Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a community leader and my good friend, Brian Mathiowetz, who received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Associated General Contractors last Tuesday.

Brian joined the family business, Mathiowetz Construction, full-time in 1981, working for his father Richard.

Brian quickly proved to be a driving force behind the company's growing success, recognizing early on that good businesses invest in good people.

Across southern Minnesota, Mathiowetz Construction has become a respected name in the industry, relied upon by federal, state, and local partners, as well as commercial and private customers who have trusted Brian and his family business to bring these important projects to completion.

His leadership has grown the now-fourth-generation company into one of southern Minnesota's leading employers. Brian has contributed in many ways to the growth and development of Minnesota's First Congressional District, building many of the roads and bridges that connect us to our families and neighbors.

To me, there is no one more deserving of this Lifetime Achievement Award. I congratulate Brian on earning this accomplishment and thank him for his years of dedication to building a better community for all of us in southern Minnesota.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Williams for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 754, the Investing in Main Street Act of 2025, legislation which I am honored to co-lead with my colleague from California.

The Investing in Main Street Act of 2025 makes critical improvements to the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, allowing Small Business Investment Companies, or SBICs, to invest more resources in Main Street businesses across southern Minnesota and across the country.

From Winona to Worthington, small business owners across the district I have the honor to represent rely on early access to capital to start and grow. This legislation will spur further investment in our business community and assist businessowners in accessing the capital needed to pursue the American Dream of owning and operating a small business.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Chu for partnering with me on this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the Investing in Main Street Act of 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Wayne Pelzel, a friend, public servant, and fellow southern Minnesotan who is retiring from eight years of service as the Mayor of Sleepy Eye.

Since his election in 2016, Wayne has faithfully served the people of Sleepy Eye and the greater Brown County community, working alongside the city council and city staff to understand the needs of its residents and improve the lives of those who call Sleepy Eye home.

In his two terms as mayor, Wayne oversaw a period of growth and revitalization for Sleepy Eye, bringing new life to Main Street, welcoming new businesses to town, expanding housing, and growing the city's recreational opportunities.

While Wayne leaves behind big shoes to fill, his tenure of dedicated service to the City of Sleepy Eye will be remembered by all of us for years to come.

I congratulate Wayne on his well-deserved retirement. I thank him for his leadership and his service to our southern Minnesota community. I wish Wayne and Pattie all the best in this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Les Schultz, a friend, neighbor, and public servant who is retiring this week after sixteen years of service on the New Ulm City Council.

Since his election in 2008, Les has faithfully represented the people of New Ulm's Ward 3. Throughout his four terms, he has served as a strong voice for the City of New Ulm on numerous boards and committees, most notably the city's Economic Development Authority.

Les is currently the longest-serving member of the New Ulm City Council, and has dedicated countless hours to improving the city we call home. He was instrumental in projects like soliciting community input for new welcome signs for the city, and the completion of the New Ulm dog park--both of which will continue to benefit our community for many years to come.

This week, Les attended his final city council meeting, closing the book on his longtime service to the City of New Ulm. I congratulate Les, on his well-deserved retirement, and I wish him and his family the best in this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Tom Kuntz, a friend and fellow southern Minnesotan who has served the Owatonna community for the past twenty years.

In 2004, Tom was elected Mayor of Owatonna, where he found his true calling in public service. Throughout his five-term tenure, Owatonna experienced remarkable growth, with a revitalization of the city's downtown area, the relocation of Owatonna Hospital, an expanding industrial park, completion of the four-lane U.S. Highway 14 project between Owatonna and Dodge Center, and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art high school--just to name a few.

Tom has been a fixture in Owatonna for decades, fiercely advocating for the city's economic growth and development, bringing his vision to the role of mayor. A good leader knows it's not about the position, it's about listening to people. Tom listens more than he speaks, and in his twenty years as mayor, has undoubtedly made a difference in the lives of many Owatonnans, displaying the kind of leadership we should show to our kids and grandkids. He is a true embodiment of who we are in southern Minnesota.

Tom not only leaves behind enormous shoes to fill, but also a legacy that Owatonna will remember for generations.

I congratulate Tom on his well-deserved retirement, and wishing him and his wife, Shelby, the best in this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 4610, the counterpart to my bipartisan legislation to recognize the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States of America.

Throughout this process, I have had the pleasure of working with the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, and we are proud that they call southern Minnesota home.

As an undisputed symbol of our Nation, the bald eagle represents the strength and independence that we hold in our hearts as American citizens, and it is past time it is rightfully recognized as the national bird.

Since 1782, the bald eagle has been a symbol of America featured on the Great Seal; however it has never been officially designated as the national bird.

It remains a symbol of freedom across the country, as it is an emblem for all branches of the military and serves as a logo, trademark, and brand icon for businesses, nonprofits, and sports teams across the country.

It is also represented on our stamps, coins, and currency, holds spiritual value for our tribal communities, and so much more.

This bi-partisan, bi-cameral legislation gives the bald eagle the long-overdue recognition it deserves.

I would like to thank Senators Klobuchar and Lummis, as well as Representative Craig for partnering with me on this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Minnesota House Representative Gene Pelowski. First elected in 1986 to represent then-District 34B, Representative Pelowski has served the people of southeastern Minnesota honorably for the past thirty-eight years, making him the longest-serving member of the Minnesota State House.

Most recently serving District 26A, Representative Pelowski has worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents in Houston and Winona counties for nearly four decades.

During his time in office, higher education was a top priority for Representative Pelowski, championing a number of pieces of legislation for the expansion of Winona State University.

Representative Pelowski has done an exemplary job representing the people of 26A, and it was a true honor to have previously served alongside him in the Minnesota State Legislature.

I am grateful for Representative Pelowski's years of dedicated public service, and I wish him the warmest congratulations on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Minnesota House Representative Pat Garofalo. First elected in 2004, Representative Garofalo has honorably served in the Minnesota Legislature for the past twenty years.

During his time in office, Representative Garofalo exhibited a profound willingness to serve his fellow southern Minnesotans, not only as their voice in the House Chamber, but also by his leadership on numerous House committees throughout the years. In 2008, Representative Garofalo was elected to the position of assistant majority whip for the legislative session, and later became chairman of the Education Finance Committee, as well as the Job Growth & Energy Affordability Committee.

Representative Garofalo has done an exemplary job representing his constituents in Dakota, Goodhue, and Rice counties for the past two decades, and I consider it a true honor to have previously served alongside him in the Minnesota State Legislature.

I am grateful for Representative Garofalo's years of dedicated public service to southern Minnesota, and I wish him the warmest congratulations on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Minnesota House Representative Brian Daniels. First elected in 2014 to represent then-District 24B, Representative Daniels has served the people of Minnesota honorably in the State House for the past ten years, most recently representing District 19A.

Representative Daniels has worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents in Dodge, Goodhue, Rice, Steele, and Waseca counties, particularly with his leadership in championing the priorities of the blind and deaf communities across Minnesota.

Throughout his time in office, Representative Daniels introduced numerous bills advocating for greater language access statewide; including legislation that would increase proficiency standards to teach American Sign Language, as well as legislation that would require elementary schools to screen for dyslexia.

Additionally, he authored legislation to place signage on Interstate 35, directing drivers to Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and Minnesota State Academy of the Blind in Faribault, bringing awareness to travelers from across the country about these outstanding educational institutions that we are proud to have in southern Minnesota.

Representative Daniels has done an exemplary job representing the people of District 19A, and all of us across southern Minnesota have been well-served by his time in office. I wish him the warmest congratulations on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Minnesota House Representative Brian Pfarr. First elected in 2020 to represent then-District 20A, Representative Pfarr has served the people of southern Minnesota in the State House for the past four years, most recently as the representative for District 22B.

Prior to his service in the State Legislature, Representative Pfarr honorably served our state as a colonel in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Since his retirement in 2021, he has brought the same tireless work ethic to representing the people of Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Rice, and Scott counties.

The priorities of his constituents have always been at the forefront of Representative Pfarr's service in the State House, particularly through his continued leadership in the many House committees on which he has served throughout the years, including Ways and Means and Commerce Finance and Policy.

Representative Pfarr has done an exemplary job representing the people of District 22B, and all of us across southern Minnesota have been well-served by his time in office. I am grateful for his many years of dedicated public service, and I wish him the warmest congratulations on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation, the Prove

It Act, which gives small businesses a seat at the table during the regulatory process and shields them from the most heavyhanded, one- size-fits-all regulations.

Government red tape has made it harder and more costly for Americans to start a business. For many, this hinders their opportunity to achieve the American Dream. For too long, D.C. bureaucrats have abused their power, trampling over the small businesses, which are the backbone of our communities.

Simply put, the Prove It Act gives teeth to the already-existing law, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which is often ignored by Federal agencies in pursuit of their own political agenda.

Under RFA, agencies are required to complete an initial and final analysis of their regulations and certify that they will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Unfortunately, in many cases, agencies have failed to meet the standards set out by the RFA and, in turn, have left our small business owners with the short end of the stick.

Throughout the last 4 years, the Biden-Harris administration has improperly certified dozens of regulations as not having a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses.

Moreover, according to the American Action Forum, since 2009, Federal regulations have cost American taxpayers and businessowners $2.3 trillion to comply with them and have added 985 million hours of paperwork for our small businesses to shoulder. The Biden administration alone has accounted for $1.8 trillion of these costs and over 340 million paperwork hours.

With these compliance costs and paperwork hours skyrocketing, the Prove It Act is more important now than ever. Specifically, the Prove It Act will require Federal agencies to analyze both the direct and indirect costs their regulations would have on our small entities, create a way for small businesses to petition their chief advocate in government to review agencies' work and to make them prove that they are fully compliant with already-existing laws. If agencies fail to comply with the review process, small businesses would be exempt from the regulations in question.

Moreover, the bill ensures that small businesses can easily access preexisting guidance documents via regulations.gov. If agencies failed to perform an already-required 10-year retrospective review, the regulations would be nullified, giving teeth to this requirement that currently is in statute.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of support from the National Federation of Independent Business; Job Creators Network; National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association; National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; a coalition letter on Regulatory Flexibility Act reform signed by over 45 national associations; and a May 21, 2024, letter from numerous Chambers of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, the Prove It Act gives the hardworking American small businesses a voice in the regulatory process. It is time that we strengthen and empower our small business community rather than force them to comply with unnecessary and burdensome regulations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Caraveo and Representative Moran for partnering with me on this important legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of the Prove It Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Minnesota House Representative John Petersburg. First elected in 2012 to represent District 24A, Representative Petersburg has served the people of Minnesota honorably in the State House for the past twelve years.

John grew up on a farm and has exemplified a profound willingness to serve throughout his career. Many know him to be a dedicated father and husband, as well as a respected leader in his community.

The priorities of the people of Waseca and Steele counties have always been at the forefront of Representative Petersburg's service in the Legislature, particularly through his continued leadership in the many House committees on which he has served throughout the years.

Representative Petersburg has done an exemplary job of leading on issues--most notably, his instrumental work on the completion of the historic U.S. Highway 14 corridor between New Ulm and Rochester.

All of us across southern Minnesota have been wellserved by Representative Petersburg's time in office, and I wish him the warmest congratulations on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate Paul Wojahn. Paul is a World War II veteran, beloved New Ulm community member, veteran advocate, neighbor, relative, and friend who will celebrate his 103rd birthday next week on June 19.

Paul grew up on a farm near Comfrey, Minnesota, and when he turned 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, answering the call to serve his country like many in his family and like so many in the Greatest Generation.

After completing basic training in San Diego, Paul served aboard the USS Mount Vernon and was stationed in various locations throughout the Pacific theater, including Okinawa.

When he returned home from the war, Paul worked as a farmer and an excavator and went on to serve as a conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for 25 years before retiring in 1983.

Today, Paul is actively involved in several veterans' groups and community organizations. He volunteers with The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW, as well as the Salvation Army and Lion's Club.

Even at 103 years old, Paul continues to live each day to the fullest and finds time to enjoy the little things like a quiet morning catching crappies.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Paul for the many ways he has made southern Minnesota a better place for all of us to call home. We wish him the happiest of birthdays and many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christensen Farms, one of the Nation's leading pork producers, and to congratulate them on celebrating 50 years of excellence in the pork industry.

Founded in 1974 in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Christensen Farms began when Bob and Lynn Christensen were gifted two pigs from a neighbor.

Over the past half-century, Christensen Farms has grown into one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States, marketing more than 3.6 million hogs per year and operating facilities in five States.

I am proud to represent so many farm families that partner with Christensen Farms as contract producers to make this happen.

Since their humble beginnings 50 years ago, Christensen Farms now serves as Minnesota's largest producer of pork and ranks in the top 10 producers nationwide.

I am always proud to say that my first job out of college was working at Christensen Farms. I am continually thankful to the Christensen family for the impact they have made in the pork industry and for their many contributions to the Sleepy Eye community and our southern Minnesota region.

I congratulate the entire team at Christensen Farms on celebrating this incredible milestone, and I wish them all continued success for the next 50 years and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this year's NCAA Division Two Men's and Women's Basketball Champions: the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks.

Both Mankato's men's team and women's team took home this year's championship trophy--making the Mavericks the first school in forty years to win a double national championship. In fact, it's only the third time in history that any school won both the men's and women's championships in the same season.

Under the leadership of Coach Matt Mergenthaler, Mankato's men's team earned their first national title by defeating Nova Southeastern 88 to 85, finishing with a 35 and 2 record, while Coach Emilee Thiesse's women's team defeated Texas Woman's University 89 to 73, securing their second-ever national title and ending the season with a record of 32 to 5.

Thanks to the tireless leadership and encouragement from the teams' coaches, staff, families, classmates, and community--these talented young men and women earned a state championship title and all of us across southern Minnesota are incredibly proud to call them our own.

Congratulations to the Mavericks on an unbelievable season.