Dear Friend,

Honoring Fallen Park County Sheriff's Deputy Nate Carrigan

It was with a heavy heart I took to the Senate floor to honor Park County Sheriff's Deputy Nate Carrigan who lost his life in the line of duty serving the people of Colorado. Our first responders are a bedrock of our communities, and it is important to remember all they do to keep us safe. Watch my remarks here.  

Comprehensive Addiction and Recover Act 

As I travel throughout Colorado, I hear about the devastating impact heroin and opioid addiction has on families and communities across our state. From the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, drug overdose deaths continue to rise. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act aims to address the drug addiction crisis and reverse this disturbing trend. A bipartisan, comprehensive approach supported by Colorado law enforcement, mental health providers, and addiction and recovery specialists, this legislation leaves behind the Washington "one-size fits all" approach and encourages states to develop their own strategies to prevent, treat, and reduce this growing epidemic. I am proud the Senate passed this legislation because it is a step in the right direction, and will undoubtedly help Coloradans and Americans across the country who are struggling with addiction.

Watch my remarks on the Senate floor here. 

Send ISIL Fighters to Guantanamo 

My recent trip to Guantanamo Bay not only confirmed that the detainees should remain there, but also that this facility is tailor-made for enemy combatants. At a time when the Obama Administration lacks a coherent strategy to defeat ISIL, it’s more important now than ever that we use all the tools at our disposal to fight terrorism. Instead of closing Guantanamo Bay, the Administration should transfer detained ISIL fighters to the facility, and I am proud to support a resolution that urges the Administration to do just that, while preventing grants of new rights to terrorists. 

Taiwan Legislation Unanimously Passes the Senate  

Taiwan is our friend and ally and it is important that it has the opportunity to contribute to the global effort to track and prosecute criminals. My bill requires the United States Department of State to develop a strategy to include Taiwan as an observer in the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). It is essential that the United States support Taiwan, and this bill demonstrates our unwavering commitment to this longstanding and important U.S. ally. I urge the House of Representatives to quickly pass this bill and the President to sign it into law.

Meetings with Coloradans 

Earlier this week, I met with the two Colorado United States Senate Youth Program delegates, Se Young Cheong and DeAnna Christensen, at the USSYP dinner. I spoke to these two outstanding students and their fellow delegates about the impact the Senate Youth Program had on me when I was a delegate in 1993. The next generation is the future of this country, and it was amazing to see these future leaders’ energy and enthusiasm.

It was great discussing Colorado Agriculture priorities with two members of the National Young Farmers Education Association. 

In the News

Sen. Gardner defends Colorado from harm

March, 7 2016

Good politicians defend their own turf. That is exactly what U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is doing by trying to keep open the United States detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He is so committed to the cause that he visited the facility Monday, to see firsthand how it operates and how detainees are treated.

President Barack Obama wants to close the facility, mostly to fulfill an unwise campaign promise he made eight years ago. To facilitate closure, federal officials may house dozens of the world's most dangerous terror suspects at one or more federal prisons in Colorado. We don't fear they will escape but do believe they will radicalize domestic prisoners with connections outside the prison walls in Colorado.

Read the full editorial here.

Getting more flexible

March 9, 2015

We are encouraged that there may be some light at the end of a yet-to-be constructed conduit. 

Building the long-anticipated pipeline to start at Pueblo Water’s treatment plant and serve rural families, farmers and businesses in Southeastern Colorado got a gush of hope from U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., last week.

He introduced legislation that would let revenue collected from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project be used to finally start the pipeline’s construction. The Arkansas Valley Conduit has been in the planning stages for half a century and could cost up to $400 million to complete.  

Read the full editorial here.

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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