This past week, I was on the House Floor in the U.S. Capitol when the building was breached. What we saw goes completely contrary to the rule of law, and was a disgraceful criminal act that disrupted the democratic process that Congress was engaging in.

My wife Jacquie and I continue to pray for the dozens of Capitol Police officers still struggling with injuries and trauma. We are also praying for the family and loved ones of Officer Brian D. Sicknick, and Officer Howie Liebengood who lost their lives during and after the assault on the Capitol. 

Our nation is founded on law and order, and anyone engaged in attacking our democratic institutions should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. I understand the frustrations of many Americans who came to their nation’s capital to peacefully protest and express their concerns about voting fraud and irregularities. However, those who resort to violence, especially against the police, are criminals.

As we move forward, each of us should find a new way to instill peace and respect in our nation. Whether it be shoveling your neighbor’s driveway or engaging in a civil discussion with someone who disagrees with you, we have the power to be kind to one another and show the world what this nation’s values are.

I will be doing my part as well. I will attend the inauguration to witness this peaceful transfer of power that exemplifies that our nation is truly run by the people. Additionally, on Wednesday I voted to certify the election, in accordance with my constitutional responsibility.

Agriculture

Community

When I came to Congress, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), which assists farmers with stress management was left unfunded. I introduced the STRESS Act in 2018, which renewed FRSAN and brought additional mental health resources to farmers and Americans in rural areas.

The STRESS Act language was included in the 2018 Farm Bill, and the program was reauthorized. Since then, I have ensured the program receives consistent funding to carry out its mission.

This past year, mental health care for farmers was more important than ever. Due to the stress of the COVID-19 outbreak, our farmers have faced unprecedented challenges. Farmers were forced to euthanize animals, dump milk, and watch as commodity prices declined. This took a devastating economic and mental toll.

During this trying time, it is critical we bring more resources to support those who feed our entire country.

The first week of the 117th Congress, I introduced the STRESS Under COVID-19 Act which provides instructions to the Dept. of Agriculture to expedite awards for these mental health services. It also provides an additional $10 million for this fiscal year to provide more resources to the agriculture community.

Keep Minnesotans

Moving

This past year, I helped secure $15 Million for Hwy. 10 and $40 million for Hwy. 10/169. Minnesotans know transportation infrastructure improvements are needed because we all drive over potholes and take roads that need more lanes, like highways 10, 35, and 94.

Aging infrastructure can be dangerous, too: Minnesotans remember the 35W bridge collapse that took the lives of 13 and injured 145. It is a disservice to Minnesotans that we do not have proper roadways and transportation routes for safe travel.

Two of the bills I introduced set aside funds dedicated to making sure intersections, interchanges, and structurally deficient bridges are safe, and congestion is relieved.

First, I introduced the National Interchange/Intersection Safety Construction Program Act which prioritizes funding for intersections and interchanges, improves safety, and increases local control over federal transportation dollars. This bill does not increase spending, but prioritizes a portion of funds from the federal highway fund for interchange and intersection development, and allow projects to compete for those funds.

Second, I introduced the National Bridge Replacement and Improvement Act which creates a grant program for bridge improvements, replacements or repairs. This funding will help achieve the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s stated goal of eliminating the backlog of bridge projects by 2032. With state or local commitment to the project, the federal government will also contribute a portion of the funds.

Paycheck Protection

Program Info

Good news released last week! The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open this week. As of yesterday, Jan. 11, new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers are eligible to apply.

The program allows for expenses through March 31, 2021 and allows certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

Balancing Budget

As this Congress, kicks off, I am more committed than ever to addressing our ever-increasing national debt. It is irresponsible to push this problem onto our children and grandchildren. Last week, I cosponsored H.J. Res. 3, which proposes a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This is a necessary step towards rectifying the financial situation our nation faces.

Along with that, I also voted for the Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act, which requires federal agencies to make budget justification materials available to the public online. Transparency in how government spends your money is a seemingly simple request, and yet not yet in practice. These initiatives will help you keep us accountable for where your money goes.

Human Trafficking

Jan. 11 was Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and this month we also observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Currently, across every continent and every nation, millions of human beings are being sold and enslaved, forced into labor and prostitution against their will.

This crisis – although operating in the shadows – is becoming more and more apparent to us all. In the United States alone, hundreds of thousands are trafficked by transnational drug cartels and criminal organizations.

I believe that Congress must do everything within its power and authority to ensure that resources and judicial tools are available to improve prosecutions, protect victims, and prevent future trafficking. However, while Congress must do its part, you can also be a part of protecting those at risk.

Finally

As always, I am proud of our fellow Minnesotans who represent us on the international stage. A few of them were on the gold medal-winning Team USA that defeated Canada in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship last week. Congratulations to these outstanding athletes!