Dear Friend,

Earlier this year, our nation was experiencing a Blue-Collar Boom -- unemployment was at record lows, the GDP was rising, and small business optimism was at an all-time high. This success was largely thanks to this Administration’s policies that finally put American workers, American companies, and American farmers first. Policies like the Section 232 tariffs that helped to rebuild communities most harmed by Communist China’s illegal steel dumping and, the USMCA trade agreement, which opened up new markets for our manufacturers, farmers, and workers.

Unfortunately, with the arrival of COVID-19, the economy has suffered. However, the Great American Comeback is already underway, and I know that Minnesota’s skilled workers are ready to lead the charge. As I travel Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, from the legendary Iron Range to our great farms and logging forests, I know that Minnesota’s workers can compete with anyone in the world, so long as good policies are implemented to create a fair and level playing field.

That’s why, last week, I held a Trade Roundtable in Duluth with various industry leaders to hear their thoughts on what needs to be done to further empower Minnesota’s workers and set us back on the path of prosperity. During this meeting, we talked about everything from the urgent need to increase domestic mining to the harmful impact that proposed policies like the Green New Deal would have on various industries. I am grateful to everyone who attended, and I fully intend to take everything I heard with me back to Washington, D.C.

To hear more about my trade roundtable, click HERE.

Honoring the Bravery and Perseverance of Walter Straka

Last week, Walter Straka, a World War II veteran and Minnesota’s last surviving member of the Bataan Death March, received the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. During the infamous Bataan Death March, Walter along with other American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to make a grueling 65-mile march to prison camps. The conditions of this march were so treacherous, that thousands perished along the way.

But Walter survived, and his unforgettable story of perseverance in the face of great adversity has inspired me and countless others across the state of Minnesota. What Walter Straka and his fellow soldiers of the Bataan Death March endured must never be forgotten or taken for granted. While we can never fully comprehend the pain and cruelty that Walter endured during the Bataan Death March, or in the days following, we know that our nation is a stronger one because of his courage and sacrifice. I am incredibly grateful for brave Americans like Walter, and it is very fitting that he has been awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal.

Learn more about Walter’s story, HERE.

Morrison County Grant Announcement

With the arrival of COVID-19, access to quick and reliable broadband has become more important than ever. Currently, countless students are distance learning, parents are working from home, and many of our seniors are utilizing telehealth services. While some families have seamlessly transitioned to telelearning, teleworking, and telehealth, lack of broadband in many rural communities has left other families struggling to keep up.

As the Representative of a largely rural area, I have long fought for the deployment of broadband to our rural communities. That’s why, earlier this week, I was proud to join USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue virtually and help announce a $3 million grant that will connect 819 people, 34 businesses and 25 farms across Morrison County to high-speed internet. This grant is a tremendous step towards helping rural Minnesota prosper for years to come and ensuring our economy reemerges from this crisis even stronger than before.

Learn more about this grant, HERE.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

This National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded that the fight against COVID-19 has impacted mental health, and at times, spurred the misuse of legal and illegal substances. In fact, existing information indicates that U.S. drug overdoses are on track to reach an all-time high.

That’s why, I am urging people across Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for this Saturday. This event enables individuals to safely dispose of prescriptions they no longer use, helping to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. This event is a great way to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths, so if you have prescription drugs that you are no longer using, I encourage you to click HERE and look up a drop off site near you.

As always, it is the honor of my life to serve you in Congress. For more information on the work I am doing on your behalf, visit my website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Sincerely,

Congressman Pete Stauber