Dear John,
It was a busy week, but I’m back to keep you in the loop on how I am fighting for our conservative values.
I’m looking forward to advancing the America First agenda alongside the newly elected Republican leadership team. With a smooth leadership transition, Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and newly elected Conference Chair, Lisa McClain, have shown that Republicans are united and ready to get to work. Together with President Trump, we’re set to secure the border, cut taxes, and reduce government waste—all by standing strong as a team for the American people.
President Trump has stunned the Swamp with excellent nominees for his new administration. Senator Marco Rubio brings a wealth of foreign policy expertise; Susie Wiles is highly respected for her strategic insight; and the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will root out waste, fraud, and abuse. Pete Hegseth is a proud Minnesotan, decorated combat veteran, and someone who will not tolerate woke DEI or gender politics poisoning our military. The Department of the Interior can use the business sense of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to balance tapping our nation’s resources while respecting our treasured public lands. The new Senate Majority Leader, Sen. John Thune, has met with the President-elect and recognizes that the American people have given Republicans a mandate to enact change. I am optimistic for their swift confirmation and getting to work on truly draining the swamp!
The House was back in session this week and passed important bills related to college grants and U.S. natural resources. We currently release the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a requirement for students to receive federal grants, on January 1. The first bill we passed moves the release date to October 1, giving families more time to complete the complex application and make crucial financial decisions.
We also passed legislation to streamline the permitting process for geothermal energy, a clean, renewable, and no-cost energy source. Additionally, we clarified the definition of critical minerals. Currently, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) maintain separate lists of what qualifies as a critical mineral or material. Aligning these lists will help reduce our dependence on foreign sources and expand domestic mining.
As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about my record or my votes, or if there is anything we can help with. Thank you for your continued support!
