The annual Congressional Art Competition reception was held this week at the Bloomington Center for the Arts and once again, the entries did not disappoint. This year, my office received 98 submissions from students at 14 local high schools. The Grand Prize Winner was Belle Hulne for her piece, "Samuel." The artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol building for a year, and I'll host Belle and a guest this summer when it is unveiled.

A certain sadness seemed to fall over Minnesota with the sudden and tragic passing of Prince. His talent and creativity were unmatched, and it was a shock to many of us that Minnesota's native son was no longer with us. I spoke on the House floor this week to remember Prince, and share some of my memories growing up in Chanhassen and listening to his music. In fact, the first concert I ever went to was the Purple Rain Tour at the St. Paul Civic Center in 1984.

This week, the House also passed an important initiative to help American manufacturers and give them a level playing field with their international competitors. Watch my one minute floor speech here.

Have a great week and be sure to let me know whenever I can be of assistance to you or your family. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, and please watch my latest Erik's Correspondence Corner video.

 

Helping Law Enforcement Find Missing Children

Tragically, more than 200,000 children a year are abducted by a family member or a relative. It's a horrific crime that leaves chilrden suffering and families hurting. Law enforcement does a tremendous job with the resources it has, but too often these cases can be very difficult to solve. I've authored legislation to give law enforcement another tool to solve these cases.

A study found that in 46% of these cases, a tax return was being filed using the missing child's Social Security Number or the kidnapper's Social Security Number. In other words, by making this information available to law enforcement many missing child cases can be solved. My bipartisan bill, the Recovering Missing Children Act, would allow this information to be shared with investigators if they get a warrant. It's common sense, straightforward, and was approved by the Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. Now it's on it's way to the House floor for a vote. 

The Star Tribune published a column I wrote that explains the bill in greater depth. Watch a short video of members of the Ways and Committee speaking about the bill.

 

Stopping Human Trafficking

As you know, I am an outspoken advocate about stopping human trafficking and protecting children. I've passed several new laws to help victims of this awful crime and make it easier to apprehend traffickers. However, stopping sex trafficking means more than just passing new laws. We need the business community and other nonprofit organizations to partner and lead on this issue as well.

One international organization, ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes), is working to secure commitments from private businesses, particularly the hospitality industry, to help recognize trafficking situations. Last week, I spoke at an event where ride-sharing company Uber signed a commitment to educate their drivers on ways to spot trafficking. Uber is the first 'sharing economy' company to sign this pledge. Video of the event is available here.

 

Protecting Email Privacy

The difference between our technological systems now and in 1986 couldn't be more different. Email is now a constant part of our daily lives -- in fact, that's how I'm keeping you up to date on what I'm working on! It only makes sense that our laws surrounding technology and privacy would keep up with the times, right? Unfortunately, that's not the case.

Under an old 1986 law your emails are considered "abandoned" after 180 days and any government agency is permitted to read them. That means the IRS, EPA, or any government agency can legally snoop around in your private emails that are over six months old.

This week, a bill I coauthored with bipartisan support, passed the House to bring this law into the 21st century. It clarifies that due process applies to all personal emails no matter how old they are. That means that federal agencies or investigators would need probable cause and a warrant to look at anyone's emails. It's common sense.

 

Students from Eden Prairie High School pose for a picture with Erik.

 

Congressman Paulsen on business tours and coffee meetings in Chaska.

 

Erik with Maple Grove High School student Belle Hulne. Belle's artwork took Grand Prize at the annual Congressional Art Competition.

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