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(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) announced the locations of mobile offices his staff will conduct throughout the Eighth Congressional District on Friday, June 24.  

“These mobile offices will provide residents throughout the Eighth District an opportunity to meet with members of my staff and discuss matters that are important to them,” said Cravaack. “Providing exceptional constituent services is a goal I and my staff take very seriously. Mobile offices help us maintain close and essential contact with the people we serve. If the good people of the Eighth District cannot come to us, we will come to them.”

Members of the Congressman’s staff will be available to meet with constituents at the following locations on Friday, June 24 during the times indicated:

Carlton City Hall9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Council ChambersCarlton, MN

Pine River City Hall9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.200 Front StreetPine River, MN

McGregor Fireside Inn9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Gazebo RoomMN 65 Trunk HwyMcGregor, MN

Cloquet Chamber of Commerce12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.225 Sunny Side DriveCloquet, MN

McGrath - 1865 Country Corner12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.14072 State Highway 65McGrath, MN

Menahga City Hall12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.115 2nd Street NEMenahga, MN

Mora City Hall2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.101 Lake Street S.Mora, MN

Pillager City Hall2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.306 Elm Ave W.Pillager, MN

Floodwood City Hall3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.111 W. 8th Ave.Floodwood, MN

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack (MN-8) met with Minnesota Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon, Duluth Mayor Don Ness and members of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee about making the 148th Fighter Wing an active associate unit. The U.S. Air Force developed this designation to help integrate their active and reserve components. 

“The 148th Fighter Wing has a proud history of service and enjoys the full support of our community,” said Cravaack. “As a former reservist, I know that active associate units capitalize on the skills of reservists who can help train active duty airmen.  It also allows the Air Force to conserve their resources, while expanding mission capabilities. I fully support this change in designation for the 148th, and I look forward to working with the Air Force, the Dayton Administration and Mayor Ness to bring active duty airmen to Duluth.”

An active associate unit is one where the reserve component unit has primary responsibility for a weapon system – in the case of the 148th it would be their F-16 jets – and it shares with one or more active duty units. Under this designation, reserve and active duty units retain separate organizational structures and chains of command, and the level of integration is determined on an individual unit basis.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) announced the locations of mobile offices his staff will conduct throughout the Eighth Congressional District on Friday, June 17.  

“These mobile offices will provide residents throughout the Eighth District an opportunity to meet with members of my staff and discuss matters that are important to them,” said Cravaack. “Providing exceptional constituent services is a goal I and my staff take very seriously. Mobile offices help us maintain close and essential contact with the people we serve. If the good people of the Eighth District cannot come to us, we will come to them.”

Members of the Congressman’s staff will be available to meet with constituents at the following locations on Friday, June 17 during the times indicated:

Ely City Hall9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.209 E. Chapman StreetEly, MN 55731 Staples City Hall9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.122 6th Street SEStaples, MN 56479

Barnum City Hall10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.3741 Front StreetCouncil RoomBarnum, MN 55707

Wadena City Hall11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.222 2nd Street SEWadena, MN 56482

Moose Lake City Hall12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.412 4th StreetCouncil RoomMoose Lake, MN 55767

Tower City Hall12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.602 Main StreetTower, MN 55790 Sandstone City Hall2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.119 4th StreetSandstone, MN 55072

Aurora City Hall3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.16 W. 2nd Avenue NorthAurora, MN 55705

Swanville City Hall3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.213 DeGraff AvenueSwanville, MN 56382

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Last evening, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives in support of his amendment to H.R. 2017, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012. If enacted into law, the amendment would prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using taxpayer dollars to process the release, or to administer “alternatives to detention” for illegal aliens who have committed a crime such as fraud, burglary, rape, assault, prostitution, murder, or trafficking in narcotics.

A text version can be found below and a video of the Congressman’s speech can be found here.

Mr. Chairman,

I rise in support of my amendment. This amendment stipulates that none of the funds in this bill may be used in violation of Section 236(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Practically speaking, my amendment would prohibit United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using taxpayer dollars to process the release, or to administer “alternatives to detention” to illegal immigrants who committed a crime which mandates their incarceration under Section 236(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Importantly, Section 236(c) requires the U.S. Government detain illegal aliens who have committed any one of the serious crimes detailed Section 236(c) until that illegal alien is deported to their home country. For example, Section 236(c) would require ICE to detain an alien that committed arson until that alien is deported. I think this is a very common sense provision. In fact, in my opinion, that criminal illegal alien shouldn’t be in the United States in the first place, but that is another debate for another day. 

Make no mistake, I want to state that I think the vast majority of ICE employees are great Americans, and I personally appreciate the work they do to ensure our nation remains a nation founded under the rule of law. 

Nevertheless, ICE does not always operate in accordance with Section 236(c). For example, ICE has allowed criminal illegal aliens who are waiting for a deportation hearing to leave federal detention facilities and re-enter the general public if the criminal illegal alien is fitted with a GPS tracking device or regularly checks in with their ICE supervisor. This is very troubling to me, Mr. Chairman.

In August 2010, ICE’s policy of releasing dangerous criminal aliens proved deadly. According to a Freedom of Information Act report, which I have, illegal alien Carlos Martinelly Montano was sentenced to over a year in jail for his second DWI and was released from ICE custody wearing only a GPS tracking device. This is in direct violation of Section 236(c). Tragically, on August 1, Montano got drunk, got behind the wheel, and collided head-on with a vehicle carrying three nuns. This head on collision killed 66-year-old Sister Jeanette Mosier of Virginia.

To protect innocent citizens from criminal illegal aliens, I firmly believe we need to enforce our immigration laws, especially Section 236(c) that mandates the detention of dangerous, criminal illegal aliens. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to prohibit taxpayer funds from being used in violation of Section 236(c).

Thank you Mr. Chairman. I reserve the balance of my time.

The amendment passed the House this afternoon with bi-partisan support.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) announced the locations of mobile offices his staff will conduct throughout the Eighth Congressional District on Friday, June 10.  

“These mobile offices will provide residents throughout the Eighth District an opportunity to meet with members of my staff and discuss matters that are important to them,” said Cravaack. “Providing exceptional constituent services is a goal I and my staff take very seriously. Mobile offices help us maintain close and essential contact with the people we serve. If the good people of the Eighth District cannot come to us, we will come to them.”

Members of the Congressman’s staff will be available to meet with constituents at the following locations on Friday, June 10 during the times indicated:

Crosby City Hall8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.2 Second Street SWCrosby, MN 56441

Hinckley City Hall9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Community Room106 1st Street SEHinckley, MN 55037

Silver Bay Library10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.9 Davis DriveSilver Bay, MN 55614

Crooked Lake Township Hall12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.509 State Highway 6 NEOuting, MN 56662

Pine City Library12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.300 5th Street SEPine City, MN 55063

Grand Marais Community Center1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.317 W. 5th StreetGrand Marais, MN 55604

Crosslake City Hall3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.37028 County Road 66Crosslake, MN 56442

Rush City Community Center3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.740 W 14th StreetRush City, MN 55069

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

 

(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, June 8, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) will host a public town hall meeting in Walker.

“This is a great opportunity for me to hear directly from my constituents in the Eighth District about the issues that matter to them,” said Congressman Cravaack. “I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say, as well as sharing with them what I have been working on as their representative to Washington.”

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

What:     Town Hall Meeting  When:    Wednesday, June 8, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where:  Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School Auditorium               301 4th Street               Walker, MN 

Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives in support of his amendment to H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. If enacted into law, the amendment would eliminate the United States Institute of Peace and all federal funding for this duplicative organization. The government funded “think tank” received $39.5 million in Fiscal Year 2011.

A a text version of the speech can be found below and a video of the it can be found here:

Mr. Chairman,

I’d like to yield myself three minutes, and I rise today in support of my amendment. 

After years of excessive spending, the United States is facing difficult economic and fiscal straits, Mr. Chairman. Presently, our country is suffering under $14.39 trillion dollars in national debt and roughly 40 cents of every dollar we spend must be borrowed and placed on the backs of our children. Make no mistake, funding for government programs and non-profit organizations that are not critical to the functioning of core government services must be considered for cuts.

With an extensive lobbying effort to portray the Institute of Peace as incredibly important to our nation’s work on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, a few U.S. officials have signed letters in its support. While I have seen evidence to the contrary, I will for the sake of argument and respect for the handful of generals that support the Institute of Peace, cede their point. However, I will note that the United States Institute of Peace’s grant program is entirely duplicative of existing grant programs in the United States government, the private sector and non-profit organizations.

At a time when the government must do more with less, I remain convinced the research, training, workshop holding, and humanitarian work of United States Institute of Peace’s small staff in Afghanistan and Iraq can be replicated by divisions or offices within the Department of Defense, the State Department or through entities like the Peace Corps or USAID. It must. We are a nation teetering on the edge of insolvency. For Admiral Mike Mullen recently stated, "The most significant threat to our national security is our debt."

Now is the time to make the tough calls, Mister Speaker. The United States Institute of Peace is a program that our children and grandchildren should not be funding at the sake of their futures. 

Mr. Chairman, therefore, in close, I would like to urge my colleagues to support Amendment 152, and Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) announced that Sarah Rajala, a junior at Grand Rapids High School, is the winner of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition for Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. Rajala’s work, “Boundaries Broken,” will be displayed in Washington, DC, during the next year along with the works of other young artists from throughout the United States.

“The quality of the art work that was presented for judging in this year’s Congressional Art Competition was truly impressive,” said Cravaack. “Sarah Rajala’s winning entry was very intricate and demonstrated superb artistic ability. It will be a great representation of the artistic talent in Minnesota’s Eighth District.”

Rajala’s “scratch art” was selected from the 43 entries submitted for judging in the Eighth District competition. Judging was conducted at the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids in early May and a ceremony to recognize the winner and contest participants was held at the Center May 14th. Receiving Second Place recognition was Rachael Schulte, also a junior attending Grand Rapids High School. Schulte’s work, “Self Portrait,” will be displayed in the Congressman’s District Office in North Branch.

Each spring the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Students submit entries to their representative’s office and judges in each district select the winning entries, which are then displayed in the Capitol for one year.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) announced the locations of mobile offices his staff will conduct throughout the Eighth Congressional District on Friday, June 3rd. 

“These mobile offices will provide residents throughout the Eighth District an opportunity to meet with members of my staff and discuss matters that are important to them,” said Cravaack. “Providing exceptional constituent services is a goal I and my staff take very seriously.  Mobile offices help us maintain close and essential contact with the people we serve.”

Members of the Congressman’s staff will be available to meet with constituents at the following locations on Friday, June 3rd during the times indicated:

Braham City Hall 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Council room201 South BroadwayBraham, MN

Deer River City Hall9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.208 2nd Street SEDeer River, MN

Onamia City Hall9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.621 Main StreetOnamia, MN

Milaca City Hall11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.255 1st Street SEMilaca, MN

Cambridge City Center Mall12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Attached to City Hall, Suite #178Cambridge, MN

Grand Rapids Public Library12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.140 Northeast 2nd StreetGrand Rapids, MN

Nashwauk City Hall2:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.301 Central Ave.Nashwauk, MN

Isanti City Hall3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.    110 1st Ave NWIsanti, MN

Pierz City Hall3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.101 Main StreetPierz, MN

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) introduced H.R. 1801, The Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act. The bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator to establish an expedited security screening process for members of the United States Armed Forces and their families who are traveling on official orders.

“American service members are currently battling against terrorism across the globe,” said Cravaack, a 24-year retired Navy Captain. “Common sense says they should not be viewed as potential terrorists in our airports. That is why I introduced H.R. 1801, The Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Services Act. American military personnel and their families comprise a low-risk group that is ideally suited for an accelerated security screening process.”

H.R. 1801 would require the TSA to develop and implement the expedited screening process within 6 months of enactment of the bill. Putting in place screening procedures for members of the military would allow the TSA to better focus attention and resources on actual threats.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) issued the following statement after the proposed Minnesota Congressional redistricting map was released this morning. The map changes the current 8th Congressional District served by Cravaack.

“It is an honor to serve as the 8th District’s representative to Washington. I want to assure the citizens, families and businesses of the 8th District that I remain committed to fighting for them in our nation’s capital. My goal, as always, is to provide a top notch constituent services program. That will not change, regardless of any proposed changes to Minnesota’s Congressional map. I remain focused on tackling the critical issues facing the 8th District, the state of Minnesota and the United States as we work together to create a brighter future for the next generation.”

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) released the following statement on the announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior that they plan to remove gray wolves in Minnesota from the list threatened species:

“I am very pleased with Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar’s announcement that his department plans to remove the gray wolf from its list of threatened species in Minnesota. There can be no argument that wolves have experienced a dramatic comeback in Minnesota were we now have more wolves than the rest of the lower 48 states combined.

“Unfortunately, with no predators and not enough natural prey, gray wolves now pose a serious threat to cattle ranchers and sheep herders in the Eighth District. Federally de-listing the gray wolf will allow better management at the state level and create a healthier wolf population, all while reducing the amount of contact and conflict between humans and wolves.”

For more information, please visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf/.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) voted in favor of H.R. 3, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. The legislation establishes a permanent, government-wide prohibition on taxpayer subsidies for abortion and abortion coverage.

“As a co-sponsor of H.R. 3, I am very pleased it passed the House with bi-partisan support,” said Cravaack. “The Hyde amendment, which prevents certain types of taxpayer funding for abortion is effective but ultimately incomplete. H.R. 3 puts in place a permanent, government-wide prohibition on taxpayer subsidies for abortion and ensures no abortion will receive special tax treatment. At the same time, it does not affect how women with extenuating circumstances are able to pay for their care. No American should be asked to foot the bill or subsidize another person’s decision to terminate their pregnancy.”

The Hyde amendment only covers funds appropriated through particular appropriations bills. Other funding bans form a patchwork of policies that cover most federal programs and the District of Columbia. However, many of these funding bans must be reapproved every year and could be eliminated at any time.

H.R. 3 does not apply to abortions in cases of rape, incest or life-threatening physical condition of the mother. It also does not apply to treatment of injury, infection or other health problems resulting from an abortion.

The legislation is supported by National Right to Life, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Family Research Council, Americans United for Life, Concerned Women for America, and the Traditional Values Coalition.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) released the following statement on the death of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden:  

“I applaud the amazing men and women of our military and our intelligence agencies who have worked for almost 10 years to make sure Osama bin Laden – the perpetrator of the worst terrorist attack in American history – was finally brought to justice for his heinous crimes. This may not end the threat posed to us by global terrorism, but it is a clear victory for America and freedom loving people throughout the world.”

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) announced his newest constituent services office in Brainerd will officially open Tuesday, May 3. There will be a Grand Opening ceremony with Congressman Cravaack at the Brainerd office on Monday, May 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  

“The official opening of our Brainerd office furthers my goal to provide a first-rate constituent services operation in the Eighth Congressional District,” said Cravaack. “The Brainerd location will help my staff and I reach even more of the citizens of North Central and Northeast Minnesota. Serving as their representative to Washington is a responsibility I take very seriously, so I am pleased we will be up and running in Brainerd in the next few days.”

The office location is 501 Laurel Street in the Brainerd City Hall Building. Constituents will be able to meet with a member of Representative Cravaack’s staff Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Fridays, a staff member will travel to locations throughout the Eighth District to host what is called a “mobile office.” These mobile office visits will stop at previously announced locations throughout the Eighth District so citizens can meet with a member of Congressman Cravaack’s staff. Constituents wishing to schedule a meeting at the Brainerd office itself on a Friday are encouraged to call ahead to ensure a staffer will be there to meet with them on that particular day.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) released the following statement on his vote for H.Con.Res. 34, which establishes the budget for the federal government for Fiscal Year 2012.

“If recent history has shown us anything it is that Washington spends too much, not that Americans are taxed too little. This budget begins the task of reining in the massive deficits we have seen over the last few years and it puts us on a path to pay down our debt in the long term. It cuts $6.2 trillion in government spending over the next decade alone, and it does so without raising taxes.

“This budget replaces runaway spending, and the specter of higher future taxation to pay for it, with the certainty we need to achieve a full economic recovery. It does so without privatizing Social Security and Medicare, or making any changes to these programs for Americans 55 and older. In fact, it protects both of these programs so they will be available to future generations of Americans when they retire.

“One thing is clear, if we do not alter our course we risk going the way of failed economies like Greece, Portugal and Spain. I will not accept the prospect of leaving future generations of Minnesotans a less prosperous, less free nation than the one we have been blessed to live in. The status quo is not an option.”

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) released the following statement on his vote against H.R. 1473, a bill funding the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011.

“When I was elected last November, I told the people of the Eighth District I was serious about addressing our exploding deficits and beginning the process of reining in our massive $14 trillion national debt. We need to take dramatic actions to pull us back from the financial cliff we are rapidly approaching.

“This long-term bill to fund the federal government moves the ball in the right direction and stands in stark contrast to the free spending ways of the most recent Congresses. However, it simply does not go far enough in addressing America’s dire fiscal situation. We must act decisively to protect the economic health of our country, especially for future generations of Minnesotans . I do not believe this legislation made sufficient cuts, therefore I was unable to support it.”

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) voted in favor of H.R. 1217, a bill to repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund from within the Obamacare law. The Fund provides the Secretary of Health and Human Services almost $18 billion over the next decade for increased federal spending on various public health programs.

“Giving Secretary Sebelius and the unelected bureaucrats at the Department of Health and Human Services an $18 billion check to fund just about anything that could loosely be described as benefiting public health – such as jungle gyms and bike paths – is a complete abandonment of Congress’ duty to control the federal government’s purse strings,” said Cravaack. “Obamacare also gives the Secretary $2 billion a year after 2015 for this fund, with no sunset and no Congressional oversight. This type of auto-pilot spending represents the height of fiscal irresponsibility, especially when we already face a $1.6 trillion dollar deficit this year and we are more than $14 trillion in debt.”

Currently, the money can be used for any prevention, wellness, and public health activities authorized in the Public Health Service Act.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota. 

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) made the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a one-week continuing resolution that funds the Department of Defense for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 and the rest of the federal government until April 15th:

“I supported this latest continuing resolution because it will fund the Department of Defense through the end of the fiscal year. That means our war fighters – especially those in conflict zones – will not see their pay interrupted. I cannot in good conscience allow that to happen.

“Having served for 24 years in the United States Navy, I know firsthand the sacrifices our service members and their families make to ensure we can live peacefully and in a free society. A government shutdown should never negatively affect them.”

The bill also makes a further $12 billion in cuts to discretionary spending, bringing the total for the last six weeks to $22 billion.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.