Dear Friend,

Keeping Guns Out of Terrorists Hands While Protecting the 2nd Amendment

Our country continues to mourn the victims of the horrific terror attack in Orlando, and I continue to pray for the families of the victims and all of those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. While some have politicized the attack in Orlando, many of us have been focused on the problem at hand and real solutions to fix it. That includes acknowledging the enemy responsible for the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11 was the product of Islamic extremism. Earlier this week, I voted in favor of an amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that would prevent terrorists from purchasing guns while protecting 2nd Amendment rights.

The amendment would enhance communication and coordination among state, local, and federal officials to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons, but also ensure due process and protect the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. We need to work together to put forth policies designed to target and combat the true enemies at hand – ISIS and homegrown terrorism – and not those who lawfully purchase firearms and exercise their Constitutionally-protected rights.

Keeping our Country Competitive in Science and Technology

This week, I introduced the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act with Senator John Thune (R-SD), Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and Senator Bill Nelson (R-FL). This bipartisan bill maximizes basic research by reducing administrative burdens for researchers, enhancing agency oversight, improving research dissemination, and reforming federal science agencies to increase the impact of taxpayer-funded research.

Our country is at its best when the entrepreneurial spirit has the ability to thrive and Americans have the tools they need to succeed. In order for America to remain competitive, it’s essential that we efficiently and effectively invest in research so that our country’s brightest minds can create and develop. It’s also critical that we expand educational opportunities and recognize the importance of equipping the next generation of leaders with STEM skills so that America not only keeps pace with the rest of the world, but remains the leading innovator. I was proud to lead multiple roundtables and working groups and gather crucial feedback from the science, education, and business communities in order to develop comprehensive science and technology policy that will strengthen our economy and create good-paying jobs. 

The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act is the product of a strong, bipartisan effort that I was proud to champion, and I thank Chairman Thune for his leadership and Senator Peters and Ranking Member Nelson for their support and hard work throughout this process. This legislation is a positive step toward keeping America competitive, and I look forward to a full and open debate.

Learn more about the legislation here.

Mental Health Reform

I cosponsored the Mental Health Reform Act, bipartisan legislation that strengthens federal mental health programs while also extending greater flexibility to states and local communities.

One fifth of American adults suffer from mental illness, and its impact extends far beyond those who are directly affected by it into our families and communities. The rise in the rate of suicide in Colorado is troubling, and signals that our mental health systems needs to be strengthened at the federal, state, and local levels. That means developing a federal strategy with measurable goals, encouraging the expansion of evidenced-based treatment, and providing states and localities with greater flexibility to treat mental illness. The Mental Health Reform Act is a positive step toward addressing the mental health crisis and finding solutions to help those who are suffering.

Learn more about the Mental Health Reform Act here.

Countering Russian Aggression 

Earlier this week, I joined fellow members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee to introduce a bipartisan resolution that calls on Russia to cease provocative military maneuvers that endanger U.S. forces and calls on the U.S., its European allies, and the international community to continue to apply pressure on Moscow.

From invading Ukraine to provocative and reckless behavior directed at U.S. warships, Vladimir Putin’s Russia continues to incite instability in the global community and violate international law. On a recent trip to Europe to discuss NATO readiness to counter the Russian threat, I met with European leaders, U.S. diplomats, and military personnel, and we all agreed on the need for strong U.S. leadership and enhanced presence in the face of Russia’s increasingly belligerent actions. As U.S. and NATO military leaders told me during my visit: ‘virtual presence is actual absence.’ The United States cannot lead from behind, and we must reassure our allies that the United States stands firmly behind its NATO commitment, including Article 5 of the NATO Charter regarding collective defense. The Obama Administration must hold Russia accountable and lead the effort to address Russia’s bad behavior.

Celebrating Father's Day

Last Sunday, It was take your tractor to church day. It was a great way to celebrate Father's Day with the family!

Thanking a Colorado Veteran

It was an honor to meet Paul this week and thank him for his service as a Merchant Marine during World War II. Paul served this nation honorably and we are forever grateful for his and all our veterans' service.

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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