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1 BIG THING: COUNTERING CHINA’S GROWING INFLUENCE
What’s happening: Since the Cold War, Washington has neglected Latin America and the Caribbean. While we’ve spent $5 trillion on two wars in the Middle East, China has rushed to fill this void with a surge of trade, investment, and technology partnerships.
What I believe: It’s time for the U.S. to update our foreign policy to meet 21st century challenges. The United States cannot continue to allow China to dominate industries to the detriment of workers, the environment, and the rule of law.
What I did: Alongside Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy and bicameral colleagues, I introduced the bipartisan Americas Act. Our bill will strengthen trade partnerships across the Western Hemisphere and counter China’s influence. This week, I co-authored an op-ed and joined Fox News Radio to discuss this legislation.
2. SUPPORTING COLORADANS AFTER THE BLUE MESA BRIDGE CLOSURE
What happened: The U.S. Highway 50 Blue Mesa Bridge connects Gunnison and Montrose. Due to a crack in the steel support structure, the Colorado Department of Transportation closed down the bridge last month for an indeterminate time, presenting challenges to public safety, health, and our state’s economy.
What’s happening: While the state works to understand the full scope of the bridge’s structural issues, Coloradans who rely on this corridor for school, work, medical services, and more are still without a direct highway route. Many of Colorado’s Western Slope residents are forced to take a detour that adds over six hours of travel time.
What I’m doing: This week, Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and I called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to swiftly deploy funding to help our state meet this challenge. In the meantime, I’ll continue to do everything I can to improve this issue for Coloradans.
3. LISTENING TO SUMMIT COUNTY
Touring a community food market in Dillion
Meeting with Latino leaders in Frisco
What I did: This week, I traveled to Summit Country to hear from local leaders about the issues their communities face and what I can do to support their efforts.
In Dillon: I toured the Summit Family and Intercultural Resource Center Food Market where I learned more about local efforts to address local food insecurity and reduce housing instability.
In Frisco: I sat down with local Latino leaders to discuss the challenges they face – from temporary work authorizations for immigrants to housing and food costs – and how we can work together to create more opportunity for the next generation of Coloradans.
4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
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