Dear John,

On Monday, I hosted a telephone town hall from Washington to hear from folks back home about how this Administration is impacting them. We’re seeing the effects of the Republican health care crisis materialize right here at home. Premiums are skyrocketing, rural Minnesota hospitals are closing their doors and families are losing access to health care. And I heard from so many of you just how painful these health care cuts are. Just know, I’ll remain in D.C. fighting for you and your families.  

On Tuesday, President Trump began construction on his new ballroom and tore down the White House’s East Wing entirely. Folks, I can’t even put a nail in the wall of my office without approval from the Architect of the Capitol. Meanwhile the President is destroying a vital piece of American history completely unchecked. And why? To distract the American people from all the other injustices he’s committing. The media is focused on the destruction of the East Wing – meanwhile he’s installing election deniers into government, prosecuting his political enemies, bailing out foreign dictators and putting the American people last. The fact that he’s taking a wrecking ball to the White House is heartbreaking, but we can’t let up on the fact that he’s also dismantling our democracy.  

On Wednesday, President Trump’s Department of Agriculture announced their new plan to “strengthen” the beef industry... by importing beef from Argentina. I mean, seriously? You can’t make this stuff up. First, Trump bails out Argentina’s corrupt leader and throws Minnesota soybean farmers under the bus. Now, he’s putting our cattlemen through the wringer to import more beef from the same country. It’s either stupid or corrupt, and it’s probably both. And it’s definitely a slap in the face to the family farmers and ranchers that feed the world. 

On Thursday, I had a chance to recap everything that happened this week on MSNBC’s Ana Cabrera Reports. You can watch the entire interview here.  

And finally, I must note that Republicans failed to show up for work ANY day of the week. It’s truly shocking to me how comfortable they are using this shutdown as their own personal vacation. It’s a moral failure. 

Share YOUR story

Republicans have manufactured a full-blown health care crisis in Minnesota.  

I want to hear from YOU. How will Republican health care cuts and premium increases affect you or your loved ones?   

If you’d like to share your story, please fill out my office’s form here.  

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

Working to make our community safer 

Last year, I helped the Farmington Police Department secure $869,000 in federal funding for a new security fence. Last Friday afternoon, I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony alongside Mayor Josh Hoyt and Police Chief Nate Siem. 

This new infrastructure will protect access to high-speed internet for folks across the region, ensure sensitive evidence for criminal cases remains undisturbed and help keep our community safe.  

We can’t underestimate the importance of projects like this one – and I’m honored to have been a part of it. 

Fighting for Minnesota’s family farmers 

I joined Farmers for Free Trade and heard from Minnesota farmers about how Trump’s trade war is destroying markets. 

While the Trump Administration bails out Argentina, I’m working with Minnesota farmers to find new export and domestic markets. 

Standing up to Donald Trump 

As part of the panel with Farmers for Free Trade, I gave a one minute elevator pitch on what I would say to President Trump. My message to him? Get back to the table to end this government shutdown.  

You can watch my message here.  

Behind the scenes:

This week, my dog Dakota joined me in D.C. She even got to come with me to the House Recording Studio while we filmed remarks for folks in Minnesota. She didn’t get to be in the official recordings... but we made sure to get a few “unofficial” shots after the fact!  

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress