Michele Bachmann RSS Articles

Bachmann Recognizes Local Students with Monday Ceremony

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) recognized local students by presenting 10 certificates in recognition of military academy scholarships and nine Certificates of Merit on May 14 in Monticello, Minnesota.

“Each of these individuals excelled as both students and as citizens,” said Bachmann after the event. “It was my honor to be with the best and brightest in Minnesota – I am so proud of them for their hard work and dedication. These young men and women have bright futures ahead of them and I look forward to seeing their future accomplishments.”

The Congressional Certificate of Merit is awarded each year to high school seniors that have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and academic excellence during their high school career. The students listed below were nominated by school faculty or administrator and each school could only nominate one student.

Christopher Hammond, Sauk Rapids, Foley High School

Connor Winters, Blaine, Spring Lake Park High School

Hannah Pursley, Becker, Becker High School

Bryan Haider, Monticello, Monticello High School

Amelia Lax, Loretto, Delano High School

Brittany Friedrich, Rice, Sauk Rapids – Rice High School

Jeffrey Herrala, Andover, Anoka High School

Anna Huss, Zimmerman, Zimmerman High School

Patrick Hoeft, Hawick, Paynesville Area High School

Military academy scholarships are awarded to students who undergo a rigorous application process. The students below started the process by submitting academic scores, recommendation letters and an essay on the topic, “Why I want to Attend a Service Academy.” They then underwent an interview with current military officers before receiving their nomination.

Jeffrey Herrala, Andover, Anoka High School

Taiylar Mastey, Becker, Becker High School

Tyler Mergen, Monticello, Monticello High School

Zachary Stepan, Zimmerman, Zimmerman High School

Rachel Zigler, Big Lake, Big Lake High School

Cole Maetzold, Saint Michael, Culver Prep Academy

William Faust, Stillwater, Woodbury High School

Kevin Fedler, Woodbury, Hill-Murray School

Jonathan Gehrt, Woodbury, Woodbury High School

Matthew Howell, Big Lake, Big Lake High School

Nicholas Neuman, Avon, Albany Area High School

To view and download pictures of the presentations, click here.

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Bachmann Tours New Addition to St. Cloud Hospital

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On May 14, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) toured the new addition to the St. Cloud Hospital during its grand opening.

“The St. Cloud Hospital provides an outstanding service to the tri-county area, and has for generations,” said Bachmann. “This exciting expansion will meet 21st Century needs well into the future. I am pleased that the innovative care at the St. Cloud Hospital, from leading experts in the medical field, will serve thousands more in the region.”

The St. Cloud Hospital first opened in 1926, and the new construction began in 2007. Once opened, it will feature a 10-floor, 360,000 square foot expansion. Included in this expansion will be a larger ICU, a Family Birthing Center and multiple floors of private rooms.

The new wing will be open to patients later this summer.

To view and download pictures from Bachmann’s tour of the hospital, click here.

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Bachmann Statement on Withdrawal of Dual Swiss Citizenship

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) issued the following statement today about her decision to withdraw her dual Swiss citizenship:

"Today I sent a letter to the Swiss Consulate requesting withdrawal of my dual Swiss citizenship, which was conferred upon me by operation of Swiss law when I married my husband in 1978. I took this action because I want to make it perfectly clear: I was born in America and I am a proud American citizen. I am, and always have been, 100 percent committed to our United States Constitution and the United States of America. As the daughter of an Air Force veteran, stepdaughter of an Army veteran and sister of a Navy veteran, I am proud of my allegiance to the greatest nation the world has ever known."

Under Swiss law, Bachmann automatically received dual Swiss citizenship when she married her husband, a dual American and Swiss citizen, in 1978.

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Bachmann Responds to President’s Support of Gay Marriage

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) issued the following statement after President Barack Obama declared his support for gay marriage:

“The President’s announcement today shows how out of touch he is with the values of American families. The President continues to practice the politics of division and diversion. He’s tried to divide the country over gender, education, class, and now he’s attempting to divide families all as a diversion to his failed economic policies that have affected all Americans.

“Americans know better and support traditional marriage. In every state where marriage has been on the ballot, traditional marriage has prevailed. Even last night, in North Carolina, we saw traditional marriage defended.

“Marriage between one man and one woman is the foundation of our society. For more than 200 years, traditional marriage has been a cornerstone of the United States of America. I will do everything in my power to support and preserve traditional marriage and to protect American families.

“I was proud to introduce the first Constitutional amendment proposal in Minnesota when I served as a Minnesota state senator. I’m pleased that this November Minnesotans will have an opportunity to vote to defend traditional marriage. I will continue to protect traditional marriage, despite our president’s decision to thumb his nose at the traditional institution of marriage.”

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Bachmann Responds to Dual Citizenship Inquiries

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) issued the following statement about her dual citizenship with Switzerland:

“This is a non-story. I automatically became a dual citizen of the United States and Switzerland in 1978 when I married my husband, Marcus. Marcus is a dual American and Swiss citizen because he is the son of Swiss immigrants. As a family, we just recently updated our documents.

“I am proud of my husband, Marcus, the love of my life, and his Swiss heritage. Even though I have been a dual citizen since I was married in 1978, I have never exercised any rights of that citizenship. Rather, I have always pledged allegiance to our one nation under God, the United States of America. We live in the greatest nation humankind has ever known and I am proud to be an American.”

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Bachmann Provides House Voting Intentions

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

During the evening of Tuesday, May 8, and during the day of Wednesday, May 9, I missed House votes in order to attend the college graduation of my daughter, Elisa. Up to this point, I was proud to boast a 100% voting record in the Second Session of the 112^th Congress. However, if I had been present for these votes, here is how I would have voted:

Davis (IL) amendment Roll no. 213 Vote No

Grimm amendment Roll no. 214 Vote No

Huizenga amendment Roll no. 215 Vote Yes

Johnson (GA) amendment Roll no. 216 Vote No

Flake amendment Roll no. 217 Vote Yes

Westmoreland amendment Roll no. 218 Vote Yes

Scott (GA) amendment Roll no. 219 Vote Yes

Black amendment Roll no. 220 Vote Yes

Blackburn amendment Roll no. 221 Vote Yes

Broun amendment Roll no. 222 Vote Yes

Southerland amendment Roll no. 223 Vote Yes

H.R. 2072 Roll no. 224 Vote No

H.R. 4133 Roll no. 225 Vote Yes

Chaffetz amendment Roll no. 226 Vote Yes

Tierney amendment Roll no. 227 Vote No

Blackburn amendment Roll no. 228 Vote Yes

Duncan (SC) amendment Roll no. 229 Vote Yes

Garrett amendment Roll no. 230 Vote Yes

Schweikert amendment Roll no. 231 Vote Yes

Webster amendment Roll no. 232 Vote Yes

Flores amendment Roll no. 233 Vote Yes

Flores amendment Roll no. 234 Vote Yes

Stillwater Patch: OPINION: Michele Bachmann: Celebrating All Moms This Mother’s Day

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Each year on Mother’s Day, we take time to recognize the women in our lives who are many times our unsung heroes. Our moms are there to be our champions—they stick up for us; they encourage us and help us reach our full potential.

I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the encouragement, inspiration and love that my mother gave me each and every single day. And even at 56, I love hearing words of support from my mom who still resides in Anoka.

As a mother myself to five biological children and 23 foster children, I know the importance of having a strong female figure in a child’s life.

When my husband, Marcus, and I welcomed our foster children into our home, we wanted to provide them the love, support and stability that we provide to our biological children.

Unfortunately, many children in America are not afforded this same opportunity. There are currently over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, many of whom need a good home.

As a foster mom, I understand the unique challenges foster children face. Many of them have endured difficult situations and face uncertainty at every turn. But stability can be found for these children through a daily routine, friends at school, teachers who are familiar with their individual needs and through love and support in their foster home.

Foster moms – and dads – fill a crucial role. When a child experiences loss or confusion while away from their biological parents, then foster moms must nurture, support and celebrate the life of the child. These moms, by way of their position, must step in and be a strong female role model for the child or children in her care.

Appropriately, the same month of Mother’s Day, is also National Foster Care Month. I am proud to join my colleagues in the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth in an effort to raise awareness of the experiences of these youth and desire to see needless barriers removed from their lives.

This Mother’s Day, as you thank your own mother for all she does for you, I ask that you take a moment to learn more about foster care. Together, we can improve the lives of foster youth. And if you know any women who are foster moms, thank them for all they do, too.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is a Republican United States Representative from the Sixth District of Minnesota.

Originally published by Stillwater Patch.

Bachmann Announces Sixth District Winners of the Congressional Art Competition

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) announced the top four Congressional Art Competition winners from her district. The annual competition encourages high school students to enter their artwork to be judged by a panel of artists. The winning piece hangs in the U.S. Capitol for a year, representing Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District to thousands of visitors.

Breaking a three-year Woodbury High School winning streak, this year’s winner is Brenna Frost, a senior at Blaine High School. The winning piece is an acrylic painting titled “Self-Portrait.” Frost is the daughter of Paula Frost of Blaine, Minn.

Second place honors go to James Straw also from Blaine High School for his pastel titled “Smiling Down on Me.” Straw is a high school junior and the son of Scott and Jen Straw of Blaine, Minn.

Mandy Stratton won third place for her watercolor titled "Dancing Away with My Heart." Stratton, a senior at Blaine High School, is the daughter of Tom and Kathy Stratton of Ham Lake, Minn.

Kyra Anderson of Woodbury High School took fourth place for her photograph titled "End of the Journey." Anderson is a high school senior and the daughter of Allan and Sara Anderson of Woodbury, Minn.

After the competition, Bachmann said, “I always look forward to seeing the submitted art pieces. Central Minnesota is lucky to be home to so many talented, artistic students. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank you to all the participating students.”

Photos: Frost’s “Self-Portrait,” Straw’s “Smiling Down on Me,” and Stratton’s “Dancing Away with My Heart.” A photo of Anderson’s “End of the Journey” is not available.

Bachmann Releases Statement on Latest Unemployment Numbers

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) released the following statement regarding the latest unemployment numbers reported today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

“Mr. President, quit trying to divide the country and focus on creating jobs. This morning we learned that number of jobs created last month fell for the third straight month and is less than half of what it was just two months ago (from 240,000 jobs created in February to 115,000 jobs created this month). While I welcome the news that the unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent, that number is due to the increasing number of the nearly 23 million men and women who are unemployed, underemployed or are no longer even looking for work and have fallen out of the unemployment numbers. The truth is that fewer and fewer people are working each month as more Americans give up hope.

“But instead of proposing free market solutions to turn our economy around and create jobs, the President’s focus is on dividing our country through the phony “war on women,” or a fake debate on student loan rates, or through a campaign gimmick tax increase to incite class warfare. Not one of these policies will produce one single job. It’s time for the President to admit that his policies have failed, and try something already tested, the principles of the free market and limited government. When will the President learn that government doesn’t create jobs, but the free market does.

“What our economy needs is the legalization of energy production that would create millions of American jobs and decrease the price of gas. We need to repeal Obamacare that is “black cloud” suppressing the economy. We need to get rid of job killing regulations, like Dodd Frank, that are costing businesses billions of dollars. We need tax reform that will lower corporate taxes and increase American competitiveness. And most importantly, we need leadership.”

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Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-Chairs Recognize May as National Foster Care Month

Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, U.S. Reps.Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Tom Marino (R-Penn.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) and Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) made the following statement recognizing May as National Foster Care Month.

Rep. Karen Bass: “With more than 420,000 youth currently in our nation’s foster care system it is critical that we take time this month to raise awareness about the unique challenges young people in the system face. Joined with 50 of my other colleagues in the Foster Youth Caucus, we are committed to combining our unique and diverse experiences to bring a significant change to help youth prosper while in foster care and eventually find a permanent home.

Rep. Tom Marino: “As a foster parent and the father of two adopted children, it is an honor to join with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to recognize the importance of National Foster Care month. Our nation’s child welfare system faces a number of difficult challenges, but with increased awareness, coordinated state and federal efforts, and dedicated caregivers we will continue to make important advances in providing safer, stable, and caring environments for all foster youths.”

Rep. Jim McDermott: “As we celebrate the importance of National Foster Care Month, let’s remember that foster children need the same things to succeed that all children need – a safe home, a caring family, a good education and access to health care. I’m proud that my colleagues and I have been able to address many of the challenges that foster children face in a bipartisan manner. While we have made progress, there is still much more to do. I look forward to working with my colleagues, especially those on the Foster Care Caucus, to meet those challenges and enable every child in foster care to succeed.”

Rep Michele Bachmann: “I am delighted to join my colleagues in celebrating May as Foster Care Month. As a former foster mom to 23 beautiful girls, I am familiar with the varied experiences of these youth and desire to see needless barriers removed from their lives. Every life is valuable, and I hope that throughout the month of May, we’ll be able to raise awareness to the needs of foster children across the United States.”

To learn more about the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth visit fosteryouthcaucus.org.

About the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth:
Founded in 2011, the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth was created by co-chairs Reps. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Tom Marino (R-Penn.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) and Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) to protect and promote the welfare of all children in foster care and those who have “aged out” of the system. The Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth provides a forum for Members of Congress to discuss and develop policy recommendations to strengthen the child welfare system and improve the overall well-being of youth and families.

Michele Bachmann RSS Articles

Bachmann Recognizes Local Students with Monday Ceremony

Bachmann Tours New Addition to St. Cloud Hospital

Bachmann Statement on Withdrawal of Dual Swiss Citizenship

Bachmann Responds to President’s Support of Gay Marriage

Bachmann Responds to Dual Citizenship Inquiries

Bachmann Provides House Voting Intentions

Stillwater Patch: OPINION: Michele Bachmann: Celebrating All Moms This Mother’s Day

Bachmann Announces Sixth District Winners of the Congressional Art Competition

Bachmann Releases Statement on Latest Unemployment Numbers

Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-Chairs Recognize May as National Foster Care Month

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