The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is producing a long-term reauthorization and reform of federal surface transportation programs, a key component of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7).  This legislation is the largest transportation reform bill since the creation of the Interstate Highway System.

After the Transportation Committee agreed to the Cravaack amendment, subsequent attempts to gut two-thirds of existing ‘Buy America’ requirements were defeated.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is producing a long-term reauthorization and reform of federal surface transportation programs, a key component of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7).  This legislation is the largest transportation reform bill since the creation of the Interstate Highway System.

“At a time when other countries give massive subsidies to their steel makers, we should at the very least give our steel producers the first opportunity to supply steel for our transportation projects.  We support American-made steel, American jobs, and American industry.  Minnesota will not tolerate the importing of Chinese and Brazilian product at the expense of its workers.”

The Cravaack ‘Buy America’ amendment closes loopholes which are exploited by countries like China and Brazil.  Specifically, the provision prohibits the ‘segmentation’ of projects, a tactic used to avoid the ‘Buy America’ preference.  Closing these loopholes ensures that ‘Buy America’ will be followed and that American jobs and industry will be protected.

The Cravaack amendment also maximizes project transparency.  For instance, it expands the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) informal waiver process to other DOT programs with the ‘Buy American’ preference.  Additionally, the amendment requires that the Secretary publish a detailed written justification as to why the waiver is needed for public consumption within 30 days. This web-based process streamlines the ‘Buy America’ waivers and allows for maximum transparency.

After the Transportation Committee agreed to the Cravaack amendment, subsequent attempts to weaken two-thirds of existing ‘Buy America’ requirements were defeated.

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

“After a five-year delay and 23 temporary extensions, this FAA compromise is critical to advancing the nearly eight percent of our nation’s economy impacted by the aviation industry.  I commend my colleagues in the House and Senate for working toward a middle-ground solution in the best interest of American workers and their families.”

The legislation, now prepared for passage, ensures long-term aviation safety and infrastructure funding for the next four years.  Importantly, the legislation will not terminate existing Essential Air Service (EAS) programs in Minnesota. Conference reports cannot be amended.

“While I have always said that EAS needs to be reformed, I’ve worked hard to ensure this long-term funding bill protects Minnesota aviation and construction workers, and finally provides much needed certainty for family budgets.”

Specifically, the FAA reauthorization freezes the program (limits participation in EAS to those communities currently participating in the program), establishes an average 10 enplanement per day requirement for communities 175 miles or less from the nearest medium or large hub airport, requires a $1,000 per passenger subsidy cap, and authorizes flat line funding for the program for the next four years.

Additionally, In light of Minnesota’s seasonal construction challenges, Rep. Cravaack previously secured language to ensure Minnesota airport construction programs are completed on schedule and on budget.

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

I like to say Minnesota is three things: timber, taconite, and tourism. To say we are pro-mining is quite an understatement. The mining industry is critical not only to the economic sustainability of the region but to the prosperity of the hard-working men, women and families who depend on its jobs. The development and exploration of the critical and strategic mineral sector has the potential to build a new, vibrant industry in Minnesota. Truth be told, the industry is integral to our economic well-being.

But despite our rich iron-mining history and mineral potential, Minnesota is ranked by the industry as one of the most difficult places for mining development due largely to our lengthy and expensive permitting process and exacting environmental standards. Chrissy Bartovich, environmental director for U.S. Steel’s Minnesota ore operations, which includes the Minntac mine in Mountain Iron, said we have “the most stringent water quality discharge permits for any taconite mine in the United States,” for example. “These permits are not a choice between jobs and the environment,” she said. “These permits show that the two can coexist.”

It goes without saying that Minnesotans are environmentally conscious. That is why there are strict guidelines that must be followed in order to undertake large projects like the proposed PolyMet mine. Protection of the environment and fisheries are being ensured by a thorough environmental review and permitting process. Thankfully, today’s mining process is environmentally responsible, precise, and thoughtful with an eye toward preserving environmental quality for generations to come.

There is consensus among the PolyMet advisory panel I assembled: Mining without harm is the only way to build a sustainable, responsible minerals-exploration industry in northern Minnesota.

The PolyMet construction project will engage about 300 skilled construction workers and create 360 full-time jobs. A University of Minnesota Duluth study estimates more than 500 more ancillary jobs will be created in St. Louis County alone, generating an economic benefit of about $242 million, including products and services. Additionally, the project is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars annually in federal, state, and local taxes.

We are working hard to preserve our clean air and water on other projects as well. Recently, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens Board unanimously approved Keetac’s water-quality permits. Once all the other permits are secured, Keetac’s capacity can increase by more than 50 percent to 9.6 million tons of iron ore pellets per year.

Likewise, we have moved a step closer to success with the $300 million expansion of the Keetac mine and processing plant in Keewatin. The Keetac expansion is expected to create 120 permanent jobs and 500 temporary construction jobs for Minnesota.

The approval of the PolyMet and Keetac operations would result in direct and much-needed boosts to our economy, yielding a domestic resource of raw materials. Ultimately, this would lower the United States’ reliance on foreign sources and provide well-paying jobs for Minnesota workers at a time of high unemployment.

Bob McFarlin, vice president of public and government affairs for Twin Metals, said copper mining will create the kinds jobs that provide a good life, the kind “that let you send your kids to college.” As a down payment on that promise, Twin Metals built a beautiful, $1.5 million, glass, steel and copper office building in Ely.

Similarly, Essar Steel estimates its expansion will lead to job growth. Just two weeks ago, I met with the folks at the Hibbing facility, where I was told the company was poised to create 1,200 construction jobs, 300 jobs for normal operation, and approximately 500 full-time positions, if the expansion into steelmaking proves economically feasible. Importantly, expanding our mining operations will yield tax revenues for the region, providing a revenue stream for much-needed upgrades to infrastructure.

It is imperative we utilize our resources in the most environmentally conscious way possible, and we are doing just that: Best-mining practices will be deployed for operations in Minnesota, using the cleanest processing technology in the world. We are well on our way toward job creation and a super-charged industry for Minnesota workers and their families.

Duluth News Tribune
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U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack, R-North Branch, had money leftover in his Congressional office expense account at the end of the year so he gave it back to the House and, ultimately, taxpayers.

Cravaack returned $90,000 in leftover expense allowance from 2011. The money is usually spent for things like staff salaries, office supplies, postage and phone bills and even travel expenses back to House members’ home districts.

The amount returned amounts to about 7 percent of Cravaack’s $1.3 million office budget for 2011.

Lawmakers have broad discretion in spending the money. Many members of Congress split the leftover money at year’s end among their staff, giving aides a little year-end bonus. But Cravaack opted to hand the money back with the intent it go back into the treasury and save taxpayers a little money.

“Those bonuses have added up to quite a bit for the staff of some senators. … But Chip did the right thing and gave it back,” said Michael Bars, Cravaack’s spokesman.

Expense budgets vary depending on several factors, including how far away the lawmaker lives from Washington. A 2010 House compensation study found that 77 percent of 133 offices surveyed gave bonuses. That’s down from 89 percent in 2009 and 92.3 percent in 2006, according to the House Chief Administrative Office.

Both House members and senators had to cut their expense budgets in 2011 (5 percent for the House, 3 percent for the Senate). House expense budgets will be cut another 6.4 percent in 2012, with Senate budgets down another 6.3 percent.

A News Tribune search Friday found several news reports of lawmakers giving staff bonuses with expense money, others returning the money to the Treasury and some lawmakers who did both.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., returned $472,279, about 6.6 percent of her $3.1 million budget, according to her staff. The News Tribune did not receive information from Sen. Al Franken’s office Friday evening.

The Burlington Free Press reported that Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, gave 29 staffers bonuses ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, totaling $138,830. Leahy, who heads the Senate Judiciary Committee, also gave bonuses to 25 committee staffers, totaling $112,048. But Leahy also gave back 11.7 percent of his $3 million expense budget to the treasury.

“While we need to confront copyright infringement and online piracy, SOPA and PIPA legislation preempts due process of law. These are the wrong bills to accomplish this task, leaving too much room for interpretation. This is yet another example of big government overreach.”

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

“This is terrific news for our troops.  An expedited, risk-based TSA screening process is the least we can do for our men and women in uniform and their families who sacrifice so much.  It’s a privilege to see this bill pass through Congress and signed into law,” said Rep. Cravaack.  “I would like to thank Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (NY), Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS), Senator Hutchison (TX), and Senator Rockefeller (WV) for their efforts in moving this legislation forward.  I look forward to getting the new screening process in place, whereby we honor our soldiers by treating them like the patriots they are.”

H.R. 1801, which was endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association, serves as an important piece of the broad-based move towards a risk-based, intelligence-driven security screening system.  It also moves us away from the current one-size-fits-all screening program.  Ultimately, this bill will improve the screening process for American passengers by reducing checkpoint wait times.

The House first approved H.R. 1801 on November 29, 2011 and was subsequently passed by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) on December 13.  The bill was cleared for the President’s desk on December 20^th.

“Our nation’s military have earned the right from a grateful nation to go to the front of the line.  I think the vast majority of Americans would agree that our servicemen and women make sacrifices for our nation every day. The least we can do is make their lives – and the lives of their family members – easier when they travel on official orders around the country they defend,” said Senator Hutchison.  “Congress has sent a unanimous decision that this is the right thing to do, and we hope the President signs this legislation immediately,” she added.

“I strongly support Chip Cravaack’s bill to provide expedited screening for members of the U.S. military.  Not only would such screening make official travel easier for the men and women serving our country, it would be an important move toward a more risk-based approach to aviation security – something I have long advocated,” said Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (NY).  “Expediting the screening of members of our military will enable TSA screeners to focus on more higher-risk travelers,” he added.

Additionally, earlier this year Rep. Cravaack inserted language into the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2011 that would ban intrusive TSA ‘naked’ body scanners.

Rep. Cravaack served 24 years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot prior to flying commercially for Northwest Airlines.  He serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

Washington, D.C. – Last week, language that would give Minnesota jurisdiction over the wolves within its own borders was removed from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012.  Today, the Department of the Interior announced it would delist the wolf via executive rulemaking.

“The Department of the Interior has for the third time delisted the wolf through the administrative rulemaking process.  The statutory protective language should have never left the Interior appropriations bill last week,” said Dale Lueck, owner of Nordland Cattle & Timber in Aitkin.

“Although a delisting to protect Minnesotans’ private property and ensure greater public safety from problem wolves will not be accomplished through statutory lawmaking, I commend the Interior Department’s action on this important issue to give Minnesota jurisdiction over the wolves within its own border, and protect Minnesota families, farmers, and livestock producers.  It is my hope that the courts uphold this decision,” said Rep. Cravaack.

According to a press release, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that gray wolf populations in the Great Lakes region have recovered and no longer require the protection of the Endangered Species Act.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is publishing a final rule in the Federal Register removing wolves in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

“Once again, the Endangered Species Act has proved to be an effective tool for bringing species back from the brink of extinction,” said Salazar. “Thanks to the work of our scientists, wildlife managers, and our state, tribal, and stakeholder partners, gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region are now fully recovered and healthy.”

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

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“I stand ready and willing to work with my Senate colleagues to find a long-term compromise on payroll tax cuts, unemployment insurance, and ‘doc fix’ extensions.  I urge the Majority Leadership in the Senate to quickly return to Washington to complete the People’s business and appoint conferees so regular order can proceed.  Anything less than a long-term agreement is simply unacceptable for American workers, who deserve certainty in the coming year.  Congress must not allow American families to face a tax increase this January – we must continue to work towards compromise.”

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

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“An expedited, risk-based TSA screening process is the least we can do for our men and women in uniform and their families who sacrifice so much.  It’s a privilege to see this bill pass through Congress with unanimous support and onward to the President’s desk,” said Rep. Cravaack.  “I would like to thank Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (NY), Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS), Senator Hutchison (TX), and Senator Rockefeller (WV) for their efforts in moving this legislation forward.  I look forward to getting this bill signed and a new screening process in place, whereby we honor our soldiers by treating them like the patriots they are.”

H.R. 1801, which is endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association, serves as an important piece of the broad-based move towards a risk-based, intelligence-driven security screening system.  It also moves us away from from the current one-size-fits-all screening program.  Ultimately, this bill will improve the screening process for American passengers by reducing checkpoint wait times.

The House first approved H.R. 1801 on November 29, 2011 and was subsequently passed by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) on December 13.

“Our nation’s military have earned the right from a grateful nation to go to the front of the line,” said Sen. Hutchison. “I think the vast majority of Americans would agree that our servicemen and women make sacrifices for our nation every day. The least we can do is make their lives – and the lives of their family members – easier when they travel on official orders around the country they defend.  Congress has sent a unanimous decision that this is the right thing to do, and we hope the President signs this legislation immediately.”

“I strongly support Chip Cravaack’s bill to provide expedited screening for members of the U.S. military.  Not only would such screening make official travel easier for the men and women serving our country, it would be an important move toward a more risk-based approach to aviation security – something I have long advocated,” said Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (NY).  “Expediting the screening of members of our military will enable TSA screeners to focus on more higher-risk travelers.”

Additionally, earlier this year Rep. Cravaack inserted language into the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2011 that banned intrusive TSA ‘naked’ body scanners.

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.