I want to take this opportunity to recognize our Veterans and servicemembers who gave their lives in service to this nation. We owe them our deepest gratitude and respect. Memorial Day is a celebration of those who have defended our nation and our values, but also serves a reminder of our responsibility to ensure every brave American and their family receive the benefits and services they deserve.

If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who needs help accessing their earned benefits, please contact my office at (303) 274-7944.

This week I helped secure the passage of two important bills – 1) H.R. 1500, the Consumers First Act to ensure the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau remains a powerful ally to consumers and middle class families across the country; and 2) H.R. 1994, the SECURE Act to make it easier for Americans to save for their future. Click below to see why these bills are important for you and your family.

 

Consumers First Act

One of the worst financial crises in our history was caused in part by a failure to have strong protections for consumers of financial products and services. The Consumers First Act ensures the CFPB can be a strong and independent federal agency with the mandate to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive financial practices.

SECURE Act

More than 100 million working age individuals do not have any retirement assets, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. The SECURE Act helps incentivize small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees and result in hundreds of thousands of new retirement accounts to help people save.

Over the course of the past month, we’ve seen Attorney General Barr refuse to release the full, unredacted version of the Mueller report, President Trump direct former White House counsel Don McGahn from testifying before Congress, and the Trump White House attempting to block the release of financial documents pertinent to congressional investigations.

One of many examples of congress doing its job is the House Financial Services Committee, of which I am a member, investigating Russian money laundering. The concern is that illicit funds may have moved through the accounts of the President and his businesses. It was reported earlier this week that anti-money-laundering specialists at Deutsche Bank made several warnings about suspicious transactions involving entities controlled by Donald Trump and Jared Kushner. President Trump tried to thwart the committee’s requests by suing Deutsche Bank and Capitol One to block them from turning over his financial documents. Fortunately, a judge ruled these financial institutions can release financial documents to Congress. And a second court ruling this week found that the President’s accounting firm must turn over his financial records to lawmakers.

This level of obstruction and lawlessness coming from the White House is deeply concerning and beyond compare. Congress has a constitutional right and responsibility to hold the executive branch accountable and should be able to carry out its investigatory work without interference. Congressional Republicans continue to stand by President Trump despite his disregard for the rule of law, but House Democrats will continue to weigh the many options on the table when it comes to taking action against those who refuse to cooperate with congressional orders.

I always say “’Tis a privilege to represent the people of the 7th Congressional District and Colorado.” Here’s why:

Congratulations to the class of 2019 and all the graduates from Jefferson County Public Schools! As a Jeffco alum, you have a strong foundation and a bright future ahead!

Jeffco’s very own D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School has been ranked the best high school in Colorado by U.S. News and World Report.

Congrats to two Golden High School graduates who are taking their running abilities to Austria to compete in world championships this summer.

There are so many exciting things happening in the 7th District. Look for our next newsletter for more highlights in your neighborhood.