Dear John,

This was a big news week with a lot going on here on Capitol Hill and across the world.  
  
As deadly wildfires rage on in California, I want to start by acknowledging the families impacted by this tragedy. In addition, I want to commend the brave firefighters and first responders who have answered the call and saved countless lives in the process. Firefighters from every corner of the country have left their stations and volunteered to help protect neighborhoods and businesses far from home. Their efforts are a testament to their relentless dedication to our communities and a reminder to thank Minnesota’s firefighters and first responders for the work they do every day.  
 
This tragedy also highlights the importance of supporting local fire departments. Last September, I secured nearly $9 million in federal grants for the Lakeville and South Metro Fire Departments to hire more firefighters. I’ll continue working to ensure fire departments in Minnesota’s Second District have the personnel and resources they need to keep up this important work.  
  
Another major development this week was the announcement of a preliminary hostage deal and ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This is encouraging news. I sincerely hope this deal is the first step in bringing home the remaining hostages and providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to those Palestinians in Gaza who have been impacted.  
  
Meanwhile, here on Capitol Hill, I joined my colleagues from both parties in introducing a bipartisan bill to ban Members of Congress and their families from trading stocks, because we just have too much access to information – and often before the public does. The bipartisan TRUST Act is just one of many efforts I’ll work on this Congress to put these common-sense reforms in place. 
 
Here’s what else I was up to this week: 
 
Securing clean energy investments and creating jobs in MN02 
  
This week, I announced critical clean energy grants to lower energy costs and create jobs across the Second District as part of an $825 million federal investment delivered to Minnesota utilities this month. 
  
Dakota Electric Association will receive $500,000 to improve efficiency and Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative will receive $900,000 to increase flexibility for consumers, while Great River Energy will receive a historic $794 million investment to expand their service to rural areas across the Second District. This funding for Great River Energy is expected to create over 1,600 jobs, cut costs for members by approximately $40 million per year and reduce climate pollution by over 5.49 million tons annually.

Talking farm bill priorities 
 
I also had the opportunity to meet with a number of leaders in ag policy, including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the National Farmers Union Executive Committee and President Rob Larew, Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish and the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers.  
  
We had great conversations about priorities for the farm bill and how we can work together to invest in rural communities, strengthen the farm safety net and ensure new and beginning farmers have the resources to get ahead. 

Skol, Vikings, anyway! 
  
On Monday, I brought the Minnesota spirit to Capitol Hill. Yeah, I got some sympathy the day after. While it may not have been the outcome we wanted, I’ll never stop repping the Vikings, even on my way to vote. There’s always next year. Skol!  

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig: 
  
Last week, I let you in on a little sneak peek of my new office. We’re still hanging things, and this week, I decided to make some office improvements of my own, starting with rehanging the blackboard where we update commodity prices every day.  
  
My staff and some visitors caught me in the act and snapped a photo. 

Have a great weekend!

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress