{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"WI\" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-merger-exclusivity-discussion-draft", "Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Merger Exclusivity Discussion Draft", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, has introduced a discussion draft of legislation to provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) with exclusive authority to review or challenge certain mergers and acquisitions with an inherent interstate or international nexus.\n\n\u201cOver the last two years, we have witnessed multiple attempts by Democrat state attorneys general to challenge mergers and acquisitions that have already been approved by multiple federal and foreign regulators,\u201d said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. \u201cThese lawsuits\u2014which are based entirely on political disagreements rather than legitimate antitrust concerns\u2014provide uncertainty to businesses and harm consumers who would otherwise benefit from the efficiencies of a completed transaction. State AGs should not be able to delay mergers that extend beyond their territorial borders. My bill promotes federalism by asserting the federal government\u2019s role as the sole authority in transactions effecting interstate commerce.\u201d\n\nCongressman Fitzgerald\u2019s proposed National Merger Uniformity and Federal Exclusivity Act would grant the FTC and DOJ with exclusive authority to investigate, challenge, approve, consent to, or settle transactions that are reasonably likely to have substantial direct economic effects on interstate or international commerce, foreign markets, international supply chains, or trade between the United States and foreign countries. State AGs would still be allowed to participate in reviews or challenges brought by federal regulators, and the bill would not affect a state\u2019s ability to challenge mergers that are inherently intrastate.\n\nView the discussion draft here.\n\nAny person who wishes to provide feedback on the draft legislation may contact Congressman Fitzgerald\u2019s Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-5101 for further guidance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-presents-racine-physicians-with-2026-health-care-hero-awards", "Steil Presents Racine Physicians with 2026 Health Care Hero Awards", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Racine, WI \u2013 Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) presented Dr. Paul Durbin and Dr. Patricia Golden with Wisconsin\u2019s First Congressional District\u2019s 2026 Health Care Hero of the Year Award for their exceptional service to patients and communities across Southeast Wisconsin.\n\n\u201cOur community is incredibly grateful for the health care professionals working on the front lines. Dr. Durbin and Dr. Golden exemplify the compassion, dedication, and selflessness that define our health care heroes. Their commitment to their patients, colleagues, and communities has made a lasting difference across Southeast Wisconsin. Congratulations to Dr. Durbin and Dr. Golden.\u201d\n\nRep. Steil (left) with Dr. Patricia Golden (middle) and Dr. Paul Durbin (right)\n\nDr. Paul Durbin, recognized as Wisconsin\u2019s First Congressional District's Healthcare Worker of the Year. Dr. Durbin is an internal medicine physician who has served patients at Ascension All Saints in Racine for 28 years. According to his nomination, Dr. Durbin he has built lasting relationships with patients and their families while earning recognition for his expertise in preventive medicine and chronic disease management. He has received six Guardian Angel Awards and has been repeatedly recognized as a Top Doctor by local publications.\n\nBeyond his medical practice, Dr. Durbin has dedicated himself to serving vulnerable populations in Racine and around the world. For 13 years, he has helped lead an annual medical mission to Guatemala, coordinating nearly 70 volunteers to provide medical and dental care to underserved communities. He also serves on the board of HALO, Racine\u2019s homeless shelter, volunteers through Grace Church, and has helped lead Ascension\u2019s Medical Mission at Home events. Alongside his wife, Jennifer, Dr. Durbin has also opened their home to foster children, including medically complex children who require specialized care.\n\nRep. Steil with Dr. Paul Durbin\n\nDr. Patricia Golden, recognized as a Health Care Hero, is a family medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. According to her nomination, Dr. Golden\u2019s career has focused on improving the health of individuals, families, and communities across southeastern Wisconsin. For more than 20 years, she has balanced compassionate patient care with physician leadership and has served for more than a decade as Medical Director of Ascension Wisconsin\u2019s Community Clinics, providing clinical leadership for programs serving Southeast Wisconsin's most vulnerable residents.\n\nDr. Golden has also served for more than 10 years as Medical Advisor to the Franklin Health Department, helping guide public health planning, disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and community wellness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped lead Ascension Wisconsin\u2019s regional response and develop a mobile testing playbook that was shared with other health systems, public health agencies, and community partners. She continues to mentor future health care professionals, recruit physicians to southeastern Wisconsin, and volunteer with organizations serving underserved communities.\n\nRep. Bryan Steil with Dr. Patricia Golden\n\nFor more photos from the event, click here.\n\nBackground:\n\nRecipients of this award were nominated by residents of Wisconsin and selected by Wisconsin\u2019s First Congressional District\u2019s Health Care Advisory Board.\n\nThe Advisory Board is comprised of health care professionals across Southeast Wisconsin.\n\nThe Advisory Board evaluated nominees on the following criteria:\n\nSERVICE: Displays exemplary service and performance in their profession.\n\nDEDICATION: Upholds the standard of providing unsurpassed care and treatment for their patients and goes above and beyond the call of duty in performing their responsibilities.\n\nSELFLESSNESS: Displays self-sacrifice and selflessness in caring for others.\n\nNominees must reside in Wisconsin\u2019s 1st Congressional District and be a licensed health care professional.\n\nThis is the seventh annual 1st Congressional District Health Care Hero of the Year Award.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-sanction-russia-and-iran-and-lower-costs-imposed-left", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Sanction Russia and Iran and to Lower Costs Imposed by Left-Wing Climate Mandates", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and two joint resolutions challenging left-wing environmental regulations that have unnecessarily driven up costs.\n\nOn the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act:\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s foreign policy must put the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people first,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cRussia and Iran are hostile regimes that threaten our national interests and continue to undermine stability around the world. This legislation gives the United States greater leverage to hold these regimes and those who support them accountable. Stronger sanctions give us greater leverage to force Russia to the negotiating table and pursue a lasting peace in Ukraine. These sanctions also strengthen our ability to confront the Iranian regime and protect American interests from its terrorist activities and nuclear ambitions.\u201d\n\nBackground: This bill imposes broad sanctions and economic restrictions on Russia in response to its war against Ukraine. It targets Russian government officials, financial institutions, state-owned entities, energy projects, defense suppliers, sanctions evaders, and vessels used to transport Russian energy products. The bill also authorizes tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian imports and up to 100 percent on goods from certain countries that continue purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil or natural gas or facilitate sanctions evasion. It extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031.\n\nOn H.J. Res 213:\n\n\u201cGreen New Deal activists should not be allowed to use the federal government to impose costly environmental mandates that drive up prices for American workers, businesses, and consumers,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThese burdensome regulations do nothing to make Americans safer or more prosperous, and they threaten jobs and economic growth. I\u2019m proud to support this resolution to roll back these costly mandates and put American economic interests first.\u201d\n\nBackground: This resolution overturns a Biden-Harris Administration waiver that allows California to impose costly and burdensome mandates on ferries, tugboats, work boats, and commercial fishing boats. These requirements would cost maritime operators and consumers more than $2.5 billion and would not result in a meaningful reduction in emissions.\n\nOn H.J. Res. 210:\n\n\u201cThe United States cannot sacrifice our energy security in pursuit of radical climate policies,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThese costly regulations threaten our energy supply, drive up prices for hardworking Americans, and put critical fuel supplies for our military at risk. I\u2019m proud to support this resolution to overturn another reckless Biden-Harris Administration waiver.\u201d\n\nBackground: This resolution overturns a Biden-Harris Administration waiver covering ocean-going oil tankers docked in California waters. These rules disrupt oil imports and are contributing to refinery closures, including refineries supplying critical jet fuel for military use.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-landmark-reform-judicial-conduct-and-disability-act", "Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Landmark Reform of Judicial Conduct and Disability Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, introduced the Judicial Conduct and Disability Reform Act, the first major overhaul of the Judicial Conduct and Disability (JCDA) Act in more than 45 years and the latest since 2002.\n\n\u201cThe case of Judge Pauline Newman has exposed major flaws in the JCDA that warrant Congressional attention,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cFor more than three years, Judge Newman has been unable to hear any cases while her case drags on. Meanwhile, the Chief Justice refused to grant Judge Newman\u2019s request to transfer the proceedings to another circuit despite an obvious bias at the Federal Circuit and has now denied her petition for judicial review. My bill will correct this injustice against Judge Newman and ensure judges cannot be subjected to indefinite suspensions without due process.\u201d\n\nThe Judicial Conduct and Disability Reform Act makes four key reforms to the JCDA:\n\nProvides a statutory time limit for Judicial Conduct and Disability (JC&D) proceedings;\n\nRequires the mandatory transfer of cases against certain Circuit Court judges;\n\nCreates limited judicial review for challenging suspension orders; and\n\nEstablishes an objective standard of recusal from JC&D proceedings.\n\nThe bill also increases oversight and notification procedures to Congress when judges are subject to certain judicial conduct proceedings. This is a change from current law, which requires Congressional notification only when the Judicial Conference determines impeachment may be warranted.\n\n\u201cFor decades, the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act has helped ensure that judges who engage in unethical conduct are held accountable. But developments like Judge Newman's suspension and Judge Ross' misbehavior underscore the need for modernization,\u201d said Executive Director of Fix the Court Gabe Roth. \u201cRep. Fitzgerald's amendments would strengthen the JCDA in several respects, by limiting the maximum duration of suspensions, facilitating the transfer of complaints where appropriate and enhancing Congress\u2019s oversight responsibilities. They constitute a valuable contribution to judicial accountability, and Fix the Court is proud to endorse Rep. Fitzgerald's work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Judicial Conduct and Disability Act was last amended almost a quarter of a century ago. Since then, high-profile proceedings have revealed gaps and flaws that warrant Congressional attention,\u201d said federal judicial ethics expert Professor Arthur D. Hellman. \u201cI applaud Rep. Fitzgerald for introducing this bill, which makes modest but important changes in the Act\u2019s procedures. Although the bill responds particularly to the concerns raised by what has been called the \u2018stealth impeachment\u2019 of Judge Pauline Newman of the Federal Circuit, its provisions are broadly applicable and will serve the interests of judges and complainants alike.\u201d\n\nBackground: The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 (28 U.S.C. \u00a7\u00a7 351-364) authorizes any person, including the chief judge of the circuit, to file or initiate a written complaint alleging that a federal judge either has engaged in \u201cconduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts,\u201d or \u201cis unable to discharge all the duties\u201d of the office due to mental or physical disability. In 2023, Judge Pauline Newman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was the victim of a misconduct and disability investigation initiated by the Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit, who also chaired the judicial council charged with reviewing the complaint. In 2025, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a district court\u2019s earlier ruling that it lacked standing to hear Judge Newman\u2019s challenge of the suspension due to 28 U.S.C. \u00a7 357(c)\u2019s bar on judicial review and, in June 2026, the Supreme Court denied Judge Newman\u2019s petition for certiorari.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-strengthen-federal-fight-against-fraud", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Strengthen Federal Fight Against Fraud", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of two critical pieces of legislation today: the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 and the Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act.\n\nOn the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act:\n\n\u201cAmerican taxpayers work too hard to have their money siphoned away by fraudsters,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThis legislation gives the Department of Justice a permanent structure dedicated to going after major fraud schemes and holding those who steal from taxpayers accountable. There is zero excuse for not taking fraud seriously and the House of Representatives took action today to guarantee the DOJ can continue shutting these schemes down.\u201d\n\nBackground: This bill codifies the National Fraud Enforcement Division in federal law. This is critical to ensure the Department of Justice has a permanent structure focused on major fraud investigations and prosecutions to protect taxpayer dollars.\n\nOn the PROOF Act:\n\n\u201cFederal investigators can\u2019t crack down on fraud if they can\u2019t get the information needed to uncover it,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThe PROOF Act closes critical information gaps and gives DOJ the ability to access state program data when investigating fraud cases. If someone is stealing from a taxpayer-funded program, it\u2019s a no-brainer that investigators should have the tools to find them, follow the money, and hold them accountable.\u201d\n\nBackground: This bill requires states provide program data when the Attorney General makes a written request related to a fraud investigation or prosecution. This applies to Medicaid, SNAP, unemployment benefits, pandemic relief, disaster assistance, housing programs, broadband funding, and other federally funded state programs determined to be vulnerable to fraud.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5975", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cI continue to support Ukraine as they fight to protect their country and sovereignty against a brutal Russian invasion. We can and must put economic pressure on the bad actors driving this invasion, including Putin\u2019s cronies and those supporting the Russian oil industry.\n\nThis Administration has squandered many opportunities to use existing sanction authorities to press Russia. In fact, after starting a war with Iran, the Trump administration relaxed existing sanctions on Russia, further fueling the Russian war machine. I will oppose this legislation because it does not ensure the Trump administration will take action against Putin\u2019s unchecked war in Ukraine. It also includes an extension of existing Iran sanctions that would easily pass with bipartisan support if brought to the Floor as a stand-alone bill.\n\nInstead of expanding Trump\u2019s tariff powers, the Republican-led Congress should be reining him in. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, Trump\u2019s tariffs have already spiked costs for working families and created chaos for small businesses. Not to mention, the Supreme Court ruled that some of Trump\u2019s tariffs were illegal.\n\nThere is a better way to support our ally Ukraine that doesn\u2019t involve emboldening a rogue President, like with the Ukraine Support Act.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/small-business-committee-advances-two-bills-introduced-rep-wied", "Small Business Committee Advances Two Bills Introduced by Rep. Wied", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 The House Committee on Small Business today advanced two bills introduced by Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) with bipartisan support.\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s strengthening cybersecurity for small businesses or helping bring manufacturing back home, I am committed to doing everything I can to put Main Street first and give small businesses the tools they need to continue driving our economy,\u201d said Congressman Wied. \u201cThese commonsense pieces of legislation were designed to make life easier for small business owners. I am pleased to see them advance through committee, and I look forward to working to pass them through the House.\u201d\n\nDuring today\u2019s markup, members of the Small Business Committee unanimously voted to advance both the Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act and the Reshoring American Manufacturing Act.\n\nThe Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act:\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices.\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of War, to provide specific information related to the levels of cybersecurity requirements for the Department of War\u2019s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).\n\nRequires the Administrator to consult the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA\u2019s Office of Advocacy annually to determine best practices for disseminating information to small businesses.\n\nThe Reshoring American Manufacturing Act:", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-led-bill-protecting-retirees-scams-passes-house-representatives", "Fitzgerald-Led Bill Protecting Retirees from Scams Passes House of Representatives", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act, bipartisan legislation Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced alongside Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), passed the House of Representatives.\n\nThe GUARD Act was introduced with one critical goal in mind\u2014to combat financial fraud scams that target hardworking Americans. Scams have become increasingly complex, cross-jurisdictional, and technology-driven. Pig butchering schemes often combine social engineering, fake investment platforms, romance or confidence fraud, and cryptocurrency transactions that move quickly across wallets, exchanges, and borders.\n\nState, local, and tribal law enforcement are often the first point of contact for scam victims, but many agencies lack dedicated personnel, blockchain tracing tools, training, and coordination channels with financial institutions and federal law enforcement.\n\nThe GUARD Act addresses this gap by allowing existing federal grant funds to be used more directly for financial fraud investigations, training, technology, data collection, and law enforcement coordination.\n\n\u201cAs technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by criminals to defraud hardworking Americans. The House passage of the GUARD Act is an important step toward giving state and local law enforcement the tools they need to combat financial fraud and protect victims,\u201d said Rep. Fitzgerald. \u201cBy harnessing innovative technologies like blockchain, we can stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated scams and better protect Wisconsin seniors and families. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this effort, and I urge my Senate colleagues to take up the GUARD Act and pass it swiftly.\u201d\n\n\u201cIowa retirees spent a lifetime building their savings, and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to steal it out from under them,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cThe GUARD Act came directly from an Iowa sheriff's deputy who told me officers were watching criminals steal the life savings of hardworking Iowans but lacked the tools to track them down and recover the money. Today, the House voted to give state and local law enforcement the resources they need to pursue fraudsters, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for victims. I urge the Senate to take it up without delay and get these protections to the Iowans who need them.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: Financial fraud, elder exploitation, and cryptocurrency-enabled scams continue to impose significant losses on American consumers, particularly seniors. The FTC reported that consumers lost about $16 billion to fraud in 2025, the highest level on record, while reported fraud losses in 2024 totaled $12.5 billion. The FBI\u2019s 2024 Internet Crime Report found that IC3 received 859,532 complaints with losses exceeding $16.6 billion, including more than $6.5 billion in cryptocurrency-related investment fraud losses.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-chairs-judiciary-subcommittee-field-hearing-obamacare-waste", "Rep. Fitzgerald Chairs Judiciary Subcommittee Field Hearing on Obamacare Waste, Fraud, & Abuse", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE, NC \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), who serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, held a field hearing in North Carolina titled, \u201cExamining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition.\u201d Rep. Fitzgerald issued the following statement about the hearing:\n\n\u201cI think we can all agree that there is something wrong with the American healthcare system. The price of care is sky high, in part because of the design of, and rampant fraud occurring in, the Obamacare insurance system.\n\n\u201cObamacare promised affordable healthcare for Americans. But it has not lived up to that promise. The price of Obamacare plans has increased at twice the rate of employer-sponsored plans. Instead of doing something about the artificially inflated prices, the Biden Administration just handed out more subsidies.\n\n\u201cTo add insult to injury, because the Obamacare system does not trust Americans to make decisions about their own healthcare coverage, those subsidies go straight into the pockets of insurance companies instead of the American people.\n\n\u201cIn the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, Republicans prevented illegal aliens from receiving premium tax credits. We also removed the cap on repayments to the federal government for excessive subsidies and added stricter eligibility verification to ensure people do not receive generous subsidies before their eligibility is determined.\n\n\u201cI also supported the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act that passed the House late last year. House Republicans recognize that we cannot keep writing blank checks for heavily subsidized programs that continue to drive up costs.\n\n\u201cWhile we have taken huge steps in the right direction, Congress must build on that progress to protect taxpayers, crack down on fraud, and ensure these subsidies go to people who are actually eligible.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s exactly why we gathered in North Carolina for this field hearing, to gather additional solutions. North Carolina has redefined its healthcare industry through investments in cutting-edge tech and research hubs, as well as a statewide rural health transformation program. As a result, the state has received national rankings in healthcare innovation and quality.\u201d\n\nWatch Congressman Fitzgerald's opening statement from the hearing:\n\nBackground: This hearing examined how mergers, certificate of need laws, regulations, vertical integration, and insurance fraud are affecting healthcare access and affordability across the United States. The hearing also reviewed how Obamacare subsidies inflate healthcare costs and create an environment ripe for waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5974", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Visits Midwest Regional Reception to Conduct Welfare Check on Constituents", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Yesterday, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) visited the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) Midwest Regional Reception Center in Leavenworth, Kansas to conduct a welfare check on her constituents. At this facility, individuals detained have reported numerous instances of abuse and neglect.\n\nTwo of her constituents are detained here after being caught up in ICE\u2019s reckless surge in Milwaukee earlier this summer. At that time, Congresswoman Gwen Moore held a press conference in Milwaukee condemning ICE\u2019s reckless, escalating presence in Milwaukee and its excessive force on residents.\n\nAfter her recent visit to the ICE facility in Kansas, she held a conference with immigration rights advocates from Milwaukee and Kansas to discuss what she saw and heard.\n\nAs part of her oversight responsibilities, Congresswoman Moore has traveled to ICE detention facilities across the nation to check on her constituents\u2019 safety and well-being. She released the following statement:\n\n\u201cWhile I was relieved that my constituents are being treated with dignity and respect, I was puzzled as to why these women were detained in the first place. Then I learned about the massive profit machine driving detainments of individuals with no criminal records.\n\nThe Trump administration isn\u2019t targeting violent criminals, but anyone they choose, while private companies are getting rich and taxpayers foot the bill. That\u2019s why I will continue these important oversight responsibilities. I thank advocates from Milwaukee and Kansas for bringing my attention to this facility and my constituents who are being detained,\u201d said Congresswoman Moore, (WI-04).\n\n\u201cWe thank Congresswoman Moore for her leadership in protecting the rights of immigrants like her constituents, Estenderly Marte Polanco and Reyna Elizabeth Garcia, and for using congressional oversight to hold ICE and the Department of Homeland Security accountable. ICE is using excessive force, separating families, and spending billions of taxpayer dollars on immigration enforcement. The American people deserve to know how that money is being spent and how companies like CoreCivic are profiting from a system that harms immigrant families and communities. It was an honor to stand with Congresswoman Moore and community partners in Kansas and Missouri to demand the reunification of families, the closure of these modern-day concentration camps, and humane immigration reform,\u201d said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director, Voces de la Frontera.\n\n\"As an immigrant myself, I was lucky enough to enter the United States over 40 years ago, as a white European, without having to go through the harrowing experience our immigrant neighbors of color are facing now. I am from Germany, and I am worried and horrified that my adopted country is going down the same slippery slope that my country of origin did in the 1930s and 40s. I would like to ask our elected officials to come and regularly visit their constituents in this ICE detention center, and ask them to call for the closure of this detention center,\" said Angelika Schafer with Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR).\n\nAbout the Facility\n\nLast month, the Midwest Regional Reception Center, owned by CoreCivic, was sold to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for $238 million. CoreCivic reported $684 million in revenue in the spring quarter, a dramatic spike in revenue from last year. In an earnings call, the CEO of CoreCivic said that selling several of its detention facilities generated $1.6 billion, amounting to $307,000 per bed. During the press conference, Congresswoman Moore drew attention to how much profitability is motivating reckless ICE operations across the country.", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-applauds-white-houses-action-delist-gray-wolves", "Tiffany Applauds White House\u2019s Action to Delist Gray Wolves", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Thomas P. Tiffany", "T000165", "tiffany.house.gov", "tiffany", "https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WAUSAU, WI \u2013 Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) today applauded President Trump\u2019s executive action directing the Department of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves meet the criteria for removal from protections under the Endangered Species Act and begin the process of delisting them.\n\n\u201cThe gray wolf has recovered, and the impacts are being felt across rural communities in Wisconsin. Farmers are dealing with livestock depredations, families are losing pets, and wolves are showing up closer to homes. Wisconsin has successfully managed wildlife for generations. It is time to get out-of-state judges and bureaucrats out of the way and let Wisconsin responsibly manage its wolf population,\u201d said Congressman Tom Tiffany.\n\nTiffany has been a leading advocate in Congress for removing the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list and returning management back to states. He authored the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, legislation to delist the gray wolf and return management authority to states like Wisconsin. The legislation passed the House with bipartisan support and awaits action in the Senate.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-condemn-socialism-all-forms-protect-domestic-mining", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Condemn Socialism in All Forms & Protect Domestic Mining", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of two critical measures this week: H. Res. 1490 - Condemning Socialism in All Forms and H.R. 1501 - Protecting Domestic Mining Act.\n\nOn the Resolution Condemning Socialism:\n\n\u201cWe have seen a dramatic rise in socialism in the United States over the past year which is completely antithetical to the American way of life and what the Founders intended,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThis Resolution, which 192 House Democrats opposed, formally condemns socialism in all its forms, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and opposes socialist policies in the United States. Socialism gives government more power and leaves the people with less freedom. That is the exact opposite of what America stands for.\u201d\n\nOn the Protecting Domestic Mining Act:\n\n\u201cThis legislation will help make it easier to produce the minerals the United States needs right here at home,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cBy improving the permitting process for mining and mineral processing, we will strengthen our domestic supply chains and reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries like China. This is key to protecting our national security and supporting American manufacturing.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-introduces-bill-strengthen-cybersecurity-and-reduce-costs-small", "Rep. Wied Introduces Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Reduce Costs for Small Businesses", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation this week to help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity while streamlining coordination among federal agencies to reduce unnecessary costs.\n\nThe Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act requires the Small Business Administration to work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices. It also requires coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information on the levels of cybersecurity requirements under the Department of War\u2019s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.\n\n\u201cIn today\u2019s rapidly evolving digital world, it is critical for small businesses to maintain the highest-quality and most up-to-date cybersecurity infrastructure,\u201d said Congressman Wied. \u201cHowever, small businesses shouldn't be forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a level of cybersecurity they don\u2019t need simply because Washington has failed to provide clear rules. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act will provide much-needed clarity to help small businesses protect themselves without forcing them to spend excessive amounts of money trying to comply with vague guidelines.\u201d\n\nBackground: Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important consideration for small businesses, but many struggle to find clear, up-to-date guidance. Currently, the SBA\u2019s website provides some information for small businesses looking to secure their cyber infrastructure, but it may not reflect other agencies\u2019 best-practice recommendations. This leaves small businesses\u2019 cyber infrastructure vulnerable to nefarious actors. Additionally, the SBA lacks information on complying with the Department of War's new cybersecurity initiative, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This certification is multi-tiered based on the sensitive information a contractor or subcontractor may handle. The DoW has paused Phase II and III requirements while it conducts a 60-day review. Before the temporary pause, many small businesses were unsure of which level they were required to have. Without clear instructions, many were forced to spend upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with requirements they may not have needed. This bill ensures the SBA can provide small businesses with the most accurate and relevant information once Phase II and III requirements are reimplemented.\n\nRepresentatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI) are original cosponsors of this legislation.\n\n\u201cNorth Texas is one of America\u2019s fastest-growing hubs for firms offering professional, scientific, and technical services, and thousands of tech-oriented small businesses call our region home. They shouldn\u2019t have to spend six figures trying to decipher Washington\u2019s one-size-fits-all bureaucratic cybersecurity rules. I am glad to help introduce the Cybersecurity for Small Business Act to give small businesses clear guidance on best practices to protect their networks without wasting time and money on unnecessary requirements,\u201d said Congresswoman Van Duyne.\n\n\u201cCyberattacks do not just target the federal government or large corporations. Small businesses are also targets for foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party. Many lack the resources or expertise of larger companies to protect themselves. These attacks cost American businesses and our economy. This legislation gives small businesses clearer access to federal cybersecurity guidance. It also helps those seeking to work with the federal government understand the requirements they need to meet. Protecting America\u2019s small businesses is part of protecting our economy and our national security,\u201d said Congresswoman King-Hinds.\n\nThe Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act:\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure\n\nSecurity Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices.\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information related to the levels of cybersecurity requirements for the Department of War\u2019s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).\n\nRequires the Administrator to consult the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA\u2019s Office of Advocacy to determine best practices for disseminating information.\n\nAdds an annual reporting requirement to Section 10 of the Small Business Act.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5973", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Fund Government Through December 11th", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cToday\u2019s legislation maintains funding for critical priorities that our communities depend on. I don\u2019t need to remind anyone that during the last government shutdown, the Trump Administration weaponized SNAP, threatening hunger on vulnerable citizens, including my constituents. This bill would ensure that WIC funding can continue at the rate necessary to meet current needs and temporarily block a proposed OMB guidance on federal grants that will adversely impact TRIO, NIH, and thousands of federal grant programs across the government. That\u2019s why today, I voted to pass this funding measure.\u201d\n\nThis temporary funding measure or Continuing Resolution (CR) is needed only because House and Senate Republicans have failed to pass any of the annual funding bills, refusing to negotiate any commonsense and reasonable agreements with Democrats. I urge my colleagues to work with us to finalize full year funding bills that helps support our communities, protects Congress\u2019 power of the pursue, and excludes partisan poison pills.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-keep-government-open-avoiding-another-democrat-led", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Keep the Government Open, Avoiding Another Democrat-Led Shutdown", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\n\u201cKeeping the government open is the responsible thing to do,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThis legislation keeps the government funded through December 11, 2026, ensures critical services continue, provides certainty for our military, and supports our national security priorities. I voted to keep the government open and avoid another reckless shutdown while we work to complete the appropriations process here in the House.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgeralds-ndo-fairness-act-passes-house-representatives", "Rep. Fitzgerald's NDO Fairness Act Passes House of Representatives", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald\u2019s (WI-05) NDO Fairness Act, legislation aimed at restoring transparency, reinforcing constitutional rights, and ending the pattern of surveillance overreach, passed the House of Representatives unanimously today.\n\nEarlier this year, Congressman Fitzgerald questioned former Special Counsel Jack Smith during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that focused on Smith\u2019s investigations and prosecutions of President Trump.\n\nAs mentioned by multiple committee members during the hearing, the unconstitutional subpoena of phone records for Members of Congress was a gross abuse of power. Not only did Smith\u2019s team fail to notify the Federal Judge that the subpoenas were for Members of Congress, but he also imposed a non-disclosure order, or NDO, prohibiting the phone companies from notifying Members of the search.\n\nThe NDO Fairness Act would require notification of a subpoena after 90 days, ensuring all Americans, not just Members of Congress, have a right to challenge the constitutionality of a subpoena.\n\n\u201cThe government should not be able to secretly search Americans\u2019 private information and then prevent them from ever knowing it happened,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThe NDO Fairness Act restores fundamental safeguards against government overreach by ensuring Americans have the opportunity to learn when their information has been searched. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act quickly to advance these critical protections.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: The NDO Fairness Act reins in prosecutorial abuse and executive branch overreach by strengthening the standards prosecutors must meet when seeking to place non-disclosure orders (NDOs) on service providers. This bill will prevent federal prosecutors from using indefinite and often boilerplate secrecy orders to access third-party communications data. It will also ensure an individual is notified within 90 days when their data was searched and allow that individual to request a copy of any information disclosed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5367", "Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Urging President Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) is leading every member of Wisconsin\u2019s Congressional delegation in urging President Donald Trump to approve Wisconsin\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on July 27, 2026.\n\nThe storms caused extensive damage across Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago Counties. A powerful EF3 tornado tore through Wisconsin\u2019s Fox Valley region, leaving a broad path of devastation across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. Preliminary findings from the National Weather Service indicate that the tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, and reached nearly one mile in width, with estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. The tornado left thousands of homes and businesses destroyed or severely damaged and caused widespread damage to infrastructure.\n\nDamage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management found 2,346 residential structures impacted, including 84 destroyed and 412 with major damage, with estimated losses exceeding $8.2 million. Public-sector damage exceeded $13.8 million, surpassing Wisconsin\u2019s per-capita threshold by more than $2.4 million.\n\nThe bipartisan delegation is urging President Trump to make Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation assistance available to affected Wisconsinites.", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-tours-oaks-jackson-highlights-housing-legislation-inspired", "Rep. Fitzgerald Tours Oaks of Jackson, Highlights Housing Legislation Inspired by Washington County Initiative", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JACKSON, WI \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) toured the Oaks of Jackson, a Washington County Next Generation Housing development, to highlight the county\u2019s efforts to expand attainable homeownership opportunities and discuss his recently introduced Working Families Home Construction Act, which was inspired by the county\u2019s successful housing initiative.\n\nThe Working Families Home Construction Act is designed to help address the nation\u2019s housing supply shortage by making construction financing more accessible to builders. The bill would allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase qualifying residential construction loans at low interest rates, helping builders access gap financing needed to produce more middle-class housing.\n\n\u201cWashington County has shown that innovative financing can help get more homes built for working families,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cMy Working Families Home Construction Act takes the lessons learned here in Wisconsin and brings them to the federal level, helping builders access the financing they need to build more middle-class housing across the country.\u201d\n\nBuilders across the country are ready to build, but too often cannot access affordable construction financing needed for land acquisition, infrastructure, site preparation, and other upfront development costs, making it difficult for developers to build anything but upper-income homes.\n\n\u201cFixing the housing shortage in the United States is one of the top issues we face,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cWashington County has developed a successful model for overcoming barriers to housing construction, and we need to build on that success so more hardworking Americans can achieve the dream of homeownership.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhat started as a local solution to a challenge facing Washington County is now helping shape the national conversation about housing,\u201d said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. \u201cOur Next Generation Housing Initiative demonstrates what can be accomplished when county and municipal leaders work alongside builders, employers and community partners. By reducing barriers to construction and focusing on attainable homeownership, we are helping more working families achieve the American Dream while strengthening the workforce our local businesses need.\u201d\n\nDuring the tour, Congressman Fitzgerald joined Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, Village of Jackson Administrator Jen Heidke, local housing partners, and Next Generation Housing homeowners to view homes within the Oaks of Jackson and discuss the importance of increasing the supply of attainable, owner-occupied housing.", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-wisconsin-delegation-applaud-cms-rule-securing-historic-healthcare", "Van Orden, Wisconsin Delegation Applaud CMS Rule Securing Historic Healthcare Funding for Wisconsin Families", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08), applauded the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019(CMS) proposed rule 91 FR 46562, ensuring Wisconsin receives fairness in the Medicaid reimbursement formula and delivering historic Medicaid funding to WI.\n\nVan Orden led the delegation in working directly with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure that Wisconsin providers receive the same treatment in the Medicaid reimbursement system as providers in other states. Recent changes resulted in an additional $1 billion in federal healthcare funding for Wisconsin. This funding will help ensure high-quality care for patients in Wisconsin.\n\n\u201cFor years, Wisconsin providers have been reimbursed at a lower rate than other states. Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, Wisconsin will now be treated fairly, protecting Medicaid for the people it was designed for - children, pregnant women, and disabled Americans,\u201d said the Representatives. \u201cWisconsin\u2019s Republican congressional delegation worked closely with the State Legislature and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to guarantee fair treatment, implement meaningful reforms, and deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare for families and seniors.\u201d\n\nDuring CMS Administrator Dr. Oz\u2019s visit to Eau Claire, he stated, \"We're going to make sure the Badger State is taken care of and that the funding that's required to improve rural healthcare is at the level that it should be at,\" and praised Van Orden for ensuring that Wisconsin\u2019s provider tax rate was aligned with other states across the nation.", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5342", "Grothman Introduces PERM Backlog Reduction Act to Address Green Card Processing Delays", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressmen Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced the PERM Backlog Reduction Act, legislation to reduce costly delays in the Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system, which employers use to obtain permanent labor certifications required for certain permanent employment-based immigration petitions, by establishing an optional premium processing program for participating employers.\n\nThe bill establishes an optional fee for expedited processing of the ETA-9089 Permanent Employment Certification Form, which is one of the two required filings in the Department of Labor's PERM process. The user fees generated would fund the program while also helping reduce processing delays for the additional ETA-9141 Prevailing Wage Determination Form, ensuring the program is fully supported without taxpayer dollars. Fees collected would be dedicated exclusively to modernizing the PERM system and reducing backlogs.\n\nThe PERM Backlog Reduction Act is endorsed by the Critical Labor Coalition, Eb3.Work, and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.\n\n\"Our legal immigration system should work efficiently for employers who follow the rules,\" said Congressman Grothman. \u201cBefore an employer can permanently hire a foreign worker, the PERM process requires employers to first show that they were unable to find an available and qualified American worker to fill the position. Businesses that have already met those requirements shouldn't be forced to wait through unnecessary bureaucratic delays that make it harder to plan for their workforce, fill critical positions, and grow our economy. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act provides employers with an optional, self-funded way to receive timely decisions while giving the Department of Labor the resources it needs to reduce backlogs and modernize the system. This is a practical solution that benefits American businesses without costing taxpayers a dime.\"\n\n\"Businesses and employers across the country are trying to create jobs and grow our economy, but they're being held back by unnecessary government delays,\u201d said Congressman Lou Correa. \u201cThis bill gives the Department of Labor the resources to modernize the PERM process, reduce delays, and make sure our system works for employers, workers, and America's economy.\"\n\n\u201cThe Critical Labor Coalition applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. By incorporating processes which update and streamline the PERM application process, this bill ensures a robust, efficient process for U.S. employers. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act modernizes application evaluations, increases resources to update current systems and streamlines the vetting process to assist America\u2019s job creators,\u201d said Misty Chally, Executive Director of the Critical Labor Coalition.\n\n\"The Coalition of Franchisee Associations applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. As small business owners, franchisees are facing an unprecedented logjam in securing the talent needed to keep their doors open. By addressing Department of Labor processing delays, increasing critical resources, and streamlining the vetting process, this Act provides vital relief to America's franchisees\u2014allowing them to cut through red tape, fill essential vacancies, and continue growing their businesses,\u201d said Bill Mathis, Chairman of the Board for the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system is required for most employment-based green card applications. In recent years, processing times for prevailing wage determinations and labor certifications have increased significantly despite stable funding levels and application volumes.\n\nThe PERM Backlog Reduction Act establishes an optional premium processing program at DOL to expedite processing of Form ETA-9089 \u2013 PERM Labor Certifications for employers seeking permanent labor certifications.\n\nProcess ETA-9089 within 30 days.\n\nCharge a $1,200 premium processing fee for Form ETA-9089, adjusted annually for inflation beginning in FY2028.\n\nThe legislation requires the Department of Labor to set premium processing fees at levels necessary to fully fund the program. All fees would be deposited into a dedicated PERM Premium Processing Fee Account within the U.S. Treasury and used exclusively for program operations, modernization, and reducing processing backlogs.\n\n-30-\n\nU.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin\u2019s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5341", "Grothman Leads Entire Bipartisan Wisconsin Delegation in Urging FEMA to Assess Fox Valley Tornado Damage", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) led the entire bipartisan Wisconsin Congressional delegation in support of Wisconsin\u2019s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with Wisconsin Emergency Management following the devastating EF3 tornado that struck the Fox Valley on July 27.\n\nThe tornado caused widespread destruction across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. More than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.\n\nThe members wrote, \u201cThe tornado ripped roofs from homes and businesses, hollowed out houses, reduced some structures to little more than their exterior walls, overturned vehicles, snapped trees, and brought down utility poles and power lines. Debris was scattered across neighborhoods and highways, roadways became impassable, families were displaced, and more than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.\u201d\n\nThe Members emphasized the importance of a timely assessment, writing, \u201cConducting a timely Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment is an essential first step in securing the federal support needed to help affected families, local governments, and communities recover and rebuild.\u201d\n\nThe letter urged FEMA to \u201cbegin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay.\u201d\n\nGovernor Evers has declared a state of emergency, while Neenah, Menasha, and the Town of Grand Chute have issued local emergency or disaster declarations.", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5329", "Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Protecting Marine Corps Readiness", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) announced today that he led every Republican member of Wisconsin\u2019s congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to protect Marine Corps readiness, preserve competition, and strengthen America\u2019s tactical vehicle industrial base.\n\nIn a letter sent to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers expressed support for the Administration\u2019s Arsenal of Freedom initiative and called for qualified alternative production capacity to remain available for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s warfighters should not be forced to wait for critical equipment because a defense program has fallen behind schedule,\u201d said Congressman Grothman. \u201cMaintaining competition and proven production capacity will help protect military readiness while ensuring contractors remain accountable to the servicemembers and taxpayers they serve. Oshkosh Defense has the experienced workforce and proven manufacturing capability needed to produce vehicles and help address the current backlog. Wisconsin stands ready to support the Marine Corps and deliver the vehicles our warfighters need.\u201d\n\nProduction challenges affecting the JLTV A2 program have raised concerns about the Marine Corps\u2019 ability to field the vehicles needed to support expeditionary operations. According to the House Appropriations Committee report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, the program was more than 20 months behind schedule, with approximately 2,000 vehicles overdue.\n\nThe delegation also highlighted the Marine Corps\u2019 May Request for Information seeking commercially available, non-developmental vehicles capable of rapid fielding. The lawmakers described the request as an important step toward preserving competition and ensuring qualified alternative production capacity remains available if performance challenges continue.\n\nOshkosh Defense, headquartered in Wisconsin, has delivered more than 25,000 JLTV A1 vehicles to U.S. and allied forces. The company is positioned to produce additional vehicles to help reduce the backlog, protect the Marine Corps\u2019 fielding schedule, and restore needed competition to the program.", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-introduces-resolution-recognizing-small-firearm-manufacturers", "Wied Introduces Resolution Recognizing Small Firearm Manufacturers", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced a resolution this week to recognize the contributions of small business firearm manufacturers to our economy and designate the month of August as National Shooting Sports Month.\n\n\"Wisconsin is home to many incredible small firearm manufacturers who help drive our economy and ensure access to safe, reliable firearms that allow us to exercise our Second Amendment rights,\" said Congressman Wied. \"This month, we recognize their contributions to our economy and reaffirm our commitment to protecting Americans\u2019 constitutional right to keep and bear arms.\"\n\nBackground: Small manufacturers of firearms contribute significantly to the national and local economy, as they support 380,000 jobs in the broader firearms industry and produce more than $91 billion in annual economic output. They are essential conduits for the exercise of Second Amendment rights by individuals in the United States and provide products, training, and community engagement to sportsmen in this country. Shooting sports promote safe and responsible firearm handling, outdoor stewardship, and civic engagement through local clubs, ranges, and competitions. Congressman Wied introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives in August 2025. He renewed the effort this month to reassert his commitment to small manufacturers and to protecting the Second Amendment.\n\nCongressman Wied is proud to have the support of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).\n\n\u201cNational Shooting Sports Month is a celebration of our shared American heritage of responsible firearm ownership. The firearm industry has been on the leading edge of ensuring Americans can freely exercise their Second Amendment rights. That journey begins when law-abiding citizens can freely approach the counter to purchase firearms and ammunition. Americans share our industry\u2019s passion for recreational shooting sports, hunting, conservation and self-defense. The firearm industry proudly supports 393,00 jobs across America and generates over $91.7 billion in economic activity. Just as proudly, the firearm industry paid over $804 million in Pittman-Robertson excise taxes last year, which funds wildlife conservation, public land access and construction of public recreational shooting ranges. Since those funds\u2019 inception in 1937, firearm and ammunition manufacturers have paid over $31 billion, when adjusted for inflation. NSSF is grateful that Congressman Tony Wied has been at the forefront to ensure that heritage of responsible firearm ownership is passed on to the next generation, and we are proud that he leads this effort to recognize the importance of National Shooting Sports Month,\u201d said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel.\n\nThis Resolution:\n\nCelebrates the role of small businesses that manufacture firearms in supporting domestic manufacturing and economic opportunity in communities across the United States.\n\nSupports policies that strengthen the ability of such small businesses to innovate, grow, and preserve the recreational shooting traditions of the United States.\n\nRecognizes August 2026 as \u201cNational Shooting Sports Month.\"", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-frankel-randall-takano-lead-113-house-members-letter-omb-calling", "Pocan, Frankel, Randall, & Takano lead 113 House Members in Letter to OMB Calling for Renewal of Community HIV Funds", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Emily Randall (WA-06), and Mark Takano (CA-39) led 113 of their colleagues in a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, Russell Vought, regarding reports that the Trump Administration has directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not to renew approximately $46 million in direct HIV prevention grants supporting 96 community-based organizations across the country. Reports show that OMB instructed CDC to route these congressionally appropriated funds through state and local health departments rather than renewing the awards directly to the community-based organizations. This change could create significant disruptions in HIV prevention services, undermining longstanding congressional investments in ending the HIV epidemic.\n\n\u201cWe write regarding reports that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not to renew approximately $46 million in direct HIV/AIDS prevention grants supporting 96 community-based organizations (CBOs) under PS21-2102, despite Congress appropriating these funds for HIV prevention activities,\u201d the Members began. \u201cThese organizations provide HIV testing, linkage to care, referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), outbreak response, and other evidence-based prevention services that protect our citizens and help stop the spread of HIV nationwide.\u201d\n\n\"Despite this successful model, OMB has reportedly instructed CDC to redirect these resources through state and local health departments, putting the status of this funding and the very existence of these community-based organizations in jeopardy,\u201d the Members continue. \u201cThis reported decision raises serious concerns regarding the implementation of congressional appropriations, continuity of HIV prevention services, and the Administration's commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccording to reporting, the Administration intends for states to determine whether to subcontract funding to these organizations,\u201d the Members go on to write. \u201cHowever, this approach fundamentally changes how Congress has historically supported HIV prevention infrastructure and introduces uncertainty into organizations' ability to continue providing uninterrupted services. Additionally, reports indicate that organizations losing direct CDC funding may also lose their eligibility to participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program through these grants, which could greatly increase the cost of providing HIV prevention medications and related services to our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress has consistently demonstrated bipartisan support for evidence-based HIV prevention programs. And unless Congress directs otherwise, appropriated funds should be administered in a manner consistent with congressional intent and longstanding program implementation\u2026 The United States has made extraordinary progress in reducing HIV transmission through sustained investments in evidence-based prevention, community partnerships, and early linkage to care. Disrupting longstanding prevention infrastructure, without a transparent public health justification, risks reversing decades of bipartisan progress and undermining congressional investments in ending the HIV epidemic,\u201d the Members concluded.\n\nA digital copy of the letter can be found here.\n\nSigners (113):Mark Pocan (WI-02), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Emily Randall (WA-06), Mark Takano (CA-39), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Hern\u00e1ndez (PR), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE), Jim McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Frederica Wilson (FL-24)\n\nNational Endorsements: AIDS Institute, AVAC, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, HIV Alliance, HIV Medicine Association, Save HIV Funding Campaign, NMAC, PrEP4All, NASTAD", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-secures-cms-approval-protecting-wisconsin-hospitals-and-medicaid", "Van Orden Secures CMS Approval Protecting Wisconsin Hospitals and Medicaid Funding", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the approval of Van Orden\u2019s request to grandfather the state\u2019s six percent hospital provider tax, preserving enhanced federal Medicaid funding for hospitals across Wisconsin.\n\nPrior to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Congressman Van Orden urged Governor Tony Evers in a letter highlighting the critical need to promptly enact Wisconsin's FY 2025\u20132027 state budget so the state's hospital provider tax increase could take effect before the anticipated federal deadline. In a letter to the Governor, Van Orden urged Evers to \"act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.\"\n\nCMS\u2019s announcement follows Congressman Derrick Van Orden\u2019s continued advocacy with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure Wisconsin qualified for the grandfathering protections included in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The approval allows Wisconsin to continue drawing down enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds and protects critical health care resources across the state. Without this action, Wisconsin\u2019s enhanced federal Medicaid payments would have expired on October 1, 2026.\n\nIn addition, CMS approved Wisconsin's Medicaid state plan preprint for all of calendar year 2026, ensuring the state will continue receiving the higher federal Medicaid reimbursement throughout the year.\n\n\"This is a major win for Wisconsin. When I learned Wisconsin hospitals were at risk of losing critical Medicaid funding, I immediately got to work with CMS and the Trump Administration to fix it. I fought to make sure Wisconsin's provider tax was grandfathered exactly as intended under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and today that work paid off. With this rule, Wisconsin's Medicaid reimbursement rate is jumping from 1.8% to 6%. This decision protects our hospitals and gives providers the certainty they need to continue caring for Wisconsin families.\" Van Orden said.\n\nDuring CMS Administrator Dr. Oz\u2019s visit to Eau Claire, he stated\"We're going to make sure the Badger State is taken care of and that the funding that's required to improve rural healthcare is at the level that it should be at,\" and praised Van Orden for ensuring that Wisconsin\u2019s provider tax rate was aligned with other states across the nation.\n\nFor Wisconsin\u2019s rural hospitals and health care providers, this decision provides critical stability and ensures they can continue serving patients in communities across the state. This approval is the latest example of Van Orden fighting to deliver for Wisconsin families and ensuring federal policies work for the communities he represents.\n\nThe proposed rule can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-14897/medicaid-program-indirect-hold-harmless-threshold-of-health-care-related-taxes\n\nA fact sheet on the proposed rule can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/amending-indirect-hold-harmless-threshold-health-care-related-taxes-proposed-rule-cms-2452-p\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5962", "Moore, Ramirez, McGarvey Visit Constituents with Health Concerns at Campbell County Detention Center", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Newport, Kentucky \u2014 Yesterday, Congressmembers Gwen Moore (WI-04), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) visited Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky to provide oversight of the facility and conduct a welfare check on three constituents suffering from a lack of medical care. The members heard from Anabell, Ricardo, and Octavio who have experienced inhumane conditions, lack of proper food to manage their well-being, delays in medication, and inadequate medical care.\n\nAnabell is a constituent of Congresswoman Moore who suffered a miscarriage in ICE custody and was denied the necessary and adequate medical care.\n\nRicardo and Octavio are both residents of Illinois\u2019 Third Congressional District who suffer from diabetes. Anabell is a constituent of WI-04 who suffered a miscarriage in ICE custody and was denied the necessary and adequate medical care.\n\n\u201cI visited Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky with my colleagues, Representatives Ramirez and McGarvey, out of concern for my constituent, Anabell, and others who are suffering from medical neglect. I will continue honoring my oversight responsibilities and fighting for my constituents, wherever that might take me,\u201d said Rep. Moore.\n\n\u201cAs a member of Congress, I conducted oversight of the Campbell County Detention Center to check on my constituents, who are being denied needed medical care, including access to insulin. What I saw inside was devastating, and the lack of medical care was appalling: detainees pleading for help, medicine for purchase at the commissary, sickeningly inhumane conditions, and jail leadership attempting to gaslight us,\u201d said Rep. Ramirez. \u201cDHS continues to demonstrate gross disregard of our health, dignity, personhood, and safety. It is clear: We must end detention, dismantle DHS, and MELT ICE!\u201d\n\n\u201cWhat we saw yesterday is exactly why Congressional oversight matters. We talked to diabetics who told us they can\u2019t get their medicine and detainees who said they can\u2019t get so much as an aspirin, all while the Trump administration has given ICE billions in taxpayer money. I\u2019m grateful to Reps. Ramirez and Moore for coming to Kentucky, and we will continue holding this administration accountable,\u201d said Rep. McGarvey.\n\n\u201cAs a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, I stand with Rep. Ramirez and Rep. Moore as they conduct an oversight visit at the Campbell County Detention Center. My Mercy sisters and I have devoted our lives to helping immigrants, women and children, and we are devastated by the cruel, inhumane treatment of our immigrant brothers and sisters by ICE. We call on all people of faith and goodwill to join us in standing ups for our immigrant neighbors, friends and family members,\u201d said Sister Carren Herring, RSM of Cincinnati, Ohio.\n\nThe oversight visit comes as new ICE data shows that immigrant detention remains at a record high, with 65,765 detained immigrants, and over 20 deaths documented in detention during the first half of 2026. According to data, primary causes include delayed and denied medical care.\n\nAccording to DHS\u2019s data, despite the increase in the detained population, medical claims decreased by nearly $300 million from 2024 to 2025, reflecting both unpaid bills and detainees who may never have received care. On October 3, 2025, the VA suddenly terminated its agreement with ICE to process medical claims, leaving ICE with no capabilities to continue paying for off-site medical care for detainees, including prescription medications for individuals in ICE custody. From October to May, at least 29 people died in detention.", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5960", "Moore, Yakym Introduce Legislation to Support Surviving Spouses of Veterans", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) and Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) introduced the Veterans Surviving Spouse Parity Act to help surviving spouses of veterans access housing programs that benefit first-time homebuyers. Under current law, surviving spouses of veterans can access VA home loans but not Mortgage Credit Certificate and Mortgage Revenue Bond programs. The Members\u2019 legislation secures parity for these surviving spouses.\n\nThis legislation was inspired by Rep. Moore\u2019s constituent, who is a surviving spouse who qualified for a VA home loan, but was not eligible for the Mortgage Credit Certificate.\n\n\u201cSurviving spouses of veterans made their own sacrifices for our country, and we can better utilize existing resources to support them. Our bipartisan bill helps them access key resources that can make homeownership more affordable. I thank my constituent for inspiring this important bill,\u201d said Rep. Moore.\n\n\"This country owes everything to the men and women who fight for our freedom, and to the surviving spouses who carry on without them. We owe it to these families to give them stability, and that starts with owning a home.\u201d Rep. Yakym said. \u201cThis bipartisan bill closes that gap, so surviving spouses can access the same homeownership resources their veteran spouses could. I thank Rep. Moore for her leadership on this bill and for standing up for these families.\"\n\n\u201cFor nearly 20 years, state housing finance agencies\u2019 have been better able to help veterans purchase homes through their Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs because of a one-time exemption to those programs\u2019 first-time home buyer requirement,\u201d said Stockton Williams, Executive Director of the National Council of State Housing Agencies. \u201cWe commend Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Rudy Yakym (R-IN) for introducing legislation to extend this benefit to the spouses of those members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice.\u201d\n\n\"The National Association of REALTORS\u00ae proudly supports the bipartisan Veterans Surviving Spouse Parity Act because the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve the same opportunities as the veterans they stood beside. By extending eligibility for Mortgage Revenue Bond and Mortgage Credit Certificate programs to qualifying surviving spouses, this legislation removes an unnecessary barrier to affordable homeownership and helps ensure these families have access to the housing resources they have earned. We applaud Representatives Moore and Yakym for advancing this commonsense, bipartisan solution that honors our nation's military families while expanding pathways to homeownership,\" said Shannon McGahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer, National Association of REALTORS\u00ae.\n\nCongress provides each state with an amount of private activity bonds (PABs), which include MRB and MCC programs issued by housing finance agencies to support homeownership for families earning below 115% of area median income. MRBs are tax-exempt bonds that help fund below-market interest-rate mortgages for qualifying homebuyers. MCCs are issued directly to qualifying homebuyers, who are then entitled to a non-refundable federal tax credit annually. MCCs and MRBs lower costs for low- and moderate-income homeowners, which can make sustainable homeownership possible. To qualify, buyers must typically be first-time homeowners. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including for veterans. This bill creates an exception for surviving spouses, too.\n\nEndorsing Organizations: National Council of State Housing Agencies, Veterans Associate of Real Estate Professionals, National Association of REALTORS\u00ae, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-steil-s-congressional-stock-trading-ban", "House Passes Steil's Congressional Stock\u00a0Trading Ban", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(July 22, 2026) Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act.\n\n\u201cThe Stop Insider Trading Act is a major step forward for ethics reform on Capitol Hill. It ensures no lawmaker can profit off of insider information,\u201d said Steil. \u201cI urge my Senate colleagues to quickly take it up and send it to President Trump\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nThe Stop Insider Trading Act bill prohibits Members of Congress, spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. The bill also requires public notice 7 days before a lawmaker, spouse, or dependent child may sell a stock. Finally, the bill institutes strict penalties for any violation.\n\nWatch Chairman Steil\u2019s closing remarks on the House Floor in support of the bill here.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn January 2026, Chairman Steil introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act.\n\nThe legislation:\n\nBans Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing a security issued by a publicly traded company.\n\nRequires Members of Congress to file a public notice at least 7 days, but no more than 14 days, in advance for each intended sale with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or Secretary of the Senate.\n\nPenalties for a violation:\n\nRequires the respective ethics committees to issue a fee equal to $2,000 or 10% of the value of the covered investment, whichever is greater.\n\nAlso requires forfeiture of any realized profit from a sale.\n\nThe Stop Insider Trading Act passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 232-198.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/wisconsin-congressmen-applaud-cms-rule-securing-historic-healthcare-funding-for-wisconsin-families", "Wisconsin\u00a0Congressmen Applaud\u00a0CMS\u00a0Rule\u00a0Securing Historic Healthcare Funding for Wisconsin Families", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08), applauded the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019(CMS) proposed rule 91 FR 46562, ensuring Wisconsin receives fairness in the Medicaid reimbursement formula and delivering historic Medicaid funding to WI.\n\nWisconsin\u2019s Republican delegation has been working directly with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure that Wisconsin providers receive the same treatment in the Medicaid reimbursement system as providers in other states. Recent changes resulted in an additional $1 billion in federal healthcare funding for Wisconsin. This funding will help ensure high-quality care for patients in Wisconsin.", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-passage-budget-resolution-kicking-reconciliation-30", "Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of Budget Resolution Kicking Off Reconciliation 3.0 to Secure Our Elections and Protect National Security", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the House passage of H. Con. Res. 113.\n\n\u201cProtecting the integrity of our elections and bolstering our national security are among the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cHouse Republicans are moving Reconciliation 3.0 forward to strengthen our military, support the hardworking farmers who keep our country fed, and advance election integrity safeguards to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in our elections.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5958", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Opposes Partisan FY 2027 Continuing Resolution", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cRepublicans have refused to negotiate FY 2027 spending in a bipartisan manner, instead advancing 12 partisan funding bills through the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nOnly two of those partisan bills have even passed the House with the start of FY 2027 fast approaching. Having utterly failed to do that work through which Congress exercises and protects its Constitutional power of the purse, they have now brought a nine-week Continuing Resolution (CR) to the floor. This bill was developed behind closed doors without any input from Democrats in either chamber.\n\nWith the Trump administration still refusing to treat Congress as a co-equal branch of government and voiding approved funding Trump doesn\u2019t like, Republicans should work to protect the power of the purse. This CR does not. For example, I offered an amendment to the CR to block funding for a harmful May 2026 OMB rule that would change the federal grantmaking process and give political appointees greater power, making it easier for them to suspend or terminate federal grants for any reason. The Republican-led Rules Committee blocked that amendment.\n\nCongress should also be working to protect our communities from rogue immigration tactics. This bill would also give the Trump administration license to transfer funding to the Border Patrol, without any significant reforms. As federal immigration efforts continue to murder people in the streets, we need accountability, not another blank check.\n\nFunding reflects priorities, and Republicans are sabotaging this opportunity so they can please Trump. With nearly 9 weeks until the start of FY 2027, Republicans appear to be focused on trying to pass another partisan, reckless, reconciliation bill in September, which would give tens of billions for their unpopular war in the Middle East and serve as a vehicle for voter suppression legislation, the so-called SAVE Act. Republicans should be working with Democrats to fund the many priorities in our communities, especially when Americans are struggling with rising costs, not serving this President. I voted NO.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5959", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Republican Scheme to Disenfranchise Voters, Allow Insider Trading", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\"Members of Congress should never use their positions to enrich themselves, including through stock trading. These rules should apply to the White House too, especially given the President has made billions off the presidency! We need to tackle corruption, which is why I support meaningful proposals to strengthen rules against insider trading by Congress and other officials.\n\nUnfortunately, Rep. Steil\u2019s legislation is not a congressional stock ban, it\u2019s an empty gesture disguised as a serious proposal. Though it imposes some limited new restrictions, Members and their close family members would still be able to hold and sell stocks. While the bill does limit some securities purchases, it does not prohibit all of them. And it fails to keep the President, his family, and other high level Executive Branch officials from engaging in and profiting from the same conduct. All elected officials should be acting in the interest of the American people, not their investments.\n\nWhile Republicans fail to meaningfully address concerns about insider trading, they are working to disenfranchise ordinary Americans at the ballot box. I continue to be disappointed that Rep. Steil, who represents my birthplace of Racine, is the architect of such voter suppression legislation, like the Voter ID Act and the so-called SAVE America Act. It is obvious that Republicans are coordinating with the Trump administration to undermine and rig the midterms. I will continue opposing their scheme.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-stop-insider-trading-act", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act.\n\n\u201cAs an original cosponsor of the Stop Insider Trading Act, I\u2019m extremely pleased that it passed the House today,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cTransparency and accountability are essential for public confidence in our government. From my first day in Congress, I made a commitment not to trade individual stocks because I believe elected officials should be held to the highest ethical standards. This legislation reflects those same principles and is a commonsense step toward rebuilding trust in Congress.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-reacts-state-departments-cuba-report", "Pocan Reacts to State Department\u2019s Cuba Report", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) issued the following statement after the State Department released its latest report on Cuba:\n\n\u201cThe State Department just published a ridiculous report about the threat to America from Cuba. It may be the stupidest, most fantastical, most biased thing I\u2019ve ever read from a governmental agency. This report focuses on the 1960s & 70s with no clear connection to today. Yet somehow, the State Department uses this report to say that this impoverished nation is responsible for everything from Black Lives Matter to Antifa, the anti-ICE protests and more.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s clear that this report was written for Marco Rubio and his South Florida politics as a way to justify Trump setting up another war, not based on the reality of an impoverished nation due to our blockade. We simply can\u2019t get involved in another illegal war.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-introduces-10-year-ban-members-congress-becoming-lobbyists-or-federal", "Wied Introduces 10-Year Ban on Members of Congress Becoming Lobbyists or Federal Contractors", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation today to address an issue that has plagued the DC swamp for far too long: career politicians using their connections and insider knowledge to enrich themselves as lobbyists and federal contractors after leaving office.\n\nThe Safeguarding Ethics and Restoring Voter Expectations (SERVE) Act establishes a mandatory ten-year cooling-off period prohibiting any individual who serves as a Member of Congress during the 119th Congress or any succeeding Congress from lobbying or engaging in compensated federal contracting activities.\n\n\u201cPublic service is supposed to be about the people we represent, not a steppingstone to personal gain,\u201d said Congressman Wied. \u201cYet too often, we see former Members of Congress leverage their time in Washington to position themselves for lucrative lobbying or federal contracting opportunities immediately after leaving office. This self-serving cycle is exactly why the American people have lost faith in Washington, and I don't blame them. Until we end this revolving door, career politicians will continue to abuse the system to enrich themselves and further erode trust in our government.\u201d\n\nBackground: For decades, Americans have watched as former Members of Congress have walked out of the Capitol and immediately cashed in on their time in office, turning public trust into private profit. This revolving-door culture erodes confidence in Congress and fuels the perception that decisions made here are shaped by future job prospects rather than the interests of our constituents. Currently, Senators are prohibited from lobbying for 2 years after leaving office, and Representatives are prohibited from lobbying for 1 year. There are no restrictions prohibiting former Members of Congress from serving as federal contractors.\n\nThe SERVE Act addresses this conflict of interest by:\n\nEstablishing a mandatory ten-year cooling-off period for any individual who serves as a Member of Congress during the 119th Congress or any Congress thereafter.\n\nProhibiting former Members from:\n\nLobbying Congress or federal agencies.\n\nEngaging in compensated federal contracting activities for ten years after leaving office.\n\nThis legislation institutes practical, commonsense reforms that put constituents first and will help rebuild faith in Congress.", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-banking-reform-bills-included-house-passed-main-street-capital", "Fitzgerald Banking Reform Bills Included in House-Passed Main Street Capital Access Act", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "July 21, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, comprehensive legislation to modernize the nation\u2019s banking regulatory framework to strengthen community banks.\n\nThis legislation includes three bills introduced by Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05): the Bank Competition Modernization Act, the Halting Uncertain Methods and Practices in Supervision (HUMPS) Act, and the Merger Agreement Approvals Clarity and Predictability Act. It also includes the Bank Failure Prevention Act, which Congressman Fitzgerald co-led with Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06).\n\n\u201cCommunity banks are essential to Wisconsin\u2019s families, farmers, and small businesses, but Washington has buried them under red tape and an unpredictable regulatory system for far too long,\u201d said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. \u201cThe Main Street Capital Access Act reins in unelected regulators, increases accountability, and gives community banks the certainty they need to grow, compete, and serve their customers. I am proud that several of my bills are included in this package, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get these reforms to President Trump\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nMore on Congressman Fitzgerald\u2019s provisions in the legislation:\n\nBank Competition Modernization Act: Modernizes outdated bank merger review standards. Specifically, the bill creates a $10 billion asset threshold, adjusted for growth in nominal GDP, under which federal banking regulators provide a safe harbor from the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) competition analysis, allowing small community banks to grow and achieve operational efficiencies without the delays associated with the DOJ\u2019s competition review.\n\nHalting Uncertain Methods and Practices in Supervision (HUMPS) Act: Strengthens transparency in how banks are evaluated. Specifically, it directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) to revise the CAMELS rating system by establishing clear, objective standards for each component and updating the formula used to calculate a bank\u2019s overall rating. It also calls for eliminating or reforming the subjective \u201cManagement\u201d component, focusing instead on measurable risk governance and internal controls.\n\nMerger Agreement Approvals Clarity and Predictability Act: Addresses political intrusion into the regulatory approval process for bank mergers and acquisitions. Specifically, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough review of how federal regulators use commitments and conditions when approving mergers of insured depository institutions. It also directs GAO to determine whether regulators rely on extrastatutory considerations, such as policy preferences or non\u2011statutory goals, when conditioning merger approvals.\n\nBank Failure Prevention Act: Enhances competition in the U.S. banking system. Specifically, it ensures bank regulators make timely decisions on mergers to bring certainty to bank competition and consumer needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5299", "Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)'s Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act advanced through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives.\n\nThe legislation would transfer responsibility for foreign medical accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), placing the program within the federal agency best equipped to oversee medical education and the healthcare workforce.\n\n\"President Trump has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure the federal government is focused on doing its job efficiently,\" Congressman Grothman said. \"Foreign medical accreditation is a healthcare issue, not an education issue. The Department of Health and Human Services has the expertise to oversee this process, and moving these responsibilities there is simply common sense. This bill cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures these important functions are handled by the agency best suited for the job. I'm pleased the Education and Workforce Committee advanced this legislation, and I hope to see it considered by the full House.\"\n\nBackground Information\n\nForeign medical accreditation is the process by which foreign medical schools are evaluated to ensure their graduates meet standards comparable to those required of medical schools in the United States. These responsibilities are currently carried out by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA, which is currently housed within the Department of Education.\n\nAs part of President Trump's effort to reduce the size and scope of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, the Department of Education entered into an Interagency Agreement with HHS on November 18, 2025, to begin transferring these responsibilities. Because HHS oversees many federal healthcare and medical workforce programs, it is better positioned to administer foreign medical accreditation.\n\nThe Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act would permanently codify that transfer by:\n\nMoving all foreign medical accreditation functions from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5956", "Moore, Warren, Booker, Adams, Underwood, Pressley, Dingell Work to Improve Maternal Health", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "According to the CDC, more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Research has found that doula and midwifery care can reduce the use of C-sections and pre-term births and improve mothers\u2019 wellbeing. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Cory Booker (D-N.J), and Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), Alma Adams (D-N.C.) introduced the Mamas First Act, which would expand access to this care for mothers who rely on Medicaid.\n\n\u201cAcross this nation, 40 percent of moms depend on Medicaid when they give birth. Instead of gutting and sabotaging Medicaid, we need to strengthen it so we can save lives. The Mamas First Act would provide mothers with access to evidence-based supportive care that can lead to healthier outcomes for them and their babies. At a time when stark disparities in maternal mortality continue to hit our communities hard, I am thrilled to have such incredible colleagues and advocates supporting the Mamas First Act and the ongoing fight to save lives,\u201d said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.\n\n\u201cInstead of slashing health care for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby. It\u2019s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. The Mamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system,\u201d said Senator Elizabeth Warren.\n\n\u201cThe Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives\u2014especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,\u201d said Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). \u201cBy ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bill delivers the trusted care that keeps mothers safe and babies alive. Congress must act now.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe quality of care a pregnant woman receives should not depend on the color of her skin, where she lives, or her ability to pay. Each childbirth is different, and women and their doctors should be empowered to decide what care is best. By providing access to adequate and proper maternal services, including doulas and midwives, we will help end the maternal mortality crisis in our country and ensure our children start their lives out healthy and strong,\u201d said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.\n\n\u201cSupport from care workers like doulas and midwives can make the difference between a positive and healthy pregnancy outcome, and a devastating one. Every mom should be able to access this critically important care,\u201d said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. \u201cAs Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I\u2019m proud to join Congresswoman Gwen Moore to introduce the Mamas First Act, a bold step to address our country\u2019s maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include doula, midwife, and lactation care. Together, we can, and must, take decisive action to save lives and end disparities.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery mother deserves the care and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery,\u201d said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. \u201cThat is why I am proud to support the reintroduction of the Mamas First Act. Research shows that doula and midwife care can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications. Yet the United States continues to face an unacceptable maternal mortality crisis, and Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other racial and ethnic groups. Moms can\u2019t wait, and neither should Congress. We must expand access to high-quality maternal care and ensure every mother has the opportunity to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5957", "Moore, Durbin, Schatz, Gillibrand Introduce Child Marriage Prevention Act", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Bicameral legislation takes important steps to help end child marriage in America\n\nAccording to the Tahirih Justice Center, between 2000 and 2021, more than 314,000 minors (i.e., under the age of 18) were married in the United States. In certain instances, girls as young as 10 were married to men decades older. Child marriage is legal in 34 states, including Wisconsin. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Child Marriage Prevention Act, which would take steps to reduce child marriage across the United States.\n\n\u201cThe practice of child marriage should not exist anywhere, especially not in the U.S. But in 34 states, including Wisconsin, child marriage is legal. Young girls are put on a harmful trajectory in life that keeps them from controlling their own futures when they enter, or are forced to enter, into these marriages. I am proud to partner with Senator Durbin to protect young people from this predatory and harmful practice. Our legislation takes a critical first step toward ending child marriage and protecting our children,\u201d said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.\n\n\u201cChild marriage overwhelmingly affects underage girls who are married to adult men, often with dire consequences for their life outcomes,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cThe bill builds on the work of countless survivors and advocates across the country to ban child marriage in the United States. We must enact this legislation at a federal level to protect the future of hundreds of thousands of young girls who have been stripped of their independence.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of young girls are still forced into marriages they want no part of,\u201d said Senator Schatz. \u201cOur bill will help finally end this practice in the United States by updating our immigration laws and encouraging states to ban child marriage for good.\u201d\n\n\u201cChild marriage leaves girls vulnerable to abuse and exploitation,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cIt is a predatory, manipulative practice that has no place in 21st century American society. The Child Marriage Prevention Act makes commonsense changes to help eliminate child marriage across the United States and protect our kids, and I look forward to getting it passed.\u201d\n\n\u201cGirls are only as safe as the laws designed to protect them,\u201d said Casey Carter Swegman, Director of Public Policy at Tahirih Justice Center. \u201cFor years, the United States has condemned child marriage abroad while failing to address the ways our own laws leave children here and around the world vulnerable to exploitation under the guise of marriage. The Child Marriage Prevention Act is a critical step toward changing that. By supporting states to take action to end child marriage and closing legal loopholes that can be used to exploit children, this bill sends a clear message: child marriage is wrong no matter where it occurs and we must end it! We are incredibly grateful to Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Moore for their leadership and to the many survivor advocates that have inspired and informed this urgently needed legislation.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Child Marriage Prevention Act would:\n\nEstablish a National Commission to Combat Child Marriage to study, evaluate, and report on eliminating child marriage in the United States;\n\nRequire a report by the Government Accountability Office examining the harmful impacts of child marriage across the United States;\n\nIncentivize states to ban child marriage (such as through increased Violence Against Women Act grant funding);\n\nFund states-based task forces to examine and issue recommendations for eliminating child marriage in their individual states;\n\nProhibit child marriage from occurring on federally funded land or buildings or property owned by the federal government (such as military bases).\n\nInstruct the Attorney General to promulgate a model state statute that prohibits child marriage.\n\nThis bill would also close immigration loopholes that facilitate child marriage, requiring that both parties in a couple seeking a marriage-based visa be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing and for the U.S. petitioner to have been at least 18 years of age at the time of their marriage, with rare exceptions.\n\nIn addition, this bill would amend how a proxy marriage (in which one of the two parties is not physically present for the ceremony) can be established for immigration purposes, replacing a problematic consummation requirement that incentivizes rape, with a requirement that parties to a marriage have previously met in person within two years of the date of the ceremony.", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-leads-wi-republican-delegation-requests-epa-hold-canada-accountable-for-wildfire-pollutants", "Steil Leads WI Republican Delegation, Requests EPA Hold Canada Accountable for Wildfire Pollutants", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "July 17, 2026\n\nJanesville, WI \u2013 Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Tony Wied (WI-08) wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, requesting the department review available actions under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement (AQA) to help address ongoing wildfire smoke in Wisconsin originating from Canada.\n\n\u201cRecord-breaking wildfire smoke is inflicting real harm on Wisconsin families. We cannot allow this to continue. Canada must meet its clean air promise and prevent future wildfires from impacting Wisconsin families,\u201d wrote the Representatives. \"We write to respectfully request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) take all appropriate measures under the U.S.-Canada AQA to address the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on families in the Great Lakes Region and the Northeast.\"\n\nRead the letter here.\n\nBackground:\n\nSmoke from recent wildfires, including those originating in Canada, has drifted into the United States, creating hazardous air quality ratings across Wisconsin.\n\nOn Thursday, July 16, 5 of the 10 worst areas for air quality in the world were in southern Wisconsin.\n\nAir Quality Index ratings exceeded 500 in many portions of Wisconsin, including Brown, Waukesha, and Kenosha Counties.\n\nMilwaukee saw its worst air quality on record, with an AQI of 566 - significantly higher than cities like Beijing (73) and Delhi (160).\n\nWildfires like those originating in Canada are a source of significant pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.\n\nThe U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Canada in 1991 and expanded in 2000. The agreement is designed to help reduce toxic air pollutants including ozone and particulate matter.\n\nUnder the agreement, the U.S. can raise concerns surrounding particulate emissions to force consultations with Canadian officials within 30 days.\n\nIf a resolution is not reached, the U.S. can refer the dispute to a third party or enter formal negotiations.\n\nThe letter requests that the EPA utilize this mechanism to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires and help mitigate future occurrences.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-wied-introduces-bill-help-restore-us-manufacturing", "Congressman Wied Introduces Bill to Help Restore U.S. Manufacturing", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced the Restoring American Manufacturing (RAM) Act to provide resources to small businesses seeking to bring their manufacturing back to the United States.\n\nThe RAM Act would codify the Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, connecting small businesses who seek to onshore their operations with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers.\n\n\u201cReshoring manufacturing is critical for restoring our nation\u2019s economic independence, maintaining global supply chain control, and supporting American workers,\u201d said Congressman Wied. \u201cThis online portal gives small businesses the resources they need to reshore their operations and revitalize Made in America manufacturing. I am proud to introduce this legislation to help bring American jobs back home and strengthen our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cSmall businesses make up over 98% of American manufacturers, and North Texas is no exception, as manufacturing is central to our local economy,\u201d said Congresswoman Van Duyne. \u201cThe Small Business Administration already has the tools and partnerships to help small businesses onshore their manufacturing to the U.S., they just need an easy way to find those resources. The Reshoring American Manufacturing Act will do just that, which is why I am glad to help introduce this legislation.\u201d\n\nBackground: Through executive orders from President Trump, prioritization from the SBA, and congressional action such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, the United States is revitalizing its manufacturing capabilities. While many large corporations have the resources needed to reshore their manufacturing capabilities, many small businesses do not and instead turn to the SBA for support. The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal is a website run by the SBA that provides information on its programs and partnerships with organizations such as IndustryNet, CONNEX, and IQS Directory, giving small businesses a clear starting point for reshoring their manufacturing capabilities.\n\nReps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), and Brad Finstad (R-MN) are original cosponsors of this legislation.\n\nKey Provisions:\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration to establish, operate, and maintain a website that provides a list of resources and relevant agencies for small businesses seeking information on onshoring part or all of their manufacturing capacity to the United States.", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5955", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Massie Amendment", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cToday, I voted in favor of the Massie Amendment to the FY 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which would impose a one-year moratorium on funding to Israel. This vote represents a continuation of my commitment to the pursuit of peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people. It is my belief that a shift in tactics is now necessary because of my growing frustration with the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its conduct throughout the region.\n\nSuccessive U.S. Administrations have tried to rein in the Netanyahu government only to find those interventions obstructed, including negotiating and implementing critically needed ceasefires that would stop the bloodshed.\n\nI remain singularly committed to peace, and it is my belief that the only way peace can be achieved is with a two-state solution where a sovereign Palestinian state exists alongside Israel. I wish the amendment had been more narrowly drafted so that it did not result in cuts to aid that has nothing to do with military actions or territorial expansions. I am especially pained that it would indiscriminately harm funding that fosters cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. I hope that my vote for the Massie Amendment sends a clear signal that, while Israel, like all states, has a right to defend its borders and people, their actions must remain within the bounds enshrined in international law. U.S. aid should help create the conditions for a secure, prosperous, and peaceful future for Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader Middle East. My vote is especially well-timed to send this message, as it coincides with the looming expiration of the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding outlining U.S. aid to Israel.\n\nI continue to see Israel as a vital American ally in the Middle East and the Israeli people as deserving of support to meet the security challenges they face from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other malignant actors in the region. In order to secure a lasting peace, the government of Israel must first reassess their current military posture; fully engage as a good-faith partner for peace, including in Lebanon and Gaza; address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region; take immediate steps to end illegal settlements in the West Bank and combat rising settler violence against Palestinian civilians.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-steil-led-housing-affordability-bill-becomes-law", "ICYMI - Steil-Led\u00a0Housing\u00a0Affordability Bill Becomes Law", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 On Saturday, July 11, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) became law. This package of bills increases housing supply, reduces government regulation, cuts red tape for building and lending, and addresses high housing costs. It includes the Accelerating Home Building Act (H.R. 5907), a bill co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05).\n\n\u201cRed tape and bureaucratic delays have put homeownership out of reach for many Wisconsin families,\" said Steil. \"The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a step forward to increase housing supply and reduce burdensome regulations to help make housing more affordable. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support to move this bill forward and help make life more affordable for working families.\u201d\n\nCLICK HERE to read the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.\n\nCLICK HERE for a one pager on the bill.\n\nBackground:\n\nHousing costs continue to rise due to a lack of supply, workforce shortages, and costly government regulations. These costs have put homeownership out of reach for many families.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act boosts housing supply by modernizing standards, cutting red tape to reduce the cost of manufactured homes by approximately $3,000. It updates federal permitting to ensure that projects without environmental impacts do not need to undergo additional environmental reviews.\n\nThis is the first meaningful housing reform package to pass Congress in over 30 years.\n\nThe bill passed the House on Tuesday, June 23rd, on a bipartisan vote of 358-32 and the Senate on Monday, June 22nd, on a vote of 85-5.\n\nSteil's Accelerating Home Building Act creates a grant program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help towns and cities implement pattern zoning, a process for architects and local governments to develop \"pattern books\" full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs for use in their communities. This process tackles housing affordability by reducing red tape, lowering design costs, streamlining zoning approvals, and accelerating construction timelines.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-introduces-two-bills-strengthen-va-security-and-support-retired", "Van Orden Introduces Two Bills\u00a0to Strengthen VA Security and Support Retired Federal Working Dogs", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden introduced two bills to strengthen security at VA facilities and support retired federal working dogs.\n\nThe VA Police Security Enhancement Act would strengthen security at VA facilities by expanding the definition of VA property under federal law, authorizing VA police officers to carry out broader security responsibilities, allowing limited off-property operations when necessary, encouraging coordination with state and local law enforcement through memoranda of understanding, modernizing facility security measures, increasing congressional oversight, and establishing a dedicated account to support VA police staffing, training, and security infrastructure.\n\n\u201cOur veterans have earned the very best care and support our nation can provide. That starts with ensuring the facilities they rely on are secure, and that the hardworking VA police officers have the tools necessary to protect them,\u201d said Van Orden.\n\nThe K-9 Hero Act of 2026 would establish a federal grant program to help nonprofit organizations cover veterinary expenses for retired federal working dogs that served alongside America\u2019s military members, law enforcement officers, and homeland security personnel.\n\n\"Federal working dogs have been an invaluable part of missions that protect our country and keep Americans safe. This legislation ensures the organizations caring for these retired heroes have the support necessary to provide them with proper medical care,\u201d Van Orden added.\n\nVan Orden is a 26-year Navy SEAL veteran and a member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, where he continues to advocate for veterans and their families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-pocan-dexter-leger-fernandez-and-ramirez-return-cuba-fact-finding", "Reps. Pocan, Dexter, Leger Fernandez, and Ramirez Return From Cuba Fact-Finding Mission", "2026-07-13", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) released the following statement upon the conclusion of their four-day Congressional delegation to Cuba:\n\n\u201cI went to Cuba thirty years ago, three and a half years ago, and now today,\u201d said Rep. Pocan. \u201cAs a small business owner for 37 years myself, I have seen how the island\u2019s private sector has the potential to thrive like never before, but is also hamstrung by U.S. sanctions that limit its access to financing, punish its workforce, reduce its customer base, and cut off its suppliers and export possibilities.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnited States' policies continue to exacerbate a crisis of displacement: a situation that, for many Cubans, makes it impossible to stay and realize self-determination in their own land. From what I heard directly from Cubans, many feel like they are forced to emigrate. But when Cubans decide to leave behind their land and look at the United States with hope, they are confronted by the U.S.\u2019s outdated immigration system and the Trump administration's white nationalist agenda,\u201d said Rep. Ramirez. \u201cIt is an impossible choice: face hunger, illness, and destitution on your own land or the abuse of ICE in the U.S.\u201d\n\n\u201cCuba created a free, universal healthcare system that millions of Cubans and others around the world have come to expect and depend on,\u201d said Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. \u201cToday that system is buckling under sanctions that the White House has unleashed on the Cuban people. This is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, and it\u2019s on us to stop it. I will be using all the tools at my disposal to remove the barriers to delivering health care to the Cuban people.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhat the United States is doing to this island is a siege,\u201d said Rep. Leger Fern\u00e1ndez. \u201cWe\u2019re blocking medical supplies, fuel and other essential inputs, leading its infant mortality rate to rise nearly 150% in recent years, from 4 to 9.9 per 1,000 live births. I doubt any American wants innocent Cuban babies to die due to our policies.\u201d\n\nThe Members jointly wrote:\n\n\u201cAs elected lawmakers tasked with oversight of U.S. foreign policy, we traveled to Havana to meet with Cubans of all walks of life and political perspectives to hear about the hardships the Trump administration\u2019s maximum pressure policies are creating for Cuban citizens, learn about recent reform efforts aimed at modernizing the Cuban economy, and explore ways to reset U.S.-Cuba relations on a path of engagement, diplomacy and mutual respect.\n\n\u201cThe de facto U.S. fuel blockade on Cuba is producing indiscriminate pain for the most vulnerable Cubans, contributing to nationwide electrical blackouts\u2014including one during our trip\u2014buildups of trash on street corners, severe shortages of food, medicine, and public transportation, and widening inequality on the island.\n\n\u201cIn our meetings with religious leaders, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, humanitarian groups, medical professionals and farmers, everybody we heard from - no matter their views of the Cuban government or the pace and scope of the announced reforms - agreed on one thing: that they are being strangled to death under the current executive orders and longstanding economic blockade.\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration has not provided any evidence that Cuba poses a pressing national security threat to the United States and our interests at home and abroad. We believe that any pretext used to launch an illegal, unauthorized, and unpopular military operation against the island would exacerbate a grave humanitarian catastrophe, put U.S. service members at unnecessary risk, and hurt the very people we claim to support.\n\n\u201cThe severe secondary sanctions - including more announced today - mean that there is almost no fuel and no banking on the island, forcing blackouts that can last days. Foreign businesses are fleeing the island, crippling Cuba\u2019s private sector. Without electricity, hospitals, health care and all basic services are impacted. There is a growing humanitarian crisis and international aid organizations cannot distribute aid throughout the country. In other words, our policies are killing everyday Cuban citizens.\n\n\u201cWe call on the Trump administration and our colleagues in Congress to listen to the majority of U.S. and Cuban citizens and the rest of the world by lifting the cruel sanctions weighing on the Cuban people and engaging in serious and comprehensive negotiations with Cuban authorities that help advance trade with the island, promote respect for human rights, and provide a much-needed solution for a Cuban population that doesn\u2019t have any more time to wait.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5281", "Grothman Introduces Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act to Honor Hmong Veterans' Service During the Vietnam War", "2026-07-10", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Hmong people in recognition of their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and loyalty to the United States during the Vietnam War.\n\nThe legislation pays tribute to the thousands of Hmong soldiers who courageously fought alongside American forces against communist aggression and celebrates the lasting legacy and contributions of Hmong Americans across the United States.\n\n\"The Hmong people stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in defense of freedom and against communist aggression in Southeast Asia.\" said Grothman. \"Thousands risked everything to support American troops, and many paid the ultimate price for their loyalty. The story of their courage and sacrifice has been underreported for far too long and should never be forgotten. Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the Hmong veterans and families who answered America's call and to the generations of Hmong Americans who continue to strengthen our communities through their dedication, patriotism, and commitment to family.\"\n\nBackground Information\n\nDuring the Vietnam War, more than 30,000 Hmong soldiers fought alongside American forces in the battle against communism. Serving under General Vang Pao and other Hmong leaders, they gathered critical intelligence, disrupted enemy operations, defended strategic positions, and rescued downed American pilots\u2014helping save countless American lives.\n\nFollowing the war, many Hmong soldiers and their families faced persecution because of their alliance with the United States. Tens of thousands fled their homes, and more than 150,000 Hmong refugees ultimately resettled in the United States, where they have built thriving communities and made lasting contributions to our nation.\n\nThe Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act would award the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the Hmong people's extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service alongside the United States during the Vietnam War, while honoring the enduring contributions Hmong Americans continue to make to communities across the country.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-joins-vp-vance-and-cms-administrator-oz-in-wisconsin-to-discuss-combatting-waste-fraud-and-abuse-in-government-programs", "Steil Joins VP Vance and CMS Administrator Oz in Wisconsin to Discuss Combatting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Government Programs", "2026-07-08", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "July 8, 2026\n\nMILWAUKEE, WI. \u2013 Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Vice President JD Vance, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), highlighted their work to eliminate fraud within critical federal programs. According to US Department of Justice (DOJ), fraudsters cost Wisconsin Medicaid more than $15.5 million between 2019 and 2022 and more than $6.5 billion nationwide.\n\nImage\n\n\u201cInadequate fraud prevention standards have opened the door to criminal actors and harmed American families and children,\" said Steil. \"Program resources should go to those in need, not fraudsters and criminals. I'm proud to work alongside VP Vance and the Trump Administration to protect vulnerable Americans and root out waste, fraud, and abuse.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nAccording to US DOJ, fraudsters cost Medicaid more than $6.5 billion including more than $15.5 million in Wisconsin between 2019 and 2022.\n\nUS DOJ filed charges against 455 defendants including:\n\nA Milwaukee funeral home owner who is facing 14 felony counts of fraud for stealing nearly $1 million from Medicaid.\n\nA Milwaukee prenatal care company owner who is accused of stealing more than $5.4 million from Medicaid.\n\nOther recent WI Medicaid fraud charges include:\n\nA Milwaukee prenatal care company owner who was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for stealing more than $2.3 million from Medicaid.\n\nA Milwaukee business owner accused of defrauding Medicaid of more than $2 million for personal care services that were never delivered.\n\nIn July 2025, the Working Family Tax Cuts (WFTC) was signed into law. The bill helps fight waste, fraud, and abuse and strengthens critical programs like Medicaid to protect them for who they were designed to serve: children, pregnant women, and disabled Americans:\n\nWork requirements - requires able-bodied adults without young children to work 20 hours per week to receive benefits\n\nEligibility integrity - Strengthens eligibility integrity to remove deceased individuals, remove duplicate enrollees, and perform eligibility verification two times per year\n\nIncreases Medicaid spending by more than $100 billion over the next 10 years\n\nListen to Rep. Steil's remarks here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-shares-fema-storm-damage-resources-for-wisconsin-families", "Steil Shares\u00a0FEMA\u00a0Storm Damage Resources for Wisconsin Families", "2026-07-06", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "July 6, 2026\n\nJANESVILLE, WI \u2013 Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) shared additional details regarding FEMA resources for families and affected communities following storm damage in Wisconsin this past April. This follows President Trump\u2019s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin and approval of $22.6 million in funding for Wisconsin families.\n\n\"This is an important step towards helping Wisconsin families impacted by the severe weather and damaging flooding in April,\" said Steil. \"Thank you, President Trump for working to provide critical resources to Wisconsin families. I look forward to working with FEMA to help Wisconsin families impacted by these storms.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nOn June 30, President Trump approved an initial $22.6 million in funding assistance for Wisconsin families following storm damage in April.\n\nThe approval includes Individual Assistance Funding for families in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock Counties and Public Assistance funding for Rock Counties in WI-01, as well as other counties throughout Wisconsin.\n\nFamilies can apply for assistance online at the link here.\n\nMore funding and additional determinations may be made available according to FEMA.\n\nThe timeline to receive FEMA funding for the most recent storm in April is following a similar timeline to the over $200 million disbursed to support recovery efforts from storms that occurred in August 2025.\n\nAugust 2025 Storms\n\nInitial amount approved: $29.8 million\n\nFinal amount disbursed: $208.2 million\n\nApril 2026 Storms\n\nInitial amount approved: $22.6 million\n\nFinal amount disbursed: TBD\n\nIn September 2025, President Trump announced the approval of $29.8 million and ultimately disbursed over $200 million to support recovery efforts in Wisconsin following historic flooding caused by severe rainfall in the Milwaukee region on August 9th and 10th.\n\nIn April, storms caused tornadoes and widespread flooding and damage across Wisconsin.\n\nOn May 1, 2026, Rep. Steil and Wisconsin Republican Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) thanking the agency for their prompt response to the State of Wisconsin's request for FEMA to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to determine whether the damage meets the thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.\n\nOn May 28, 2026, Rep. Steil and the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Trump to support the State of Wisconsin's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.\n\nIn June, President Trump announced the approval of a Major Disaster Declaration providing $22.6 million dollars to Wisconsin to support recovery efforts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5952", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Violent, Reckless ICE Arrests in Milwaukee", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cI am fully aware of ICE\u2019s escalating presence in our community. ICE agents are showing up masked, dressed in police tactical gear, and using excessive force, including shattering car windows to carry out arrests. Their reckless tactics are terrorizing families and inflicting real harm on our residents, especially across the South Side. ICE is operating like a rogue agency, and its abuses make clear that serious reforms are long overdue. This is exactly why I refused to give this out\u2011of\u2011control agency one more penny.\n\nMy constituents should know they are entitled to due process in our country. Every person has rights, no matter their status. As Wisconsin\u2019s Fourth District representative, I will continue conducting oversight and doing everything in my power to protect my constituents.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-hageman-introduce-legislation-protect-taxpayers-abusive-eaja-lawsuits", "Tiffany, Hageman Introduce Legislation to Protect Taxpayers from Abusive EAJA Lawsuits", "2026-07-01", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Thomas P. Tiffany", "T000165", "tiffany.house.gov", "tiffany", "https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large) introduced the Fixing Egregiously Expensive Suits Act, or FEES Act for short.\n\nThe Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) was enacted in 1980 to help ordinary Americans challenge federal overreach. It was intended to protect veterans, Social Security recipients, small businesses, and other individuals from prohibitive legal costs when taking action against the federal government. Instead, well-funded environmental organizations have transformed EAJA into a taxpayer-funded revenue stream to finance politically motivated litigation that has little to do with justice and everything to do with advancing their agenda.\n\n\u201cEAJA was enacted to give veterans, small businesses, and everyday Americans a fair shot at challenging government overreach. Instead, it has become a cash machine for well-funded environmental groups that sue federal agencies and stick taxpayers with the bill. The FEES Act shuts down that gravy train and returns EAJA to the people it was meant to serve,\u201dsaid Congressman Tiffany.\n\n\u201cRadical environmental groups have exploited the Equal Access to Justice Act for decades, using taxpayer dollars to fund sue-and-settle schemes that undermine responsible land management and block critical projects across the West. The FEES Act closes loopholes and restores the original intent of EAJA by limiting attorney fee awards to parties with real, direct stakes in outcomes, not well-funded activist organizations gaming the system at the public's expense. The American people deserve a federal government that can actually do its job without being held hostage by serial litigants,\u201d said Congresswoman Hageman.\n\nFrom fiscal years 2019 through 2024, the Department of the Interior and USDA awarded approximately $24.8 million under EAJA, with 76% of those funds flowing to a small number of environmental organizations and their lawyers, whose fees have been reimbursed at rates as high as $500 per hour\u2014all at taxpayer expense.\n\n\u201cThe American Forest Resource Council supports the FEES Act because it restores accountability and transparency to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Too often, taxpayers are forced to fund attorney fee awards associated with lawsuits that delay critical forest management, wildfire reduction, and public safety projects for years. These commonsense EAJA reforms will help reduce incentives for serial litigation, improving the ability of federal land managers to steward public lands and protect nearby communities,\u201dsaid Travis Joseph, President/CEO of the American Forest Resource Council.\n\n\u201cAmerican ranchers have felt the impact of radical activists\u2019 exploitation of taxpayer-funded litigation for decades. What started as a well-intended and much-needed tools for average Americans to settle issues like veterans\u2019 benefits and small business claims quickly was corrupted by groups who wanted to stop active management and science-based decisions across the country. Well-financed environmental groups that only exist to sue the government and recoup their attorneys\u2019 fees should not have their agenda funded by taxpayer dollars. Thank you to Representatives Tiffany and Hageman for recognizing the need to end the cycle of sue-and-settle that has undermined meaningful resource planning for far too long,\u201dsaid Tim Canterbury, Public Lands Council President.\n\n\u201cRepeat litigants have weaponized taxpayer funds and abused EAJA for far too long. This bill delivers needed reforms to curb \u2018sue-and-settle\u2019 tactics that have allowed well-funded organizations to rely on procedural arguments that do not benefit wildlife or habitat,\u201dsaid SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. \u201cThe bill protects the original intent of EAJA by ensuring that only those with a real, direct stake in a case can recover fees, instead of repeatedly cashing in at taxpayers\u2019 expense. SCI urges the House to rapidly consider and pass EAJA reform like this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Equal Access to Justice Act was enacted with good intentions to give small businesses and individuals the ability to fight an unresponsive government in court. However, by letting well-funded and litigious environmental organizations get their lawyers\u2019 fees paid, the incentive to file suits and delay important habitat management projects has only grown. Litigation is now one of the biggest barriers to wildlife habitat improvement on federal lands. We support the FEES Act introduced by Representative Tom Tiffany as a commonsense reform to get our foresters and biologists back in the field and out of the court room,\u201dsaid the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.\n\nSupporting organizations include: The American Forest Resource Council, Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Safari Club International.\n\nThe FEES Act includes the following reforms to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA):\n\nLimits attorney fee awards to prevailing parties with a direct, personal financial interest in the case, such as those involving personal injury, property damage, or an unpaid agency disbursement.\n\nCaps EAJA awards at $200,000 per adversary adjudication and limits recipients to no more than three adversary adjudications per calendar year.\n\nRequires courts to reduce or deny attorney fee awards for parties that acted in bad faith or engaged in dilatory, oppressive, or otherwise improper conduct.\n\nProhibits attorney fee awards when a lawsuit is resolved through a settlement that results in the creation of a new federal regulation or guidance document.\n\nCreates a carve out so lawsuits related to Social Security or Veterans Affairs are not impacted.\n\nExempts successful class action lawsuits from these new limitations.\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Interior to convene an independent panel to evaluate the law's impact and submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\nYou can view the text of the FEES Act here.", 1, "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5268", "Grothman Introduces Bill to Strengthen Identity Protections for Federal Health Care Enrollees", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Marketplace Fraud Accountability (MFA) Act, legislation requiring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement multifactor authentication for enrollees in federal health care programs governed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to better protect Americans' personal information and reduce fraud.\n\n\"Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to exploit weak security systems, and the federal government shouldn't make it easy for them,\" said Grothman. \"Multifactor authentication has become a standard security measure for everything from banking to email to fast food apps because it works. There's no reason Americans should have stronger protections for their bank accounts than for their health care accounts. This is a commonsense anti-fraud measure that will make it harder for bad actors to manipulate federal health care account and exploit taxpayer-funded programs. By strengthening these basic security protections, we can better protect enrollees and save taxpayer funds by reducing fraud and improper payments. At the same time, this bill ensures individuals without reliable broadband or cellular service can continue accessing their health care accounts through alternative verification methods.\"\n\n\"Congressman Grothman has stepped forward as a true champion for both consumers and the professional agent community,\" said B. Ronnell Nolan, President and CEO of Health Agents for America (HAFA). \"The Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act is about protecting Americans from fraud, preserving consumer choice, and ensuring licensed agents can continue serving their clients with integrity and accountability. This legislation is long overdue.\"\n\nBackground Information\n\nMultifactor authentication is a widely used security measure that verifies a user's identity through two or more authentication factors, such as a password, security token, or biometric identifier. While Americans routinely use these protections for banking, email, and other online services, CMS does not currently require multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees.\n\nWatchdog organizations have raised concerns that the lack of basic identity protections leaves enrollees vulnerable to fraud, unauthorized account changes, and identity theft. According to the Paragon Institute, fraud and improper enrollment resulting from these vulnerabilities is conservatively estimated to cost taxpayers between $15 billion and $26 billion. Several state-based health care exchanges, including DC Health Link, already require multifactor authentication.\n\nThe Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act would require CMS to implement multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees within one year of enactment. The legislation also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide alternative authentication methods on a case-by-case basis for individuals who lack reliable broadband or cellular service, ensuring they are not prevented from accessing their health care accounts.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-statement-supreme-court-decision-uphold-integrity-womens-sports", "Van Orden Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Integrity in Women\u2019s Sports", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement regarding today\u2019s monumental Supreme Court ruling gives states the right to ban males from playing in female sports:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s Supreme Court ruling is a landmark victory for women and female athletes. The Court rightly recognized that states have authority to set clear standards that preserve women\u2019s sports for female athletes. That framework protects competitive integrity and ensures that opportunities created under Title IX remain grounded in their original intent. Women and girls deserve a fair playing field, and today the Court upheld that principle.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-statement-supreme-court-ruling-birthright-citizenship", "Van Orden Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Birthright Citizenship", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement regarding today\u2019s Supreme Court ruling on Birthright Citizenship:\n\n\u201cThe Fourteenth Amendment was enacted in the aftermath of Dred Scott to guarantee citizenship for freed slaves, not to establish automatic citizenship for individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States or only temporarily here. This ruling departs from that historical context and the original understanding.\n\nBy adopting this interpretation, the Court risks further incentivizing abuse of the immigration system and undermining the integrity of American citizenship. These are serious consequences with long-term implications for the rule of law and border security.\n\nCongress should act promptly to ensure the Citizenship Clause is applied consistent with its original meaning and protect the integrity of American citizenship.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wieds-statement-following-president-trumps-approval-wisconsins-disaster", "Wied's Statement Following President Trump's Approval of Wisconsin's Disaster Declaration Request", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) released the following statement after President Trump approved the State of Wisconsin\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the severe flooding that struck the state in April.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to President Trump for approving this request and glad to see Northeast Wisconsin receive the relief it deserves,\u201d said Congressman Wied. \u201cFrom the moment these storms hit, I have been committed to working with the Trump Administration to ensure every available federal resource is used to support a swift and full recovery for those impacted by April\u2019s floods. I look forward to seeing these much-needed funds delivered to communities across Wisconsin\u2019s 8th District.\u201d\n\nBackground: In April, communities across Wisconsin experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather over several days, causing multiple rivers to flood their banks and destroy homes and businesses alike. On Wednesday, April 29th, Governor Evers requested FEMA\u2019s assistance with a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA), and on Thursday, April 30th, FEMA responded. Following the JPDA, Governor Tony Evers requested a Major Disaster Declaration. In total, over 1,500 residential structures were damaged across 19 counties and the Oneida Nation, resulting in nearly $10 million in costs. Public infrastructure damage is currently estimated at over $17 million, easily exceeding the State\u2019s per capita indicator. On May 28th, Congressman Wied led a bipartisan delegation letter urging the Trump Administration to approve the state of Wisconsin\u2019s request. President Trump announced the state would receive $22.6 million on June 30th.", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-package-housing-legislation-end-gse-conservatorship", "Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Package of Housing Legislation to End the GSE Conservatorship & Help Fix America's Housing Supply Crisis", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced three pieces of legislation aimed at fixing the housing supply crisis in the United States: the Sustainable Homeownership Act, the Working Families Home Construction Act, and the Home Affordability Through Mortgage Simplification Act.\n\nThe Sustainable Homeownership Act creates a statutory path out of conservatorship for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It also increases private-sector risk sharing, limits risky balance-sheet growth, and protects equal access for small lenders. The broader goal is to move the housing finance system away from indefinite government control and toward a more transparent, better-capitalized, private-capital-backed structure. The bill also addresses affordability concerns by tying conforming loan limit growth more closely to household income and by permitting certain enterprise funds to support housing supply initiatives.\n\n\u201cFannie Mae and Freddie Mac have remained in conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis, and Congress should establish clear guardrails for a more sustainable housing finance system,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThe bill locks in conservative reforms that have been done administratively, brings more private capital into the mortgage market, and protects taxpayers from future bailouts.\u201d\n\nBackground: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain central to the housing finance market, but their long-running conservatorships have left unresolved questions about taxpayer exposure, enterprise capital, private risk sharing, and the appropriate role of the government-sponsored enterprises in the mortgage market. Republican members have consistently raised concerns that the enterprises should operate with stronger capital, greater private-sector risk transfer, a narrower retained portfolio, and clearer limits on mission creep.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nThe Working Families Home Construction Act allows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase residential construction loans at a low interest rate that are subject to certain home price specifications, helping builders access gap financing needed to produce more middle-class housing. Builders across the country are ready to build, but too often cannot access affordable construction financing needed for land acquisition, infrastructure, site preparation, and other upfront development costs, making it difficult for developers to build anything but upper-income homes.\n\n\u201cBy providing low-cost financing, my bill will incentivize developers to build the type of middle-class housing currently missing from the market,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cI based this legislative effort on a similar program that has worked successfully in Washington County, Wisconsin. Fixing the housing shortage in the United States is one of the top issues we face.\u201d\n\nBackground: The United States continues to face a shortage of attainable, owner-occupied housing, particularly for working and middle-income families. While much of the housing affordability debate focuses on mortgage rates and monthly payments, insufficient housing supply remains a central driver of elevated home prices. Builders frequently face financing gaps for development costs that are not well supported by traditional mortgage finance. These challenges are especially acute for smaller builders and locally supported projects aimed at producing entry-level or workforce housing. Existing federal housing finance tools primarily support completed mortgages rather than the construction pipeline needed to produce new homes.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nThe Home Affordability Through Mortgage Simplification Act streamlines mortgage disclosure rules so lenders are not punished for minor, technical errors that do not harm borrowers, while preserving consumer restitution rights. The current Truth in Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Integrated Disclosures (TRID) framework has become overly technical and can delay closings over small, non-material issues. The bill is designed to keep core borrower protections in place while making TRID more practical.\n\n\u201cBy simplifying the TRID process, my bill reduces unnecessary closing delays, lowers compliance uncertainty, and helps make the mortgage process less costly and frustrating for homebuyers,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cAny commonsense reforms that make it easier for hardworking Americans to buy a home should be a no-brainer.\u201d\n\nBackground:The TRID mortgage disclosure rules were created to help borrowers understand loan terms and closing costs before closing. While the goal remains important, the current framework has become overly technical and can delay closings or create lender liability for minor errors that do not harm the borrower. Under current rules, small fee changes, settlement agent mistakes, or routine last-minute updates can require corrected disclosures, reset waiting periods, or trigger compliance violations even when the borrower\u2019s total costs remain substantially accurate. This creates uncertainty for lenders, adds costs to the mortgage process, and can disrupt home purchases in an already difficult affordability environment.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-chairs-hearing-how-government-regulation-harms-airline", "Rep. Fitzgerald Chairs Hearing on How Government Regulation Harms Airline Competition and Consumer Costs", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), who serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, held a hearing entitled, \u201cThe 30,000 Foot View: Competition and Regulation in the U.S. Airline Industry.\u201d Rep. Fitzgerald issued the following statement about the hearing:\n\n\u201cAnnual airline passenger traffic has nearly quadrupled since the 1970s, and consumers now benefit from a range of choices, from the legacy airlines to the low-cost- and ultra-low-cost-carriers. This is all thanks to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978.\n\n\u201cUnshackled from government regulation, what we saw over time was intense competitive pressure that pushed prices down and consumer choice up. But that pressure also led to a significant number of mergers, acquisitions, and bankruptcies.\n\n\u201cBetween 1978 and 2005, 162 airlines filed for bankruptcy. Today\u2019s airline industry, while certainly more accessible and more competitive, is also more concentrated than ever before. The Big Four air carriers\u2014American, United, Delta, and Southwest\u2014control nearly 80 percent of domestic airline travel.\n\n\u201cWhile the Airline Deregulation Act freed the airlines from the decrees of government boards, the government still occupies a major role in commercial aviation that often benefits the incumbents at the expense of new entrants. For example, at seven of the nation\u2019s busiest airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls and distributes access to take-offs and landings through a slot system that often favors incumbent carriers.\n\n\u201cThere are also long-term gate lease agreements that last for decades. In 2016, Delta signed a twenty-year lease agreement with the City of Atlanta for its airport. That lease agreement also stipulated that the City of Atlanta could not operate a second airport. These agreements create a significant barrier to entry for competitors seeking to gain a foothold at major airports. If a competitor can\u2019t access a gate, it can\u2019t compete for a slot.\n\n\u201cConsumers deserve a system where airlines compete freely and can innovate and grow, not a system where the government consistently puts its thumb on the scale to foreclose competition. Government-imposed barriers destroy competition, leaving consumers worse off.\n\n\u201cThe most recent example of this was the proposed Spirit-JetBlue merger. In 2023, the Biden-Harris DOJ sued to block the proposed $3.8 billion merger. The DOJ claimed the merger would remove Spirit from the market and reduce competition. At the time, the proposed merger would have created the fifth largest airline domestically\u2014with 10 percent market share\u2014and increase competition against the Big Four.\n\n\u201cHowever, one year later, a federal judge in Massachusetts sided with the DOJ and blocked the deal. Spirit later filed for bankruptcy twice and ultimately shut down operations in May of this year. The blocked merger of Spirit-JetBlue offers a cautionary tale about government overregulation. By blocking the transaction, regulators prevented the market from testing whether a stronger competitor could emerge to challenge the industry's largest incumbents. At a minimum, the case demonstrates the importance of ensuring that antitrust enforcement promotes competition rather than merely preserving the status quo.\n\n\u201cToday, we had a constructive debate about the future of the airline industry. Our goal should be to remove unnecessary barriers to entry, encourage robust competition, and ensure that consumers, not regulators, are the ultimate beneficiaries of airline policy.\u201d\n\nWatch Congressman Fitzgerald's opening statement from the hearing:\n\nBackground: This hearing examined competition and regulation in the U.S. airline industry, including the current market structure and government regulations. The hearing also evaluated recent mergers and acquisitions in the airline industry and their effect on consumers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-scott-hirono-murray-reed-whitehouse-introduce-bill-make-college", "Pocan, Scott, Hirono, Murray, Reed, Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Make College More Affordable, Double Pell Grant", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (D-VA) and U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced bicameral legislation to make higher education more affordable for millions of working and middle-class students across the country. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award, index the maximum award for inflation, and make other changes to expand the award for working students, while also protecting the program from budget shortfalls and eligibility changes.\n\n\u201cNo one should be denied a chance at a higher education if they are smart and capable enough but are unable to afford it. As a recipient of the Pell Grant myself, I know just how instrumental of a tool it is to make college accessible for all,\u201d Congressman Pocan said. \u201cUnfortunately, skyrocketing tuition costs and perpetual underfunding continue to undermine this critical program. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act would not only double the maximum Pell Grant, it would protect the program from future cuts, expand eligibility to include DREAMers, and ensure that postsecondary education is attainable for every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Pell Grant is the most important tool we have to help students afford college. Unfortunately, due to Republicans' attacks on federal student aid \u2014 including slashing loans in annual appropriations and refusal to fully fund the Pell Grant program in the 'Big Ugly Bill' \u2014 students now face a significant Pell Grant shortfall, made worse by the rising cost of college. Simply put, Pell Grants' purchasing power has severely eroded, making it even more difficult for students to afford higher education,\u201d said House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott. \u201cBy doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and moving the program to mandatory funding, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act directly addresses this shortfall and begins to restore purchasing power to help millions of students earn a quality degree without being forced to take on excessive debt.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor thousands of students in Hawaii and millions of students across the country, Pell Grants have helped to make higher education more affordable. But as costs continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for students to pursue the college and career opportunities that will allow them to succeed in the future,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cBy increasing the Pell Grant maximum award, indexing the maximum award for inflation, and protecting the program from future cuts, this legislation will allow students across the country to reach their full potential.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile Trump is driving up the cost of just about everything, including college\u2014Democrats are instead putting forward reasonable proposals to make sure everyone who is willing to work hard can pursue a higher education,\u201d said Senator Patty Murray. \u201cThere is absolutely no reason students should be saddled with mountains of debt if they want to get a college degree. Government should be helping to open doors for American students, not slamming them shut like Trump is doing. Every year, I fight to protect and expand the Pell Grant\u2014this bill would increase Pell Grants for millions of students to help them afford a postsecondary education and further their careers while helping ensure the Pell Grant is there to support students for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, Pell grants have been the cornerstone of our federal financial aid programs. Today, with the costs of higher education continuing to increase, these grants cover a shrinking percentage of the actual cost of college. Students should not have to rack up mountains of debt just to continue their education and earn their degree,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cIt is past time we double the power of Pell grants and ensure this essential financial aid keeps up with inflation. This legislation would help expand access to Pell grants, lower student debt, strengthen our economy and workforce, and help deserving students reach their full potential.\u201d\n\n\u201cPell Grants, one of Senator Claiborne Pell\u2019s enduring legacies, have helped generations of Rhode Islanders get a high-quality education while taking on less debt,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cOur bill would increase the purchasing power of a Pell Grant and inflation-proof the awards to bring us closer to realizing Senator Pell\u2019s vision of affordable higher education for all.\u201d\n\nThe federal Pell Grant program, which currently serves more than 7 million students nationwide, has been the cornerstone of federal student aid for more than 50 years. But with rising costs, the purchasing power of the Pell Grant maximum award has significantly declined over the years\u2014from covering more than three-quarters of the cost of attendance at a four-year, public institution when the program was first created, to now covering less than one-third of the cost of attendance today. At the same time, the Pell Grant program faces a substantial shortfall, putting it at severe risk of future cuts.\n\nIn response, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 would double the Pell Grant maximum award\u2014from $7,395, to $15,000\u2014over six years, index the maximum award for inflation to maintain its purchasing power, and make the program fully mandatory funding to protect it from future cuts. In addition, the bill would also expand the program to include DREAMers and restore lifetime eligibility to 18 semesters\u2014among other important changes that will benefit students.\n\n\u201cThe Pell Grant program is our nation\u2019s foundational investment in college affordability, but the award has not kept pace with rising costs, and the program\u2019s funding structure puts it at ongoing risk of cuts. We strongly support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, which not only increases the maximum Pell award to make college far more affordable for millions of students, but expands, protects, and strengthens the program for years to come,\u201d said Michele Zampini, Associate Vice President, Federal Policy & Advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS).\n\n\u201cThe Pell Grant is the cornerstone of federal financial aid, but its funding is perpetually one shortfall away from cuts and the maximum award now covers less than a quarter of the cost of attending an in-state public four-year college. Students cannot meet their most basic needs\u2014food, housing, child care\u2014on a grant that no longer keeps pace with what college actually costs,\u201d said Bryce McKibben, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University. \u201cThe Hope Center for Student Basic Needs strongly supports the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act as a transformative proposal that will dramatically cut the cost of higher education borne by students By funding Pell as a permanent program, this legislation finally frees the program from the annual budget brinkmanship that leaves millions uncertain whether their financial aid will be there next year. It also overhauls outdated red tape, administrative burdens, and eligibility restrictions that prevent millions of deserving students from getting aid when they need it most. This bill is a clear statement that a low-income student's path to a degree is worth protecting, for this generation and the ones to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cEdTrust is proud to support the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, a comprehensive package of reforms that will strengthen the Pell Grant for millions of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. By doubling the maximum Pell award and making the program fully mandatory, among other important improvements, this bill addresses financial barriers that make it harder for college students to earn a degree and ensures the program will not face budget shortfalls like the current one. This bill is a tremendous step toward ensuring that higher education remains accessible for millions of students who otherwise would not have the ability to pursue their dreams and gain valuable skills. We salute U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono, Patty Murray, Jack Reed , and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Mark Pocan and Bobby Scott for their leadership on behalf of students from low-income backgrounds and students of color and urge Congress to pass the bicameral Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act,\u201d said Denise Forte, President and CEO at EdTrust.\n\nIn addition to Representatives Scott and Pocan, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OH), Danny Davis (D-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-MI), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jesus \u201cChuy\u201d Garcia (D-IL), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Pablo Hernandez (D-PR), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Summer Lee (D-PA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), John Mannion (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Simon, Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).\n\nIn addition to Senators Hirono, Murray, Reed, and Whitehouse, companion legislation in the Senate is co-sponsored Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by: The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs (Hope Center), The Education Trust (EdTrust), Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), United States Student Association (USSA), National College Attainment Network (NCAN), Southern California College Attainment Network (SoCal CAN), HawaiiKidsCAN, Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), New America Higher Education Program, Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Third Way, College Possible, FuturesNW, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Capital Area College Access Network (CAPCAN), OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board), ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now Ohio), and Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/real-ingredients-real-standards-congressman-wied-introduces-real-butter-act", "REAL Ingredients, REAL Standards: Congressman Wied Introduces REAL Butter Act", "2026-06-22", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Greenleaf, WI \u2014 Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) visited Brickstead Dairy earlier today to announce his newest bill, the bipartisan Recognizing Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created (REAL) Butter Act, co-led with Congressman Josh Riley (D-NY). This legislation would promote transparency, protect consumer choice, and support Wisconsin dairy farmers.\n\n\u201cBillionaire food experiments are no longer hypothetical. Bill Gates is currently funding a carbon-based, lab-grown butter project created from carbon dioxide instead of milk from a cow, and it is happening in Illinois, right in the backyard of America's Dairyland. The REAL Butter Act would simply require that it be clearly labeled as \"lab-created butter\" directly on the product. America's dairy farmers put in the work every day to keep our families fed, our rural communities strong, and our agricultural heritage alive. They should not have to compete with products that hide behind vague or misleading labels,\u201d said Congressman Wied.\n\n\"Upstate dairy farmers work hard to make high-quality products that our families can count on. Fake 'butter' alternatives shouldn\u2019t be allowed to ride their coattails with misleading labels that confuse customers. Our bipartisan bill strengthens labeling standards for imitation butter, helping families make informed choices at the grocery store and protecting dairy farmers in Upstate New York and across the country,\u201d said Congressman Riley.\n\nBackground: In April 2025, Bill Gates announced his newest company, Savor, with a \u201cbutter\u201d made of carbon. In other words, a fake butter made from thin air, despite claims that it is chemically the same as traditional butter. This creation is an attack on American farmers, the dairy industry, and the Trump Administration, which recently recognized butter as a healthy food under its newly announced dietary guidelines. The REAL Butter Act would simply ensure that this fake \"butter\" is labeled as \"lab-created\" directly on the product, so consumers are not confused about what they are buying. This commonsense bill would protect consumers by ensuring they can make informed decisions when choosing healthy, real dairy-based butter and allow dairy farmers to compete on a level playing field.\n\nRepresentatives Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), John Rose (R-TN), and David Schweikert (R-AZ) are original cosponsors of this legislation.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5950", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Applauds Court Order Requiring Release of Salah Sarsour from ICE Detention", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore today welcomed a federal judge's ruling ordering the release of Salah Sarsour from ICE detention, calling the decision a victory for due process and human dignity.\n\n\u201cOver the course of two visits, I observed troubling signs of declining health and raised serious concerns about the conditions of his confinement,\u201d said Congresswoman Moore. \u201cNo person in ICE custody should be denied adequate nutrition, medical attention, or humane treatment.\"\n\nCongresswoman Moore has repeatedly advocated on Mr. Sarsour's behalf, including through multiple letters to ICE officials demanding that he receive proper medical care and sufficient nutrition.\n\n\"The court's ruling affirms what many of us have been saying for months: Mr. Sarsour's continued detention was unjustifiable,\" Moore continued. \"Thank you to the legal advocates, community leaders, and family members who fought tirelessly for Mr. Sarsour's release.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-19T06:50:32Z", "2026-06-19T06:53:40Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5951", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Iran \u201cDeal\u201d to End Republican War of Choice", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cThe war with Iran has killed Americans, Iranians, and others in the region, wasted billions, depleted military capacity, and made life more expensive for working people.\n\nTrump didn\u2019t do this alone: The Republican-led Congress allowed this costly war to continue and reach this vague, uncertain phase. There has never been a military solution to the challenges posed by Iran's nuclear program or regional activities. This ill-advised war only reaffirms that.\n\nIn the days to come, Congress must hold this Administration\u2019s feet to the fire as implementation of this agreement and critical negotiations move forward. Congress must be provided with briefings, transparency, and more information regarding this memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the critical negotiations that come next. It\u2019s what our Constitution requires as a co-equal branch of government.\n\nUltimately, any final negotiated agreement will be judged by whether it successfully addresses what this war could not: securing effective negotiated constraints on Iran's nuclear program, reducing regional tensions, and addressing the ongoing humanitarian and security crises.\n\nIf this agreement helps bring the conflict to a sustained close, it can save lives, reduce the risk of further regional escalation, and begin to alleviate the severe economic costs of the Republican war of choice.\n\nIf it does not, I fear it will only reaffirm that Republicans will continue to fail the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-19T06:50:32Z", "2026-06-19T06:53:40Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-announces-2026-congressional-app-challenge", "Rep. Wied Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DE PERE, WI \u2014 Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08) is inviting middle and high school students from Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge.\n\n\"In an ever-changing technological world, it is essential that American youth become involved in the innovation,\" said Rep. Wied. \"The Congressional App Challenge provides students from across Northeast Wisconsin with a unique opportunity to showcase their STEM skills and put their creativity to work. I encourage all eligible students to participate, and I look forward to seeing what they are able to create.\"\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is the official STEM competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. It\u2019s open to middle school and high school students of all coding skills in the 8th Congressional District and is a great opportunity for educators to encourage critical thinking and creativity.\n\nHow the Challenge Works\n\nThere are no limits to what students can create. Any app coded after October 30, 2025, is eligible. Examples of eligible apps include:\n\nMobile apps\n\nDesktop applications\n\nWearable tech apps\n\nProgrammed robotics projects\n\nGames with coded logic\n\nThe winning app in each district will be featured on the House.gov website and the CongressionalAppChallenge.us website. The winning app in each district will also be able to receive a copyright fee waiver.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5949", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Second Visit to Conduct Wellness Check on Salah Sarsour", "2026-06-15", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "In Indiana, Congresswoman Moore joined advocates in a rally calling for Salah Sarsour\u2019s release. She then visited Salah at the Clay County Jail. In response, she released the following statement:\n\n\u201cYesterday, I conducted another wellness check on Salah. I saw and learned firsthand that he is not receiving proper medical treatment, most concerningly for his diabetes.\n\nSalah is being targeted for his advocacy for Palestinians, but his mistreatment is part of the Trump administration\u2019s larger campaign of hate against immigrants. Behind closed doors in ICE facilities around the country, people, including women and young children, face neglect and abuse.\n\nThe Administration wants the public to be desensitized to their cruelty and those in custody to grow weary.\n\nAs members of Congress, we must continue oversight of this Administration and press for answers and accountability. I will remain tireless in this work and will keep pushing for Salah\u2019s release.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-16T06:53:21Z", "2026-06-16T06:55:02Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5948", "Moore, Bonamici, Frost, Grijalva, and Pocan Introduce Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) are introducing legislation to repeal the national federal tax credit voucher scheme included in the Republicans\u2019 so-called Big, Beautiful Bill.\n\nVoucher schemes divert public funding into private schools that lack proper accountability and oversight. Private schools can pick and choose who they admit and lack protections for students with disabilities. In Wisconsin, Governor Evers vetoed legislation that would have opted Wisconsin into this program, further expanding vouchers in the state.\n\n\u201cIn states across the country, charter school programs often operate with little transparency, sap funding from public schools, and primarily benefit wealthy students. In Wisconsin, taxpayers are paying $700 million this year alone for vouchers, and nearly all this money is funneled into religious schools.\n\nInstead of investing in our public schools, which educate most of America\u2019s students, Republicans used taxpayer funds to create a national voucher scheme. As a proud product of public schools, I am honored to spearhead legislation with my colleagues that reverses this scheme and stands up for public education,\u201d said Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04).\n\n\"The federal government is responsible for ensuring equitable access to high-quality, well-funded public education. Instead, in the 'Big Ugly Bill,' Congressional Republicans created a federal school voucher scheme that will funnel public dollars away from public schools to help subsidize private schools for wealthy families,\" said Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce. \"That is why I am proud to support the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 to undo the harm caused by Republicans' 'Big Ugly Bill' and ensure that public dollars are spent on public education.\"\n\n\u201cPublic schools welcome and educate every child regardless of their background or income, and public funding should stay in public schools,\u201d said Representative Suzanne Bonamici. \u201cThe Big Ugly Bill\u2019s voucher scam is a backdoor way to dismantle public education and divert public resources into private institutions - including religious schools. Research consistently shows that the majority of families participating in voucher programs already send their children to private schools. We must keep federal funding in public schools where all students can benefit.\"\n\n\u201cFlorida should be a warning about what happens when public education dollars are diverted into private voucher programs,\u201d said Representative Maxwell Frost (FL-10). \"We\u2019ve watched public school funding flow into private voucher programs that lack the transparency, oversight and protections families deserve. Congress should be strengthening public schools, not exporting Florida\u2019s mistakes nationwide. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to help lead the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act.\u201d\n\n\"Arizona's misguided experiment with universal private school vouchers should serve as a warning to the rest of the country. We've watched public education dollars be diverted into a system plagued by abuse,\" said Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07). \"The federal government should not replicate this failed program on a national scale. The Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools Act will help ensure federal taxpayer dollars strengthen the public schools that serve the overwhelming majority of America's children, not subsidize privatization schemes rife with fraud.\"\n\n\u201cAs a proud public school graduate, I know firsthand the value and importance of our public education system,\u201d said Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02). \u201cFixing this blatant abuse of the tax system will help kids across the country, not just those whose parents are members of Mar-a-Lago. I applaud my friend, Rep. Moore, for spearheading this legislation, and I\u2019m glad to be part of this effort to keep public funds in public schools.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs governor and a former educator, I\u2019ve spent decades of my life watching the impacts that draining public funds from public schools to fund private voucher school programs has had on kids, schools, and public education in Wisconsin,\u201d said Gov. Evers. \u201cRepublicans in Washington have given private voucher expansion carte blanche to run roughshod over public education in this country\u2014and a blank check to do so at taxpayer expense\u2014clearly without any regard for whether it actually does what is best for kids. It\u2019s wrong-headed and does nothing to address the real problems our public schools are facing. I am glad to support Congresswoman Moore and Congressman Pocan\u2019s work to repeal this dangerous and harmful law and instead ensure our kids and schools are given real, meaningful resources they need to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery student deserves a fully-funded public school in their neighborhood that prepares them with the lessons, support, and life skills they need to reach their full potential. Parents and educators agree that we should be investing in public schools, where 90% of students and 95% of students with disabilities learn, not taking money away from them to send to private schools. Let\u2019s reduce class sizes so students get more one-on-one attention, and increase educator pay to help address the teacher and staff shortages. That is why the National Education Association applauds Congresswoman Gwen Moore for introducing legislation to repeal the first national school voucher program, which would drain funding from public schools and funnel it to unaccountable and discriminatory private schools,\u201d said National Education Association President Becky Pringle.\n\n\u201cThe use of public dollars for private voucher schemes remains anathema. While it\u2019s a good thing that the political backlash has resulted in some potential uses for public school parents, vouchers are never a substitute for direct, sustained investment in public education.\n\nLet\u2019s be clear what this administration is doing: putting its thumb on the scale for privatization and spending billions more to prop up this scheme than it ever has on public schools. It telegraphs, in words and in deeds, that it has no interest in improving the schools that 90 percent of kids attend. That\u2019s why we wholeheartedly support the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, which would repeal the tax credit and help the neighborhood schools that 90 percent of kids attend,\u201d said American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten.\n\n\u201cRepealing the private school voucher tax credit is critical to protecting public education. At a time when state and federal budget cuts threaten public schools, vouchers would divert scarce resources away from the students who need them most\u2014particularly Black, Latino, and low-income students and students with disabilities\u2014and into systems that do not serve every child.\n\nWith widespread OCR case backlogs and growing attacks on civil rights protections for Black students, expanding school privatization would further weaken accountability and leave many families with fewer safeguards. We should be strengthening public schools, not undermining them. EdTrust urges states not to opt into this program and calls on Congress to advance this important legislation to protect public education and educational opportunity for all students,\u201d said Augustus Mays, EdTrust\u2019s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement.\n\n\u201cWe commend Representatives Gwen Moore, Bonamici, Frost, Grijalva, and Pocan and the other cosponsors for their leadership in introducing the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act. Their efforts would repeal the federal tax credit program that will funnel billions of dollars to private schools that are not held to the same legal obligations to protect students with disabilities, jeopardizing their academic and social emotional growth. NCLD firmly opposed this program when it became law last summer. We urge members of Congress to support this legislation and ensure federal funds come with the legal protections all students are entitled to,\u201d said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.\n\nWatch the livestream of the press conference here.", 1, "2026-06-12T06:37:16Z", "2026-06-12T06:39:00Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-chairs-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-sports-broadcasting-act", "Rep. Fitzgerald Chairs Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Sports Broadcasting Act as Rising Streaming Costs Are Hurting Consumers", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), who serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, held a hearing entitled, \u201cExamining the Sports Broadcasting Act.\u201d Rep. Fitzgerald issued the following statement about the hearing:\n\n\u201cWhen the Sports Broadcasting Act was enacted in 1961, the rationale was simple: Congress believed that joint television agreements would help make games more widely available to the public, preserve the competitive balance among different teams, and keep the professional sports leagues financially viable. Sixty-five years later, it\u2019s fair for this body to ask whether the professional sports leagues have kept up their end of the bargain. In my opinion, they have not, and sports fans are paying the price.\n\n\u201cSince 2021, the NFL and other professional sports leagues have stretched the bounds of their antitrust exemption to sign exclusive distribution agreements with streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, Peacock, and ESPN.\n\n\u201cConsumers who wish to follow their favorite teams increasingly find themselves paying for multiple services, navigating fragmented viewing arrangements, and facing higher overall costs. According to Fox News, access to all NFL games during the 2025 season cost the average sports fan at least $575, or upwards of $800 for those without existing subscriptions. Likewise, watching all in-market MLB games can cost consumers upwards of $500 annually, according to the news site Kiplinger.\n\n\u201cIn 2024, a jury found the NFL guilty of violating antitrust law for colluding to limit consumer choice and charge supracompetitive prices for access to games through its Sunday Ticket platform. The jury awarded the plaintiffs more than $14 billion in damages. This ruling is currently on appeal, but regardless of the litigation's final outcome, the allegations themselves reflect a broader reality: the NFL has used its unique ability to coordinate among otherwise competing clubs to maximize revenue rather than expand consumer access.\n\n\u201cThe Sports Broadcasting Act was enacted to expand access to sports broadcasting, not to facilitate exclusive streaming arrangements that force fans to pay more for less. In my view, the NFL has lost sight of the original purpose of the legislation.\n\n\u201cToday, we had a constructive debate about what reforms Congress should consider to ensure the marketplace works for consumers.\u201d\n\nWatch Congressman Fitzgerald's opening statement from the hearing:\n\nBackground: This hearing examined the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 and its effect on the modern broadcast market for major sports leagues. It also explored how the distribution of professional sports has evolved since the Sports Broadcasting Act was first enacted sixty-five years ago. Additionally, the hearing evaluated the extent to which the antitrust exemption created by the Sports Broadcasting Act has been used by professional sports leagues in ways that harm consumers, and it discussed potential legislative reforms to address those concerns.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-his-appointment-house-foreign-affairs-committee", "Pocan Statement on His Appointment to House Foreign Affairs Committee", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) was appointed by Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.\n\n\u201cThank you to Leader Jeffries and Ranking Member Meeks for your trust in appointing me to the Foreign Affairs Committee. President Trump has done significant damage to America\u2019s standing on the world stage. I look forward to using my position to hold him accountable, repair our reputation, and advance human rights.\u201d\n\nRep. Pocan still remains a member of the House Appropriations Committee.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-joins-president-trump-signing-secure-america-act", "Van Orden Joins President Trump for Signing of Secure America Act", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined Donald Trump for the signing of the Secure America Act. The Secure America Act provides full funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection through the remainder of President Trump\u2019s term.\n\nYesterday, Van Orden joined his Republican colleagues in voting to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\n\n\u201cI will always back the men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep this nation safe. The Secure America Act ensures they have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep Americans safe. I was proud to stand with President Trump in support of a policy that puts American safety and sovereignty first,\u201d said Van Orden.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5945", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes NO on Blank Check to ICE and CBP, Continues Call for Reforms", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cThe Administration claimed they would go after \u2018the worst of the worst,\u2019 but they are targeting every immigrant and even U.S. citizens, including hardworking individuals who enrich their communities. Wisconsinites have faced cruel treatment in ICE custody and so have many others across the country.\n\nICE has gone rogue.\n\nRepublicans should be working with Democrats to secure reforms that respect the law and the rights of every individual. Instead, they want to give ICE billions to inflict more harm in our communities.\n\nAmericans are calling for us to address their rising cost of living, not more ballrooms and slush funds. Americans continue to call for accountability and transparency regarding immigration enforcement in their communities. The Republican response is to do nothing. I will continue pressing for the reforms that we need.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-10T06:36:00Z", "2026-06-10T06:37:32Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-secure-america-act-fully-fund-ice-and-cbp", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass the Secure America Act to Fully Fund ICE and CBP", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass S. 2, the Secure America Act.\n\n\u201cToday, I was proud to vote to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE and CBP, through the reconciliation 2.0 process,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cRepublicans will never back down when it comes to border security. Democrats, on the other hand, have repeatedly voted against funding for ICE and CBP. Let us not forget that they shut down the entire Department of Homeland Security earlier this year because they refused to support the agencies responsible for enforcing our immigration laws. The partisan games officially end today with the passage of the Secure America Act, which secures long-term funding for ICE and CBP to ensure they have the resources they need to protect the American people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-van-orden-joins-president-trump-historic-coal-announcement-19-million", "ICYMI: Van Orden Joins President Trump for Historic Coal Announcement, $19 MILLION to Modernize Wisconsin Coal", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last Thursday, Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as the President announced a $700M investment for America's coal industry and America's energy future.\n\nPresident Trump's announcements will support and create more than 14,000 jobs across the coal, construction, rail, maritime, and energy sectors while helping save American consumers an estimated $50 billion in future electricity generation costs.\n\nPRESIDENT TRUMP AND VAN ORDEN DELIVER \u2013\n\n\u2022 $425M in Defense Production Act funding to support 13 coal-fired power plants across the country, including a facility in Wisconsin.\n\n\u2022 $75M to support construction of a new coal export terminal, creating more than 1,400 jobs and expanding markets for American energy.\n\n\u2022 $185M in Department of Energy funding to build two new coal plants and restart another facility, marking the first new coal plant construction in the United States since 2013.\n\nA key part of the announcement included a major investment in Wisconsin's energy infrastructure. Through the Reliable, Economical, and Local Advancement in Modernized Coal (RECLAIM-C) initiative, Alliant Energy's Columbia Energy Center in Columbia County will receive $19 million in Department of Energy funding as part of a $48.5 million modernization project.\n\n\"President Trump is proving once again that America doesn't have to choose between economic growth and energy security,\" said Congressman Derrick Van Orden. \"These investments will protect jobs, strengthen our electrical grid, lower costs for families, and help ensure Wisconsin workers remain at the forefront of America's energy future.\"\n\nThe announcement is expected to help preserve thousands of existing coal jobs while supporting power plant workers, miners, railroad employees, manufacturers, and energy producers across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-legislation-stopping-child-care-fraud-scams", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass Legislation Stopping Child Care Fraud Scams", "2026-06-05", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026.\n\n\u201cChild care assistance programs are intended to support working families, not fraudsters exploiting the system,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThis legislation strengthens oversight and increases accountability for states that fail to address fraud, and helps ensure taxpayer dollars actually reach the families these programs were designed to serve. Americans deserve confidence that the waste, fraud, and abuse that has been exposed within these programs is stopped.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-legislation-supporting-american-agriculture-and", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass Legislation Supporting American Agriculture and National Security", "2026-06-05", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s food security is national security, and this bill puts farmers, ranchers, and rural communities first,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cNot only does this legislation strengthen our food supply chain, but it also invests in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and food safety inspections that protect American producers and consumers alike. It also takes critical steps to crack down on foreign influence in U.S. agriculture and strengthens oversight of foreign-owned farmland to protect against threats from adversarial nations like China.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-schakowsky-lead-85-members-urging-sec-rubio-pressure-israeli-govt", "Pocan, Schakowsky Lead 85 Members Urging Sec. Rubio to Pressure Israeli Gov\u2019t to Halt Settlement Construction in the E-1 Area of the West Bank", "2026-06-05", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) led a letter signed by 85 Members of Congress to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to use every available diplomatic tool to halt the advancement of settlement construction in the E-1 area of the West Bank. In recent months, the Israeli government has approved construction plans, published construction tenders, and is on the verge of accepting bids and exchanging contracts. Once construction begins, the damage will be irreversible.\n\nWe write to strongly urge the Administration to use every available diplomatic tool to halt the advancement of settlement construction in the E-1 area of the West Bank,\u201d the Members began. \u201cThe window for meaningful diplomatic intervention is closing rapidly, and we believe it is not too late for the United States to act.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe E-1 area is a 12 square-kilometer corridor east of Jerusalem. Construction of a settlement there would bisect the West Bank by severing the north from the south and cutting off Palestinian communities in Ramallah from those in Bethlehem, while completing an unbroken band of Israeli-controlled territory from Jerusalem through E-1 to the settlement of Ma\u2019ale Adumim,\u201d the Members continued. In doing so, it would cement Israeli sovereignty over the geographic heart of the West Bank.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe situation has accelerated dramatically in recent months\u2026 In December 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing published a tender for all 3,401 planned housing units, with bids expected to open June 1, 2026,\u201d the Members added. \u201cIn March 2026, the Israel Land Authority separately published a tender for a new employment and commercial zone in E-1, also expected to open for bids imminently. Simultaneously, the Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced plans to pave a \u2018Sovereignty Road\u2019 that would permanently divert all Palestinian vehicle traffic away from E-1, effectively sealing off approximately three percent of the West Bank from Palestinian access and enabling the displacement of dozens of Palestinian Bedouin communities who live there.\u201d\n\n\u201cMost recently, on May 19, 2026 Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich ordered the Civil Administration to begin proceedings to demolish the Palestinian Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar, which lies adjacent to the E-1 area, in preparation of anticipated settlement construction,\u201d the Members go on to say. \u201cSmotrich\u2019s order underscores that the Israeli government is intent on advancing settlements in E-1 imminently. These steps are mutually reinforcing and are being advanced concurrently and urgently, a coordinated effort to establish irreversible facts on the ground.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump has repeatedly claimed to oppose Israeli annexation of the West Bank\u2026 As recently as February of this year, the White House reiterated that \u201cPresident Trump has clearly stated that he does not support Israel annexing the West Bank.\u201d Construction in E-1 is annexation in its clearest form. We urge this administration to take meaningful action to back up this rhetoric,\u201d the Members concluded.\n\nA digital copy of the letter can befound here.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5224", "Grothman's State Emissions Authority Act Considered in House Energy and Commerce Committee", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman\u2019s (R-WI) State Emissions Authority Act, legislation to remove burdensome federal vehicle emissions testing requirements and restore state authority, was considered by the House Energy and Commerce\u2019s Environment Subcommittee today.\n\nFor decades, the Clean Air Act has required certain states to operate vehicle emissions testing programs under federal mandates based on standards developed long before modern advances in vehicle technology. Grothman's legislation would give states greater flexibility by eliminating these Clean Air Act requirements, which impose unnecessary costs and administrative burdens on drivers, businesses, and state governments.\n\n\"Federal emissions testing mandates were enacted decades ago to address challenges that have since been addressed through technological innovation and cleaner vehicles,\" said Congressman Grothman. \"Yet, federal law continues to require many states, including Wisconsin, to maintain costly testing programs that place unnecessary burdens on drivers and businesses. My bill restores flexibility to the states, reduces unnecessary costs, and updates federal law to reflect the realities of today's vehicles. I am pleased to see the Energy and Commerce Committee consider this legislation.\"\n\n\u201cThe State Emissions Authority Act is a timely update to current federal requirements. It empowers states, aligns with modern vehicle technology, and reduces unnecessary costs for drivers and businesses.\u201d \u2013 Debbie Sparks, Executive Director of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association\n\n\"The State Emissions Authority Act restores a basic principle: states, not Washington, should decide whether vehicle emissions-testing programs make sense for their residents. These federal mandates impose real costs on families, small businesses, and state governments, even as vehicle technology has changed and states are fully capable of making these decisions for themselves. This bill ends the one-size-fits-all federal requirement and returns that authority to the states.\u201d - Jason Hayes, Director of Energy and Environment at the America First Policy Institute\n\n\u201cStates are spending much-needed taxpayer dollars on vehicle inspection programs that are often a waste of time and money. Cars rarely fail the emissions tests. The federal government should stop forcing these inspection requirements onto states. Let states decide if such programs make sense. And make no mistake, states have every reason to figure out how best to meet the stringent federal air quality standards. If inspections make sense, then states will keep them. If not, then states can identify better and different ways to improve air quality. The State Emissions Authority Act addresses this one-size-fits-all and outdated federal mandate.\u201d - Daren Bakst, Competitive Enterprise Institute\u2019s Director of the Center for Energy and Environment\n\n\u201cAs air quality continues to improve across the country, allowing states more flexibility to meet ambient air quality standards is appropriate and acknowledges that new vehicle technologies will continue to provide lasting air quality benefits.\u201d \u2013 The American Trucking Association\n\nBackground Information\n\nCongressman Grothman introduced the State Emissions Authority Act to amend the Clean Air Act and eliminate federal mandates requiring states to operate vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs, commonly known as emissions testing.\n\nThese requirements were established in the 1970s and 1990s, before major improvements in vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, and modern emissions-control systems. As vehicle emissions have declined significantly over the past several decades, many states and drivers continue to face the costs and inconveniences associated with federally mandated testing programs.\n\nThe State Emissions Authority Act would:\n\nEliminate federal facility compliance requirements tied to state inspection programs.\n\nRemove Clean Air Act provisions requiring vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in ozone nonattainment areas.\n\nRepeal statutory language requiring inspection programs within the Ozone Transport Region.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the America First Policy Institute, American Trucking Associations, Competitive Enterprise Institute, National Motor Freight Traffic Association, and Truckload Carriers Association.\n\nThe State Emissions Authority Act was highlighted by the House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee on June 3, 2026.\n\n-30-\n\nU.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin\u2019s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5944", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Opposes Funding Bill that Cuts WIC and International Food Aid, Attacks the LGBTQ Community", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cInstead of strengthening programs that help our farmers sell their products and help families keep food on the table, Republicans are cutting these programs to fund tax goodies for billionaires.\n\nThe FY 2026 funding bill would also cut WIC and deny children and families full access to the fresh produce benefit. Earlier this year, I led a letter that over 100 of my House colleagues joined, urging full funding and how WIC, so it can better meet the nutritional and developmental needs of those it serves.\n\nAnd I am also disappointed that this bill fails to include language to reduce burdensome in-person requirements that keep eligible people from participating.\n\nThis partisan funding bill would also hurt our farmers and our international food aid programs. By cutting the Food for Peace program, Republicans could also keep farmers from earning critical revenue from food that helps feeds starving children around the world.\n\nAnd never missing an opportunity to push their ideological agenda, House Republicans included a harmful provision that empowers government workers to discriminate against Americans for who they love.\n\nInstead of working to lower the cost of living, Republicans are doubling down on their cuts to anti-hunger programs and their anti-LGBTQ agenda. That\u2019s why today, I voted No.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-moolenaar-and-issa-patent-bill", "Fitzgerald, Moolenaar, and Issa Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Adversarial Chinese Patents", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at countering China\u2019s influence on the U.S. patent system: the Prohibiting Adversarial Patents Act and the Foreign Adversary Patent Disclosure Act.\n\nThe Prohibiting Adversarial Patents Act, introduced alongside Chairman of the Select Committee on China John Moolenaar (MI-02) and Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet Darrell Issa (CA-50), would prohibit the issuance of a U.S. patent to any person or entity who is identified to be a threat to U.S. national security pursuant to the Non-SDN CMIC List, the 1260H List, or the FCC\u2019s Section 2 List. Any patent previously issued to companies on these lists would be unenforceable. This bill would also restrict such entities from participating in any expedited patent examination programs, including the USPTO\u2019s Patent Prosecution Highway program.\n\nHuawei\u2014which has close ties with the Chinese government\u2014ranked fourth in number of patents granted in the U.S. in 2025, despite its ban in U.S. communications infrastructure. ZTE, meanwhile, ranked fifth in number of U.S. patents related to 5G technology in 2024. These companies not only can bypass their ban by signing licensing agreements for its patents (Huawei reported more than $630 million in patent licensing revenue in 2025), but can also assert their patents in U.S. courts against American companies.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party seeks out U.S. patents not because it believes in the right to own one\u2019s intellectual property, but because stealing American innovation is part of its economic plan,\u201d said Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar. \u201cThis legislation strengthens our laws against the CCP\u2019s attempts to use lawfare to flood our judiciary with bogus patent lawsuits. No country abuses our open society and our legal system more than China, and that must be stopped.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, there is no greater threat to America\u2019s economy, national security, or technological leadership than the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s relentless effort to gain advantage over the United States by any means necessary \u2014 both legal and illegal,\u201d said Chairman Issa. \u201cFor too long, companies tied to the CCP have been allowed to benefit from the protections of America\u2019s patent system while actively undermining our interests. This legislation ensures that entities posing a threat to our national security cannot exploit the very intellectual property protections that were designed to reward innovation and strengthen America.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe commend Congressman Fitzgerald, and Chairmen Issa and Moolenaar for their steadfast leadership in defending American businesses and U.S. economic security,\u201d said the High Tech Inventors Alliance (HTIA). \u201cFor too long, the U.S. has allowed entities identified as national security threats to amass and weaponize U.S. patents against critical domestic industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. This legislation will help prevent foreign interests from abusing the U.S. patent system and using it as a tool for economic warfare against America.\u201d\n\nCongressman Fitzgerald also introduced the Foreign Adversary Patent Disclosure Act, which requires patent applicants to disclose the identity of each person with an ownership interest in the claimed invention who, in the previous five years: was employed by an entity owned or controlled by a foreign adversary; received funding from a state-affiliated research fund or talent recruitment program associated with a foreign adversary; or received any other financial incentive from a foreign adversary. The bill defines \u201cforeign adversary\u201d as the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC), Cuba, Iran, the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea (i.e. \u201cNorth Korea\u201d), or the Russian Federation.\n\nAccording to data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), China has filed more patent applications than any other country over the last decade, with more than 1.8 million patents filed in 2024. Similarly, in 2024, nearly 55% of all U.S. patent applications were filed by foreign residents, namely China, which filed a record 49,000 applications. Most of these patents are funded, wholly or in-part, by the Chinese Communist Party through its Made in China 2025 plan.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party has spent years exploiting the American economy to advance its own technological and military ambitions,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThe Prohibiting Adversarial Patents Act closes the door on hostile foreign entities using our patent system to gain economic leverage and undermine our national security, and the Foreign Adversary Patent Disclosure Act brings much-needed transparency to foreign-backed influence in America\u2019s innovation pipeline.\u201d\n\nThese bills are part of a broader legislative effort by Rep. Fitzgerald to counter China\u2019s growing economic and strategic influence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-commander-chief-must-retain-ability-act-decisively", "Van Orden: The Commander-in-Chief Must Retain the Ability to Act Decisively", "2026-06-03", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Derrick Van Orden a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with 26 years of service and multiple combat deployments across the Middle East, including service in every country Iran has attacked or destabilized through its terror network, released the following statement regarding the War Powers Resolution that passed the House today.\n\n\u201cThis was a foolish, politically driven vote that would restrict the Commander-in-Chief\u2019s ability, regardless of their political party, to exercise their Constitutionally enumerated authority as explicitly stated in Article II, Sec II.\n\nThe Constitution designates the President as Commander-in-Chief for a reason. President Trump acted fully within its constitutional authority and in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Limiting a President\u2019s ability to respond to threats makes our nation weaker.\n\nIf Congress wants to debate military strategy, are they also prepared to dictate deployment schedules, operational timelines, and rules of engagement from the House floor? That is not how our military operates, and it is not how we keep Americans safe.\n\nOur adversaries are watching. Sending a message that partisan politics can override the Commander-in-Chief\u2019s ability to act decisively undermines deterrence and emboldens those who wish to do harm to the United States and our allies.\n\nI voted against this resolution because America needs strength, not political theater masquerading as national security policy.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/train-bridge-acts", "Fitzgerald and Nunn Introduce TRAIN and BRIDGE Acts to Counter China\u2019s Belt and Road Initiative and Economic Coercion", "2026-06-02", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced two pieces of legislation focused on countering China alongside Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03): the Thwarting Regional Adversary Investments Now (TRAIN) Act and the Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy (BRIDGE) Act.\n\nThe TRAIN Act directs the State Department to help non-adversarial partner governments analyze and mitigate legal and financial risks before accepting investment or lending from China or other foreign adversaries.\n\nThis effort comes as China continues to use the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand its economic and strategic influence through infrastructure lending, investment agreements, and long-term financing relationships with developing countries. Since BRI\u2019s launch, more than 150 countries and 32 international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China, including countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Central Asia, and East Asia and the Pacific. The scale of BRI activity has continued to grow, with 2025 engagement reaching an estimated $213.5 billion in construction contracts and investments, and cumulative BRI engagement approaching $1.4 trillion since 2013.\n\nThe BRIDGE Act establishes it is U.S. policy to counter efforts by the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to build an integrated economic and political order under Beijing\u2019s leadership that threatens U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic interests. The bill requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and other relevant agencies, to submit a report to Congress within 180 days assessing the scope of PRC and CCP efforts to use BRI to undermine the U.S.-led international order.\n\nWhile the United States has taken steps to counter BRI through initiatives such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and broader economic statecraft tools, the federal government still lacks a single, integrated, government-wide strategy focused specifically on countering BRI.\n\n\u201cChina has turned the Belt and Road Initiative into a weapon of economic coercion, building leverage through debt, controlling critical infrastructure, and pulling countries deeper into Beijing\u2019s orbit,\u201d said Rep. Fitzgerald. \u201cThe TRAIN Act helps countries avoid walking into those traps in the first place, and the BRIDGE Act ensures the United States is better positioned to address this challenge.\u201d\n\n\u201cChina has spent decades buying up the ports, power grids, and trade routes of developing nations, trapping them in debt and rigging the global market in their favor,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cThat hits Iowa directly: our farmers and manufacturers compete to feed and supply the world, and they can't win on a field Beijing is tilting in their own favor. Our bills would give the United States a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy to counter China's invest-to-control strategy of economic coercion, help partner nations walk away from a bad deal with Beijing, and keep the playing field fair for Iowa.\u201d\n\nThese bills are part of a broader legislative effort by Rep. Fitzgerald to counter China\u2019s growing economic and strategic influence, with additional measures expected to be introduced in the coming days.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5943", "Following April Flooding Damage, Congresswoman Gwen Moore Pushes for Federal Aid", "2026-05-29", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "In a letter to President Trump, Congresswoman Moore and her colleagues urged the Administration to approve Governor Evers\u2019 request for an emergency disaster declaration after communities throughout the state, including in Milwaukee, experienced flooding damage in April. Several of her constituents experienced damage to their homes from flooding both last August and in April 2026.\n\nThe Members wrote: \u201cIn April, communities around the state experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather events across multiple days which caused multiple rivers across the state to flood their banks, destroying homes and businesses alike. We appreciate the swift work of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff in partnering with Wisconsin Emergency Management to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments. Following the conclusion of these assessments, it is clear that the damage is beyond the capacity for local resources to manage.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the Members urge for approval of individual aid, public assistance, and hazard mitigation assistance. These funds can help homeowners unlock critical funds to make home repairs. It also equips communities with resources to repair infrastructure, including roads and bridges, and helps areas prepare for future disasters.\n\nThe Members wrote: \u201cIn total, over 1,500 residential structures were damaged across 19 counties and the Oneida Nation resulting in nearly $10 million in costs. Public infrastructure damages are currently estimated at over $17 million, which easily exceeds the State\u2019s per capita indicator. Given the magnitude of damage, we urge you to issue a Major Disaster Declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and readily make available the Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Grants to Wisconsinites in need.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.", 1, "2026-05-30T06:11:53Z", "2026-05-30T06:13:24Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-leads-bipartisan-letter-urging-federal-assistance-wisconsin-flooding", "Wied Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Federal Assistance for Wisconsin Flooding", "2026-05-28", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) led members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to President Donald J. Trump in support of the State of Wisconsin\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration and to stress the need for federal assistance for impacted residents.\n\n\u201cWe write in strong support of the State of Wisconsin\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, and subsequent requests for Individual and Public Assistance following several rounds of severe storms in April, which resulted in widespread flooding and damage throughout the state. This delegation is committed to working with your administration, FEMA, and Wisconsin Emergency Management to guarantee that Wisconsin's residents and communities get the assistance they need. We thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent request.\u201d\n\nBackground: In April, communities across Wisconsin experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather over multiple days, causing multiple rivers to flood their banks and destroy homes and businesses alike. On Wednesday, April 29th, Governor Evers requested FEMA\u2019s assistance with a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA), and on Thursday, April 30th, FEMA responded. Following the JPDA, Governor Tony Evers requested a Major Disaster Declaration. In total, over 1,500 residential structures were damaged across 19 counties and the Oneida Nation, resulting in nearly $10 million in costs. Public infrastructure damage is currently estimated at over $17 million, easily exceeding the State\u2019s per capita indicator.\n\nSenator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representatives Bryan Steil (WI-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Tom Tiffany (WI-07) joined Rep. Wied in making this request.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5939", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Leads Colleagues in Calling for Salah Sarsour\u2019s Release from ICE Detention", "2026-05-26", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Salah Sarsour is a local leader in the Milwaukee area, leading the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. He has lived in the U.S. for more than 30 years and is a powerful advocate for Palestinians. ICE has detained him for nearly two months in Clay County Jail in Indiana where Congresswoman Moore was able to visit him, and despite DHS\u2019 sweeping claims, officials have offered no evidence to justify his detainment.\n\nThe letter, led by Congresswoman Moore to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mullin and U.S. Department of State Secretary Marco Rubio, calls for his release. Further, the letter raises important questions and concerns regarding his detention apparently tied to his First Amendment protected speech, and regarding the conditions of his detention and his access to appropriate health care.\n\nIn the letter, Congresswoman Moore and her colleagues reiterated the importance of First Amendment protections, writing: \u201cWe are deeply concerned that Mr. Sarsour is being detained because of his views related to the war in Gaza and the plight of Palestinians rather than any violation of federal, state, or local laws.\u201d The First Amendment provides in pertinent part that \u201cCongress shall make no law\u2026abridging the freedom of speech\u2026\u201d The Constitution\u2019s protection covers everyone in this country, including lawful permanent residents.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, she also raised critical questions, including:\n\nPlease provide any documents, including legal memoranda, which ICE, or any other federal agency relied on in making the decision to detain Mr. Sarsour. This includes the specific grounds and documents used by Secretary of State Rubio to determine that Mr. Sarsour\u2019s presence or activities in the United States \u2026 would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States?\n\nGiven that Mr. Sarsour suffers from diabetes, how frequently are his blood glucose or blood pressure levels being monitored (e.g. fasting, pre-meal, bedtime)?\n\nGiven concerns about access to an inadequate diet and medical monitoring in the Clay County facility, what protocols are followed in cases of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia?\n\nWho is responsible for overseeing the medical care of detainees at Clay County Jail, and what is ICE's oversight role over that facility's compliance with its own medical standards?\n\nWhat are the general conditions of Mr. Sarsour's confinement, including his housing unit, access to outdoor time, and ability to communicate with family and legal counsel?", 1, "2026-05-27T06:38:34Z", "2026-05-27T06:40:17Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-langworthy-lead-34-members-letter-sec-kennedy-strengthening-nih", "Pocan, Langworthy Lead 34 Members with Letter to Sec. Kennedy on Strengthening NIH Policy on Animal Testing", "2026-05-26", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) lead a letter with 34 bipartisan House members to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him to strengthen NIH's policy for determining eligibility to receive federal funding related to acquiring animals for NIH-supported research. This letter was prompted by the case of Ridglan Farms, a commercial beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin that was cited by the state for hundreds of counts of animal welfare violations in September 2025 and subsequently agreed to surrender its state commercial breeding license. Despite this, Ridglan continues to hold a USDA Class A license, which, under current NIH policy, is the sole factor used to determine a facility's eligibility to supply animals in NIH-funded research.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our concerns regarding current policy at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that may unintentionally allow for federal funding to continue to benefit facilities that are engaging in the mistreatment of animals,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cBuilding upon work to reduce and ultimately eliminate unnecessary animal testing within federally funded research, including launching a Food and Drug Administration roadmap to phase down mandatory animal testing in April 2025, we urge you to take immediate action to update current policy regarding the use and acquisition of dogs in NIH-supported research.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs you are aware, Ridglan Farms is a large-scale beagle breeding facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, which continues to hold a USDA Class A breeding license despite extensive evidence of animal welfare violations,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cThere may be an opportunity to further strengthen NIH\u2019s current policy for determining a facility\u2019s eligibility to benefit from NIH-supported research, particularly by considering additional factors beyond whether a facility holds a USDA Class A license. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) holds the authority to review and update this internal policy and should consider additional factors, including whether a facility has received state-level animal welfare citations or surrendered an equivalent state-level license.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs you know, current NIH policy regarding the use and acquisition of dogs in NIH-supported research was last updated in 2013, when the agency ended the practice of using \u201crandom-source\u201d dogs in federally funded research,\u201d the Members go on to say. \u201cSince then, researchers have largely turned to USDA Class A dealers, which are larger, commercial animal breeding operations, when determining eligibility for federally funded animal research. Officials at the NIH have indicated that the Class A license is the sole factor taken into account when making such determinations. Considering additional animal welfare information identified through state enforcement actions may help ensure federally funded research continues to meet the highest ethical standards.\u201d\n\n\u201cHHS should consider additional steps to ensure that a USDA Class A license is not the only factor taken into account when determining whether a breeding facility is eligible to receive NIH funding or provide animals to NIH-supported research projects. As the Ridglan Farms case has demonstrated, reviewing these policies may help ensure federally funded research continues to meet the highest ethical and animal welfare standards,\u201d the Members concluded.\n\nA digital copy of the letter can befound here.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-warns-iranian-mullahs-window-opportunity-rapidly-closing", "Van Orden Warns Iranian Mullahs: \u201cWindow Of Opportunity Is Rapidly Closing\u201d", "2026-05-26", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Derrick Van Orden, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with 26 years of service and multiple combat deployments across the Middle East, including service in every country Iran has attacked or destabilized through its terror network, joined Fox News\u2019s Fox & Friends to discuss President Donald Trump\u2019s ultimatum to Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations and recent U.S. self-defense strikes targeting Iranian threats in the region.\n\nWATCH FULL INTERVIEW: FOX & FRIENDS INTERVIEW\n\nVan Orden issued a direct warning to Iran\u2019s leadership and emphasized the consequences of decades of Iran-backed terrorism targeting Americans and U.S. allies.\n\n\u201cThe Iranian mullahs have to understand that their window of opportunity is rapidly closing\u2026 And I have the utmost confidence in President Trump to make sure that the interests of the United States and the world writ large are taken care of.\n\n\u201cHow many thousands of American families were grieving over a tombstone yesterday because of the Iranians? This regime must never have a nuclear weapon.\u201d\n\nIn a post on X, Rep. Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL who served for 26 years, also spoke personally about the cost of Iran-backed terror attacks on American servicemembers.\n\n\u201cI spent 26 years as a Navy SEAL. I\u2019ve buried too many brothers because of Iran-backed terror to have a damn ounce of sympathy for the Iranian regime. This regime has American blood on its hands. Iran must NEVER obtain a nuclear weapon. Ever.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5208", "Grothman Introduces OPT Fair Tax Act to End Tax Loophole Favoring Foreign Workers Over American Graduates", "2026-05-21", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the OPT Fair Tax Act, legislation that will close a perverse loophole that harms American workers.\n\nUnder current law, foreign workers in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes, creating an incentive to hire these foreign workers over American citizens. The OPT Fair Tax Act will ensure that OPT employment is treated the same as other employment under federal payroll tax law.\n\nSenator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this Congress.\n\n\u201cAmericans should not be put at a disadvantage because Washington created a loophole that favors hiring foreign workers over qualified U.S. citizens,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Grothman. \u201cRight now, the federal government has created a financial incentive to hire foreign workers over Americans. As a result, too many young Americans graduating from our colleges and universities are forced to compete against a system that tilts the playing field against them. Congress should be focused on opening doors for young Americans, helping U.S. graduates find good-paying jobs, and ensuring employers are encouraged to hire Americans first, not creating incentives for companies to bypass American talent.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur tax code shouldn\u2019t incentivize businesses to hire foreign workers. By ending the FICA tax exemption, we will put American workers first.\u201d - Senator Cotton\n\n\u201cThe OPT Fair Tax Act stands to raise $32 billion while bringing fairness to the OPT program. The tax code shouldn\u2019t create incentives for businesses to prefer hiring OPT participants over Americans.\" - Jeremy Neufeld, Director of Immigration Policy at the Institute for Progress\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows certain foreign students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after completing their studies. Current law exempts many OPT workers and their employers from paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).\n\nThis tax exemption creates a financial incentive for employers to hire OPT workers over American graduates because employers can avoid payroll taxes that would otherwise apply to U.S. workers performing similar jobs. The advantage is especially significant among recent bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degree graduates participating in the program.\n\nBetween Fiscal Years 2017 and 2022, approximately 330,000 students participated in OPT annually, including more than 215,000 master\u2019s degree students. In addition to disadvantaging American workers, the exemption reduces funding for Social Security and Medicare. A January 2026 analysis estimated that eliminating the OPT payroll tax exemption would increase federal revenue by between $27 billion and $36 billion over ten years.\n\nThe OPT Fair Tax Act amends Section 3121(b)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 210(a)(19) of the Social Security Act to clarify that F-1 visa holders participating in OPT are not exempt from Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Both OPT workers and their employers would therefore pay the same payroll taxes paid by American workers and businesses.\n\nRead the Fox News exclusive HERE\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-05-22T06:27:39Z", "2026-05-22T06:29:18Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5937", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Applauds House Passage of her Foster Youth Bills", "2026-05-20", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fostering the Future Act (H.R. 7432) a comprehensive bill to help foster youth aging out of foster care that includes two of Congresswoman Moore\u2019s bills to support foster youth: the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act and the CONNECT Act. Her bipartisan bills would make housing more accessible for foster youth and strengthen the Chafee program, the major federal program providing services to young people who are currently in or previously experienced foster care, providing support to them as they transition to adulthood.\n\n\u201cIt is so important that foster youth have strong support systems and access to stable, safe housing. But many do not. As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I am committed to helping foster youth be successful as they age of the system. I am so pleased that my legislation passed the House, which is the first step in helping foster youth meet these critical needs in their lives. I look forward to this legislation becoming law and building on these efforts.\u201d", 1, "2026-05-21T06:28:16Z", "2026-05-21T06:29:43Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-passage-21st-century-road-housing-act-lower-housing", "Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to Lower Housing Costs and Boost Supply", "2026-05-20", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the House passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.\n\n\u201cSolving America\u2019s housing shortage starts with increasing supply and cutting the red tape that makes it harder to build,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThis legislation takes important steps to modernize HUD programs, improve access to financing, and eliminate federal barriers that slow housing construction so developers and rural banks can deliver more housing for hardworking Americans. I\u2019m proud to support a bill that will help lower housing costs nationwide.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-introduce-tax-grift-act", "Pocan to Introduce the Tax the Grift Act", "2026-05-20", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) announced he\u2019ll be introducing the Tax the Grift Act, a bill to tax all payouts from President Trump\u2019s $1.776 billion \u201cAnti-Weaponization Fund\u201d at 100 percent so that all taxpayer funding goes back to the Treasury rather than into the hands of Trump allies.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump just can\u2019t stop grifting. He\u2019s now using taxpayer dollars to create a $1.776 billion slush fund for his friends who claim they were \u2018persecuted\u2019 by Democrats, including January 6th insurrectionists who attacked police officers and tried to overturn an election, with next to no oversight. This bill will claw back every penny. Americans should not be forced to bankroll payouts for people who attacked our democracy or are just friends with Trump.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5936", "ICYMI: Moore, Sanders, Omar, McGovern Lead More Than 100 Colleagues in Helping End Child Hunger Through Universal School Meals", "2026-05-18", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Gwen Moore, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. McGovern introduced legislation to end child hunger in the United States. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America \u2014 regardless of income \u2014 and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools.\n\n\u201cMillions of families already face hunger in this country. But with Republicans cutting SNAP and families struggling with the high cost of living, it is even more urgent that we pass the Universal School Meals Program Act,\u201d said Rep. Gwen Moore. Congress can and should help end child hunger, and I implore my colleagues to support this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is outrageous that, while the billionaire class has never had it so good, one in five children will go hungry in America this year,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cThe United States is the richest country in the history of the world. Nobody should be going hungry. And what we learned during the pandemic is that a universal approach to school meals works and helps kids do better in school. States across the country continue to prove this every day. It is time for Congress to reinstate universal school meals at the national level to finally ensure no student goes hungry.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo child should have to sit in a classroom hungry or worried about where their next meal will come from,\u201d Omar said. \u201cAs a former nutrition educator and someone who experienced hunger firsthand, this fight is deeply personal to me. I have always believed you must feed kids\u2019 bellies before you can feed their brains. That is why I am proud to partner again with Bernie Sanders to introduce the Universal School Meals Program Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to students year-round. Universal school meals are not a luxury\u2014they are a necessity.\u201d\n\n\"School meals improve food security, health outcomes, and academic performance\u2014simply put, they help kids succeed. Several states\u2014including my home state of Massachusetts\u2014have permanently implemented free universal school meals, helping expand access to breakfasts and lunches for all students. It has been hugely successful in increasing participation, reducing stigma, and making life a little easier and more affordable for families,\u201d said Rep. James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee. \u201cIt is long past time we permanently implement universal school meals nationwide and increase reimbursement rates to ensure every student can go to school knowing they have two healthy meals to fuel their learning.\u201d\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 comes at a critical moment: the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have enacted the deepest cuts to federal nutrition programs in history, slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion, imposing harsh new bureaucratic requirements that have stripped food assistance from millions of Americans, and refusing to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown in fall 2025.\n\nCongress funded universal school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that the model increases school meal participation, reduces the stigma for students from low-income households and removes stress on families to secure healthy meals for their kids. While Congress let the universal model expire at the end of the 2021\u20132022 school year, nine states \u2014 Vermont, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico and New York \u2014 have passed laws to provide universal school meals. This legislation builds on this progress to return the model nationwide.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s most recent food security report \u2014 which the Trump administration has now ended \u2014 48 million Americans, including over 14 million children, are food insecure. Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are 18 or younger. It is time to permanently make school meals free to all students, regardless of income, and finally address this crisis. Studies show time and again that students with free access to breakfast have improved attendance and better performance in school, and that free meals reduce financial stress for both students and families. Moreover, free and accessible school meals improve health outcomes, relieve the stigma associated with school meals and reduce behavioral incidents. Parents will not be forced to deal with paperwork or subjected to threats to have their children taken away.\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 provides the most cost-effective and inclusive model for students, families, teachers, public schools, childcare providers and communities by:\n\nProviding free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to every student \u2014 regardless of income.\n\nEliminating school meal debt for every public school student in America by reimbursing schools and ending harassment of parents and students over unpaid bills. In a 2025 survey, the School Nutrition Association found that nearly 1,400 school districts across the country hold a median of $6,000 in unpaid meal debt.\n\nIncreasing the reimbursement rate for schools to get closer to the actual cost of producing meals.\n\nIncentivizing schools to buy from local farms, bringing food from nearby farms into schools while supporting local economies.\n\nProviding summer meals to all children and increased SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) to lower-income children. Currently, only communities where 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch may operate a summer meals program. This bill makes all communities eligible, regardless of income.\n\nStrengthening and expanding the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to allow three meals and a snack each day, eliminate the two-tiered reimbursement rate for CACFP, and allow childcare providers to receive the highest reimbursement rate regardless of income.\n\nJoining Moore, Sanders and Omar as cosponsors on this legislation are Reps. Jim McGovern, Pete Aguilar, Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Jake Auchincloss, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragan, Joyce Beatty, Wesley Bell, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Nikki Budzinski, Andr\u00e9 Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Sean Casten, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, Steve Cohen, Angie Craig, Suzan DelBene, Mark DeSaulnier, Maxine Dexter, Debbie Dingell, Dwight Evans, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Frost, John Garamendi, Sylvia Garcia, Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Josh Gotteimer, Adelita Grijalva, Jared Huffman, Jonathan Jackson, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Jr., Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, John Larson, Summer Lee, Stephen F. Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, Betty McCollum, Morgan McGarvey, LaMonica McIver, Christian Menefee, Grace Meng, Joseph Morelle, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Jerry Nadler, Richard Neal, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Frank Pallone, Jr., Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Stacey Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Marilyn Strickland, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Juan Vargas, Nydia Velazquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Frederica Wilson and 19 Senators.\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 is endorsed by nearly 100 organizations, including the American Heart Association, Food Research & Action Center, Hunger Free America, Hunger Free Vermont, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, National Education Association (NEA), National Family Farm Coalition, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Afterschool, Vermont Foodbank, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, and Washington School Nutrition Association.", 1, "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-praises-workforce-pell-grant-rule-win-wisconsin-workers", "Van Orden Praises Workforce Pell Grant Rule as Win for Wisconsin Workers", "2026-05-18", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Derrick Van Orden today praised the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s final rule implementing the Workforce Pell Grant program, following Education Secretary Linda McMahon\u2019s visit Friday to Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin.\n\nBeginning July 1, 2026, the program will allow Pell Grants to fund short-term, high-quality training programs as short as eight weeks, preparing students for in-demand careers in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and the skilled trades.\n\nThe initiative, created under President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts (OBBBA), is designed to strengthen workforce pipelines and give students faster, more affordable pathways into good-paying jobs. Van Orden was a leading advocate for including workforce training flexibility in the legislation and fought to ensure these skills-based programs were eligible for Pell Grant funding.\n\n\u201cWisconsin is built on skilled, hardworking people who keep our communities running,\u201d said Van Orden. \u201cWe should be encouraging more young people to pursue skilled trades where they can earn strong wages without being buried in student debt. Not every student needs a four-year degree, and yet too many are pushed into expensive programs that don\u2019t match today\u2019s job market. We should empower the next generation to pursue these careers with pride, earn a good living, support a family, and stay rooted in the communities they call home.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-support-veterans-military-families-and-strengthen", "Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Support Veterans, Military Families, and Strengthen Military Readiness", "2026-05-15", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s veterans and servicemembers deserve a system that delivers timely, high-quality care and strong benefits they have earned through their service to our nation. This legislation fully funds critical VA health care and benefits programs, expands support for mental health services, and continues strengthening the infrastructure veterans rely on every day.\n\n\u201cThis bill also recognizes the needs of military families by investing in improved housing and childcare facilities that directly affect daily quality of life. At the same time, it strengthens military readiness by funding key construction projects to ensure our forces remain equipped and prepared as we navigate global threats.\n\n\u201cI was proud to support this measure because it reflects House Republicans\u2019 deep commitment to those who selflessly serve our nation. The long-term strength of our military community is critical to the success of the United States.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5202", "Grothman Introduces Bill to Protect Employment Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities", "2026-05-14", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman introduced the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act, legislation aimed at protecting work opportunities and expanding employment choice for adults with disabilities.\n\nThe bill would remove burdensome federal barriers that currently prevent many adults with disabilities from accessing workplace environments that best fit their individual needs, abilities, and long-term success at facilities like Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam, WI., and Opportunities Inc in Fort Atkinson, WI.\n\nThe following organizations have endorsed the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act: A-Team Wisconsin, A-Team USA, MARC, Inc., The Westmoreland County Blind Association, Industrial Opportunities, Inc., Grand Traverse Industries, The Brookwood Community, VARC, Pantheon Industries, New Hope Center, Disability Service Provider Network-WI\n\n\u201cToo often, Washington policymakers focus only on wages and ignore the broader benefits that meaningful work provides for individuals with disabilities,\u201d said Congressman Grothman. \u201cFor many families, these workplaces offer stability, community, training, routine, transportation assistance, and other support services that are incredibly valuable. These workplace settings provide a level of support and opportunity that has become harder to access because of bureaucratic red tape. In some cases, individuals working in these settings may also earn more overall than they would in other employment environment. Adults with disabilities deserve the freedom to choose the workplace environment that works best for them without unnecessary government obstacles standing in the way.\u201d\n\n\u201cYoung people with disabilities deserve access to work programs that help bring them satisfaction, purpose, and dignity. I am proud to support the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities which breaks down barriers preventing these individuals from participating in work that builds confidence, leads to positive outcomes, and fosters independence.\u201d - Congressman Burgess Owens\n\n\u201cThe Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities will ensure individuals have a CHOICE in the service that helps ensure a career pathway to employment. Young adults with a disability have limited opportunity after high school graduation. Many ages 18-24 are left at home and become disenfranchised and isolated from the world of work. This bill will allow individuals the ability to continue to train and mature with the goal of gaining community integrated employment when the time is right.\u201d - Barb LeDuc, President/CEO Opportunities, Inc.\n\n\u201cThis bill is very much needed for individuals with Special Needs in order to provide them the same opportunities that individuals without a disability have to obtain a Job. Having criteria based on the age of an individual to obtain a job, is concerning and should not be permissible. The enactment of this bill would allow those with Special Needs to obtain a Job of their CHOICE, regardless of their age. Allow the individuals to make their OWN decision!!!\u201d \u2013 Timothy P. Miller, Executive Director at Westmoreland County Blind Association\n\n\u201cAt KANDU, we fight every day for the right of individuals with disabilities to have choice, purpose, dignity, and meaningful opportunities. Every person deserves the chance to contribute in a way that matches their abilities, goals, and comfort level \u2014 and no one should lose that right because someone else decides what is best for them. We will continue to stand up for the voices, rights, and value of the individuals we proudly serve.\u201d \u2013 Kathy J. Hansen, Executive Director at KANDU Industries\n\n\u201cThrough my work at KANDU Industries, I have seen firsthand that meaningful employment is not one-size-fits-all. Individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity to choose employment pathways that match their unique abilities, support needs, and goals while experiencing the dignity, confidence, and sense of purpose that meaningful work provides.\u201d \u2014 Linda Diedrich, Marketing Director, KANDU Industries\n\n\u201cMy name is Christopher Wilson and I work at Kandu. I know friends from Special Olympics that cannot work at Kandu because they are not old enough. This makes me sad. I like it there.\u201d - Christopher Wilson, KANDU Industries\n\n\"When there is a pause in the use of skill sets, those abilities can decline significantly over time or even be lost entirely. When we invest in the individual momentum of the people we love, serve, and support, we advocate for their continued success. I believe that by amending this bill\u2019s age qualifier, we can meet the needs of today\u2019s consumer market at a pivotal moment and further support the highest long-term potential of each individual.\" - Madison Vander Loop, New Hope Inc.\n\n\u201cEvery person deserves the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and meaningful work skills at their own pace. Lowering the age from 24 to 18 for sheltered workshop and pre vocational services in Wisconsin would allow young adults with disabilities to access the support they need during an important transition into adulthood. While community employment is a great goal, not everyone is immediately ready for a competitive job setting after high school. Some individuals benefit from pre-vocational environments where they can safely learn communication, task completion, time management, social interaction, and coping skills before entering the community workforce. Waiting until age 24 can leave individuals without the structured support they need to grow, succeed, and work toward meaningful employment opportunities that match their abilities, strengths, and personal goals.\u201d - Amber Svoboda, Guardian at Meraki Guardianship Services Inc\n\n\u201cI enjoy making money at CRI, mowing lawns, and helping with the summer rest area program. CRI has helped me become a better worker and learn new skills.\u201d - Anthony Sobieski\n\n\u201cCRI helps me get into the workforce and builds confidence. CRI makes me look forward to the future.\u201d - Ryan McCulley\n\n\u201cI like everything about CRI and all the different people I get to work with. I enjoy coming and being part of the team.\u201d - William Goodwillie\n\nBackground Information\n\nIn 2014, Congress passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to place additional restrictions on employment arrangements authorized under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.\n\nWhile these changes were intended to encourage competitive integrated employment opportunities, the law has created significant barriers for many individuals with disabilities seeking employment options that align with their personal needs and capabilities.\n\nUnder current law, individuals under the age of 24 must complete a series of federally mandated requirements before they are permitted to work in a Section 14(c) employment setting. These requirements can delay or prevent access to meaningful work opportunities and force individuals into employment situations that may not be appropriate for them before they are allowed to pursue alternatives that better support their success and well-being.\n\nMany Section 14(c) providers also offer additional services and support beyond wages, including job training, transportation assistance, social engagement opportunities, supervision, and continuity of care that families rely upon.\n\nThe Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would:\n\nLower the applicable age threshold in Section 511 of the Rehabilitation Act from 24 to 18, ensuring adult individuals with disabilities are not subjected to unnecessary federal barriers when making employment decisions.\n\nUpdate counseling requirements to ensure employers can continue compensating employees under a Section 14(c) certificate even if a state fails to provide required counseling services.\n\n-30-\n\nU.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin\u2019s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5934", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Supports War Powers Resolution to Help End Republicans\u2019 Reckless, Costly Iran War", "2026-05-14", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cThe Trump administration, with support from congressional Republicans, has plunged America into a deadly, costly war with Iran. Now, gas prices have gone up, and other household costs, like groceries, continue to increase. Yet, as millions struggle, Trump admits he doesn\u2019t think about Americans financial situation.\n\nThis war is not only making life more expensive and failing to meet any clear objectives, but it\u2019s illegal. Congress has not granted any authorization for this war, despite Trump\u2019s claims that hostilities have somehow been terminated as part of his games to try and evade Congressional oversight and accountability. I am supporting this resolution to help end this war and remain disappointed that Republicans in both the Senate and House continue to oppose these resolutions. I am calling on my Republican colleagues to finally grow a backbone and join me in checking this President.\u201d", 1, "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"], ["https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgeralds-keeping-violent-offenders-our-streets-act-passes-house-0", "Rep. Fitzgerald\u2019s Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act Passes House of Representatives", "2026-05-14", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Scott Fitzgerald", "F000471", "fitzgerald.house.gov", "fitzgerald", "https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Scott Fitzgerald\u2019s (WI-05) Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, legislation aimed at combating radical bail policies by subjecting bail bonds to insurance fraud laws, passed the House of Representatives today. Specifically, the bill defines bail bonds as insurance products, which subjects them to federal insurance fraud laws and allows states to enact licensing requirements for corporate, for-profit, and non-profit entities that post bail on behalf of defendants.\n\n\u201cCommunities across the country have suffered the consequences of reckless soft-on-crime policies that put dangerous offenders back on the streets,\u201d said Congressman Fitzgerald. \u201cThe Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act restores accountability to the bail process by ensuring left-wing organizations that post bail for violent criminals are subject to federal insurance laws and criminal fraud statutes. Public safety should always come first, and this legislation is key in protecting Americans and restoring common sense to our bail system. I thank my colleagues for their support of this bill, and I\u2019ll continue fighting to ensure tragedies like the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade attack are never repeated.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: This week the House is recognizing Police Week as it considers a series of measures aimed at strengthening support for law enforcement and improving public safety. The Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act was among the legislation considered as part of this important effort.\n\nThis bill addresses concerns surrounding charitable bail funds, which are organizations that use money from donations to help pay cash bail for defendants. These charitable funds are a small part of the larger movement to significantly reform or eliminate the cash bail system. Charitable bail funds regularly post bail for individuals charged with violent felonies and previous convictions.\n\nFor example, a CNN investigation in 2023 into charitable bail funds found that in Indiana from 2019 to 2021, \u201c24 percent of the roughly 1,000 defendants cut loose by The Bail Project \u2013 among the largest charitable bail groups in the United States \u2013 had been charged with a crime of violence; 35 percent were facing felony charges and had a previous charge of at least one crime of violence.\u201d Adding even more cause for concern, according to CNN, at least nine individuals who were released by a bail charity were subsequently arrested for murder.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T06:16:17Z", "2026-06-27T06:17:30Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-introduces-resolution-to-recognize-survivors-of-scams-and-prevent-future-scams", "Steil Introduces Resolution to Recognize Survivors of Scams and Prevent Future Scams", "2026-05-14", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Josh Harder (CA-09), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), and Gabe Amo (RI-01) this week introduced a resolution to designate May 14th as National Scam Survivor Day.\n\n\u201cEach year, scammers exploit millions of Americans and defraud them of their hard-earned savings,\" said Steil. \"I commend every American who speaks out to raise awareness after being victimized by scammers. By sharing their experiences, scam survivors help break the stigma scam victims can face while ensuring our communities have the tools to identify, disarm, and report emerging scams. I will continue working to prevent families and seniors from falling victim to scams.\"\n\nThe National Scam Survivor Day resolution encourages scam survivors to tell their stories combat the stigma that may prevent individuals from seeking the guidance and assistance they deserve. Additionally, the legislation urges a collaborative approach to support scam survivors and prevent future scams among government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.\n\n\u201cScams are more than just an annoying robocall \u2013 these organized attacks rob working families of their hard-earned savings and financial stability,\u201d said Harder. \u201cCracking down on these criminals starts with raising awareness of the nationwide scam crisis, and I'm proud to support designating May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day. Bringing our community together around prevention will lead to more arrests, fewer robocalls, and less financial theft, and I look forward to working across the aisle to get this bill signed into law.\u201d\n\n\"As Subcommittee Chairman on Oversight and Investigations, I am working with the Trump Administration, law enforcement, and the private sector to stop financial fraud and scams before they start,\" said Meuser. \"Scammers stole more than $21 billion from hardworking Americans in 2025, targeting seniors, veterans, small business owners, and young adults. National Scam Survivor Day is about supporting victims, raising awareness, and educating consumers as scammers and fraudsters become increasingly sophisticated. Thank you to Rep. Steil for once again leading this important resolution.\"\n\n\u201cMillions of Americans have lost hundreds of billions of dollars at the hands of hucksters, fraudsters and rip-off artists,\u201d said Raskin. \u201cBy designating May 14, 2026, as National Scam Survivor Day, we remind our neighbors that there\u2019s no shame in reporting these terrible crimes, and we put scammers everywhere on notice that we\u2019ll never stop pursuing justice and accountability. I want to thank my constituent\u2014Judith Boivin of Rockville\u2014for bravely sharing her story with me and for working to help others avoid what she has endured at the hands of criminal scammers.\u201d\n\n\u201cA central Iowa man spent months building what he believed was a genuine online relationship, only to lose $164,000 to fraud. A woman from Des Moines fell victim to a romance scam and lost $15,000. These are just two of the stories behind the $96 million Iowans lost to financial fraud in 2025,\u201d said Nunn. \u201cIowans shouldn\u2019t have to worry about scammers robbing them of their life savings through fake investment schemes and online fraud. On National Scam Survivor\u2019s Day, I\u2019m proud my bipartisan GUARD Act is moving forward to give law enforcement stronger tools to track down criminals, crack down on fraud, and protect Iowans\u2019 hard-earned money.\u201d\n\n\u201cScams devastate families, drain savings, and leave survivors feeling like they did something wrong,\u201d said Shreve. \u201cAs Chair of the Stop Scams Caucus, I\u2019m pleased to cosponsor this resolution designating May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day. When survivors come forward, they help break the stigma surrounding these crimes and remind other victims that they are not to blame. I\u2019ll keep working across the aisle to ensure these bad actors face real consequences.\u201d\n\n\u201cScammers don\u2019t care if you\u2019re a Democrat or a Republican \u2014 they just want to steal your money and exploit your trust. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support designating May 14th as National Scam Survivor Day, to stand with the millions of Americans targeted by scams, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma that can discourage people from reporting these crimes,\u201d said Amo. \u201cTogether, we can stop fraudsters from scamming Americans out of their hard-earned dollars.\u201d\n\nThis resolution is supported by the International Better Business Bureau.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of this resolution include Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), and Gabe Amo (RI-01)\n\nCLICK HERE to read the resolution.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-announces-winners-2026-congressional-art-competition", "Tiffany Announces Winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "2026-05-14", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Thomas P. Tiffany", "T000165", "tiffany.house.gov", "tiffany", "https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WAUSAU, WI \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced the winners of Wisconsin's Seventh District 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has created a unique opportunity for young artists to have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. This year\u2019s theme was: A day in the life of Wisconsin.\n\n\u201cIt is my pleasure to congratulate the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, and thank all those who participated. The young artistic talent in Wisconsin\u2019s Seventh District never ceases to amaze me. I want to extend a special shoutout to this year\u2019s first-place winner for depicting one of Wisconsin\u2019s great wonders, the Apostle Islands,\u201d said Congressman Tiffany.\n\nFirst Place Winner\n\nName: Ayasha Bowman\n\nSchool: Wausau East High School\n\nTitle: Apostle Islands\n\nMedium: Charcoal on Paper\n\nSecond Place Winner\n\nName: Brooklyn Weiler\n\nSchool: Auburndale High School\n\nTitle: Green Pastures, Little Footsteps\n\nMedium: Oil Paint\n\nThird Place Winner\n\nName: Nevaeh Utyro\n\nSchool: Superior High School\n\nTitle: Sitting Bear\n\nMedium: Watercolor\n\nHonorable Mention\n\nName: Alison Iaffaldano\n\nSchool: Wausau West High School\n\nTitle: Patchwork\n\nMedium: Acrylic Paint\n\nHonorable Mention\n\nName: Sophia Garcia Carranza\n\nSchool: Wausau East High School\n\nTitle: Wyalusing Overlook\n\nMedium: Charcoal\n\nThe first-place winner's artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The Cannon Tunnel is the most highly traveled walkway between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. The second-place winner's artwork will be displayed in my Washington, DC office, and the third-place winner's artwork will be displayed in my Wausau office.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-introduces-comprehensive-campaign-finance-reforms", "Steil Introduces Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reforms", "2026-05-11", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01) introduced the Campaign Finance Transparency Act and the Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act. Together, these comprehensive campaign finance reforms will increase transparency and ensure fraudulent and foreign donations cannot influence political campaigns, individual candidates, or electoral outcomes.\n\nBoth bills will be marked up by the Committee on House Administration later this week.\n\n\u201cMy investigation into ActBlue has demonstrated that the current campaign finance laws weren\u2019t drafted for the modern era we live in. The major gaps we\u2019ve uncovered are being exploited by fraudsters and foreign nationals to make illegal political donations. For example, right now an individual could make a fraudulent donation online in someone else\u2019s name and avoid getting caught. That\u2019s an unacceptable vulnerability that bad actors are taking advantage of,\u201d said Chairman Steil. \u201cWe must increase transparency and update the rules to reflect the technological advances of the 21st century.\u201d\n\nThe Campaign Finance Transparency Act will:\n\nRequire the name on a credit or debit card to match the name of the donor\n\nRemove the de minimis reporting threshold for donors\n\nRequire political contributions via credit or debit card to include CVV/CVC number and billing ZIP code\n\nRequire document verification for donors without U.S. mailing addresses\n\nProhibit contributions via gift cards\n\nProhibit knowingly directing, helping, or assisting any person in making a contribution in the name of another person\n\nRequire suspected straw donations schemes to be reported to the Federal Election Commission\n\nThe Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act will:\n\nProhibit foreign nationals from donating for specified election-related activities, including:\n\nVoter registration drives;\n\nBallot harvesting;\n\nVoter research and polling;\n\nGet Out the Vote initiatives;\n\nAdministration of elections by state or local officials (i.e. Zuckerbucks);\n\nProhibit aiding or facilitating assistance to foreign nationals in making campaign contributions;\n\nPrevent federal agencies from collecting or disclosing tax-exempt donor information, subject to specified exceptions (e.g. IRS, House/Senate lobbying disclosures, in certain situations).\n\nTo read the Campaign Finance Transparency Act click here.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5930", "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on FBI Questioning Wisconsin Election Officials", "2026-05-08", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\u201cDonald Trump, the loser of the 2020 presidential election, continues to whine and use intimidation tactics against election officials.\n\nTrump believes that any election he loses is illegitimate.\n\nOur elections are safe and fair and will remain that way.\u201d", 1, "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner-isabella-rotizza-from-westosha-central-high-school", "Steil Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner: Isabella Rotizza from Westosha Central High School", "2026-05-04", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Racine, WI \u2013 Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced Isabella Rotizza as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Wisconsin's First Congressional District.\n\nWINNER: Beauty Doesn't Have to Have Color by Isabella Rotizza\n\nIsabella Rotizza and her piece, Beauty Doesn't Have to Have Color, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Isabella is a 10th grade student at Westosha Central High School in Salem Lakes, where she is taught by Ms. Carina Rook.\n\n\u201cCongratulations, Isabella, on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition! The First Congressional District is home to so many talented young artists and each year I am impressed by the creativity and skill demonstrated in our community. Beauty Doesn't Have to Have Color captures the talent of Wisconsin\u2019s next generation and the impact art teachers have on students across our state,\u201d said Steil. \u201cI look forward to seeing Isabella's work displayed in the U.S. Capitol.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-leads-letter-fema-urging-swift-action-coordination-state", "Rep. Wied Leads Letter to FEMA Urging Swift Action in Coordination with the State", "2026-05-01", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Tony Wied", "W000829", "wied.house.gov", "wied", "https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08) led Reps. Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Tom Tiffany (WI-07) in sending a letter to Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Karen Evans thanking the agency for its swift response to the State\u2019s request for a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment and urging the agency to act swiftly and in coordination with Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM).\n\n\u201cWe write to express our thanks for your agency's prompt response to the State of Wisconsin\u2019s request for FEMA to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA) with WEM in order to determine whether the damage meets the thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration,\u201d said the Congressmen. \u201cWe value FEMA's ongoing collaboration with Wisconsin and look forward to working with your agency as relief efforts progress. We remain committed to partnering with you at every stage of this effort to guarantee that Wisconsin's residents and communities get the assistance they need.\u201d\n\nLast month, communities across Wisconsin, particularly in the Northeast, experienced historic flooding that caused severe damage to public and private property. On Wednesday, April 29th, Governor Evers requested FEMA\u2019s assistance with a JDPA, and on Thursday, April 30th, FEMA quickly responded.\n\nCompleting this assessment is the next step to secure federal assistance for families and communities impacted by the recent storms and flooding across the state, which have overwhelmed local emergency management agencies. FEMA has announced that these assessments will begin on Monday, May 4th, in collaboration with state officials.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5170", "Grothman\u2019s Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act Advances Through Committee", "2026-04-30", "2026", "2026-04", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", "grothman", "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Grothman\u2019s (R-WI) Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, legislation to strengthen oversight and combat fraud across federal programs, advanced through the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, marking a key step toward protecting taxpayer dollars.\n\n\u201cWe should remember this day because fraud continues to be a problem, but we are working to implement stronger oversight at every level. This bill is a common sense and bipartisan effort to strengthen oversight and protect taxpayer dollars. We are ensuring employees have the tools and resources they need to identify fraud. The bill requires Treasury to establish a government wide anti-fraud training program so staff can see the danger before it makes the newspaper,\u201d said Rep. Grothman.\n\n\u201cBillions of taxpayer dollars are lost every year to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Unfortunately, federal agencies working to safeguard these funds are often outmatched by the increasing sophistication of fraudsters and criminals. The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act recognizes this growing challenge and helps fortify the financial defenses of our federal programs against bad actors. It requires a government-wide anti-fraud training program for agency officials, like grant managers and auditors, so they are adequately trained on best practices for preventing and addressing fraud in agency programs. I thank my colleague, Mr. Grothman for introducing this important legislation,\u201d said Chairman Comer.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5929", "Ways and Means Committee Advances Congresswoman Moore\u2019s Foster Youth Legislation", "2026-04-30", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", "gwenmoore", "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee approved the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. Introduced with Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), this bipartisan legislation makes housing more accessible for foster youth by supporting better coordination between states and local services for housing vouchers, among other provisions.\n\nThe Committee also approved Congresswoman Moore\u2019s CONNECT Act, which directs the Chafee program to focus on helping foster youth develop healthy, supportive relationships with adults and highlights the role that supportive relationships can play in helping individuals succeed.\n\n\u201cToo many foster youth leave the system without adequate support and struggle with housing instability and homelessness. As I often say, you don\u2019t magically become an adult at age 18. We shouldn\u2019t expect this of foster youth. Serving as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I\u2019m working to ensure that youth leaving the foster care system have a safe, secure place to call home, so they can lead successful lives as adults. My legislation would give states the much-needed flexibility to help foster youth pay for security deposits and utility connection fees, among other critical supports,\u201d\n\nMy bill, the CONNECT Act, helps foster youth build a network of support. These positive relationships are critical to the wellbeing of young people, especially foster youth.\u201d said Congresswoman Moore.\n\nBackground:\n\nResearch shows that up to 46 percent of youth exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26. Lack of stable housing is one of the biggest barriers to adulthood for transition-age foster youth.\n\nThe Foster Youth Housing Act clarifies that the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee) is intended to support access to housing for youth age 18 or older by strengthening coordination between federal housing and child welfare programs and providing greater flexibility for housing funds under the Chafee Program.", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 221, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "WI", "p2": "2026"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 145, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI&year=2026&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 76, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI&year=2026&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 221, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "WI", "label": "WI", "count": 221, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 221, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-04-30,https~3A~2F~2Fgwenmoore~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D5929", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=WI&year=2026&_next=2026-04-30%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fgwenmoore~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D5929&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 245.46282133087516, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}