Today, the state of Minnesota mourns the loss of former Congressman Rick Nolan. Congressman Nolan was a champion for Northern Minnesota and a fighter for working women and men across our state. A committed public servant who loved the Northland, he was a true Minnesotan — one need look no further than his hot dish competition, where he’d share sap that he harvested, venison that he hunted, and wild rice that he gathered with his own hands. My thoughts are with his wife, Mary, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

 

 

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act directed the Secretary of Defense to create a program that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The official Vietnam War Commemoration continues through Veterans Day 2025 as it supports federal, state, and local government programs and activities.

I look forward to meeting Vietnam veterans and honoring them with a presentation of the official Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin as a lasting recognition of our nation’s gratitude for their service. All living United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time between November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service are eligible to receive this lapel pin. To identify eligible veterans, an individual or veteran’s family member may complete this form, and email it to [email protected]. 

Recent Events in the Middle East
I made two statements this week about the war in Gaza. The first statement was a condemnation of Israel’s Attacks on United Nations Peacekeepers, and the second statement was an expression of support for the White House to hold the Israeli government accountable for blocking aid into Gaza. As a member of the United Nations, Israel has an obligation to obey international law, respect UN peacekeepers, work to find diplomatic solutions, and take every available measure to avoid civilian casualties. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has fallen woefully short on many of these obligations. I will continue to call for an immediate regional ceasefire and return of all hostages, because this war must end.

 

Magnets are ubiquitous. They’re in cars, appliances, credit cards — you name it. But magnets require rare earth metals that harm the environment during the mining process. Just west of the state fairgrounds, Niron Magnetics is forging an innovative new path: They’re producing 100% rare-earth free magnets made right here in Minnesota using ore produced on the Iron Range!

Medicare Open Enrollment is Underway
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway from October 15^th to December 7^th. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional Democrats, enrollees will benefit from a new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs and the opportunity to spread those expenses over a year. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more and compare plans.

 

Important Information for Postal Service Employees and Annuitants 
All USPS employees and annuitants will receive a personalized letter that provides information about the new Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB). The PSHB will provide health insurance to eligible Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members starting in 2025. Click here to view information about this program. The 2025 Open Enrollment Season for the new PSHB as well as FEHB programs is from November 11, 2024, to December 9, 2024.

 

Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Eligible participants must attend a school in the Fourth District or live within the district. Winning apps are eligible to be featured in the capitol building and displayed on the United States House of Representatives website. Apps created after November 1st, 2023 are eligible for entry to the 2024 App Challenge. Learn more about the rules and important deadlines here.

 

Voting Information
Early voting is underway in Minnesota, and voters have just 17 days to make their voices heard until polling places close at 8 p.m. on November 5th. For more information on mail-in voting and early in-person voting, visit mnvotes.gov.

 

A joint briefing hosted by West Point Admissions and the University of Minnesota Army ROTC will be held on Monday, October 21^st, 2024. Click here for details and to RSVP.
 
Free COVID Tests
Every household is eligible for four free covid tests. Head to covidtests.gov to place your order today.

 

I’m sending my best wishes to the Minnesota Lynx tonight as they take on the New York Liberty in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. The Lynx continue to make us proud, and like all of you, I’m crossing my fingers that this team will bring home a fifth trophy to Minnesota.