Dear John,

This weekend, we will gather across Minnesota and the country with family and friends for picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks in celebration of Independence Day. This holiday, I honor the courage it took to claim our freedom – and stand up to tyranny and oppression in the process. As I reflect on the 246-year history of the United States, I am proud of how far we’ve come and remain committed to continue fighting for the ideals of our founders: “that all men (and women) are created equal…” America is a journey, and the responsibility for who we are today and who we will become belongs to all of us.

Independence Day is also an important reminder of how much we owe to the brave servicemembers who fought for our freedoms. I know we have a tremendous amount of work to do in Congress to ensure we sufficiently address the serious challenges facing our nation’s veterans. As part of my service to our district, I have formed a Veterans Advisory Council made up of veterans and veteran-service organizations from throughout the Second District, and have been working with my colleagues to pass legislation that would provide veterans with the high-quality health care they deserve. I will never stop fighting to ensure all our veterans have access to all the resources they earned – because their sacrifices have allowed us to gather and celebrate this weekend.

Independence Day is a reminder of the opportunities and freedom that our country offers us all, and it continues to be an honor to serve our country in the United States House of Representatives. I am wishing you and your family a wonderful Fourth of July!

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

Reflecting on the end of Pride Month
As Pride Month comes to a close, I know many members of the LGBTQ community – including my own family – are anxious about losing rights we have fought so hard to secure in recent years due to a recent Supreme Court ruling. I want you all to know that I’m fighting for all of us.

Connecting with Constituents:
Thank you to everyone who was able to join me for my town hall on Facebook Live this week – and thank you, especially to Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce President Maureen Scallen Failor for serving as our moderator!

Advocating for Rural broadband
For many in rural areas, access to reliable broadband means access to health care. That's why we need to do all we can to expand broadband access. This week, I joined my colleagues on Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss how my bipartisan bill can help make that happen.

Behind the Scenes with Rep. Craig:

For this week’s behind the scenes, I am actually taking you behind the scenes in my Burnsville office to show you a quilt that one of my constituents made for all of us to enjoy at the beginning of my first term in Congress. It’s a handmade quilt featuring the names of many of the cities, towns and townships in the current district. Minnesota’s Second District may be changing its shape – but I will treasure this quilt forever.

To everyone in MN02, and across the nation I wish you a safe and happy Independence Day.

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress