Message from Washington

Watch here for an update on what's been going on in Congress this week.

Holding the EPA Accountable

On Wednesday, I participated in a House Agriculture Committee hearing with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan.

I pressed Administrator Regan on the EPA’s overly restrictive, unscientific approaches to regulating pesticides like Chlorpyrifos and Atrazine – critical crop protection tools used by many southern Minnesota farmers.

I also asked about the EPA’s unacceptably low proposed volumes for advanced biofuels and biomass-based diesel, as well as the lack of progress of EPA’s Agricultural Science Committee under his leadership. Watch here:

Sharing the Importance of Farm Broadcasting

I had the opportunity to speak to the National Association of Farm Broadcasters at their annual Washington Watch event this week.

As someone who grew up listening to farm radio every day, I know that many of our southern Minnesota farmers depend on farm broadcasting for reliable weather and market information.

I appreciated NAFB inviting me to talk about the importance of preserving farm broadcasting and AM radio for our rural communities.

House Armed Services Committee

At Wednesday's House Armed Services hearing, the Committee heard testimony from the Department of the Army about their budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

More than 3 million service members and veterans suffer from hearing injuries or tinnitus, which are the leading combat-related service injuries for our men and women in uniform. I was able to question Army Chief of Staff General James McConville and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth about the potential to save the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration millions of dollars by implementing active hearing protection technology. Watch here:

Protecting Women & Girls in Sports

Yesterday, the House passed the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act, legislation I am proud to cosponsor.

Forcing women to compete against biological men in women’s athletic programs takes opportunities away from women and girls, such as scholarships and roster positions.

As a dad and husband to strong female athletes, I was proud to stand with my House colleagues in support of this legislation because women and girls deserve a fair playing field in competitive sports.

Preserving Access to Rural Ambulance Services

This week, I signed on as a cosponsor to H.R. 1666, the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Services Act.

When I talk with ambulance providers in the First District, the main concern I hear from them is the need to address Medicare reimbursement rates. This bill delivers key reforms to ensure that those in rural and underserved communities can access ground ambulance transportation, and their providers can rely on consistent reimbursement from Medicare.

Ambulance services across the country, especially in rural areas, are facing unprecedented challenges. I will continue to advocate for our rural ambulance providers in Congress, and look for opportunities to support strong investments for EMS at the federal level.

ABC 6 News: Funding and staffing issues are impacting rural EMS

Rochester Post-Bulletin: Rep. Finstad hears flood infrastructure, rural ambulance concerns at Kasson meeting

Art Submissions Due Soon!

It's not too late! My office is still accepting submissions for this year's Congressional Art Competition. The contest is open to all high school students in the First District, and the winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Visit my website for competition rules and regulations.

Artwork and required forms are due no later than Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to the Rochester office, or call 507-577-6140 to arrange pick up.

As always, it is an honor to serve you in Congress. Please don't hesitate to contact my office if there is anything I can do to assist you.

To see more updates on what I’m doing in Washington and across the First District, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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