.

Co-leading the letter are Reps. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Randy Feenstra (R-IA). Also signing the letter are Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), James Comer (R-KY), Ron Estes (R-KS), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), James R. Baird (R-IN), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Sam Graves (R-MO), Donald J. Bacon (R-NE), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), and Mike Bost (R-IL).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-prevent-government-shutdowns,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Prevent Government Shutdowns,2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced the Government Shutdown Prevention Act, a House companion to Senate legislation developed by Senator Rand Paul, to improve Congress’s broken budget process.

This legislation would avert a government shutdown in the event Congress cannot reach a spending agreement before the end of the fiscal year. It will also automatically reduce federal spending by one percent across-the-board, and then by another one percent every 90 days Congress fails to reach an agreement.

“Our nation is nearly $30 trillion in debt. Unless we act quickly, this liability will continue to grow and will place an enormous burden on our children and grandchildren, who face a future of higher taxes and more inflation as a result,” said Emmer.

Emmer continued, “Despite the daunting fiscal forecast, the current congressional budget process is beyond broken. Far too frequently, Congress fails to complete the process of funding the government as the fiscal deadline looms, often forcing Members of Congress into accepting one of two options: either throw up their hands and allow status quo spending levels to remain in place – without any reforms – or they allow the government to shut down.”

“Periodic shutdowns are often labeled as a tough-but-effective negotiating strategy for reining in government spending and advancing other important reforms. But that’s not what history shows. Instead, after days or weeks of punishing the American people, government shutdowns inevitably end with a backroom deal negotiated by exhausted parties that does nothing to curtail runaway spending or address our nation’s long-term challenges. The American people deserve a much better budget process; my legislation will start to place our nation on a responsible path,” Emmer concluded.

“Congress’s inability to abide by their fiscal deadlines is as irresponsible as it is absurd. Rep. Tom Emmer’s Government Shutdown Prevention Act is a commonsense solution to protect American taxpayers and put an end to costly government shutdowns,” said Adam Brandon, President of FreedomWorks.

Read the text of the bill here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/9/rep-fischbach-blank-check-for-socialist-wish-list-is-unacceptable,Rep. Fischbach: Blank Check for Socialist Wish List is Unacceptable,2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5305, a bill to raise the debt limit and temporarily fund the government. In response, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

“Today’s vote amounted to writing a blank check for President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and the progressive Democrats who are desperate to pass their $3.5 trillion socialist wish list. I cannot support this type of unchecked spending, especially knowing that hardworking American taxpayers have to foot the bill for this irresponsible spending spree.

“In addition to the problematic increase to the debt limit, this bill marks a failure on the part of Democrats to properly fund the government for Fiscal Year 2022. This is only the latest stunning example of the Democrat Majority’s failure to govern. Instead of continuing to push through hyper-partisan legislation that only serves to rally their radical base, the House should focus its energy and efforts on our constitutionally mandated role to pass a budget for the whole fiscal year.

“To make matters worse, at the last minute, Speaker Pelosi bowed to the Progressive Caucus and inexplicably removed our longstanding commitment to Israel to help fund the Iron Dome that protects innocent citizens from terrorist rockets from this legislation. The priorities on display by the Democrats are truly shameful.”

Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach’s congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-stauber-efforts-prevent-child-labor-no-longer-supported-democrats,ICYMI: Stauber Efforts to Prevent Child Labor No Longer Supported by Democrats,2021-09-20,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, during a full markup of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's portion of Speaker Pelosi's partisan $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, the Democrat majority opposed all Republican amendments, including Congressman Pete Stauber's (MN-08) amendment to ensure purchased green energy technology is not made with minerals sourced by child slave labor in foreign countries.

Of his amendment, Congressman Stauber stated, ""The unfortunate truth is that many of the technologies that Americans enjoy today are made with minerals sourced by child slaves working in Chinese-run mines in the Congo.It was discouraging to see my Democrat colleagues block my attempt to hold our nation to a higher standard and empower American workers to responsibly source these resources instead. Ending child labor across the globe should be an easy cause to get behind, so the fact that my Democrat colleagues blocked my anti-child labor amendment demonstrates just how partisan they have become.""

Specifically, Stauber's amendment would have prohibited funding from being used to purchase or import products containing minerals produced, sourced, or mined with forced child labor.

This amendment would also mandate the Secretary of Commerce to certify that any electric vehicles, changing stations, solar panels or other components of infrastructure do not contain minerals sourced with forced child labor.

Background:

Last Congress, when Stauber introduced a similar amendment during a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup, over a dozen Democrats on the committee supported it. Despite this bipartisan support, his amendment was stripped from the final bill by Democrat leadership before coming to the House Floor for consideration. Read more about this HERE.

A few months ago, during a full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup on Speaker Pelosi's purely partisan surface transportation legislation, committee Democrats blocked a similar Stauber amendment that would help end U.S. reliance on child labor. Learn more HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-amendment-to-ensure-transparency-in-government-spending-on-housing,Emmer Supports Amendment to Ensure Transparency in Government Spending on Housing,2021-09-16,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) supported an amendment in the House Financial Services Committee offered by Representative Andy Barr (KY-06) to ensure that government spending is allocated by evidence of need as it relates to housing. You can read Rep. Barr’s Amendment, here.

Specifically, Rep. Barr’s U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Amendment requires the U.S. Interagency Council on Homeless to un-censor previously hidden housing reports, analysis, and data before spending any taxpayer money allocated for the program.

Watch Rep. Emmer’s remarks here.

Transcript:

“I’d like to strike the last word, please. Thank you.

The data has come in. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness reported that the government’s exclusive reliance on the Housing First model is ineffective. It obviously would come as no surprise that after Biden took office, the Administration attempted to hide the findings that prove its ineffectiveness by removing this report from the Council’s website.

The Democrats are certainly not new to glossing over information that points to inefficiencies in government. But regardless, the facts are out there. The underlying bill here allocates $5 million to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Why should they be able to censor information and spend money like the facts don’t exist?

I’m proud to support Congressman Barr’s amendment to require the Director of the Council to restore public access of all reports previously published on their website BEFORE they can spend any money appropriated in this bill. We must be appropriate stewards with taxpayer dollars and make sure any government action is backed by evidence.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-amendment-to-offer-protections-for-public-housing-residents,Emmer Supports Amendment to Offer Protections for Public Housing Residents,2021-09-16,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) supported an amendment in the House Financial Services Committee offered by Representative William Timmons (SC-04) that would allow public housing tenants to withhold rent if the government, their landlord, is not appropriately addressing unsafe living conditions. This will give public housing tenants the same rights as private market renters, and make sure that taxpayer dollars going to public housing not being wasted.

Watch Rep. Emmer’s remarks here.

Read Rep. Timmons amendment here.

Transcript:

“I’d like to strike the last word please.

The point I’d like to make in support of Congressman Timmons’ amendment is simple: Local governments overseeing public housing units must hold up their end of the lease agreement.

No renter, no matter their income, should have to live in a substandard home with unsafe living conditions because their landlord isn’t promptly addressing these issues. Cities, like New York for example, have been falsifying reports on public housing unit inspections and wait times – leaving renters with unsafe units that are dangerous to live in.

If a public housing resident has a health and safety issue in their unit that is going unfixed, they should be able to withhold their rent until it’s appropriately addressed! In this respect, public housing residents should have these same health and safety rights that private market renters across the country have.

I’m proud to support Congressman Timmons’ amendment to protect our public housing residents and make sure the local governments that oversee these units are doing their jobs and providing these Americans with a safe place to live.

I yield back the balance of my time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-offers-amendment-to-better-direct-covid-emergency-rental-assistance-to-areas-of-greatest-need,Emmer Offers Amendment to Better Direct COVID Emergency Rental Assistance to Areas of Greatest Need,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) offered an amendment to modify the definition of an “eligible household” under the Emergency Rental Assistance program. His amendment would target eligibility of tens of billions in COVID rental assistance funding to American families in the greatest need of assistance.

Read the amendment here.

Transcript:

“Thank you – my amendment makes a simple change to the definition of “eligible household” to receive emergency rental assistance.

In being good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars, we must target the emergency rental assistance (ERA) funds to those who have the highest need – the low-income households who had their financial livelihoods wrecked by COVID. And that is the goal here, with my amendment.

Under ERA1, which passed in a bipartisan manner, an eligible household must have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19.

The Democrats’ “Expediting Assistance to Renters and Landlords Act” changes this definition of “eligible household” for ERA funds to state that “an eligible household must have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship, during or due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19.” …During or due….

So, under Maxine Waters’ bill, taxpayer dollars could go to any American that, well, simply lost money during COVID, regardless of whether they lost money BECAUSE of COVID. So technically, as the bill reads, if I lost all of my money gambling in Las Vegas, I could be eligible for emergency rental assistance, all on the taxpayer’s dime.

I don’t need to elaborate further why this language is entirely unhelpful.

So, my amendment would simply change the base law to read that an eligible household is one that suffered financial hardship due DIRECTLY to COVID. This amendment creates a standard that actually targets the ERA funds to the families who need it most.

I know my colleagues will join me in supporting this amendment, which ensures that Congress is acting responsibly with the taxpayer dollars and ensures that Congress is specifically targeting the communities that need aid the most.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-offers-amendment-to-ensure-oversight-of-emergency-rental-assistance-program-funds,Emmer Offers Amendment to Ensure Oversight of Emergency Rental Assistance Program Funds,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) offered an amendment in the Financial Services Committee to allow the Inspector General of the U.S. Treasury to recover misappropriated funds from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and ensure their proper allocation.

Read the amendment here.

Transcript:

“I have an amendment at the desk.

This Committee authorized the original Emergency Rental Assistance program back in December on a bipartisan basis. In that, we included a provision that is necessary to protect taxpayers from waste, fraud, and abuse.

That provision in ERA1 is a section called “Inspector General Oversight and Recoupment.” This section gives the Inspector General (IG) at the Treasury Department the authority to, quote, “conduct monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of ERA1 funds.” It also authorizes the IG to recoup funds that are not used in compliance with the terms of the program. In other words, when the IG identifies fraud in the ERA1 program, he can initiate a process to recover the money on behalf of the taxpayers.

Amazingly, the IG does not have this same authority with respect to ERA2 funds – the funds authorized by Democrats on a purely partisan basis in March. My amendment will address this gap in oversight.

We have heard from the Treasury’s office of inspector general and the discrepancy between the IG’s authority with respect to ERA1 and ERA2 makes his job of conducting oversight and protecting the taxpayers’ dollars more difficult.

I previously mentioned that Democrats authorized ERA2 on a partisan basis, without input from Republicans. This may have been a simple mistake that the IG wasn’t authorized to recoup ERA2 funds in cases of fraud. Or perhaps my colleagues intended for grantees to take liberties with ERA2 funds, and use them for other purposes outside of the appropriate scope.

Either way, today we have the opportunity to make things right and protect taxpayers who are bailing out renters and property owners. So, I urge my colleagues to vote yes on my simple amendment to allow the Treasury IG to recoup ERA2 funds and protect the emergency rental assistance program against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-amendment-to-address-fraudulent-use-of-emergency-rental-assistance-funds,Emmer Supports Amendment to Address Fraudulent Use of Emergency Rental Assistance Funds,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) spoke in support of an amendment offered by Representative French Hill (AR-02) to close a loophole in existing law which has led to fraud, waste, and abuse in the use of the Emergency Rental Assistance program.

Specifically, Congressman Hill’s amendment would combat fraudulent tenant use of emergency rental assistance funds. It requires renters to notify landlords if they received emergency rental assistance payments, just as landlords are currently required to notify tenants when they receive rental assistance, so the renter knows their debts have been paid. Under the latest versions of the Emergency Rental Assistance legislation introduced by House Democrats, tenants are not required to notify landlords if they receive individual rental assistance payments, leading to a duplication of funds for COVID rental assistance and even the expenditure of relief money on things unrelated to the pandemic.

Watch Rep. Emmer’s Remarks here.

Read Rep. French Hill’s amendment here.

Transcript:

“I’d like to strike the last word please.

Thank you. I will be quick with my time, but I want to express support for my friend, Mr. Hill’s amendment that addresses a possible oversight with the current law that is a redundant use of taxpayer dollars.

As my friend just explained, under the current law, if a property owner applies for and receives emergency rental assistance funds, they must let their renters know. Why? So, the renters can know if their debt was paid off.

But if a renter applies for the emergency rental assistance funds directly and received it, that renter is not required, under the current rules, to use that money toward rent. So, if a landlord received aid to pay off their renters’ debt, but a renter also received aid directly, that renter would be able to pocket the money. This is a significant loophole in the current law and a source of waste, fraud, and abuse on the taxpayers’ dime.

I am proud to support Congressman Hill’s amendment to clean up the current ERA rules and put our taxpayers’ money toward better use.

I yield back.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-supports-amendment-to-aid-the-recovery-of-the-motorcoach-industry,Emmer Supports Amendment to Aid the Recovery of the Motorcoach Industry,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) supported an amendment offered by Representative John Rose (TN-06) to help and sustain the motorcoach industry in the House Financial Services Committee. You can read Rep. Rose’s Amendment, here.

Prior to COVID-19, the motorcoach industry supported more than 600 million passenger trips each year. During the outbreak, the industry saw 3,000 companies completely shut down, 36,000 vehicles parked, and most of their 88,000 employees laid off. In Minnesota, the industry employed nearly 2,500 people and experienced an unemployment rate of more than 70% throughout 2020.

Congressman Emmer issued the following statement in support:

“I am proud to, once again, support Congressman Rose’s efforts to support our motorcoach industry, which has been drastically hit by the reduction in travel due to COVID.

The motorcoach industry is a vital piece of our transportation landscape. But, due to government-mandated shutdowns, travel restrictions, and limitations on tourism, music, and commuting, the motorcoach industry has suffered tremendously.

In normal times, the motorcoach industry provides nearly 600 million passenger trips a year. Clearly, our country, Americans, we all rely on these modes of transportation. But, in the wake of the pandemic, nearly all 3,000 companies in the industry at some point had to completely shut down – 36,000 vehicles parked, over 88,000 employees laid off.

The Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services program was massively underfunded. Originally, it was supposed to receive $8 billion. It ended up barely receiving $2 billion. As a result, the program oversubscribed and was only able to meet 23% of the need. With the delta variant and reinstated mandates and limits threatening the future of the motorcoach industry, we must prioritize this industry.

I am proud to support Mr. Rose’s amendment, which will reallocate $6 billion toward addressing the funding shortage of the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services program.”

Additionally, earlier this year, Congressman Emmer also voiced his support for the industry during a mark-up of the American Rescue Plan. You can watch Congressman Emmer's previous remarks here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-offers-amendment-to-ensure-oversight-of-covid-relief-fund,Emmer Offers Amendment to Ensure Oversight of COVID Relief Fund,2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) offered an amendment during a Financial Services Committee Markup to redirect $35 million of the Democrat’s proposed $3.5 trillion to the Inspector General of the U.S. Treasury and the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure oversight of American Rescue Plan programs.

Watch Rep. Emmer’s remarks here.

The bipartisan CARES Act – one of the first COVID relief packages adopted in March 2020 – included $35 million in funding for the Treasury Inspector General to conduct oversight of programs like the Coronavirus Relief Fund. In total, the federal government has appropriated trillions of dollars in new spending to help combat the impact of the COVID pandemic, however, Democrats failed to include any additional resources for the Inspector Generals charged with overseeing the $1.9 trillion in new spending following their partisan passage of the American Rescue Plan earlier this year.

Congressman Emmer’s Amendment would provide additional resources to the Inspector Generals at the Department of Treasury and HUD to ensure they are able to continue with their oversight work and keep a watchful eye on the use of taxpayer dollars. Read the amendment here.

Transcript:

“I have an amendment at the desk.

My amendment is simple.

You might remember Democrats in Congress pushed for strong oversight of the CARES Act programs, which we passed on a bipartisan basis. This included $35 million in dedicated funds for the office of inspector general at the Treasury Department to conduct oversight of the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The Coronavirus Relief Fund is a $150 billion pot of money.

When it comes to identifying waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending, there is no better investment of taxpayer dollars than the Inspector Generals (IGs). Last year, IGs returned approximately $16 in savings for every dollar that we invested in their budgets. With returns like that, how could we not fund our Treasury IG?

Well, when the Democrats pushed through the $1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Plan on a partisan basis, that bill did not provide nearly enough money for oversight – in fact, it didn’t provide any money at all for our Treasury IG. So, the American Rescue Plan programs carried out with little to no oversight – our taxpayers don’t deserve such reckless spending.

As we’ve seen, the Coronavirus Relief Fund has been exposed to waste, fraud, and abuse. Back home in my district, the Sartell-St. Stephen’s school district used COVID relief funds to fund an equity survey that alarmed students and their parents. This survey was completely not COVID related, and was entirely inappropriate in the first place.

This is just one example in my district. In light of the lack of appropriate funding for our Treasury IG, the Treasury Office of Inspector General received tens of thousands of e-mail and hotline inquiries, and thousands of complaints related to the Department’s American Rescue Plan programs. The need for oversight of COVID relief money is clear.

So, my amendment puts our taxpayer dollars to very good use and redirects money to the IGs at Treasury and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct oversight of the programs in this bill, and those in the American Rescue Plan Act.

Specifically, it provides $35 million for each office – the same that was appropriated to the Treasury IG to conduct oversight of the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

I know my colleagues will see that this amendment represents an investment to protect taxpayer dollars against waste, fraud, and abuse, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-sends-letter-to-protect-community-banks-and-credit-unions-from-burdensome-regulations,Emmer Sends Letter to Protect Community Banks and Credit Unions from Burdensome Regulations,2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Ways and Means Chair Neal, Department of Treasury Secretary Yellen, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Rettig to express concern with a recent IRS data collection proposal that will increase tax information reporting requirements on financial institutions.

Specifically, the proposal would require financial institutions and other financial services providers to report certain transaction level data as well as information about the outflows and inflows on accounts over $600 to the IRS every year. The requirements of this proposal would impose significant compliance costs on our banks, credit unions, and related financial institutions, but also infringe on the privacy of millions of Americans.

“Our Main Street financial institutions are already required to report a tremendous amount of data to the IRS, and the IRS has proven time and time again that they cannot protect this sensitive taxpayer information. Privacy is one of the main reasons individuals choose not to open bank accounts. This proposal will further exacerbate the divide between the banked, unbanked and underbanked,” said Emmer.

“Not only are there serious privacy implications for the taxpayer and compliance burdens for our financial institutions, but there is also no reason to believe that handing more sensitive information over to the IRS will assist in any way in closing the ‘tax gap’ – the difference between taxes paid and taxes owed by law. We should only legislate when it makes sense, and it must protect Americans and our financial system, not focus on raising revenue at the expense of our taxpayers and financial institutions,” Emmer continued.

Emmer concluded, “House Democrats and the Biden Administration have claimed that this dangerous proposal will help them close the ‘tax gap’. However, they use their careless attempts to further justify outlandish trillion-dollar spending proposals.”

Read Congressman Emmer’s letter here.

Congressman Emmer has served on the House Financial Services Committee since 2015. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-biden-administration-to-address-stress-in-farm-country-due-to-ongoing-drought,Emmer Urges Biden Administration to Address Stress in Farm Country Due to Ongoing Drought,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting information regarding the Administration’s efforts to support farmer mental health through the ongoing drought.

Specifically, Congressman Emmer asked for information pertaining to specific resources the USDA is offering to farmers impacted by the drought. He also requested a regional report detailing the results of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) – which Congressman Emmer successfully reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill and has secured funding for each fiscal year. Finally, he asked for details about the current funding USDA has dispensed for FRSAN, and how much funding remains.

“When we reauthorized the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, we ensured that farm families and rural Americans would have better access to mental health resources. However, the work doesn’t end there, and our farmers have experienced increased stress due to supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, which was made impossible to recover from due to the drought that followed,” Emmer said.

Emmer concluded, “Over four million Minnesotans live and work in areas currently experiencing severe drought, which has had devastating impacts on the agriculture industry. I am hopeful that the Biden Administration has deployed all the resources Congress has allocated to assist our farmers through this difficult time.”

Read Congressman Emmer’s letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/9/rep-fischbach-scotus-decision-on-texas-abortion-law,"Rep. Fischbach: SCOTUS Decision on Texas Abortion Law ""Encouraging""",2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"This week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision allowing the Texas Heartbeat Act to remain in effect. In response, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

“For nearly five decades, abortion has remained one of our nation’s biggest tragedies. It has taken more than 60 million innocent lives, and has affected countless mothers, fathers, and families. But this week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the Texas Heartbeat Act to remain in effect – protecting unborn children from abortion after a heartbeat is detected – is incredibly encouraging, and I am optimistic.

“Now, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats want to push through highly controversial, partisan legislation to enshrine their pro-abortion agenda into law – a move that is out of touch with the strong majority of Americans who oppose pro-abortion extremism.

“As a co-chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, I will continue to defend the right to life for all, from conception until natural death.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/9/minnesota-republicans-respond-to-squad-line-3-visit,Minnesota Republicans Respond to ‘Squad’ Line 3 Visit,2021-09-01,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday and Saturday, U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Cori Bush (D-MO), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) will reportedly visit Minnesota to protest the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project.

In response, U.S. Reps. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Tom Emmer (R-MN) issued the following statement:

""Even after a litany of court decisions affirming the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project, and even with construction more than 90 percent complete, the misguided push to stop the pipeline using any means possible continues. The multi-billion-dollar pipeline project is the most studied of its kind in Minnesota; a visit by a few out-of-town congresswomen isn’t going to stop it.

""Instead, they seek soundbites. They say it’s about the impacts of the pipeline on Indigenous people, but they have not met with the many Native American contractors who are currently on-site assembling the pipeline. They say it’s about tribal sovereignty, but they fail to note the agreements reached with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. They say it’s about people, but they have not engaged with the cities, counties, and local businesses that have already benefited from the project.

""People in Minnesota support Line 3 because Line 3 supports Minnesota’s energy needs.""

Background:

The Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project aims to replace an existing, deteriorating crude oil pipeline that extends from Edmonton, Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin. Construction began on the 337-mile Minnesota portion of the replacement pipeline in December 2020 and is more than 90 percent completed. The project, which is the largest privately financed construction project in state history, supports thousands of skilled labor jobs across northern Minnesota and is expected to bring more than $160 million in construction-related revenue to communities near the pipeline’s route. The new pipeline will also contribute an additional $35 million in property taxes the first year it is fully in service, which will support schools, fund essential services, and help protect the environment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/minnesota-republicans-respond-squad-line-3-visit,Minnesota Republicans Respond to “Squad” Line 3 Visit,2021-09-01,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday and Saturday, U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Cori Bush (D-MO), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Rashia Tlaib (D-MI) will reportedly visit Minnesota to protest the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project. In response, U.S. Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Tom Emmer (R-MN) issued the following statement:

""Even after a litany of court decisions affirming the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project, and even with construction more than 90 percent complete, the misguided push to stop the pipeline using any means possible continues. The multi-billion-dollar pipeline project is the most studied of its kind in Minnesota; a visit by a few out-of-town congresswomen isn't going to stop it.

""Instead, they seek soundbites. They say it's about the impacts of the pipeline on Indigenous people, but they have not met with the many Native American contractors who are currently on-site assembling the pipeline. They say it's about tribal sovereignty, but they fail to note the agreements reached with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. They say it's about people, but they have not engaged with the cities, counties, and local businesses that have already benefited from the project.

""People in Minnesota support Line 3 because Line 3 supports Minnesota's energy needs.""

Background:

The Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project aims to replace an existing, deteriorating crude oil pipeline that extends from Edmonton, Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin. Construction began on the 337-mile Minnesota portion of the replacement pipeline in December 2020 and is more than 90 percent completed. The project, which is the largest privately financed construction project in state history, supports thousands of skilled labor jobs across northern Minnesota and is expected to bring more than $160 million in construction-related revenue to communities near the pipeline's route. The new pipeline will also contribute an additional $35 million in property taxes the first year it is fully in service, which will support schools, fund essential services, and help protect the environment.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-cosponsors-legislation-to-award-congressional-gold-medals-to-fallen-servicemembers-in-afghanistan,Emmer Cosponsors Legislation to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Fallen Servicemembers in Afghanistan,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) has joined 157 of his colleagues as original cosponsors of a bill led by Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10). The legislation would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the thirteen American servicemembers who were killed in the line of duty assisting the evacuation of American citizens and allies last week in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The honors would be awarded to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

“These thirteen heroes gave their lives in service of the American people,” said Rep. Emmer. “Congress must come together to recognize their profound bravery and sacrifice by bestowing them with its highest honor.”

About her bill, Rep. McClain said: “These heroic men and women are gone far too soon, and we must honor them for their bravery in helping U.S. citizens and Afghan allies safely evacuate Afghanistan. My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our servicemembers. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

You can read the text of the bill in its entirety, here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-statement-minnesota-national-guard-members-serving-afghanistan,Stauber Statement on Minnesota National Guard Members Serving in Afghanistan,2021-08-27,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HERMANTOWN, MN – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement regarding Minnesota National Guard Members being a significant percentage of the total number of U.S. servicemembers helping evacuate Americans and our allies from Afghanistan:

""Every day, our Minnesota National Guard servicemembers are representing the best of America both at home and overseas. Minnesota National Guard members were at the Kabul Airport during yesterday's terrorist attacks. Shortly after, I spoke with Minnesota National Guard leadership for a briefing. I was relieved to learn that our Guard Members were not among those killed in yesterday's attacks, but I remain concerned for their safety and wellbeing as they continue to carry out the evacuations of American civilians and allies.

""The threat of another terrorist attack remains high, so I along with the entire state of Minnesota will continue to pray for every single one of them to safely return home. The men and women of Minnesota's National Guard are the best among us, and now more than ever, I am in awe of their bravery, strength, and resolve. My office stands ready to assist them and their families in any way possible as they carry out this important mission.""

There are currently 1,100 Minnesota National Guard troops in Afghanistan, and approximately 5,000 American troops total.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/8/rep-fischbach-responds-to,Rep. Fischbach Responds to American Casualties in Afghanistan,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - After an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of United States servicemembers, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

""I was horrified to learn of the attack in Kabul.

""Please join me in praying for our troops, allies, and Americans still stranded in Afghanistan. We must leave no American behind!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-statement-deadly-afghanistan-attack,Stauber Statement on Deadly Afghanistan Attack,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after today's deadly attack in Afghanistan resulted in the loss of numerous U.S. servicemembers:

""I am deeply heartbroken by the loss of our U.S. servicemembers who were killed in the heinous attacks outside the Kabul airport. My heart is with the families of these fallen heroes; I cannot begin to imagine their terrible pain as they receive this devastating news. We need to keep these families in our prayers.

""It didn't need to be this way, and the responsibility falls squarely upon the shoulders of President Biden and Vice President Harris. Their botched withdrawal has led to the deadliest day in Afghanistan since President Obama was in office, and the largest death toll in one attack on servicemembers in more than a decade. As this crisis continues to worsen under the failed leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, my office continues to do everything in our power to get Americans and our allies out of Afghanistan.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/8/statement-from-rep-fischbach-on-h-r-4,Statement from Rep. Fischbach on H.R. 4,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4. In response, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

“Passed under the guise of ‘updating’ the Voting Rights Act of 1965, H.R. 4 is an unprecedented power grab that empowers the attorney general to bully states and strips state and local governments of the ability to manage their own elections. The original Voting Rights Act is working as intended: more Americans from minority communities are voting than ever before and voter registration remains high. While President Biden attempts to justify the bill’s unconstitutional and extraordinary measures, state and local elections officials – who saw record turnout in 2020 – aren’t buying it. Such an overreaching bill is unnecessary.

“I will continue to push for election safeguards that make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-slams-pelosi-s-35-trillion-partisan-tax-and-spending-package,Stauber Slams Pelosi’s $3.5 Trillion Partisan Tax-and-Spending Package,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement on Speaker Pelosi's $3.5 trillion tax-and-spending package:

""As middle-class families across the nation continue to suffer from skyrocketing inflation, Speaker Pelosi decided to call the House back in session to vote on yet another socialist tax-and-spending package. I want to make my opposition to this package crystal clear because, in addition to raising taxes on American families, it will fund many of the far-left's expensive radical policies, like mass amnesty. Meanwhile, it provides absolutely nothing to help Homeland Security secure our southern border and drops military funding to dangerously low levels.

""Perhaps most troubling is the fact that this package calls for the highest sustained spending levels in American history, with $68 trillion in total spending over the next ten years. Make no mistake, this package is a disaster as it will saddle the American people with $17 trillion in new debt, more taxes, and long-term inflation. The hardworking families that I represent should never have to foot the bill for Democrats' outrageous spending, and I will continue to push back on any attempt to make them do so.

""Instead of spending ourselves into ruin, both sides of the aisle must begin to work together to find commonsense solutions to the many Biden-made crises, like soaring inflation, the chaos at our southern border, the dramatic rise in crime, and the unfolding disaster in Afghanistan.""

Among the troubling provisions included in this package:

$3.5 trillion in immediate spending.

$68 trillion in spending over the next ten years.

Add $17 trillion in new debt.

Raise taxes and costs on American families earning under $400,000.

Push American jobs overseas and reward China by taxing U.S. employers at one of the highest rates in the world.

Provide amnesty to illegal immigrants.

Banish low-cost traditional electricity.

Drop military funding to the lowest levels, as a percentage of the economy, in over 80 years.

Provide a ZERO% increase for Homeland Security when the border crisis continues to worsen.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mchenry-emmer-urge-cbo-to-study-disastrous-impact-of-democrats-reckless-spending-proposals,"McHenry, Emmer Urge CBO to Study Disastrous Impact of Democrats’ Reckless Spending Proposals",2021-08-20,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, Patrick McHenry (NC-10), and the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Tom Emmer (MN-06), sent a letter to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) asking the agency to report to Congress on the impact of Democrats’ reckless new government spending proposals on our economic recovery. Specifically, the Congressmen urge the CBO to analyze the disastrous effects of Democrats’ irresponsible spending on GDP growth and consumer prices.

Read the full letter here.

Read excerpts from the letter:

The Republican Leaders write: “Last September, the Congressional Budget Office issued a report entitled ‘The Effects of Pandemic-Related Legislation on Output.’ The reported analyzed the economic impact of the four spending bills Congress passed between March and April 2020, including the effect on gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, the debt and deficits. Since then, Congress has spent an additional $900 billion in December 2020 and $2 trillion in March 2021 in response to the global pandemic. Moreover, Democrats are on the cusp of spending an additional five trillion, some of which will be paid for through higher taxes, but mostly financed through additional debt.

“This massive spending spree will have short and long-term implications for the economy, including on GDP and inflation. Current CBO fourth quarter projections suggest GDP will grow to 7.4 percent, inflation will hold at 2.8 percent, and unemployment will drop to 4.6 percent. Recent data suggests the economy is slowing as prices continue to rise. Moreover, there continues to be a significant disconnect between employers and workers. We are concerned that massive new spending will only exacerbate this negative trend.

“To that end, we request that CBO update its September 2020 report to include the effects of the December and March spending. In addition, CBO should also include a projection of the impact the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $3.5 trillion in new spending associated with reconciliation will have on the economy. The report should include the impact on consumer prices, employment, wages and overall economic conditions.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-provide-clarity-for-blockchain-innovators,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Provide Clarity for Blockchain Innovators,2021-08-17,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) reintroduced the bipartisan Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act with Rep. Darren Soto, legislation designed to remedy concerning Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proposed guidance that threatens to stifle blockchain innovation in the United States and send it overseas.

“Certain blockchain developers and service providers, like miners and multisignature service providers, should not have to register as money transmitters because, simply put, they never custody consumer funds. Blockchain service providers need clear rules of the road to be able to develop and invest in the United States, and this clarity is more necessary than ever as the FATF tries to encapsulate more non-custodial blockchain developers in the money transmission system,” said Congressman Emmer.

Emmer continued, “For the future of blockchain, Decentralized Finance (DeFI), and America’s support for innovation and emerging technologies, it’s imperative that we provide the framework for this technology to thrive, without being limited by outdated rules and overregulation.”

“Certain blockchain developers and service providers, like miners and multisignature service providers, should not have to register as money transmitters because they never custody consumer funds. Blockchain service providers need clear rules of the road to be able to develop and invest in the United States, and this clarity is more necessary than ever as the FATF tries to encapsulate more non-custodial blockchain developers in the money transmission system,” said Emmer.

Emmer concluded, “The United States should prioritize accelerating the development of blockchain technology and create an environment that enables the American private sector to lead. These technologies hold untold promise for our economy and for all Americans, and we should be embracing them.”

“The re-introduction of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act is extremely timely in the wake of the cryptocurrency and infrastructure bill discussion that recently took place. Custody is an incredibly important issue that needs to be considered when defining which regulations apply to who,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “I’m a proud supporter of Rep. Tom Emmer’s bill that is a step in the right direction policy-wise and provides helpful regulatory clarity for innovators in the ecosystem,"" said Congressman Soto.

""Sound cryptocurrency policy requires calibrating regulations specifically for the activities that present risks that should be mitigated. The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act would reinforce in law the established understanding that non-custodial services, such as mining or providing wallet software, should not be regulated in the same way as something like running a custodial cryptocurrency exchange,"" said Jerry Brito, Executive Director of Coin Center.

""The Blockchain Association is proud to support the reintroduction of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act. By providing commonsense regulatory guardrails, this legislation goes a long way in ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of crypto innovation,"" said Blockchain Association Executive Director Kristin Smith.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that we develop regulatory clarity for blockchain developers and service providers in the United States. As the recent infrastructure bill debate proved, the existing lack of clarity is a serious risk to ongoing growth and innovation in the blockchain and digital asset industry which must be addressed. The Chamber strongly supports this bill, which will help create a more hospitable environment for innovators and encourage growth where inconsistent state and federal legislation has hampered the growth of our industry,"" said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce.

In 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued draft guidance to expand the definition of virtual asset service provider (VASP) to include any provider that may develop or operate a DeFi platform, even if they have no interaction with users. This action, if implemented in the United States, would require many innovators and developers in the blockchain space who never transmit money or custody consumer funds to navigate the overburdensome and stifling United States’ money transmission system.

This bill is endorsed by the Chamber of Digital Commerce, Coin Center, and the Blockchain Association.

Read the full text of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act here.

Congressman Emmer served as the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee’s Task Force on Financial Technology during the 117th Congress. In addition, Congressman Emmer became Co-Chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus in 2018. He currently serves as the Ranking Member on the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversights and Investigations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/8/statement-from-rep-fischbach-on-afghanistan,Statement from Rep. Fischbach on Afghanistan,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement regarding the situation in Afghanistan:

""What’s happening in Afghanistan is an embarrassment to our nation—a direct result of President Biden’s incompetence and his Administration’s mismanagement of our exit strategy in the Middle East. As this Administration’s recklessness puts American lives in danger, the president is nowhere to be found. The Biden Administration has abjectly failed in its duty to keep the American people safe, both at home and abroad.

""May God bless our troops.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-and-hagedorn-slam-sba-administrator-displaying-partisanship-and,Stauber and Hagedorn Slam SBA Administrator for Displaying Partisanship and Ignoring Rural Small Businesses During Trip to Minnesota,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) led a letter that was also signed onto by Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) to Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman admonishing her for refusing to address the pressing needs of the rural small businesses they represent and failing to invite them to join her during her trip to Minnesota.

Stauber and Hagedorn are both Republican Members of the House Small Business Committee. Their Minnesota Democrat colleagues on the Committee, Congresswoman Angie Craig, and Congressman Dean Phillips, were both invited to join Guzman along with Senator Amy Klobuchar and Mayor Melvin Carter.

Of Guzman's visit to Minnesota, Congressman Stauber stated, ""During Governor Walz's unilateral lockdowns, small businesses across Greater Minnesota were among the most impacted and many are still struggling to recover. By failing to meet with Congressman Hagedorn and myself, Administrator Guzman has shown a blatant disregard to the hardships experienced by the rural business owners we represent. The Small Business Administration has an obligation to serve all business owners regardless of whether they live in a red or blue district, making Administrator Guzman's display of partisanship incredibly inappropriate and disappointing. Rural Minnesota matters just as much as the Twin Cities, so Administrator Guzman along with the entire Biden Administration must do better.""

Congressman Hagedorn stated, ""Administrator Guzman is intentionally politicizing the mission of the SBA during this visit. Small businesses across Minnesota are depending on the SBA for support during this time of economic hardship and recovery, yet the Biden Administration continues to ignore businesses in rural America and makes no effort to communicate with the people in these communities or their representatives. Assistance from the SBA should be open to all entrepreneurs in need irrespective of where they operate their business, and I am disappointed that Administrator Guzman does not view the small business owners in our districts as a priority.""

Read their full letter, HERE.

This is not the first time that Administrator Guzman has failed to adequately fulfill the requirements of her position. Stauber and Hagedorn's letter also expresses their concern over the SBA's failure to provide accurate or timely information to small businesses within their district.

Additionally, during Guzman's recent testimony to the House Small Business Committee, Stauber asked her to address the impact that President Biden's proposed corporate tax increases could have on small businesses classified as C-corporations.

Administrator Guzman was not only unaware that there are over one million American small businesses organized as C-corporations, but she failed to answer his question on how tax increases would impact these small businesses.

Watch their full exchange, HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-sends-letter-president-biden-regarding-administration-s-request-opec,Stauber Sends Letter to President Biden Regarding the Administration’s Request that OPEC Nations Deliver More Energy after Several Administrative Actions Cut American Energy Jobs and Production,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to President Joe Biden raising important questions and concerns about the Administration's recent request for OPEC nations to produce more oil and gas to help combat rising energy costs.

In his letter to the President, Stauber asked the President what so many Americans across the nation are asking – ""Why does this Administration continue hamper domestic energy production and investment resulting in tens of thousands of good paying, often labor union jobs, and ask other nations to put foreign workers to work and bring foreign energy to our shores?""

Of his letter to the President, Congressman Stauber stated, ""By cancelling the Keystone Pipeline and banning leasing on federal lands, President Biden has managed to eliminate American energy independence within the span of just seven months. Gas prices continue to skyrocket as a result, and now, President Biden is asking countries like Saudi Arabia to bail him out. The President must be fully transparent as to why he insists on putting the America last. He must explain why he continues to rely on OPEC nations, rather than empowering American workers to develop these resources under the strongest environmental and labor standards in the world.""

Read Congressman Stauber's full letter, HERE.

Congressman Stauber currently serves as the top Republican on the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Natural Resources.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-leads-minnesota-delegation-in-support-of-maintaining-c-130-fleet,Emmer Leads Minnesota Delegation in Support of Maintaining C-130 Fleet,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led a letter along with Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02), Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-03), Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) to express the Minnesota Congressional Delegation's strong support for the C-130 mission at the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing.

The letter was sent to Secretary Kendall and General Brown of the United States Air Force to underscore the deep concerns with the proposed reductions of the C-130 fleet between fiscal years 2020 and 2025, and the direct impact they would have on the 133rd Airlift Wing. This decision was made prior to the release of the 2020 Mobility Capability and Requirements Study and without a fair and transparent basing process.

""Minnesota's C-130 operations support a broad array of services - many of which support critical homeland security missions. As a delegation, we urge the leadership of the United States Air Force to reconsider this decision and allow the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing to continue the C-130 mission that it has so successfully fulfilled for over a half-century,"" said Emmer.

Background:

Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the 133rd Airlift Wing has been a model for recruitment, retention, and mission readiness since its inception in 1921. The Wing’s C-130 aircrafts have been critical to accomplishing United States Air Force and Air National Guard missions, including leading the way in aeromedical evacuations since 1961. This unit’s airlift capacity is also critical to Homeland Security responses to wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. In addition to these achievements, the Wing serves as a key Contingency Response Flight, meeting national security objectives in the arctic established in the National Defense Strategy.

The 133rd Airlift Wing’s location at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, one of America’s largest hubs, allows it to support personnel strength and fill performance percentages that are among the best in the nation. From here, the Wing can rapidly deploy to provide critical care while transporting injured between medical treatment facilities, along with providing support for domestic, humanitarian, and deployed combat operations.

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-introduces-legislation-rename-akeley-post-office-honor-neal-todd,Stauber Introduces Legislation to Rename Akeley Post Office in Honor of Neal Todd,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) recently introduced legislation that would rename the Akeley Post Office after Neal Kenneth Todd, an Akeley native who perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Neal's remains were recently identified and returned home to Akeley, where he was finally laid to rest next to his family. Every Member of the Minnesota delegation cosponsored this legislation.

Congressman Stauber had the honor of attending his funeral and presenting Neal's family with an American flag he had flown over the United States Capitol.

Of his legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""Neal Kenneth Todd was a member of the Greatest Generation who laid down his life in defense of this exceptional country that we all have the privilege to call home. We must be forever grateful to this hero for his defense of American freedom, so I am proud to lead legislation to rename the Akeley post office in his honor as it will help ensure Minnesotans remember his courage and sacrifice for many years to come.""

Congressman Stauber recently gave a floor speech on the House Floor in honor of Neal's brave service and sacrifice. Watch his full speech, HERE.

BACKGROUND:

Neal Kenneth Todd joined the Navy in 1940 and was assigned to the USS Oklahoma as a Navy Fireman First Class. While stationed at Pearl Harbor, the ship was attacked by the Japanese air force on December 7, 1941. Neal's brother, Wesley Todd, was also serving on the USS Oklahoma during the bombing. Wesley was fortunate to escape the sinking ship, but Neal's fate was unknown to the Todd family for months. Neal was later pronounced dead and awarded the Purple Heart.

He is honored at the USS Oklahoma Memorial and Honolulu Memorial of the Courts of the Missing. The remains of Neal and other service members were recovered in the months following the attack but were not identified by the U.S. Department of Defense until a 2015 Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency project.

In February 11, 2021, Neal's remains were successfully matched to his family. He was reunited with his brother, Orville Staffenhagen, and sister, Karyn Stiffler in Akeley, Minnesota on July 10, 2021. Neal was buried with full military honors next to his younger brother, Alfred Staffenhagen, Jr., who also served in the U.S. Navy, and his mother Irena.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/8/rep-fischbach-responds-to-eviction-moratorium,Rep. Fischbach Responds to Eviction Moratorium,2021-08-05,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a new moratorium on evictions, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

“Despite the Supreme Court’s clear ruling that the Biden Administration did not have the authority to unilaterally extend the eviction moratorium, Biden’s unelected bureaucrats defied the judicial branch and did it anyway. The moratorium ties the hands of landlords across the country who are already reeling from the past 18 months, depriving them of any legal recourse to enforce rent obligations. Not only does this increase the likelihood of future shortages in affordable housing, but it also stokes the existing inflation in rental prices as landlords cope with the losses in revenue. Congress has repeatedly acted to provide relief to the American people, including allocating $46 billion in rental assistance. With multiple safe and effective vaccines available to all who want one, it is time to stop disincentivizing people from getting back to work.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-introduces-legislation-kickstarting-american-manufacturing-critical,Stauber Introduces Legislation Kickstarting American Manufacturing of Critical Minerals,2021-08-04,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced legislation incentivizing manufacturers to purchase domestically sourced and processed critical minerals. The Manufacturing America's Mineral Security Act will help put an end to America's dependence on unreliable foreign nations like the Communist Regime of China for critical minerals that power our economy and secure our national defense.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Manufacturing America's Mineral Security Actas an amendment to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Of his legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""Whether it be mining, processing, or manufacturing, the United States is being left behind while our foreign rivals like the Communist Regime of China dominate our supply chains. Take cobalt, for example. Chinese-owned mines use child and slave labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to extract the minerals by hand before shipping them back to the Chinese mainland for manufacturing, where they are then purchased for use in electric vehicles, jet turbines, and countless other applications. Imagine the impact on our nation should China suddenly withhold these critical resources. That's why I introduced the Manufacturing America's Mineral Security Act, a bill to kickstart domestic manufacturing of our critical minerals.

Congressman Stauber continued, saying, ""This is a bipartisan and bicameral issue. Whether it be iron, copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc, or rare earth elements, we have the resources in America. We have the processing capacity in America. We have the manufacturers in America. Let's put American innovation to work and put an end to China's chokehold over this key supply chain.""

Currently, U.S. manufacturers rely on foreign countries for more than half of the metals and minerals they use. Outsourcing these metals and minerals often provides nations who do not have our best interests at heart with leverage, placing our national and economic security at risk.

Furthermore, outsourcing these critical minerals has only empowered nations with poor environmental and labor track records to continue with, and even ramp up, these harmful practices.

As the Representative of an area rich in minerals like taconite, copper, nickel, platinum-group elements, Congressman Stauber knows that our miners, manufacturers and others throughout our domestic supply chain eagerly await the chance to serve their nation and responsibly source these resources needed for every sector of our economy.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-republican-congressional-delegation-questions-use-of-covid-19-funds-for-equity-audit,Minnesota Republican Congressional Delegation Questions Use of COVID-19 Funds for Equity Audit,2021-07-27,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led a letter with Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calling into question the use of COVID-19 relief funding for “equity audit” services in the Sartell-St. Stephen School District (ISD 748).

According to reports, ISD 748 entered into an $80,000 contract with Equity Alliance Minnesota to use COVID-19 relief funding for services aimed at helping teachers and staff “understand how culture, power, and race impact self and others.”

Subsequent to that contract, Sartell-St. Stephen students were reportedly forced to participate in an “equity survey,” which made some of them feel confused and uncomfortable. As one fourth grader recounted during a July 19, 2021, school board meeting, she and her classmates were prohibited by their teacher from repeating the contents of the survey to their parents, and were discouraged from asking their parents questions raised in the survey they did not understand.

""As a father, I am deeply troubled by the reports coming from the Sixth District. It is never appropriate for our students to feel like they cannot share information with their parents or guardians. Even worse, our students should never be instructed to withhold things from them,"" said Emmer.

Emmer continued, ""The federal government authorized trillions of dollars in COVID relief spending to help businesses and families combat the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The use of taxpayer dollars to fund an audit of this nature seems extraneous at best, which is why we are asking Secretary Yellen for information about what the Treasury Department is doing to ensure these funds are used in accordance with the intent of the laws that provided them.""

Read the letter here.

Congressman Emmer is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/7/rep-fischbach-announces-resources-for-drought-stricken-farmers,Rep. Fischbach Announces Resources for Drought-Stricken Farmers,2021-07-27,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) announced a series of federal and state resources available to Minnesota farmers impacted by severe drought conditions.

“With most of western and southern Minnesota experiencing severe drought conditions, there are reports that herd culling is being done due to a lack of quality feed and that farmers are making other operational changes to mitigate future losses in production,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “There are resources available to farmers, ranchers, businesses, and communities impacted by this natural disaster. My office stands ready to assist constituents in navigating these programs.”

A list of federal and state resources available can be found on Congresswoman Fischbach’s website.

Minnesota Disaster Recovery Loan Program

Zero-interest loans are available to Minnesota farmers whose operations are suffering due to extreme drought conditions under the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Disaster Recovery Loan Program. This loan is available to help cover lost revenue or expenses not covered by insurance. The funds can be used for to help clean up, repair, or replace farm buildings, repair or replace septic and water systems, replace seed, fertilizer (or other cropping inputs), feed, or livestock and poultry. Applicants will work through local lenders to apply for the Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Upon completion of an application, the lender will apply for RFA participation. (The RFA must have a completed Master Participation Agreement with the lender on file). Eligible farmers must have received at least 50% of their annual gross income from farming for the past three years. Interest rates on the Rural Finance Authority portion of the loan are currently set at 0.0%.

USDA Disaster Assistance for Drought Recovery

Producers who experience livestock deaths and feed losses due to natural disasters may be eligible for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). This program also provides eligible producers with compensation for expenses associated with transporting water to livestock physically located in a county that is designated as level “D3 Drought - Extreme” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. For ELAP, producers will need to file a notice of livestock loss within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent.

Livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought in 2021 may be eligible for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). A map of eligible counties for LFP drought may be found on the FSA website.

Additionally, emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres may be authorized (outside of the primary nesting season) to provide relief to livestock producers in areas affected by a severe drought or similar natural disaster. Emergency haying and grazing status is reviewed and authorized each Thursday using the U.S. Drought Monitor. Counties are approved for emergency haying and grazing due to drought conditions on a county by county basis, when a county is designated as level “D2 Drought - Severe” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines lost during the drought. This complements Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days.

FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed loans, including operating and emergency loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.

Risk Management

Producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or FSA’s NAP should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or FSA office, respectively. If they have crop insurance, producers should report crop damage to their agent within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. For NAP covered crops, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) must be filed within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.

Additionally, RMA authorized emergency procedures earlier this month to help agricultural producers impacted by extreme drought conditions. Emergency procedures allow insurance companies to accept delayed notices of loss in certain situations, streamline paperwork and reduce the number of required representative samples when damage is consistent. Read more in RMA’s July 13, 2021 news release.

Conservation

FSA offers the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program to assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore fencing, damaged farmland or forests.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also offers programs to help in the recovery process. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on farms, ranches and working forests impacted by natural disasters. Practices include brush management, livestock watering facilities, prescribed grazing, etc.

Long-term damage from drought includes forage production loss in pastures and fields and increased wind erosion on crop fields not protected with soil health practices.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/7/statement-from-rep-fischbach-on-killing-of-red-lake-nation-police-officer,Statement from Rep. Fischbach on Killing of Red Lake Nation Police Officer,2021-07-27,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Ryan Bialke, a law enforcement officer with the Red Lake Nation, was killed in the line of duty. In response, U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

“The killing of Officer Ryan Bialke is an unbelievable tragedy, and my heart is heavy over the murder of another law enforcement officer. I want to express my sincere condolences to Officer Bialke’s family and friends, as well as the entire Red Lake Nation community, and ask everyone to join me in keeping them in our prayers. I am eternally grateful to the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-republican-delegation-sends-letter-to-protect-minnesota-s-dairy-farmers,Minnesota Republican Delegation Sends Letter to Protect Minnesota's Dairy Farmers,2021-07-22,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai expressing concern that Canada may be bending U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules to unfairly benefit its own dairy industry at the expense of U.S. producers.

""As a Representative of Minnesota's largest dairy-producing county in the state, I have seen firsthand how determined these hard-working folks are, and how their success is tied to the overall agriculture community. These men and women bring jobs and economic growth to Minnesota, so we must ensure that trade agreements are fairly enforced to allow them to thrive,"" said Emmer.

""USMCA was a major win for farm families across the nation, but specifically for Minnesota’s dairy farmers. However, any trade agreement is only as effective as its enforcement mechanisms. I am glad to see a dispute settlement case move forward to defend our rights, but I encourage Ambassador Tai to continue monitoring Canada's actions as we work towards a resolution,"" Emmer concluded.

Background:

Minnesota’s dairy industry is comprised of 2,100 farms and provides 27,000 jobs and 110,000 indirect jobs. On average, Minnesota produces nearly 10.2 billion pounds of milk, with Stearns County, in the Sixth Congressional District, coming in as the largest dairy-producing county in the state.

Minnesota is top ten in the nation in both milk and cheese production and is fourth in the nation in the total value of manufactured dairy products, at $5 billion. Moreover, exports are critical to Minnesota’s dairy industry. The state is in the top ten nationally for dairy exports, which are valued at over $200 million dollars.

Congressman Emmer's letter urged Ambassador Tai to closely monitor Canadian milk

protein isolates (MPI) exports (Chapter 3504 tariff code) and to explore the use of USMCA’s dairy consultation provisions to address this circumvention further with Canada.

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-july-telephone-town-hall,Emmer Announces July Telephone Town Hall,2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced he will be hosting a telephone town hall on Wednesday, July 28th. He will be joined by experts from Career Solutions and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

""As the Representative for Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District, I enjoy connecting with constituents and serving as a resource, especially as we recover from this trying time,"" said Emmer, ""As our economy attempts to rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdowns, I am dedicated to addressing the needs of our workforce, and finding solutions to the challenges we face. I look forward to hosting this telephone town hall to share the important resources that are available to the residents of the Sixth District.""

Background:

Participants are welcome to discuss any subject, however, the focus of this town hall will pay particular attention to answering questions regarding our workforce shortage, and available resources. Our guests will be able to assist with a variety of concerns for Minnesotans seeking employment information.

Details:

Date: July 28, 2021

Time: 7:00PM - 8:00PM CST

Call-In: 855-962-1252

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-address-shortages-of-medical-personnel-in-rural-communities,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Address Shortages of Medical Personnel in Rural Communities,2021-07-20,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) introduced the Grant Residency for Additional Doctors (GRAD) Act of 2021 to address the physician shortage facing rural America.

""The United States continues to face a deficit of physicians, with rural hospitals shouldering some of the heaviest burdens associated with this shortfall. As we seek to increase the number of physicians domestically, medical professionals from around the world have historically been able to help address doctor shortages in rural areas, utilizing the J-1 visa process to carry out their medical residencies in the American health system."" said Emmer.

""Even before the outbreak of the Coronavirus, our rural communities had difficulty attracting and retaining qualified physicians. The GRAD Act is a nonpartisan way to keep our hospitals staffed while addressing bureaucratic delays in the J-1 program,"" Emmer concluded.

Background:

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, American hospitals were experiencing a shortage of qualified physicians—a problem only made worse by the outbreak. Reports by the Association of American Medical Colleges indicate that by 2033, the United States will face a shortage of physicians between 54,100 and 139,000. These shortfalls are expected to increase for both primary care physicians and specialists as they experience burnout caused by the pandemic.

Many underserved and rural communities rely on foreign doctors to fill positions in hospitals, and those medical professionals rely on J-1 visas for access to work in the United States health care system. A J-1 visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant visa that international medical students and physicians use to work in U.S.-based medical residency programs. Currently, foreign physicians scheduled to serve their residencies in American hospitals are encountering extremely long processing delays in obtaining J-1 visas from U.S. embassies in their countries. Addressing these delays will help to stave off the severe doctor shortage America is currently facing.

The GRAD Act of 2021 would direct the Department of State to establish a dedicated staff position within the department to process J-1 visa applications during times of increased demand. It would also provide training to relevant foreign service and consular officers charged with reviewing these visa applications to recognize the domestic need for such positions and work to eliminate any bureaucratic hurdles to processing.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-leads-forest-management-legislation-enrich-wildlife-habitat-and,Stauber Leads Forest Management Legislation to Enrich Wildlife Habitat and Increase Hunting Opportunities,2021-07-20,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Healthy Forests for Hunters Act, legislation to boost forest management for the benefit of hunting and recreating on our public lands.

Stauber's legislation is included in the rollout of comprehensive forest management legislation titled the Resilient Federal Forests Act, led by Congressman Bruce Westerman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""Northern Minnesota and the rest of the country is blessed with millions of acres of national forest lands providing opportunities to hunt whitetails, ruffed grouse, turkeys, gray wolves, black bears, and so much more. However, this blessing requires proactive forest management in order to prevent catastrophic wildfires and the loss of precious wildlife habitat. Right now, wildfires threaten forests in northern Minnesota and nationwide. Therefore, I am proud to offer a solution that will take necessary steps to preserve our forests and wildlife habitat, so Minnesota's rich hunting tradition can continue for years to come while providing quality jobs for loggers in national forests.""

Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Bruce Westerman stated, ""Every year, the number of recording-breaking wildfires grows as we continue to neglect proper management of our forests. They are devastating to communities, economies, and critical wildlife habitats across America. Congressman Stauber's Healthy Forests for Hunters Act would address how these wildfires interact with hunting lands, ensuring better wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities for sportsmen and women. I'm grateful for Congressman Stauber's leadership on this issue and look forward to having this important bill be a part of the larger Resilient Federal Forests Act.""

Specifically, Congressman Stauber's legislation creates two Categorical Exclusions that will strengthen wildlife habitat for the benefit of hunting and recreating:

A Categorical Exclusion that allows for the management of early successional forests, which are young undergrown areas like thickets or shrubby undergrowth that are loved by wildlife.

A Categorical Exclusion that allows for the management of forested areas around campsites, forest infrastructure, or other resources needed for recreating on national forest land.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/7/rep-fischbach-responds-to-u-s-canada-border-update,Rep. Fischbach Responds to U.S./Canada Border Update,2021-07-19,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, the Canadian government announced that conditional cross-border travel will be allowed for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents beginning on August 9, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. ET. In response, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) issued the following statement:

“The light at the end of the tunnel appears to be closer. After more than 16 long, arduous months, it is long past the time for these punitive restrictions to meet their end. Not only has the prolonged border closure affected the ability of Americans to travel, it has also impeded the ability of Americans to earn a living. The closure of the northern border has been particularly devastating for Minnesotans living in the Northwest Angle, and I am committed to doing all that I can to help their recovery.”

Background:

Minnesota’s Northwest Angle – a functional exclave – is the only portion of the contiguous United States located above the 49th parallel, geographically separated from the rest of the state by Lake of the Woods and accessible by land only through a remote Canadian highway. Due to COVID-19 restrictions by the United States and Canadian governments, the border has remained closed to non-essential travel since March 21, 2020.

Since taking office in January, Congresswoman Fischbach has led the call to end the border restrictions. She and her staff have held more than a dozen meetings with elected officials from both governments, community members, and business owners.

In April, she and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) held a roundtable meeting with two members of the Canadian Parliament to discuss the impacts of the border closure. Congresswoman Fischbach also introduced the Assistance Needed for Great Losses Experienced in Isolated Northern Lakes Economic Territory Act, known as the ANGLE Act, to create a forgivable loan program for “remote recreational businesses” impacted by the border closure, as well as legislation to create an international travel corridor for individuals seeking to visit areas like the Northwest Angle. After visiting the Northwest Angle in early July, Congresswoman Fischbach and 13 of her border colleagues sent a letter to President Biden urging that he not extend travel restrictions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/7/fischbach-leads-letter-to-biden-on-continued-northern-border-closures,Fischbach Leads Letter to Biden on Continued Northern Border Closures,2021-07-16,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) and 13 of her colleagues sent a letter to President Biden, urging that he not extend current travel restrictions along the northern border. This follows a series of legislation and earlier letters addressing the border closure, which currently expires on July 21st.

“Given the progress in vaccination rates and continually low infection rates in the U.S.,” the letter reads, “we urge you not to extend the current restrictions. If a phased reopening of the border to non-essential travel cannot be established, we urge you to allow the restrictions to expire in order to restore travel between one of our closest trading partners.”

“Your Administration took an important first step in this regard when you issued guidance recommending the lifting of various social restrictions for those who are vaccinated,” the letter continues. “However, travel restrictions, including those related to crossing our northern border remain as a last vestige of the sacrifices Americans have made to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions not only affect Americans ability to travel but impede their ability to economically sustain themselves as well.”

The letter was signed by Reps. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Lisa McClain (MI-10), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), John Katko (NY-24), Robert E. Latta (OH-05), and Chris Jacobs (NY-27).

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Fischbach introduced legislation to create a corridor to facilitate cross-border travel for individuals with negative COVID-19 tests. The bill would also require the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to begin negotiations with the Canadian government for a border reopening.

Additionally, in a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Congresswoman Fischbach led a group of Minnesota congressional leaders urging a swift, mutually agreeable resolution to the border closure.

Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach’s congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-provide-certainty-for-digital-assets-under-securities-law,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Provide Certainty for Digital Assets Under Securities Law,2021-07-15,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced the bipartisan Securities Clarity Act with Reps. Darren Soto and Ro Khanna to provide a clear definition of assets like digital tokens and other emerging technologies under current securities laws. The measure utilizes a technology-neutral approach to remain adaptable to future innovations.

Congressman Emmer’s legislation provides a solution for individuals who have complied with existing securities registration requirements, or who have qualified for an exemption but, after meeting these requirements, innovative entrepreneurs may distribute their asset to the public without fear of additional regulatory burdens. These assets are in fact, and always were, commodities.

Upon introduction, Congressman Emmer said, “There has been an unreasonable approach by regulators as to how federal securities laws should be applied to transactions involving the sale of blockchain-based tokens, and this lack of clarity is hurting American innovation. Between regulation by enforcement and the varying legal decisions regarding the classification of these assets, regulatory uncertainty has hindered the growth of blockchain technology, leaving many to take the technology overseas,”

The legislation solidifies the status of any asset sold as the object of an “investment contract,” a term with more than 75 years of jurisprudence, by proposing a new definition: “investment contract asset.”

The Securities Clarity Act states that an investment contract asset (for example, a digital token) is separate and distinct from the securities offering that it may have been a part of. The approach is technology-neutral, and applies equally to all assets offered and sold, whether tangible or digital. This new defined term would refer to any asset sold as part of an investment contract that would not be considered a “security” but for its sale as part of an investment contract.

""We have seen lack of clear regulations hinder the progress of blockchain-based technologies. The development of these innovations should not be impacted by government’s inability to adjust,” concluded Congressman Emmer. “The Securities Clarity Act will allow America to compete in this new arena without sacrificing the consumer and investor protections that have made our capital markets the strongest in the world. American companies have already tried to follow our current rules and navigate our securities regulations. Now, they deserve certainty from our regulators when offering their digital asset to the public. This is a bipartisan solution, that could provide long lasting growth in innovation in our country.""

“Blockchain technology is allowing innovative ideas to be developed quickly, further contributing to our nation’s economic growth,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “As Congress works to protect those who invest in this technology, the Securities Clarity Act will add critical definition and jurisdiction to create certainty for a strong digital asset market in the United States. This is an important first-step in promoting innovation and maximizing the potential of virtual currencies for the U.S. economy, all while protecting customers and the financial well-being of investors,"" said Congressman Soto.

""Establishing a predictable legal environment for tokens is one of the most pressing issues facing the digital asset marketplace today. This important legislation would provide much needed certainty for investors, consumers, and businesses by reaffirming the difference between an investment contract and digital assets sold or transferred under the terms of an investment contract. The Chamber of Digital Commerce commends Congressmen Emmer, Soto and Khanna for introducing The Securities Clarity Act, which will make the U.S. more competitive for the blockchain technology industry,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce.

""As interest in digital assets grows, it is becoming increasingly important to have clear rules of the road so that companies can offer products that consumers want while maintaining consumer protections. The Blockchain Association would like to thank Representatives Emmer, Soto, and Khanna for their continued work to do just that. The Securities Clarity Act would go a long way towards providing regulatory clarity for the securities treatment of digital assets and we are proud to support its reintroduction,"" said Kristin Smith, Executive Director of the Blockchain Association.

This bill is endorsed by the Chamber of Digital Commerce, the Blockchain Association, and Coin Center.

Read the Securities Clarity Act here.

Congressman Emmer formerly served as the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee’s Task Force on Financial Technology during the 117th Congress. In addition, Congressman Emmer became Co-Chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus in 2018. He now serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for the House Financial Services Committee. Read more here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/7/rep-fischbach-urges-emergency-waiver-for-haying-grazing-of-crp-lands,"Rep. Fischbach Urges Emergency Waiver for Haying, Grazing of CRP Lands",2021-07-15,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the department to grant an emergency waiver for haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in Minnesota.

“Most of western and southern Minnesota is experiencing a severe drought, and there are no signs of improvement,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “There are reports that herd culling is already being done around the region due to a lack of quality feed, and we need to take action to ensure the circumstances do not worsen. I join my colleagues in urging USDA to take immediate action to allow for haying and grazing on CRP lands.”

“We are very appreciative of Congresswoman Fischbach’s support for opening emergency haying and grazing on CRP land. Forage quality and drought concerns are worsening daily, and immediate action is needed for our producers across the state,” said Grant Breitkreutz, president of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association.

“Minnesota Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of Congresswoman Fischbach and the Minnesota delegation strongly encouraging USDA to authorize emergency haying and grazing on CRP lands before August 1,” said Kevin Paap, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. “The series of compounding weather events in 2021, from the late May freeze to the current drought conditions, has escalated the need for quality forage to properly care for livestock.”

“Many of the western states are experiencing extremely dry conditions and the upper Midwest has not been spared from this widespread drought. These drought conditions will soon cause challenges for Minnesota livestock producers as quality of the second cutting hay harvests and grazing lands deteriorates,” the letter reads. “To date, USDA has already authorized 29 counties for emergency hazing and grazing. However, unless access to additional pasturelands are made available, the scarcity and high cost of hay could force farmers and ranchers to liquidate their herds.”

Under current law, CRP lands cannot be used for haying and grazing in Minnesota before August 1. However, emergency waivers have historically been granted due to natural disasters such as a drought. Authorization to hay and graze on CRP lands is automatically triggered if the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies an area as being in a “severe drought” or worse for more than eight weeks.

The letter echoes a similar call from Minnesota’s largest agricultural advocacy groups, including the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

The letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-improve-transparency-in-government-spending,Emmer Introduces Legislation to Improve Transparency in Government Spending,2021-07-12,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced legislation that will give Americans a better understanding of how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent by the federal government.

H.Res.523 requires the House Appropriations Committee to create a publicly accessible database that Americans can use to download, search, and sort through spending allocations to each government department, agency, and program for both the current fiscal year and the previous ten.

“One of the main reasons I ran for Congress is to provide a better future for my children and grandchildren. Yet, each day I watch their financial obligations to this country grow larger and larger. Right now, every American is on the hook for roughly $85,500 of the national debt, and unless we pay attention, our government will continue to adjust spending levels in only one direction – up,” said Emmer.

Emmer continued, ""I have consistently voted to bring our federal spending back under control, and I hope this legislation will give the American people another tool to better understand where their money is going in an effort to help change the current fiscal course of the nation. Whether they want to or not, Americans are routinely forced to open their budgets and take a hard look at the numbers before they can begin to budget more effectively. Shouldn’t the same principle apply to how we approach our national spending now that we are nearly $30 trillion in debt?”

Emmer concluded, “We cannot continue to add new spending without providing a way to pay for it, nor can we continue to place the weight of our fiscal irresponsibility on the shoulders of future generations. Our children and grandchildren deserve a life better than the one we had; greater government transparency is the least we can offer them as we work to get our federal spending under control.""

Background:

Federal spending falls into two main categories: mandatory spending and discretionary spending. Mandatory spending is “automatic” and collected from tax revenue specifically for government-run programs like Social Security and Medicare. Discretionary spending is what Congress allocates for federal agencies, departments, and programs through the annual appropriations process.

Although mandatory spending comprises 70% of all federal spending, Congress oversees the allocation of trillions of dollars of discretionary spending each year. Yet there is no single, comprehensive and searchable database where American taxpayers can go to see how their money is being used.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/7/rep-fischbach-visits-minnesota-s-northwest-angle,Rep. Fischbach Visits Minnesota’s Northwest Angle,2021-07-12,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) led a delegation to Minnesota’s Northwest Angle last week to call attention to the continued closure of the border between the United States and Canada and visit with affected business owners, workers, and residents. The delegation included State Senator Paul Utke (District 2), State Representative Matt Grossell (District 2A), David FitzSimmons, Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Fischbach, and Ben Anderson, District Director for Congresswoman Fischbach.

“For a region that relies so heavily on cross-border travel and tourism, the indefinite border closure has been devastating. We visited with many resort owners, workers, cabin owners, and Angle residents who simply want to resume doing what they love, but they need the government to act,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “One resort owner told us they typically have 80 boats at their docks at this point of the summer. This year, they are happy with 20 boats at their docks. They are understandably frustrated and anxious, and they need certainty.”

“This has been an extremely challenging time for our region, and we appreciate Congresswoman Fischbach’s visit and assistance. Resorts and businesses up at the Angle are in their second summer with little to no business since the border closure has cut off customers from driving up. There needs to be action,” said Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism. “We want to see a safe and practical end to these restrictions so people will come and enjoy our incredible part of the country once again.”

The delegation made stops at Sportsman’s Lodge on the Rainy River, Sunset Lodge on Oak Island, Flag Island Resort on Flag Island, and Young’s Bay Resort and Angle Inlet Elementary School in Angle Inlet. The delegation also participated in a meeting at Ballard’s Resort on the Rainy River with the Lake of the Woods Tourism Board of Directors and Lake of the Woods County Commissioners Ed Arnesen and Jon Waibel.

Background:

Minnesota’s Northwest Angle, a functional exclave, is the only portion of the contiguous United States located above the 49th parallel. It is geographically separated from the rest of the state by Lake of the Woods and is accessible by land only through a remote Canadian highway. Due to COVID-19 restrictions by the United States and Canadian governments, the border has remained closed to non-essential travel since March 21, 2020. The current restrictions are set to expire on July 21, 2021.

Since taking office in January, Congresswoman Fischbach has led the call to end the punitive border restrictions. She and her staff have held more than a dozen meetings with elected officials from both governments, community members, and business owners. In April, she and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) held a roundtable meeting with two members of the Canadian Parliament to discuss the impacts of the border closure. Congresswoman Fischbach also introduced the Assistance Needed for Great Losses Experienced in Isolated Northern Lakes Economic Territory Act, known as the ANGLE Act, to create a forgivable loan program for “remote recreational businesses” impacted by the border closure, as well as legislation to create an international travel corridor for individuals seeking to visit areas like the Northwest Angle.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/a-fourth-of-july-message,A Fourth of July Message,2021-07-04,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Prior to the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, one of my favorite opportunities as a Member of Congress was walking through the Rotunda with constituents on a tour of the Capitol. No matter how many groups we led through the House and Senate Chambers, walking through the hallowed halls, and looking at the artwork depicting some of our nation’s most important moments was always a humbling experience.

Among the numerous paintings displayed in the Capitol is the Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull. Although the 12-by-18-foot painting looms large in the Rotunda, we’ve all seen it in our school history books and it’s the reason that we’re celebrating this weekend. We are citizens of an independent nation, with all the freedoms that come with it. But just like the many depictions of liberty lining the halls of our Capitol, there are countless moments that have kept America free.

These moments aren’t just in our history books. They happen every day: when our Courts uphold our civil liberties, when service men and women put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. Our freedom and independence are always being tested, but we have always found the strength to band together and defended them.

America is a collection of ideas and values that set us apart from the rest of the world. We are committed to this experiment, and we’ve repeatedly decided as a nation to build on these freedoms endowed by our creator because future generations deserve the opportunities we have today, and more. And when we sometimes fall short of whatever we’re trying to accomplish, our values keep us consistent, resilient, and ultimately: one united nation under God.

Over the last 245 years, our nation has weathered turmoil and strife. It has been at war with itself and survived. No matter what the future holds, if we remain committed to the principles of freedom and opportunity, we will persevere. I wish you all a happy Independence Day and hope you will join me in working to usher in a brighter tomorrow for these United States of America.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-on-passage-of-hr-3684,Emmer Statement on Passage of H.R. 3684,2021-07-01,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following statement on passage of H.R. 3684:

“House Democrats’ partisan infrastructure package focuses more on imposing costly Green New Deal regulations and removing state control over infrastructure development than it does investing in the roads and bridges Minnesotans and Americans use every day. We need to fix our nation’s aging infrastructure, but today’s package is far from what the American people want, need, or deserve.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-postpones-june-town-hall-due-to-votes,Emmer Postpones June Town Hall Due to Votes,2021-06-30,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced a postponement to his telephone town hall scheduled for June 30. This announcement comes following a change in the House of Representatives vote schedule.

Upon learning that votes are now scheduled to occur during the telephone town hall, on the evening of June 30, Congressman Emmer issued the following statement:

“It's unfortunate to lose this opportunity to hear from my constituents today, but I look forward to connecting at a town hall very soon. My priority is, and always has been, to listen to the concerns of my constituents and represent them to the best of my ability. It's important for me to be on the House Floor this evening to cast my votes on behalf of the people of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. In the meantime, please share your thoughts with me by visiting my website, and stay tuned for information regarding my next town hall!"" said Emmer.

To receive information about future town halls, subscribe to Representative Emmer's newsletter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/6/rep-fischbach-announces-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Fischbach Announces Congressional App Challenge,2021-06-30,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-7) invites middle and high school students from across Minnesota’s Seventh District to participate in the 2021 Congressional App Challenge.

“I am proud to announce our office’s participation in the Congressional App Challenge. There has never been a more important time to highlight the value of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “I invite all students, regardless of their level of experience with coding, to participate, and I look forward to reviewing the many wonderful submissions.”

Background:

The Congressional App Challenge accepts computer programs (apps) written in any programming language, such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code,” and for any platform, including desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi, or other devices. The competition is open to all middle and high school students who meet eligibility requirements. Students may register as individuals, either in the district in which they reside or the district in which they attend school, or as teams made up of no more than four students, though at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating.

Students are encouraged to register online by September 10, 2021; the deadline for submitting an app is November 1, 2021. Winners will be eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

For more information, please see the submission guidelines or visit the official site of the Congressional App Challenge.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/minnesota-workers-join-stauber-condemning-house-democrats-shortsighted-attacks,Minnesota Workers Join Stauber in Condemning House Democrats’ Shortsighted Attacks on Mining,2021-06-30,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) expressed his strong opposition to the Fiscal Year 2022 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Spending bill which is being led by House Democrats and contains a policy rider authored by Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) that would halt permitting for critical minerals, including taconite, copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum-group elements, and others, along with aggregates within the Rainy River Watershed and the Superior National Forest.

Of this harmful legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""Make no mistake, House Democrats' legislation is not just an attack on mining jobs in Minnesota, it is an attack on our entire way of life. Drafted behind closed doors as a rider on a spending bill to fund the government, this legislation will sideline construction trades and miners as the Communist regime of China and other foreign adversaries flood our markets with steel and minerals sourced under some of the worst environmental and labor standards in the world.

Stauber followed, stating, ""If we have learned anything over the course of this past year, it is that we cannot continue to tolerate China's chokehold over our supply chains, especially when we desperately need these minerals for modern energy technology, national defense, and our daily lives. That's why I will continue to fight shortsighted anti-mining efforts every step of the way and work to empower Minnesota's highly skilled workforce.""

In addition to destroying all possibility of critical minerals development, this bill would directly impact four existing mining operations, including three iron mines:

The Minntac Mine, the largest iron ore mine in North America that employs 1,100 workers.

The Minorca Mine, an iron ore mine that employs 350 workers.

The North Shore Mine, and iron ore mine that employs 570 workers.

The Blackstone Quarry: a granite mine.

Local union members and miners also condemned this harmful legislation:

Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, Jason George stated, ""Thanks again to Representative Pete Stauber for standing up once again against these attacks from anti-mining Members of Congress. We need responsible development in northern Minnesota, and the projects under attack provide high quality jobs for Operating Engineers. Rest assured, I will stand with Rep. Stauber to remove this language and continue to fight for hardworking men and women in northern Minnesota.""

President of the Iron Range Building and Construction Trades, Mike Syversrud stated, ""As President of the Iron Range Building and Construction Trades, I once again stand in opposition to language crafted behind closed doors that completely removes the possibility of a fair process. The projects targeted by the anti-mining Members of Congress are massive investments in our northern Minnesota workforce, and this shortsighted language will kill millions of hours of potential labor jobs before they even begin. Our Representative, Pete Stauber, is a champion for our region and workforce and I stand with him as he fights against this harmful legislation.""

Brandon Mosher, an employee at the Minorca mine stated, ""As someone who makes their living as a miner on the Iron Range, language like this hurts me and my family firsthand. This is nothing short of an attack on my way of life by Members of Congress that are willing to trade my livelihood for their agenda. Thank you to Representative Stauber for fighting against this attack and standing up for me, my family, my job, and my community.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-launch-of-2021-congressional-app-challenge,Emmer Announces Launch of 2021 Congressional App Challenge,2021-06-29,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced today that he will be participating in the 2021 Congressional App Challenge.

“In an increasingly digital world, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills are important now more than ever,” said Emmer. “This Congressional competition encourages middle and high school students from all over the nation to develop their own software application, or app.”

Emmer continued, “Taking this time to learn a new skill like app development can only help expand student’s skillsets and prepare them for careers of the future. I am looking forward to seeing what the students of Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District come up with!””

Background:

The Congressional App Challenge is an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of Congress can host district-wide contests for students in middle school and high school. To participate, students are encouraged to register and submit their original apps for this year’s Congressional App Challenge by November 1, 2021.

The Challenge accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc).

To learn more about the rules and requirements of the Congressional App Challenge, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://fischbach.house.gov/2021/6/rep-fischbach-announces-federal-grant-for-thief-river-falls-regional-airport,Rep. Fischbach Announces Federal Grant for Thief River Falls Regional Airport,2021-06-29,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,MN,Michelle Fischbach,F000470,fischbach.house.gov,fischbach,https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) announced a $5.2 million federal grant for the Thief River Falls Regional Airport. The grant, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation, is part of the airport’s Capital Improvement Program. The funds will be used to install runway incursion lighting, reconstruct apron, runway, and taxiway lighting, and improve airfield signage.

“This grant will allow the Thief River Falls Airport Authority to move forward with needed improvements and additions to the city’s airport. With thousands of passengers and over a million packages moving through the airport’s facilities each year, it is a critical transportation hub for the region,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “A modern, accessible airport is key for connecting local industry to the global market and attracting economic development.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z