Dear John,

This week was a tremendously challenging one in the House of Representatives. We were presented with two very difficult votes related to the Israel/Hamas war and related issues. I believe that elected officials have a responsibility to be transparent with their constituents – so I want to explain my votes.

Last Friday, the House voted on a bill to send supplemental funding to Israel to help as it battles Hamas. I voted ‘yes,’ because I wanted to signal the need for the Congress to support aid to Israel on a bipartisan basis. This bill wasn’t perfect – and the Senate has announced they won’t even take it up. But this was the bill that was put in front of me. I’m looking forward to the Senate’s work on this issue and supporting a bill that can be signed into law that also includes humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

On Wednesday, I voted to censure one of my colleagues following her promotion and defense of the phrase, ‘from the river to the sea’ in her communications. The Anti-Defamation League characterizes this phrase as a Hamas terrorist call to eradicate the Jewish State of Israel. It’s a very painful phrase for many Jews, as Hamas has outright promised to keep coming back to attack Israel until Jews are eradicated. 

Members of Congress must consider their words carefully – especially during times of heightened tensions. The censure isn’t a perfect tool, but I felt that I had to express my strong disagreement with my colleague after she defended her use of this phrase that is used by terrorists to call for violence. I know that my colleague brings her own life experience and family ties to her advocacy. As do I when I sit with my Jewish wife and children.

This is such a difficult moment – and I realize that so much that we are seeing is complex – and personal. I don’t want Israeli or Palestinian children to die. I support Israel’s right and obligation to defend itself, but also believe Israel has an obligation to adhere to international law as it does so and do everything it can to minimize civilian deaths. I will continue to push for aid for civilians in Gaza and I fully support doing everything possible to expand safe zones and provide transit corridors to help those trapped in this conflict.

You have my commitment that I will always do what I feel is right for our district and our country, and please know that my office is here to serve as a resource however we can during this time.

Here in the United States, tomorrow is Veterans Day – a day to honor and celebrate America’s veterans and their families.

Our veterans exemplify the best of this country – it’s their dedicated service that allows all of us to call this great nation home.

Most of us will never be able to truly understand their level of sacrifice – but we can, and must, do more to take care of America’s veterans and military families.

Every time I meet with my Veterans Advisory Council, I hear about the challenges that veterans and military service members face every day: access to health care and mental health services, equity of benefits of National Guard and Reserve Members and so much more.

It’s abundantly clear: there is a tremendous amount of work to do to make life better for Minnesota’s veterans. Last year, the PACT Act was signed into law: providing one of the largest health care and benefits expansions for America’s veterans. Since its signing, the PACT Act has provided more than $2.4 million in earned benefits to veterans across the district.

This is a good start – but we must keep working to ensure we are taking care of America’s veterans with the compassion, urgency and determination they deserve. Thank you to Hyvee for allowing me to help serve veterans breakfast this morning in Shakopee.

Today, my gratitude is great for every single Minnesotan veteran and their family. Thank you for everything that you’ve done to protect and serve the United States of America.

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

Calling on USPS Postmaster General DeJoy to release his holiday mail delivery plan
USPS hasn’t taken enough actions to prepare for the holiday season and I’m demanding to know their plan to make sure Minnesotans will get their mail and packages on time.
 
I won’t stop pushing to hold USPS accountable until every single Minnesotan gets their mail on time.

Securing federal investments for Burnsville Police Department
I’m determined to get law enforcement officers across the Second District the support they need – and that means building our public safety workforce.

I partnered with Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz and Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz to bring home $375,000 in federal funding so the Burnsville Police Department can hire three additional police officers – two for their Behavioral Health Unit and one to help bolster community policing efforts.

Helping to connect local businesses with qualified employees
We know that building a strong workforce helps build a strong economy.

My team attended the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce Student Career Fair last week to learn more about the ways we can help local businesses connect with the skilled workforce they need. What a great event!

Meeting with the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants

The Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants works hard to connect Minnesota’s accountants with the training and education they need to help MN-02 families make well-informed financial decisions. It was great to meet with their dedicated team on Wednesday!

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

While my schedule in the House has been a bit unpredictable lately – my district team has been attending all sorts of events across the district and filling me in on everything they are doing!

Madeleine was in Cottage Grove on Wednesday to attend a community conversation about the impact fentanyl is having on Minnesota communities. I was happy to be able to share a few words with the group before the event kicked off!

Well, that’s it for me this week! Have a wonderful weekend.

Talk soon,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress