I am deeply disappointed by the recent ruling favoring Canada's tariff rate quota practices under the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). This decision hampers opportunities for our hardworking dairy farmers, denying them the fair access promised within the trade agreement. The lack of appeal options within the USMCA leaves the U.S. dairy industry vulnerable to future unfair trade practices, hindering our ability to compete in Canadian markets. I will continue to work within Congress and with the administration to fight for our farmers' rights and ensure equitable treatment under international trade agreements. Sadly, as things stand, this ruling falls far short of providing the level playing field our dairy producers deserve.
I am delighted by the increasing support and momentum for the Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act in the Senate. This legislation would offer a nuanced approach to healthcare staffing that considers the unique needs of rural areas by replacing Biden’s flawed CMS staffing proposal with a better plan: setting up a panel to guide nursing home staffing. In rural places like western Minnesota, there is already a serious shortage of healthcare workers. Biden’s one-size-fits-all minimum staffing approach would risk displacing an estimated 450,000 nursing home residents nationwide, harming access to nursing home care. I was honored to lead the effort in the House, and I am encouraged to see Senator Fischer (R-NE) spearheading the companion legislation in the Senate.
Yesterday, the U.S. House voted to expel New York Representative George Santos. Prior to December 1st, only five Members of Congress had been expelled: three Members in 1861 for supporting the confederate rebellion, and two in the twentieth century who were convicted of their crimes through the legal system. While I believe Mr. Santos' conduct was extremely concerning, I also believe that expelling him before his day in court sets a dangerous precedent and opens the door for abuse in the future.
The recent reclassification of pistols with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles (they are not) by Biden’s ATF is concerning for all Americans, particularly veterans and those with disabilities, who rely on these devices for their safety and stability. Congress, not the ATF, should determine the regulation of pistol braces, making this an unconstitutional overreach and an encroachment on our right to keep and bear arms. As such, it is my responsibility and that of my colleagues to defend the Second Amendment. That’s why I joined over 60 of my colleagues in signing a legal brief challenging the ATF’s unjust regulation that violates the rights of law-abiding citizens.
As always, please contact my office if there is anything we can help with. Thank you for your continued support!
With gratitude,
