Dear John,

I’m writing to you after an unbelievably frustrating and disappointing week in Congress.

Right now, we are 8 days away from a federal government shutdown. Instead of acting like mature adults who have a responsibility to act in the interest of their constituents, MAGA Republicans are throwing temper tantrums and using the threat of a shutdown as a way to grant their political wishlists.

One thing that is particularly appalling about this situation is that – even in the event of a government shutdown – Members of Congress will still get paid.

There are nearly 20,000 federal employees working here in Minnesota – and that’s thousands of federal employees who are wondering whether or not their next paycheck will come through.

But no matter what happens on the House Floor between now and October 1st, Members of Congress – the very people who are responsible for ensuring the government stays open – will receive their paycheck. That’s absurd to me.

On Wednesday, I introduced a bill to change that. The My Constituents Cannot Afford Rebellious Tantrums, Handle Your Shutdown Act, or the MCCARTHY Shutdown Act, would withhold pay for Members of Congress for every day the government is shut down – because no Member should be paid while folks like the TSA workers at MSP are asked to work without a paycheck.

I’m continuing to urge my Republican colleagues to stop acting in the interest of the most extreme in their party – and instead act in the interest of the constituents they were elected to serve.  It’s time to bring forward a proposal that can get support from Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate and avoid a shutdown all together.

Here’s what else I was up to this week:

Ranked as Minnesota’s most effective U.S. House Member

I’m humbled to announce that I’ve been ranked as Minnesota’s most effective member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 117th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. I will keep doing everything I can to support you and your family in Congress.

Advocating for Minnesota’s educators

I got the chance to check in with leaders from Education Minnesota about how we can keep working to ensure that Minnesota’s educators have the support and tools they need for a successful school year.

Congress goes purple

On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in the House in wearing purple to honor the 22 million Americans in recovery, support those still struggling and recommit to our work to educate Americans about substance use disorder. 

Working to improve Minnesota’s roads, bridges and highways

This week was transportation week, in my office at least! I had the chance to welcome Second District leaders to my DC office to discuss the ways we can work together to make Minnesota’s roadways safer for all pedestrians, bikers and drivers.

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

This week while I was in DC, I made my way over to Planet Word with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). Planet Word is a museum completely dedicated to words and language – filled with unique, interactive exhibits that allow you to explore the history of all the languages that are spoken across our country.

I learned a lot at Planet Word – and got to ride in one of the coolest elevators I’ve ever seen. A 10/10 experience!

Well, I’m hoping next week’s update can bring you all better news about the state of the government here in DC – but until then, I am wishing you all a restful weekend.

Make sure you get outside and enjoy the lovely fall weather we are having in Minnesota. It won’t be long until we are pulling out those snow blowers again!

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress