Tag: CD3

House Republicans Vote to Remove Consumer Protections & Risk Another Financial Crisis

NOTE:  Minnesota CD3 Representative Erik Paulsen vote to enact this bill.


 

MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP

This week, House Republicans passed the Wrong Choice Act, which would dismantle consumer protections and allow Wall Street to engage in the same kind of risky practices that led to the financial crisis in 2008. The bill would gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has returned $12 billion to 29 million Americans who were wronged by financial institutions, as well as eliminate rules of the road to prevent another financial crisis and taxpayer bailouts.

Unfortunately, the Wrong Choice Act is another example of Republicans rolling back protections for workers, consumers, investors, teachers and students, public health, and others – instead of addressing the priorities of the American people. Republicans have had control of both chambers of Congress and the White House for nearly six months, and they have failed to deliver for the American people. Among other failures, they haven’t yet put forward a single jobs bill or an infrastructure bill; they haven’t proposed a budget or started the process to fund the government; and they haven’t introduced comprehensive tax reform.

In the Senate, FBI Director Comey testified before the Intelligence Committee yesterday, and he reiterated that Russia interfered in the election and that they will do it again if we do not get to the bottom of what happened. He was right – this isn’t a partisan issue. We must work together to protect the integrity of our democracy. That is why I continue to call for an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 election and ties between Russia and President Trump’s campaign.  The American people deserve a public investigation and the full truth, and Democrats will continue to urge Republicans to work with us to establish such a commission.

Sincerely yours,

How the Financial Choice Act Hurts Americans

NOTE:  Minnesota CD3 Representative Erik Paulsen voted to enact this bill June 8, 2017.

The following article by Aaron Klein was posted on the Fortune Magazine website June 7, 2017:

Shoppers peruse supermarket aisle. Photograph by Tim Boyle—Getty Images

Congress this week is considering the Choice Act, which would roll back regulations enacted after the 2007 financial crisis, particularly those designed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Yet, the legislation goes even further and limits consumer access to information that could help them make better choices.

One of the hallmarks of conservative regulatory philosophy is that educated and empowered consumers are preferable to government bureaucrats, regulations, and prohibitions. Yet, the conservatives in the House of Representatives appears ready to pass the CHOICE Act this week and in the process legally prohibit publishing data the government collects on consumer complaints on financial services. This is a mistake and would cost consumers and businesses. It would also go against the universal values of fair markets and informed consumers. Continue reading “How the Financial Choice Act Hurts Americans”

Paulsen Vote Tracker H.R. 10 Financial Choice Act of 2017 #badvotes

Status:  Passed in the House of Representatives

SUMMARY:  Rolls back the Dodd-Frank regulatory protections that were implemented following the 2008 economic crash.  The bill weakens the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).  The CFPB would be restructured as an executive branch agency with a single director who could be removed at will by the President.  The bill would remove the CFPB’s authority to police abusive acts and practices, including removing oversight of payday loans and arbitration agreements.

The bill removes the authority that provides regulators with a process for winding down large financial institutions in distress.  It would eliminate the ability of regulators to designate large non-banking financial institutions as systematically important, a label that comes with heightened oversight. Continue reading “Paulsen Vote Tracker H.R. 10 Financial Choice Act of 2017 #badvotes”

Spreading conspiracy theories in letter

Congressman Erik Paulsen is misrepresenting himself to his constituents, and it is unacceptable.  He wrote a commentary in the Chaska Herald last week, June 1, titled “Government can do better for veterans.”

In this article he discusses various “bipartisan” actions he is taking and also expressed concern for the number of veterans facing unemployment.

Yet, Paulsen voted for the American Health Care Act which, if put into law, would actually hurt our veterans.  The cuts to Medicaid alone would affect nearly one out of 10 veterans, according to Families USA. Continue reading “Spreading conspiracy theories in letter”

Where is the guy I voted for last fall?

This is an open letter to Congressman Erik Paulsen.

A neighbor showed me the letter you mailed to your donors this weekend. In it, you warned about “radical left-wing” Democrats paying outsiders to protest your recent health care vote.

“Their mission, of course, is to take back the majority and re-install San Francisco’s Nancy Pelosi as your Speaker.” Continue reading “Where is the guy I voted for last fall?”

The thirst for town-hall interaction is not partisan

As a voter in Minnesota’s Third Congressional District, I take some issue with the Star Tribune’s description of Rep. Keith Ellison’s town hall in Rep. Erik Paulsen’s district. Jon Tevlin, in his June 7 column “Health care debate is ‘legacy’ of the times,” describes the audience as a “clearly partisan crowd.” I disagree. There were Republicans, Democrats and independents present. It was a publicly posted and advertised meeting, and all were welcome to attend. The “partisanship” we felt was frustration at Paulsen, who refuses to engage in public discussions, and our combined desire to finally hear from someone in Washington about what is happening — someone willing to take unscripted questions and give us sincere answers of what he believes, whether we agree with him or not.

Paulsen was specifically invited but chose not to attend. He did, however, send one of his lesser-known and recognizable district staff members to sit near the back and listen in. I can only hope that he heard what happened and decides that perhaps hosting a real town hall meeting with Minnesota Nice voters is not as scary as he thinks it is. Rep. Tom Emmer did it. From all accounts, there were disagreements, but the Emmer town hall remained civil and orderly. Why is Paulsen so afraid of his own constituents? Could it be that he knows his votes and position statements are indefensible?

Gretchen Haynes, Eden Prairie
Star Tribune, June 8, 2017

NOTE:  This event was organized by Indivisible MN03, a group not part of the Minnesota DFL. We report on their efforts along with other organizations’ on our Activist Alerts page. 

Al Franken Comes Out and Says What Most Americans Really Think of Trumpcare

The following article by Alexandra Rosenmann was posted on the AlterNet website May 30, 2017:

The Minnesota senator calls on his Republican colleagues to kill an “awful bill.”

While they review the much-maligned American Health Care Act, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) issued a stern warning to his Republican colleagues in the Senate.

“I don’t think the Republicans can do this themselves, and they shouldn’t,” he said in a “CBS This Morning” interview May 30. “What came out of the House is just dreadful.” Continue reading “Al Franken Comes Out and Says What Most Americans Really Think of Trumpcare”

Democracy isn’t just about elections

To the Editor:

I cannot understand why everyone is not requesting that Congressman Erik Paulsen hold a live, interactive town hall meeting. The people have a right to ask why Paulson is supporting this travesty of a health care act. And he has a right to explain his vote and defend his action. Let’s talk and discuss as fellow Americans.

We are supposed to have government of the people, by the people, for the people. Congressman Paulson is supposed to represent we the people.

Surely, some order could be maintained by nonpartisan coordinators or monitors or even law enforcement. Democracy should be a dynamic process, not a one-time thing each election day. There are serious matters before us and this is only one of them.

Meanwhile, I urge everyone to consider signing the ongoing petition effort at www.change.org (click on Health Care under Topics on the lower right) calling for action to strip members of Congress of their health care. Their vote should impact them as much as it impacts each of us.

Steve Chicoine, Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, May 27, 2017

Paulsen’s AHCA vote a disaster for constituents

Erik Paulsen’s recent ACHA [sic] vote is another example of tax cuts for the wealthiest. Despite the flood of calls, letters and demonstrations from his constituents against it, he chose to ignore them. The ACHA [sic] is a “success” for the top 1 percent among us, and is an absolute disaster for the well-being of the people of the Congressional District 3 he serves, and the rest of the country.

Paulsen’s party before country agenda has been to repeal and replace the ACA Period. Not improving it. Not getting more Minnesotans and Americans insured. Not making health insurance more affordable and certainy not saving and cherishing human life. With the CBO showing that 23 million Americans will be adversely affected by this, there is no doubt. Paulsen’s vote in favor of the ACHA [sic] is a disgrace and a blemis on Minnesota He has betrayed us.

Michelle Beddor, Chanhassen
Lakeshore Weekly, June 1, 2017

What kind of conscience does Paulsen have?

To the Editor:

We would like to connect the dots between Rep. Erik Paulsen, our representative, and his callous vote for the AHCA . Erik has been flying under the radar as a moderate Minnesotan, a nice guy, a math guy. Erik cast his vote before the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office had a chance to score it for its impact on people and on the budget. As of last Wednesday we know the CBO projects that by 2026, 56 million people are expected to uninsured. Reduced spending on health care will affect the middle class, the poor, the sick, the elderly and the disabled. Should a form of the Republican House bill pass, every millionaire could receive large tax cuts paid for by the cut in care to 32 million people. Whether or not a form of this bill is ever passed, Erik’s constituents should ask what kind of conscience must he have in order to put so many in dire conditions while the wealthy benefit once again?

We think Congressional District 3 can and should do better than Erik Paulsen!

Art and Jane Price, Coon Rapids
Anoka County Union Herald, June 1, 2017