Last week, I wrote about the state of our federal government’s funding. While Congress advanced another week of funding and additional coronavirus aid is still being negotiated, we are still heading towards a government shutdown on December 18.
Instead of coming together to produce a non-partisan deal that provides our nation with the support it needs – for our small businesses, those out of work due to the virus, and those most in need of assistance – Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to play politics with aid that is sorely needed by millions of Americans.
I will continue to keep you all updated on the progress. As a Representative in Congress, your feedback is critical to my votes and actions. Please let me know your thoughts on government funding, and the importance of additional coronavirus aid.
Drug Free
Communities
Wright County received some outstanding news last week: a $125,000 investment in the Mentorship, Education, and Drug Awareness (MEADA) Coalition of Wright County. The coalition will use the funds to assist in their mission to conduct local efforts to combat drug abuse.
With the grant funding, the coalition will engage young adults in sixth through 12th grade with community engagement and events. I am grateful the administration invested this money in our community. By ensuring our youth are drug free, we can be certain the future of our nation is strong.
In order for these young Minnesotans to thrive, it’s our responsibility to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for them.
Jim Ramstad
This year, we lost a giant in Minnesota politics. A public servant who was an outstanding husband, father, mental health advocate, friend, and legislator. Rep. Jim Ramstad was a man that I looked up to, and wanted my own service in Congress to reflect. I was saddened to hear of his passing, and continue to pray for his loved ones as they mourn his loss.
As a delegation, my colleagues and I joined together to introduce legislation that would rename the Wayzata Post Office after Jim. Renaming the Wayzata post office for Rep. Ramstad will continue to secure his rightful place in Minnesota history. To me, Jim was a friend, a role model, and an incredible advocate for Minnesotans. I model my work today after his work on mental health care.
National Guard
I am saying a heartfelt “thank you” to our Minnesota National Guard this year. This past Sunday was the National Guard’s 384th birthday and this year, we felt their impact at every level. From assisting with COVID-19 testing sites, to entering nursing homes to serve during the height of the pandemic, to mobilizing to end the civil unrest in the Twin Cities – our Guardsmen and Guardswomen were always there, ready to serve.
This group of volunteer heroes has shown up for their fellow Minnesotans in our times of need, and we have had many over the last year. I am grateful for their service, their sacrifice and for the important role they play in Minnesota.
Financial Services
As a member of the Financial Services Committee in the House of Representatives, and the ranking member of the Task Force on Financial Technology, I am committed to ensuring the United States can thrive in the emerging space of financial technologies, or fintech.
With that goal in mind, I sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urging them to address the issue of broker-dealer custody of digital securities. Regulations and agencies must keep up with the speed of innovation, and this letter urges them to learn about and understand the technologies, so that we can provide for investment in the United States, and not ship more innovations abroad for others to develop.
Earlier this year, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Regulators took the lead by clarifying that national banks may provide custody services for crypto assets. By urging the SEC to issue similar clarification, we can provide for innovation in the United States. In my view, either way, the technologies will not wait for them to keep up.
