Press Releases

The House Committee on Ways & Means passed legislation authored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) to modify and simplify the tax code for private charitable foundations. Under current law, private foundations face a two-tier tax structure that requires them to pay either a 1% or 2% excise tax.

Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), along with several of his colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee, introduced legislation that would make Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees ineligible for performance-based bonuses if they owe back taxes.

Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after the passage of the U.S. House of Representatives' budget:

Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), questioned a witness during a Joint Economic Committee hearing entitled, "The Employment Situation: March 2014". The bicameral, bipartisan committee heard from Dr. Erica L. Groshen, Commissioner, Bureau of Labor Statistics. During his questioning, Paulsen highlighted the weakness of the current economic recovery compared to the average of prior recoveries.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, released the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address:

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement after the House passed the budget agreement reached between House and Senate Budget Committee Chairmen Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Patty Murray (D-WA)

Washington, D.C. – In the latest installment of Erik's Correspondence Corner, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in from Dan in Bloomington. Dan wrote in explaining the difficulties he's had with the president's new healthcare law. Paulsen also heard from Alex in Mound this week who had a question regarding new regulations on Americans who use financial advisors.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement after the House took bipartisan action to open the government and avoid a national default.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement after the house passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open and ensure all Americans are treated fairly under the president's healthcare law.

Washington, D.C. – In this week's edition of Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in from Suzanne in Chaska regarding Congress's efforts to rein in government regulations. Also this week, Rep. P

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN) released the following statement after joining Ron Kind (D-WI) in introducing bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing the transparency, accountability, and fiscal restraint of federal agency c

Discusses IRS Targeting of Donors During Ways and Means Hearing

Washington, D.C. – In this week's edition of Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers an email question sent in from Wendy in Bloomington on developments in the unfolding IRS scandal. Also, Rep. Paulsen takes a questio

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) discussed the IRS's targeting of organizations based on their beliefs with leaders from some of the groups affected. The Ways and Means Committee is leading an investigation into whet

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, released the following statements after the Ways and Means Committee announced a hearing on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) practice of t

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the Ways and Means Committee and author of H.R. 523, legislation to repeal the new 2.3% excise tax on American medical innovation, joined the Hugh Hewitt radio show on Monday evenin

Washington, D.C. – This week on Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in by Christine in Coon Rapids who called in with her thoughts on recent changes to how consumers can utilize their health savings ac

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement upon the passage of the Path to Prosperity, the House Republican fiscal year 2014 budget resolution.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today introduced legislation repealing restrictions placed on health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) in the President's health care la

Washington, D.C. – This week on Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in from David in Maple Grove on the SKILLS Act and phone calls from Ray in Mound and Charles in Edina on the ranking of the new Disti

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, attended a hearing this afternoon discussing the tax-related provisions in the President's health care law. The subcommittee heard fro

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Representative Patrick McHenry (NC-10) today introduced the Ensuring Proper Community Investments Act, legislation that seeks to make sure Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are used

Washington, D.C. – This week on Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers questions from students at Rogers Middle School on the issue of conservation, and discusses the President's State of The Union Address after hear

Joins Influential Committee That Recommends Policies to Grow U.S. Economy

Washington, D.C. – This week on Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers questions from Shane in Eden Prairie, and Brendan in Minnetonka. Shane wrote Rep. Paulsen a letter expressing his concerns with the health of Minneso

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 325, The No Budget No Pay Act. The legislation allows Congress to responsibly manage the nation's finances while forcing the Sen

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement following today's Ways and Means Committee hearing, which examined the role and purpose of the debt limit, past practices regarding increases in the debt lim

Washington, D.C. – In this week's installment of his video series Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time to answer constituent questions sent in regarding recent moves by the Russian government to block adoptions o

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement after being sworn into the 113th Congress. Rep. Paulsen kicks off his third term representing the Third Congressional District of Minnesota in the House of Representatives.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), released the following statement after voting against the Senate deal regarding the fiscal cliff:

Washington, D.C. – In the most recent installment of his weekly video conversation with neighbors, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time to answer questions sent in from constituents in Long Lake and Coon Rapids. Richard emailed in with his

Washington, D.C. – In the first post-election installment of his weekly video conversation, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time to answer questions sent in from around the district regarding important initiatives currently before Congress.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time this week to answer questions sent in from constituents in Dayton, Minnesota, for this week's video conversation. Marlene wrote in with her thoughts on the House's vote to ensu

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time to answer questions sent in from Mike in Rogers who wrote in asking about Congress' work to stop the year-end tax hikes. Jan in Plymouth, Barbara in Eden Prairie, and Ka

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today voted in favor of H.R. 8, the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act, legislation to stop the looming year-end tax hikes which could cost 710,000

Washington, D.C. – In the most recent installment of his weekly video conversation with neighbors, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time to answer questions sent in from around the district regarding important initiatives currently before Co

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today voted in favor of a package of seven bills aimed at providing additional regulatory relief from the red tape that continues to burden small b

Washington, D.C. – Continuing his effort to keep the lines of communication open with constituents, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time to answer questions sent in from around the district regarding important initiatives currently before C

Eden Prairie, MN - Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) is holding a free Seniors Fair on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, for area seniors. The Seniors Fair will include representatives from area organizations (listed below) that will be on hand to answer question

In this week's installment of "Erik's Correspondence Corner" video series, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) directly responds to questions sent in from Scott in Wayzata and Lynda in Coon Rapids. Scott, a small business owner, wrote in expr

Washington, D.C. – In this week's installment of "Erik's Correspondence Corner" video series, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) directly responds to a question sent in from Allison in Corcoran regarding this week's House vote to repea

Washington, D.C. – In this week's installment of "Erik's Correspondence Corner" video series, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) directly responds to questions sent in regarding the St. Croix Bridge project and reforms in the President

Maple Grove, MN – Continuing his efforts to keep the lines of communication open with constituents, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today held a "Congress on the Corner" event at the Cub Foods store in Maple Grove. Rep. Paulsen met with constituents one-o

Washington, D.C. – The President released his budget proposal this week, calling for higher taxes, record level spending increases, and more debt. Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the Ways and Means Committee, continued his weekly conv

Washington, D.C. – This morning, President Obama introduced his Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposal, calling for tax hikes, record level spending increases, and more debt. Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committe

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today voted in favor of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, or STOCK Act, which passed the House by a vote of 417 to 2. The legislation, which Rep. Paulsen co-sponsored, would proh

Washington, D.C. –Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today voted in favor of the Expedited Legislative Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act. Introduced by Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Ryan (R-WI) and Ranking Member Rep. Van Hollen (D-MD), and co-s

Washington, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to keep the lines of communication open with constituents, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time this week to directly respond to questions sent in from Edina and Coon Rapids on the STOCK Act and budget reform

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today released the most recent installment of his constituent video series, Erik's Correspondence Corner. This week, Rep. Paulsen responds to Theresa i

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, released the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address:

Washington, D.C. – In the first installment of "Erik's Correspondence Corner" video series of 2012, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) responds to Tom in Bloomington who wrote in to address his concerns regarding increasing our national debt to more than

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after voting against President Obama's request to raise the debt ceiling by $1.2 trillion to $16.4 trillion

Eden Prairie, MN – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following remarks after the White House's ‘Insourcing American Jobs' forum where the President urged the nation's corporate

Eden Prairie, MN – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement in reaction to the December jobs report put out by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 200,000

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways & Means Committee, released the following statement after the passage of The Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act, which passed the House with a bipartisan vote o

Washington, D.C. – In his continuing efforts to keep the lines of communication open with constituents, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) took time this week to directly respond to questions sent in from Bloomington and Edina on the topics of transportation

Washington, D.C. - In an effort to restore accountability to the regulatory process, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, voted for the passage of the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS)

Washington, D.C. – In a move to help address this country's spending-driven debt crisis, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) signed onto the bipartisan Expedited Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act. This bill is co-authored by House Budget Commit

Washington, D.C. - In this week's installment of "Erik's Correspondence Corner" video series, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) directly responds to questions on the inaction of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and the cost of n

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement in reaction to the November jobs report put out by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 120,000

Washington, D.C. – In advance of a vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment, Rep, Erik Paulsen (MN-03), took to the floor of the House to speak out in favor of requiring Washington to get its fiscal house in order. Paulsen is a co-sponsor of H.J. Res.

Washington, D.C. – In the fight to protect U.S. medical device manufacturing jobs, 204 members of the House have now joined Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) on his bipartisan bill to repeal the $20 billion medical innovation tax. The tax is part

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 674, a bill to repeal the 3% withholding rate for government contractors. In 2006, Congress created a rule which required the governmen

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today launched a new online video series, Erik's Correspondence Corner, in which he offers direct responses to questions sent in from around the 3rd Congressional District. Each week, Rep.

Washington, DC – A new report from the President's Jobs Council confirms what Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03), co-chair of the House Medical Technology Caucus, and many medical technology companies have been saying: that the inefficient and unpredicta

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways & Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding the unemployment report released by the Labor Department this morning. Rep. Paulsen continues to promote co

Washington, D.C. – In 1995, Congress came one vote short of passing a balanced budget amendment to the constitution, which would have forced the federal government to live within its means. Later this fall, both Chambers of Congress will consider a

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement in response to President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress this evening

Eden Prairie, MN – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding the unemployment report released by the U.S. Department of Labor this morning.

Eden Prairie, MN – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, issued the following statement after this morning's jobs report.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement after voting for the Budget Control Act which would avoid default, begin to address our nation's out-of-control spending, and includes no taxes on job creators.

WASHINGTON – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after voting for the Budget Control Act of 2011 which would cut $917 billion in federal spending over the next ten years, avoid a default on our nation's debts and require Congress to send the Balance Budget Amendment to state legislatures for ratification:

Washington, D.C. – To ensure that Washington adequately addresses our nation's debt crisis, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today voted for the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011 (H.R. 2560), which would cut and cap federal spending as well as require the passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment prior to raising the federal debt ceiling. By making real spending cuts and instituting real reforms in order to get spending and debt under control, this bill would protect the economy from losing our AAA credit rating.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding the unemployment report released by the U.S. Department of Labor this morning.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after voting this evening against raising the nation's debt ceiling: "Our country is in a spending-driven debt crisis and it is irresponsible to borrow and spend another $2.4 trillion without a plan to cut wasteful Washington spending," said Paulsen. "Families in Minnesota and across America deserve accountability from their government. I am committed to, and will continue to work toward, securing a bright financial future for our children and grandchildren."

One day after voting for the bipartisan agreement enacting the largest spending cut in the nation's history, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) voted in favor of a FY 2012 budget resolution that would reduce deficits and ensure that the federal government lives within its means. This plan guarantees Medicare is preserved and strengthened for future generations. "For far too long Minnesota families have been tightening their belts only to watch the federal government continue to borrow 40 cents of every dollar that it spends," said Paulsen. "This budget will put an end to the cycle of borrowing unsustainable amounts of money we don't have by cutting wasteful Washington spending, reducing deficits and paying down the national debt. This budget also strengthens the senior safety net by preserving Medicare for future generations without any disruptions for those at or nearing retirement."

Fulfilling part of his pledge to cut wasteful Washington spending, Rep Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today voted for the largest annual spending cut in American history. This cost-cutting measure will keep the government operating through September, create private sector jobs and put our country back on a path to prosperity. "Today, we've begun the process of ending Washington's wasteful spending spree and changing the culture of bloated bureaucracy that has plagued Washington for too long," said Paulsen. "The package passed today sets the stage for long-term budget solutions that will spur job creation and get Minnesotans back to work. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of aisle as we continue to cut spending and move towards restoring fiscal discipline in Washington."

Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement in response to the agreement reached this evening, avoiding a government shutdown: "I'm pleased that our nation's leaders reached an agreement to avoid a government shutdown," said Paulsen. "We did what we said we would do to keep the government running and cut wasteful Washington spending. I'm also encouraged to know that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces will continue to receive funding. With this matter now behind us, I look forward to the next steps in getting control of our nation's debt crisis and growing our economy to get people back to work."

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today questioned Kay E. Brown, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security for the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) during a Ways & Means, Human Resources Subcommittee hearing about duplicative programs that are wasting tax dollars and contributing to our spending-driven debt crisis. Paulsen expressed concern that bureaucratic inefficiencies and poor oversight are contributing to the waste.

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today questioned a bipartisan panel of economists, academics and scholars during a hearing of the Ways & Means Committee about regulatory impediments affecting job creation. Paulsen expressed concern that reckless government spending and a mounting national debt will stifle innovation and drive private investment overseas, continuing to hinder economic growth and job creation here at home. "Our nation's unacceptably high unemployment rate proves that expansive government programs and reckless spending does not create jobs or stimulate the economy," said Paulsen. "Despite a failed trillion dollar stimulus, and trillions of dollars of more debt, far too many Americans, including 200,000 Minnesotans, remain out of work. As many employers in my district have noted, the fiscal uncertainty and debt crisis created in Washington is impeding their ability to create jobs. Today's hearing confirmed the best thing that government can do to put Americans back to work is to provide a budget that ends wasteful Washington spending and fosters an environment in which the private sector can do what it does best–innovate and create jobs."

Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed $6 billion in spending cuts, which will fund the federal government through the end of April 8 by a vote of 271-158: "For too long now, hard working Minnesotans have been tightening their belts and waiting for Washington to do the same," said Rep. Paulsen. "Today, my colleagues and I took another step forward in curing Washington's spending problem and removing the barriers to job creation. However, we cannot continue to limp along two to three weeks at a time; we need leaders of both parties to put an end to short-term thinking and work to pass long-term budget solutions."

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act by xxx-xx. This bill repeals the 1099 reporting requirements included in the new health care law, reduces the deficit by $166 million and provides a net tax cut of $20 billion over the next years. "The legislation passed today is a victory for Minnesota families and small businesses who were unfairly targeted to foot the bill for last year's government takeover of healthcare," said Rep. Paulsen. "With the elimination of the onerous 1099 reporting requirement, more than 30 million American businesses can now focus their precious resources on growing their business and creating jobs, instead of processing additional paperwork, finding funds to address increased regulatory compliance costs and navigating bureaucratic red tape. In the coming months I look forward to working with my colleagues to continuing to dismantle the job-crushing health care law that is acting as a roadblock to economic prosperity."

Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law a measure that will keep the government running while cutting $4 billion in government spending: "I commend President Obama for taking swift action by signing this critical legislation into law," said Rep. Paulsen. "Today we've taken a first step towards working together to end wasteful Washington spending. Although this measure is in no way a permanent solution to our nation's spending-driven debt crisis, it is my hope that this will lead to further bipartisan budget cuts down the road."

Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed over $100 billion in spending cuts. H.R. 1, which will fund the federal government through the end of September, passed on a vote of 235 to 189. "When your car is speeding towards a cliff you don't turn on the cruise control, you slam on the brakes," said Rep. Paulsen. "This package, with over $100 billion in spending cuts, is a good start towards putting the brakes on wasteful Washington spending and removing barriers to job creation. Minnesota families have been forced to cut their budgets during this economic crisis; there is no reason that the government can't as well. We must use every resource available to put in place policies that will spur job creation, remove burdensome regulations and get our fiscal house in order. Americans deserve more. We made some very difficult choices in this bill, but it's time for Congress to stop passing the buck and start to display the sort of leadership expected of us. "

Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement today after the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed H.R. 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act. This bill would repeal the new 1099 reporting requirements in the new health care law. Rep. Paulsen is a co-sponsor of this legislation, which will now head to the House floor for a vote. "The new health care law unfairly targets small businesses, the growth engine of our economy, when they can least afford it," said Rep. Paulsen. "I've heard from business leaders across Minnesota that these burdensome provisions and new reporting requirements force them to divert precious resources from job creation to the processing of additional paperwork. I'm hopeful that our effort to repeal the new 1099 reporting requirements, and the mountain of paperwork that comes with them, will have bipartisan support."

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius during a hearing of the Ways & Means Committee. Paulsen cited the devastating effects that the $20 billion medical device tax would have on Minnesota companies. Secretary Sebelius was asked to testify before the House Committee on Ways and Means regarding the President's FY 2012 budget. "A $20 billion tax hike on medical device manufacturers will destroy jobs, stifle innovation, increase costs for patients while decreasing access to these life-saving technologies," said Paulsen. "In order to encourage innovation, as the Secretary and President have indicated in the recently introduced budget, we must repeal this tax and put in place policies that will lead to the further competitiveness of our American innovators. This will create jobs and bring us a step closer towards providing real health care reform for all Americans. The Secretary's testimony is another example of the disconnect between the Administration's rhetoric and actions. This country deserves better."

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement today in response to Treasury Secretary Geithner's testimony at the House Committee on Ways and Means hearing regarding the President's FY 2012 budget: "Secretary Geithner's testimony today affirmed the Administration's disconnect with American families and small businesses," said Rep. Paulsen. "As they continue to tighten their belts, the President presented us with a budget that projects out-of-control spending, out-of-touch tax policies and a record $1.6 trillion deficit for the next fiscal year. We need to cut up the credit card and implement common-sense, pro-growth policies families and job creators need."

Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's budget proposal which projects a record $1.6 trillion deficit for FY 2011 and includes another $1.1 trillion deficit in FY 2012: "This budget, with its record $1.6 trillion deficit, is a disappointment for the majority of Americans who want their leaders to put an end to wasteful Washington spending," said Rep. Paulsen. "If the President is serious about ‘winning the future,' he'll have to do more than propose a trillion dollar deficit for the fourth year in a row. Our country can no longer afford the status quo of borrowing 40 cents on every dollar we spend; we need to cut up the credit card and cut spending so that we can create jobs and grow the economy."

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) issued the following statement this evening in response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address: "I appreciate President Obama's call for bipartisanship; we need to work together as a country if we're going to tackle this looming debt crisis and put this country back to work" said Paulsen. "However, we must learn from past mistakes and realize that we can't simply spend our way to prosperity. Despite new government programs designed to stimulate our economy, Americans watched as our deficit, debt and unemployment rate skyrocketed over the past two years."

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announces his appointment to the House Ways and Means Committee for the incoming 112th Congress. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Paulsen will play an important role in enacting pro-growth polices to create jobs and put people back to work.

House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (VA-07) and Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement announcing this week's YouCut winner; a proposal to terminate the TARP program and prohibit any additional bailouts. This proposal would likely save taxpayers several billion dollars over the next ten years. The YouCut initiative recently received its 2,000,000th vote, according to Rep. Cantor, a testament to the overwhelming response and outcry by the American public.

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) was today named a "Guardian of Small Business," by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business association. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy," said Rep. Paulsen. "It's a privilege to support Minnesota's hard working small businesses in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to support measures that will help our nation's small businesses grow and prosper in the future."

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) was recently named a ‘Taxpayer Hero,' by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW), a nonpartisan public education organization whose mission is to advocate for the elimination of waste and inefficiency in government.

U.S. Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today passed an amendment in the House Financial Services Committee that would require any funding returned to the government from new small business loan legislation be used to pay down our nation's debt. The amendment, offered to H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010, was co-sponsored by Representatives Leonard Lance of New Jersey and Randy Neugebauer of Texas and passed by voice vote.

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) encouraged his constituents to participate in a new initiative unveiled today to cut wasteful Washington spending. The initiative, YouCut, was launched today by the House Republican Economic Recovery Working Group, of which Paulsen is a member, and is a first-of-its kind interactive initiative designed to change the culture of runaway spending in Washington.

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Republican Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) was honored yesterday on Capitol Hill by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his pro-business record during the first session of the 111th Congress.

Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today introduced the Defend Medical Innovation Act, legislation that would immediately repeal the job-killing $20 billion medical device tax included in the recently-passed Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Paulsen, Co-Chair of the House Medical Technology Caucus, introduced the legislation with 26 original co-sponsors representing Congressional Districts across the United States.

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bipartisan bill authored by Minnesota Third District Congressman Erik Paulsen to eliminate confusion for consumers and end duplicative and bureaucratic paperwork requirements for community banks and other financial institutions. The Eliminate Privacy Notice Confusion Act (H.R. 3506) is co-sponsored by Representatives Dennis Moore (D-KS) and Peter Roskam (R-IL) and was passed by voice vote.

WASHINGTON – As Congress and the Administration continue to discuss policies to spur job creation and economic growth, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) sent a letter to President Obama today asking him to consider two specific proposals aimed at strengthening small business.

With Congress poised to vote on raising the nation's debt ceiling to a staggering $14.3 billion, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), along with U.S. Representatives Wally Herger (CA-2) and Todd Tiahrt (KS-4), introduced the END TARP Act that would immediately terminate the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and reduce the debt ceiling by the amount of remaining authorized TARP funds, roughly $200 billion.

"The most important thing, of course, will be what actions take place after the speech. The American people have heard plenty of speeches about what Washington wants to do. They now want them to actually do it."

Letter to House Speaker Asks for Remedy to Medicare/Medicaid Payment Inequities, Unfunded Mandates as Final Bill is Put Together

Today, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics released another grim economic report, one that closed out on 2009 on a very disappointing, but unfortunately fitting, note. The latest figures showed that over 85,000 jobs were cut in December, with no improvement in the 10 percent unemployment rate. Once again, despite unprecedented spending of taxpayer dollars and major government intervention into the private marketplace, the American people are seeing little progress in righting the economic ship.

Continuing his effort to protect taxpayers by bringing an end to the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today introduced the TARP Sunset Act, legislation that will end the program at the end of this year. Paulsen's bill, which mirrors an amendment he offered in the House Financial Services Committee yesterday, would officially terminate the TARP program on December 31st, 2009 and prevent a possible extension of the program, which remains an option under current law.

During legislative markup in the House Financial Services Committee today, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) offered a proposal to end bailout spending through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) by the end of 2009 and use remaining funds to reduce the national debt. Paulsen's proposal, offered as an amendment to the Financial Stability Improvement Act of 2009, was unfortunately rejected on close committee vote of 30-37.

"Today, the House Majority passed a massive, $1 trillion health care bill that establishes a new government-run health care plan, raises taxes on small businesses and cuts Medicare for seniors by $400 billion. In fact, this bill will likely raise premiums and actually increase the long-term cost obligations of the federal government.

Today, Congressman Erik Paulsen, a freshman member of the Financial Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the hearing on H.R. 1207, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, which would provide an audit of the Federal Reserve.

Congressman Erik Paulsen announced he has joined the Sunset Caucus, a new Congressional caucus dedicated to protecting taxpayers and shrinking the size of government by eliminating wasteful government programs and spending.

Measure Would Provide Rebates, Block Further Collection of Fees for Nuclear Waste Fund

An amendment authored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-3) to ensure proposed regulatory changes do not strangle the availability of credit passed the House Financial Services Committee today by voice vote. Specifically, the amendment to the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act would require the report conducted by the Comptroller General to include analysis of the law and oversight on the mortgage lending industry, with a specific focus on the availability of credit.

Congressman Erik Paulsen joined several of his colleagues in the U.S. House today in introducing the Savings Recovery Act (H.R. 2021), an aggressive plan aimed at restoring and strengthening savings plans of Americans that have been decimated as a result of the economic and financial downturn. Paulsen is a co-sponsor of the legislation and was recently appointed by House Minority Leadership to serve on a Congressional working group aimed at helping Americans rebuild their savings.

Congressman Erik Paulsen released the following statement today following a vote on the Fiscal Year 2010 budget resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

MN Congressman one of three primary co-sponsors of bill creating broad authority for Special Inspector General to oversee spending of bailout dollars

Paul Robinson, Founder of Sterling Critical Products, LLC, of Bloomington participates in event with national business owners and Members of Congress

Minnesota Congressman, joined by freshman colleagues, calls for greater oversight and responsibility of taxpayer dollars

Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today voted against the $780 billion stimulus bill because of its lack of focus on job creation and helping get the economy back on track.

The Financial Services Committee today adopted an amendment that was co-sponsored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) which increases transparency and oversight of the billions of taxpayer dollars that are dedicated to TARP (Troubled Assets Relief Program) funding.

U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today voted in a bipartisan manner to reject the proposed economic ‘stimulus'- a bill that almost doubles the federal budget deficit to over $2 trillion this year alone.