Dear Friend,
I’d like to give you a glimpse into another very productive week in Congress with my efforts to protect Minnesota’s elections, strengthen America’s position in critical minerals, and deliver real funding for projects in our district. I’ll tell you all about it below!
Making Minnesota’s Elections More Secure
Last Monday, I introduced the Minnesota Voter Integrity Act of 2026, joined by Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, and Congressman Brad Finstad. This important legislation ensures that Minnesotans can have full confidence in our election process by requiring Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Governor Tim Walz to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s review of the state’s voter registration and voting practices.
Minnesotans deserve to know their election process is fair, accurate, and protected for the future. Unfortunately, the Secretary of State’s office — with the support of Governor Walz — has so far refused to provide the DOJ with requested voter registration and election data. If state leaders want federal election assistance funding, they need to get serious about election security and transparency.
I would think that Secretary Simon and Governor Walz would be happy to cooperate with federal review if they didn’t have anything to hide. Regardless, I will continue pushing for measures that safeguard every legal vote and restore trust in our democratic system.
Read more about this legislation here.
A Win for American Critical Mineral Dominance
On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 4090, my Critical Mineral Dominance Act! This bipartisan bill codifies key Trump Administration executive orders that will make the United States the world’s leading producer of critical and rare earth minerals.
President Trump has been a champion for American mineral dominance from day one, and by enacting these pro-mining policies into law, we ensure they endure regardless of who’s in the White House. This legislation will help us mine domestically, create good-paying union jobs, boost our national security, and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign adversaries like China — which controls roughly 60% of global production, 90% of processing, and 75% of manufacturing.
This is a big step toward leading in the 21st-century economy and keeping America strong and independent.
Read more about the Critical Mineral Dominance Act here.
Over $27 Million for Infrastructure Secured
On February 5th, I was thrilled to announce that President Trump signed the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill into law, securing an additional $15 million for vital projects in our district. These targeted investments will advance transportation and infrastructure improvements that enhance public safety, improve efficiency, and support local economic development.
With this, I’ve now secured every one of my 15 Community Project Funding requests for FY26 in Minnesota’s Eighth District. See the list below:
We’re delivering tangible results for hardworking families and businesses here in the Northland so they can have access to reliable infrastructure. President Trump’s signature on these bills means real progress for our communities, and I’m proud to have fought for these priorities on your behalf.
Highlighting Recent Events
I met with Dean from the National American Indian Veterans. We’re raising awareness about the urgent mental health needs of veterans, who face a high rate of suicide and homelessness, especially among our Native communities. I’m proud to support our heroes and give them the resources they need. Thank you, Dean, for
the important work of raising awareness.
I had a great meeting with local leaders at Tamarack City Hall to discuss the water treatment system and infrastructure needs. I'll keep fighting to bring reliable infrastructure to our district.
It was great to meet with the executive director of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota to hear about all the good work United Way is doing on the Iron Range and discuss how mining, manufacturing, and industry can positively impact our community.
Had a great meeting in Grand Rapids with IronTech Resources to discuss the exciting innovations happening in our mining industry. Great to see cutting-edge innovations that strengthen American mining, create jobs, and secure our critical mineral supply chain right here in Minnesota's 8th District.
I met with local businesses, city and county officials, and state legislators today in Grand Rapids to discuss improving safety and completing the upgrades to US Hwy 169. These upgrades will save lives, boost economic growth, and better connect our communities in Minnesota's 8th District.
I spoke with the Forest Resources Association about the Fix Our Forests Act. This legislation will prevent wildfires, improve forest health, and strengthen and streamline the forest products industry. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation quickly!
It was great to meet with Green Bridge Metals. I'm excited about the tremendous opportunities for critical mineral mining in Northeast Minnesota. I'm proud to champion projects that create jobs, strengthen our national security, and keep America leading in essential mineral production. Let's keep building on this momentum!
It was great to meet with so many local Teamsters in Duluth about the Faster Labor Contracts Act that I co-authored with Donald Norcross, as well as other pro-labor policies I am moving forward this Congress. Seeing you all reminds me of what I'm fighting for every day in Washington.
I toured Rinker Materials in Stacy—a leading precast concrete company that supplies materials for infrastructure needs across our region. It was great to hear from the team and learn more about how Congress can help manufacturers thrive.
Thank you, Rosenbauer for the tour! It's amazing to see the top-tier fire and emergency vehicles produced right here in Wyoming, Minnesota.
I participated in a semiconductor roundtable with industry stakeholders and Department of War officials at the Minnesota Defense Innovation On-Ramp Hub.
It was great to meet with Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services in Mora to discuss workforce development and job training opportunities. Great to see their organization building skills and strengthening our local workforce.
I had a great meeting with University Nursery School professional staff in Duluth. It is important that Governor Walz cooperate with federal fraud investigations so honest and important programs like these in rural Minnesota can continue to do the work they are called to do!
I attended the Ship Masters’ Association Grand Ball. I was honored to join these dedicated maritime professionals who keep our Great Lakes shipping industry strong. Proud to support the men and women who power commerce, create jobs, and drive our economy in Minnesota’s 8th District.
It was a privilege to speak with Xyla Foxlin, an engineer, pilot, and a huge advocate for the Mental Health in Aviation Act. This legislation creates safer skies and fosters a healthier aviation industry by allowing pilots to seek help without fear of losing their careers.
This week, I met with Barbara McDonald, President of the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth. It was great to discuss higher education, workforce training, and how we can support our students and institutions in Minnesota's 8th District. Thanks for the great conversation!
I met with Federal Protective Services Director Faron Paramore today. We appreciate the strong cooperation with our law enforcement partners to keep federal facilities safe and secure. Proud to support those who protect our communities in Minnesota's 8th District.
A member of my staff met with local leaders at Tamarack City Hall today to discuss federal funding for a new wastewater treatment system. I’m proud to advocate for the clean water and infrastructure improvements our rural communities in the 8th District need.
My staff attended Explore Pequot Lakes at the American Legion. I’m proud to support our veterans and local community events that bring people together in Minnesota's 8th District. Thanks to the American Legion for hosting—great to see the strong spirit of service and patriotism!
We celebrated the birthday of the man who reminded America that we are a shining city on a hill. President Reagan's belief in freedom, strength, and American exceptionalism lives on. We’re still carrying that torch.
