(Editor’s Note: The following column was submitted by Rep. Tom Emmer.)
After a short trip back to Washington, D.C. to vote on the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” we’re back in Minnesota.
Inflation Reduction Act
Democrats’ partisan “Inflation Reduction Act” recently passed both the House and Senate and heads to President Biden’s desk today. Although Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer would like you to believe they drafted this bill as a new way to tackle inflation, it is instead a scaled-down version of their Build Back Better legislation that will do absolutely nothing to combat the rising prices American families are seeing in the grocery store and at the pump.
This nearly $750 billion legislation will raise taxes on working Americans and facilitates the creation of a new army of 87,000 IRS enforcers to comb through their tax records. The legislation establishes arbitrary price caps on medications which will hinder the development of new drugs. Finally, it commits our country to a Green New Deal future by imposing new taxes on oil producers, subsidizing inefficient alternative energy sources, and extending EV tax credits that most Minnesotans will never benefit from.
Minnesota Sportsmen (women)
Every year in Ramsey, Armstrong Ranch Kennels puts on one of my favorite events of the year: GameFair.
Minnesota’s outdoor tradition is integral to our state’s history. As a lifelong sportsman, it is always a pleasure to spend time with like-minded individuals who treasure our state’s traditions.
So far this Congress, we have worked to advance sportsmen’s priorities by:
• Cosponsoring the RETURN Our Constitutional Rights Act to repeal excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, as well as bows and arrows;
• Cosponsoring a resolution to maintain the protections established in the 2020 Navigable Waters Protections Rule and reverse the overly burdensome Waters of the United States regulations implemented by the Biden Administration;
• Sending a letter in support of returning management of gray wolves back to the states.
As a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and as a lifelong sportsman, I will continue to advocate for policies that preserve our way of life in Minnesota.
Rural Broadband
August is Rural Broadband Month when we draw attention to the significant gap in high-speed internet coverage that Americans in rural areas face.
As a member of the Rural Broadband Caucus, I have worked to expand and deploy broadband access in our rural communities and ensure that everyone has access to fast, affordable internet. However, this goal cannot be achieved without encouraging private investment in broadband networks.
Connecting rural America will be a defining challenge over the next decade. It is a goal that transcends party lines. We can get this done, but we must work together.
