I enjoyed my one-on-one conversations with many of you this week at my Congress on Your Corner in Maple Grove and appreciate you taking the time to stop by. Before heading to Washington, I also visited with students at Compass School in Coon Rapids. I’m looking forward to visiting with students at Chaska High School next week!

As always, please feel free to contact me if I can assist you or your family in any way. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, and don't forget to watch my weekly video, Erik's Correspondence Corner.

Memorial Day: Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

As we spend time with family and friends for a weekend of barbeques, boating and picnics, please take some time to also remember the men and women who have lost their lives serving our country, and keep those who serve in our armed forces today in your thoughts and prayers. I recorded a short Memorial Day message. WATCH below:

Keystone: Promoting Energy Security and Economic Growth

On Monday, the Star Tribune reported that Minnesota drivers are now paying the highest average gas prices of any of the lower 48 states. High energy costs don't just impact our family budgets -- they also inhibit economic growth and make it harder for small businesses to grow, hire, and expand.

This week the House took bipartisan action to help lower energy costs, create jobs, and increase North American energy security by passing legislation approving and expediting the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Building this pipeline will allow the United States to receive nearly 1 million barrels of oil per day from Canada -- oil that otherwise could go to China. It will create approximately 20,000 new jobs, bring in $7 billion in investment, promote manufacturing and economic growth, and is an important piece to making us energy independent.

It has now been over 1,700 days since the original Keystone XL application was first filed with the State Department. We simply can't afford to wait any longer. It's time to build the Keystone XL pipeline. 

Paulsen Pics

Rep. Paulsen questions IRS Commissioner Steve Miller at a committee hearing on the IRS's admission of targeting groups based on their personal beliefs.

Paulsen takes time to assemble care packages for American soldiers serving overseas.

Rep. Paulsen speaks with neighbors during his recent Congress on Your Corner in Maple Grove.

Erik spends time visiting with students from Edina's Valley View Middle School.