Dear Friend,

National Security Town Hall in Florence, Colorado

Earlier this week, I held a town hall in Florence, CO where local elected officials, law enforcement, and community leaders all contributed to a productive conversation that focused on national security issues. From the rise of ISIS, to President Obama’s reckless proposal to transfer Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States, our country faces significant national security challenges. Keeping Coloradans safe is my top priority and that's why I'll continue to support policies that ensure our security is not undermined and promote a stronger, safer America.

USDA Grant for Flood Restoration and Mitigation Projects in Colorado

I am pleased to announce the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program will make $10,240,800 available to Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs for the purposes of restoration and flood mitigation after severe weather impacted the region last year.

It is important the Department of Agriculture has recognized Colorado’s need for federal assistance that will be used to restore the region and make infrastructure improvements to protect local communities from future flooding. Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs experienced recent flooding that devastated these localities. The impacts from the Waldo Canyon fire only made the problem worse. Western communities need flexibility to cope with the unique challenges they face, and I am pleased this grant provides local officials the necessary funds to address flooding as they see fit.

Congressional Delegation Trip to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel

Recently, I traveled to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel to discuss global security threats with foreign leaders. In Qatar and Saudi Arabia, I met with top security officials and national leaders, including the Emir Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In Israel, I met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat.

My discussions with heads of state and national security leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel highlighted the importance of international cooperation to defeat ISIS and addressing the growing instability in the Middle East, which in part can be attributed to an increasingly belligerent Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and several leaders in the region expressed many concerns that I share regarding Iran’s compliance with the nuclear agreement. The United States must do everything in its power to protect our friend and ally, Israel, and to assure all our allies that we are committed to ending terror and radicalism with strong U.S. leadership.

KKCO 11 News: Gardner on the Issues  

I joined Crispin Havener with KKCO 11 News to discuss Cuba, ISIS, and the need for more accountability at the VA to ensure better implementation of the VA Choice Program. Watch the interview here. 

Traveling around Colorado

I had a productive meeting with CEO Chris Thomas and Craig Glogowski of Community Hospital in Grand Junction. We toured the recently opened facility and had a thoughtful discussion on their new approaches to improving our healthcare system.

While I was on the Western Slope, I met with veterans in Grand Junction. I am grateful for their service, and will continue to work every day to make sure they are receiving the best care possible.

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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