Dear John,

This week, it felt like the United States House of Representatives was finally back to normal – or as normal as it could ever be. Committees were meeting, votes were happening.

But when I got to Washington this week, I was worried. The bill we passed in late September to fund the government was set to expire in just a few days and I hadn’t heard much about the GOP’s plan to keep the government open.

The American government should never come so close to an avoidable shutdown – it’s reckless, irresponsible and the American people deserve better leadership than that.

On Wednesday, the House was presented with another temporary spending bill that would extend the government funding deadline. I joined my colleagues in voting to pass this bill because a shutdown is not – and should never be – an option.

But I’ve had enough of these temporary band-aid solutions. It’s time that Congress works on a bipartisan basis to pass a government funding plan for the entire year. I’m ready to work in good faith to find the common ground here – and it’s my utmost hope that some of my House Republican colleagues feel the same.

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

Securing mental health resources for Minnesota's farmers and producers

Farming is a uniquely stressful job and far too often, rural communities lack access to the mental health resources they need.

I’m working with my colleague Rep. Randy Feenstra from Iowa on a bipartisan bill to help connect Minnesota’s rural communities with any mental health support and stress management resources they need.

Checking in with Eagan High School students
Got the chance to join Eagan High School’s senior political science class to talk to students about my work in Congress and how they can get involved in public service in their community.

Dakota made a cameo as well!

Building a cleaner future for Minnesotans
Earlier this year, Minnesota passed Amara’s Law in honor of Amara Strande, who passed away from cancer caused by PFAS or “forever chemicals.”

On Wednesday, I spoke with Amara’s family about how we can continue Amara’s fight and work to protect Minnesotans from harmful chemicals like PFAS.

The Strande Family’s dedicated advocacy is helping to build a healthier future for Minnesotans – and I’m grateful for their work.

Pushing for congressional regulation on AI
AI technology has progressed rapidly over the past few years, and we need smart regulations to make sure we are protecting our economy and cybersecurity.

Congress must take action to ensure that AI is developed and used in a safe and responsible manner – and that’s what I advocated for in our Energy and Commerce hearing this week.  

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

When I’m in DC, I spend a lot of time in the Energy and Commerce Committee room, named the “John D. Dingell Room.” It’s where the committee hosts hearings and votes on bills which cover everything from health care to data security. So for this week’s behind- the-scenes moment, I thought I’d share a little bit of history about this room.

Energy and Commerce Chairman John D. Dingell Jr. was an impressive man. He served in World War II, played a critical role in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and led the Energy and Commerce Committee for 16 years. Before Members walk into the committee room, we all walk past this photo of a globe hanging on the wall. Legend has it this globe was Chairman Dingell’s and every time he walked past it with someone, he would point to it and say, “That’s the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee.” 

Finally, I am wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope you get to enjoy lots of time with your loved ones – and some delicious food.

Talk soon,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress