We Can’t Hold Our Economy Hostage

Dear John,

In a matter of a few weeks, our economy went from churning along at historic levels to, in some cases, shutting down altogether. As our nation fights an invisible enemy in the coronavirus pandemic, we can’t let the government double down on this national emergency by shutting down Main Streets, killing our economy, and bringing our way of life to a screeching halt.

Every day, I hear from more small businesses who are on the brink of throwing in the towel and giving up altogether. Two weeks ago, I was pleased to support an emergency relief loan program to give small businesses a needed boost. Unfortunately, that funding ran out on Thursday. While we had additional emergency funding set to inject into more small businesses that need it, Nancy Pelosi and Washington Democrats balked. It’s unconscionable that Speaker Pelosi is holding our small businesses hostage for her endless wish list of spending and socialist policies. We need to ensure that any relief package includes more funding for small businesses and the lenders that keep Main Streets surviving and thriving. We need to provide more disaster relief, more funding for our hospitals, and more resources for testing to keep Americans safe.

As a member of the Small Business Committee, I will keep fighting for our workers and small businesses, and I will push for an immediate solution so we can get our economy moving again. As the Wall Street Journal editorial reported, we can’t afford to wait.

Making America A More Self-Reliant Nation

Ever since the coronavirus outbreak began, which has led to over 40,000 reported deaths in the U.S., I have insisted we will come out of this a stronger, more resilient, self-reliant nation. I believe that now more than ever. As details emerge, it becomes increasingly disturbing to learn what China may have known about this virus much sooner than we previously thought. Recently, the Associated Press issued a report alleging the Chinese government may have waited on warning the public in an attempt to stave off hysteria.

I agree with my colleague Rep. Kevin McCarthy: “If there’s one thing that should unite America here, together, is that we never let ourselves be in this position again, from critical minerals and other ingredients that go into our medicines… We should have a coordinated effort that takes all the supply chain out of China and brings it back to America, exactly what President Trump has been trying to do.”

Looking Forward to the 8th District Convention on May 1st

I wrapped up my virtual tour of Republican Basic Political Operating Unit (BPOU) conventions in the 8th Congressional District yesterday with teleconference calls with delegates in Itasca and Beltrami counties. Additionally, I recently participated in teleconferences with the Iron Range delegation during a Minnesota Trump Victory meet-up and a tele-meeting with the University of Minnesota-Duluth College Republicans. As I shared with all the groups, we will come out of this stronger than ever before. We will lead the way, creating products that are mined, manufactured, and made in America! I look forward to joining delegates from around the 8th District on Friday evening, May 1st, for the virtual Congressional District convention.

Minnesotans Continue to Answer the Call

As we continue to navigate the “stay at home” order from Governor Walz, it's uplifting to hear about how our friends and neighbors in our part of Minnesota are helping those in need. Here are just a few examples of how we are stepping up to lend a helping hand:

Hibbing Daily Tribune: Hibbing police prepare for COVID-19 | Free Press
DNT: Duluth company ‘rolling up sleeves’ to make hospital gowns
KBJR6: Community comes together to help those affected in Grand Marais

Have a great week!

Sincerely,