Dear Fourth District Constituent,

 

On Tuesday, the House narrowly passed a Republican-led government funding bill that would do away with critical investments that keep our troops strong and our people healthy. House Republicans refused to negotiate in a bipartisan manner on this bill, instead opting to work only among themselves despite needing to earn the support of seven Democratic Senators in order to pass the legislation. 

 

I voted no because the funding cuts in this Republican bill will harm the American people. It reduces healthcare investments by over $2.2 billion, fails to fund community projects for public safety and law enforcement, and shortchanges military training exercises that our service members need to do their jobs safely. 

 

Floor Speech in Opposition to House Republicans' Six-Month Spending Plan

 

Ahead of the Senate vote on this bill, I and my Democratic colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee sent a letter to Leader Schumer urging him and Senate Democrats to reject this bill. Nevertheless, the Senate advanced it to the President's desk.

 

I’m deeply disappointed in Senate Democratic leadership for allowing this bill to pass. The full-year continuing resolution for Fiscal Year 2025 is the greatest transfer of federal spending authority from the Congress to the White House that I have ever seen.
 
The most damaging element of this legislation is that it eliminates the spending directives that Congress uses every year to tell the executive branch how to spend our constituents’ tax dollars, effectively nullifying Congress’ role in directing federal spending for Fiscal Year 2025. By allowing this bill to pass, Senate Democratic leadership has handed to Elon Musk and President Trump the power to direct spending that is vested in Congress by the Constitution.

 

Please join my virtual town hall next week on Wednesday at 6:30 PM CT, which will be streamed live on Facebook and Instagram. I'll discuss the chaos going on in Washington, highlight how I've been fighting back against Elon Musk and Donald Trump's illegal actions, and take questions from constituents.  

 

 

I met with members of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) on Wednesday to discuss the impact of federal legislation on our local law enforcement and to answer questions from Minnesota's police officers. The funding bill that narrowly passed the House on Tuesday cuts all new community project funding for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grants, which accounted for $247 million of the $685 million that the program received last year. That is functionally a 36% cut to COPS grants compared to the previous year.

 

 

I've always been a strong supporter of Minnesota's dedicated law enforcement officials, and one of the ways I've supported them is through COPS grants. I'm committed to continuing my close work with our peace and police officers to ensure they receive the funding and support they need to advance safer communities in the East Metro.

 

I was honored to moderate a conversation at my alma mater St. Catherine's University with the Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand. During her six years leading New Zealand, the Prime Minister championed women's equality, public health measures, and climate action to improve the lives of working people in her country. "Optimism is true moral courage," she reminded the packed audience at O'Shaughnessy Hall. It was a pleasure to take part in this conversation.

 

Help Congress Fight Back by Sharing Your Story
If the recent layoffs and funding freezes made by the Trump Administration have impacted you or someone you know personally, I want to hear how these actions have affected you. House Democrats are challenging Trump and Musk in Congress, in the courts, and in our communities. By sharing your personal stories, I will be better able to fight to protect you. I strongly encourage you to Share Your Story.

 

Tax filing is underway. Free file is now open! Visit the IRS website to see if you are eligible for other free preparation and filing options.