Over the past eight months, more than 2,400 Minnesotans and 225,000 Americans have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. America finds itself in the midst of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. One in four small businesses are on the brink of closing their doors for good. Nearly 30 million Americans lost their job as a result of the coronavirus pandemic — and millions more are just barely getting by.
While other parts of the world are back at work and back in school, America's economy continues to suffer, our schools are unable to operate normally and our hospitals are overwhelmed by a third peak of COVID-19 infections.
And yet, in the face of the greatest set of crises to face this nation in decades, Washington is stuck in the mud — unable to deliver the relief that millions of Americans so desperately need.
People are struggling. Families aren't sure how they'll pay the mortgage, let alone put food on the table. This is no time for business as usual. Moments like these call for bold, dedicated and hardworking leaders who will fight for their state.
Especially in times like these, Minnesotans expect and deserve someone who will work across the aisle when possible and stand up to their own party when required. Since the day I was sworn in, that's exactly what I've done.
I stood up to Democratic leadership to block a pay raise for members of Congress — and passed a bill with Republicans to save billions of taxpayer dollars while eliminating wasteful spending.
I've worked on more than 100 pieces of legislation related to health care, including my bill to lower health insurance premiums by an estimated 10% — which passed the House with bipartisan support earlier this year.
I fought to pass and extend the Paycheck Protection Program — which has allowed small businesses like Spiral Brewery in Hastings to keep their doors open and keep their employees on payroll.