Hagedorn Reaffirms Commitment to Border Security

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) voted in favor of the House Appropriations bill to keep the government running and provide $1.375 billion for physical border security. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill and also declare a national emergency in order to fund his full physical barrier proposal. Hagedorn said:

“We have a responsibility to secure our borders, defend national security and advance a foreign policy of peace through strength. While funding 55 miles of physical barrier is a start, I wanted Congress to fully fund President Trump’s request for 243 miles of physical barrier on our Southern border.

“I have consistently said I support President Trump taking the necessary steps to declare a national emergency and reprogram appropriations to build physical barriers. I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump administration and my colleagues who are willing to prioritize border security in order to keep our nation safe and secure.

“This appropriations bill also encourages economic growth, building upon the strong optimism Americans have about the current economy. Rural communities will benefit through more than $3.7 billion for rural development programs and through $660 million for rural broadband expansion. I am also hopeful that funding for Small Business Administration loan programs will serve small businesses in Minnesota’s First District.

“Finally, I’m pleased the bill maintains strong pro-life policy protections regarding conscience protections and prohibitions on federal funding of abortion. The bill will advance drug treatment and recovery efforts, as well as funding to fight opioid abuse.”

Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family’s grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim’s father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota’s way of life

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