Dear John,

It’s been clear from the start that this Administration and House Republicans have no interest in making life easier, safer or more affordable for hardworking Americans. And folks, this week was no exception.

 
They already passed a budget that guts food assistance and health care that Minnesota’s veterans, kids and seniors depend on. This week, they introduced something called a “recissions package” — which gives the President authority to cancel funding for programs and initiatives that Congress has already approved.  

Their catastrophic recissions package will terminate $9.4 billion in Congressionally-approved funds, including $1.1 billion for public broadcasting programs (think NPR and PBS), and $400 million for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) — which is one of the world’s most effective public health initiatives to date.  

There’s a reason our President wants to wage attacks on public broadcasting. It’s because public media delivers the truth about his disastrous policies to everyday Americans, and gives every Minnesotan (no matter their age, income level or zip code) access to educational and informational resources. 

We are a country of free speech and free press – and this is an outright attack on our freedoms and the flow of information. I voted no on this bill because it’s just another shameful, heartless attack on Minnesotans. Rather than making life easier, safer or more affordable for everyday Americans – this package simply limits the flow of information and increases the spread of preventable diseases.  

Unfortunately, the bill passed the House with 214 Republican votes. Not a single Democrat voted for it. 

Here’s what else I’ve been up to this week:
 

Welcoming our Congressional Art Competition winner to DC!  

Congratulations to this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner: Alice Yi from Lakeville South High School!  
  
It was great to welcome Alice to the Capitol this week, where her painting of Minnesota’s rare blue sucker fish will be displayed. Alice, thanks for making MN-02 proud. Yes, she is a repeat winner! 

Hanging out with MN-02 middle schoolers  

Welcome to Washington, New Prague Middle School!  

It was great to meet with New Prague Middle School students during their visit to our nation’s Capitol. Go Trojans!  

Strengthening Minnesota’s economy  

When our home-grown businesses succeed, Minnesota succeeds.  

It was great to meet with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to discuss how we can support Minnesota’s local businesses and ensure our state economy continues to thrive. 

Standing with Governor Walz 
 
The Governor was asked to testify at an Oversight Committee hearing this week. As this Administration continues to wage attacks on our states and state governments, I was proud to stand alongside Governor Tim Walz in this fight. We caught up before the hearing! 

Hearing from our farmers 

It was great to meet with Minnesota Farm Bureau to discuss how we can continue to push for smart trade policies and help Minnesota’s family farmers feed and fuel our great state. 

Behind the scenes:

This week was the annual Congressional Baseball game in Washington – where Republicans play Democrats at Nationals Park. Don’t worry – the bi-partisan softball game versus the press is next month!  

My son called me during the game and said my grandson Wyatt was looking for me on the screen! There’s nothing I won’t do for them – so I sneaked behind the plate for a few minutes to watch and wave hi to my family watching at home! 

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress