As Republicans prepare to lead, we recognize the trust and responsibility given to us by the American people. We are eager to govern in a way that always considers the interests of children and families, workers and retirees, and the taxpayers to whom we are accountable.

While fixing the broken earmark system is only one piece of our larger effort to put our nation back on the path to prosperity, it sends a strong message about our commitment to carry out the wishes of the American people. It is my hope that the President and Congressional Democrats will join us in demonstrating our resolve to restore America's fractured fiscal house.

For the past eight years, I have been privileged to represent the views and values of the Minnesotans I serve in Washington and ensure their voice is part of the debate about the many issues facing our nation. I have heard their concerns about the fiscal irresponsibility of the current Congress, and I remain committed to putting an end to wasteful government spending and embracing economic policies that will grow Minnesota's economy and put people back to work.

Last week, I returned to Washington where I am sharing with my colleagues what many of you have been saying loud and clear – stop the spending. I have asked Congress to cut the "FreedomCar" and fuel partnership program, which would save taxpayers $2 billion over 10 years. The FreedomCar program provides federal funding for research on fuel cell technology, despite existing private-sector research and market incentives that do virtually the same thing.

Earlier this year, I conducted a "Listening to You" survey with constituents. The overwhelming majority of the thousands of Minnesotans who responded expressed frustration and anxiety about the way Washington spends taxpayer money. I heard each one of these voices loud and clear – and I am pleased to share details of a new and innovative way to ensure your voice is heard by my colleagues in Washington, as well.

Last week at Savage City Hall, I met with constituents to listen to what was on their minds and hear what issues they think are most important for Congress to address before we adjourn for the year. Some of the issues we discussed included the economy and private-sector job creation, the devastating effects of rapidly rising national debt, the new health care law's consequences for consumers and small businesses, and the importance of increasing our energy independence.

This Memorial Day, we once again honor those who gave their lives to defend our freedom. What better way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and preserve the legacies of these heroes whom we owe so much than by meeting the needs of our veterans of today and tomorrow.

Like most Minnesotans, I believe hard-working folks should be able to keep more of the money they earn. With record levels of government spending, federal debt, and foreign borrowing, the leadership in Washington is forcing our children and grandchildren to foot the tab for its out-of-control spending spree.

The American people are rightfully skeptical of Washington these days. They have seen auto companies bailed out and taken over; a massive so-called ‘stimulus' package that added a trillion dollars to our nation's debt even as unemployment steadily increased; and a majority in Congress so out of touch with the concerns of most Americans that they've continued to pursue a big government liberal agenda despite more Americans losing their jobs every day.

As the outlines of Democrats' health care endgame begin to emerge, one thing has become perfectly clear: The majority party in Washington, D.C. has no intention of bipartisanship.

One year ago, more than 1,000 members of the Minnesota National Guard were deployed to Basra, Iraq, where the Guard's 34th Infantry Division took command and control of 14,000 U.S. troops in nine of Iraq's 18 provinces. Having served admirably in answering our nation's call, they are now returning to the families, friends, and communities they left behind. We can rest assured these men and women will receive the support they need during their reintegration process because of the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" program developed by the Minnesota National Guard.

As President Barack Obama prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address, many Americans are speculating about what he will say to reassure a nation struggling with economic and job insecurity. While the President's scattered focus lately renders my crystal ball too hazy to make any predictions about the content of his script, there are a few things I would like to hear – and a few I hope we don't.

One year ago, I joined my fellow Americans to celebrate a historic day of hope and pride as Barack Obama was sworn into office as the 44th President of our great nation. I shared the President's desire for Washington to put principles above partisanship and work on behalf of all Americans – regardless of ideology or party affiliation. Unfortunately, over the past 12 months, we have seen the President and majority leadership in Congress continually embrace the age-old Washington culture of taxing, borrowing, and spending that has only exacerbated this recession.