Media

This week, I met with my First District Emergency Response Councils both in the lower and the upper ends of the First District. In these meetings, the discussion centered on how, at the federal level, the government can help in local efforts to prevent, respond to and reduce the adverse health effects of public health emergencies and natural and manmade disasters. We were pleased to have special guests from the Governor's Office, who shared their efforts to assist first responders.

This week I met with numerous small business owners in the construction, agribusiness and seafood industries. Small businesses across the nation are facing challenges - whether it's accessing credit, making payroll, or paying taxes. In order to achieve healthy economic recovery, we must support our job creators. Our nation's small businesses create over 70% of the new jobs in the country each year. I can't tell you how many times small business owners tell me the best thing the government can do is to simply get out of the way.

President Abraham Lincoln described our democracy as a government "by the people, of the people, and for the people." Our founding fathers designed a government where the people are the source of power and elected officials serve in their trust. Our government was intended from the beginning to involve the American citizens. With the rise of the tools of the 21st century and ever-increasing online engagement, so should the voice of citizens rise to communicate with their government.

I had the opportunity during the Congressional District Work Period this week to travel across the district and talk with folks about what issues are important to them. I was honored to speak to and meet with Cub Scout Pack 175 as they completed their annual flag project, placing flags on the graves of veterans to honor their service as we observed Memorial Day. These young people are an inspiration to the older generations as they showed their honor and appreciation for the service of veterans, and their dedication to the enduring spirit of freedom in this country.

As we wrap up another week in Washington, DC, the nation will pause as we honor America's Veterans on Memorial Day. The remembrance of this day was especially poignant this week. I was honored to attend the fifth annual Gold Star Wives reception in the U.S. Capitol building on Thursday. This organization was founded in 1945 by the widows of World War II, and continues today to serve and bring together those spouses who lost a loved one during active duty service. Their courage, in the face of tremendous loss, is indescribable.