Dear Friend,

This week has been busy in the Senate, but the attention of the world has been firmly focused on Paris.

The attacks in the French capital are a reminder to all of us of the danger the world faces in confronting international terrorism. They were shocking, senseless, and tragic. 

I had the opportunity to meet with French Ambassador Gérard Araud and sign a condolence book for the French people on behalf of all Coloradans. I let him know that the people of Colorado and the United States are mourning all of those who were lost and we are praying for their loved ones. 

Please watch the short video I recorded here.

Environmental Priorities

All hearts were with France as work continued in the Senate this week. 

I was proud to vote to preserve and protect public lands, and vote to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a critical tool for conservation.

Many initiatives advanced this week will have lasting impacts in Colorado and our outdoor recreational economy, ensuring that generations to come have access to the same natural beauty that Coloradans have enjoyed going back to the founding of our state. Conserving and protecting public lands is not a partisan issue, and I will continue to fight for it. Read my full statement here.

I was also able to ask questions about federal wildfire policy. At a Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, I wanted to know about how rural fire departments can better aid Coloradans and how the federal government as a whole can more effectively leverage aviation resources to fight wildfires.

Gold King Mine Spill Update 

I wrote a letter with Senator Mike Enzi to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy on her agency's response to the Gold King Mine Spill. 

We asked the Administrator two important questions:

Has EPA or does EPA intend to terminate the employment of those responsible for the spill?

If EPA has not terminated employment, how does EPA intend to hold those individuals accountable?

Read the full letter here.

Guantanamo Detainees Must Not be Brought to Colorado

At a time when we are facing new and emerging threats, it is critical that we remain vigilant in protecting the homeland. That includes keeping enemy combatants out of Colorado. 

Current law prevents the Obama Administration from using funds to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States, and I’m pleased that Attorney General Loretta Lynch publicly recognized that before Congress this week.

Although the President delayed his announcement to potentially close Guantanamo Bay, I can assure you that I will continue to fight for the people of Colorado and oppose this ill-advised proposal that has seen opposition from more than 40 sheriffs in Colorado and people all over the state. 

D.C. Meetings 

I had the opportunity to meet with Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, the Superintendent of the US Air Force Academy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly update. If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-5941.

Sincerely,

Cory Gardner

United States Senator

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