Dear Friend,

Focusing on Colorado's Opioid Abuse Problem

I recently spoke on the Senate floor and during the Republican Leadership press conference about the growing opioid crisis in our communities. The heartbreaking stories of Coloradans who know the epidemic of opioid abuse first hand are informing national policy. I take what I hear in Colorado to drive my passion around the issue. We will continue to prioritize the needs of communities all over the state in an effort to defeat this growing problem. See some of my comments here.

The FARMERS FIRST Act

As a fifth generation Coloradan who still lives in a tiny town on the Eastern Plains of Colorado that is totally dependent on agriculture, I see the hardships our farmers and ranchers experience every day. When I was a kid growing up in the 1980s, I remember Colorado farmers and ranchers facing tough times, and I’m afraid that we are seeing that same thing happen again. My friends and neighbors are filing for bankruptcy, being forced to sell their family farms, taking on more debt, and struggling to provide for their families. These stories break my heart and serve as a reminder that we need to be there for our farmers and support our rural communities during times of hardship, and that is exactly what the FARMERS FIRST Act does.

This bipartisan legislation will make sure our agriculture community doesn’t feel abandoned and alone. The forgotten men and women of America must know that we have their backs, that their communities have their backs, and that we will always strive to help them. While this legislation is a good start, more must be done and I will continue to work with my colleagues on solutions to help our agriculture community.

Read more about the legislation here.

My Op-ed in the New York Times: Is Russia Sponsoring Terrorism?

Russia has invaded its neighbors Georgia and Ukraine, it supports the murderous regime of Bashar al-Assad and our enemies in Afghanistan, and it is engaged in active information warfare against Western democracies, including meddling in the 2016 United States elections. The State Department should consider adding Russia to its list of state sponsors of terrorism, alongside its close allies Iran and Syria. 

 

Read my full editorial in the New York Times here.

Protecting Colorado's Legal Marijuana Industry

Recently, I received a commitment from the President that the Department of Justice’s rescission of the Cole memo will not impact Colorado’s legal marijuana industry. Furthermore, President Trump has assured me that he will support a federalism-based legislative solution to fix this states’ rights issue once and for all. Because of these commitments, I have informed the Administration that I have lifted my remaining holds on Department of Justice nominees. My colleagues and I are continuing to work diligently on a bipartisan legislative solution that can pass Congress and head to the President’s desk to deliver on his campaign position

See my full statement here.

Mike Pompeo for Secretary of State

CIA Director Mike Pompeo is extremely qualified to be Secretary of State and the opposition to him by some of my Democratic colleagues is politics at its worst. The myriad of sudden supposed concerns or questions about his record in order to oppose him for such an important diplomatic role for this country is truly unfortunate. He has been an effective CIA Director, graduated first in his class from West Point, and previously served on the House Intelligence Committee. I have had the opportunity to get to know him well over the last few years and look forward to working closely with him as our next Secretary of State.

 

Supporting and Celebrating Colorado's Military Presence

Last week, I announced the Secretary of the Air Force is relocating Joint Forces Space Component staff to Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. 

 This is great news for Colorado and I am excited to welcome additional Joint Force Space Component personnel to our state. I have visited with General Raymond, Commander of the Joint Forces Space Component, and am confident in his ability to lead our men and women as we become more involved in space and cyberspace operations. This is an important part of our national defense and I will continue to work with the Air Force to support the critical work our men and women are doing at Schriever Air Force Base. This is yet another sign that Colorado truly is first in space.

Further, I introduced a bipartisan Resolution with Senator Bennet that recently passed the Senate to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD, which is headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, provides aerospace and maritime warning for the entire North American continent. NORAD will formally celebrate the anniversary during a showcase of events on May 11th and 12th in Colorado Springs.

Coloradans are proud of our state’s military heritage and the work NORAD carries out for our national security. Sixty years of defending this nation is a remarkable achievement that should not go unnoticed. I’ll continue to do everything I can in Congress to help support the critical work they do each day.

Tax Reform Working for Coloradans 

While Tax Day might not be the most exciting day of the year, we do have one thing to celebrate: this is the last year Coloradans will have to file their taxes under the old, overly complicated tax code. Tax Relief has led to higher wages, special bonuses, more jobs, and economic growth. For a list of Colorado benefits be sure to click on the link below. Coloradans know tax relief has delivered more than just "crumbs." Included in the tax relief bill is a less known provision called the Investing in Opportunity Act, bipartisan legislation I championed with Senator Tim Scott. Read more about it by clicking here.

 
 

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, Durango, 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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