Dear Friend, I want to begin this newsletter by honoring the life and contributions of Charlie Kirk. While I didn’t know Charlie personally, I admired him. He dedicated much of his young life to showing up to college campuses, discussing ideas, and getting more young people engaged in politics. He was modeling civil discourse for a younger generation of Americans, and he was bravely doing so at venues where he was often met with hostility and condemnation. This is exactly what he was doing when a deranged young man decided to take his life. That’s what makes his murder all the more sickening and terrible. Charlie was murdered for exercising his First Amendment rights and voicing his opinions. This attack is the antithesis of everything we stand for as Americans. I have personally been very disheartened by some of the rhetoric surrounding Charlie’s death. Political violence has no place in our country, and those who celebrated or tried to justify the death of this young father and husband should seek moral clarity. In order for America to remain a great country, I believe we should all be able to agree that violence is never the solution to a difference of opinion. As Charlie once said, “When discourse ends, violence begins.” My heart remains with Charlie’s family and loved ones, especially his wife Erika and two young children. As God continues to wrap his loving arms around them, I hope they will seek comfort in the knowledge that Charlie did not die in vain. His legacy will continue to inspire us to rise up, speak fearlessly, and stand by the truth. |
PASSED: Mental Health in Aviation Act Last week, the House unanimously passed my Mental Health in Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation that will require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create safer skies by making a sweeping overhaul of antiquated pilot mental health rules. Currently, FAA regulations prevent aviation officials from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do. While aviation professionals are mandated to report if they seek mental health care, once they take that step, they are faced with delays and overregulation in the process of returning to work. This creates a dangerous culture of stigma and silence, one where pilots may avoid care altogether or resort to self-medication. That’s not safety, that’s risk. And we can do better. The Mental Health in Aviation Act offers commonsense solutions to a problem that has gone unaddressed for decades. I am proud it passed the House, and I’m grateful to work alongside Representative Sean Casten to get it across the finish line. |
Watch me speak on this bill on the House Floor HERE. |
Delivering Peace Through Strength Last week, the House also passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure our military remains the most lethal fighting force in the world. It does so in the following ways: - Secures the Border: Deploys the National Guard, expands counter-narcotics missions, and boosts the Department of Defense to support the Department of Homeland Security.
- Improves Family Life for Service Members: Enacts a 3.8% pay raise, better housing, stronger healthcare, and expanded childcare for service members and their families.
- Modernizes Defense: Accelerates new weapons, AI, drones, and missile defense.
- Strengthens Deterrence: Fully funds nuclear modernization and space capabilities to outpace China and Russia.
- Ends Wokeism: Eliminates DEI and CRT programs, restores merit-based promotions, and bans race-based admissions at service academies.
The United States, our military, and warfighters face constantly evolving threats here at home and overseas. I was proud to help pass the NDAA to ensure our warfighters have everything they need to deliver peace through strength. Week in Review It was another busy week, which means more engaging events and interesting meetings with constituents. Here are a few meeting highlights: |
I recently met with the leaders of Anno.ai and Spear.ai to learn more about cutting-edge research being done right here in Duluth! These innovative companies are helping to secure the homeland through the advancement of AI technology. I’m excited to support this project through its development! |
I’m grateful to the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute for the opportunity to visit and discuss exciting research on iron and critical mineral mining and processing. Great conversations and inspiring work are happening here! |
I appreciate the National Association of Counties for taking the time to visit with me and discuss the importance of reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program, which assists rural counties and school districts affected by the decline in revenue from timber harvests on federal lands. It was especially great to see St. Louis County Commissioner Paul McDonald in this meeting! |
Thank you to the Minnesota School Boards Association for stopping by my office to discuss matters that are of great importance to our children’s educational success, like broadband connectivity and mental health funding. |
I had a great conversation with local members of the Patient Access Network Foundation about improving healthcare quality for patients with chronic and rare diseases. |
I had a productive meeting with Barry Henriksen, the VFW National Legislative Chair from Minnesota, to discuss the ways in which the federal government can better support our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families. |
On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, I helped lay flags at the U.S. Capitol as part of the Never Forget Project, organized by the Young America’s Foundation. Alongside students on campuses nationwide, we honored the Americans we lost that terrible day. |
I recently joined the Republican Study Committee’s “Right to the Point” Podcast with my Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Nathaniel Moran to highlight the many great provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. Episode is out this upcoming Thursday! |
I attended the Creative Defense Foundation Retreat with fellow Members of Congress and senior defense officials, where I spoke on a panel on the future of national security investments. |
Once again, I appreciate you staying up to date with the work I am doing for Minnesota's Eighth District. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information, visit my website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
Sincerely,
Congressman Pete Stauber |
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