Happy New Year! The President gave his final State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress and the country on Tuesday. The State of the Union has been an American tradition for over two hundred years, dating back to 1790 and George Washington.

My guest on Tuesday was Wayzata high graduate and University of Minnesota law student Cayla Ebert, who was in Washington volunteering with Catholic Charities. Also, for all of the House of Cards fans, I managed to find Doug Stamper (also known as actor Michael Kelly) walking around the Capitol grounds.

Have a great week and if I can be of help to you or your family, please give my office a call. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, and please watch my latest Erik's Correspondence Corner video.

North Korea Sanctions

While most foreign policy focus of late has been centered on the Middle East and the rise of ISIS, there was big news recently with the announcement that North Korea violated United Nations resolutions and conducted a nuclear test. In fact, it's the fifth nuclear test or ballistic missile test by the rogue totalitarian regime since 2009.

The House took swift action to hold the North Korean government accountable with a 418-2 vote to strengthen sanctions against the North Korean government. The bill implements sanctions against any individual, foreign government, or financial institution that helps support the North Korean nuclear program, continued government censorship, or helps cover up human rights abuses.

Protecting Families from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Every year, carbon monoxide kills 400 people and sends nearly 20,000 to the hospital. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas and poisoning often occurs from a malfuntioning home heat source. The good news is that carbon monoxide detectors are proven effective, life-saving tools that alert families to a dangerous leak. I am introducing legislation to increase efforts -- at no cost taxpayers  -- to help make available carbon monoxide detectors to schools, low-income homes, and seniors' residences, as well as increase training for local fire inspectors. I spoke on the House floor about my bill.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

This past week, our country honored all of the men and women in blue and the work they do on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. It's always appropriate to remember the dangers that our local law enforcement officers face on a daily basis as they keep our communities safe. I recognized two people from the Eden Prairie Police Department on the House floor who have served our community -- Patrick Kenyon was awarded the Officer of the Year award and Pauline Sager was named Employee of the Year. You can watch the video here.

Erik after the State of the Union with his guest, Cayla Ebert.

Congressman Paulsen tours Smiths Medical in Plymouth.

Erik joined his family for a weekend of snowshoeing in Tettegouche State Park.

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