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Dear Friend,
Groundhog Day might have been last month, but it still feels like we’re in a holding pattern here in Washington. The government is again poised to run out of funding, and Congress is scrambling to pass a spending bill. Americans are again anticipating a record-high inflation report and paying top dollar for gas imported from our rivals.
Read on to hear about what’s happening in Congress this week…
Laying a great Minnesotan to rest
Today, I said goodbye to my good friend, Representative Jim Hagedorn. Jim passed away last month after a long and challenging battle with cancer. Even while he was sick, Jim’s focus wasn’t on himself, but his constituents in the First Congressional District. Being here in Washington hasn’t been the same since his passing, and we will miss him dearly.
You can watch our tribute to Jim on the House floor from last week here.
Fighting for American Energy Independence
Americans trying to fill up their cars are in for more painful trips to the pump. This week, gas prices ticked past $4 per gallon-- the highest gas prices on record.
There is no doubt that Putin’s war on Ukraine has driven up prices, but this crisis was going on long before the first Russian missiles were launched. Gas prices have been steadily rising since President Biden’s first day in office, when he canceled production of the Keystone Pipeline. Biden also reinstated Obama-era policies like the so-called Clean Power Plan, which have crushed domestic production of oil and gas.
We must also remember that in November, President Biden pulled 50 million barrels of oil from America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) not to address a natural disaster or a shortage, but to lower prices. This week, we are seeing President Biden send administration officials to Venezuela to negotiate a deal for more oil. You read that right: President Biden is trying to replace dependency on one dictator by relying on another.
The answer to this problem isn’t putting more money in the pocket of foreign despots, it’s investing in energy production here at home. Last week, I joined my colleague, Representative Rick Allen (GA-12) on a letter urging President Biden to end his crusade against domestic energy production. It’s time that we allow America to achieve energy independence.
You can read the full letter text here.
Supporting our Disabled Veterans
Our veterans have given so much in service to our nation, and we owe it to them to ensure they have access to high-quality care. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (DAV), an organization dedicated to fulfilling our promises to those who have served.
Congressman Emmer meets with Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota.
I’ve been proud to support legislation that helps veterans receive the care they deserve, like my Same-Day Accountability Veterans Enhancement (SAVE) Act, which will help ensure veterans are able to receive timely, convenient care for physical and mental ailments. I also serve as a cosponsor of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which will create a pilot program for veterans to train service dogs for veterans with disabilities.
We owe it to our veterans to provide top-notch care, and I’m grateful to have the chance to meet with the great advocates at DAV here in Washington.
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Until next week, if you are in need of assistance or would like to share your thoughts with me, please write me an e-mail here.
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Sincerely,
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