Tom Emmer

SCAM Act

in committee

Securing Facilities for Mental Health Services Act

in committee

Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act

in committee

“Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Ethel Larson Pegelow. Born on February 23, 1926, Ethel has called the great state of Minnesota home since she was first married in 1947. Before starting her life in Minnesota, Ethel worked as a riveter and bucker on B-17 airplanes at the Boeing B-17 assembly plant in Seattle, Washington. On the 5,000th B-17 built since the Pearl Harbor attack, Ethel got to sign her name on the belly of the plane. She has lived through history, and one can only imagine the stories she can tell. Ethel is blessed beyond measure with four children, twelve grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. Her cup overflows. To this day, Ethel loves playing cards, hosting family gatherings, baking, and visiting Arizona in the winter. After 100 years, Ethel still lives an incredibly active life. Her enthusiasm for life should inspire us all. There is no doubt that Ethel is a rock for her entire family. Her strength, wisdom, and grace have served her well in these last 100 years and will continue to for many more. Turning 100 is no small feat. This historic milestone is one to celebrate, and it is my honor to extend our heartfelt congratulations from the U.S. House of Representatives. Jacquie and I pray that God will continue to richly bless her and her family with good health, peace, and joy. ____________________”

2026-05-14 · Government Reform

“Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gene Janikula for his many decades of public service on the Woodland Township board in Wright County, Minnesota. For 61 years, Gene has honorably served his community and fellow citizens with diligence and integrity. His lifelong dedication has left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. Gene's service began in 1965 when he was first elected to the Woodland Township board as constable on March 9, 1965. On March 25, 1970, he was appointed treasurer to fill out a term. After that, he was elected treasurer every two years, ultimately serving as treasurer for 38 years. In 2008, he ran for and was elected supervisor, serving in that position for over 18 years. Throughout his time on the Woodland Township board, he was a very active member of the Wright County Township Officers. He has also served as Chairman of the Watertown Fire Department Board, Director of Wright County Economic Development Partnership, and Chairman of the Minnesota Association of Townships Legislative and Research Committee. In gratitude for his service, the Woodland Township board unanimously passed a resolution to establish March 17, 2026, as Gene Janikula Day in Wright County. In addition to the recognition from Wright County, it is an honor to highlight Gene's dedication to Woodland Township from the U.S. House of Representatives. His service has left a lasting impact on both the community and its citizens. Gene's leadership has been a pillar of Woodland Township for decades, and those who follow in his footsteps will continue to build on the strong foundation he leaves behind. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. ____________________”

2026-04-09 · Government Reform

“Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of the Norwegian Americans in the 99th Infantry Battalion during World War II. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Jon Grunseth for sharing his family's history with us. 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. The 99th Infantry Battalion, also known as the Norwegian American Ski Battalion, hailed from Minnesota. Rieder Grunseth, a Norwegian born immigrant to Wayzata, Minnesota, dropped out of law school at the University of Minnesota to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1942. As a member of the 99th Infantry Battalion, Rieder Grunseth provided us with these accounts. The 99th Infantry Battalion, also referred to as the ``99th'', consisted of mostly Norwegian born men, specially trained in mountain warfare as ski troopers. In 1943, over 70 of these men were recruited by the Office of Strategic Services, the U.S. intelligence agency during WWII, for special operations in the war. The 99th had many great accomplishments during WWII, which led to the Allied powers success. I would like to highlight one of their greatest accomplishments, Operation Percy Red in August 1944. Seventeen of these brave men parachuted into France to help the French resistance liberate the Haut Vienne region from the Nazis. Percy Red was one of the most successful American behind-the-lines actions during the war in Europe. The story further details how these men went on to China and Vietnam in the summer of 1945 to assist the forces of freedom in that part of the world. Historic events like these are the reason the Allied troops prevailed in WWII. These men served our Nation heroically, and we as Americans are sincerely grateful for it. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. ____________________”

2025-12-23 · Veterans