Dear Friend,

Holding the EPA Accountable for the Gold King Mine Spill

It’s unacceptable that many Coloradans affected by the EPA’s reckless release of three million gallons of contaminated water into the Animas River are still waiting for reimbursement from the agency. What’s worse is that the EPA wanted to cut off reimbursements from response costs on October 31, 2015.

I’m proud the Water Resources and Development Act included my bipartisan language that requires the EPA to expedite reimbursement for emergency response costs assumed by states, tribes, and local governments long after October 31st, and I will continue to fight to ensure individuals, private property owners, and small businesses are made whole from this EPA spill in addition to our state, tribes, and local governments. This represents a positive step forward, but there’s more work to be done for Southwest Colorado and our downstream neighbors.

Bringing Colorado TV to Southwest Colorado

At a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing this week, I secured a commitment from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler to work with interested stakeholders to resolve the Four Corners TV issue. I also announced I’ll be holding a meeting between the Colorado Broadcasters Association, DISH, and Montezuma and La Plata County Commissioners to discuss ways to bring Colorado television to Southwest Colorado.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked diligently to bring Colorado television to Southwest Colorado. In 2014, I fought alongside Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) to insert language in the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR) that advanced the process of getting Colorado TV to La Plata and Montezuma counties. I also sent a letter urging the FCC to adopt a new rule allowing counties to petition for in-state TV signals and welcomed the decision when the new rule was announced in February.

Click here or on the image below to watch my remarks at the hearing. 

Economic Development in Burma Offers Chance For America to Lead

This week, I introduced the Empower Burma Act that aims to assist in Burma’s democratic transition by requiring the United States to lead a worldwide effort to assist in Burma’s economic development. The introduction of the legislation coincides with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s first official visit to Washington as Burma’s de-facto leader.

After returning from Burma and meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi and her top advisors, it was clear to me that one of this government’s top priorities is providing immediate economic benefits to the Burmese people suffering decades of ruinous military rule. Nowhere is this more apparent than achieving increased access to electricity, which only a third of Burmese residents enjoy today. The Empower Burma Act aims to help to direct U.S. policy to help Burma tackle its many economic challenges during the democratic transition. The United States has an opportunity to lead, and this legislation represents action we can take now to deliver development and democracy – and the freedoms and opportunity that come with it - to the Burmese people.

Remembering September 11th

Last Sunday, we mourned those who lost their lives fifteen years ago on September 11, 2001. We also commemorated the countless first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to help others – true American heroes. While we still live in a world where terror organizations seek to instill fear in the West, we as Americans stand united as we continue to spread the unalienable rights that make this country so great: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As we honor the victims of the horrific attacks that stunned all of us 15 years ago, let us also remember that we owe our peace, safety, and the ability to achieve the American dream to the men and women who serve in our military and defend our freedoms so valiantly.

Meeting with Coloradans

It was an honor to meet with Colorado’s 2016 Principal of the Year, Tom Dodd, who is the Principal of Lesher Middle School in Fort Collins. Tom and I discussed ways to improve public education and put our students first. I’m proud to support our public education system in Colorado and congratulate Tom on a job well done.

I had a great discussion with the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry about the Department of Labor’s new overtime rule and other regulations that harm Colorado businesses. Washington, D.C. cannot operate in a vacuum and it’s important to me to work with these types of groups to advance policies that benefit all Coloradans.

Need Help with a Federal Agency? 

My staff is available to assist you with finding out the status of a case and requesting additional information from a federal agency. I have offices in Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Fort Collins, 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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