Dear Friend,

Honoring our Police Officers

We approach Peace Officers Memorial Day with heavy hearts as we reflect on the grave losses the state of Colorado has suffered this year. Over the past four months, Deputy Sheriff Travis Russell, Corporal Nate Carrigan, and Deputy Sheriff Derek Geer lost their lives in the line of duty, and our local communities continue to mourn them. This week, we honor them and all of the fallen officers from across the country, while also extending our sincerest gratitude to all of those - and their families - who sacrifice so much to protect us and keep our schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces safe.

Keeping America Competitive in Science and Technology 

Earlier this week, I led a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing and the discussion focused on how we can reshape federal research and development policy.

America’s entrepreneurial spirit is vital to our country’s future role in the world, and it is important we continue to promote cutting edge research and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs. Colorado is home to numerous research facilities and I am excited about the many opportunities for Coloradans going forward. I am proud of our progress, and I look forward to developing comprehensive science and technology policy that strengthens our economy, creates good-paying jobs, and keeps America competitive. To learn more about my work click here.

Ensuring Responsible Use of Taxpayer Funds 

This week, I sent a letter with Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler and Chris Henderson, chief executive officer of the Universal Service Administration Company, which administers the Rural Health Care telecommunications program. I am concerned taxpayer dollars are going to so-called ‘application mills’ rather than toward funding the broadband services for rural hospitals and clinics as intended. Read the full letter here.

Funding Two Colorado Priorities: The Arkansas Valley Conduit and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

I’m proud to have secured funding for two important provisions in the Energy and Water Appropriations package that directly benefit Colorado: the Arkansas Valley Conduit project and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The Arkansas Valley Conduit project will receive $3 million in funding and will result in cleaner, safer water in Southeast Colorado, and this important funding was approved to assist in the cost of construction. Previously, I introduced a bill that directs revenue collected from existing Fryingpan-Arkansas project facilities to the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District for Arkansas Valley Conduit construction costs.  The Arkansas Valley Conduit project in Southeast Colorado will deliver clean drinking water to local communities across the region upon completion. This bill extends greater flexibility to the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District by allowing the maximum use of miscellaneous revenue collected from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project to be immediately reinvested into the Arkansas Valley Conduit once construction begins. 

I’m also proud that NREL calls Colorado home, and as a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I was able to secure $30 million in the base text of the bill for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Healthcare Leadership Council 

Thanks to the Healthcare Leadership Council for all the important work they do. It was an honor to be recognized as a Champion of Healthcare Innovation earlier this week. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate on solutions that promote the development of new technologies that have the ability to revolutionize health care delivery systems and improve patient outcomes.

Strengthening the U.S.-Israel Alliance

This week, I spoke at the Zionist Organization of America luncheon about the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel alliance. It is more important now than ever that the United States make the safety and security of our ally Israel a top priority of our foreign policy. I will continue to stand with organizations like ZOA and advocate for policies that serve to strengthen our relationship with Israel.

Need Help with a Federal Agency? 

My staff is available to assist you with determining the status of a case and requesting additional information from a federal agency. I have offices in Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Greeley, Yuma, and Colorado Springs. Learn more about how we can help 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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