This past week, we had some exciting visitors from the Administration in Minnesota to discuss critical minerals and Minnesota’s role in creating American jobs and domestically made goods. The administration was also in Minnesota to announce the delisting of the Gray Wolf, which is great news for our agriculture community! We also fought for small businesses and recognized the importance of adoption in our nation.

Livestock and

Livelihoods

Last week in Minnesota, the Dept. of Interior announced that the Gray Wolf will be delisted as a result of a full recovery of the species! I have long advocated for the delisting of the Gray Wolf, and now that they are clearly no longer endangered, I am pleased to see this result.

These wolves are a significant and dangerous threat to our farmers, ranchers, and agriculture community. When our farmers and ranchers are unable to protect their livestock and property, a solution must be found. Minnesota is home to the largest population of gray wolves in the contiguous United States, so I am very appreciative of the administration’s efforts to support our agricultural community.

I’ll always advocate for our agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers who feed and fuel our world. The protection of their families, livestock, and livelihoods are paramount.

Small Business

Recently, the National Federation of Independent Business named me a “Guardian of Small Business.” In towns like my hometown of Delano, and cities like it across the Sixth Congressional District, a thriving Main Street is vital to the community’s overall success. Main Streets are supported by the backbone of our economy – small businesses. Over 99 percent of American businesses are classified as small businesses, which showcases just how vital they are to our economic success.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, forcing closures across America, I supported the Paycheck Protection Program, and subsequently co-sponsored the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which extended the ability for businesses to use funding to pay their employees as well as streamline the process for forgiveness of these loans.

In further support of small businesses, I supported the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act, which repealed the “Cadillac Tax,” an excise tax imposed on certain employer-sponsored health care plans. I am committed to helping our small businesses and the American worker as they advance our economy.

Critical Minerals

Last week, we welcomed National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien and Dr. Peter Navarro to Minnesota for a National Security Roundtable on Critical Minerals. My staff was glad to participate in this roundtable hosted by my friend and colleague, Rep. Pete Stauber. Currently, Minnesota is home to the largest copper-nickel deposit in the world, and there is a rich history of mining in the Iron Range of Northern Minnesota.

During the Obama Administration, mineral withdrawals threatened a way of life for many Minnesotans. I have long fought for the restoration of Minnesota’s mineral rights. I’ve previously introduced legislation which passed the House of Representatives to restore Minnesota’s right to explore and, if environmentally appropriate, mine valuable precious metals. Thankfully, the administration also acted to renew critical mineral leases in the area.

On Dec. 20, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order related to critical minerals. Shortly thereafter, President Trump announced his commitment to ending the mineral withdrawals and fully restoring Minnesota’s right to explore during a visit to Duluth.

This recent visit from the administration highlights their commitment to our way of life. Reliance on critical minerals mined by Americans supports our national security as well as our economy. However, when we rely on foreign nations for minerals, we open ourselves up to significant supply chain risks.

Adoption Month

Last month, I announced the honorees of the 2020 Angels in Adoption Award from Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District, Markus and Sarah Yager. The Yagers were being honored this year for their enduring fight and sacrifices to adopt their daughter, Olivia.

Families like the Yagers deserve special recognition for their commitment to giving children a forever home. November is National Adoption Awareness Month, so I wanted to bring awareness to the worthy cause that is adoption, and families like the Yagers. Many of these families were aided by my casework team in Otsego. If you are in need of assistance with your adoption process, please contact my team there.

During my time in Congress, I have had the chance to meet with many families who have successfully adopted children, and I hear all about their inspiring fights for family.

Another shining example is the Molitor’s, who received an Angels in Adoption Award in 2016. I see stories across our district of outstanding Minnesotans seeking their forever family. I often think of Justine, who was desperately trying to adopt her daughter Eida when my caseworkers stepped in to help complete the process alongside her.

My office is proud to assist with uniting these families, and during National Adoption Month, you can help raise awareness about adoption, specifically those kids in foster care waiting for a permanent and loving family. Mark your calendar for National Adoption Day, November 21.