Congressional Leadership: Results That Endure
U.S. Representative (MN-2 and MN-6), 2001–2007
Republican Nominee for U.S. Senate, 2006
From 2001 to 2007, I represented Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives, having entered Congress by defeating an incumbent, an outcome only one-in-a-hundred challengers achieve. In 2006, I was endorsed as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. I ran a high-profile, respectful campaign against now-Senator Amy Klobuchar and have maintained cordial relations with her since—demonstrating my commitment to civility and issue-focused leadership.
My Congressional service was grounded in principles that would later guide my presidencies at the University of North Dakota and the University of Colorado: bipartisan collaboration, strategic problem-solving, and service-driven leadership. The policies I helped shape still influence the future of higher education, rural development, national security, and global competitiveness.
This public service experience—focused on strengthening rural communities, expanding access to education, and defending democratic values—prepared me to lead flagship public research institutions that share these very commitments.
🤝 Leadership Through Bipartisanship
- Co-authored legislation with over 20 Democrats, earning a reputation for cross-party collaboration.
- Championed civil discourse in Congress and in academia, co-hosting national forums with former Democratic colleague, now UMass President, Marty Meehan.
🏣 Infrastructure and Innovation
- Shaped the SAFETEA Act and secured nearly $100 million in transportation funding.
- Authored FAST Lanes legislation, enabling congestion-reducing added express toll lanes.
- Led efforts to expand broadband and reduce telecom costs in rural communities.
- Advocated for $100 million in federal support to launch Northstar Commuter Rail.
Joining Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty as he implemented my FAST Act in the state.
🌾 Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
- Helped pass the 2002 Farm Bill, strengthening ag innovation and conservation.
- Saved Southern Minnesota Beet Growers by securing USDA emergency relief.
- Advocated for biofuels, renewable energy, and rural infrastructure.
- These initiatives directly reflect the land-grant mission of using research, innovation, and policy to serve rural communities.
🏫 Education and Opportunity
- Helped increase student aid by 80% (1998-2006).
- Supported raising the Pell Grant maximum by 52%.
- Championed TRIO, STEP, and CSI programs to boost access to college.
- Supported reauthorization and increased funding for career and technical education.
- Opposed No Child Left Behind’s overreach; supported local control and increased special education funding.
Reading "House Mouse, Senate Mouse - How a Bill Becomes a Law" to pre-schoolers in Princeton, Minnesota.
🚑 Health Care and Prescription Drug Reform
- Cast decisive vote for Medicare Part D, adding prescription drug benefits for seniors.
- Authored the Rural Access to Emergency Services Act.
- Delivered $170 million in rural hospital support.
- Supported significant increase in NIH funding.
- Advocated for health IT to reduce medical errors.
🌍 Global Engagement, Trade, and Diplomacy
- Represented the U.S. in diplomatic missions to China, Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand. Met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian. Visited a Hmong refugee camp.
- Cast deciding vote for Trade Promotion Authority, enabling key U.S. trade deals.
- Advocated for democracy and human rights globally.
Meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in 2005 on behalf of the U.S. State Department.
Meeting with Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian in 2005 on behalf of the U.S. State Department.
💵 Economic Growth, Taxes, and Energy Independence
- Supported tax relief and savings tools for families and small businesses.
- Supported skills development and small business loans.
- Advanced hydrogen, wind, and biofuel legislation.
💊 Law Enforcement and Drug Control
- Passed legislation to fight methamphetamine production and trafficking.
- Authored expanded Byrne Grant funding for local law enforcement.
- Supported interoperable communication systems for first responders.
🇺🇸 Defense and National Security
- Visited Iraq three times; acknowledged policy failures and advocated for course correction, including the successful surge strategy.
- Backed military family support, troop benefits, and armored vehicle funding.
- Supported creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
- Helped implement 9/11 Commission recommendations.
Flying over Tikrit, Iraq in 2003 with Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MA), now the President of the University of Massachusetts and General Odierno.
I was the only Republican U.S. Senate Candidate in 2006 to run and ad acknowledging that mistakes been made in Iraq and the need for a surge.
🧑🤝🧑 Constituent Service Highlights
- 🏈 Coach John Gagliardi Honored at the White House: Secured recognition for the legendary St. John’s University football coach—the winningest in college football history—with an official White House ceremony.
- 📜 St. John’s Bible at the Library of Congress: Helped bring the stunning, hand-illuminated St. John’s Bible to Washington, arranging for its historic display at the Library of Congress.
- 🌱 Saving the Beet Growers: When Southern Minnesota beet farmers faced ruin, I worked with the Department of Agriculture to secure the relief they needed to survive.
- 🎖️ Honoring Veterans: Personally secured and delivered long-overdue medals, including the Jubilee of Liberty, to hundreds of veterans across the district.
- 🚨 Rural EMS Grants: My first bill in Congress created a grant program for rural emergency medical services.
🏛 Civic Integrity and Values
- Ethics and Transparency: Proposed lobbying bans for former Members of Congress and pushed for earmark and ethics reform before it became politically fashionable.
These accomplishments reflect not just legislative success, but a philosophy of leadership that centers on service, respect, and principled action—qualities I have carried into every role since.
📊 Enduring Policy Impact
- 2002 Farm Bill (rural)
- Medicare Part D (seniors)
- Creation of the Department of Homeland Security (national security)
- SAFETEA & FAST Lanes (infrastructure)
- Rural EMS Grants - Authored (emergency services)
- Trade Promotion Authority - Deciding Vote (exports)
🌟 Bipartisanship in Action
“I co-authored bills with more than 20 Democrats, and over half of House Democrats co-sponsored at least one of my initiatives.”
Partnered with Democratic colleague Marty Meehan—now President of the University of Massachusetts—to host university forums on civil discourse.
🤝 Senate Race & Respectful Politics
My U.S. Senate race with Amy Klobuchar was one of the few to be featured in a debates on NBC’s Meet the Press. We maintain cordial ties today.
🎖️ Veterans’ Medals Delivered
I delivered over 250 Jubilee of Liberty medals authorized by the French government to be awarded to veterans of Operation Overlord that landed on Normandy beaches in World War II. Many of the children said discussing the medal with their parents resulted in the first time they opened up about their war experience.
🛡️ Standing Tall Under Fire
🎬 Mischaracterized in Fahrenheit 9/11. I maintained bipartisan focus despite national-level criticism.
🛋 Coach Gagliardi honored at White House
Thrilled to get St. John's University Coach John Gagliardi invited to the White House to honor his achieving the record for wins by a football coach.
