Dear John,

This week Republicans passed their so-called “clean” government funding bill and let me tell you – there's nothing clean about it. It's a short-term funding package that fails to address the needs of Minnesotans.

 
Democrats came to the table with our own funding proposal – one that would restore access to health care and extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits. Reversing the Republicans’ historic health care cuts was our top priority – and for me, it was required for my vote. 

Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, Republicans refused to negotiate with us and instead moved their original, partisan bill forward.  

After the damage President Trump and Republicans did with their “Big Ugly Bill,” I couldn’t vote in good faith for a short-term funding package that fails to meet the needs of Minnesotans. 

The time is now to stand up against President Trump’s attacks on the middle class. While this Administration has shown time and time again that it is more concerned about billionaires and wealthy corporations than the health of your family – I promise you, I will continue fighting for working and middle-class Minnesotans today and every day.  

The Republican short-term government funding bill passed the House with 216 Republican votes. As the bill moves forward, I am urging my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to join me in standing up for Minnesotans and opposing this legislation. 

Here’s what else I’ve been up to this week: 

Protecting Head Start 

Access to early education can make a world of difference for kids.  

As President Trump threatens to gut Head Start programs entirely – I'm working with the Minnesota Head Start Association to protect these critical programs for Minnesota families. 

Working with Minnesota's tribal communities

 
I had an important conversation with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe about how we can best advocate for Tribal sovereignty and support critical funding for addiction treatment and prevention services.  

Our Tribal communities make Minnesota stronger and I'm proud to be working in Washington to ensure they have the resources they need. 

Fighting for quality paid leave for families 

I hear a lot about “family values” from my Republican colleagues – yet they’re cutting health care and raising costs for families – just to fund tax breaks for billionaires. 

I’m joining Representative Rosa DeLauro and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to reintroduce the only bill in Congress that gives Americans REAL paid family and medical leave: The FAMILY Act. 

You can read more about the bill here.  

Reminder: Mobile Office Hours next week!  

If you need help accessing your benefits or getting through to a federal agency, make sure to stop by my office’s mobile office hours next Friday (9/26) in Prior Lake. Members of my staff will be available to answer your questions and help you open a case.

You can find more details and the link to sign up here. 

Behind the scenes:

Every year, there’s a “Pet Night” reception on Capitol Hill – where Members and staff can bring their four-legged friends to the U.S. Capitol. It was great to have Dakota join me at work – she even came with me to vote! 

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress