Dear John,

This week is National Police Week – a time to honor and celebrate the law enforcement officers who work hard day-in and day-out to keep Minnesotans safe.

This Police Week, we are keeping the memory of Officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth close. Our hearts are with all those who knew and loved Matthew, Paul and Adam. 

Every Minnesotan deserves the peace of mind to know that they – and their children, loved ones and family – are safe. Whatever they do, wherever they go.

It’s the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of Minnesota’s law enforcement community that helps ensure that safety. I am proud to have so many dedicated partners in the Second District law enforcement community in the work to protect Minnesotans.

The loss of Matthew, Paul and Adam served as a heartbreaking reminder of the danger that our law enforcement officers confront every time they put on their badge. There is no better way to honor their bravery and sacrifice than by working hard to protect them.

On Wednesday, I introduced my Protect Local Law Enforcement Act. This bill would make it easier for local law enforcement to purchase tactical vehicles – like the Rosemount Police Department BearCat that was instrumental in the law enforcement response to the Burnsville shooting.

Rosemount’s BearCat sustained 41 gunshots as it was deployed to retrieve the fallen officers and prevent further injury. In the wake of this tragedy, I worked closely with Second District law enforcement to write this bill to make it easier for local law enforcement to access the armored vehicles that help save lives during a public safety crisis.

This legislation would roll back a Biden executive order that currently makes it hard for local law enforcement to purchase and use armored vehicles bought with federal funds. We should be doing everything we can to increase access to life-saving tools, like these armored vehicles. That’s what this bill will help do – and I’ll be working hard to get it passed.

As communities across Minnesota continue to mourn the loss of Adam, Matthew and Paul, we must take action – like passing this legislation – to ensure Minnesota’s public safety officers are protected.

You can watch me speak on the House floor about the Protect Local Law Enforcement Act here.

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

Reducing wasteful Washington spending
My bipartisan bill – the LIVE Beneficiaries Act – passed out of a key Energy and Commerce Subcommittee yesterday! This bill will make sure the federal government isn’t paying Medicaid to people who have died – and I’ll keep looking for ways to cut down on wasteful Washington spending. 

Protecting IVF access
On Tuesday, I met with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to have a productive conversation about the roadmap to increasing access to reproductive care and protecting women’s access to IVF.

A big thank you to RESOLVE for their critical work!

Thanking Capitol Police officers
Capitol Police officers work hard to keep Members of Congress and Capitol Building visitors safe. On Tuesday, I stopped by to thank them for their brave service.

I’ll always fight to ensure Capitol Police have what they need to keep themselves, visitors, staff and Members safe.

Team Craig says thank you to Second District law enforcement
The dedication and service of the South Metro law enforcement community is truly unparalleled!

While I was in DC this week, members of my team met with members of Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, Cottage Grove Police Department, Prior Lake Police Department and Eagan Police Department to say thank you.

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

Sometimes when things get too crazy here in the Capitol, you need a little pick-me-up. This week, it was a chocolate-vanilla swirl – pretty good! 

Well, we have a Farm Bill markup in the House next week! I’m hoping we will be able to find the bipartisan path forward for this critical legislation that supports our ag communities – but I’ll report back to you about what’s happening on Friday.

Fingers crossed for some good weather this weekend!

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress