As many of you know, I've been working to give law enforcement additional tools to help find abducted and missing children. I wrote a recent Star Tribune op-ed about this issue and the bill I'm authoring to give investigators a critical tool that could lead them to the front door of a missing child and their abductor. This week, the House passed my legislation, the Recovering Missing Children Act by a bipartisan vote. Click here to see video of me speaking on the House floor about the bill.

The Minnesota delegation also participated in an annual tradition as we held our yearly Hotdish competition. Every Minnesotan loves a good Hotdish, and I had high hopes for my Boundary Waters Beef, Bacon, and Taters Hotdish. It wasn't to be, however, as Congressman Walz took home the title for the 3rd time in 6 years. At least I can promise that mine was hand made - proof 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, and Instagram.

Stopping the Opioid Epidemic

Across the country, from inner cities to suburban neighborhoods to small rural towns, our nation is facing an opioid epidemic. In the last decade, the number of Americans addicted to opioids has tripled. This crisis affects all of us because it happens in the communities we live in and to people we love. Opioid abuse causes 52 deaths every single day.

This week, the House passed 18 different bills that will help those on the front lines of this battle. We increased lifesaving technology for law enforcement, provided additional resources for substance abuse treatement, and provided a comprehensive overview of prescription drug abuse. Combating this epidemic will not be easy, but the steps taken this week will save lives.

Surly on Capitol Hill

From starting out in garages and basements, we've seen Minnesota breweries grow into successful small businesses. This week, Minnesota craft brewing took to Capitol Hill to talk about how simplifying and reducing out-of-date excise taxes could help them grow even more. 

Joining me to testify before the Ways and Means Committee was Clint Roberts from Minnesota's Surly Brewing Company. Clint spoke about how legislation I've authored, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, would help them reinvest in their business and help Minnesota craft brewers expand and create jobs. Minnesota is now home to 105 craft breweries that have an impact of $1.3 billion in spite of a tax code that is stuck in the past when it comes to craft beverages. It's time to bring it up to speed. Video of Clint and I speaking about the legislation is available here.

National Law Enforcement Week

May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day and kicks off National Law Enforcement week. Supporting the men and women that keep our communities and families safe has always been something that is very important to me. Last year, my bill to ensure that death benefits that go to families of police officers killed in the line of duty are not taxed was signed into law by the President. 

This year, I hosted Minnesota police officers that came to Washington to talk about the challenges they face. I'm always impressed by the professionalism and sense of duty of our law enforcement community, and it's always a privilege to talk with them when they come to our nation's capital.

In addition, the House passed legislation I coauthored to extend the important Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant. The program provides funding to 13,000 state and local law enforcement agencies to outfit officers with bulletproof vests. This is an important way to protect members of law enforcement as they face risks every day.

Erik chatting with women from the Minnesota Excellence in Public Service.

Erik with Clint Roberts from Surly Brewing at a Ways and Means hearing.

Congressman Paulsen talking to members of the Minnesota law enforcement community.

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