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Hello everyone,
Last week, I wrote to you about the viral video app TikTok and the grave risk it poses to our national security. But today’s social media landscape is not limited to just one app. The power that all of the biggest digital platforms have over American life should inspire in us a sense of urgency to protect our kids and our democracy.
In just two decades, Big Tech companies have transformed much of humanity’s daily life – from how we entertain ourselves to how we connect with friends, family, and even our elected representatives. And regrettably, this shift has been guided not by the public interest, but by a few gigantic and unregulated companies.
Watch my full speech HERE.
Last Sunday, I spoke at the Colorado Law Silicon Flatirons conference about the need to put in place common-sense rules to protect Americans and our democracy from Big Tech. Social media has the power to spur democratic revolutions and connect the world, but it also has the potential to incite violence and affect the well-being of its users – many of whom are young people.
That’s why I proposed creating a federal watchdog over these platforms to protect consumers, promote competition, and defend the public interest. We are the first generation to steer our democracy in the digital age, and we need to level the playing field for America’s teens, parents, teachers, and small businesses. Whatever we do, we cannot accept another 20 years of digital platforms transforming American life with no accountability to the American people.
Sincerely,
Michael
P.S. There were public reports this week that the IRS might tax the TABOR payments that Coloradans rely on. I called the acting IRS Commissioner to explain how these payments work and why it makes no sense for the federal government to tax them. After my call, they promptly announced that Coloradans can keep their full TABOR payments.
If you haven’t already, please file your taxes before April 18. The IRS just announced special Saturday hours for the next four months at Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country. Learn more here.
DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE WESTERN WATER CRISIS
The State of the Union address is an opportunity for the President of the United States to speak to every member of Congress and the American people. As part of this annual tradition, each member of Congress has the opportunity to bring a guest to witness this special occasion. This year, I was honored to invite Paul Bruchez, a 5th generation rancher from Kremmling, Colorado.
Paul operates Reeder Creek Ranch with his brother and father, and is currently leading a project to restore the Colorado River. Like so many other Coloradans, he leads by example as he works to protect the river by doing more with less water. We’re facing a drought crisis in the American West and I was so honored that Paul joined me to help bring attention to this urgent issue facing communities, water users, and family farmers and ranchers across our state.
Watch my conversation with Paul ahead of the President’s address HERE.
SUPPORTING WILDFIRE RECOVERY AND PROTECTING OUR FORESTS
In 2020, the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fires became the two largest wildfires in Colorado’s history after burning over 400,000 acres and forcing thousands of Coloradans from their homes. These fires decimated the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and two years later, communities have not received nearly enough funding to support their recovery.
That’s why this week, I urged the Forest Service to swiftly distribute funding and resources to support the forests’ long-term recovery. This is especially important as the fire’s burn scars have left surrounding communities at risk of mudslides and flooding every time it rains.
But our commitment to our forests cannot come only after wildfires have taken their toll. We need to proactively prevent wildfires too.That’s why I also introduced a bipartisan bill this week to reauthorize the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP), which helps fund large-scale, community-based efforts to improve the health of our forests and prevent wildfires. In Colorado, CFLRP projects like the Uncompahgre Partnership, Front Range Roundtable, and Rio Chama demonstrate the importance of these long-term investments.
EXPANDING PATIENT PRIVACY RIGHTS
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to strip a woman’s right to choose, states across the country have passed laws to prosecute women for having an abortion and their doctors for providing them. In certain cases, health care providers have been asked by law enforcement to turn over information about their patients seeking abortions. It’s egregious.
This week, I introduced a bill to prohibit health care providers from sharing personal health information without the consent of their patient. No one should have to worry about being investigated for receiving or providing reproductive health care.
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