Press Releases

Today, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Congressman Peter DeFazio (OR-04), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) led 100 other Members in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics, Dr. Cathie Woteki. The letter requests that USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) increase its commitment to hop-related research to reflect the growing cultural and economic importance of this crop.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation approving the Keystone XL Pipeline in a bipartisan vote Wednesday evening. Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) voted in favor of the legislation, S.1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act. A 2014 study conducted by the U.S. State Department found that construction of the pipeline would support 42,000 jobs and add $3.4 billion to the American economy. With the legislation already receiving approval from the Senate, it now heads to the President's desk.

The U.S. House of Representatives, in a bipartisan vote, passed legislation approving the Keystone XL Pipeline Friday afternoon. Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) voted in favor of the legislation, H.R. 3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act. A 2014 study conducted by the U.S. State Department found that construction of the pipeline would support 42,000 jobs and add $3.4 billion to the American economy. The U.S. Senate is expected to begin debate on similar legislation Monday.

Legislation authored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) authorizing the minting of National Park commemorative coins has been signed into law by the President. Minted coins will consist of a five dollar gold coin, a silver dollar, and a clad half dollar. Proceeds will go directly to the National Park Foundation, an official charitable organization that supports the management of National Parks. The legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act which passed the U.S. House by a 300-199 vote and the U.S. Senate by a vote of 89-11.

Washington, D.C.– Legislation authored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) to mint coins honoring the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service was approved in a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which passed the House in an earlier vote in April, was included as a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act. Proceeds will go to the National Park Foundation, a charitable organization that supports the management of national parks. Minted coins will consist of a five dollar gold coin, a silver dollar, and a clad half dollar.

Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) applauded the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve actions to control the invasive zebra and quagga mussels in Christmas Lake and Lake Independence in Hennepin County. Recently, Paulsen sent a letter to the EPA asking for a Section 18 exemption for the use of potassium chloride, also known as liquid potash, to fully eradicate zebra mussels in Christmas Lake. Zebra mussels can potentially produce up to 500,000 eggs a year and threaten the health of a lake's ecosystem if not controlled. Previous instances of using liquid potash have resulted in 100% eradication.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA) in an overwhelming bipartisan vote to improve and modernize the nation's water infrastructure systems.

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Erik Paulsen's (MN-03) bill, H.R. 627, to authorize a series of commemorative coins celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. Proceeds raised by the sale of the coins will go to the National Park Foundation, a charitable organization that supports the management of national parks.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) was awarded the National Parks Conservation Association "Friends of the National Parks" Award today in Minneapolis for his support of America's National Parks in Congress. Established in 1919, the National Parks Conservation Association is an independent, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of the National Park System. Its mission is "to protect and enhance America's National Park System for present and future generations." Rep. Paulsen has worked diligently in Congress to protect our parks, monuments, and civil war battlegrounds. This is the second time Congressman Paulsen has won the recognition.

Washington, D.C. – In the latest installment of Erik's Correspondence Corner, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in from Dustin in Chaska regarding Congressman Paulsen's work to combat the spread of Asian Carp into Minn

Washington, D.C. – Reps. Keith Ellison (MN-05), Tim Walz (MN-01), Rick Nolan (MN-08), and Erik Paulsen (MN-03) applauded the passage of legislation to stop the spread of invasive carp in Minnesota. The language was included in the Water Resources R

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

Natural Resources Committee Holds Hearing on Pivotal Asian Carp Legislation

Washington, D.C. – In this week's edition of Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in from Maggie in Edina on the issue of combating sex trafficking in Minnesota. Also this week, Rep. Paulsen takes a

Washington, D.C. – In this week's edition of Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in from John in Bloomington regarding Rep. Paulsen's work to combat high energy costs and bring down gas prices

Washington, D.C. – This week on Erik's Correspondence Corner, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) answers a question sent in from Ellen in Coon Rapids regarding the preservation of our national parks. Also, Rep. Paulsen heard from Robin in Bloomington reg

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. – 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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today introduced legislation to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. HR. 627 will authorize the minting of a series of commemorative coins: a five dollar gold c

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) continued his weekly video conversation with neighbors by answering questions sent in from John in Eden Prairie and Susan in Plymouth. John emailed Representative Paulsen asking his thoughts on

Washington, D.C. – With Minnesota families and small businesses still struggling with rising energy costs in a slow economy, the House took action this week on a package of seven energy bills that address high energy costs and help create American j

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) continued his weekly video conversation with neighbors by answering questions sent in from Cal of Minnetonka and Warren and Donna of Maple Grove. Cal emailed Representative Paulsen asking his th

Washington, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to keep the lines of communication open with constituents, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today released the latest installment of his weekly video series, "Erik's Correspondence Corner". In this week's v

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after signing onto the bipartisan Upper Mississippi Conservation and River Protection Act (Upper Mississippi CARP Act), legislation that would help protect Minnesota's

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

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. – 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. – The National Parks Conservation Association presented Representative Paulsen with the "National Parks Heritage" award for his continued work in preserving our nation's natural heritage on Tuesday. "Places like the historic Gettysburg National Military Park are important to our national identity. These historic sites and national parks are intertwined in who we are as a country, and where we come from as a people," said Representative Paulsen.

A bi-partisan group of U.S. House lawmakers has launched a major effort to spur job creation and innovation by modernizing and making permanent the Research and Development tax credit. "Innovation drives America's future," said U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the author of The American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2011. "To keep from falling behind our global competitors and to make sure America is the first choice for R & D jobs we need to modernize the tax credit, strengthen it to encourage companies to make greater investment in research and jobs and make the credit permanent so businesses have the confidence to make long-term investment decisions here in the United States." Other leaders of the effort are Democratic representatives John Larson of Connecticut, Anna Eshoo of California and Doris Matsui of California. Joining Brady are Republican sponsors Erik Paulsen of Minnesota and Michael McCaul of Texas. "Research and development is imperative to our country's competitiveness in the global marketplace," added Rep. Paulsen. "We need a tax code that spurs innovation and promotes sustainable job growth in industries like medical technology, which provide thousands of high-paying jobs in Minnesota. These companies often face high start up costs and this credit will help them create the next life-saving technology. We must make the R & D credit permanent and encourage businesses to continue the pursuit of new ideas."

With energy prices rising, Representatives Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Tim Walz (MN-01) have sent a letter to Governor Mark Dayton asking him to sign legislation that would repeal the state's moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants once it reaches his desk. In the letter, Reps. Paulsen and Walz stressed that construction of new plants would be a boon to Minnesota's economy, creating an estimated 1,400-1,800 construction jobs and 400-700 permanent jobs.

Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announces that today the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act. This legislation would prevent the transportation and importation of Asian carp, an invasive species that has created problems in recent years throughout the Great Lakes region.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Rep. Erik Paulsen and 90 members of Congress sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu urging the Administration to immediately halt all actions to dismantle operations at Yucca Mountain at least until legal action regarding the withdrawal of the application is resolved.

(Mankato/Eden Prairie, Minnesota) – Today, U.S. Representatives Tim Walz and Erik Paulsen released the following statement in reaction to the Minnesota House of Representative's passage of an amendment that overturned Minnesota's nuclear moratorium, but placed additional restrictions on building new power plants:

Washington, D.C. – Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined a bipartisan group of Great Lakes area House and Senate members at a press conference today calling for action to halt the spread of Asian Carp. Paulsen and Klobuchar are co-sponsors of the Close All Routes and Prevent Asian Carp Today Act (CARP ACT), bipartisan legislation authored by Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) that authorizes multiple steps to halt the spread of the invasive species.

MN–Today, Congressman Walz and Congressman Paulsen released the following statement in reaction to the Obama Administration's stated intentions to push for expanded use of nuclear energy

St. Paul, MN – Today, Congressman Tim Walz and Congressman Erik Paulsen joined business and labor leaders and state officials to announce support for a bipartisan, comprehensive approach to energy strategy and to call for an end to Minnesota's moratorium on new nuclear power plants.

With the U.S. House set to vote on "cap and trade" legislation, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) has joined several colleagues in co-sponsoring The Cap and Trade Disclosure Act, a bill that would require utility companies to separately itemize the impact of cap-and-trade taxes on the utility bills of every American. Under this proposal, consumers would be able to easily identify the actual cost that cap-and-trade policies have on electricity costs.

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