Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Linda Larson on fulfilling her lifelong dream of completing her college education. Linda graduated with an Associate's Degree with an emphasis on political science from Inver Hills Community College. She also graduated as part of Phi Beta Kappa.

Linda grew up on a small farm near Ruthton, Minnesota. As the daughter of a tenant farmer, Linda learned early on the challenges and instability farmers face in trying to earn a living. This informed her work at the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU), where she has advocated for affordable healthcare and the needs of family farmers. Additionally, Linda has been a strong leader for women in farming. In 2013, she helped reestablish the MFU Women's Conference and later received the 2013 MFU Leadership Excellence award along with her husband, Brian. She is the current president of the Dakota County Farmers Union and regularly attends Farmers Union events at the local, state and national level.

I know Linda through her work on my Farmers Advisory Council, which she has been a member of since I came to Congress in 2019. Linda has provided invaluable feedback to my work on agriculture policy as I've fought to ensure family farmers have a strong farm safety net. I look forward to our continued collaboration to pass a bipartisan farm bill.

I congratulate Linda on her graduation and thank her for her service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, President Trump changes his tariff policy more than most people change their socks. One day he is picking fights with Canada and Mexico, our friends, and the next day he is launching a global trade war. Today, he is pausing tariffs on some countries while also increasing them on China. What our farmers, ranchers, and producers need is certainty.

I don't know how my Republican colleagues can say that any of this is all according to plan with a straight face.

There is no plan. There is no art of the deal. Trump's reckless tariffs are costing hardworking Americans $4,600 a year, hurting small businesses, and absolutely tanking retirement savings.

Farmers are taking losses on days they go to market only to turn around and see conditions improve a few hours later because of a tweet from the President.

How is that strategic?

Trump alienated our trade partners and destroyed our credibility as a country that foreign governments can do business with. House Republicans are acting as his rubberstamp by banning the House from taking action to stop it.

We need an adult in the room, and I cannot find a single one on the other side of the aisle. This President's tantrums are causing economic global panic. The House must be able to debate and vote on these tariffs. You have the same farmers I do coming through your offices right now to tell you it is not just the tariffs; it is the uncertainty of the tariffs and the disappearing markets. Doing nothing allows American families to be crushed by these reckless tariffs.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to defeat the previous question.

Mr. Speaker, I am actually stunned as we stand here today because, as my colleagues talk about their plan, what they are doing, in reality, is giving billionaires the national credit card and telling them to go hog wild, racking up $14 trillion in national debt over the next 10 years so that large corporations can pay less in taxes. That doesn't lower costs for middle-class families in this country.

If this were a bill that we were talking about that would lower taxes for the middle class, I would be all for it.

To make matters worse, part of how they want to pay for this resolution is to cut the supplemental nutrition assistance program, or SNAP, by $230 billion. This cut would force the average SNAP household of four to spend over $2,000 more on food.

Who are the majority of SNAP recipients? They are seniors living on fixed incomes, children, and disabled people. SNAP helps American families buy American-grown food. This cut takes a chunk out of the farm economy as well when they can least afford it because of the whiplash of this administration and Donald Trump's tariffs. This resolution would mean that farmers growing our food would make $30 billion less than anticipated in farm income, placing family farmers at risk.

This Republican budget only stands to make America hungrier and poorer so the rich can get richer. It is shameful, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter Hamlin, a constituent and Vietnam War veteran living in Farmington, Minnesota.

Peter was born in Boston in 1941, attended college at the University of Cincinnati and received a master's degree from George Washington University before enlisting in the United States Army in 1966. After enlisting, he completed Officer Cadet School, Army Airborne School, and Army Ranger School before deploying to Vietnam in 1969, where he would serve as a member of the 20th Infantry Regiment and platoon leader for the 75th Ranger Regiment, acting as a go-between for teams in the field and artillery and air support units in the sky. When he was later transferred to the 173rd Airborne, he served as a liaison officer, bringing aid and support to local villages.

He received several medals recognizing his courageous service over four campaigns in Vietnam, including the Bronze Star, the Army Air Medal, and the Army Valorous Unit Award. He is most proud, however, of his Combat Infantry Badge, which he received for his bravery in ground combat as an infantryman in Vietnam.

After his military career ended, Peter returned to Iowa, where he worked for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for more than three decades, including many years as Director of Air Quality. Today, he lives in Farmington with his wife Judy, his sons Brian, Jacob and Kevin, and his seven grandchildren.

Peter dedicated both his military and civilian careers to serving and protecting his fellow Americans. I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize and thank him for his many years of distinguished service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ann Bailey on her retirement as President of DARTS. Ann began her Journey with DARTS years before becoming President. When her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Ann worked diligently to get him the care he needed. Through her network, someone suggested that she call DARTS, a community-based organization serving caregivers and older adults in Minnesota. That call was a turning point for Ann and her father. She went on to join the Board of Directors and ultimately became President of the organization in 2015.

During her 10 years as President, Ann reimagined DARTS' vision to best serve individuals in the southeast metro area. She invested in the organization's volunteer program, revamped annual community and fundraising events and led the effort to turn part of their West St. Paul space into affordable senior apartments. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Ann ensured her team and volunteers were positioned to continue engagement with seniors in a safe way. DARTS also provided support to organizations that were struggling.

Over the last 10 years, Ann has made DARTS a well-known and reliable community-based organization. Seniors and older adults in the community have a support system and caregivers have services to rely on. I'm proud to have worked with Ann since I first came to Congress in 2019. She even helped to moderate and participate in one of my town halls. Her passion for this work and drive to support our seniors is inspirational. I know I will continue to seek her guidance, especially when it comes to showing up for our most vulnerable community members.

I thank Ann for her vision and years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this resolution that prioritizes tax cuts for billionaires over the well-being of hardworking American families and the livelihood of our Nation's farmers.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is our Nation's most effective antipoverty tool and a key part of the farm bill which Republicans want to cut by $230 billion. This would cause millions of hardworking Americans to suffer, including some of the most vulnerable in our communities: children, seniors, and the disabled.

Decimating SNAP in this way would break up the coalition that is critical to passing a bipartisan farm bill and hurts the entire food supply chain when times are tough in farm country and in many communities, especially rural communities across this country.

Right now, as people across our Nation are struggling with the high cost of groceries, SNAP helps American families keep food on the table. Let's be clear about what we are talking about. It is $6 a day for people in need. It is six bucks to those who qualify. SNAP reduces childhood poverty, improves health outcomes, and generates hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the food supply chain.

When we spend $1 on food, we aren't just paying for the food in carts. We are helping to pay for the salary of the grocery store clerk who stocked the shelves, the trucker who delivered the food to the store, the manufacturer who produced the packaging, and the farmer who grew it.

The future of a bipartisan farm bill, which our farmers desperately need, is in Republican hands today. If they cut SNAP to pay for tax cuts or the wealthy donors, it is on them.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate Garrison McMurtrey for serving for over two years as my District Director.

Garrison is a dedicated public servant with a passion for workforce development and economic justice, with a focus on equity and community engagement.

Garrison started his career working on campaign field teams, went on to work as an Outreach Director for Senator Klobuchar and spent time in corporate public affairs. Hopefully by the time he sees this, he's now Ramsey County's newest Commissioner.

Garrison has been invaluable to my team. All with a person-centered approach, he assisted in elevating the work carried out in the district office. He instituted new casework initiatives, ensuring accessibility and reliability. He operationalized outreach strategies to foster meaningful relationships with community partners.

I've appreciated Garrison's leadership and support during his time with my office. I will miss his dedication and infectious laughter. I'm certain that Garrison will find success in this next chapter and I know he'll remain committed to serving the public for the better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Florence Dunlevy, a constituent from West St. Paul, who will be celebrating her 105th birthday on December 21st.

Florence was born in Armour, South Dakota, in 1919 into a farm family, and raised a farming family of her own with her husband John. Throughout her life, Florence has been a loving mother at home and avid volunteer at church and in her community. These days, she has many hobbies to stay busy, including knitting blankets, hats, mittens, and tablecloths, many of which she has given away to U.S. servicemembers.

Her advice for a good life? Be happy, smile, enjoy your friends and family, and always try to live your best life.

We can all take inspiration from Florence's long life of humility and service. Happy birthday to Florence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Janet Williams on her retirement as Mayor of the City of Savage. Janet was born and raised on a dairy farm in Savage, Minnesota. She attended Burnsville High School, where she graduated as the valedictorian. After completing her undergraduate degree at the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota, she came back home to Savage. For 30 years, Janet served as Scott County's Library Director. In this role, she was responsible for running all Scott County libraries while supporting library expansion projects.

In 2004, Janet was elected as a Savage Councilmember and just four years later, Janet became the first woman Mayor of Savage. She has held this office for over 17 years. As Mayor, Janet pushed for investments in mental health programs, including those offered to first responders. She founded the Dan Patch Historical Society and championed various local projects, including key redevelopment projects and infrastructure improvements. Under her leadership, she also promoted the importance of partnering on key initiatives with nearby community leaders and partners.

I'm proud to have worked with Janet since I first came to Congress in 2019. Her commitment to the community of Savage is unparalleled and I have greatly appreciated her partnership and guidance, especially with concern to local priorities.

I thank Janet for her years of service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate Nick Coe for more than six years and three sessions of Congress in service with my office.

Nick has been a dedicated public servant and political staffer for several years across various campaigns in Minnesota. Having gone to college at St. Olaf in Minnesota's Second District, I'm glad he was able to help this office serve that community so well.

Nick has been with me since before I was sworn in. He opened my first District Office with just a flip phone and some folding chairs and has since served as my Chief of Staff for nearly four years. Nick has guided the office through different administrations, a pandemic, changing committees and moving to DC from Minnesota.

He's been instrumental in setting up strong casework teams, securing funding for community projects across the Second District, building a strong brand back home and ultimately fostering a long-term strategic vision for my office.

It was a joy seeing Nick's life grow while in my office. He got engaged and married to Hannah and they've welcomed lovely Charlotte all while he's been here.

I've always appreciated Nick's advice and counsel over the years and wish him the best in his future.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 478.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and honor Apple Valley Police Officer Jordan Mack for his courageous service during the tragic February 18th incident in Burnsville, MN which lost officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth.

Officer Mack provided mutual aid support to Burnsville and was in the Bearcat and helped extract the mortally wounded officers and the rest of the Burnsville staff that were on scene.

Officer Mack has been with his hometown Apple Valley Police Department since 2019. During high school he was part of the local Police Explorer Post and earned a bachelor's in law enforcement from Winona State University. Prior to joining the Apple Valley Police Department, he worked as a park ranger for the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.

I'm grateful for Officer Mack's service to Apple Valley, Burnsville and Minnesota. He represents the best of law enforcement and it is a privilege to represent him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and honor Rosemount Police Sergeant Shawn McMenomy for his courageous service during the tragic February 18th incident in Burnsville, MN which lost officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth.

Sergeant McMenomy provided mutual aid support to Burnsville and was in the Bearcat and helped extract the mortally wounded officers and the rest of the Burnsville staff that were on scene. Sergeant McMenomy joined the South Metro SWAT team in 2018 and is currently serving as a Team Leader for the team that handles critical incidents across Dakota and Rice County.

A Hastings native, Sergeant McMenomy began his service with the Rosemount Police Department in 2011 and was previously a park ranger and correctional officer for Dakota County. He has served as a patrol officer, on the department's crime scene team, as an advisor for the police Explorer program and was promoted to Sergeant in 2015 assigned as a detective.

I'm grateful for Sergeant McMenomy's service to Rosemount, Burnsville and Minnesota. He represents the best of law enforcement and it is a privilege to represent him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dave Titus on his retirement from the St. Paul Police Department. Dave began his service with the St. Paul Police Department in 1994. He served in the Operations Division (patrol), as a field training officer (FTO), and on the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team. Dave served as President of the Saint Paul Police Federation from 2001-2019 where he advocated to improve working conditions, officer pay and supported the implementation of body cameras. He also served as President of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and was twice appointed by the Governor to the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. He continued his law enforcement career as an Inspector with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office for over five years.

I'm proud to have worked with Dave on various pieces of legislation including the Public Safety Officer Support Act, Invest to Protect Act and the Protect Local Law Enforcement Act. In addition, he has been a tireless advocate for the Social Security Fairness Act.

I'll always appreciate Dave's advice and counsel on law enforcement and public safety legislation and look forward to continuing that partnership in his new role as Deputy Director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

Thank you to Dave for serving and protecting our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sophia Soriano, who worked in partnership with her peers to put together a Fight Back Against Fentanyl PSA.

Sophia is from St. Paul, Minnesota. She has proven her commitment to combating the opioid crisis through her advocacy and work with the Devin Norring Foundation. The Devin Norring Foundation was established to honor Devin's legacy and raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs and fentanyl.

On April 4, 2020, Devin passed away from fentanyl poisoning. He was seeking relief from blackout migraines and dental pain. He bought what he thought was Percocet marketed by a drug dealer on Snapchat. That pill turned out to be 100 percent fentanyl.

Devin was 19 years old.

The Devin Norring Foundation, in partnership with Sophia, produced an impactful and heartfelt PSA to fight back against fentanyl. In turning grief into activism, Sophia has shown strength and courage beyond her years. I am proud to have her as an ally in this fight against the fentanyl crisis.

I thank Sophia for demonstrating a commitment to combating the opioid crisis.