Dear Friend,
It’s been an eventful week for Minnesota, as several key priorities of mine to help strengthen our district moved forward. It has also been a somber one, marked by the events that have unfolded in Minneapolis. On all these things, I would like to share an update with you.
Ending Biden’s Illegal Mining Ban
In 2023, the Biden Administration implemented a 20-year mineral withdrawal that banned mining and other responsible resource extraction in a strategically significant area of the Duluth Complex, which is the largest untapped copper-nickel deposit in the world. This illegal ban withdrew 225,504 acres in Northern Minnesota's Superior National Forest—a major economic blow to jobs and economic opportunity in the Northland.
Watch my full remarks on the House floor
I’ve fought tirelessly to reverse this ban because, growing up in the Northland, I've seen firsthand how these radical policies kill jobs and hurt working families. This week, that effort paid off as the House passed my bill, H.J. Res. 140, to overturn this ban—a huge win that will allow important proposed projects to move forward in the state and federal permitting processes.
The Iron Range mined the iron ore that helped this nation win two World Wars. I thank my colleagues for supporting my bill, which will allow us to again compete and win in the 21st Century.
This bill will soon be in the Senate, and I encourage all of our US Senators, including our two who represent the great state of Minnesota, to support more than retaining the $35,000 and year tourist jobs on the Range. We have had and can continue to have tourism and mining on the Range for generations to come.
Investing in Infrastructure Projects in the Great 8
One of the government's core functions is investing in critical infrastructure projects. For me, ensuring Minnesotans have access to clean, reliable water, as well as quality roads and bridges, has been a priority, and this week I was proud to announce that I’ve secured more than $25 million for vital projects that do just that.
These funds, which I championed through the Interior and Transportation appropriations bills, will improve water treatment facilities, upgrade wastewater systems, and build stronger infrastructure for residents and communities across the Eighth District. The Interior bill was signed into law late last week, and the Transportation bill awaits consideration in the Senate. Specific projects I helped secure are as follows:
Interior:
- $1,061,000 for City of Nashwauk Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project.
- $1,000,000 for Hibbing Water, Access, Treatment, Expansion, & Reliability Projects (Hib-WATER).
- $1,000,000 for Kettle River's Infrastructure Improvements.
- $330,000 for City of Cook Pond Improvements.
- $750,000 for Coleraine City-Wide Infrastructure Project.
- $750,000 for Keewatin City-Wide Infrastructure Project.
- $750,000 for Pine City Wastewater Treatment Pond System Upgrade.
- $750,000 for Mountain Iron/Eveleth Watermain Loop.
- $750,000 for Northern Township Wastewater Project.
Transportation:
- $5,000,000 for County Highway 32 Pedestrian and Safety Improvement Project
- $5,000,000 for US Highway 8 Reconstruction
- $5,000,000 for Gantry Crane Refurbishment Project
Minneapolis Reaches a Boiling Point
Unfortunately, amidst the good news already mentioned above, protesters—some who appear to be paid activists and some who aligned with both anti-ICE and Black Lives Matter groups—stormed a church service during Sunday morning worship last week. They not only interrupted the service, but they also mocked and shouted down worshippers and the pastor. As you can imagine, this upset many children and families present as children were trapped in Sunday School and told their parents were Nazis who were going to Hell. Children should never hear such vile things from strangers, especially in a place of worship.
Make no mistake: the right to protest does not give anyone the right to infringe on the rights of others. Not only did this invasion cross a line both morally and legally, but this foolish protest also comes at a time of unprecedented tension, egged on by messages from Twin Cities politicians urging people to ignore and resist law enforcement operations. I once again implore Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and their associates to tone down their dangerous rhetoric to avoid further chaos in the future.
I also want to address the shooting that took place in Minneapolis on Saturday morning. As a former law enforcement officer and someone who loves my home state immensely, I am deeply concerned by the ongoing situation in Minneapolis and the metro area overall. Above all, I urge everyone, including elected leaders and the citizens we represent, to do their part in lowering the temperature so we can avoid further escalation.
Yesterday's tragedy was something no one wants to see happening in Minnesota or anywhere else. As in all law enforcement incidents where lethal force was used, a full investigation will ensue. None of us should rush to judgment or fan the flames until all the facts are known and that investigation is concluded. The reality is that Minneapolis has become a tinder box. This is in large part because, rather than cooperate with legitimate law enforcement operations, Twin Cities politicians are urging people to interfere with them. This is placing our officers under immense pressure and creating a more volatile situation for everyone.
It is past time for de-escalation and that will require real leadership, which has so far been missing. Minnesota leaders must stop encouraging these actions—so far, they've only incited and inflamed the situation. I am urging Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and local officials to seek cooperation and calm moving forward. I also encourage residents that want to exercise their First Amendment rights to do so in a lawful manner, without interfering with law enforcement and unnecessarily putting themselves and the officers in a dangerous situation.
When law enforcement agencies cooperate at all levels, public safety increases. I am praying for all of our leaders—national, state and local—to rise above and find a peaceful path forward. Working together, we can rid our streets of the most violent and dangerous criminals who are in our country illegally and keep Minnesotans safe.
A Look at the Week
It was great to join Better in Our Backyard for their annual dinner. Nothing will stop this group of dedicated, pro-job Minnesotans from the responsible development of our God-given resources!
I was able to visit Plastic Products Co., a great employee-owned company in Lindstrom. We discussed the current trade landscape, regulatory challenges, and ways to keep American manufacturing strong and competitive.
I had a productive meeting with True North Mergers and Sunbelt Business Advisors discussing small business advocacy. A healthy business community is vital for a strong community. I’m proud to fight for policies that empower our local entrepreneurs.
Met with iSight Drone Services to discuss expanding drone technology for medical deliveries. This is something that is critical for serving rural Minnesota communities.
This week was National Sanctity of Human Life Day. We must protect the unborn and uphold the dignity of human life. I'm proud to receive an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America on their scorecard for my consistent work defending the sanctity of life in Congress.
