Category: Updates

Assistance for our Service Personnel

Assistance for our Service Personnel

​(Photo Credit: Minnesota National Guard Facebook Page)

One of the best things I get to do as a Member of Congress is meet with and work to help our nation’s veterans and active service members.

The men and women who choose to dedicate their lives to serve this country are truly the best this nation has to offer. They take time away from their friends and families, leave the comfort of their own homes, and often put themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of the United States and the freedoms we hold dear.

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to participate in two deployment ceremonies in the great state of Minnesota: the 934th Airlift Wing sending troops to Southeast Asia and the 257th Military Police Unit sending troops to Guantanamo Bay.   I cherish having the opportunity to address the courageous men and women and their loved ones to thank them for their service.
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Make America Build Again

The first week under the Trump Administration was full speed ahead as President Trump worked to fulfill his campaign promises to undo the disastrous policies of the last eight years. He signed an order to secure our border and strengthen our immigration system. He stood for life, worked to shrink the federal government, and eased the regulatory burdens hurting American families.

Additionally, he has shown his commitment to our nation’s energy independence. This week, President Trump signed an executive action to advance the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines. I have long been a supporter of the construction of these pipelines – so much so, that my first speech on the House Floor on January 8th, 2015 was to urge the construction of the Keystone Pipeline.
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Protecting the Defenseless

Protecting the Defenseless

Anniversaries are often thought of as happy occasions, but some mark darker days. Today, marks the 44th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Unfortunately, since the ruling of Roe v. Wade, nearly 60 million babies have been killed. Enough is enough. As the father of seven amazing children, it pains me to know that so many lives have been taken with their futures never being realized.

I always have been and always will be 100% pro-life, and am proud of my voting record defending those who cannot defend themselves. I remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable, today and always.

All days, but especially today, it is important that we stand up and be a voice for the unborn.

First Day of a New Era

Today is a historic day. Today, we officially have a new President!

It was an incredible experience to sit on the west lawn of our nation’s capital with hundreds of thousands of patriotic Americans to watch President Trump’s inauguration. Listening to the next President of the United States of America and his vision leaves me extremely optimistic for the future of this country.

But with the inauguration of our 45th President comes great responsibility. President Trump promised to Make America Great Again, and I am confident he will deliver.

On Election Day, the American people made it clear they would not tolerate another four years like the last eight. That is our mandate. We must and will work tirelessly to change the trajectory of this great nation and leave a better future for our children and grandchildren.

I look forward to working with my colleagues, President Trump, and all of you to truly Make America Great Again!

Celebrating Life, Liberty and Happiness – for All

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day meant to honor a man who played an incredible role in making this country a better place.

54 years ago, Dr. King gave his famous “I have a Dream” speech with the hope that our nation’s “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” applied to all Americans.

Thankfully, over the last 50 years, great strides have been made, but more can still be done. Importantly, as we close out a divisive campaign year and gain a new President, we can look back to Dr. King for guidance. He was a champion for what he believed, and he was a peaceful activist even when some demanded violence.

So, as we head into a historic week please remember the teachings of Dr. King and one of my favorite quotations of his: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

This week, I hope you join me in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrating our country.