Paulsen Post - September 14, 2014

Statement

Dear Friend,

It's always an emotional time of the year when we think back to that fateful day -- 13 years ago -- when the United States came under attack by those wishing to do us harm. This week, I joined my colleagues in a presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal -- the nation's highest civilian award -- to the fallen heroes of 9/11. This event paid tribute to the acts of heroism in the air and on the ground in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.

I also honored a fallen hero in a speech on the House floor this week. Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick was killed in the line of duty last month while he was on patrol. Officer Patrick loved serving his community and his death is a reminder of the dangers that our members of law enforcement face every day to keep our community safe.

If I can be of help to you or your family, don't hesitate to give my office a call. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, and don't forget to watch my weekly video, Erik's Correspondence Corner.

Sincerely,

Erik Paulsen
Member of Congress

VA Accountability

A recent news investigation identified that the Minneapolis VA may have been falsifying records in order to make their patient backlog look smaller than it really was. In addition, two whistleblowers claim they were fired for bringing these concerns to the VA leadership. I've written a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald about the allegations. If they are true, action must be take to hold those accountable responsible. You may recall that just last month Congress passed a new reform law with bipartisan support to reform the VA and ensure that our veterans get the care they deserve.

Answers for the ALS Community

Thanks to the recent viral sensation of the 'Ice Bucket Challenge', Americans are more aware of the debilitating neurodegenerative disorder ALS -- also known as Lou Gerhig's Disease -- and the effect it has on those that are diagnosed with it. Technology has made it possible for many ALS sufferers to communicate with family and friends even as their muscles atrophy and they are unable speak. However, recent changes to the Medicare and Medicaid rules could threaten access to speech-generating machines used by those with ALS. I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to send a letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asking for clarity on the new rules and advocating for the use of speech-generating machines for those who suffer from neurological disabilities.

Continuing to Combat Sex Trafficking

I continue my work to fight sex trafficking and protect the victims of this horrific crime. Recently, I met with advocates from the International Justice Mission who are an ally in this effort. Just this week, the University of Minnesota released a comprehensive study that documents just how violent and manipulative sex traffickers are in order to keep exploiting children. The study shows that our laws have not kept up with the ruthlessness and sophistication of traffickers. That's why I authored bipartisan legislation which has passed the House to expand safe harbor laws and help victims escape sex trafficking.

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