Congressman Tom Emmer was sworn in for his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 6, 2015. He is currently serving his fourth term.
Tom was elected by his fellow Republican colleagues to join the House GOP Leadership team as the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee for the 116th Congress and again for the 117th Congress. Currently, he sits on the House Financial Services Committee. He is also a member of the Republican Deputy Whip Team and the House Republican Steering Committee.
Born in 1961, Tom grew up in Minnesota and attended St. Thomas Academy. He received his BA in Political Science from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and his JD from William Mitchell College of Law.
Agriculture is the backbone of the American economy. Nowhere is that more evident than right here in the state of Minnesota. As the nation’s top producer of turkey, sugar beets, oats, sweet corn, and green peas, and a leader in soybean, dairy, pork, beef, Minnesota is recognized as an agricultural leader throughout the world.
Farming is a uniquely high-risk venture, and Congress has the responsibility to give farmers the tools they need to manage that risk. As a former member of the House Agriculture Committee, I believe the prosperity of our farming sector is critical and will work to ensure that our farmers have the resources they need for the effective and safe production of America’s food supply.
Take a look at some of my recent work to support Minnesota’s Agriculture community:
The world that we inhabit today is constantly changing and improving as a result of technology, which has flourished under limited, light-touch regulation. Technological advances are frequently thanks to American innovation, ingenuity, and our pioneering spirit. Our nation’s inventors should have strong laws that protect their rights to their own ideas.
Increased regulation and bureaucracy will lead to higher costs and fewer choices. Congress should not impose new burdens on innovation, but instead, allow this competitive sector of our economy to flourish and create new jobs.
Here is some of my recent work to work to encourage connectivity and innovation:
Broadband has become an essential part of America’s infrastructure. The United States can only succeed in a rapidly evolving world if every American has access to high-speed, affordable broadband. That is why I have frequently advocated for support programs that deliver additional funding for unserved communities. I am pleased to see Minnesota leading the way with its own dedicated fund to expand broadband, and I will continue to ensure federal funding is also available and used in an efficient manner.
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, I constantly advocate for increased education and introduce legislation in Congress regarding new technological innovations and our need for light-touch regulations so that development and investment flourish in the United States.
The federal government can do much more to clear away burdensome regulation and increase efficiency where government resources are provided. That’s why I previously introduced the Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act, which would provide a single landing page for computer programmers looking for federal support for their project.
Regulations, reckless government spending, and a complex tax system stymie economic growth and raise concerns regarding the future prosperity of America. If we are to remain an economic superpower, it is critical that we reduce regulations, reduce spending, and reduce the tax burdens on American families and businesses.
As American families are expected to live within their means, we should expect no less from the federal government. Skyrocketing national debt has put our country on an unsustainable path and threatens the financial viability of future generations. Simply put, the reckless spending by our government must stop.
Here is what I am doing to combat this out of control spending and keep our economy running strong:
For the past 50 years, the United States’ relationship with Cuba has been one of isolation – it is clear this policy has been a failure. The voices of our policymakers must represent the voices of the overwhelming majority of Americans who favor improving our relationship with Cuba.
Minnesota is the third-largest agricultural exporter in the country, and we have a great potential to benefit from millions of new consumers right here in our own backyard. Along with the Cuban people, Americans are ready for a fresh start and new opportunities for increasing trade, advancing the cause of human rights and ushering in direly needed reforms.
We cannot limit our opportunities to improve the human rights and religious liberties of the Cuban people. While there is certainly further work that needs to be done to address human rights issues, it is not a matter of if the embargo is lifted, but a matter of when.
Expanding our markets, strengthening our national security, and improving relationships with our next-door neighbor should be a nonpartisan issue. My colleagues and I will continue to advocate for human rights and religious freedoms, a more secure hemisphere, and new economic opportunities for American farmers and businesses by improving our relationship with Cuba.
Take a look at some of my recent work on Cuba:
As a father of seven, I understand that America’s education system should be as diverse and individual-oriented as the children it serves. Ensuring our students receive the highest quality education is fundamental to the strength and growth of our communities. Schools at every level should prepare students for success; our future depends on it.
Here is some of my recent work on education:
As someone raised in the Land of 10,000 Lakes around my family’s lumber business, I know that job creation and protecting the environment are not mutually exclusive endeavors. There is a delicate balance between maintaining our state’s abundant resources and encouraging economic output and growth. But all-too-often heavy-handed policies that come out from Washington bureaucrats harm industries such as agriculture and mining, which are vital to our success as a state.
The Sixth Congressional District is home to the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, the Sherco power plant, freight corridors that move oil from the Bakken Oil Field, and numerous electrical co-ops that provide electricity to homes and businesses. America needs sound energy policy to heat homes and businesses during our brutal winters, and to support commerce to keep Minnesota vibrant and growing.
When it comes to energy production, we need to have an approach that responsibly takes advantage of the resources available while also reducing our dependence on volatile foreign nations.
With the advancement of projects such as the Keystone XL pipeline, Enbridge Line 3, new energy technology, and the evolution of traditional energy sources, America must strive to be a world leader in energy production and exports. As a member of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, I also support the investment and development of the renewable energy sector to provide a secure and budget-friendly mix of energy sources.
We need to cut back on regulations that stifle private industry and ensure all government programs—new or existing—help, instead of hinder, every Minnesotan’s ability to responsibly utilize the natural resources our state provides.
The financial services sector in Minnesota is an important part of our business community and key industry throughout our state. In Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District alone, we have hundreds of banks and numerous credit unions supporting nearly 60,000 Minnesotans in finance-related fields. On top of those who work directly with the financial industry in Minnesota, there are thousands employed by one of Minnesota’s 17 Fortune 500 companies. These companies rely heavily on the financial industry for capital formation and insurance.
As a member of the Financial Services Committee, I am focused on increasing access to credit, improving capital formation, and increasing access to our financial system for every American.
Here is some of my more recent work which will help more Americans realize their version of the American Dream:
America must act as a global force for good, but not the world’s policeman. We must work to isolate the governments of regimes that threaten global stability and security, while working with nations to improve the lives of their citizens and protect American interests abroad.
By exporting the promise of liberty and free markets to the nations of the world, we can achieve these goals. Regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia present us with emerging opportunities to increase trade and diplomatic relations.
Home to one of the largest refugee populations in the world, Minnesota serves as a leader in humanitarian assistance to the world’s most vulnerable. As a nation, we must work with international institutions and multilateral partnerships to provide security and stability on the global stage.
Our foreign aid is a fraction of the total U.S. budget. This aid imparts knowledge, technical support, and experience to developing areas in order to increase their economic status, resulting in direct benefits to the United States and people in need across the globe. That’s why I sent a letter to the Administration expressing concern with continued efforts to cut our foreign aid spending.
I recognize and celebrate our country’s relationship with Israel, our most vital cultural and strategic ally in the Middle East. That is why I support the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act to strengthen our strategic ties and improve regional cooperation.
There are no better ambassadors for our country than our citizens. That’s why I was proud to introduce the U.S. Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act, which would allow for cities throughout the country to compete for the next World Fair.
Minnesota is home to more than 1,000 health care companies and 605 medical device companies, which in turn employs more than half a million Minnesotans. It is the government’s responsibility to be a resource, not a roadblock, on the road to advancement in this field. To that end, I firmly believe that if we are to guarantee access to the highest quality and most affordable care available, we must empower States to innovate and treat the many unique populations within their borders instead of mandating a “one-size-fits-all” health care system.
One of my top priorities since coming to Congress has been to repeal the medical device tax, which is expected to take billions from medical device manufactures - cutting into their research and development. Further, I believe the use of Health Savings Accounts can be expanded and should be encouraged, and we can also work to address medical malpractice and lawsuit abuse, and we can reduce fraud in government programs to ensure that they actually serve those most in need.
Here are some of the things I am working on in Congress to improve the delivery of care in Minnesota:
I lost my sister, Bridget, to breast cancer in January 2000. What my family faced and families across the country face when challenged by life-threatening disease and injuries is a reminder of why medical innovation and research is so important. That is why I have been a longtime advocate for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding.
We must protect pre-existing conditions. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act, which would guarantee individual health insurance availability.
Our nation is in the midst of a mental health crisis, and it is time for Congress to step up and look for ways to fix this pressing issue. I am an original cosponsor of the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act. This bill extends the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center program for two years, expanding access, especially to those in rural areas. Additionally, I have joined the Mental Health Caucus and passed the STRESS Act, which creates a suicide prevention program for farmers.
In the nearly two decades since the attacks on 9/11, American defense and homeland security policies have faced seismic shifts. Technological advancements coupled with increased demand for a U.S. military presence abroad has begun to expose cracks in our procurement process, national security strategy, and our protection of civil liberties.
As emerging nations take aim at American military superiority, we must strive to protect proprietary information and advancements in weapons technology. More accountability from the Department of Defense is necessary, and work with defense contractors needs to be closely monitored to bring costly programs within budget. Furthermore, we need to engage with nations and foster strategic alliances to protect ourselves at home and abroad.
With the power to apprehend criminals and prevent future attacks, the government must ensure that it takes every step to protect the civil liberties guaranteed by our Constitution and Congress must provide rigorous oversight of programs that threaten the rights of the individual.
Here is some of my more recent work to ensure the security of communities around the United States:
The Second Amendment is an essential civil right and a significant part of our heritage in Minnesota. Our founders understood that an individual’s right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty, and protection against a tyrannical government. Citizens must remain vigilant in order to protect their rights, and the ability to lawfully exercise these rights should remain free from government intrusion.
This is why I introduced the Firearm Due Process Protection Act, which would ensure due process is protected when the federal government falsely denies an individual the right to purchase a firearm.
Here are some other examples of my work to defend every American’s Second Amendment rights:
Our seniors have laid the foundation for the rich traditions and thriving communities we see throughout Minnesota. Senior citizens offer wisdom, varied experiences, and deep insights. Our seniors and their caregivers deserve to age with dignity and support, including access to the resources they need, and I will do my best to ensure that continues.
The long-term solvency and success of Social Security is something I take very seriously. According to the 2019 Social Security Trustees Report, the trust fund reserves are expected to be depleted by 2035. As Congress works to balance the current unsustainable budget, I remain committed to preserving Social Security for current beneficiaries and making these programs solvent for generations to come.
It is paramount that Americans have access to the resources and information they have worked a lifetime to obtain. I will continue to work to ensure that the government keeps its promises to America's seniors, honoring the commitment that so many depend upon in their retirement years.
Here is some of my work to support our seniors as they enter their golden years:
Trade agreements help spur economic growth, create high-paying jobs, and protect consumers. Policies that will foster innovation and efficiency while working to create a level playing field for all American workers and businesses are vital to our success as a nation.
As a steadfast supporter of trade, I understand the importance of opening up new markets to our local economies. Minnesota exports nearly $21 billion worth of manufactured products and agricultural goods every year. Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District’s two primary economic drivers are agriculture and manufacturing, both of which depend on open markets to sell their product. That is why I support fully lifting the embargo to Cuba so that the country’s estimated $2 billion market can become a destination for Minnesotan and American-made products. Trade with Cuba not only benefits our local and national economies, it improves our national security by advancing the economic development and human rights of the Cuban people.
Trade with Mexico and Canada holds a particular importance to the American economy, as both countries represent two of America’s largest economic partners. Canada accounts for more trade with the U.S. than all 28 European nations combined and is Minnesota’s top trading partner. Similarly, Mexico consistently ranks as a top trading partner, with a nearly ten-fold increase in trade activity between the two countries since the 1990s. That is why I support an expedited approval of the improved United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) to open back up the markets of our two closest neighbors and put the United States on an even playing field.
Here are some examples of my work on trade:
Investment in transportation infrastructure is a paramount duty of Congress and has a tangible effect on economic growth. The Sixth Congressional District serves as a vital transportation hub with interregional freight corridors, airports, major waterways, rail, and commuter lines that move goods and services across the globe.
Congress must provide certainty to states by providing long-term federal transportation funding for needed infrastructure repairs and improvements. Funding to improve roads, bridges, and highways need to be targeted and efficient. Continuing the capacity expansion of the Interstate 94W Corridor; rail-grade separation and safety improvements along US-10 and US-12; and supporting transportation initiatives in the district are my top priorities.
Congress must also work to create efficiency within the infrastructure permitting process to get these critical projects moving forward and to protect our air, land, and freight transportation system.
Here is some of my recent work to get Minnesota moving again:
As a nation, we have a sacred obligation to our veterans. Those who have sacrificed so much must know that their voices are being heard in Congress. I have and will continue to work diligently with my colleagues to ensure proper oversight of the Veterans Administration to protect the benefits our veterans have earned.
Congress must hold the VA accountable and remove red tape that keeps it from doing its primary function—helping veterans. As millions of veterans return home, programs covering mental health, business, education, and home loans must be properly funded and administered.
Since I was first elected to Congress, I have supported historic improvements to the VA’s community care program as well as a massive overhaul of the outdated appeals and benefits claims system. Additionally, I have helped to adopt critical policy changes to bring much-needed accountability for those who fail in their duty to help our nation’s heroes. From the Sixth Congressional District’s two VA facilities, the St. Cloud VA Medical Center and the Ramsey Community Based Outpatient Clinic, to the over 38,000 individual veterans who call Minnesota’s Sixth their home, I will continue to fight for the brave men and women who have fought for our freedoms.
Here is a snapshot of my work to support our nation’s heroes, our veterans:
In over a decade since the attacks on 9/11, American defense and homeland security have faced seismic shifts. Technological advancements coupled with increased demand for a U.S. military presence abroad has begun to expose cracks in our procurement process, national security strategy, and our protection of civil liberties.
As emerging nations take aim at American military superiority, we must strive to protect proprietary information and advancements in weapons technology. We must bring more accountability to the Department of Defense and work with defense contractors to bring costly programs within budget.
America must set realistic goals. Costly shifts in policy such as the Asia Pivot have proven insufficient and ineffective. Furthermore, we must engage with nations and foster strategic alliances to protect ourselves at home and abroad.
With the power to apprehend criminals and prevent future attacks, the government must ensure that it takes every step to protect the civil liberties guaranteed by our Constitution and Congress must provide rigorous oversight of programs that threaten the rights of the individual.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is more than just a slogan; it is a way of life for all Minnesotans.
There is a delicate balance between maintaining our state’s abundant resources and maintaining steady job creation and economic output. Many environmental policies that come out of Washington harm industries such as agriculture and mining which are vital to our success as a state.
We need to cut back the regulations that stifle private industry and make sure that any government programs—new or existing—help, not hinder, Minnesotans from taking full advantage of the natural resources our state provides.
The world that we inhabit today is constantly changing and improving as a result of the evolving technology industry. These technological advances are thanks to American innovation, ingenuity and pioneering spirit. Our nation’s inventors should have strong laws that protect their rights and provide certainty. While intellectual property laws should protect our ideas and limit litigation, advances in technology have flourished under limited regulation.
Increased regulation and bureaucracy will lead to higher costs and fewer choices. Congress should not impose new burdens on innovation, but instead allow this competitive sector of our economy to flourish and create new jobs.
As a result of these rapid technological advances, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) skills are becoming increasingly important which is why my office participates in the Congressional App Challenge every year. This Challenge is designed to encourage students to compete against their classmates and students across the state in creating their own mobile device applications, better known as an app. Students who train in these fields will be better equipped to advance their career in a world dominated by technology.
In addition to the Congressional App Challenge, I introduced legislation titled the Advancing and Promoting Programming Act. This legislation will help American innovators more easily access the tools and resources necessary to create apps, helping to keep America competitve and relevant in an increasingly advancing world.
I have also been active in supporting the expansion of broadband. I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 3805, the Broadband Conduit Deployment Act, which seeks to include broadband conduit installation in certain highway construction projects. This would largely reduce the cost of broadband construction overall. To learn more about the importance of broadband, click here to read my op-ed in the St. Cloud Times.