{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"WI\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2020/12/sensenbrenner-announces-2021-academy-nominees", "Sensenbrenner Announces 2021 Academy Nominees", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BROOKFIELD, WI Today,Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) announced the nomination of 31 candidates from Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District for appointment to the U.S. service academies.\r\n\r\n\nRep. Sensenbrenner:This year Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District yielded another outstanding group of students interested in attending the academies. They have demonstrated the ability to serve our nation, and I wish them all tremendous success. I would like to thank our Academy Selection Committee for the work they put into interviewing and assessing this year's applicants. Their efforts play a vital role in this process. As I approach my retirement from Congress in a few short days, I can say the ability to nominate students to our nation's service academies has been one of the highest honors.\r\n\n  This year, Congressman Sensenbrenner nominated a total of 31 students, including six principal nominees. They are as follows:Principal Nominees  Jocelyn Heckenkamp of Delafield has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jocelyn, daughter of Jason and Jennifer Heckenkamp, attends the University of Texas at Dallas, and is a graduate of Kettle Moraine High School.\nJane Yoo of Menomonee Falls has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jane, daughter of Chang and Eun Yoo, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nAllyson Davis of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Allyson, daughter of Michael and Nicole Davis, is a senior at Arrowhead High School.\nKye Yu of New Berlin has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Kye, son of Ben and Karen Yu, is a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower High School.\nAlec Malone of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Alec, son of Dan and Trudy Malone, is a senior at Marquette University High School.\nTimothy Rauh of Hartland has been named a principal nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Timothy, son of Jeffery and Ann Rauh, is a senior at Brookfield Academy.\nCompeting Alternate Nominees and United States Merchant Marine Academy Nominees\n\r\nKyle Anthes of New Berlin has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Kyle, son of Brian and Jennifer Anthes, is a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower High School.\nAnthony Bigari of Summit has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Anthony, son of Bryan and Tracy Bigari, is a senior at Pewaukee High School.\nDavid Crosby of Pewaukee has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and a nominee to the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. David, son of David, Sr. and Seleny Crosby, is a senior at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy.\nArno Crowley of Whitewater has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Arno, son of Alexander and Holly Crowley, is a senior at Whitewater High School.\nJack Dedrick of Menomonee Falls has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, US Military Academy in Annapolis, MD and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Jack, son of Craig and Jennifer Dedrick, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nJack Ganos of Oconomowoc has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jack, son of Michael and Rachel Ganos, is a senior at Arrowhead High School.\nNicholas Hansen of Elm Grove has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, US Military Academy in Annapolis, MD and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Nick, son of Michael and Shelly Lynn Hansen, is a senior at Marquette University High School. He and his twin brother, Will, received nominations to the same academies.\nWilliam Hansen of Elm Grove has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, US Military Academy in Annapolis, MD and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Will, son of Michael and Shelly Lynn Hansen, is a senior at Marquette University High School. He and his twin brother, Nick, received nominations to the same academies.\nMorgan Holley of Watertown has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Morgan, daughter of Allen and Katherine Holley, attends the US Air Force Prep School, and is a graduate of Watertown High School.\nConall Hospidales of Oconomowoc has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Conall, son of Christopher and Sheila Hospidales, is a senior at Oconomowoc High School.\nJulian Jones of Brookfield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Julian, son of Kent Jones and Christina Tilbury, is a senior at Brookfield East High School.\nDerek Kaiser of Delafield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and a nominee to the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Derek, son of William Kaiser and Angela Belsha, attends Kettle Moraine Global.\nAhna Kammer of Jefferson has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Ahna, daughter of Scott Kammer and Terese Wenkman, is a senior at Jefferson High School.\nBrandon Lee of Brookfield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Branson, son of Yonggon and Yuna Lee, attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is a graduate of Brookfield Central High School.\nJoseph Lynch of Menomonee Falls has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Joseph, son of Patrick and Jean Lynch, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nEthan Megal of Elm Grove has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Ethan, son of Phillip and Sara Megal, is a senior at Brookfield East High School.\nPatrick Merkel of Pewaukee has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Patrick, son of Charlie and Sandy Merkel, is a senior at Pewaukee High School.\nHalle Quadracci of Hartland Pewaukee has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and a nominee to the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Halle, daughter of Joel and Caran Quadracci, is a senior at Devine Savior Holy Angels.\nTyler Rhode of Brookfield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Tyler, son of Tim and Jana Rhode, is a senior at Brookfield East High School.\nAubrey Schmutzler of Watertown has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Aubrey, daughter of Brent and Maria Schmutzler, is a senior at Watertown High School.\nCollin Schulz of Fort Atkinson has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Collin, son of Todd and LaRae Schulz, attends the US Air Force Prep School and is a graduate of Lakeside Lutheran High School.\nAmelia Sitzberger of Ixonia has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Amelia, daughter of Robert Sitzberger and Heidi Graf, is a senior at Oconomowoc High School.\nKady Stigler of Menomonee Falls has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Kady, daughter of Chad and Lisa Stigler, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nNatalie Tesch of New Berlin has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Natalie, daughter of Walter and Barbara Tesch, is a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran High School.\nHaley Wolff of Waukesha has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Haley, daughter of Peter and Christine Wolff, is a senior at Devine Savior Holy Angels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-fy2021-ndaa", "Gallagher Statement on FY2021 NDAA", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today released the following statement after voting to make the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act law.\n\"The SolarWinds espionage campaign emphasized our vulnerabilities in cyberspace and underscored the pressing need for action. Congress must work to make sure this never happens again, and the FY2021 NDAA takes concrete steps to help achieve this goal.\nWhile we are still learning about the scale of this campaign, what we do know is that many of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's recommendations included in this bill would have helped the government better respond to the hack. With these provisions, CISA would have enhanced resources and improved threat hunting capabilities, allowing the government to more quickly identify intrusions. The Department of Defense would have a comprehensive plan to strengthen the cyber defense of our nuclear command and control system, preventing malign access to this critical network from even happening. And a National Cyber Director would be able to coordinate a public-private response to dealing with this espionage.\nThese long-overdue reforms  in addition to provisions that provide a well-deserved pay raise to our troops, help counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party, and deliver full funding to the Future Frigate  make this year's NDAA must-pass legislation.\"\nThe FY21 NDAA adopts26 recommendations from the bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commissionthat strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, empower the government to better protect against a cyber-attack against adversaries, and safeguard our nuclear enterprise. This is in addition to overall nuclear modernization and NNSA cybersecurity investments in the bill.\nThe most notable of those measures include:\n Ensuring Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command and Control Systems --The FY21 NDAA requires the Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive plan that strengthens the cyber defense of nuclear command and control systems.\n\tStrengthening Cyber Security at the Nation's Nuclear Weapons Production FacilitiesAmerica's nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of our national security and reported hacks at the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) mayrepresentanextraordinarily grave threatto the safety of every American.In recognition that cyber infrastructure modernization is an important part of the overall nuclear modernization plan, the FY21 NDAA specifically authorizes $375.5 million for information technology and cybersecurity within the NNSA's weapons activities accounts.\n\tEstablishinga National Cyber Director The FY21 NDAA creates the National Cyber Director(NCD)position in the White House to serve as the president's principal advisor on cyber issues and as a point of coordination and leadership within the federal government on these issues. The NCD would provide centralized White House leadership to coordinate federal response efforts and liaise with critical private-sector stakeholders.\n\tStrengtheningthe Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) The FY21 NDAA contains several provisions aimed at strengthening CISA's capacity to carry out its mission, including a provision authorizing CISA to conduct threat hunting on U.S. government networks. In addition, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission is calling on appropriators to increase funding to CISA to build out more Hunt and Incident Response Teams (HIRTs).\n\t\tEarly reporting from affected departments and agencies suggests that CISA's incident response capacities may be overwhelmed. More HIRTs would bolster CISA capacity to assist departments and agencies in responding to the incident in a timely manner.\n\t\t\tBetter threat hunting on the .gov domain would have identified the campaign earlier on and possibly stopped the attack in its tracks.\n\t\t\tCISA is and will continue to be crucial in both identifying and responding to cybersecurity incidents on federal government networks.\n\t\t\n\tStrengtheningan Integrated Cyber Center The FY21 NDAA contains a provision calling on the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a review of federal cybersecurity centers and propose a plan to establish an integrated cyber center at CISA to improve coordination among federal government cybersecurity centers.\n\t\tA stronger integrated cyber center would help facilitate greater information exchange between federal departments and agencies, helping to quickly paint a clearer picture of the scope and scale of incidents like this and to inform incident response and the allocation of critical incident response capabilities.\n\t\t\n\tProtecting Against Industrial Espionage and Cyber TheftThe FY21 NDAA contains a requirement for a Presidential assessment on the effectiveness of the National Cyber Strategy to deter industrial espionage and large-scale cyber theft of intellectual property and personal information conducted by China.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-increase-direct-payment-checks-wisconsinites", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes to Increase Direct Payment Checks to Wisconsinites", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Rep. Ron Kindvoted for theCaring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act. This legislation increases the value of the second round of Economic Impact Payments in the recently enacted COVID-19 relief package from $600 for individuals to $2,000.   \n\tI'm glad that the bipartisan COVID-19 relief package was finally signed into law given the amount of pain and suffering Wisconsin families have been facing during these challenging times, saidRep. Ron Kind. However, more support is needed and $600 rebate checks don't go far enough to provide Wisconsinites with the relief they deserve. That's why today I was proud to vote to increase direct payments to $2,000. Now, I hope the Senate will stand with Members on both sides of the aisle and the President to swiftly pass this vital legislation.\n\nRep. Kindvotedfor the bipartisan emergency COVID-19 relief package on December 21, 2020 to provide critical relief for Wisconsin workers, small businesses, farmers, health care providers, and families. The legislationlays the groundwork for a smooth COVID-19 vaccine rollout and includes many priorities Rep. Kind fought for such as his Paycheck Protection for Producers Act to expand access for family farmers when qualifying for the paycheck protection program; $300 million in new grants to fund rural broadband buildout and $65 million to complete broadband coverage maps; and $15 billion grant for music venues harmed by the pandemic such as the Pablo Center in Eau Claire.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-support-our-servicemembers-and-override-dangerous", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes to Support our Servicemembers and Override Dangerous National Defense Authorization Act Veto", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Rep. Ron Kindvoted to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bipartisan legislationbolsters our national security,sets critical national defense priorities for the upcoming year, reaffirms our steadfast commitment to NATO,includes a 3% pay raise for servicemembers,provides benefits to certain veterans exposed to Agent Orange, andinvests in countering cyber security threats, such as the recent hacks perpetrated by Russia.\n  Our troops serve with dedication and honor, and they deserve the best our nation can offer. To that end, it's unacceptable that the President put our national security and servicemembers at risk by choosing to veto the bipartisan NDAA, saidRep. Ron Kind. Today, I was proud to vote to override this veto and ensure that our brave men and women in uniform receive a well-deserved 3% pay raise and have the resources they need to safely and effectively defend our country.\n  Rep. Kindvotedfor the annual NDAA, which passed with broad bipartisan support on December 8, 2020. This legislation determines critical defense and national security priorities. This year's bill also directs the VA to provide benefits to veterans exposed to Agent Orange who were later diagnosed with bladder cancer, parkinsonism, or hyperthyroidism, which Rep. Kind called for earlier this Congress. Additionally, the bill calls for the VA and the Defense Department to develop standards of coordinated care for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/stop-student-debt-relief-scams-act-signed-into-law", "Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Signed into Law", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin's Bipartisan Bill to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The new law will provide more tools to identify and shut down fraudsters who hurt borrowers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) issued the following statement after her bipartisan legislation with U.S. SenatorsMike Braun (R-IN),Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Deb Fischer (R-RE) was signed into law. TheStop Student Debt Relief Scams Actwill expand and enhance efforts to identify and shut down student debt relief scams.\r\nFar too many students are already struggling with student loan debt, and they deserve to be protected from scammers and bad actors who are preying on their financial security,said Senator Baldwin.The additional repayment relief provided to many borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately also created additional opportunities for fraudsters to do more harm. I'm so proud that my bipartisan reform is now the law of the land, because it is just commonsense to stop these student loan debt relief scams that harm hardworking Americans and prevent them from getting ahead.\r\nWith Americans facingmore than$1.7trillion in student loan debt, borrowers are looking for relief wherever they can find it. Debt relief scams falsely promise borrowers a quick fix with little hassle. These schemes robocall student loan borrowers until they agree to pay thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees for services that are available for free, claiming to reduce or forgive borrowers' student debt.\r\nIn a March 2018 report, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General recommended that Congress strengthen federal law to help stop scam artists that fraudulently obtain access to borrower's online login credentials, primarily by imposing meaningful financial penalties and prosecuting individuals and entities perpetrating these scams. TheStop Student Debt Relief Scams Actwould accelerate the end to this rampant misconduct.\r\nTheStop Student Debt Relief Scams Act,introduced in April 2019, will enhance law enforcement and administrative abilities to identify and shut down student debt relief scams. Specifically, the legislation will:\r\n \r\nClarify that it is a federal crime to access U.S. Department of Education information technology systems for fraud, commercial advantage, or private financial gain, and impose fines on scammers for violations of the law;\r\nDirect the U.S. Department of Education to create a new form of third-party access, akin to the current preparer function on the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for those applying on behalf of a student and their family, in order to protect legitimate organizations;\r\nRequire the U.S. Department of Education to maintain common-sense reporting, detection, and prevention activities to stop potential or known debt relief scams; and\r\nRequire student loan exit counseling to warn federal loan borrowers about debt relief scams.\r\n \r\n\r\nThe bill is endorsed by the Education Finance Council, Generation Progress, National Consumer Law Center(on behalf of its low-income clients), National Council of Higher Education Resources, Student Loan Servicing Alliance, The Institute for College Access and Success, and Young Invincibles.\r\nMore information about this legislation is availablehere. The full bill text is availablehere.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/grli-act-passes-senate", "Senate Passes Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.20\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Baldwin's Bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan Bill Ensures Great Lakes Will Be Protected for Future Generations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The United States Senate has passed Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisanGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, which reauthorizes and expands funding for the Great Lakes. The legislation passed the House earlier this year and now heads to the President's desk.\r\nThe bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in Fiscal Year 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in Fiscal Year 2026. Senator Baldwin, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force,was joined bySenators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), co-Chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, and Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)in introducingthis bipartisan legislation.\r\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has earned bipartisan support and is critical for the health of our region, our communities, and our clean water resources. It helps us clean up polluted sites, restore water quality and combat invasive species,said Senator Baldwin.Preserving the Great Lakes is not just an environmental goal - it is an economic necessity for Wisconsin, and making stronger, long-term investments in GLRI will better help us ensure that our Great Lakes are protected and preserved for generations to come. I'm looking forward to the President signing our bipartisan bill into law.\r\nSince its inception, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has tripled the successful cleanup and delisting of Areas of Concern, reduced phosphorus runoff and the threat of harmful algal blooms, controlled and stopped the advancement of invasive species, and restored wildlife habitat over thousands of miles of rivers and waterways. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $2.5 billion to fund 4,706 projects throughout the Great Lakes region.\r\nSenators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Vice Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Gary Peters (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Todd Young (R-IN), Vice Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, and 40 members of the House of Representatives are co-sponsors of this bipartisan legislation.\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/working-students-act-passes-congress", "Senator Baldwin Working to Make College More Affordable and Accessible for Wisconsin Students", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.20\n\t\t\t Senator Baldwin Working to Make College More Affordable and Accessible for Wisconsin Students \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Provisions from Baldwin's Working Students Act secured in the year-end, bipartisan government funding legislation will allow working college students to complete their degrees more quickly and with less debt \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), successfully secured provisions from her Working Students Actin the year-end, bipartisan government funding legislation to support students who are working their way through school. This year-end, bipartisan government funding legislation, which Baldwin voted for, passed the full Congress on Monday night and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nIn Wisconsin, I've heard firsthand from students and graduates struggling with the cost of higher education. As the pandemic continues to present students and families with challenging financial situations, we must do everything we can to make college and its related expenses more affordable, so we can build a stronger path to the middle class for all Americans,said Senator Baldwin.Students who work while in school should not be penalized with less access to financial aid. I'm proud my legislation has passed both chambers of Congress because now more than ever, we must ensure that working students have the opportunity to earn an affordable higher education and succeed in the workforce.\r\nSenator BaldwinintroducedtheWorking Students Actwith Representative Ami Bera (D-CA) in October 2019. This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).\r\nNearly 44 million Americans have outstanding student loans. According to data from the Federal Reserve, student loan debt totals more than $1.6 trillion across the country. The rising debt load makes it more difficult for young professionals to purchase homes, automobiles, and other goods, creating a huge drag on the overall economy.\r\nCurrently, students who work while attending school often are eligible for less financial aid due to their work income. The provisions included in the year-end, bipartisan government funding legislation from Baldwin'sWorking Students Actwill allow students that must work while in college to complete their degrees more quickly and with less debt. Specifically, these provisions will increase support for working students and families by reducing the work penalty that many students face when working to support themselves and pay for the rising costs of college. The year-end, bipartisan government funding legislation enacts a 35 percent increase for working students and 20 percent increase for families to the income protection allowance (IPA), shielding more of their income from reducing their financial aid.\r\nThe year-end, bipartisan government funding legislation includes additional reforms to make college more affordable and accessible to more students, including provisions that will:\r\n \r\nRestore Pell grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, by removing a counterproductive prohibition that has encouraged recidivism and limits incarcerated individuals' ability to support themselves and their families upon release. Especially important during this pandemic, investing in post-secondary education for incarcerated individuals has also been shown toimprove conditions inside prisons;\r\nRestore Pell Grant eligibility for defrauded students,by resetting the clock on a student's eligibility if they are defrauded by predatory for-profit colleges and successfully receive a borrower defense discharge; and\r\nRestore Pell Grant eligibility for students with drug-related offenses, by repealing a 1998 prohibition on federal financial aid for college students convicted of a drug offense, which disproportionately disqualifies students of color and students with low incomes from receiving aid.\r\nExpand eligibility for the maximum Pell Grant award,by ensuring that all families who make under 175 percent, and single parents who make under 225 percent, of the federal poverty level will receivea maximum Pell Grant.\r\nMake critical investments in our nation's HBCUs, by forgiving the debt HBCUs have received to finance capital infrastructure projects and allowing HBCUs to redirect that spending on educating their students.\r\nSupport students with low-incomes and student parents,by requiring the Secretary of Education to notify students of their eligibility of programs that support students' basic needs, including housing andfood securityand access tochild care.\r\nRemove barriers to financial aid for students experiencing homelessness and students formerly in foster care,by easing the application and determination process for becoming eligible for aid.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-s-key-wisconsin-priorities-included-end-year-package", "Rep. Ron Kind\u2019s Key Wisconsin Priorities Included in End of Year Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Last night,Rep. Ron Kindvoted to support the year-end package that included a number of priorities he has worked on for Wisconsin families.\nI'm glad to see Congress come together in a bipartisan manner to get this year-end package done, saidRep. Ron Kind. This legislation included a number of wins for Wisconsin that I pushed for such asincreased funding for Upper Mississippi River conservation, expanded access to health care providers and telehealth services, support for our postal system, funding to expand access to high-speed internet, and support for our family farmers. Moving forward, I will continue to work for the economic security and wellbeing of all Wisconsinites and ensure our voice is heard in the halls of Congress.\nCritical provisions in the package that Rep. Kind worked for include:\n Rep. Kind'sCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which will give Wisconsin's craft brewers more certainty in these uncertain times\n\t$15 billion in grants for live music venues such as the Pablo Center in Eau Claire\n\tRep. Kind's legislation to expand access to the Paycheck Protection Program for family farmers\n\tFunding for the Mississippi River through the Water Resources Development Act of 2020\n\tRep. Kind's legislation to expand medical residencies in Wisconsin, which willbring more doctors to community and rural hospitals\n\t$10 billion in direct funding for the USPS without requiring repayment\n\tRep. Kind's legislation to improve coverage under Medicare for immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients\n\t$400 million for a dairy donation program for food banks and other nonprofits\n\tRep. Kind's legislation to expand hospice services under Medicare at Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs)\n\tExpanded access to mental health services through telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries\n\tOver $120 million for opioid prescribing reforms at the VA\n\t$7 million for states to combat Chronic Wasting Disease\n\t$7 billion to increase expand broadband access for students, families and workers\n The above was passed alongside relief for Wisconsin's workers, families, small businesses, farmers, and health care providers.More can be foundhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=312A2E78-1BEB-4920-BB8E-D9D2342387CA", "Johnson Statement on COVID Package Vote", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said this regarding his vote on the Senate's COVID omnibus package:\r\nThe dysfunction of Washington, D.C. was on full display as Congress combined covid relief with a massive omnibus spending bill three months past the deadline and into the current fiscal year. This monstrosity was5,593pages long, and passed onlynine hours after the Senate first saw it. It will be weeks, maybe months, before we begin to understand all that has been included. I simply could not support this dysfunction, so I voted no.\r\nWhile I am glad a government shutdown was avoided and that financial relief will finally reach many who truly need it, the fact that this dysfunction has become routine is the reason we are currently $27.5 trillion in debt. This combined spending bill will drive our debt to over $29 trillion by the end of this fiscal year. I supported the CARES Act because we had to act quickly and massively to prevent an economic meltdown and to provide needed financial relief. I also helped craft and voted for a bill in September that would have provided more than $600 billion in targeted relief, but Democrats simply voted no.\r\nWe do not have an unlimited checking account. We must spend federal dollars  money we are borrowing from future generations  more carefully and place limits on how much we are mortgaging our children's future.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=707414B0-C530-417F-9B82-2DB7E540BE0B", "Johnson, Senators Send Letter to CMS Raising Alarm Over Growing Medicaid Improper Payments", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, was joined by Sens. Lee (R-Utah), Paul (R-Ky.), Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Braun (R-Ind.), Lankford (R-Okla.), and Inhofe (R-Okla.) in sending a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma Tuesday to request a better understanding of how CMS is ensuring accountability in the Medicaid program after CMS reported its annual improper payment rates to Congress. The annual report estimated that $86.49 billion, or more than 21 percent of Medicaid payments were improper in fiscal year 2020 compared to $57.36 billion (14.9 percent) in Fiscal Year 2019  a 50.8 percent increase.\r\nA copy of the letter is available here and below.\r\nDecember 22, 2020\r\nThe Honorable Seema Verma\r\nAdministrator\r\nCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services\r\n200 Independence Avenue, S.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20201\r\nDear Administrator Verma:\r\nOver the last several years, we have highlighted areas where the Medicaid program is plagued by waste, abuse, and misspending.[1] On November 16, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported its annual improper payment rates to Congress.[2] This report validated our prior concerns regarding the rapid growth of Medicaid abuse and misspending following the passage and implementation of Obamacare.\r\nIn its report, CMS estimated that $86.49 billion, or more than 21 percent of Medicaid payments were improper in fiscal year 2020.[3] This compares to $57.36 billion (14.9 percent) in Fiscal Year 2019 - a 50.8 percent increase. As with prior years, the report confirmed that the dramatic increases of improper payments are mostly due to insufficient documentation to verify eligibility and income, or non-compliance with eligibility redetermination requirements.[4] This improper payment estimate includes eligibility audits for only two-thirds of states. According to recent reports, a complete accounting of the entire program would reveal an improper payment rate closer to 27 percent, or more than $100 billion in improper federal Medicaid spending.[5]\r\nUnfortunately, these same issues have plagued Medicaid for some time. For example, a 2019 report demonstrated the widespread problems in Medicaid expansion states like California, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, and West Virginia.[6] In total, it was estimated that between 2.3 million and 3.3 million people in Medicaid expansion states have income above the eligibility thresholds.[7] The authors warned that within the Medicaid expansion states, there are disturbing hotspots, such as New York City and Los Angeles, where the problem appears so large that it suggests purposeful and fraudulent abuse on the part of local officials and the medical industry.[8]\r\nAs the authors noted, Obamacare created an incentive for states to view the Medicaid expansion population as a cash cow.[9] Additionally, by canceling eligibility audits for four years, CMS removed the oversight necessary for states to administer Medicaid responsibly or lawfully.[10] The result of Medicaid expansion without proper accountability is staggering: Medicaid's improper payment rates have more than tripledfrom 6 percent to at least 21 percentsince the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare in 2014.[11]\r\nThe magnitude of improper payments amplifies and reinforces the problems in the Medicaid program. Unfortunately, CMS has not taken steps to increase accountability, including withdrawing certain proposed corrective efforts and never completing others. This inaction has left Medicaid perpetually vulnerable to fraud and misuse and threatens the viability of the program for Americans truly in need.[12] To better understanding how CMS is ensuring accountability in the Medicaid program, please provide the following information and material:\r\n \r\nPlease provide the improper payment rates, including the eligibility component of the rate, for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This means the estimated improper payment rate by state for the one-third of states reviewed in 2017, the one-third of states reviewed in 2018, and the one-third of states reviewed in 2019.\r\nIn areas where there is an above average level of improper Medicaid spending, please explain what actions that CMS has taken to date to ensure that only people who meet eligibility requirements are enrolled in the program. Separately, please describe what CMS plans to do in the future to ensure that only people who meet eligibility requirements are enrolled in the program.\r\nPlease describe what steps, if any, that CMS has taken to recover the more than $143 billion of improper Medicaid payments identified by the 2019 and 2020 reports. Please provide the actions CMS has taken or plans to take to ensure corrective action in states where there is an above average level of Medicaid improper payments.\r\nOn February 12, 2020, you wrote that some estimates of the fiscal impact from the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule were alarmist and overblown.[13] However, in your announcement that the rule would be withdrawn, you noted concerns raised by state and provider partners about potential unintended consequences of the proposed rule that required further study.[14] Please explain the potential unintended consequences and the factors that changed CMS' position on the rule.\r\n \r\nPlease provide this material as soon as possible but no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 6, 2020. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\r\n###\r\n\r\n    \r\n\r\n[1] See, e.g., Letter from Sen. Ron Johnson, Chairman, S. Comm. on Homeland Sec. & Governmental Affairs, to Hon. Seema Verma, Admin'r, Ctr. For Medicare and Medicaid Serv. (Jun. 26, 2019), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2019-06-25%20RHJ%20to%20CMS%20re%20Medicaid%20Program%20Integrity%20One-Year%20Anniversary.pdf.\r\n\r\n\r\n[2] Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Newsroom, 2020 Estimated Improper Payment Rates for Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Programs (Nov. 16, 2020), https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2020-estimated-improper-payment-rates-centers-medicare-medicaid-services-cms-programs.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[5] Brian Blas, Medicaid is Hemorrhaging $100B on Americans Ineligible for the Program, NY Post (Nov. 28, 2020, 1:01 PM), https://nypost.com/2020/11/28/medicaid-hemorrhaging-100b-on-americans-ineligible-for-the-program/.\r\n\r\n\r\n[6] Brian Blase and Aaron Yelowitz, Why Obama Stopped Auditing Medicaid, Wall Street Journal (Nov. 18, 2020, 7:05 PM), https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-obama-stopped-auditing-medicaid-11574121931.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[10] Id., see also, e.g., RHJ 2019 letter.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[12] Administrator Seema Verma (@SeemaCMS), Twitter (Sep. 14, 2020, 3:45 PM), https://twitter.com/SeemaCMS/status/1305608634165010443.\r\n\r\n\r\n[13] Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Blog, 2020 Medicaid Fiscal Integrity: Protecting Taxpayers and Patients (Feb. 12, 2020), https://www.cms.gov/blog/medicaid-fiscal-integrity-protecting-taxpayers-and-patients.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-covid-relief-legislation", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Legislation", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is voting for the bipartisan COVID-19 relief legislation that is set to pass both chambers of Congress today, before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. In a statement, Senator Baldwin said:\r\n\r\nI am voting for the bipartisan COVID-19 relief legislation because Wisconsin needs help and it's essential that Congress provide some now before the end of the year. But our job is not done responding to this public health and economic crisis. In January, we need to come back and start working together with the Biden Administration to provide federal support to Wisconsin that working families, our state, and local communities are going to need next year to get past this deadly pandemic and build back better.\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/economic-justice-act", "Baldwin Announces Support for Economic Justice Act, Historic $435 Billion Proposal to Address Systemic Racism and Historic Underinvestment in Communities of Color", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin Announces Support for Economic Justice Act, Historic $435 Billion Proposal to Address Systemic Racism and Historic Underinvestment in Communities of Color \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Senator Baldwin, Leader Schumer And Senate Democrats Today Announced the New and Improved Economic Justice Act, A Major Proposal That Would Provide More Than $435 Billion In Immediate and Long-Term Investments in Communities of Color \r\n Senate Democrats' Proposal Invests $135 Billion In Child Care, Mental Health and Primary Care, Minority-Owned Businesses and Jobs And $300 Billion For Infrastructure, A Homeowner Down Payment Tax Credit, Medicaid Expansion, And More \r\n  \r\n Senate Democrats: For Too Long Congress Has Underfunded Key Priorities in Communities of Color  The Economic Justice Act Is A Commitment to Reverse Decades of Disparities and Historic Underinvestment \r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and her Senate Democratic colleagues in unveiling new additions to theEconomic Justice Act, a major legislative proposal that now provides more than $435 billion in immediate and long-term investments in communities of color to address systemic racism and reverse decades of historic underinvestment.\r\n\r\nThrough eleven key initiatives, theEconomic Justice Actaims to immediately help communities of color respond to the pandemic by investing over $135 billion in underfunded critical priorities, including child care, mental health and primary care, growth of minority-owned businesses, and job creation. This legislation also seeks to build long lasting wealth and health in these communities over the next five years by investing over $300 billion for infrastructure, a homeowner down payment tax credit, Medicaid expansion, and more.\r\n\r\nSystemic racism has plagued our country for far too long and those who deny it can do so no longer, particularly during this pandemic which has laid bare the health and economic disparities preventing communities of color from getting ahead. We know we have real work to do to heal the wounds of racism in our country and create shared prosperity for everyone,said Senator Baldwin.We must make long-term investments in communities of color to address systemic racism and reverse decades of historic underinvestment. That's why I'm supporting theEconomic Justice Act, a comprehensive proposal to invest in our underserved communities, help address systemic racism and move our country forward.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the bill makes key policy changes to better target federal assistance to high-poverty communities and to implement local hiring provisions to ensure more federal infrastructure spending translates into job opportunities for disadvantaged workers and underrepresented populations. TheEconomic Justice Actis not the conclusion of efforts in this space, but an initial down payment for communities of color and the first in many focused investments and policy initiatives to begin dismantling systematic racism.\r\n\r\nThe legislation also includesincreasedinfrastructure investment, robust labor standards and policies to improve pay, benefits and worker power, and a new $15 billion Community Justice Initiative to begin to right the wrongs of past federal policy that displaced, physically isolated, and stripped wealth from communities of color.\r\n\r\nIn addition to Senator Baldwin and Leader Schumer, theEconomic Justice Actwas introduced by Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senate Committee on Finance Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Committee on Armed Services Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), Senate Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Ben Cardin (D-MD), Senate Committee on Budget Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Senate Committee on Rules Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), Senate Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senate Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD),Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA).\r\n\r\nSome key endorsements of theEconomic Justice Actinclude the National Urban League, Conference of National Black Churches, NWLC, National Black Worker Center, PolicyLink, US Hispanic Chamber, CDFI Coalition, UnidosUs and Prosperity Now. A comprehensive list of endorsements can be foundhere.\r\nA summary of theEconomic Justice Actcan be foundhereand a section-by-section summary can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/lifespan-respite-care-reauthorization-act-passes-congress", "Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Support the Health and Wellbeing of Family Caregivers to be Signed into Law", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin's Bipartisan Bill to Support the Health and Wellbeing of Family Caregivers to be Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisanLifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Actheads to the President's desk to be signed into law.Authored by Senators Baldwin and Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as by Representatives JimLangevin(D-RI) and CathyMcMorrisRodgers (R-WA), this bipartisan legislation will support the health and wellbeing of family caregivers by authorizing $10 million annuallyfor the Lifespan Respite Care program from fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2024.\r\n\r\nEvery day, family caregivers in Wisconsin and across our country tend to the needs of their loved ones,said Senator Baldwin.Although this work can be very rewarding, it can also be emotionally and physically challenging. I'm proud to see my bipartisan legislation with Senator Collins win approval from both chambers of Congress. Together, we're going to help ensure continued funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Program so that our family caregivers can access the support and relief they need. I'm looking forward to the President signing this important bill into law.\r\n\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the struggles of family caregivers and exacerbated the caregiver workforce crisis. Now more than ever, we need funding to cover costs to mitigate barriers to providing and accepting respite care, such as access and provision of PPE and the need for technological supports. Senator Baldwin really gets it, and we are grateful for her leadership and support of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act,said Lisa Schneider, Executive Director of Respite Care Wisconsin.\r\n\r\nFamily and other unpaid caregivers play a critical and rarely recognized role in how our country cares for older adults,said John Sauer, President/CEO of LeadingAge Wisconsin.This legislation acknowledges their work and provides for essentialrespite services. During the pandemic, the burden on caregivers has grown, increasing their need for relief. Wisconsin's aging services providers stand ready to help.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of family caregivers across the country, AARP thanks Senators Collins and Baldwin for their bipartisan work to extend the Lifespan Respite Care Program. Especially now in the middle of this pandemic, caregivers need respite services more than ever. We are thankful that this can help more families be able to take advantage of this much-needed relief,saidBill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP.\r\n\r\nThe National Respite Coalition applauds Representative JimLangevin, Senator Susan Collins, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Representative CathyMcMorrisRodgers for championing the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act to final passage. The pandemic has exacerbated the social isolation and economic insecurity felt by family caregivers and their loved ones, with devastating effects on their health and wellness. Respite may be their only lifeline,said Jill Kagan, Director of the ARCH National Respite Network. The Lifespan Respite Care Program, through very modest investments, allows states the flexibility and creativity to make sure family caregivers of children and adults are receiving quality respite services, even during COVID-19. The NRC stands ready to work with its partners and with our Congressional champions to make sure the program is fully funded and implemented.\r\n\r\nRespite care providestemporary relief to caregivers from their ongoing responsibilities.By protecting the health of caregivers, respite care decreases the need for professional long-term care and allows individuals who require care to remain at home. To date, 41 states have received funding through the Lifespan Respite Care program. The program provides competitive grants to states to establish or enhance statewide respite resources and help ensure that quality respite is available and accessible to all family caregivers.\r\n\r\nTheLifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019is endorsed by 100 leading caregiver and respite organizations, including AARP, the ARCH National Respite Coalition, Autism Society of America, the Arc, and the National Alliance for Caregiving.A group of 100 national, state, and local organizations across the countryhavesubmitted a letter of support.\r\nThereare53millionfamily caregivers in the United States that provide an estimated $470 billion in uncompensated care each year.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Press Release\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-end-year-omnibus", "Gallagher Statement on End of Year Omnibus", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today released the following statement after Congressional leadership forced members to vote on a nearly 5,600 page bill less than seven hours after posting bill text.\n\t\"Yesterday, members of Congress were advised that we should expect a vote on a more than two trillion dollar funding bill. Members had little clarity on the hundreds of significant provisions included, and no timeline as to when we could expect to see the text of a final agreement.\n\t\n\t\"Then, after the white smoke rose out of the Speaker's office last night, members were finally provided with the actual text of the agreement at approximately 2:00pm today. Now, after less than seven hours, we were expected to vote on a more than $2 trillion bill which is a whopping 5,593 pages -- more than twice as long as the Affordable Care Act and more than 1,000 pages longer than the entire Harry Potter series.\n\t\n\t\"To state the obvious: no one knows what's all in this bill because no one has actually read this bill. And while there are no doubt long overdue and badly needed provisions -- such as $28 billion to support the purchase and distribution of a vaccine -- they make up an incredibly small fraction of the nearly $2.3 trillion in spending that we voted on this evening.\n\t\n\t\"After being on vacation for more than three quarters of the year, there's no reason why Congress should vote on a bill of this size on a few hours notice. If Congress was elected to simply be a rubber stamp of leadership, why even have a Congress?\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-provide-relief-wisconsin-workers-and-families-covid", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes to Provide Relief to Wisconsin Workers and Families as COVID-19 Crisis Continues", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Rep. Ron Kindvoted for an emergency COVID-19 relief package to provide critical relief for Wisconsin workers, small businesses, farmers, health care providers, and families. Additionally, the legislationlays the groundwork for a smooth COVID-19 vaccine rollout and a robust economic recovery. This legislation passed the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support.\nThe COVID-19 crisis has created hardships for so many Wisconsin families, workers, and small businesses. While there's light at the end of the tunnel as COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed across the country, people are currently facing serious economic challenges, saidRep. Ron Kind. While I'm glad to see Congress come together and work across the aisle to pass this legislation, this process was unnecessarily painful, and relief for Wisconsinites is long overdue. Ensuring Wisconsinites have a lifeline as this crisis continues is my top priority, which is why I voted in support of this crucial legislation today. I will continue fighting to ensure families across the state have some certainty during these deeply uncertain times.\nRep. Kind fought hard to ensure this relief package included his Paycheck Protection for Producers Act to expand access for family farmers when qualifying for the paycheck protection program; $300 million in new grants to fund rural broadband buildout and $65 million to complete broadband coverage maps; and $15 billion grant for music venues harmed by the pandemic such as the Pablo Center in Eau Claire.\nIn addition, this relief package includes provisions to:\n Invest roughly $50 billion for testing, contact tracing, and vaccine procurement and distribution\n\tProvide $600 stimulus checks per person, including $600 for eligible dependent children\n\tProvide $300 supplemental unemployment benefits and extend all emergency unemployment programs through March\n\tDeliver $9 billion in additional funding for struggling health care providers\n\tProvide direct support for family farmers whose markets continue to be hampered by COVID-19\n\tProvide $10 billion in emergency funds for child care providers impacted by COVID-19\n\tProvide $10 billion in direct funding for the USPS\n\tInclude $325 billion in small business relief, including $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans\n\tDeliver $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium\n\tDedicate $400 million for a dairy donation program to provide dairy products to food banks and other nonprofits\n Rep. Kind encourages anyone who needsassistance to contact his office at888-442-8040.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-provide-relief-wisconsin-workers-and-families-covid-0", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes to Provide Relief to Wisconsin Workers and Families as COVID-19 Crisis Continues", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for an emergency COVID-19 relief package to provide critical relief for Wisconsin workers, small businesses, farmers, health care providers, and families. Additionally, the legislation lays the groundwork for a smooth COVID-19 vaccine rollout and a robust economic recovery. This legislation passed the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support.\n\nThe COVID-19 crisis has created hardships for so many Wisconsin families, workers, and small businesses. While there's light at the end of the tunnel as COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed across the country, people are currently facing serious economic challenges, said Rep. Ron Kind. While I'm glad to see Congress come together and work across the aisle to pass this legislation, this process was unnecessarily painful, and relief for Wisconsinites is long overdue. Ensuring Wisconsinites have a lifeline as this crisis continues is my top priority, which is why I voted in support of this crucial legislation today. I will continue fighting to ensure families across the state have some certainty during these deeply uncertain times.\n\nRep. Kind fought hard to ensure this relief package included his Paycheck Protection for Producers Act to expand access for family farmers when qualifying for the paycheck protection program; $300 million in new grants to fund rural broadband buildout and $65 million to complete broadband coverage maps; and $15 billion grant for music venues harmed by the pandemic such as the Pablo Center in Eau Claire.\n\nIn addition, this relief package includes provisions to:\n\n Invest roughly $50 billion for testing, contact tracing, and vaccine procurement and distribution\n Provide $600 stimulus checks per person, including $600 for eligible dependent children\n Provide $300 supplemental unemployment benefits and extend all emergency unemployment programs through March\n Deliver $9 billion in additional funding for struggling health care providers\n Provide direct support for family farmers whose markets continue to be hampered by COVID-19\n Provide $10 billion in emergency funds for child care providers impacted by COVID-19\n Provide $10 billion in direct funding for the USPS\n Include $325 billion in small business relief, including $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans\n Deliver $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium\n Dedicate $400 million for a dairy donation program to provide dairy products to food banks and other nonprofits\n\nRep. Kind encourages anyone who needs assistance to contact his office at 888-442-8040.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/passing-of-shirley-abrahamson", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on the Passing of Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on the Passing of Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today released a statement on the passing of former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.\r\nShirley Abrahamson broke barriers and for her serving on the Supreme Court meant serving the people of Wisconsin as an independent, fair and impartial justice because after all, the court and our court system belongs to the people, not powerful special interests. That is why she spent a lot of her time traveling the state, meeting with people - whether it was meeting with local judges, riding along with local law enforcement, or meeting with advocates for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence  she always understood that you can't serve the people if you don't walk in their shoes. That is why the people of Wisconsin elected her to the Supreme Court four times and she served 43 years on the court - serving the people. All of us know the stories of that lonely office light on at the State Capital, as the Chief did her job working late into the night reading briefs and writing opinions. She was a true public servant who lived up to Wisconsin's work ethic with all her hard work doing so much for our state. Wisconsin honors the life of Shirley Abrahamson, whose legacy will continue to inspire so many.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Press Release\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-commission-statement-dual-hat-considerations", "Cyberspace Solarium Commission Statement on \"Dual-hat\" Considerations", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) andSenators Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE), thefour legislators serving on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, released the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Defense is considering ending the dual-hat arrangement that sees the Commander of United States Cyber Command jointly appointed to be the Director of the National Security Agency:\nCongress laid out clear criteria about when it would be appropriate to consider whether to split the dual-hat worn by the commander of USCYBERCOM and the Director of the NSA. To our knowledge, these criteria have not been met. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to certify to Congress that splitting of the dual-hat will not pose unacceptable risks to the national security interests of the United States. This certification has not been made, and any attempt to split the dual-hat arrangement before this certification is made would clearly violate the law.\nOur government is currently responding to a cyber incident where a sophisticated adversary had access to thousands of U.S. networks. Regardless of whether it's better to keep or end the dual-hat arrangement between NSA and CYBERCOM, now is not the time to do it. We believe in continuing policy discussions about this arrangement, but it is unwise for any decisions to be made in the immediate future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/cheney-gallagher-thornberry-rogers-turner-stefanik-we-respond-attacks-ndaa-will", "Gallagher, Cheney, Thornberry, Rogers, Turner, Stefanik: As We Respond To Attacks, The NDAA Will Bolster Our Cybersecurity Defenses", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI),Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY),HASC Ranking Member Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), incoming HASC Ranking Member Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL),HASC Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking MemberRep. Mike Turner (R-OH), and HASCIntelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY)  all members of the House Armed Services Committee  today issued a joint statement highlighting the critical provisions in the FY 2021 NDAA that will bolster America's cybersecurity defenses.\nThe statement comesfollowing reportsof serious coordinated cyberattacks launched by the Kremlin against federal government agencies:\nOur nation must respond to the reported cyber espionage operation targeting America's nuclear infrastructure and federal government and hold the perpetrator accountable. This attack serves as a stark warning that our nation must bolster its cybersecurity posture and capabilities, and it must do so without delay. This year's national defense bill contains over two dozen provisions that would make critical progress in cybersecurity, including provisions that would help ensure the resiliency of our nation's nuclear command and control systems. The NDAA also fully funds long overdue modernization of our nuclear infrastructure, including $375 million to bolster cyber security of our nuclear weapons production facilities. There is no doubt that our adversaries will take advantage of any opportunity to attack vulnerabilities in our cyber infrastructure. The measures in this year's bill will provide critical safeguards to protect the information and capabilities most foundational to our nation's security.\nIn addition to the above statement from the lawmakers, the information below includes key specifics about the provisions included in the FY 2021 NDAA that will make critical progress our country's cybersecurity defenses:\nBACKGROUND\nThe FY21 NDAA adopts26 recommendations from the bipartisan Cyber Solarium Commissionthat strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, empower the government to better protect against a cyber-attack against adversaries, and safeguard our nuclear enterprise. This is in addition to overall nuclear modernization and NNSA cyber security investments in the bill.\nThe most notable of those measures include:\n Ensuring Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command and Control Systems:The FY21 NDAA requires the Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive plan that strengthens the cyber defense of nuclear command and control systems.\n\tStrengthening Cyber Security at the Nation's Nuclear Weapons Production FacilitiesAmerica's nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of our national security and reported hacks at the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) mayrepresentanextraordinarily grave threatto the safety of every American.In recognition that cyber infrastructure modernization is an important part of the overall nuclear modernization plan, the FY21 NDAA specifically authorizes $375.5 million for information technology and cyber security within the NNSA's weapons activities accounts.\n\tEstablishinga National Cyber Director The FY21 NDAA creates the National Cyber Director(NCD)position in the White House to serve as the president's principal advisor on cyber issues and as a point of coordination and leadership within the federal government on these issues. In situations like this, the NCD would provide centralized White House leadership to coordinate federal response efforts and liaise with critical private-sector stakeholders.\n\tStrengtheningthe Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) The FY21 NDAA contains several provisions aimed at strengthening CISA's capacity to carry out its mission, including a provision authorizing CISA to conduct threat hunting on U.S. government networks. In addition, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission is calling on appropriators to increase funding to CISA to build out more Hunt and Incident Response Teams (HIRTs).\n\t\tEarly reporting from affected departments and agencies suggests that CISA's incident response capacities may be overwhelmed. More HIRTs would bolster CISA capacity to assist departments and agencies in responding to the incident in a timely manner.\n\t\t\tBetter threat hunting on the .gov domain would have identified the campaign earlier on and possibly stopped the attack in its tracks.\n\t\t\tCISA is and will continue to be crucial in both identifying and responding to cybersecurity incidents on federal government networks.\n\t\t\n\tStrengtheningan Integrated Cyber Center The FY21 NDAA contains a provision calling on the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a review of federal cybersecurity centers and propose a plan to establish an integrated cyber center at CISA to improve coordination among federal government cybersecurity centers.\n\t\tA stronger integrated cyber center would help facilitate greater information exchange between federal departments and agencies, helping to quickly paint a clearer picture of the scope and scale of incidents like this and to inform incident response and the allocation of critical incident response capabilities.\n\t\t\n\tProtecting Against Industrial Espionage and Cyber TheftThe FY21 NDAA contains a requirement for a Presidential assessment on the effectiveness of the National Cyber Strategy to deter industrial espionage and large-scale cyber theft of intellectual property and personal information conducted by China.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-kind-urge-operation-warp-speed-leadership-support-rural-communities", "Gallagher, Kind Urge Operation Warp Speed Leadership to Support Rural Communities", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI) yesterday sent a bipartisan letter to Operation Warp Speed leadership urging them to consider the unique challenges of vaccine distribution to rural areas across Wisconsin. The letter, addressed to Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, CDC Director Robert Redfield, and Operation Warp Speed's Director of Supply and Distribution Maj. Gen Christopher Sharpsten, also urges them to take steps to support timely and equitable vaccine access for rural communities.\n\nRural hospitals across Wisconsin will face unique challenges in distributing and storing the Coronavirus vaccine,said Rep. Mike Gallagher.We have to make sure these communities are not left behind, and that will require both resources and guidance to our state and local health leaders. Operation Warp Speed has played an incredible role in our vaccine development and distribution and I am confident they will take whatever steps necessary to ensure our rural hospitals are properly equipped to provide vaccines to their communities.\"\n\nWe are at a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic as vaccines are starting to be distributed across the country,said Rep. Ron Kind. We need to be prepared to safely, effectively, and equitably distribute the vaccine to all Wisconsinites, regardless of where they live. To that end, it's critical that additional resources be provided to state and local public health leaders to help address the challenges of distributing vaccines to rural areas and ensure our rural communities are not left behind.\n\nThe full letter can be foundHEREand the text is below.\n\n\n\tDear Secretary Azar, Director Redfield, and Maj. Gen. Sharpsten:\n\t\n\tThanks to the work of our remarkable scientists and the efforts of Operation Warp Speed, we are at a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic as the first COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed across the country to inoculate our health care workers at the frontlines and people living in long-term care facilities. Despite these incredible achievements, our rural areas are facing unique challenges for vaccine distribution. We write today to bring attention to these concerns and to urge Operation Warp Speed to provide additional guidance and resources to state and local public health leaders in order to support timely and equitable vaccine access for people living in rural communities in Wisconsin and across the country.\n\t\n\tCOVID-19 remains a top issue of concern to our rural communities across America. People living in these communities are often older and more likely to be in worse health than people in other parts of the country, leaving them at greater risk for COVID-19. Access to health care was a challenge in rural areas prior to the pandemic. Over the last ten years, 124 rural hospitals have closed across the country. One in five rural hospitals are considered at risk of closure and 47% face negative operating margins. These circumstances will make it even more difficult to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to rural communities.\n\t\n\tWe have already heard from rural health care providers in Wisconsin about some of the unique challenges they face to deliver vaccines to people living in these communities. Identifying adequate ultra-cold storage capacity, ensuring vaccination sites are accessible, and securing staff to coordinate logistics and administer vaccines are leading concerns for vaccine distribution to our rural communities. Additionally, limited broadband access in rural areas could hinder vaccination data collection and reporting efforts through the CDC's Immunization Information System.\n\t\n\tPfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, which is already being distributed and administered to eligible people across the country, poses unique challenges for rural communities. The vaccine must be stored in specialized ultra-cold freezers at -70 degrees Celsius and shipped in specialized climate-controlled boxes with 975-doses of the vaccine. These shipping and storage requirements will be more difficult to follow in rural areas given the dispersed population and limited access to the ultra cold freezers that can be used to preserve excess doses. These are just a few examples of the challenges we have heard in the very early stages of the vaccine deployment process. Rural communities should not be deprived of timely access to an authorized COVID-19 vaccine due to logistics challenges.\n\t\n\tState and local health leaders in coordination with our healthcare providers have done tremendous work to put together plans to conduct COVID-19 vaccination campaigns at unprecedented scale and speed. These efforts will undoubtedly require additional resources. As we move into future phases of the vaccine deployment, we urge you to mobilize Operation Warp Speed's resources and provide additional guidance to states to support vaccine distribution, especially in rural and underserved areas.\n\t\n\tWe applaud your work to develop a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine at an unprecedented speed. It is critical that no American is left behind as Operation Warp Speed's vaccine distribution continues and we remain willing and able to help ensure this. Our rural communities depend on it.\n\t\n\tSincerely,\n\t\n\tRep. Mike Gallagher\n\tRep. Ron Kind", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-s-statement-cyber-attacks-multiple-us-agencies", "Rep. Ron Kind\u2019s Statement on Cyber-Attacks on Multiple U.S. Agencies", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Rep. Ron Kindreleased the following statement on reports that the Kremlin-backed Russian operatives hacked into multiple U.S. agencies--including the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and Homeland Security:\nRussia's egregious cyber-attack highlights the severe cyber vulnerabilities that we need to be addressing now. It is deeply troubling that the White House remains silent on the attacks. It underlines the need for the President to stop playing games and sign the bipartisan NDAA into law, which includes critical improvements to our cyber capabilities. All tools available must be utilized to deter further attacks and respond to this attackincluding proportional offensive cyber responses and sanctions against Russia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=DD2C34C4-91B4-42AC-ACF5-364CBFA78A4E", "Johnson Objects to Next Round of Stimulus Checks", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, I went to the floor and objected to another round of stimulus checks that were not reformed from the CARES Act to better target Americans who need relief. Every Senator wants to help those who have been unable to work or have had their hours reduced due to government mandated closure to slow the spread of the coronavirus. We've had nine months since the CARES Act to understand this virus and to examine if stimulus checks and other economic programs totaling $2 trillion actually served to help those who are in need through no fault of their own. The objective data on the distribution and use of the CARES Act stimulus checks, when looking at today's employment numbers, do not justify another broad-brushed mailing of checks paid for by our children's futures.\r\nIn my speech objecting to Sen. Hawley's bill for another round of stimulus checks identical to that of the CARES Act, I laid out the important data Americans and Congress should be looking at to make sure we're spending taxpayers' money in the appropriate way to help those in need. My remarks below:\r\nI think every Senator in this chamber shares [Senator Hawley's] concern for people who are hurting because of this covid pandemic. Businesses have closed. People are on unemployment. People are in need through no fault of their own. This is an act of God, and that's one of the reasons why I certainly supported the CARES Act. That was over $2 trillion.\r\nIn total, this body has passed well over $3 trillion, 15 percent to 16 percent of last year's GDP in terms of financial relief. My comments here are really not directed specifically at the Senator from Missouri's proposal because he makes many good points. We do have working men and woman. We have households thatagain through no fault of their ownare struggling, and we need to provide financial support. I think my comments are in some respect more general from the standpoint of how we've done that. And as I have explained to my colleagues in conference, by and large, the initial relief packages here were a shotgun approach. We had to move fact. We had to do something big. We had to make sure that markets wouldn't seize, that financial relief could be sent to people very quickly. And so we passed over $3 trillion in financial relief. I knew it would be far from perfect. It was far from perfect.\r\nBut now we've had a lot more time, and anything we consider for this additional package that we're considering now, that is being debated, that is being discussed, that's being negotiated, ought to be far more targeted. One of the reasons we are currently $27.4 trillion in debt, which is about 128 percent of last year's GDP. If we do this bipartisan deal, another trillion dollars, we will be $28.4 trillion in debt in the next three or four months. That's 132 percent of GDP. When I came to the Senate, we were a little over $14 trillion. Our GDP was over $15 trillion. We were actually below 100% of GDP.\r\nI know I'm using a lot of numbers right now, and I'm going to use more because that's part of the problem. And one of the reasons we are $27.4 trillion in debt is we only speak about need. We only talk in terms of compassion. We all have compassion. We all want to fulfill those needs. We just don't talk in numbers very often. We don't analyze the data. We don't take a look at what we did in the past and see did it work or didn't it work. What was spent well, what was wasted...\r\nLet me go through some numbers. I will go through slowly so people can understand at least my perspective of why I am so concerned about our nation's deb, the fact that we are mortgaging our children's future, and I think we need to be very careful about mortgaging it further then we aren't doing it in a targeted fashion.\r\nSo again, before the covid recession hit, in December 2019, we hit a record number of people employed in this country. It was a record. Our economy was humming because of President Trump's administration putting forward a reasonable level of regulation and a competitive spirit that supercharged our economy. We were at 3.5 percent unemployment. When I took econ, five percent was considered full employment. We were at 3.5 percent unemployment. Then covid hit. And by April, we'd gone from almost 159 million people employed in this country to just a little over 133 million people. So that was a reduction in employment of a little more than 25 million people. Again, from 159 million to 133 million, 25 million people less employed in this nation.\r\nNow, the good news. Even though the pandemic is still not over, but the vaccine is being administered. It is being administrated. I think the end is in sight. We've already gained 16 million people employed. So now employment stands at 149.7 million people. 150 million people are employed, down about 9 million jobs. 9 million. Okay? So I want you to keep those numbers in mind because they're important. And our unemployment rate stands at 6.7 percent. By the way, the number of people unemployed according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is about 10.7 million.\r\nNow, in the CARES Act, again, payments, what Senator Hawley wants to duplicate. No changes, no modifications, no further targeting. What those economic impact payments were is about $275 billion to 166 million people. Again, remember, 25 million people lost their jobs. We sent out checks to 166 million people, averaging about $1,673 per person. What's more relative is how many households do you send those checks to? We sent them out to about 115 million households, about $2,400 per household. So again, $275 billion to 115 million households. That was about 4.5 times more than the number of households than the number of jobs lost.\r\nToday, with only 9 million jobs lost. Not only, I mean, that's a big number. I'm not minimizing that. But with nine million jobs lost, if we just repeated, sent it out to another 115 million households, that's 12.6 times the number of jobs lost. And if we double it, it goes from $275 billion to $550 billion. That's half a trillion dollars. I know a trillion dollars doesn't sound like much anymore. It seems like hundreds of billions, seems like more. But now we're dealing in one to two trillion dollars. It's pocket change, apparently.\r\nHow is that money spent? Did it really, was it really spent on essentials? Was this money really needed? Was there any hope of actually that money being stimulative to our economy? Well, we have one study from the Federal Reserve Bank in New York. They issued it on October 13, 2020. What they did is they, since 2013, they've been sending out an internet national survey to 1,300 households called the Survey of Expectations. They sent out one in June and one in August. And here's what those survey results said. Of the $2,400 sent out, 18 percent was spent on essential items, 8 percent was spent on nonessential, 3 percent on donations, for a total of 29 percent spent, is what they call the marginal propensity consumed. The other 71 percent equally divided, 36 percent of that was saved, so our nation's savings rate has increased, and 35 percent went to pay off debt, credit card debt. They also asked the question of what happened to the unemployment payment? Very similar results, 24 percent of the plus-up, the $600 per week to state unemployment benefits, 25 percent was spent on essential, 4 percent on nonessential, 1 percent on donations. 29 percent was the marginal propensity to consume from the unemployment payment. 71 percent for savings and for debt repayment.\r\nNow, they also looked ahead, assuming that we're going to do another round of stimulus checks. This time they asked their respondents, how would you spent if you got $1,500, if you got a check. This time they said they'd spend about 14 percent on essential, 7 percent on nonessential, 3 percent on donations. A total of 24 percent would be the marginal propensity consumed. 76 percent on savings and debt repayment. So I don't think you can take a look at these direct payments to individuals as stimulative. Obviously, 18 percent to 24 percent is spent on essential items. We ought to figure out how to provide that money so that people can spend it on essentials. Again, that's only 18 percent to 24 percent.\r\nI do want to talk a little bit about past stimuluses. I personally don't believe they do much to stimulate the economy. I think the best way to stimulate the economy is again what this administration has donelower regulation to a reasonable level. Nobody argues for no regulation. We need a reasonable level and have a competitive tax system. I fear the next administration we may just repeat the mistakes of their Obama-Biden administration, and here's the proof of their mistakes. Again remember those employment numbers. A record of 159 million. Currently 150 million people being employed. Back in the Great Recession, we did have an employment of about 146 million people in January of 2008. By December 2009, that this dropped to 138 million people employed. But when President Obama took office, he had total control of Congress, a filibuster-proof majority here in the Senate. And within a month, they enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, $787 billion of proposed spending. In February of 2009, there were 141.6 million Americans working. The unemployment rate was 8.3 percent. Again, it continued to dip to December 2009 when it got down to 138 million. It took us three years from February of 2009 to get back to 141.6 million Americans working. And that's with a $800 billion stimulus package that did not work, but it further mortgaged our children's future by another $800 billion.\r\nI wish these things worked. A quick aside, part of that American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, against Democrats had total control, filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Do you know how much they plussed-up state unemployment benefits to help the unemployed, those 8.3 percent of Americans? They plussed it up by a whopping $25 per week. Now they're arguing that $300 per week, which I believe is the current proposal, isn't enough. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it?\r\nSo, in summary, kind of reviewing these numbers, we currently are at 6.7 percent unemployment. I don't recall ever in the United States history where we've even begun to think that we should even spend $100 billion to stimulate an economy at 6.3 percent unemployment. But this is different. We have underemployed, We have families in need. There's no doubt about it. I completely support some kind of program targeted for small businesses so they can reemploy, so they can reopen, to restore capital. Their life savings have been wiped out. I have proposals. They have been ignored. So what I fear we're going to do with this bipartisan package and what the Senator from Missouri is talking about is the same thinga shotgun approach. We will not have learned the lessons from out very hurried, very rushed, very [phrase] earlier relief packages. We're just going to do more of the same, another $1 trillion. It takes our debt from $27.4 trillion to $28.4 trillion in a couple months. Doing virtually no revisions, no improvements. And certainly what the Senator from Missouri is talking about with respect to these economic impact payments, no revisions at all. Just spend another $275 billion. Sent it out to 115 million households when we are currently at about nine million jobs less than we were in a record economy before the covid recession.\r\nSo for all those reasons, I not only object to what Senator Hawley is proposing here, but I'm certainly lodging ,y objection to what's barreling through here. The train has left the station on the package that's being negotiated right now that is way too big, that authorizes more money even though we've got $600 billion that's there just for repurposingno reauthorization required. 52 Republicans supported it. But that's not good enough. We've got to add another $300 billion to $400 billion on top, which is more that we are mortgaging our children's future, wihout reforms, without targeting.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DBA920F0-9627-4162-BAC8-68042B0D71ED", "Johnson Objects to Another Untargeted Round of Stimulus Checks", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor Friday objecting to another round of stimulus checks using the same shotgun approach as the CARES Act rather than instituting reforms to better target Americans who need relief. The senator further laid out the important data Americans and Congress should be aware of to ensure that American taxpayers' money is used in an appropriate way to help those in need.\r\nBelow are important points from his speech. Video of the full speech can be found here.\r\nEmployment levels before and throughout coronavirus pandemic:\r\n \r\n3.5% unemployment rate and 158.8 million people employed in December 2019.\r\n133.4 million people employed in April 2020, a reduction of 25.4 million people.\r\n149.7 million people employed and 6.7% unemployment rate by the end of November, meaning 9.1 million remaining unemployed when compared to December 2019 data.\r\n \r\nCARES Act stimulus checks and their usage:\r\n \r\n$275 billion sent to 166 million people\r\n$1,673 average stimulus check amount\r\nChecks sent to 115 million households for about $2,400 per household.\r\n4.5 times more households received stimulus checks than the number of jobs lost in April 2020.\r\nUnder the Hawley/Sanders proposal, 12.6 times more households would receive stimulus checks than the number of jobs remaining lost relative to April 2020.\r\nFederal Reserve Bank of New York Survey of Expectations results:\r\n\r\n29% of stimulus checks and unemployment benefits were used for spending and 71% were used equally for savings and debt repayment.\r\nIf a second round of stimulus checks, 24% would be used for spending and 76% for savings and debt repayment.\r\n\r\n \r\nGovernment spending and national debt:\r\n \r\nNational debt when I entered the Senate in 2011 was just over $14 trillion, with gross domestic product at $15 trillion.\r\nCongress passed over $3 trillion in coronavirus aid in March 2020, equal to 15% to 16% of last year's GDP.\r\nNational debt is now at $27.4 trillion, about 128% of last year's GDP.\r\nThe bipartisan deal being negotiated would put the national debt at $28.4 trillion, about 132% of last year's GDP.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-receives-the-2020-rarevoice-congressional-leadership-award", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Receives the 2020 RareVoice Congressional Leadership Award", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/vet-hp-act-passes-congress", "Baldwin Bill to Cultivate Next Generation of Veterans Health Professionals Clears House and Senate, Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin Bill to Cultivate Next Generation of Veterans Health Professionals Clears House and Senate, Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill lays groundwork to help fill VA's 30,000 health care vacancies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The House of Representatives has passed U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisanVeterans'-Specific Education for Tomorrow's Health Professionals Act of 2019 (VET HP Act).The bill passed the U.S. Senate last week and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nThe shortage of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) physicians and medical professionals has been a major problem for VA medical centers across the country, forcing VA facilities to provide care with fewer staff than are medically necessary to properly care for our nation's veterans.\r\nTheVET HP Actwould direct the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) to create a one-year pilot program in at least five VA medical centers for pre-med students to gain clinical observation experience, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of veterans' specific health needs and experiences, while creating a viable pipeline of future medical professionals in the process.\r\nWe have a shared responsibility to do right by our veterans and that includes making sure our doctors and nurses are trained and well-equipped to deliver the highest quality care to those who have served,said Senator Baldwin.Students interested in a medical career need better access to training opportunities, and our VA medical centers need to attract a workforce with more exposure to the VA system at an earlier stage in their education in order to better understand veterans' specific health needs. I am proud my bipartisan legislation has passed both chambers of Congress because it will help train the next generation of health professionals and ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve.\r\nTheVET HP Actpreviously passed the House of Representatives in March 2019 after being introduced by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). TheVET HP Actpassed the U.S. Senate in December 2020 as a part of a broad veterans legislative package and had to be voted on again in the House. This bill has been endorsed by the American Legion and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/covid-19-vaccines-rollout-reps-kind-gallagher-urge-operation-warp-speed", "As COVID-19 Vaccines Rollout, Reps. Kind & Gallagher Urge Operation Warp Speed Leadership to Take Steps to Ensure Rural Communities Aren\u2019t Left Behind", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI)andMike Gallagher (R-WI)sent a bipartisan letter to Operation Warp Speed leadership urging them to consider the unique challenges of vaccine distribution to rural areas across Wisconsin and take steps to support timely and equitable vaccine access for rural communities.\nWisconsin state and local health leaders have put together plans to conduct COVID-19 vaccination campaigns at unprecedented scale and speed, but additional resources andfederal support are critical to carrying out these efforts. Further, rural health care providers have already signaled concern about a number of unique challenges they might face in delivering vaccines to rural areas, such as ensuring vaccination sites are accessible, securing staff to coordinate logistics and administer vaccines, and ensuring adequate ultra-cold storage capacity. With COVID-19 cases surging across rural areas in Wisconsin, it's crucial that these communities have access to timely vaccination, underscoring the need for support with logistics.   We are at a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic as vaccines are starting to be distributed across the country, saidRep. Ron Kind. We need to be prepared to safely, effectively, and equitably distribute the vaccine to all Wisconsinites, regardless of where they live. To that end, it's critical that additional resources be provided to state and local public health leaders to help address the challenges of distributing vaccines to rural areas and ensure our rural communities are not left behind. \nRural hospitals across Wisconsin will face unique challenges in distributing and storing the Coronavirus vaccine, saidRep. Mike Gallagher. We have to make sure these communities are not left behind, and that will require both resources and guidance to our state and local health leaders. Operation Warp Speed has played an incredible role in our vaccine development and distribution and I am confident they will take whatever steps necessary to ensure our rural hospitals are properly equipped to provide vaccines to their communities.\"\nRead the letterhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-announces-winners-2020-app-challenge", "Gallagher Announces Winners of 2020 App Challenge", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GREEN BAY, WI Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) todayannounced that Katie DeBruin and Wesley Jochman from Fox Valley Lutheran High School won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District.Katie and Wesley created the Road America App, which helps scans tickets for sporting events.\n\nThe idea for the app came to them while they worked as ticket-scanners at Road America over the summer, and would minimize the sharing of scanning devices and increase efficiency in the scanning of tickets.\n\nI'm proud to announce that Katie DeBruin and Wesley Jochman from Fox Valley Lutheran High School have won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Wisconsin's Eighth District,said Rep. Gallagher. Their app, the Road America App, efficiently scans people's tickets for sporting events, and demonstrates how coding and computer science skills can solve real-life challenges for businesses. I'm proud we have such talented students right here in Northeast Wisconsin.\n\nClickHEREto watch a video of Katie and Wesley explaining their app.\n\nBackground:The annual Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide effort to spur interest in coding, STEM, and computer science education among middle and high school students. This year, 1,851 apps were submitted by more than 6,000 students.\n\nThe Eighth District had one of the strongest participation rates across the country, with 25 apps submitted by 38 students.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-press-trump-administration-on-decision-not-to-pre-order-more-doses-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine", "Baldwin, Colleagues Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Colleagues Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Reporting revealed the Trump Administration turned down an option this summer to pre-order additional doses Pfizer's vaccine \r\n Senators: We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined more than a dozen of her Democratic Senate colleagues led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, to send a letter to Dr. Moncef Slaoui, Chief Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, and General Gustave Perna, Chief Operating Office of Operation Warp Speed, asking about recent reports that earlier this year the Trump Administration declined to purchase additional doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine when given the opportunity. The decision could hinder efforts to launch a nationwide mass vaccination campaign as the U.S. will reportedly be unable to purchase additional doses of the vaccine from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled.\r\nIn their letter, the Senators express concern about the Trump Administration's lack of planning and transparency, and press for more information about the Administration's preparations to purchase vaccines.\r\nWe write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration's failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic, wrote the Senators.\r\nThe letter continued, To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic.\r\nIn addition to Baldwin, Murray and Wyden, the letter was also signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\r\nThe full text of the letter is included below and available here.\r\nDecember 14, 2020\r\nDr. Moncef Slaoui\r\nChief Advisor, Operation Warp Speed\r\n1400 Defense Pentagon\r\nWashington, DC 20301\r\n\r\nGeneral Gustave Perna\r\nChief Operating Officer, Operation Warp Speed\r\n1400 Defense Pentagon\r\nWashington, DC 20301\r\n\r\nDear Dr. Slaoui and General Perna:\r\nWe write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration's failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic.\r\nWhile we are encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine candidate, we are concerned that the Trump Administration's decision not to purchase more doses when given the opportunity will mean this development will not have the impact it could have to protect families from COVID-19. According to news reports, Pfizer offered the United States Government the chance to pre-purchase doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in excess of the initial order for 100 million doses.[1] When doing so, Pfizer reportedly warned that demand for its vaccine would likely outpace supply. However, the Trump Administration declined that offer; in consequence, the United States Government will not be able to purchase additional supply from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. The European Union has finalized a deal with Pfizer for up to 300 million doses, and Canada has agreements to purchase up to 76 million doses.[2]\r\nThere have been over 15 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States and over 287,000 associated deaths. Hospitals across the country are at capacity and facing increasing numbers of infections in the coming weeks. The number of daily COVID-19 deaths soared to a new high of over 3,100 this week.[3] Our government must widely distribute safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that can be administered to patients at no cost as soon as possible to help stop transmission of this deadly virus in our communities. Yet, if we do not have sufficient vaccines purchased, there will soon be nothing to distribute. Reports this week indicate the U.S. may face a vaccine cliff this spring, due to the Trump Administration's failure to purchase sufficient doses of vaccine.[4]\r\nOperation Warp Speed anticipates distributing vaccines for 20 million people this month and 50 million people by the end of January. Limited supplies of vaccines, however, will force experts to make hard decisions about who should receive the first doses of the vaccine. Indeed, millions of Americans may not receive the vaccine for months or nearly a year. The longer it takes to vaccinate people, the longer it will be until we can have a meaningful recovery from this pandemic.\r\nGiven these reports, we are very concerned the Trump Administration has not adequately planned for vaccine demand in the coming months, potentially imperiling the public health. To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic.\r\nTo provide this transparency, we respectfully request a briefing to respond to the following questions by December 28, 2020.\r\n \r\nWhat is your current projection of how many vaccine doses are necessary to vaccinate the entire population?\r\nHow much vaccine has the United States Government contracted, and paid, for?\r\nHow much vaccine does the United States Government have a contract option to purchase, and with which manufacturers?\r\nHow much funding is available to make these purchases?\r\nHow much more funding, above the amount described in 3(a), is needed to exercise all contract options in full?\r\nHow much more funding, above the amount described in 3(a), is needed to purchase the number of doses described in 1?\r\n\r\n \r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-encourages-wisconsinites-take-advantage-health-care-s-open", "Rep. Ron Kind Encourages Wisconsinites to Take Advantage of Health Care\u2019s Open Enrollment Period Ahead of Dec. 15 Deadline", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "La Crosse, WI Today,Rep. Ron Kindis encouraging Wisconsinites to take advantage of the open enrollment period, which closes December 15. Before the deadline, those under the age of 65 can get health care coverage or make changes to their current health care plan by visitinghealthcare.gov. \nI encourage all Wisconsinites to take advantage of the open enrollment period and sign up for quality affordable health care ahead of tomorrow's deadline, saidRep. Ron Kind. Now is the best time to make changes to current health care plans and compare options to make sure that your plan is the best fit for you. Most people can find a plan with no-cost preventative care and may be eligible for tax credits to assist with monthly premiums.  If you have questions about signing up or want to talk through your options with a trained professional, call 211 or visitGetCovered.WI.gov.  If you have questions about how to access resources or need to be put in touch with the right person to help you sign up, you can call Rep. Kind's office at 1-608-782-2558 or visit kind.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-speaks-at-senate-hearing-on-covid-19-vaccine-distribution", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Speaks at Senate Hearing on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wfrv-baldwin-urges-congressional-leaders-to-pass-the-bipartisan-restaurants-act-before-too-late", "WFRV: Baldwin Urges Congressional Leaders to Pass the Bipartisan RESTAURANTS Act Before Too Late", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-announces-empowers-act", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces New Legislation to Reverse Trump Administration Move to Silence Workers in Corporate America", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces New Legislation to Reverse Trump Administration Move to Silence Workers in Corporate America \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t EMPOWERS Act Allows Retirement Savers to Set Binding Proxy Voting Guidelines \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced new legislation that would reverse a final rule from the U.S. Department of Labor to limit retirement plans from voting on corporate proxies and undermine workers' voice in the public companies where they invest.\r\nIn August, Trump's Labor Department proposed a rule to discourage ERISA plans from voting their proxies at all, unless the plans set a default voting policy to always vote with management. The rule effectively prevents workers from using their collective voice to influence public companies. The Trump administration's DOL rule is expected to be finalized today, and Baldwin will introduce her legislation to reverse it in January at the start of the 117th Congress.\r\nBaldwin's legislation would reverse this rule and make it easier for workers to control how their shares held for retirement are voted. The Encouraging More Proxy voting by Organized Workers, Employees, and Retirement Savers (EMPOWERS) Act would allow workers to elect representative trustees who would manage their ERISA plan jointly with the employer's trustees and set voting guidelines that investment managers would be required to follow.\r\nWith this action, the message from President Trump and Secretary Scalia is clear: big corporations and investment funds want workers to hand over their hard-earned savings and then stay quiet, said Senator Baldwin. This DOL rule will allow special interests and big corporations, who already have too much power in Washington, to continue to put short-term profits and their own paychecks ahead of workers and their retirement savings. We must take action to give workers and retirees a seat at the table and their rightful voice in board rooms across America, and that's what my legislation will do.\r\nERISA plans invest over $11 trillion in assets on behalf of workers and retirees. The public company stocks are held by the plan's investment manager, not by the workers and retirees who have built those retirement savings. That proxy voting power is also held by the investment managersnot workers. The investment industry has become increasingly concentrated and today the Big Three investment funds, BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, manage assets for over half of all ERISA plans. One of the Big Three is the largest shareholder in 9 out of 10 companies in the S&P 500, giving them the power to influence almost every vote, at almost every public company in the nation, using workers' retirement savings to do it. The EMPOWERS Act would restore the ability of ERISA plan participantsnot large asset managersto determine how their shares are voted.\r\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and supported by: American Federal of Labor and Congressional of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Majority Action, Public Citizen, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communication Workers of America (CWA), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), American Economic Liberties Project, Stop The Money Pipeline, Rapid Shift Network, Catholic Network US, Call to Action CO, and Connecticut Citizen Action Group, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and Sierra Club.\r\n\"TheAFL-CIO is pleased to support Senator Baldwin's EMPOWERS Act. Pension plan assets are the deferred wages of working people, and appointing worker representatives to boards of trustees will give workers a voicein the companies that we invest in, said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.\r\n\"Research by Majority Action has shown that the world's largest asset managers have used their tremendous voting power to rubber-stamp corporate boards and undermine initiatives to address climate change. As its name suggests, Senator Baldwin's EMPOWERS Act will empower retirement savers to set their own proxy voting guidelinesreversing the recently proposed Department of Labor rule aiming to silence themand enable workers to collectively make their voices heard in boardrooms across the country, said Eli Kasargod-Staub, Executive Director of Majority Action.\r\n\"The EMPOWERS Act would help rein in the dominant role played by a small group of giant asset managers in determining the outcome of corporate elections and restore the decision-making authority to the true shareholders -- workers and retirees. We have seen time and again that the outsized footprint of a few large financial companies in the governance of corporate America results in an excessive deference to management and the needs of wealth and well-connectedbeing put ahead of the public interest. The EMPOWERS Act is an important step toward breaking the new version of the old money trust, said Graham Steele, seniorfellow with American Economic Liberties Project.\r\nThroughout her career, Senator Baldwin has stood up for the rights of workers, called out the abuses of big corporations and special interests, and championed reforms that will give workers a say in how their company's profits are spent. Senator Baldwin introduced legislation, theReward Work Act,that would give workers a seat on corporate boards andrein in corporate America's addiction to stock buybacks.\r\nMore information on the EMPOWERS Act is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-votes-for-ndaa-gets-results-for-wisconsin-veterans-workers-communities", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Votes For National Defense Authorization, Gets Results for Wisconsin Veterans, Workers and Communities", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Votes For National Defense Authorization, Gets Results for Wisconsin Veterans, Workers and Communities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today voted for the final version of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 that includes a number of measures that deliver results for Wisconsin. The final version of the defense funding bill passed the House and Senate with a veto-proof majority and now heads to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nI voted in favor of this bipartisan defense authorization legislation because it makes important investments to strengthen our national security and support the health and well-being of our nation's veterans, said Senator Baldwin. In particular, I am pleased the bill will help expand health care coverage for veterans who need it, and makes critical investments that support Wisconsin's communities, military personnel and our Made in Wisconsin economy.\r\nThe final NDAA did not include strong Buy American standards that Senator Baldwin has long championed to help drive local economic growth and support good-paying jobs in Wisconsin. I strongly believe that when we build ships for America's Navy, we should use American workers and American made goods, and I'm disappointed that the final legislation does not include the strong Buy American standards that I recommended, said Senator Baldwin. \r\n\r\nProviding Health Care Benefits to Vietnam Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange\r\nThe NDAA includes an amendment, supported by Senator Baldwin, that would expand the VA's list of medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange to include Bladder Cancer, Hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonismhealth conditions that each meet the historical standard for being added to the presumptive list for service-connection as it relates to Agent Orange exposure. Currently, thousands of Vietnam veterans living with chronic health conditions developed as a result of their service are being denied critical benefits and health care from VA. This provision would require VA to provide a presumption of service-connection for Bladder Cancer, Hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonismexpanding care and benefits for veterans suffering from these three conditions.\r\n\r\nSupporting K2 Veterans\r\nThe NDAA includes language from Senator Baldwin's bipartisan K2 Veterans Toxic Exposure Accountability Act to help veterans who served at Karshi Khanabad (K2) Airbase in Uzbekistan to obtain the health screenings and services they need. Specifically, the bill requires the DoD to conduct a study on toxic exposure at K2the first step in establishing presumptive health and disability coverage for K2 related illnesses.\r\n\r\nSupporting Military Personnel\r\nThe bill includes an across-the-bill pay raise of 3 percent for all service members. Additionally, the bill includes a number of initiatives that will increase diversity and inclusion in the armed forces, and monitor progress going forward. These include the creation of a Chief Diversity Officer in the Department of Defense, and the creation of a new Deputy Inspector General to oversee diversity and inclusion programs within the Department and to address supremacist, extremism, and criminal gang activity within military ranks.\r\n\r\nNew Investments in Military Construction in Appleton and at Wisconsin's Fort McCoy\r\nAt Baldwin's request, the bill includes $11.6 million for a Wisconsin National Guard Readiness Center in Appleton and $14.6 for a reconnaissance range at Ft. McCoy. Senator Baldwin also secured an additional $2.5 million that was not included in the President's budget request to continue construction of new barracks at Ft. McCoy.\r\n\r\nSupporting Made in Wisconsin Shipbuilding\r\nThe NDAA supports the Made in Wisconsin shipbuilding industry by authorizing funding for one guided missile Frigate (FFG), to be built at Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The bill also fulfills a top priority of the U.S. Navy by authorizing funding for the construction of two Virginia-class submarines. Wisconsin is home to 40 companies that supply key components for the Virginia-class program.\r\n\r\nInvesting in Workforce Development to Boost Shipbuilding\r\nAt Senator Baldwin's request, the NDAA will create a new, joint Navy and Department of Labor working group to support the domestic shipbuilding workforce. The shipbuilding industry faces ongoing challenges due to workforce shortages and contract instability. This working group will assess existing trends within the shipbuilding workforce, ensure shipbuilders are able to benefit from existing federal government programs, and provide recommendations to Congress to stabilize the shipbuilding industrial base. Additionally, this provision directs the Secretary of the Navy to examine current and future shipbuilding contracts to maximize employment stability and provide a more stable workload to shipyards.\r\n\r\nEvaluating Impact of Trump Administration's Budget Cuts on Oshkosh Defense's Tactical Wheeled Vehicles\r\nThe Trump Administration once again cut funding to medium and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles as a part of its annual budget request. These vehicles are built in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and supported by crucial suppliers across the Midwest. At Senator Baldwin's request, the NDAA requires the Army to report to Congress on its justification for continuing to request funding below the levels needed to keep production open in Oshkosh. Additionally, the Army must report on how its cuts to these accounts impact the small and medium sized businesses that make up the tactical wheeled vehicle supplier base.\r\n\r\nLimiting the Transfer of Certain Military Equipment to Local Police Departments\r\nThe NDAA includes an amendment supported by Senator Baldwin to help end police militarization and limit the transfer of certain surplus military-grade equipment to local law enforcement agencies across the country. The amendment will prohibit the transfer of military equipment to law enforcement agencies, including bayonets, lethal grenades, weaponized tracked combat vehicles and weaponized drones. This prohibition does not prohibit the transfer of defensive equipment, such as body armor.\r\nThe bill also requires Federal law enforcement agents and military personnel who respond to a civil disturbance to display the individual's name, or other unique identifier such as a badge number, along with the name of the agency or service of the individual.\r\n\r\nRenaming Military Bases\r\nThe NDAA includes language supported by Baldwin that requires, within three years, the renaming of all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia on DoD property that honor the Confederacy.The provision would also establish a commission to make recommendations and create a renaming plan, identify costs, and include local community input and provide $2 million in funds for the commission. Senior DoD officials support this long overdue and essential move.\r\n\r\nNoise Mitigation for Truax Field\r\nThe NDAA includes a provision that Senator Baldwin pushed for to establish a 5 year pilot program that would provide funds to install noise insulation in properties impacted by military aviation noise. It also includes language that notes the issue of military aviation noise in our communities will continue as more fifth generation aircraft are deployed, and encourages the DoD to look for ways to work with communities to proactively address their concerns about noise.\r\n\r\nPressing for Chiropractic Health Care for Current and Former Military Personnel\r\nInspired by Baldwin's Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act, the NDAA requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to report to Congress on the expected date that TRICARE will cover chiropractic services for military members, retirees and reservists, if the Department determines that it is feasible to expand these services.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-secures-nearly-2-million-fight-opioid-epidemic", "Gallagher Secures Nearly $2 Million to Fight Opioid Epidemic", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today announced that theU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) a $1,945,652 grant to improve the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP). The grant will be used to improve the program by increasing its security, user-satisfaction, and adoption.\nThe announcement comes after Rep. Gallagher wrote to the Department of Justice and called on them to fulfill this grant application.\nFor far too many Wisconsinites, the opioid epidemic hits close to home, said Rep. Gallagher. Our state relies on the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to combat prescription drug abuse, and this announcement will help ensure that DSPS has the resources it needs to improve this tool. I'm proud to have advocated on the program's behalf and am confident that these funds will help make the system more effective, user-friendly, and sustainable.\nAfter receiving the grant, Dawn Crim, Secretary-designee of DSPS, said, \"Your letter of support for our application and your support of our work with the ePDMP has been instrumental to our success. Our award-winning program is an invaluable tool that has transformed prescribing culture and curbed prescription opioid use in Wisconsin. Your ongoing support ensures that we, together, will continue to make a difference.\"\nThe Wisconsin ePDMP is a highly successful tool that more than 55,000 licensed healthcare professionals use more than 650,000 times each month to help combat drug abuse in Wisconsin. The grant funding opportunity will enhance the program to help users make more informed prescribing, dispensing, and treatment decisions regarding their patients' controlled substance prescriptions.\nSpecifically, DSPS will use the grant to make the system a more effective clinical decision support tool. The project is expected to result in improved patient matching accuracy, an upgraded user experience for those accessing the system via their electronic health record system, and more customizable analytics for healthcare professionals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-helps-secure-federal-funding-rural-health-clinics-expand", "Rep. Ron Kind Helps Secure Federal Funding for Rural Health Clinics to Expand Access to COVID-19 Testing", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Rep. Ron Kindannounced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide grants to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) for COVID-19 testing. This funding is provided through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which Rep. Kindvoted foron April 23, 2020. These investments will help RHCs across Wisconsin support COVID-19 testing efforts and expand access to testing in rural communities.\nI'm glad to see federal funding secured through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act used to support our Rural Health Clinics, saidRep. Ron Kind. Our rural health care providers are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy. As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Wisconsin, it's critical that we ensure our Rural Health Clinics on the front lines of this pandemic have the funding and support they need to continue to their life-saving work.\nRural communities have been particularly hard hit by the latest surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the rate of COVID-19 transmission is higher in rural communities than many other parts of the country. In Wisconsin, COVID-19 cases are continuing to spike, putting additional pressure on rural health care providers and underscoring their need for assistance.Many rural health care providers faced serious financial challenges prior to the pandemic. In 2019, 19 rural hospitals closed across the U.S. and 1 in 5 rural hospitals are at risk of closure.That's why in July, Rep. Kind joined 48 of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle inurgingHHS to provide immediate relief to rural health care providers affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. \nRep. Kind is the co-chair of the House Rural Health Care Coalition and serves on the Subcommittee on Health for the Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful - and the oldest - committee in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over tax measures, the management of public debt, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, pensions, and many other economic growth measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=584BF5F7-DB70-4D45-A1CE-C9215F8AB4B4", "Johnson Statement on National Defense Authorization Act", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said the following Friday regarding his vote on the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act:\r\nThis defense bill is riddled with problematic policies and fails to address a number of key issues. However, at the end of the daythis bill provides support to the bravest among us  the men and women of our armed forces  and also includes language I authored tohalt a Russian malign-influence project,to authorize a tool for the nation's cyber agency to better identify and warn companies about vulnerabilities,and to greenlight Wisconsin National Guard construction projects. I cast my vote in support of those priorities, not as an endorsement offlawed policies that attempt to erase our history, limit our 5G development and add regulatory burdens to small businesses.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wxow-congress-passes-senator-baldwins-bipartisan-legislation-to-stop-student-debt-relief-scams", "WXOW: Congress Passes Senator Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/pass-restaurants-act-now", "Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Congressional Leaders to Pass the Bipartisan RESTAURANTS Act Before Too Late", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Congressional Leaders to Pass the Bipartisan RESTAURANTS Act Before Too Late \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Baldwin cosponsored the bipartisan legislation after hearing from Wisconsin restaurants and businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues, led by Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), are urgingCongressional leaders to immediately pass the bipartisanRESTAURANTS Act, legislation that establishes the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide local Wisconsin restaurateurs with funding to rehire workers and deal with the long-term ramifications of COVID-19.    For the second time this year, restaurants and bars are having to limit operations or close their doors completely, raising concerns about their ability to survive the long winter ahead. They need quick relief to keep their workers employed and hold onto their businesses. Congress needs to act speedily and pass the RESTAURANTS Act to help save local restaurants across the country and the millions of workers they employ,wrote the lawmakers.\r\nThe lawmakers' letter comes as coronavirus cases are spiking in Wisconsin and across the country. The Independent Restaurant Coalitionsupports this letter, which is availableHERE.\r\nAcross the country, restaurants have been uniquely devastated by COVID-19. In April alone, 5.5 million restaurant workers lost their jobs. Without federal relief, another 11 million restaurant workers stand to lose their jobs permanently.    The bipartisanRESTAURANTS Actcreates the Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant program, authorizing $120 billion to provide structured relief to restaurants. Under the bill, the Department of the Treasury will administer the RRF program and source the $120B from itsCARES Actallotment. Awards will be one-time grants valued to cover the difference between revenues from 2019 and projected revenues through 2020, with a maximum grant of $10 million. Restaurants do not need to pay back their grants and can use the funding for payroll, benefits, mortgages, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, protective equipment, cleaning materials, food, and any other expenses deemed essential by the Treasury.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kind-kelly-lead-bipartisan-push-protect-craft-brewers-devastating", "Reps. Kind, Kelly Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect Craft Brewers from Devastating Tax Hike, Keep Their Doors Open", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today,Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI)andMike Kelly (R-PA)led 125of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter urging Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy to pass theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. This legislation,introducedby Reps. Kind and Kelly, is critical to preventing America's brewers, cider-makers, distillers, and vintners from facing a significant increase in their federal excise taxes at a time when so many are struggling just to stay afloat. \nLower rates for brewers and craft beverage manufacturers were initially passed on a temporary basis. Ifthe Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actis not enacted, or if relief is allowed to expire, taxes will return to higher levels come January 1, 2021. The COVID-19 crisis has already created economic duress for many producers across the country as tasting rooms, bars, and restaurants have shut down. Now, without Congressional action, producers are facing a second looming crisis in the form of increased federal excise taxes.\nCraft breweries are not only a large part of Wisconsin's culture, they are also an economic engine--supporting local economies and creating job opportunities, saidRep. Ron Kind. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, so many of our craft breweries are facing serious economic struggles through no fault of their own. For many of these businesses, this tax increase could be the final straw. We need to act now to extend this critical economic lifeline to brewers and provide much needed relief.\nAcross this country, craft brewers, distillers, vintners, and cider makers are struggling to keep their doors open. These businesses are having to make the difficult decision to stop production, furlough employees and close tasting rooms because of the pandemic. Adding to those problems, tax rates are set to expireon December 31st. We must act. It is critical that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act be included in the end of the year legislative package. Allowing the current excise tax rates to lapse would force many of these businesses to close permanently, saidRep. Mike Kelly.\nThe Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act was important to brewers, and after the impacts from COVID-19, it's imperative, saidDick Leinenkugel. We have seen first-hand a dramatic decline in visitors to our Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls and lost sales from the closures of bars, restaurants, stadiums, and more. And while we will be able to get through this, there are hundreds of others brewers that have no chance of surviving without this legislation and the state's economy will suffer further.\nWe are a small brewery that has grown from two employees and 300 BBLS in year one to 11,000 BBLS fifteen full time employees and twenty part time employees at year five. Because of the excise tax recalibration we have been able to reallocate those monies towards capital improvements like a new process chiller made in Washington State and our canning line which was made in Ohio. By adding these pieces of equipment we were able to increase our production and hire a full time packaging team consisting of four salaried employees with benefits. Without the tax reduction we would not have been able to grow at the pace we have been for the last few years. In addition, 2020 has been very difficult to plan due to COVID-19. Having a lower tax burden has also helped us to keep our entire staff employed while we lost time and revenues pivoting towards a business model that is now 100% off premise, saidWilliam Glass, the Brewing Projekt President.\nSince enactment of the federal excise tax recalibration in 2017, Wisconsin's small and independent craft brewers have been able to re-invest additional capital into their businesses and add more brewing jobs in every corner of our state. Wisconsin is also home to many of the equipment and ingredient suppliers that are utilized by craft breweries nationwide and the impact of making the current FET rates permanent will help us to maintain and grow the $2 billion economic impact that craft breweries have in our state. At a time when the coronavirus pandemic has had a punishing effect on small businesses in the entire hospitality sector which includes small breweries, a 100% increase in federal excise tax rates would compound the economic uncertainty that we are experiencing during these challenging times. We appreciate Congressman Kind's leadership on this issue and we are encouraged by the broad bipartisan support in Congress for moving CBMTRA forward, said theWisconsin Brewers Guild.\nTheCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actreduces excise taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for the 5,300 breweries, 8,000 wineries, and 800 distilleries across the country.In addition to creating jobs in every state and Congressional district, beverage alcohol producers are critical partners to our farmers and agriculture producers, the tourism industry, the manufacturing sector, and the hospitality industry, including restaurants, bars, and other on-premise establishments.\nRead the letterhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6BE1799B-FA1A-4C71-8CBC-E26755412625", "Johnson, Wisconsin Delegation Get Two Wisconsin Post Offices Renamed After WWII & Korean War Heroes", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OSHKOSH Bipartisan bills introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to rename the post offices in Port Washington and Tomahawk passed the Houseof Representativestoday and are now on their way to President Trump to be signed into law.\r\nThebillfor the Port Washington Post Office willofficially change the name of the post office at 104 E. Main St. in Port Washington, to the Joseph G. Demler Post Office. Joe Demler served in the 137thinfantry during the Battle of the Bulge where he was captured by German troops and taken as a prisoner of war. Doctors told him he was days away from death when he was liberated from a Nazi camp in April 1945 weighing less than 70 pounds. He became known as thehuman skeletonafter Lifemagazinepublished hisphoto. Upon his discharge from the Army in November 1945, Joe began working for the U.S. Postal Service in Milwaukee before transferring to the Port Washington Post Office where he worked for 37 years. Joe coined the motto every day is a bonus which became the motto of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, an organization he helped organize. Throughout his life, Joe participated in countless Honor Flights and proudly shared his story of service. He passed away in February 2020.\r\nThebillfor the Tomahawk Post Office will officially change the name of the post office at 311 W. Wisconsin Ave. in Tomahawk, to the Einar Sarge' H. Ingman, Jr. Post Office Building. Sergeant Ingman was a Korean War veteran whose single-handed destruction of two machine gun nests near Maltari in 1951 allowed his squad to secure its objective. In 1951, President Truman awarded Ingman the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions. Mr. Ingman was also recognized with two Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and various other recognitions. He passed away in September 2015.\r\nSenator Johnson said,Einar Sarge' Ingman is a true American hero who was awarded our nation's highest military decoration  the Medal of Honor. Joe Demler served his country courageously and barely survived the horrors of a Nazi prisoner of war camp. It's a fitting honor to both men that the post offices in their hometowns will soon be renamed in their honor so that their service will never be forgotten by future generations.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wgba-senator-tammy-baldwin-on-the-need-for-congress-to-pass-covid-19-relief-legislation", "WGBA: Senator Tammy Baldwin on the Need for Congress to Pass COVID-19 Relief Legislation", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-requests-information-from-fbi-and-dhs-on-qanon-threat-posed-to-america-and-abroad-", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Requests Information from FBI and DHS On QAnon Threat Posed To America And Abroad", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Requests Information from FBI and DHS On QAnon Threat Posed To America And Abroad  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Baldwin Joins Colleagues to Write To FBI Director Wray And Deputy General Counsel Maher At DHS Asking For A Written Assessment On The QAnon Threat To America's Democratic Institutions And Contribution To Hatred Here And Overseas \r\n Senate Democrats Seek Information About QAnon's Spread Of Disinformation And Hatred That Poses A Threat To U.S. Democracy \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined a group of Democratic colleagues, led by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Intelligence Committee Member Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), to write to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Principal Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Joseph Maher requesting a written assessment to Congress on the threat posed by QAnon, in the United States and abroad. The Senators also request information on the role of foreign influence operations in the inception and amplification of QAnon conspiracy theories.\r\nQAnon has been active in attacking America's democratic institutions by disseminating false and dangerous conspiracy theories, includingabout the November 2020 presidential election. Baldwin and colleagues note that, according to the FBI, the House of Representatives, and multiple organizations and researchers, QAnon conspiracy theories have inspired acts of domestic extremism and violence and have contributed to hatred in the United States and overseasin an effort to undermine our democratic norms. Recent reports also indicate that foreign influence operations have contributed to theamplification of QAnon conspiracy theories resulting in dangerous misinformation campaigns. The Senators request that this analysis on the threat posed by QAnon in the United States and abroad, as well as intelligence on the role of foreign influence actors in nurturingthis threat be made public, with any classified matters provided separately to Congress.\r\nIn addition to Baldwin, Schumer and Heinrich, the letter was signed by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).\r\nSee the full text of the letter below. A PDF of the letter is available here.\r\nDecember 8, 2020\r\nThe Honorable Christopher Wray\r\nDirector\r\nFederal Bureau of Investigation\r\nWashington, D.C. 20035\r\n                                       \r\nMr. Joseph B. Maher\r\nPrincipal Deputy General Counsel\r\nSenior Official Performing the Duties of the Undersecretary\r\nOffice of Intelligence and Analysis\r\nDepartment of Homeland Security\r\nWashington, D.C. 20593\r\nDear Director Wray and Mr. Maher,\r\nWe write to request a written assessment on the threat posed by QAnon.As the FBI, the U.S. House of Representatives, and multiple organizations and researchers have detailed, QAnon conspiracy theories have inspired acts of domestic extremism and violence, sought to undermine democratic institutions, and contributed to hatred in the United States and overseas. There is also reporting indicating that foreign influence operations have contributed to the dissemination of QAnon conspiracy theories.\r\nAs the FBI has confirmed, QAnon poses a direct threat of violence. In congressional testimony on September 17, 2020, Director Wray described QAnon as a complex set of conspiracy theories, noting certainly we have had cases, properly predicated investigations involving violence where people have been motivated by some of those conspiracy theories. On October 2, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1154 condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes. The resolution, which passed by a vote of 371-18, described multiple cases in which QAnon inspired acts of violence.\r\nQAnon has also been active in attacking U.S. democratic institutions, including disseminating false conspiracy theories about the November 2020 U.S. election. While these conspiracy theories have been debunked by the Department of Homeland Security, they contribute to the spread of disinformation that poses a threat to U.S. democracy.[1]\r\nMultiple organizations and scholars have warned of the threat posed by QAnon. A study published by the Combating Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy at West Point concluded that QAnon is arguably no longer simply a fringe conspiracy theory but an ideology that has demonstrated its capacity to radicalize to violence individuals at an alarming speed.[2] Another study, by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described belief in certain conspiracy theories, such as QAnon as part of the threat of far-right terrorism.[3] The Anti-Defamation League has characterized QAnon as an extremist movement that fuels antisemitism and promotes misinformation and hate in an effort to undermine our democratic process. The Southern Poverty Law Center has described it as a sprawling spiderweb of right-wing internet conspiracy theories with anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ elements\r\nThe threat posed by QAnon is not limited to the United States.QAnon has also gained a foothold in Europe, in particular in Germany where its adherents overlap with the country's far right and anti-Semitic fringe.[4]These developments present a danger to U.S. interests by contributing to a terrorist threat and undermining the democratic institutions of U.S. allies.\r\nIn addition to requesting analysis on the threat posed by QAnon in the United States and abroad, we ask that you provide intelligence on the role of foreign influence actors in nurturing and amplifying QAnon.According to an independent analysis of Twitter archives, an account that retweeted obscure Russian officials appeared to be the first account to use the term Q Anon on social media, on November 2, 2017. The same analysis found that Russian accounts began amplifying the [QAnon] movement as it started, and that [f]rom November 2017 on, QAnon was the single most frequent hashtag tweeted by accounts that Twitter has since identified as Russian-backed.[5] As H. Res. 1154 stressed, the Intelligence Community should seek to uncover any foreign support, assistance, or online amplification QAnon receives, as well as any QAnon affiliations, coordination, and contacts with foreign extremist organizations or groups espousing violence.\r\nGiven this and other reporting, we request that you provide to Congress a written assessment of the threat posed by QAnon, in the United States and abroad, and on the role of foreign influence operations in the inception and amplification of QAnon conspiracy theories. We further request that this assessment be made public, with any classified matters provided separately to Congress through appropriate channels.\r\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-applauds-ambassador-lighthizer-s-decision-take-canada", "Rep. Kind Applauds Ambassador Lighthizers Decision to Take Canada to Consultations via the Dispute Settlement Process for the First-Time Over Failure to Open their Dairy Market as Agreed in USMCA", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced that the United States will be using the Dispute Settlement Process against Canada for the first time for failing to comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) implementation requirements. This comes after Rep. Ron Kind lead a bipartisan group of his colleagues in calling for it to be done. Canadian dairy policy has long unfairly excluded Wisconsin dairy products from competing fairly in Canada.\nIn August, Rep. Kind led a bipartisan letter to United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging them to take the action they are doing today. In order to create an even playing field for dairy farmers and keep jobs in the United States, it's crucial that the Administration holds Canada and Mexico accountable to their trade commitments by implementing enforcement provisions. The Administration is finally using the USMCA's consultation and enforcement measures necessary to ensure our trading partners deliver on their obligations in a way that's fully consistent with the spirit and letter of the agreement.The Dispute Settlement process under USMCA is a binding mechanism that countries can bring complaints against each otherfor not living up to the commitments made in the agreement. If the claims are proven true by an adjudicating panel, the US will have the right to retaliate against Canada.\nI applaud the Administration's decision to hold Canada accountable and ensure they uphold their end of the deal. I've always said trade agreements are not worth the paper they are written on without strong enforcement, and I am glad today those new procedures will help ensure Wisconsin farmers, workers, and families can reap the full benefits of this agreement, said Rep. Ron Kind. Today is a good day for Wisconsin's dairy farmerswe are that much closer to getting them the level playing field they need.\nCongressman Ron Kind has been an incredible champion for America's dairy farmers and farmer-owned cooperatives, and has worked hard to hold Canada accountable to its trade commitments under USMCA. His continued leadership has helped coalesce a broad base of bipartisan support for action on this topic and drive this issue to the top of USTR's agenda. After a difficult year, today's announcement is a high note for America's dairy industry and brings us one step closer towards fully realizing USMCA's promised benefits for dairy exports, said Jim Mulhern, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. \nRep. Kind spent years working to ensure the USMCA is fully enforceable to guarantee increased access to the Canadian dairy market  specifically changes to TRQ's to directly increase the volume of American imports; codify science-based Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards; provide a faster and more enforceable dispute settlement process; and increase labor and environmental standards. Rep. Kind also released a Family Farm Rescue Plan earlier this year, which called for swift implementation of USMCA.\nRep. Kind serves on the Subcommittee on Trade for the Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful - and the oldest - committee in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over tax measures, the management of public debt, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, pensions, and many other economic growth measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/waow-senator-baldwin-working-to-stop-student-debt-relief-scams-from-harming-hardworking-americans", "WAOW: Senator Baldwin Working to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams from Harming Hardworking Americans", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wfrv-senate-unanimously-passes-baldwins-bipartisan-legislation-to-stop-student-debt-relief-scams", "WFRV: Senate Unanimously Passes Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wisc-baldwin-encourages-folks-to-sign-up-for-health-care-coverage-ahead-of-december-15th-deadline", "WISC: Baldwin Encourages Folks to Sign Up for Health Care Coverage Ahead of December 15th Deadline", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-urge-google-to-improve-ad-policies-and-combat-election-related-disinformation", "Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Google to Improve Ad Policies and Combat Election-Related Disinformation", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Google to Improve Ad Policies and Combat Election-Related Disinformation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Google continues to profit from ads that spread disinformation about the 2020 general election \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined her colleagues, led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), to urge Google to improve its ad policies and combat election-related disinformation and voter suppression. Reports indicate that the company has profited from political ads that spread voting and election disinformation. The senators sent a letter to CEO Sundar Pichai calling on Google to take immediate action.\r\nWhile the 2020 general election occurred a month ago, efforts to undermine the election by spreading disinformation persist. This is happening despite both Attorney General Barr stating that the Department of Justice has uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud, and high ranking officials at the Department of Homeland Security stating that the 2020 general election was the most secure in American history. Stopping the ongoing spread of election-related disinformation is critical to maintainingAmericans' faith in our elections, the cornerstone of our democracy.\r\nIn addition to Baldwin, Klobuchar and Warner, the letter was signed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus King (I-ME), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\r\nMillions of Americans rely on Google to find voting and election-related information. It is imperative for the integrity of our democracy that they are not met with disinformation. Google's stated policy is to reject ads or destinations making demonstrably false claims that could significantly undermine participation or trust in an electoral or democratic process.' However, a recent study by the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) found that Google services ads on 145 out of 200 websites GDI examined that publish disinformation, the senators wrote.\r\nThe letter echoed concerns from outside organizations about the use of Google's ad platforms to promote voter suppression.\r\n\"Google finances misinformation by placing adverts for respected brands - without their knowledge - on websites that spread untruths. It is vital legislators unveil the scale of Google's knowing participation in the global misinformation industry, the amount by which it has profited, and to come up with solutions that put an end to the systemic undermining of democracy and public safety, said Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate.\r\n\"Disinformation in political advertising is a security problem, and Google and other ad platforms need to start treating it as such. When loopholes and vulnerabilities in systems for detecting political or disinformation content are found, companies need to act quickly to protect users from attacks that diminish trust in our democratic system, said Laura Edelson, Researcher, Online Political Ads Transparency Project, NYU Tandon School of Engineering.\r\nGoogle is among the most widely used Internet platforms. It mediates information access for more than a billion users around the globe. Unfortunately, there are bad actors  those who wish to manipulate people for political or financial motives  who understand how to use Google's search and advertising features to achieve their objectives. Dr. Kate Starbird, Associate Professor of Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington.\r\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\r\nDear Mr. Pichai:\r\nWe write to express serious concerns regarding recent reports that Google is profiting from the sale of ads spreading election-related disinformation. Google is also helping organizations spreading election-related disinformation to raise revenue by placing ads on their websites. While Google has some policies in place to prevent the spread of election misinformation, they are not properly enforced and are inadequate. We urge you to immediately strengthen and improve enforcement of your policies on election-related disinformation and voter suppression, reject all ads spreading election-related disinformation, and stop providing advertising services on sites that spread election-related disinformation.\r\nMillions of Americans rely on Google to find voting and election-related information. It is imperative for the integrity of our democracy that they are not met with disinformation. Google's stated policy is to reject ads or destinations making demonstrably false claims that could significantly undermine participation or trust in an electoral or democratic process. However, a recent study by the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) found that Google services ads on 145 out of 200 websites GDI examined that publish disinformation.\r\nSimilarly, a recent report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) found that Google has been placing ads on websites publishing disinformation designed to undermine elections. In examining just six websites publishing election-related disinformation, CCDH estimates that they receive 40 million visits a month, generating revenue for these sites of up to $3.4 million annually from displaying Google ads. In addition, Google receives $1.6 million from the advertisers' payments annually. These sites published stories ahead of the 2020 general election that contained disinformation alleging that voting by mail was not secure, that mail-in voting was being introduced to steal the election, and that election officials were discarding mail ballots.\r\nIn August, media reports indicated that Google refused to remove search ads promoting false information about mail-in ballots which appeared in response to searches for mail-in voting in numerous battleground states, including Arizona and Georgia. The most common variation of that ad said, think mail-in voting and absentee voting are the same. Think again! There are different safeguards for each. The ads then directed users to a website that stated voting by mail results in lost votes and lost rights. These ads also seem to violate Google's policy since both the ads and the destinations make demonstrably false claims about the security of the voting by mail process.\r\nResearchers also discovered loopholes in Google's political ads policy, which allowed them to place ads targeted at election-related searches without going through the political ad review and verification process. In one instance, researchers paid to place ads that appeared on the search results page when users entered a search including the words should, vote, and Biden  these ads read, you shouldn't, he'll destroy this country. This loophole could allow foreign adversaries to run ads with disinformation targeting elections without detection. It also allows advertisers placing these kinds of ads to circumvent Google's ban on microtargeting for political ads. In response to these findings, Google said it planned to increase the amount of human review that goes into evaluating landing pages for ads that potentially fall under the election policy. But months later when researchers placed the same kind of ads just a week before Election Day, Google still allowed them to run.\r\nIn light of these concerns, we respectfully request you answer the following questions by December 18, 2020:\r\n \r\nWhy did the websites identified by the CCDH not violate Google's policy for ads or destinations? Will Google re-evaluate this policy and how it is being enforced? Will Google commit to not running display ads on websites that publish demonstrably false information about voting or elections?\r\nWhy did the ads reported by the University of Washington, that Google refused to remove in August, not violate Google's policy for ads that make demonstrably false claims? How much revenue did Google receive from the ads it reviewed and decided not to remove?\r\nWill Google commit to developing and enforcing a more comprehensive policy for ads that contain election-related disinformation or voter suppression content?\r\nWill Google commit to establishing a policy clearly defining political ads to include issue ads and ads that appear in searches targeting people searching for political content?\r\nWhat specific steps is Google taking to improve its evaluations process for landing pages and ensure that landing pages for ads are not redirecting people to websites with disinformation?\r\n \r\nIt's been four years since Russia bought online ads to influence American voters. Now, the 2020 election cycle has once again made clear that we must do more to prevent disinformation from undermining the integrity of our elections. Still, Google continues to operate with a narrow and incomprehensive political ads policy that has major loopholes. It is also failing to enforce even this inadequate policy. As a result, the company is profiting from ads that spread voting and election disinformation and helping disinformation sites profit from their lies. Our democracy deserves better.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-secures-major-water-infrastructure-priorities-applauds-passage-wrda", "Gallagher Secures Major Water Infrastructure Priorities, Applauds Passage of WRDA", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Mike Gallagher, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources and Development Act of 2020. The bill, which passed the House unanimously, authorizes projects to improve flood and storm protection, strengthen our ports and harbors, and protect inland waterways.\nThe Water Resources and Development Act of 2020 takes critical steps to preserve our natural resources and modernize our nation's water infrastructure, said Rep. Gallagher. Most importantly, it includes a number of provisions I authored that will improve flood mitigation infrastructure in our community, ensure local ports have increased funding, and protect our Great Lakes from invasive species. This is a huge win for Northeast Wisconsin and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.\nWe want to thank Rep. Gallagher for his leadership to produce bipartisan legislation unanimously passed by the House today that puts the power of nature-based solutions front and center, including funding for the Great Lakes Navigation System and local flood control projects,\" said Todd Holshbach, Director of Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy Wisconsin State Chapter. \"Thanks to his efforts, this legislation will help ensure that critical water resources projects produce multiple benefits for people and nature while targeting resources to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. It will also help stop the spread of invasive species into the Great Lakes and further the restoration of lands and waters throughout the upper Mississippi River basin.\nLast month, Rep. Gallagher called on House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio and Ranking Member Sam Graves to include a number of provisions he wrote that support Northeast Wisconsin.\nThe final bill includes a number of these initiatives, including:\n Authorization for the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers to conduct a multipurpose study on the Upper Fox River and Wolf River watersheds.This study identifies where flood storage structures can be used to reduce flooding impacts downstream. Flood storage structures improve water quality by filtering nutrients and preventing them from draining into the Lower Fox River and bay of Green Bay.\n\tAuthorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study on the Lower Fox River basin.This study builds on an earlier study on storage capacity for flood waters in the Lower Fox River. If enacted, this would provide the Army Corps the authority to convene stakeholders for the purpose of discussing jurisdictions and developing a comprehensive agreement on the basin for the purposes of flood mitigation.\n\tA 13% set-aside in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the Great Lakes Navigation System.Previous legislation included funding for small harbors like the Port of Green Bay, but failed to sufficiently increase the funding to adequate levels. This provision increased the amount allotted to small harbors on the Great Lakes Navigation System from 9.8% to 13%.\n\tConstruction authorization for Brandon Road Lock and Dam and consideration of additional treatment and control techniques to manage invasive species.This would help prevent the movement of certain invasive species, such as Asian Carp, from the Mississippi and Great Lakes basins.\n\tClarification that natural and nature-based features can be considered when carrying out Small Flood Control Projects.This allows stakeholders in Northeast Wisconsin to gather data and develop a greater understanding of the efficacy and costs of nature-based solutions, such as wetlands, as a way to help with flood control.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-house-passage-ndaa-conference-report", "Gallagher Statement on House Passage of NDAA Conference Report", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Mike Gallagher, a member of the NDAA Conference Committee, today released the following statement after the House passed the NDAA Conference Report by a vote of 335 to 78 to 1.\nHaving served in the Marine Corps, I believe our highest duty in Congress is to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to complete their mission and get home safe, said Rep. Gallagher. This year's National Defense Authorization Act accomplishes this by taking aggressive action to counter the Chinese Communist Party, strengthening America's cyber defenses, and fully funding the Future Frigate  ensuring Northeast Wisconsin will play an integral role in building our Navy. While this bill isn't perfect, when it comes to America's national security, we can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe final report features a number of items Rep. Gallagher championed, such as:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t 26 recommendations made by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, including the creation of a National Cyber Director within the White House and Continuity of the Economy Planning\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLanguage similar to the Taiwan Defense Act, which helps ensure that the Department of Defense has capabilities and resources necessary to defeat a Chinese invasion of Taiwan\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe creation of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which would include $2.2 billion of investments in new programs to modernize US posture and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAn independent study of the Chinese defense industrial base so we better understand its vulnerabilities\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAn amendment to help combat PLA-affiliated research institutions that steal technology from US campuses\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClick HERE to read the final report.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-two-rep-ron-kind-s-bills-including-legislation-support", "House Passes Two of Rep. Ron Kinds Bills, Including Legislation to Support Kidney Transplant Patients", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, the House of Representatives passedtwo ofRep. Ron Kind'sbipartisanbillsto improve the Medicare program. The House passed the bipartisanComprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Actand theProvide Accurate Information Directly (PAID) Actwithunanimous support.The bills now await action in the Senate before they can be signed into law.\nBoth pieces of legislation were passed as part of a package aimed at improving the Medicare program. TheComprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Actwillimprove coverage under Medicare for immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients, while thePAID Acttakes important stepsto streamline payments undertheMedicare Secondary Payer laws, which willreduce administrative complexities in the Medicare program and save taxpayer dollars.\nAfter a kidney transplant surgery, the last thing patients and their families should have to worry about is whether or not they will be able to afford the lifesaving drugs needed to prevent organ rejection. Taxpayers also shouldn't have to pay more because of government red tape. Today we addressed both these problems, saidRep. Ron Kind. I'm proud of the work my colleagues and I have done toimprove the Medicare program, provide support for kidney transplant recipients, and save taxpayer dollars.\"\nRep. Kind serves on the Subcommittee on Health for the Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful - and the oldest - committee in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over tax measures, the management of public debt, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, pensions, and many other economic growth measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-bipartisan-legislation-improve-water-infrastructure", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes for Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Water Infrastructure, Create Jobs, and Protect the Mississippi River", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Rep. Ron Kindvoted for thebipartisanWater Resources Development Act (WRDA), which would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to carry out vital water infrastructure projects and studies. The bill would boost our economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic by creating jobs while investing in necessary projects like flood damage reduction, shoreline protection, inland waterways improvement, and ecosystem restoration. The legislation passed with bipartisan support.\nThe Mississippi River shapes Wisconsin's local economy and environment. We need to take proactive steps to support the river and the communities that rely on it,\" saidRep. Ron Kind. \"To that end, I fought for Upper Mississippi River conservation and restoration funding to be included in WRDA and I'm proud that this legislation is now one of the largest investments in the Upper Mississippi in history. WRDA will update our ecosystem and infrastructure needs, create jobs, and reduce the risk of repeated flooding, all while protecting our waters for generations to come.\nSpecifically, WRDA would authorize 35 Corps feasibility studies and construction of all 34 pending proposed projects to expand water resource infrastructure, as well as strengthen our ports, harbors, and inland waters, and build more resilient communities by maximizing sustainable development. The legislation would also improve resources for the Mississippi River by including provisions to:\n Increase funding for Upper Mississippi River System Environmental Management Program\n\tAuthorize a plan to assess the water resource needs of the Upper Mississippi\n\tInvest in the construction of inland waterways projects and the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) for the Upper Mississippi River\n\tAuthorize the Great Lakes Mississippi River inter-basin study on ecosystem restoration\n\tIncrease funding to $15 million for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program, based out of the Upper Midwest Environment Sciences Center in La Crosse, WI\n Rep. Kind is the founder and co-chair of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Task Force, and a co-chair of the Congressional Mississippi River Caucus and the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus. He has been a longtime champion of protecting the Mississippi River for the people of Wisconsin's Third Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-bipartisan-national-defense-authorization-act-support", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes for Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to Support Our Troops", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Rep. Ron Kindvoted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which will support our service members, maintain military readiness, and bolster our national security. The legislation sets important national defense priorities for the upcoming year and is critical to ensuring the national security of the United States. It also includes a 3% pay raise for service members, provides critical benefits for certain veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to NATO.\nOur brave men and women in uniform, veterans, and their families deserve the very best our nation has to offer, saidRep. Ron Kind. It's critical that we continue to make sure those who courageously defend our nation have all the resources they need to safely and effectively do their jobs. To that end, I'm proud to vote for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to protect and support our troops.\nThe annual National Defense Authorization Act determines critical defense and national security priorities. This year's bill also directs the VA to provide benefits to veterans exposed to Agent Orange who were later diagnosed with bladder cancer, parkinsonism, or hypothyroidism, which Rep. Kindcalled forearlier this Congress. Additionally, the bill calls for the VA and the defense department to develop standards of coordinated care for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/american-worker-holiday-relief-act", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Supports Legislation Introduced to Avert Looming Financial Disaster for Millions of Unemployed Workers", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Supports Legislation Introduced to Avert Looming Financial Disaster for Millions of Unemployed Workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t American Worker Holiday Relief Act would reinstate $600 boost, prevent expiration of additional weeks of federal benefits, program for gig and freelance workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is cosponsoring theAmerican Worker Holiday Relief Act,legislation introduced to avert looming financial disaster for millions of workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.\r\nPeople out of work are struggling to get by during this ongoing economic crisis. Without an extension of federal programs, millions of unemployed workers could lose their income in the coming weeks. We need to act now to extend aid programs created under theCARES Actand help people who are out of work through no fault of their own,said Senator Baldwin.\r\nCurrently, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program are set to expire on December 26.\r\nThe Baldwin-backed bill would retroactively extend the $600 weekly federal boost to unemployment insurance benefits through October 2021, as well as tie the additional weeks of federal benefits and the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for gig and freelance workers to economic conditions on the ground. The additional weeks of federal benefits and the program for gig and freelance workers would not expire as long as the three-month average national unemployment rate is above 5.5 percent, and will stay available longer in states where unemployment remains high.\r\n\r\nTheAmerican Worker Holiday Relief Actwould add 26 weeks of federal benefits for workers receiving traditional unemployment insurance.An additional 13 weeks of benefits would be added for each percentage point a state's unemployment rate rises above 5.5 percent, up to a maximum of 78 weeks when a state's unemployment rate is above 8.5 percent.\r\n\r\nThe bill would also strengthen the PUA program by adding 26 weeks of benefits, and clarifying that workers who need to care for children whose schools are not fully open for in-person learning, or whose employers are not following COVID-19 health and safety rules are covered by the program.\r\n\r\nThe additional weeks would harmonize benefits for workers covered by traditional unemployment insurance and the PUA program.\r\n\r\nThe legislation was introduced by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Senate Finance Committee Member Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/house-passes-stop-student-debt-relief-scams-act", "House Passes Senator Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.20\n\t\t\t House Passes Senator Baldwin's Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Baldwin's reform heads to President Trump to be signed into law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisanStop Student Debt Relief Scams Act, legislation that will enhance efforts to identify and shut down student debt relief scams. The Senate unanimously passed Baldwin's legislation last week and it now heads to President Trump to be signed into law.\r\n\r\nI'm proud that my bipartisan legislation has passed the Senate and House and can now be signed into law by the President. Far too many students are already struggling with student loan debt, and they deserve to be protected from scammers and bad actors who are preying on their financial security,said Senator Baldwin.\r\nWith Americans facingmore than$1.7trillion in student loan debt, borrowers are looking for relief wherever they can find it. Debt relief scams falsely promise borrowers a quick fix with little hassle. These schemes robocall student loan borrowers until they agree to pay thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees for services that are available for free, claiming to reduce or forgive borrowers' student debt.\r\n\r\nIn a March 2018 report, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General recommended that Congress strengthen federal law to help stop scam artists that fraudulently obtain access to borrower's online login credentials, primarily by imposing meaningful financial penalties and prosecuting individuals and entities perpetrating these scams. TheStop Student Debt Relief Scams Actwould accelerate the end to this rampant misconduct.\r\n\r\nTheStop Student Debt Relief Scams Act,introduced in April 2019 with Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Deb Fischer (R-NE),will enhance law enforcement and administrative abilities to identify and shut down student debt relief scams. Specifically, the legislation will:\r\n \r\nClarify that it is a federal crime to access U.S. Department of Education information technology systems for fraud, commercial advantage, or private financial gain, and impose fines on scammers for violations of the law;\r\nDirect the U.S. Department of Education to create a new form of third-party access, akin to the current preparer function on the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for those applying on behalf of a student and their family, in order to protect legitimate organizations;\r\nRequire the U.S. Department of Education to maintain common-sense reporting, detection, and prevention activities to stop potential or known debt relief scams; and\r\nRequire student loan exit counseling to warn federal loan borrowers about debt relief scams.\r\n \r\n\r\nCongresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) introduced and led the effort to pass the bipartisan legislation in the House. The bill is endorsed by the Education Finance Council, Generation Progress, National Consumer Law Center(on behalf of its low-income clients), National Council of Higher Education Resources, Student Loan Servicing Alliance, The Institute for College Access and Success, and Young Invincibles.\r\nMore information about this legislation is availablehere. The full bill text is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-urge-passage-of-craft-beverage-modernization-and-tax-reform-act", "Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Colleagues to Urge Passage of Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Colleagues to Urge Passage of Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of 57 Senators led by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rob Portman (R-OH) to urge Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to include the bipartisanCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the next appropriate legislative package and act upon it before the end of the year.\r\nSenator Baldwin is cosponsor and champion of the bipartisanCraft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, which would permanently cut taxes and modernize outdated regulations for brewers, as well as cider makers and distillers, to further promote job creation in each industry.\r\nIt is imperative that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act be included in the next appropriate legislative package and acted upon before the end of the year,wrote the senators.As businesses struggle to retain workers and stay open, allowing the current rates to lapse would force many businesses across the country to lay off workers or close their doors permanently. With the support of 77 Senators and 351 Representatives, this bill is a bipartisan priority and an important economic lifeline to thousands of businesses across the country.\r\nIn addition to Baldwin, Wyden and Portman, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Tillis (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Mazi Hirono (D-HI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Angus King (I-ME), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).\r\nFull text of the letter can be found below andhere.\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer:\r\nWe are writing today to ask you to pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (S. 362/H.R. 1175) and make the existing federal excise tax rates for beverage alcohol producers permanent. \r\nEvery state in our nation is proudly home to craft distillers, brewers, wineries, cideries, and meaderies who without Congressional action, face a significant increase in their federal excise taxes on January 1, 2021.\r\nIn addition to creating jobs in every state and Congressional district, beverage alcohol producers are critical partners to our farmers and agriculture producers, the tourism industry, the manufacturing sector, and the hospitality industry, including restaurants, bars, and other on-premise establishments. Together, these producers support over four million jobs across the country and contribute immensely to the vibrancy of our economy and communities.\r\nHowever, with the economic duress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, producers' businesses have been devastated which would be compounded by an increase in their federal excise taxes. Producers have already seen dramatic declines in revenue because of the closures of tasting rooms and restaurants, bars, and other on-premise establishments and cancelations of major sporting events and concerts. These losses ripple throughout the supply chain, affecting farmers, agriculture producers, manufacturers, truck drivers, warehouse workers, and countless others.\r\nIt is imperative that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act be included in the next appropriate legislative package and acted upon before the end of the year. As businesses struggle to retain workers and stay open, allowing the current rates to lapse would force many businesses across the country to lay off workers or close their doors permanently. With the support of 77 Senators and 351 Representatives, this bill is a bipartisan priority and an important economic lifeline to thousands of businesses across the country.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-group-lawmakers-calling", "Rep. Ron Kind Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers in Calling for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Rep. Ron Kindjoined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in calling to make the telehealth services that were extended during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions fromtheCONNECT for Health Act, which Rep. Kind cosponsored, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation and allowed Medicare beneficiaries across Wisconsin to utilize telehealth services, as well as other types of health care providers to provide telehealth. These provisions will expire following the pandemic unless Congressional leaders act now to make the measures permanent.\nTelehealth has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic in helping Wisconsinites to receive the health care services they need while staying safe. Moving forward, it's critical to ensure communities across Wisconsin--particularly in our rural areas--continue to have access to vital services regardless of where they live, and telehealth helps do just that, saidRep. Ron Kind. Telehealth services are effective and are relied upon by patients and providers, but the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is preventing many organizations from investing fully in telehealth. To that end, it's critical that we act now to support patients and health care providers during these challenging times and ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over.\nIn the letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. \nRep. Kind is a member of the Health Subcommittee on the Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful - and the oldest - committee in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over tax measures, the management of public debt, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, pensions, and many other economic growth measures.\nRead the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=9FAD90BA-AED0-401A-83A6-CD36D827705D", "Media Suppression and Corruption Hearing", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Investigative Journalists, Former FBI Testify \r\n\r\nThis week, I held a hearing looking at misconduct of the FBI and Department of Justice and suppression of the media during the Crossfire Hurricane investigation.\r\nWe heard testimony from investigative journalists Sharyl Attkisson and Lee Smith, as well as from former FBI Assistant Director Kevin Brock.\r\nThis corruption should be troubling to every member of Congress, yet no Democrats participated in this hearing (except the Ranking Member's opening statement saying we shouldn't be holding this hearing).\r\nI've boiled down the nearly-two hour hearing into these shorter videos.\r\n10-minute version\r\n30-minute version\r\nWe also released 430 pages of new documents in this case. Read more in these articles:\r\nHeadline USA: Dems are No-Shows at Sen. Ron Johnson's Crossfire Hurricane Corruption Hearing\r\nWashington Examiner: Unearthed secrets detail how Hillary Clinton allies boosted Christopher Steele's access to FBI\r\nDaily Caller: Senate Committees Release A Treasure Trove Of Trump-Russia Documents\r\nDaily Caller: Official At Liberal Think Tank Offered To Give Comey The Steele Dossier Before It Was Published, Emails Show\r\n Early Treatment of COVID-19 Hearing \r\n\r\nAnother hearing I held before Thanksgiving was called the most important Senate hearing of the year by theAssociation of American Physicians and Surgeons.It focused on the urgent need for early home treatment for COVID-19 patients. Sadly, it has been grossly mischaracterized by the mainstream media.\r\nIt was an eye-opening hearing with frontline doctors advocating for more focus to be placed on early at-home treatment options. Right now, if you get COVID you are told to stay home and just hope you don't get hospitalized. How is that compassionate?\r\nWe will continue exploring this topic next week withanother hearing.\r\nWe've boiled down the first 2.5 hour hearing into 30 minutesfor your review here.\r\nWatch the Newsmaxinterview here.\r\nListen to thisradio interview with Sean Hannity.\r\nWatch this storyabout one of our hero witnesses, Dr. Geroge Fareed, and his work treating COVID patients.\r\nRead this article:The Assault Against Early Treatment for COVID-19: How One Congressional Hearing Speaks Volumes about Americas Failed Response to the Pandemic\r\n Joseph Project Graduates Find Work \r\n\r\nOur November Joseph Project class may have been small but it was mighty! Two of the graduates started work this week and we will start class #99 the week of December 14 in Milwaukee.\r\nThis volunteer-led program offers interviewing and life skills training and ongoing support once participants get hired. Well over 500 people have received jobs through the Joseph Project.\r\n Social Media Highlights", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wkbt-senator-baldwin-calling-on-trump-to-extend-federal-funding-for-wi-national-guard", "WKBT: Senator Baldwin Calling on Trump to Extend Federal Funding for WI National Guard", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wqow-baldwin-pushing-for-extended-covid-19-relief-funding", "WQOW: Baldwin Pushing for Extended COVID-19 Relief Funding", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-reintroduces-rail-shipper-fairness-act-2020", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Reintroduces Legislation to Help Businesses Move Made In Wisconsin Goods To Market", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Reintroduces Legislation to Help Businesses Move Made In Wisconsin Goods To Market \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today reintroduced her legislation to address the challenges faced by businesses in Wisconsin and across the country when shipping by rail. The Rail Shipper Fairness Act aims to reduce costs and improve service problems faced by a broad coalition of Wisconsin rail shippers, including farmers, manufacturers and utilities.\r\nNow more than ever, our Wisconsin businesses need a quality and responsive railroad system to effectively get their goods to market, said Senator Baldwin. In order to continue building a strong Made in Wisconsin economy that is fair to farmers, manufacturers, and consumers, we need to give these shippers a seat at the table. My Rail Shipper Fairness Act will address the challenges faced by local businesses and help drive our Wisconsin economy forward.\r\nBusinesses and consumers throughout Wisconsin have endured years of subpar rail service. Grain elevators across the Midwest are full due to farmers being left without means to move their goods to market. Wisconsin's paper industry routinely faces high rates and poor service on the railroads. Several Wisconsin power plants have had to reduce production or shutdown altogether because they can't get fuel by rail. These shutdowns pass higher rates on to their consumers with electricity costs set to reach their highest levels since 1999. These additional costs add up to make Made In Wisconsin products less competitive internationally.\r\nThe Rail Shipper Fairness Act seeks to increase competition, reform rate case regulations and end unreasonable practices. The legislation will require railroads to be more responsive to their customers by honoring their contractual obligations. The legislation includes provisions to implement competitive switching, which Senator Baldwin has long advocated for to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Additionally, the legislation prohibits railroads from charging customers for fuel in a way that does not correlate with actual fuel costs.\r\nThe Rail Shipper Fairness Act is supported by the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA), National Industrial Transportation League, American Forest and Paper Association, Private Railcar Food and Beverage Association, International Warehouse Logistics Association, and American Chemistry Council.\r\nThe Freight Rail Customer Alliance thanks Senator Baldwin for her continued leadership in seeking reforms to further enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Surface Transportation Board to benefit all stakeholders  including shippers and rail carriers, and the communities we both serve, said Shelley Sahling-Zart, Freight Rail Customer Alliance President. The Rail Shipper Fairness Act of 2020 builds upon the reforms to the Surface Transportation Board made by Congress when it reauthorized the STB in 2015. The bill reinforces current proceedings before the Board such as implementing recommendations put forth by the STB's Rate Review Task Force and competitive switching. Another key provision of this bill calls upon the General Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the industry-wide impacts of Precision Scheduling Railroading.                               \r\nFreight rail serves as a vital link between chemical manufacturers and just about every segment of the U.S. economy, from farms to factories, said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. Senator Baldwin's legislation contains many smart regulatory reforms that would improve access to affordable and reliable rail service, which would help large and small businesses across the country. The bill promotes good governance by harnessing the power of free market forces and streamlining overly bureaucratic procedures at the Surface Transportation Board to resolve freight rail issues quickly and sensibly.\r\nMore information on the legislation is available here. A section by section summary is available here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwins-bipartisan-digital-coast-act-passes-congress", "Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Digital Coast Act Passes Congress", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin's Bipartisan Digital Coast Act Passes Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation aids shoreline communities by delivering next generation coastal data \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) passed theUnited States Senate.TheDigitalCoastActwill help shoreline communities along the Great Lakes and oceancoasts better prepare for storms, cope with varying water levels and strengthen economic development efforts. Following today'saction, the bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\n\r\nWisconsin's Great Lakes are a great asset for our quality of life and also for our long-term economic security,said Senator Baldwin. I'm proud that this bipartisanlegislationhas passed both chambers of Congress to strengthen our shoreline communities, which face a variety of challenges to keep their harbors open, their waters clean and their beaches ready for visitors. This bipartisan bill ensures that our Great Lakes communities have the resources and tools they need to adapt to changing environmental conditions, maintain healthy shores, and make smart planning decisions to support their local economies and way of life. I'm looking forward to the President signing this bill into law.\r\n\r\nThe National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) currently assembles and hosts theDigitalCoastProject, a collaborative online database of the most up-to-datecoastal information, and makes it available to both the public and private sectors.DigitalCoastalso provides tools forcoastal communities to decipher and use the high-tech mapping data to make accurate decisions and smart investments incoastal communities.\r\nTheDigitalCoastActauthorizes the next phase incoastal mapping at NOAA, delivering local leaders essential information for responding to bluff erosion, high lake levels, and economic development needs.The bill supports further development of the current project, including increasing access to uniform, up-to-date data to help communities get thecoastal data they need to respond to emergencies, plan for long-termcoastal resilience, and manage their water resources.\r\n\r\nSupporters of the bipartisanDigitalCoastActinclude Quantum Spatial, Inc., The Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, Association of State Floodplain Managers, U.S. GEO, National Society of Professional Surveyors, National States Geographic Information Council, MAPPS (a national association of geospatial firms), American Planning Association,Coastal States Organization, National Association of Counties, and theDigitalCoastal Partnership Advocacy Coalition. Read what supporters are saying about theDigitalCoastActhere.\r\nMore information on theDigitalCoastActis availablehere.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/solarium-co-chairs-welcome-26-recommendations-2021-national-defense", "Solarium Co-Chairs Welcome 26 Recommendations in 2021 National Defense Authorization Act", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Co-Chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission today welcomed the news that 25 of their recommendations for improving the United States' cybersecurity posture have been incorporated into the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)  representing the most comprehensive and forward-looking piece of national cybersecurity in the nation's history.\nThe conference report, which resolved differences between the Senate and House versions of the NDAA, also includes more than 50 cyberprovisions developed and incorporated by Congressional staff members  reflecting the result of hundreds of hours of thoughtful discussion to continue forming the United States 21stCentury Cyberdoctrine.It represents an equal or greater amount of collaboration from key Congressional leaders, most significantly Cyberspace Solarium Commissioners Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI).\nThe Cyberspace Solarium Commission started as a provision in the 2019 NDAA, and is pleased to see more than two dozen of our key priorities and recommendations accepted and adopted to protect our national security interests, our economy, and our increasingly-connected way of life, said Co-Chairs Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI).From the first day we embarked on crafting America's cyberdoctrine, we were determined to create a plan of action, not a report collecting dust on a shelf.It is only because of the hard work and commitment of our commissioners, and tireless staff that we were able to create such a robust report earlier this year; it is due to them that we were able to inform national policy on such a remarkable level.\"\nMany will note the inclusion of our top priority  the National Cyber Director  within this final legislation.We thank Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) for his leadership in getting this provision into the final conference report.\nThe bill, released this week, makes meaningful progress on improving the state of America's cyber defenses, reorganizing the government to successfully partner with the private sector to combat growing cyber threats, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of federal government agencies, and setting in motion critical processes like Continuity of the Economy Planning.\nThe Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommendations included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act are:\n 1752 - Establish the National Cyber Director and the Office of the National Cyber Director (CSC Recommendation 1.3): Establishes a National Cyber Director within the Executive Office of the President to serve in a Senate-confirmed capacity as the President's principal cyber advisor and provide a nexus for cybersecurity leadership in the White House.\n\t9603 - Continuity of the Economy Plan (CSC Recommendation 3.2): Mandates the creation of a Continuity of the Economy planning effort to ensure the rapid restart and recovery of the U.S. economy after a major disruption.\n\t1715 - Establishment in DHS of the Joint Cyber Planning Office (CSC Recommendation 5.4): Establishes a Joint Cyber Planning Office under CISA, to facilitate comprehensive planning of defensive cybersecurity campaigns across federal departments and agencies and the private sector.\n\t1731 - Establishment of an Integrated Cybersecurity Center (CSC Recommendation 5.3): Directs the executive branch to submit a report to Congress evaluating the Federal cybersecurity centers and the potential for better coordination of Federal cybersecurity efforts at an integrated cybersecurity center within CISA.\n\t1745 - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Review (CSC Recommendation 1.4): Tasks DHS with conducting a comprehensive review of the ability of the CISA to fulfill its current missions and implement the recommendations detailed by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.\n\t9001 - Department of Homeland Security CISA Director(CSC Recommendation 1.4): Administrative changes to strengthen the Director position at CISA.\n\t1718 - Cybersecurity Advisory Committee (CSC Recommendation 1.4): Establishes a Cybersecurity Advisory Committee to advise DHS/CISA.\n\t1716 - Administrative Subpoena Authority for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CSC Recommendation 5.1.3): Grants administrative subpoena authority to CISA in order to identify vulnerable systems and notify public and private system owners.\n\t1705 - Strengthening Federal Networks (CSC Recommendation 1.4): Authorizes CISA to perform threat hunting identification on federal networks, and for other purposes.\n\t9002 - Codify Sector Risk Management Agencies (CSC Recommendation 3.1): Codifies Sector Specific Agencies as Sector Risk Management Agencies, establishing minimum responsibilities and requirements for identifying, assessing, and assisting in managing risk for the critical infrastructure sectors under their purview.\n\t1744 - Creation of a Biennial National Cyber Exercise (CSC Recommendation 3.3.5): Establishes a federal government cyber exercise to be conducted every two years for ten years to include federal, state, and private sector stakeholders, as well as international partners.\n\t1728 - Assessing Private-Public Collaboration in Cybersecurity (CSC Recommendation 5.4.1): Requires the Department of Defense to assess of the impact of the current Pathfinder initiative, the Department's support to and integration with existing Federal cybersecurity centers, and comparable initiatives led by other Federal departments or agencies that support long-term public-private cybersecurity collaboration and make recommendations for improvements.\n\t1729 - Clarifying the Cyber Capabilities and Interoperability of the National Guard (CSC Recommendation 3.3.6): Directs the Department of Defense to evaluate statutes, rules, regulations, and standards that pertain to the use of the National Guard for the response to and recovery from significant cyber incidents.\n\t1706 - Improvement Relating to the Quadrennial Cyber Posture Review (CSC Recommendation 6.1 and 6.1.3): Directs the DoD to conduct a force structure assessment of the Cyber Mission Force to ensure that the United States has the appropriate force structure and capabilities in light of growing mission requirements and expectations, in both scope and scale.\n\t1746 - Report on Enabling U.S. Cyber Command Resource Allocation (CSC Recommendation 6.1.1): \n\t1730 - Evaluation of non-traditional cyber support to the Department of Defense (CSC Recommendation 6.1.7): Requires an assessment from DoD on the need for, and requirements of, a cyber reserve force.\n\t1737 - Defense Industrial Base Participation in a Threat Intelligence Sharing Program (CSC Recommendation 6.2.1): \n\t1739 - Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Threat Hunting and Sensing, Discovery, and Mitigation (CSC Recommendation 6.2.2):\n\t1722 - Report on the risk to national security posed by quantum computing technologies (CSC Recommendation 6.2.4): Mandates the comprehensive assessment of the threats and risks posed by quantum technologies to national security systems.\n\t1747 - Ensuring Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command and Control Systems (CSC Recommendation 6.2): \n\t1712 - Modification of Requirements Relating to the Strategic Cyber Security Program and the Evaluation of Cyber Vulnerabilities of Major Weapon Systems of the Department of Defense (CSC Recommendation 6.2): Tasks the Department of Defense with developing a comprehensive plan for the annual assessment of cyber vulnerabilities of major weapon systems of the Department of Defense, sharing lessons learned and best practices from the annual assessment of cyber resiliency of nuclear command and control system\n\t9005 - GAO Study of Cybersecurity Insurance (CSC Recommendation 4.4): Calls on the Government Accountability Office to study ways to improve the market for cybersecurity insurance.\n\t9401-9407 -Recruit, Develop, and Retain a Stronger Cyber Workforce (CSC Recommendation 1.5): Enhances the federal government's ability to recruit, develop, and retain its cyber workforce. Changes to NIST NICE and Scholarship for Service.\n\t1719 -Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CSC Recommendation 1.5.a): Authorizes the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program at DHS/CISAa K-12 cyber education initiative.\n\t1714 - Renewing the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC Recommendation 0.0): Reauthorizes the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission through late December 2021 (20 months after report submission). Removes the Commissioners from DoD, FBI, DHS, and ODNI. Halts consultant services, detailees, and any possibility of extension. For the duration of its continuance, CSC will focus on collecting and assessing comments and relevant developments; reviewing implementation; revising, amending, or making new recommendations; providing an annual update to Congress; and concluding activities. CSC will provide assessments of the final report every 10 months.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/stop-student-debt-relief-scams-act-passes-senate", "Senate Unanimously Passes Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.20\n\t\t\t Senate Unanimously Passes Baldwin's Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Student Debt Relief Scams \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan reform will provide more tools to identify and shut down fraudsters who hurt borrowers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisanStop Student Debt Relief Scams Act, legislation that will enhance efforts to identify and shut down student debt relief scams. Baldwin introduced this bipartisan reform back in April 2019 with Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Deb Fischer (R-NE). The legislation now awaits approval from the U.S. House of Representatives before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\n\r\nFar too many students are already struggling with student loan debt, and they deserve to be protected from scammers and bad actors who are preying on their financial security,said Senator Baldwin.The additional repayment relief provided to many borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately also created additional opportunities for fraudsters to do more harm.I'm so proud that my bipartisan reform has unanimously passed the Senate because it is just commonsense to stop these student loan debt relief scams that harmhardworkingAmericansand prevent them from getting ahead.\r\n\r\nWith Americans facingmore than$1.7trillion in student loan debt, borrowers are looking for relief wherever they can find it. Debt relief scams falsely promise borrowers a quick fix with little hassle. These schemes robocall student loan borrowers until they agree to pay thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees for services that are available for free, claiming to reduce or forgive borrowers' student debt.\r\n\r\nIn a March 2018 report, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General recommended that Congress strengthen federal law to help stop scam artists that fraudulently obtain access to borrower's online login credentials, primarily by imposing meaningful financial penalties and prosecuting individuals and entities perpetrating these scams. TheStop Student Debt Relief Scams Actwould accelerate the end to this rampant misconduct.\r\n\r\nTheStop Student Debt Relief Scams Actwill enhance law enforcement and administrative abilities to identify and shut down student debt relief scams. Specifically, the legislation will:\r\n \r\nClarify that it is a federal crime to access U.S. Department of Education information technology systems for fraud, commercial advantage, or private financial gain, and impose fines on scammers for violations of the law;\r\nDirect the U.S. Department of Education to create a new form of third-party access, akin to the current preparer function on the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for those applying on behalf of a student and their family, in order to protect legitimate organizations;\r\nRequire the U.S. Department of Education to maintain common-sense reporting, detection, and prevention activities to stop potential or known debt relief scams; and\r\nRequire student loan exit counseling to warn federal loan borrowers about debt relief scams.\r\n \r\n\r\nThis bill is endorsed by the Education Finance Council, Generation Progress, National Consumer Law Center(on behalf of its low-income clients), National Council of Higher Education Resources, Student Loan Servicing Alliance, The Institute for College Access and Success, and Young Invincibles.\r\n\r\nMore information about this legislation is availablehere. The full bill text is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-maloney-bill-honoring-purple-heart-recipients-heads-president-s-desk", "Gallagher, Maloney Bill Honoring Purple Heart Recipients Heads to Presidents Desk", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) today applauded the House passage of their bipartisan National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act. The bill, which was passed by unanimous consent, requires the U.S. Mint to create a commemorative coin honoring Purple Heart recipients and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. The bill now awaits the President's signature to become law.\nBehind every Purple Heart is a story of incredible bravery and sacrifice on behalf of our country, said Rep. Mike Gallagher. This bill helps ensure that the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor can continue to tell these stories for generations to come, and provides Purple Heart recipients with well-deserved recognition of their heroism. I couldn't be prouder to work with Rep. Maloney on this legislation and look forward to seeing the President sign it into law.\nSupporting our veterans and honoring our Purple Heart recipients is something we can all agree with  and this bipartisan bill proves that. I'm proud this bill, which I've worked for years to pass, is headed to the President's desk, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. This bill honors our Purple Heart veterans, bolsters the important work of the Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, and brings business to the West Point Mint right here in the Hudson Valley. I thank Senator Schumer, the dedicated team at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, and the Purple Heart Honor Mission for their partnership in making this bill a law.\nThe National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins at the United States Mint at West Point for the 2022 year. After production costs are recouped by the U.S. Treasury, proceeds from sales of the coin will be directed to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Inc. Those resourceswill help the organization augment their Honor Flight style Purple Heart Patriot Project program and create a new Mobile Tribute and Education Center that will visit communities across the nation bringing the story of the Purple Heart to a whole new generation of Americans.\nThe PurpleHeart is one of the oldest and most recognized American military medals, awarded to service members who were killed or wounded by enemy action. General George Washington named West Point the most important strategic position in America during the Revolutionary War which is when the military decoration first originated. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor's mission is to collect and preserve the stories of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service and across generations to serve as a living memorial to their sacrifice.\nThe National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act has been endorsed by: The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Senator Bob Dole, Armed Forces Marketing Council, American Military Retirees Association, American Military Society, AMVETS, Army Navy Union, Association of the United States Navy, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., Korean War Veterans Foundation, Military Order of Foreign Wars, National Defense Committee, National Enlisted Reserve Association, Reserve Officers Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, The Flag and General Officers Network, The Retired Enlisted Association, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/president-of-egypt-to-release-detained-human-rights-advocates", "Baldwin and Pocan Lead Lawmakers in Calling on President of Egypt to Immediately Release Wrongfully Detained Human Rights Advocates", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.25.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin and Pocan Lead Lawmakers in Calling on President of Egypt to Immediately Release Wrongfully Detained Human Rights Advocates \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The lawmakers also urge President al-Sisi to cease other arrests and end smear campaigns against civil rights organizations in Egypt \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Following the baseless detainment of human rights advocatesby security forces in Egypt,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI-02) are leading their Congressional colleagues in calling on EgyptianPresident Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to unconditionally release the detained human rights advocates,immediately cease other arrests and endthesmear campaign against civilrightsorganizations in Egypt.\r\nDuring the week of November 15, Egyptian security forces arrested Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) staff members Mohamed Basheer, Karim Ennarah, and Gasser Abdelrazek on baseless chargesfollowing a meeting with European ambassadors. Meanwhile, a coordinated smear campaign against EIPR is occurring in state-affiliated Egyptian media outlets, adding concerns that these politically-motivated efforts are intended to silence human rights defenders.\r\nIn their letter to President al-Sisi, the lawmakers write,Punishing one of Egypt's most prominent and respected human rights organizations for nothing more than carrying out its work is an alarming attack on Egypt's civil society community.\r\n\r\nFollowing the arrests of EIPR staff, on November 23, Gasser Abdelrazek told his lawyers he has been kept in solitary confinement, provided only a metal bed with no mattress, and insufficient clothing to keep him warm. This adds to the lawmakers' strong concerns with inhumane living conditions in Egypt's prisons, including allegations of mistreatment and torture.\r\n\r\nBaldwin, Pocan and the lawmakers continue,These arrests of EIPR staff following meetings with foreign officials suggest that your government is seeking to criminalize engagement with foreign diplomats. Foreign governments must be able to meet with civil society organizations in Egyptas they can and do freely in countries all over the worldwithout fear of retaliation. Engagement with local civil society is a vital component of international diplomacy. Governments and institutions around the world rely on analysis and reporting from these organizations to inform our understanding of human rights, including in Egypt.\r\nThe wrongful arrest of human rights defenders, use of arbitrary and extended detention to hold political prisoners, and other gross violations of human rights is inconsistent with the democratic norms the U.S. expects from its international security partners. Continuing these recent actions and ongoing crackdowns on civil society organizations undermines U.S.-Egyptian relations and sends a clear signal to us that this is not a relationship Egypt values.\r\n\r\nIn the Senate, the letter was also signed by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).In the House, the letter was also signed by Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), Barbara Lee (D-CA-09), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Brad Sherman (D-CA-27), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05), Katie Porter (D-CA-45), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Jess G. Chuy Garca (D-IL-04), David Cicilline (D-RI-01), David Trone (D-MD-06), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-07), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ral M. Grijalva (D-AZ-03), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), Andr Carson (D-IN-07) and David Price (D-NC-04).\r\nThe full letter is availableHERE.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-robust-funding-for-state-to-distribute-covid-19-vaccines", "Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Robust Funding for State and Local Governments to Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.23.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Robust Funding for State and Local Governments to Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Public health experts have estimated that a minimum of $8.4 billion is needed for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today joined her colleagues, led by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), in urging Congressional leaders to provide robust funding to ensure the swift distribution of COVID-19 vaccines as a part of any upcoming legislation to address the pandemic.\r\nRecent reports indicate that several COVID-19 vaccine candidates have demonstrated encouraging safety and efficacy data, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will soon begin reviewing at least one vaccine for emergency use authorization. However, even if a vaccine is ready for distribution as soon as next month, many state and local governments still lack the proper funding needed to distribute vaccines. According to arecent lettersent by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) to congressional leaders, a minimum of $8.4 billion is needed distribute COVID-19 vaccines nationwide. Some experts even estimated that $10 billion is required in order to fundcommunity vaccination clinicsalone.\r\nFor months, as states, territories, Indian Tribes, and other localities have been responding to COVID-19 and working tirelessly to keep their residents safe, they have also been preparing to undertake one of the largest vaccination efforts in our nation's history,the lawmakers wrote in a letter sent today to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.To accomplish this, jurisdictions must recruit and train thousands of health care workers, modernize data systems and registries, stand up vaccination sites, develop communications and educational materials, and build and support the infrastructure needed to distribute multiple types and doses of COVID-19 vaccines, among other activities.\r\nTo ensure that jurisdictions throughout the country are well-positioned to immediately, efficiently, and equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines as they become available, we respectfully request that any upcoming legislation to address the pandemic include robust funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts,the lawmakers concluded.\r\nIn addition to Baldwin and Booker, this letter was also signed by SenatorsMichael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Tom Carper (D-DE).\r\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/transition-resources-for-president-elect-biden", "Baldwin, Peters & Colleagues Urge GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Peters & Colleagues Urge GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Delay in Providing Resources to Biden Transition Creates Unacceptable Risks to Pandemic Response & National Security \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and their colleagues in callingon General Services Administration(GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy to end her unprecedented delay, immediately ascertainVice President Joe Biden as President-Elect and Senator Kamala Harris as Vice President-Elect, and make available the transition resources that are provided by law. This delay creates unacceptable risks to national security and COVID-19 pandemic response efforts as the United States passed more than 250,000 coronavirus-related deaths this week. \r\n\r\nThe United States is in the midst of a pandemic that has now claimed over 250,000 lives, with the number of new cases rising daily. Our country also faces a number of ongoing threats, including physical and cyber-attacks from foreign actors, violence from domestic extremists, and natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes,wrote the Senators.\r\nThe GSA Administrator's ascertainment of a President-elect is also critical for agencies' willingness to share information with the transition team, including classified information, as well as for the expeditious processing of security clearances for candidates for high-level national security positions. Your delay in acknowledging Vice President Biden's status as President-elect could undermine efforts by the incoming Administration to meet the needs of the American people in a time of national emergency,continued the Senators.\r\nUnder thePresidential Transition Act,GSA is charged with providing resources and support to the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect so they can be ready to govern from Day One. Administrator Murphy must complete the ascertainment process to allow the President-Elect's transition team to receive needed information from agency officials at public health and national security agencies, ensure incoming national security officials can receive background checks and access to classified information and provide federal funding and resources to support the transition process.\r\n\r\nA smooth and efficient transition is one of the hallmarks of American democracy. With the exception of the Presidential election in 2000 and the resulting recount, ascertainment by GSA normally happens within a day after a winner is declared, including in 2008 and 2016. The bipartisan 9/11 Commission found that the shortened transition following the 2000 recount created serious vulnerabilities, including delays related to key national security appointments.\r\n\r\nJoining Baldwin and Peters in sending the letter were Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Doug Jones (D-AL).\r\nThe full letter is available below andhere.\r\n\r\n\r\nDear Administrator Murphy,\r\n\r\nWe are writing to express deep concern regarding reports that the General Services Administration (GSA) has delayed providing President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with the resources they need to ensure a timely and efficient presidential transition. We urge you to immediately ascertain Vice President Biden as President-elect and Senator Harris as Vice President-elect and allow the transition team to receive the resources required under the law. We also request an urgent briefing on steps GSA is taking to ensure an orderly transition.\r\n\r\nThe United States is in the midst of a pandemic that has now claimed over 250,000 lives, with the number of new cases rising daily. Our country also faces a number of ongoing threats, including physical and cyber attacks from foreign actors, violence from domestic extremists, and natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes.The independent, bipartisan 9/11 Commission cited the shortened transition timeline for then President-elect George W. Bush as a factor in delaying key national security personnel appointments, potentially hampering the new Administration.A timely transition is critical to ensure coordination between the current and incoming Administrations, provide the incoming Administration with the resources they need to immediately address these challenges, and safeguard the public health and our national security.\r\nUnder the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, GSA is charged with providing resources and support to the President-elect and Vice President-elect. Specifically, GSA must provide office space, communication services, funding for transition staff compensation, and other support. In response to a request from the Administration, Congress has appropriated $9.9 million to GSA for transition related activities.The GSA Administrator's ascertainment of a President-elect is also critical for agencies' willingness to share information with the transition team, including classified information, as well as for the expeditious processing of security clearances for candidates for high-level national security positions. Your delay in acknowledging Vice President Biden's status as President-elect could undermine efforts by the incoming Administration to meet the needs of the American people in a time of national emergency.\r\n\r\nThis delay is also unprecedented. In both 2008 and 2016, President-elect Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump, respectively, were recognized by the GSA Administrator as President-elect within a day of the general election.In 2000, this decision was delayed due to an ongoing court case regarding less than 1,000 votes in a single statea far closer election than this one. The results of this election are clear. Vice President Biden will be the next President of the United States, and Senator Harris will be the next Vice President. It is past time to recognize the will of the American people so that the work of government can continue.\r\n\r\nThe orderly transition of power from one President to another is a bedrock principle of our democracy and one of GSA's most important duties. We urge you to fulfill your responsibilities, ascertain Vice President Biden as President-elect and Senator Harris as Vice President-elect, and provide their transition team with the resources the law requires. We also request that, no later than November 23, 2020, GSA provide a briefing to staff of the Committees on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Appropriations, and Environment and Public Works regarding the presidential transition process and the support that GSA has provided to date.\r\nThank you for your attention to this critical matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-colleagues-introduce-bill-ban-malign-chinese-companies-exploiting-us", "Gallagher, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ban Malign Chinese Companies from Exploiting U.S. Financial Markets", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"The Chinese Communist Party is engaged in a relentless campaign to dominate the critical technologies of tomorrow. Unfortunately, it receives unwitting assistance from many Americans who have no idea their hard-earned investments are directly financing many of these malign actors,\"said Rep. Gallagher. \"This legislation builds on the President's actions against Communist Chinese military companies last week, and takes decisive action to defend our capital marketsand our technological superiorityagainst threats to our way of life.\n\t\n\tThe Chinese Communist Party regularly breaches America's shores to steal our intellectual property, engage in espionage, feed off our markets, and more. The U.S. must counter the CCP's efforts to take advantage of our free and open system here at home, in addition to doing all we can to counter the CCP's malign activities abroad. This legislation is a critical step toward making sure that CCP military companies can no longer exploit U.S. markets in support of China's pernicious power projection, nuclear build-up, grave human rights abuses, and other malign activities,\"said Rep. Liz Cheney.\n\t\n\tU.S. capital markets are the envy of the world. Access to these markets is a privilege and we should be under no obligation to allow our adversaries, that intend to do us harm, access. This bill protects our markets from exploitation and bans companies with ties to the CCP and their military, espionage, and human rights abuses,\"said Rep. Chris Stewart.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-expand-apprenticeship-opportunities-and-invest", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities and Invest in Wisconsin Workers", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday,Rep. Ron Kindvoted for thebipartisanNational Apprenticeship Act of 2020. This legislation reauthorizes theNational Apprenticeship Actfor the first time since its enactment in 1937 and would create nearly 1 million additional apprenticeship opportunities. Registered Apprenticeships  which provide apprentices with paid, on-the-job training  are the country's most successful federal workforce training program.\nExpanding access to apprenticeship opportunities will connect Wisconsin workers with stable, good-paying jobs and accelerate our economic recovery. According to the Department of Labor, 94% of people who complete Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) are employed upon completion and earn an average starting wage of more than $70,000 annually. Additionally, this legislation would yield $10.6 billion in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased tax revenue and decreased spending on public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance. \nThroughout Wisconsin, I often hear from folks about the importance of hands-on training, and the leg up it gives as they apply for jobs and enter the workforce, saidRep. Ron Kind. Expanding access to apprenticeships will give people the tools and expertise they need to find good-paying jobs right here in Wisconsin. As our nation continues to face serious economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm proud to vote for bipartisan legislation that invests in our greatest resource  our workers  to help Wisconsin build back stronger than ever. \nTheNational Apprenticeship Act of 2020would expand apprenticeship opportunities by codifying and streamlining standards for Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship programs to make it easier for apprentices and employers to participate in high-quality apprenticeships; codifying the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship; and establishing a grant program to support the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, including pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=583A68A5-BE01-4F37-B15B-03F3A8CAB2C1", "Johnson Presses USTR Regarding Tariff Exclusion Extension Requests", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-1) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizerregarding the Section 301 tariff exclusion process as a number of Wisconsin businesses have expressed concerns and frustration with the process carried out by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).\r\nUSTR granted exclusions from the imposed tariffs to some of these businesses for one year on May 14, 2019, due to either the tariff causing severe economic harm to the business or China being the only source for the product. The businesses requestedanother one-year extension of the exclusion request due to China remainingthe only source for the product or the tariff continuing tocause severe economic harm to the business.\r\nMany Wisconsin businesses have hadtheir exclusionextension requests denied by USTRwithout explanation.This letterrequests that USTR provide information on the rationale for the denials to Wisconsin businesses and generally, an explanation of USTR's process for reviewing these requests.\r\nThe members wrote: As we have repeatedly warned, the trade war places U.S. manufacturers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage to businesses in other countries. The winners from the trade war are Washington lobbyists, trade lawyers, and politically connected businesses and industries while hard-working and earnest businesses in Wisconsin and across the country suffer the negative economic consequences.We urge the Administration to listen to the stories of these businesses, and end the self-inflicted harm from the trade war.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be viewed here and below.\r\n\r\n\r\nNovember 19, 2020\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Robert E. Lighthizer\r\nUnited States Trade Representative\r\n600 17th Street NW\r\nWashington, DC 20508\r\n\r\nDear Ambassador Lighthizer:\r\nWhile we appreciate the President's concerns with unfair trade practices between our nation and our trading partners, for more than two years, many Wisconsin businesses and farmers alerted me to the supply chain disruptions, increased compliance burdens, decreased international competitiveness, lost market access, and other unintended consequences resulting from this trade war. We write to you today about the Section 301 tariff exclusion process, as a number of Wisconsin businesses expressed concerns and frustration with this process carried out by your office. We write to request information regarding the exclusions filed by these businesses.\r\nOn July 6, 2018, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) imposed a 25 percent tariff on $34 billion worth of goods from China.1 USTR issued a notice on July 11, 2018 establishing a process for businesses to request an exclusion for particular products,2 de- scribing factors that a business seeking an exclusion would need to demonstrate for an exclusion to be granted. After receiving the exclusion request, USTR would determine whether the exclusion would undermine the objective of the Section 301 investigation.3\r\nOn May 14, 2019, USTR announced a number of granted product exclusions to apply retroactively to July 6, 2018.4 These exclusions included a number of products under Heading 9903.88.08, including water filtration and purification products. 5 One such exclusion was for an apparatus, including pitchers, bottles, and unites designed for incorporation into refrigerators, appliances or sink faucets, the foregoing fitted with filters for filtering or purifying water. 6 However, following this one year exclusion period, a Wisconsin manufacturer requested USTR                                                              \r\n\r\n1 Off. of the U.S. Trade Rep., Notice of Product Exclusions: China's Act's Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation, 83 Fed. Reg. 248 (Dec. 28, 2018), available at https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/301Investigations/2018-28277.pdf.\r\n2 Procedures To Consider Requests for Exclusion of Particular Products From the Determination of Action Pursuant to Section 301: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and In- novation, 83 Fed. Reg. 32,181 (July I l, 2018).\r\n3 Id.\r\n4 Notice of Product Exclusions: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation, 84 Fed. Reg. 21,389 (May 14, 2019).\r\n5 Id.\r\n6 Id.\r\n\r\n\r\nfor an extension of the exclusion.' On May 15, 2020, USTR issued a notice of product exclusions in the Federal Register that did not include an extension for this particular exclusion for a water filtration apparatus for drinking water but did grant extension requests for exclusion for a water filtration apparatus for waste water.'\r\nThis Wisconsin manufacturer is frustrated by what appears to be a completely arbitrary process at USTR, given that an extension was granted for another water filtration apparatus.\r\nMoreover, the manufacturer questioned how USTR could make a determination that the product is only available from China or the tariff would cause severe economic harm in May of 2019, and one year later, come to a completely different decision despite no additional suppliers entering the market or no less severity in the costs resulting from the tariff.\r\nUnfortunately, other Wisconsin manufacturers are facing the same arbitrary and opaque process as well. One outboard marine engine manufacturer received an exclusion in 2018, but USTR denied its exclusion extension request one year later.9 USTR granted exclusions for other Wisconsin manufacturers of medical devices, auto parts and other goods, only to deny exclusion extension requests despite the manufacturers still being subject to the same factors for which USTR granted the exclusions. 10 These manufacturers are now facing increased costs from Section 301 tariffs that their international competitors do not suffer.' '\r\nDespite months of' requests from my staff to your office,' it is still unclear what factors allowed USTR to make two distinctly different determinations on these and other exclusion ex- tension requests. For instance, did alternative suppliers enter the market, or do the tariffs no longer cause severe economic harm to the businesses? Additionally, the process chosen by USTRto post notices on the Federal Registerprovides no context or justification for the denial to U.S. businesses. This system presents due process concerns as businesses are not being told why their exclusion extension requests are denied.\r\nTo better understand the exclusion extension denials by USTR for requests from Wisconsin businesses, please provide the specific justification for each denial of an exclusion extension\r\n\r\n\r\n7 Email from Wis. Bus. Owner to Majority Staff, S. Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (July 22, 2020, 10:37 NDT} (on file with Committee staff).\r\n8 Notice of Product Exclusion Extensions: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual. Property, and Innovation, 85 Fed. Reg. 29,505 (May 15, 2020).\r\n9 Email from Wis.. Bus. Owner to Majority Staff, S. Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Mar. 20, 2020, 12:49 EDT) (on file with Committee staff).\r\n10 Email from Wis. Bus. Owner to Majority Staff, S. Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Sep. 01, 2020, 10:43 EDT) (on file with Committee staff); Email from Wis. Bus. Owner to Majority Staff, S. Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Aug. 12, 2020, 10:I I EDT) (on file with Committee staff); Email from Wis. Bus. Owner to Majority Staff, S. Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Aug. 18, 2020, 6'S7 EDT) (on file with Committee staff).\r\n11 Id.\r\n12 Phone Call from Majority Staff, S. Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Staff to Off. of the\r\nU.S. Trade Rep. (Mar. 19, 2020); Email from Majority Staff, S. Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to Off. of the U,S. Trade Rep. .(May 19, 2020, 17:1 I EDI) (on file with Committee staff); Phone Call from Majority Staff, S. Comm, on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to Off. of the U.S. Trade Rep. (May 29, 2020).\r\n  \r\n\r\nrequest from Section 301 tariffs submitted by an entity incorporated or headquartered in Wisconsin. We respectfully request this information as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m. on December 4, 2020.\r\n\r\nAs we have repeatedly warned, the trade war places U.S. manufacturers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage to businesses in other countries. The winners from the trade war are Washington lobbyists, trade lawyers, and politically connected businesses and industries while hard-working and earnest businesses in Wisconsin and across the country suffer the negative economic consequences. We urge the Administration to listen to the stories of these businesses, and end the self-inflicted harm from the trade war.\r\n\r\nRespectfully,\r\n\r\nRon Johnson Bryan Steil\r\nUnited States Senator U.S. Representative\r\n\r\ncc: Mr. Lawrence Kudlow\r\n  Director, National Economic Council\r\n\r\n   Mr. Tyler Goodspeed\r\n   Acting Chairman, Council of Economic Advisors\r\n\r\n   Dr. Peter Navarro\r\n   Director, National Trade Council", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/fox-6-senator-baldwin-on-the-urgent-need-to-stopthespread-of-covid-19-in-wisconsin", "Fox 6: Senator Baldwin on the Urgent Need to #StopTheSpread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wdio-senator-tammy-baldwin-on-passing-new-relief-legislation-to-combat-covid-19-and-save-lives", "WDIO: Senator Tammy Baldwin on Passing New Relief Legislation to Combat COVID-19 and Save Lives", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wgba-senator-baldwin-urges-wisconsinites-to-stay-safe-to-stopthespread-of-covid-19-in-wisconsin", "WGBA: Senator Baldwin Urges Wisconsinites to Stay Safe to #StopTheSpread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/price-negotiations-remdesivir", "Baldwin, Colleagues Request Information on HHS Price Negotiations for COVID-19 Antiviral Drug Remdesivir, Urge the Trump Administration to Ensure Access and Affordability", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Colleagues Request Information on HHS Price Negotiations for COVID-19 Antiviral Drug Remdesivir, Urge the Trump Administration to Ensure Access and Affordability \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators Seek Use of Compulsory Licensing Authority to Cut Costs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S.Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)joined SenatorsElizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN),BernieSanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH)to send aletter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar requesting an update on HHS pricing negotiations with Gilead Sciences, the maker of theCOVID-19 antiviral drug remdesivir, including whether HHS plans to challenge Gilead's monopoly control of the drug in order to lower costs and ensure the treatment is accessible.\r\n\r\nLast month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its first full approval for a COVID-19 therapeutic to Gilead Sciences' remdesivir, an antiviral drug that has demonstrated moderate effectiveness in shortening the median recovery time from 15 days to 11 days for patients hospitalized with COVID-19.\r\n\r\nIn July, the lawmakersfirst raised questions with Secretary Azar about the exorbitant cost of the therapyfor U.S. insurers, consumers, and taxpayers, and have not yet received a response. Under an agreement with HHS, Gilead charged U.S. hospitals $3,200 per treatment coursefor Remdesivirthe highest price in the world, $860 more than other developed countries. That difference represented a revenue windfall for Gilead of nearly half a billion dollars under the company's agreement with HHS for half a million treatment courses.\r\n\r\nIn their letter, the Senators urge the Trump administration to invoke its compulsory licensing authority under 28 USC  1498 which allows the federal government to authorize production of the drug.\r\n\r\nGilead has licensed generic manufacturers to produce the drug for other countries, further driving down the price abroad, and the federal government canand shoulddo the same in the United States,the senators wrote.\r\n\r\nIn addition to requesting a response to their July 16 letter, the Senators asked a series of questionsregarding HHS's current status of pricing negotiations with Gilead, and whether officials plan to use the federal procurement and production authorities available under theCARES Actand theDefense Production Actto ensure access to the drug. The senators have requested a response to their letter no later than November 30, 2020.\r\n\r\nFull text of the letter is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/internet-exchange-act-2020", "Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Reform to Improve Internet Access in Rural America Passes Senate Commerce Committee", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin's Bipartisan Reform to Improve Internet Access in Rural America Passes Senate Commerce Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the Senate Commerce Committee passed theInternet Exchange (IX) Act(S. 1166), legislation authored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to help improve internet access for consumers, especially those in rural areas. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.\r\nWe need to strengthen our internet infrastructure to better serve Middle America and rural communities, and improve the online experience for people in all parts of our country,said Senator Baldwin.I'm proud that my bipartisan measure earned the approval of the Senate Commerce Committee today because it will help expand broadband access across our country. By investing in our internet infrastructure and adding more internet exchanges in Wisconsin and throughout the heartland, we canhelp more rural households and rural businesses gain better access to high-speed internet.\r\nInternet Exchanges (IXs) are physical locations where networks come together  they allow subscribers of different internet service providers to communicate with one another. IXs also provide opportunities for content delivery networks (CDNs) and others to cache content closer to end-users, thus reducing latency and increasing network efficiency to improve the online experience for consumers, especially in rural areas.\r\nIX facilities provide opportunities for data centers and cloud computing to be collocated at IX sites, thus increasing efficiency and boosting local economies. Currently, IXs are concentrated in big cities and in the coastal states.\r\nThis legislation authorizes matching grants to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help establish new IX facilities where none exist, or to help an existing one expand.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/protect-our-heroes-act-2020", "As COVID-19 Cases Continue To Climb, Senator Baldwin and Colleagues Unveil the Protect Our Heroes Act of 2020 to Increase Production of Critical PPE, Address N-95 Mask Shortages Facing Health Care Workers", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.20\n\t\t\t As COVID-19 Cases Continue To Climb, Senator Baldwin and Colleagues Unveil the Protect Our Heroes Act of 2020 to Increase Production of Critical PPE, Address N-95 Mask Shortages Facing Health Care Workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Bill Authorizes $10 Billion for the Strategic National Stockpile to Purchase Personal Protective Equipment, Including N-95 Masks \r\n  \r\n The Protect Our Heroes Act Of 2020 Uses The Defense Production Act As Well As FEMA And HHS Authorities To Spur Development, Investment And Production Of Medical Supplies Needed To Combat COVID-19 \r\n  \r\n Senate Democrats' New Bill Will Provide $1 Billion In Grants For Small Businesses That Retool Domestic Facilities To Produce Critical PPE \r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today helped unveil theProtect Our Heroes Actof 2020, legislation that will increase the production of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) like N-95 masks and improve the transparency of the supply and distribution of medical supplies needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Baldwin joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Gary Peters (D-MI), and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing this reform.\r\n\r\nThe bill is introduced as coronavirus cases are spiking in Wisconsin and across the country, and as frontline health care workers are facing shortages of critical protective equipment.The Senate Democrats' bill authorizes $10 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to purchase critical PPE, including N-95 masks, nitrile gloves, gowns, face shields, surgical masks, and more. This investment will provide certainty to manufacturers that there will be a market when they scale up their production.\r\n\r\nSince this public health crisis started, the Trump administration has offered broken promises and failed leadership,said Senator Baldwin. Now, Wisconsin is experiencing the worst COVID-19 outbreak since this pandemic began, breaking records for new infections, hospitalizations and deaths. Our frontline health care workers still don't have the supplies they need. TheProtect Our Heroes Act of 2020will increase production of personal protective equipment and make sure our frontline workers have it to protect themselves, treat patients and save lives.\r\nTheProtect Our Heroes Actuses the Defense Production Act (DPA) as well as authorities in the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to spur the development, investment, and production of critical PPE, addressing requests fromgovernors. TheProtect Our Heroes Act of 2020also authorizes $1 billion for the Small Business Administration to providegrants for small businesses that retool domestic facilities to produce critical protective equipment over the next two years, with preferences available for minority-owned and other underserved small businesses as well as those owned by service disabled veterans with considerations for other veteran-owned businesses.\r\n\r\nFinally, the bill requires the federal government to release reports regularly on the supplies needed to fight COVID-19 and provide direction for bolstering domestic manufacturing to provide those supplies. It also mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provide recommendations on how the President may use existing authorities to purchase a sufficient supply of PPE to combat this virus.\r\nWe all remember the early days of the crisis, when health care professionals in some parts of the country were forced to jury-rig masks and gloves from spare clothing and bits of string. In my home state of New Yorknursing homes alone were burning through 12 million pieces of PPE a week during the height of the pandemic in April,saidLeader Schumer. The recent surge in cases might bring us all back to, or beyond, the peak levels we saw earlier this year, which is why we must do everything in our power to avoid a repeat of the widespread PPE shortages, particularly N-95 masks. The Protect Our Heroes Act of 2020 will help ensure that these heroes have the resources they need to do their jobs, serve our country and help save us from this pandemic.\r\nManaging the supply chain to ensure adequate PPE is pandemic response 101, yet months into this crisis the Trump Administration still hasn't learned its lesson,said Senator Murray.Shortages of PPE can put lives in danger, put strain on hospitals, nursing homes, other health care facilities, and testing facilities, and can even hinder vaccine administration when the time comes. It's inexcusable that across the country health professionals are still being forced to reuse PPE and states, Tribes, communities, and medical facilities are being left to fend for themselves and bid against each other for scarce supplies. I'm pushing for this legislation to provide much needed funding to ramp up PPE production, and I hope to work with the incoming Biden Administration to provide something else that has been severely lacking as wellfederal leadership.\r\nProviding personal protective equipment to frontline workers like doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery workers, and others will help save lives as cases continue to rise in Michigan and across the country,said Senator Peters.This bill provides the funding and ability for the government to incentivize manufacturers and small businesses in the U.S., and especially those in Michigan, to produce this critical equipment. It will also help provide small businesses with the resources to protect their employees and customers so that they can continue to safely serve their local communities. I am proud to help introduce this commonsense legislation that will help prevent the spread of this virus, support the expansion of domestic PPE production, and ensure our communities are better prepared for future outbreaks.\r\nFrontline workers are putting everything on the line to protect us against the COVID-19 pandemic and, as the virus rages on, many of them still lack the critical personal protective equipment they desperately need. That's completely unacceptable,said Senator Murphy. I'm proud to team up with Senator Schumer and Senator Murray in introducing legislation tomake sure our health care workers have equipment to protect themselves and provide the best care for patients in the fight against COVID-19.\r\nA summary of theProtect Our Heroes Act of 2020can be foundHEREand below:\r\n\r\nProtect Our Heroes Act of 2020\r\n\r\nOur nation's health care workers continue to protect and serve patients and communities during COVID-19 pandemic reaches new heights across the country. However, this Administration has failed to equip our health care heroes with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they need to do their jobs and save lives. We must ensure that those fighting on the frontlines have enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect themselves, their patients, their communities and their families from this deadly disease.\r\nTherefore, theProtect Our Heroes Actwill:\r\n \r\nProvide $10 billion in funding for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to purchase large quantities of designated PPE, including N-95 masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, and surgical masks.\r\n \r\n \r\nAllow the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other existing authorities to expand the industrial capacity of domestic PPE production, while requiring the Comptroller General of the United States to develop recommendations on further using these authorities.\r\n \r\n \r\nCreate a $1 billion grant program to help small businesses retool domestic facilities to produce critical PPE, with priority given to minority-owned and other underserved small businesses as well as those owned by service disabled veterans with considerations for other veteran-owned small businesses. This proposal also prioritizes small businesses that receive grants through this program when reviewing purchasing order decisions for the SNS.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the federal government to release regular reports on the critical supplies needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including an assessment of the SNS and other stockpiles; direction for bolstering domestic manufacturing to provide critical supplies; plans to meet forecasted needs to combat the virus; a review of the PPE supply chain; and a detailed explanation of the authorities used under the DPA and other authorities to purchase PPE for the SNS.\r\n \r\n \r\nMandate an annual Government Accountability Office report on the country's access to the medial supplies needed to respond to this and future pandemics, as well as the health of the U.S. supply chain.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nThis bill has earned broad support from the very frontline workers it stands to arm with critically needed PPE, including those represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the Service Employees International Union.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-fights-northeast-wisconsin-priorities-water-infrastructure-bill", "Gallagher Fights for Northeast Wisconsin Priorities in Water Infrastructure Bill", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today wrote to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-VA) urging them to keep provisions supporting Northeast Wisconsin in the final version of the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. The final bill, which will authorize projects to strengthen our ports and harbors, inland waterways, and improve flood and storm protection, is being negotiated by a Conference Committee comprised of members of the House and Senate.\n\t\t\n\t\tEarlier this year, I was proud to secure a number of important initiatives for Northeast Wisconsin in the Water Resources and Development Act of 2020,said Rep. Gallagher.As members of the House and Senate negotiate a final agreement, I'm working to ensure they keep these common-sense provisions so our community can properly fund local ports, strengthen flood infrastructure, and better protect the Great Lakes from invasive species.\n\t\t\n\t\tThe House version, whichpassedunanimously on July 29, featured a number of Rep. Gallagher's initiatives, including:\n\t\t\n\t\t Authorization for the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers to conduct a multipurpose study on the Upper Fox River and Wolf River watersheds.This study identifies where flood storage structures can be used to reduce flooding impacts downstream. Flood storage structures improve water quality by filtering nutrients and preventing them from draining into the Lower Fox River and bay of Green Bay.\n\t\t\tAuthorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study on the Lower Fox River basin.This study builds on an earlier study on storage capacity for flood waters in the Lower Fox River. If enacted, this would provide the Army Corps the authority to convene stakeholders for the purpose of discussing jurisdictions and developing a comprehensive agreement on the basin for the purposes of flood mitigation.\n\t\t\tA 12% set-aside in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the Great Lakes Navigation System.Previous legislation included funding for small harbors like the Port of Green Bay, but failed to sufficiently increase the funding to adequate levels. This provision increased the amount allotted to small harbors on the Great Lakes Navigation System from 9.8% to 12%.\n\t\t\tConstruction authorization for Brandon Road Lock and Dam and consideration of additional treatment and control techniques to manage invasive species.This would help prevent the movement of certain invasive species, such as Asian Carp, from the Mississippi and Great Lakes basins.\n\t\t\tClarification that natural and nature-based features can be considered when carrying out Small Flood Control Projects.This allows stakeholders in Northeast Wisconsin to gather data and develop a greater understanding of the efficacy and costs of nature-based solutions, such as wetlands, as a way to help with flood control.\n\t\t \n\t\tThe House and Senate must reach an agreement and pass the final version by the end of the year. Rep. Gallagher's letter can be foundhereand full text of the letter is below:\n\t\t\n\t\n\tDear Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves:\n\t\n\tAs the House and Senate negotiate a final conference agreement of The Water Resources Development Act of 2020, I ask that the Committee give full and fair consideration to a number of proposals contained in the House version of the bill, HR 7575, that will improve flood mitigation, water infrastructure, and the health of our waters. The specific provisions below support the ongoing work done by the US Army Corps of Engineers and will ensure communities across the country, including those in my district, can preserve and protect our nation's water resources.\n\t\n\t Section 102.This section ensures adequate funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the Great Lakes Navigation System.\n\t \n\t Section 114.This section adds a crucial change to flood risk management projects by including natural features and nature-based features to the list of options available for the design of such projects. Floodplains, coastal wetlands, dunes, reefs, and other natural features help break waves, absorb floodwaters, and defend communities against extreme weather events without having to build costly artificial infrastructure.\n\t \n\t Section 115.This section adds natural features and nature-based features to the list of alternatives that must be considered during a feasibility study for flood risk management projects.\n\t \n\t Section 125.This section creates a national policy on the beneficial reuse of dredged material by creating a federal standard, establishing pilot programs, and requiring USACE districts to create five-year regional dredged material management plans.\n\t \n\t Section 201.This section contains important authorizations for feasibility studies to be conducted by USACE to mitigation the effects of flooding.\n\t \n\t Section 402.This section allows for technologies or measures to be used to manage invasive aquatic species at the Brandon Road project.\n\t \n\tThank you for your consideration of this request and all of your work to ensure passage of this important legislation.\n\t\n\tSincerely,\n\t\n\tMike Gallagher", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-named-ndaa-conference-committee", "Gallagher Named to NDAA Conference Committee", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve on this year's Conference Committee for the National Defense Authorization Act,said Rep. Gallagher.At a time when our country faces a complex set of security challenges, our commitment to strengthening our cyber defenses and countering threats like those posed by the Chinese Communist Party could not be more important. I look forward to working with my colleagues to produce a conference report that not only addresses these challenges but, above all else, ensures our troops have the resources they need to get the job done and come home safe.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor as long as I've known him, Mike has been an innovative thinker, close student of history, and proud patriot. He served his country with distinction as a Marine intelligence officer and has proven to be a forward-looking legislator since arriving to Congress, especially in addressing the China threat. There is no question that our nation will face new and difficult threats in the next decade. But Mike has the intelligence, dedication, and courage to help us both recognize and overcome them. Based on these qualities, he will help get NDAA signed into law,\"said Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-encourages-dairy-farmers-sign-risk-management-program-ahead", "Rep. Ron Kind Encourages Dairy Farmers to Sign Up for Risk-Management Program Ahead of Dec. 11 Deadline", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today,Rep. Ron Kindencouraged Wisconsin dairy farmers to sign up for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2021 ahead of the December 11 deadline. The program offers protection for dairy farmers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.\nInterested dairy farmers can visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency'sDMC webpagefor more information, or contact theirlocal FSA office.\nHere in America's Dairyland, our farmers are not only the backbone of our state and local economies, but also the heart of our communities, saidRep. Ron Kind. However, this year has been incredibly difficult for Wisconsin dairy farmers due to COVID-19. As the farming community continues to cope with the effects of this pandemic and faceother ongoingchallenges, I encourage folks to take advantage of this program. Get in touch with your local FSA office to learn more and sign up by December 11.\nEarlier this year, Rep. Kind introduced hisFamily Farm Rescue Planwhich focused on five concrete steps the Administration could take to support family farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including reopening the DMC program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/vaccines-requiring-ultra-cold-storage", "Baldwin, Colleagues Call for Trump Administration to Support Nationwide Capacity for Shipping, Handling, and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Ultra-Cold Storage", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Colleagues Call for Trump Administration to Support Nationwide Capacity for Shipping, Handling, and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Ultra-Cold Storage \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined 11 of her Senate Democratic colleagues, led by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), in urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield to work with state, Tribal, territorial, and local stakeholders to identify gaps in ultra-cold storage capability, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and use existing authority to preventshortages of supplies needed for vaccine distribution and administration. This information will be especially important in light of recent news that Pfizer/BioNTech may soon apply for Emergency Use Authorization(EUA)for their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which requires ultra-cold temperaturestorage capabilities that many providers currently lack. The absence of guidance and support from the federal government about how to secure cold chain integrity is a critical challenge for states working to craft and eventually implement their immunization programs.\r\nThe lawmakers ask HHS and CDC to urgently provide additional information to ensure that stakeholders nationwide can be prepared to distribute, store, and administervaccinesrequiring ultra-cold storageas soon as one is approved or authorized, which could be as soon as next month.\r\n\r\nWhile we understand that some logistical details may be unknowable at this time given that a vaccine has yet to be granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), it is alarming that the federal government has not provided more detailed guidance or additional resources to help state, territorial, and local governments understand the most likely mechanisms for distribution or requirements and recommendations for maintaining the cold chain, funding projections, or critical risks that should be addressed,the Senators wrote.This lack of guidance has severely hindered the ability of state, Tribal, territorial, and local public health officials to develop distribution plans and of individual clinics to prepare to accept, store, handle, and administer vaccines, and to share their comprehensive plans with CDC. Additionally, unknowns around cold chain storages issues add to the already difficult task of ensuring vaccination locations can schedule vaccine clinics to administer the doses quickly while also adhering to public health protocols like social distancing.\r\n\r\nThe Senators continued,The time to get ahead of potential distribution issues and cold chain requirements is now. The federal government should be looking ahead to secure our supply chains and prepare to adequately transport and distribute whatever vaccine becomes available first. Communities around the country are still trying to compensate for the federal government's failure to secure adequate and sustainable supplies of personal protective equipment earlier this year and throughout the pandemic. That failure has had tragic results, and your agencies should be doing everything in your power to avoid such a fiasco with the distribution of a vaccine.\r\n\r\nIn addition to Baldwin and Hirono, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) also signed the letter.\r\n\r\nThe full letter is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-urge-administration-to-send-medical-staff-support-states-with-rise-in-infections", "Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Administration to Send Medical Staff to Support States with Rise in Coronavirus Infections", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Administration to Send Medical Staff to Support States with Rise in Coronavirus Infections \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t This week hospitalizations due to coronavirus infection peaked in at least 22 states, and 23 states currently have over 1,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus (COVID-19) infections \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Tina Smith (D-MN) to send a letter to U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Peter Gaynor and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, urging the Administration to address the unprecedented rise in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations by swiftly responding to state requests for additional medical staff.\r\nWisconsin is averaging 6,209 coronavirus cases per day over the past seven days, and more than 2,000 Wisconsinites are currently hospitalized. Across the country this week, hospitalizations due to coronavirus infection peaked in at least 22 states, and 23 states currently have over 1,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus infections.Baldwin, Klobuchar, Sanders, and Smith were joined by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).\r\nAs cases surge across the country, states require significantly more support to address pressing medical staffing shortages. If infection rates continue to rise as we enter the holiday season and people spend more time indoors, this pressing need for additional medical staff will become even more acute, the Senators wrote. We respectfully request that you take action to proactively extend the current federal support that FEMA and HHS are providing to states and swiftly send additional medical professionals to states that are experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.\r\nFull text of letter can be found HERE and below:\r\nDear Administrator Gaynor and Secretary Azar,\r\nWe write to express our concern about the rising rate of coronavirus infections in states across the nation and to respectfully request that you send additional health care professionals to states experiencing a surge in cases and a shortage of medical staff available to treat infected patients.\r\nMany states are experiencing an unprecedented rise in coronavirus cases, coupled with increasing hospitalization rates. Last week, the United States experienced a record-breaking number of new cases recorded in a single day, with more than 132,000 cases reported on November 6 alone.\r\nThe rapid increase in cases is not confined to any one part of the country23 states have recorded more cases in the past week than in any other seven-day period since the pandemic began. Hospitalizations due to coronavirus infection peaked in 16 states last Wednesday, and 20 states currently have over 1,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus infections.\r\nThis surge in infections and hospitalizations is putting a strain on our already exhausted health care systems and essential care workers, who are not immune from the virus. These workers have been on the frontlines since the pandemic began and many have been infected with the virus or have been required to quarantine due to exposure to the virusresulting in serious health care staffing shortages across the nation. These pandemic-induced staffing shortages have shuttered clinics, emptied local health departments, and in some cases forced hospitals to ask workers exposed to the virus to continue working.\r\nWe appreciate the medical staffing support that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have already provided to states, which has been critical in helping these states treat infected patients during the pandemic. But as cases surge across the country, states require significantly more support to address pressing medical staffing shortages. If infection rates continue to rise as we enter the holiday season and people spend more time indoors, this pressing need for additional medical staff will become even more acute.\r\nTherefore, we respectfully request that you take action to proactively extend the current federal support that FEMA and HHS are providing to states and swiftly send additional medical professionals to states that are experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.\r\nThank you for your time and attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to continue providing support for Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.\r\nSincerely,\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-newsletter?ContentRecord_id=9C3DC972-5C35-49B3-943D-D2A7D8D612CE", "Whistleblower Hotline", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Viral Tweet \r\n\r\nAs chairman of the U.S. Senate committee with legislative jurisdiction over the U.S. Postal Service and general oversight jurisdiction over the federal workforce, Ihave a whistleblower mailbox for individuals to share stories of possible wrongdoing in government. I recently askedpostal workers or anyone with information regarding any irregularities related to mail-in and absentee ballots to contact our confidential whistleblower mailbox immediately: whistleblower@ronjohnson.senate.gov.\r\n The Process is Not Over \r\nIn the face of coordinated efforts to undermine his administration from day one, and a mainstream media that shed all pretense of fairness, President Trump has tenaciously fought to make America better and he produced remarkable results. His unbelievably energetic reelection campaign efforts earned him 200,000 more votes in Wisconsin than in 2016 and once again made pollsters look ridiculous. Regardless of the outcome, in my book he will always be a winner and patriot that truly loves America.\r\nFor more of my thoughts on this election,here's an interviewI did Tuesday with Vicki McKenna.\r\n\r\n Letter to Google About Elections \r\n\r\nGoogle and other social media giants have amassed far too much power, and Congress must address this significant threat to our democracy and freedoms. It's astonishing what we are learning about Google.\r\nA study of 773 politically diverse computer users in the lead-up to the election by Dr. Richard Epstein found that only liberal users received get-out-the-vote notifications from Mon., Oct. 26 - Thurs., Oct. 29.\r\nI've written a letter to Google's CEO demanding answers.Read the letter here.\r\n Veterans Day 2020 \r\n\r\nThis week we celebrated Veterans Day and I was thinking back on all the fine men and women I've met over the years who have worn the uniform for this great country.\r\nWhile many in-person ceremonies had to be cancelled this year, I was honored to participate inWisconsin's virtual Veterans Dayceremony with the Wisconsin Dept. of Veterans Affairs. (You canwatch my remarkshere.)\r\nOn Veterans Day we show our gratitude for all who have served and sacrificed to defend our freedom and way of life.We are so blessed to live in the greatest country in the history of mankind. A land of unlimited opportunities. America is a marvel, and no one understands that more than our nation's veterans.\r\nWe've been through a lot this year, but through it all, Americans have shown resilience and determination. We are always inspired by the service and sacrifice of the 18 million veterans living among us. Veterans who come from every walk of life, all with the same desire to serve their country. In my office alone, I have 7 veterans on staff with a combined 150 years of military service. I'm in awe of their dedication and love for this country.\r\nThis year, we marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. We are so grateful for the contributions our service members have made for peace and security around the globe.\r\nOur veterans represent the very best of America. You are truly the finest among us.\r\nThis photo was taken my one of my staffers in Hartland, Wisconsin on Veterans Day.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/announcements?ContentRecord_id=E227B618-3770-4FE1-9EE6-4D9A0D83328D", "The 59th Inaugural Ceremonies", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "59th Inaugural Ceremonies \nNote: Fields marked with an * are required.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/columns/honor-veterans-and-make-country-stronger-expand-jrotc", "To honor veterans and make the country stronger, expand the JROTC", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We are four veteransone Navy helicopter pilot who flew missions throughout Europe and the Middle East, and three Marines who served in the same unit during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This Veterans Day, after another bitter election, we need to focus on uniting our country and re-instilling a sense of duty that transcends petty partisanship. That is why we are now working together to improve and expand opportunities for more Americans to serve their countryin or out of uniform.\nOne of the most promising service programs for young Americans is the U.S. Armed Services Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or JROTC. We are working on a plan before Congress today that would double the size of the program nationwide and equip the next generation to lead through civic duty.\nAmong its other effects, the coronavirus pandemic has eroded the quality of education across the country, especially in disadvantaged rural and urban communities, where young people long for purpose-driven futures. JROTC and similar programs like the Young Marines are promising means to empower young Americans with strong civic education and a commitment to serve others, in or out of uniform.\nEstablished in 1916 at the eve of America's entrance into World War I, JROTC's mission is to instill in students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. There aremore than 3,000 JROTC programs in operation in high schools across all 50 states and overseas, serving an estimated 500,000 eighth- to 12th-grade students.\nOne of us has seen the impact of junior military programs firsthand. After retiring from 24 years as a Marine Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician and, later, a Human Intelligence officer, Mike Dubrule took over and led a Young Marines unit in Venice, Fla., from 20132019. In those years, Dubrule led cadets with the same passion for country and sense of service that he used when leading troops in Iraq. As Dubrule explains, JROTC and similar efforts are often a place for adolescents to find their voice during the defining and sometimes turbulent years of early adulthood.\nDubrule recalls the journey of a young woman who emigrated from Thailand. Struggling to find a community in high school, she was so bashful that she totally avoided speaking in public environments. Her parents, who supported their family by working at a local restaurant, encouraged her to join Dubrule's unit. She found her voice and rose to become the unit's student commander. On a trip to Pearl Harbor to mark the 75thanniversary of the attack, she took command of her unit and several other units from across the country and conducted a parade formation with the full confidence of every peer she led. She is now attending university and aspires to be a medical doctor. She is the living embodiment of the promise of the United States, Dubrule reflected.\nTransformative stories occur every year across the country in JROTC units.According to the Rand Corporation, students who participate in JROTC see improved academic and behavioral outcomes. These results include higher grade-point averages, higher graduation rates, higher college acceptance rates, higher standardized test scores, and increased community service participation. The inherent cost to each school is relatively small, as the respective military service subsidizes most costs like textbooks, uniforms, and equipment among other material, but there is a waitlist of hundreds of high schools requesting a JROTC unit.\nCongress could act now to bring JROTCto thousands of additional students around the country.Funding for JROTC programs is approved every year in the National Defense Authorization Act.Two of us, Rep. Mike Gallagher and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, are members of the congressional bipartisan For Country Caucus. They're working with their military veteran colleagues and Rye Barcott's With Honor Action, a nonprofit policy organization, to build consensus aroundtwo new provisions in the defense billthat would strengthen and expand the JROTC program across the nation. One provision will expand JROTC and implement a plan to establish at least 6,000 units, doubling the current corps, by 2031, while the other provision will integrate more STEM education to make the curriculum applicable and competitive.\nWe experienced war together, Dubrule says of his relationship with Rep. Gallagher and Barcott, who both served under his command. Each of us is now settled down in our separate corners of America, but the belief we share in our nation binds us forever. I did not think I would ever establish bonds built on community, trust, and love like that until I was introduced to the cadets at that school in Venice, Florida.\nThe year is about to end, and these provisions can help begin the long path of healing our country and equip the next generation of young Americans. We can take a large step forward with these provisions to double JROTC and enhance its curriculum in the next National Defense Authorization Act. Please join us this Veterans Day in calling on your elected officials to support it.\nRye Barcott is a Marine Corps veteran and cofounder and CEO of With Honor Action; Michael Dubrule is a Marine Corps veteran and former unit commander of the Young Marines in Venice, Fla.; Mike Gallagher is a Marine Corps veteran and the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District, and Mikie Sherrill is a Navy veteran and the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-honors-our-nations-veterans-and-servicemembers-veterans-day", "Rep. Ron Kind Honors Our Nation's Veterans and Servicemembers on Veterans Day", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "La Crosse, WI Today,Rep. Ron Kindreleased the following statement honoring Wisconsin's veterans and servicemembers on Veterans Day: \nToday, Wisconsinites come together to commemorate Veterans Day and honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans, servicemembers, and their families, saidRep. Ron Kind. Our dedicated troops and veterans have served our country with commitment, honor, and integrity. Although we can never repay the debt we owe our nation's heroes, we can ensure we keep our promises to them when they return home to Wisconsin and show our gratitude year round.\nRep. Kind's office is here to serve Wisconsin's veterans. His staff of talented caseworkers can assist veterans in: accessing education benefits, veterans' health care benefits, replacing lost medals earned, attaining medals earned, obtaining disability compensation, and liaising with the VA, among other issues. For assistance, veterans can call 1-888-442-8040, or visitwww.kind.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-tammy-baldwin-we-must-take-stronger-action-right-now-to-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19", "Senator Tammy Baldwin: \u201cWe must take stronger action right now to stop the spread of COVID-19.\u201d", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/dems-call-on-barr-to-stop-plans-to-make-purdue-pharma-pbc", "Baldwin, Whitehouse, Hassan, Warren Lead Colleagues to Call on Trump\u2019s Justice Department to Stop Plans to Make Purdue Pharma a Public Benefit Corporation", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Whitehouse, Hassan, Warren Lead Colleagues to Call on Trump's Justice Department to Stop Plans to Make Purdue Pharma a Public Benefit Corporation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t This is not justice for the families that have lost loved ones. \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Following the settlement agreement announced between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Purdue Pharma (Purdue), U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are today leading their colleagues to call on Attorney General William Barr to stop his Department's plan to have Purdue's business, including its production of Oxycontin, transformed and preserved as a public trust or public benefit company. This proposal, first put forth by Purdue and the Sackler family, would make state and local governments, including those that are currently suing Purdue, owners of the very business that has devastated their communities.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).\r\nWe write to raise concerns about a key element of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma (Purdue) announced on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. We ask that you defer court approval of the proposed agreement until the appropriate stakeholders have addressed public policy concerns associated with the agreement which all but requires Purdue to emerge from bankruptcy as a public benefit company (PBC), to function entirely in the public interest, with proceeds directed toward State and local governments. This arrangement ignores the objections of many of the States themselves, who have no interest in owning or operating a company that has devastated their communities with dangerous opioids, and raises significant public policy concerns, wrote the Senators in their letter. \r\nTwenty-five state Attorneys General, including Wisconsin's Attorney General, have already expressed their opposition, noting that A business that killed thousands of Americans should not be associated with government. Purdue's opioid marketing campaign accelerated an opioid epidemic that has claimed an estimated 400,000 lives, and generated $35 billion in revenue for Purdue.\r\nThe Senators continued, DOJ should not require the States, who are attempting to rectify the harm Purdue has done to their communities, to lead Purdue's public benefit repurposing campaign and take part in an enterprise that has contributed to thousands of American deaths. Given that this plan originated with Purdue and its owners, the Sackler family, it is more likely that its transformation to a PBC will function as a rebranding opportunity for the company and the family's public image. This is not justice for the families that have lost loved ones. We therefore ask that you defer court approval of the proposed agreement until the appropriate stakeholders have addressed these public policy concerns. Such an arrangementrequiring States to own and operate a felonious company they are currently suingis a misuse of federal authority.\r\nThe full letter is available here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/stop-the-spread-of-covid19", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin: \u201cWe must take stronger action right now to stop the spread of COVID-19.\u201d", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin: We must take stronger action right now to stop the spread of COVID-19. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n  \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is sending an urgent message to Wisconsinites as COVID-19 rages across the state in the worst outbreak since the pandemic began. In the last week, from November 3to November 10, Wisconsin has experienced more than 40,000 new infections. Currently, there are over 2,000 Wisconsinites hospitalized due toCOVID-19and 2,395Wisconsinites have lost their livesto this deadly pandemic.\r\n\r\nSenator Baldwin released a new video message to Wisconsin onYouTube.\r\n\r\nWe must take stronger action right now to stop the spread of COVID-19. We cannot allow this deadly virus to keep spreading, and we cannot allow more of our friends, neighbors, and frontline health care workers to keep getting sick, or worse. We can beat COVID-19, but we have to work together in order to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and each other,Senator Baldwin said.Everyone has a responsibility to do their part, so let's stand together, confront this deadly pandemic and help save lives.\r\n\r\nYou can watch Senator Baldwin's video messageHERE. You can download Senator Baldwin's video messageHERE.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/federal-funding-for-kenosha-small-businesses", "Senator Baldwin, Representative Steil Call on SBA to Approve Federal Funding For Kenosha Small Businesses to Rebuild Following Unrest", "2020-11-05", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.05.20\n\t\t\t Senator Baldwin, Representative Steil Call on SBA to Approve Federal Funding For Kenosha Small Businesses to Rebuild Following Unrest \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Baldwin and Steil urge SBA to provide full access to federal loans available for Kenosha small businesses that have also received loans from the State of Wisconsin to rebuild \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Representative Bryan Steil (R-WI-01) are calling on the Small Business Administration (SBA) to approve the State of Wisconsin's application for federal funding through the Disaster Loan Program to help Kenosha small businesses rebuild after damage was sustained during civil unrest earlier this year. The Wisconsin lawmakers are also urging Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza to provide full access to this federal loan program for Kenosha small businesses that have also received loans from the State of Wisconsin to rebuild.\r\n\r\nLocal officials in Kenosha have documented 27 major damaged or destroyed privately-owned properties as part of the State's application, which meets the SBA's requirements for this federal loan program.\r\n\r\nThe full letter is available below andhere.\r\n\r\nDear Administrator Carranza:\r\nWe write to you today in support of the State of Wisconsin's application for the Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Program funds to help Kenosha rebuild after damage sustained during the civil unrest from August 23, 2020 to September 8, 2020.\r\nAs you know, in order to qualify, a political subdivision must certify that at least 25 homes or businesses sustained uninsured losses of at least 40 percent of the fair value of the property. Officials in Kenosha County and the City of Kenosha have documented 27 major damaged or destroyed privately-owned properties as part of the application.\r\n\r\nThe State has created a $4 million zero interest loan program for affected businesses in Kenosha to rebuild. The Disaster Relief Microloan program is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The loans can be as high as $50,000.\r\n\r\nWe understand that the SBA is considering counting income from the WEDC loan program against the individual businesses' uninsured losses threshold. According to 13 C.F.R. 123.3(a)(3)(i), the businesses must sustain uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of the estimated fair replacement value or pre-disaster fair market value of the damaged property, whichever is lower. The regulation only mentions insurance, not assistance from state government programs.\r\n\r\nWe would discourage such a calculation because the Disaster Relief Microloan program from the state is not an insurance program. According to the SBA's Financial Education Curriculum training document Insurance for a Small Business, insurance coverage is a contract between a small business and an insurer, in which the insured pays premiums to the insurer in exchange for a commitment by the insurer to pay for certain losses sustained by the insured.None of the Kenosha businesses paid premiums to the Disaster Relief Microloan program, because it is not insurance.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate your attention to this matter. In addition to disregarding the impact of the State's program on the SBA's calculation, we encourage you to give full and fair consideration to the application for the Disaster Loan Program from the State regarding the damages in Kenosha.\r\nSincerely,\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=16CA5631-515D-4198-B5BA-02E28A02F1FA", "Senators Ask Google CEO to Explain Apparent Election-Related Disparities", "2020-11-05", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) today sent a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai after a nonpartisan study raised questions about whether Google targeted get-out-the-vote messages specifically to liberal users in the run-up to the election. In testimony before the Senate last month, Mr. Pichai said that Google does not alter any product to promote a specific political viewpoint.\r\nA study of 773 politically diverse computer users in the lead-up to the election by Dr. Richard Epstein found that only liberal users receivedget-out-the-votenotifications from Monday, Oct. 26 through Thursday, Oct. 29.\r\nDr. Epstein's response to my phone call regarding his monitoring of Google's election activities contains a number of astonishing revelations. First is the fact that in order to maintain their viewership numbers on Google's search platform, newspapers and other media outlets share their Gmail communications with Google. Second is that in order to tilt voter participation in favor of Democrat candidates, Google was sending a voting reminder only to individuals it profiled as liberal. And third is that, according to Dr. Epstein, by monitoring the New York Post's Gmail account, Google became aware that Dr. Epstein had documented their biased vote reminder. Only then did they end the liberal only vote reminder and begin sending the vote reminder to all voters. Google and other social media giants have amassed far too much power, and this example of Orwellian Big Brother manipulation demonstrates that Congress must address this significant threat to our democracy and freedoms, said Sen. Johnson.\r\nBig Tech presents a grave threat to free speech in America and to the integrity of our elections, said Sen. Cruz. Google has more power than any company on the face of the planet, and Dr. Epstein's findings raise serious concerns about Google's abuse of that power and its willingness to manipulate its platform to help Joe Biden win the presidency. Google must provide answers as to why and how it manipulated users to influence this election.\r\nDr. Epstein's allegations appear credible and are very concerning. If it is true that Google is targeting messages to help Democrats win elections, then Google has not been truthful to Congress and has deceived countless Americans. These allegations must be taken seriously. Congress must have all the facts and evidence from Dr. Epstein with responses from Google as we consider changes to address these serious issues, said Sen. Lee.\r\nText of the Senators' letter can be found below andhere.\r\n\r\n\r\nNovember 5, 2020\r\nSundar Pichai\r\nChief Executive Officer\r\nGoogle LLC\r\n1600 Amphitheater Parkway\r\nMountain View, CA 94043\r\nDear Mr. Pichai,\r\nOn August 6, 2020, Senators Ron Johnson and Mike Lee wrote you regarding your testimony to the House Committee on the Judiciary in which you stated,We won't do any work, you know, to politically tilt anything one way or the other. It's against our core values.[1]In your response to the letter, you reiterated this assertion and further stated,Google does not modify any products, including Search, to promote a particular political viewpoint...[we] will not do so for the upcoming 2020 presidential election.[2]\r\nOn November 4, 2020, Senator Johnson spoke with Dr. Robert Epstein to determine if his 2020 Election monitoring of Google's activities had uncovered anything that could be viewed as promoting a particular political viewpoint. Dr. Epstein provided Senator Johnson the following response.\r\nIn our election monitoring project this year, we recruited a politically-diverse group of 733 field agents in Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina. Through their computers, we were able topreserve more than 400,000 ephemeral experiences that tech companies use to shift opinions and votes and that normally are lost forever.\r\nOne of our most disturbing findings so far is that between Monday, October 26th (the day our system became fully operational) and Thursday, October 29th, only our liberal field agents received vote reminders on Google's home page. Conservatives did not receive even a single vote reminder. This kind of targeting, if present nationwide, could shift millions of votes, in part because Google's home page is seen 500 million times a day in the U.S.\r\nThe good news is that it appears that we got Google to stop this manipulation four days before Election Day. On Thursday, October 29th, I sent materials about the monitoring project to Ebony Bowden, a reporter at theNew York Post, who was writing a story about the project. I did so knowing that allnypost.comemails are shared with algorithms and employees at Google.[[3]]\r\nLate night on the 29th, two notable things happened: First, Ms. Bowden's article, which was about possible large-scale election rigging by Big Tech, was pulled by thePost. Second, Google's targeted messaging stopped completely. From midnight on the 29th to the end of Election Day,all of our field agents have received the vote reminder. Because of thedemographics of the people who use Google, this isstill a vote manipulation, but it is far more benign than the extreme targeting we detected last week.[[4]]\r\nBased on Dr. Epstein's response, it would appear your assertion thatWe won't do any work, you know, to politically tilt anything one way or the otheris not true.\r\nWe will be asking Dr. Epstein to provide Congress with the evidence of Google's politically biased activities his monitoring collected during this election cycle. We are writing to provide you another opportunity to conduct a thorough review with your management team to determine the veracity of your previous responses to congressional inquiry regarding this issue, and correct your answers if necessary.\r\nPlease provide your response as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2020.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nRon Johnson  Ted Cruz\r\nUnited States Senator                              United States Senator\r\n\r\nMike Lee\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-calls-on-zuckerberg-for-answers-after-failed-to-promptly-remove-event-calling-for-violence-in-kenosha", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Provide Answers After Facebook Failed to Promptly Remove Event Calling for Violence in Kenosha", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.02.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Provide Answers After Facebook Failed to Promptly Remove Event Calling for Violence in Kenosha \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is urging Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to improve enforcement of Facebook's community standards and address how their algorithms are amplifying and spreading divisive messages, including hate speech, misinformation, and violent extremism on Facebook.\r\nIn a hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee on October 28, Baldwin asked Zuckerberg about his company's failure to promptly remove the Kenosha Guard Facebook event encouraging armed vigilantism, despite receiving at least 455 user complaints that the event violated the company's policy of banning militia groups and groups that seek to incite violence. That evening, an armed seventeen-year old traveled to Kenosha and killed two people and seriously injured a third person. Zuckerberg called the failure to take down the Kenosha Guard's event an \"operational mistake but has failed to identify substantive changes he has made at his company as a result of that mistake.\r\nBut beyond organizing by violent groups on Facebook, I am deeply troubled that there continues to be widespread misinformation on your platform, and that it is structured to facilitate, rather than combat, its spread, wrote Senator Baldwin in her letter. Reporting and analysis by the New York Times has found that misinformation is more popular on Facebook now than in 2016, with falsehoods about election interference swirling online at an alarming rate and election officials reporting they fear voter harassment and intimidation on Election Day as a result. I am concerned that your algorithms are designed to elevate this type of content for your users  because it is controversial, attracts attention, and keeps them on Facebook for longer periods of time. Your own employees have raised concerns about Facebook's algorithms, calling them the single scariest feature of your platform.\r\nBaldwin continued, Facebook has become a tool used by millions of Americans, and billions of people worldwide, to communicate, engage and learn. You have a responsibility to those users, and I request that you reexamine Facebook's algorithms to ensure that they are not amplifying hate speech, misinformation, and violent extremist propaganda  particularly as our nation approaches a presidential election.\r\nThe full letter is available here and included below.\r\n\r\nDear Mr. Zuckerberg,\r\nI write today to follow up on our discussion of Facebook's response to violent organizations on your platform during the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee's hearing earlier this week. I appreciate that, in response to my question about the use of Facebook by violent extremist groups, you stated that the issue was a big area of concern and that you are worried about making sure that those groups can't organize on Facebook.\r\nBut with the election only days away, your answer did not reassure me that your company is taking sufficient action to address how Facebook facilitates violent organizations and spreads misinformation and hatred that can lead to real-world violence. From the recent plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, to ongoing efforts to intimidate voters with the presence of armed individuals at voting locations, the potential impact on our democracy is very real. I urge you to improve enforcement of your community standards and address how your algorithms are amplifying and spreading divisive messages, including hate speech, misinformation, and violent extremism on Facebook. I also request that you provide more information about how Facebook is combatting the spread of violent extremism on its platform.\r\nAs I noted in my question, in late August, Facebook failed to remove the Kenosha Guard's event encouraging armed vigilantism, despite receiving at least 455 user complaints that the event violated your company's policy of banning militia groups and groups that seek to incite violence, according to a report by BuzzFeed News. Kyle Rittenhouse has been charged with killing two people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and you called the failure to take down the Kenosha Guard's event an \"operational mistake.\" Your response to my question raised concern that you have not implemented adequate reforms to prevent a similar mistake from happening again. Therefore, please provide detailed information about how Facebook is screening for posts, groups and events on your platform by militias and other violent organizations and working promptly to remove them.\r\nBut beyond organizing by violent groups on Facebook, I am deeply troubled that there continues to be widespread misinformation on your platform, and that it is structured to facilitate, rather than combat, its spread. Reporting and analysis by the New York Times has found that misinformation is more popular on Facebook now than in 2016, with falsehoods about election interference swirling online at an alarming rate and election officials reporting they fear voter harassment and intimidation on Election Day as a result. I am concerned that your algorithms are designed to elevate this type of content for your users  because it is controversial, attracts attention, and keeps them on Facebook for longer periods of time. Your own employees have raised concerns about Facebook's algorithms, calling them the single scariest feature of your platform.\r\nFacebook has become a tool used by millions of Americans, and billions of people worldwide, to communicate, engage and learn. You have a responsibility to those users, and I request that you reexamine Facebook's algorithms to ensure that they are not amplifying hate speech, misinformation, and violent extremist propaganda  particularly as our nation approaches a presidential election.\r\nIf this is in fact, as you told me on Wednesday, a big area of concern for Facebook, you must take additional steps to ensure that the platform is not a tool to furthering violence or undermining our democracy. Your leadership and corporate responsibility is desperately needed to meet this moment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-helps-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-administration-protect", "Rep. Ron Kind Helps Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging the Administration to Protect Access to Overseas Markets for Wisconsin Producers", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "La Crosse, WI Today,Rep. Ron Kindhelped lead 111 of his colleagues in a bipartisan letter calling on the Administration to make protecting common food and wine terms a priority in future trade discussions, ensuring access to fair trade rules for Wisconsin farmers, workers, and businesses.\nThis comes amid concerns that the European Union is misusing protections meant for Geographic Indicators (GI) - used to describe specialized products they claim to be from specific regions, such as bologna, parmesan, chateau and feta - to enact unfair trade barriers to block American exports.\nHere in Wisconsin, we're proud of the word-class food and beverages made in our state, saidRep. Ron Kind. It's critical that we continue to combat unfair trade practices that hold our producers back and work to put in place safeguards for common food name products. I'm committed to ensuring Wisconsin producers can compete on a level playing field and expanding opportunities for Wisconsin's farmers, workers and businesses so they can continue to succeed in the global economy. \nThis issue  keeping common cheese names available around the world  is crucial to the growth of Wisconsin's $46 billion dairy farming and dairy manufacturing industry. Generations of Wisconsin cheesemakers craft cheese styles that rival or best European cheeses in international competitions. Cheese styles and names in use for decades, if not centuries, should not be taken away from America's dairy industry as we build successful trade in global markets, saidJohn Umhoefer, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director.\nRep. Kind serves on the Trade Subcommittee of the House Committee on Ways and Means. The committee is the most powerful - and the oldest - committee in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over trade and tariff laws, as well as many other economic growth measures.\nRead the letterhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/corporate-governance-working-group", "Baldwin, Warren, Carper and Warner Form Corporate Governance Working Group to Fundamentally Reform the 21st Century American Economy", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.30.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Warren, Carper and Warner Form Corporate Governance Working Group to Fundamentally Reform the 21st Century American Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators will work together to confront a corporate system oriented toward boosting short-term stock market returns at the expense of long-term resiliency, investment, and workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Mark Warner (D-VA) announced the formation of a working group to develop legislative proposals and conduct oversight focused on fundamentally reforming corporate governance. Over the last 30 years, corporate profits have surged while the portion shared with labor has declined, resulting in soaring inequality.\r\n\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic now ravaging the country has underscored the urgency of reforming corporate practices that leave corporations with little to no savings, workers living paycheck-to-paycheck, and supply chains outsourced to the lowest bidder.\r\n\r\nFor far too long, many companies have disregarded broad-based growth and put short-term profits ahead of workers, fueling inequality and restricting opportunities for the poor, for young people, and for people of color. Short-term financial pressure often pushes corporations to forgo necessary long-term investments, ignore the threat of climate change, and concentrate opportunity in ways that exclude too many of our communities,said the Senators in forming the working group.We will work together on ways we can fundamentally reform corporate governance in America.\r\nThe Senators have each worked on proposals to hold American corporations accountable and create an economy that provides prosperity for all Americans.\r\n\r\nThroughout her career, Senator Baldwin has stood up for the rights of workers, called out the abuses of big corporations and special interests, and championed reforms that will give workers a say in how their company's profits are spent. Senator Baldwin introduced legislation, theReward Work Act,that would give workers a seat on corporate boards andrein in corporate America's addiction to stock buybacks.Baldwin also introduced theBrokaw Actto strengthen oversight of predatory activist hedge funds.\r\nSenator Warren hasintroduced legislationto transform corporate America, hold corporate executives personally accountable when their companies commit crimes, and empower workers and other stakeholders, not just shareholders. Warren'sStop Wall Street Looting Act which is cosponsored by Baldwin would reform the private equity industry and she has been a leading voice in pressing corporations to address their role in fueling the climate crisis.\r\n\r\nAs the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Carper hasconducted rigorous oversighton the influence of major oil companies in federal rulemaking, helped to reach avoluntary greenhouse gas emissions deal between auto companies and Californiain defiance of the Trump Administration's federal rollback, andintroduced legislationthat would hold companies accountable to clean up their pollution.\r\n\r\nSenator Warner has introduced theWorkforce Investment Disclosure Actto require companies to disclose investments in workers, urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require disclosure of companies' human capital management policies, and has pushed for better reporting of non-financial indicators covering a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/postal-police-officers", "Baldwin Demands USPS Reverse Directive Banning Postal Police Officers from Safeguarding Our Nation\u2019s Mail and Letter Carriers", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.30.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin Demands USPS Reverse Directive Banning Postal Police Officers from Safeguarding Our Nation's Mail and Letter Carriers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is demanding the United States Postal Service immediately reverse a directive that is banning postal police officers from performing theirpatrol duties in safeguarding our nation's mail and letter carriers.\r\nBaldwin's letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and the USPS Board of Governors comes aftermediareportsdetailed an August 25 directive confining postal police officers from leaving USPSreal estate to conduct patrols that protect letter carriers and deter mail theft, only months before an election where millions of Americans are voting by mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes after Senator Baldwin has beendemanding answersfrom the Postmaster General on continued mail delays in Wisconsin.Baldwin has also repeatedly called on Postmaster DeJoyto reverse the changes he implemented that were causing mail delivery delaysin Wisconsin.\r\nIn her letter, Baldwin is now demanding USPS reverse this change to ensure the safety of our nation's mail and letter carriers.She writes,With the November 3, 2020 general election approaching, the integrity of our mail system and the safety of USPS personnel is paramount. The August 25, 2020 directive instructing postal police officers that they were confined to postal real estate upends long-standing practice and violates congressional statute and intent.\r\nBaldwin continues,For years, uniformed postal police officers have served a vital role protecting mail outside of postal real estate, ensuring that blue collection boxes and postal vehicles are not victims of theft, that letter carriers receive protection on their routes, and that high value mail shipments are protected. Despite this, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service inexplicably decided to confine highly trained officers to postal real estate, only months before an election where millions of Americans are planning on voting by mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic. USPS has yet to provide an adequate explanation for this change.\r\nSenator Baldwin heard from Diana in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, who is concerned that this directive threatens the safety of her daughter, a letter carrier in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. On September 29, 2020, about a month after postal police were instructed to stop patrols, a letter carrier in Milwaukeewas robbedin broad daylight.\r\nBaldwin notes,With postal police officers sidelined, deterrents against mail theft disappear and thieves seeking credit cards and personal identification information can more easily obtain this information  and also leave ballots behind.\r\nSenator Baldwin is requesting answers from USPS to the following questions:\r\n \r\nDid Postmaster General DeJoy or any members of the Postal Board of Governors have communication with the U.S Postal Inspection Service about this directive before it was presented to postal police officers on August 25, 2020?\r\n\r\nDid the Postmaster General or members of the Board provide directions, instructions or give approval of this directive or view the directive before it was presented to postal police officers on August 25, 2020?\r\nWas Postmaster General DeJoy aware of this forthcoming directive when he testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on August 21, 2020 or the House Oversight Committee on August 24, 2020?\r\n\r\nPlease report the number of instances of mail theft and crimes against letter carriers per week for this calendar year in the cities of Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Philadelphia, Miami and Atlanta.\r\n \r\nThe full letter is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/womens-inclusion-in-afghan-peace-negotiations", "Baldwin, Shaheen Lead Senate Call to Trump Urging President to Make Women\u2019s Inclusion in Afghan Peace Negotiations a Foreign Policy Priority", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.30.20\n\t\t\t Baldwin, Shaheen Lead Senate Call to Trump Urging President to Make Women's Inclusion in Afghan Peace Negotiations a Foreign Policy Priority \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Ahead of tomorrow's 20thanniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Security Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led a group of Senators in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, underscoring the critical importance ofpromoting women's rightsand ensuring women'sactiveparticipation in the ongoing Afghan peace negotiations. The UNSCR resolution, which was adopted on October 31, 2000, reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding and peacekeeping, humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery. It also stresses the importance of women's full involvement in all efforts to maintain and promote peace and security.\r\n\r\nThe Senators wrote, It is in recognition of this important anniversary that we write to you today, calling on you to ensure that women play an active role in the intra-Afghan peace negotiations and to make clear to all parties that the U.S. government expects the Afghan and Taliban leaders to preserve and promote the rights of women and girls during and following a negotiated peace agreement The relationship between women, peace and security is irrefutable.Decades of data support the fact that there is a direct correlation between the rights and empowerment of women and a country's stability and ability to avoid future conflict.We know that women's participation in peace negotiations increases the likelihood of their success, their involvement in post-conflict recovery lowers the risk of relapsed conflict, and that gender inequality increases the risk of terrorism and instability.\r\nThe lawmakers underscored that the message of women's inclusion in Afghan peace talk aligns with the commitments the U.S. government made when theWomen, Peace and Security Actwas signed into law in 2017.\r\n\r\nIn closing, the Senators highlighted an open letter published last month that was signed by 26 former presidents and prime ministers, and 34 foreign ministersincluding former U.S. Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry that affirmed that women's participation in the peace negotiations are crucial in the pursuit of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. The Senators also included a list of policy recommendations that would boost U.S. efforts to uphold the UNSCR 1325 and theWomen, Peace and Security Act, as intended.\r\n\r\nThey signed their letter,The lives and opportunities of half of Afghanistan's population, and the sacrifice that U.S. and allied servicemembers have made in Afghanistan, are too important to not prioritize women and girls' rights and leadership in a future Afghanistan. It is not enough to simply state that this is best left to the two parties in the intra-Afghan peace process. The United States can and should ensure that women are substantively involved in the peace process and that their rights are preserved moving forward.\r\n\r\nThe letter  which is also signed by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) can be read in fullhere.\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Press Release\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wsaw-baldwin-calls-for-trump-to-reverse-decision-to-decrease-relief-available-to-dairy-farmers", "WSAW: Baldwin Calls for Trump to Reverse Decision to Decrease Relief Available to Dairy Farmers", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-calls-on-verso-corporation-to-do-right-by-wisconsin-rapids-workers", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Verso Corporation to Do Right by Wisconsin Rapids Workers", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.20\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Verso Corporation to Do Right by Wisconsin Rapids Workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is sending a letter to the Verso Corporation Board of Directors to call on them to honor their commitments to their employees and either run the mill, or sell it to a buyer that will be committed to the Wisconsin Rapids community. The facility directly supports more than 900 workers in the region, as well as thousands of workers and many small businesses throughout Wisconsin.\r\nSenator Baldwin previously wrote to Verso Corporation and urged them to find a buyer that is committed to keeping the proceeds from the facility's operations in the community. Today, following the announcement that Verso Corporation has suspended plans to find a buyer for the Wisconsin Rapids mill, Senator Baldwin is urging the Board to resume marketing the mill and to treat the employees of the mill with fairness and respect.\r\nMany in the community were hoping for a quick sale to a buyer that would operate the mill and preserve its nearly one thousand jobs. The disappointing news that the sale is on hold raises concerns that Verso will close the mill instead of selling it to an operator, wrote Senator Baldwin in her letter. I write to request that you resume active marketing of the mill, giving full and fair consideration to local buyers, and honor your commitment to treat the employees of the Wisconsin Rapids mill with fairness and respect.\r\nSenator Baldwin also raised concerns that a group of activist investors has gained seats on the board and is pushing decisions that benefit shareholders and executives at the expense of workers at the Wisconsin Rapids facility. On July 31, 2020, the Wisconsin Rapids mill idled and 902 workers were laid off. On August 6, just one week later, Verso announced that it would spend $100 million on a special dividend and $150 million on stock buybacks. Baldwin noted that the Board waived the stock performance requirements to allow Verso's executives and directors to earn millions in bonuses despite not hitting stock price targets. The Board claimed holding the executives responsible for the decline due to the pandemic could lead to the executives leaving Verso.\r\nIt is hard to find a clearer contrast between the stakes for executives versus rank and file workers. The workers lose jobs after decades of service and must wait in agonizing limbo, while the bar is lowered to pay executives millions to ensure they don't quit. The actions of the board show sympathy for the plight of executives and directors who could lose millions in bonuses (while retaining their half million dollar annual salaries) yet little concern for their workers who have lost their livelihoods, Senator Baldwin continued.\r\nThe full letter to Verso Corporation is available here and included below:\r\n\r\nBoard of Directors\r\nVerso Corporation\r\n8450 Gander Creek Drive\r\nMiamisburg, Ohio 45342\r\n\r\nDear Directors:\r\nI write to you today with concerns about the recent news, relayed to the Rapids Together Task Force by Verso's local management on October 21, 2020, that Verso has suspended actively marketing the mill in Wisconsin Rapids until economic conditions improve. Further, I am concerned that a group of activist investors has gained seats on the board and is pushing decisions that benefit shareholders and executives at the expense of workers at the Wisconsin Rapids facility.\r\nMany in the community were hoping for a quick sale to a buyer that would operate the mill and preserve its nearly one thousand jobs. The disappointing news that the sale is on hold raises concerns that Verso will close the mill instead of selling it to an operator. I write to request that you resume active marketing of the mill, giving full and fair consideration to local buyers, and honor your commitment to treat the employees of the Wisconsin Rapids mill with fairness and respect.\r\nOn September 29, 2020, I wrote to the Verso President and CEO Adam St. John to urge him to consider the impact of the sale on all the people in the North Central Wisconsin region, and not just your shareholders. Since that letter, Mr. St. John has resigned and the mill has gone off the market. My understanding is that a new director, placed on the board in January 2020, after pressure from a group of activist investors, is now leading the sale process.\r\nI am concerned about the impact of the activist group on the Verso strategy. Public letters from the activist group make clear that they opposed using any proceeds from the previous mill sales for new investment to convert Verso paper machines into machines able to produce packaging grades. Instead, the activists have pushed a strategy that directs hundreds of millions of dollars to Verso's shareholders through buybacks and dividends.\r\nOn July 31, 2020, the Wisconsin Rapids mill idled and 902 workers were laid off. On August 6, just one week later, Verso announced that it would spend $100 million on a special dividend and $150 million on stock buybacks.Verso management cited the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic along with a need to, maintain a healthy balance sheet and focus on cash flow, when it announced the idling of the Wisconsin Rapids mill on June 9. However, sending $250 million to shareholders does not help maintain a healthy balance sheet or mitigate the effects of COVID-19. These moves are not designed to reposition the company for future success, but rather to salvage the investment of the activist group at the expense of Verso employees.\r\nThe June 9 release also noted that Verso is committed to treating all our affected employees with fairness and respect. The recent announcement that the mill is off the market does not reflect this commitment. The treatment of workersmany of whom don't know where their next paycheck will come fromstands in stark contrast to the board's treatment of Verso executives. On May 11, 2020, a month prior to the idling announcement, the board eliminated the minimum requirement that Verso's stock price must hit for executives and directors to receive their multi-million dollar performance bonuses. The Compensation Committee's report noted that holding Verso's executives responsible for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stock price would be unfair, and therefore the minimum threshold must be waivedto ensure that executives and directors were retained.\r\nIt is hard to find a clearer contrast between the stakes for executives versus rank and file workers. The workers lose jobs after decades of service and must wait in agonizing limbo, while the bar is lowered to pay executives millions to ensure they don't quit. The actions of the board show sympathy for the plight of executives and directors who could lose millions in bonuses (while retaining their half million dollar annual salaries) yet little concern for their workers who have lost their livelihoods.\r\nI fear that the longer Verso waits to sell the mill, the greater the possibility that the facility is closed. Please honor your commitments to your employees and either run the mill, or sell it to a buyer committed to the Wisconsin Rapids community. I again reiterate my request that your sale process give full and fair consideration to local buyers who will be most affected by any changes at the mill. While Verso's executives might have the resources to wait until economic conditions improve to maximize the proceeds of the sale of the mill, the workers and the community in North Central Wisconsin do not have that luxury.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/uss-wisconsin", "Following Senator Baldwin\u2019s Request, U.S. Navy Will Name A New Submarine the \u201cU.S.S. WISCONSIN\u201d", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.20\n\t\t\t Following Senator Baldwin's Request, U.S. Navy Will Name A New Submarine the U.S.S. WISCONSIN \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Wisconsin is home to 40 companies that supply key components for submarine program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is applauding a U.S. Navy decision to name one of the next available Virginia (SSN-774) class submarines the U.S.S. Wisconsin.\r\nIn July, Senator Baldwin introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution and led the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation in requesting that the Secretary of the Navy take this action.\r\nWhat a great day for the state of Wisconsin. I am so proud that one of the next U.S. Navy submarines will carry the Wisconsin name. Our shipbuilding industry and its skilled workers have helped sustain America's security for generations, boasting a successful history of building ships for our nation's defense, said Senator Baldwin. This is a real honor to our proud shipbuilding tradition and the men and women of our state who have worked hard to support this class ofsubmarines.\r\nThe State of Wisconsin is known for producing key naval capabilities. In the 1940's, the city of Manitowoc produced 28 diesel powered submarines25 of which deployed during WWII. Most recently, workers in Marinette have completed 10 Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy, with another six ships under construction, and the Marinette shipyard was recently awarded the contract for the Navy's new frigate program. This legacy of shipbuilding in Wisconsin is a testament to the strong ties between the state and the U.S. Navy.\r\nThe last Navy vessel to bear the name the U.S.S. Wisconsin (BB 64) served in every major U.S. conflict after it was launched in 1944 until it was decommissioned in 1991. Since then, no U.S. Naval vessel has carried the storied Wisconsin name.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-commission-calls-enhanced-election-security-following-rpw", "Cyberspace Solarium Commission Calls for Enhanced Election Security Following RPW Hack", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), co-chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today released the following statement after the Republican Party of Wisconsin announced that hackers have stolen $2.3 million from the organization:\nEarlier this year, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission warned in their official report that our country is at serious risk not only from a catastrophic cyberattack but from millions of daily intrusions disrupting everything from financial transactions to the inner workings of our electoral infrastructure. Unfortunately, just today, Americans learned that the Republican Party of Wisconsin was the victim of hackers, who stole over $2 million from the Party's accounts.This is not a partisan issue: the same report revealed that the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has likewise been targeted by hackers more than 800 times. We must improve our cybersecurity to collectively defend our shared electoral infrastructure.\n\n\"The warning signs are flashing red. Congress urgently needs to come together and pass the bipartisan recommendations provided by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission report that will strengthen our national critical infrastructure by improving public-private collaboration and the resilience of our electoral systems before it is too late.\"\n\n\n\tAttacks on election processes and other democratic institutions are designed to damage American legitimacy and weaken the nation. Absent significant reform, adversaries will continue to target U.S. elections through complex cyber operations designed to steal sensitive data, spread misinformation, and rob organizations of millions of dollars. The CSC recommends that Congress should improve the structure and sustain the funding of the Election Assistance Commission (CSC Report Recommendation 3.4), which will both enable it to increase its operational capacity to support states and localities in defense of the digital election infrastructure, as well as ensure the widest use of voter-verifiable, auditable, and paper-based voting systems.\n\t\n\tMoreover, while Congress has already taken some initial steps through the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), the CSC recommends that Congress should also codify into law Executive Order 13848, Executive Order on Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference in a United States Election (CSC Report Recommendation 2.1.5). In keeping with the Solarium Commission's strategy of layered deterrence, the government must be able to use all instruments of statecraft to cultivate resilience to such attacks, as well as identify and punish hackers with speed and agility when such malicious activity occursespecially in the context of election security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-applauds-delisting-gray-wolf", "Gallagher Applauds Delisting of Gray Wolf", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GREEN BAY, WI Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today applauded the Trump Administration's announcement that it would delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act. The announcement, which will allow state and tribal wildlife agencies to resume responsibility for sustainable management of gray wolf populations, was made by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.\n\tThe recovery of the gray wolf population is one of our country's greatest conservation success stories,said Rep. Gallagher.By granting states the authority to manage these populations, today's announcement is a win for federalism and a win for our Northeast Wisconsin farmers, who have lost millions of dollars in livestock due to gray wolves. Thanks to the Administration, Wisconsin will finally have a say on how best to manage these populations and protect our farmers.\n\t\n\tToday's action reflects the Trump Administration's continued commitment to species conservation based on the parameters of the law and the best scientific and commercial data available,said Secretary Bernhardt.After more than 45 years as a listed species, the gray wolf has exceeded all conservation goals for recovery. Today's announcement simply reflects the determination that this species is neither a threatened nor endangered species based on the specific factors Congress has laid out in the law.\n\n\tIn total, the gray wolf population in the lower 48 states is more than 6,000 wolves, greatly exceeding the combined recovery goals for the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to monitor gray wolf populations for five years to ensure the continued success of the species.\n\t\n\tSince coming to Congress, Rep. Gallagher has worked to get the gray wolf delisted from the Endangered Species Act with members of the Wisconsin delegation. Last Congress, hespoke on the House floorurging his colleagues to pass H.R. 6784, the Manage Our Wolves Act. He recently co-sponsoredthe Manage our Predators Act, introduced by Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), that would permanently remove the gray wolf from the list of federal endangered species.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 197, "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": "Senate", "p1": "WI", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 139, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI&year=2020&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 58, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI&year=2020&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 197, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "WI", "label": "WI", "count": 197, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 197, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-10-29,https~3A~2F~2Fgallagher~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fgallagher-applauds-delisting-gray-wolf", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WI&year=2020&_next=2020-10-29%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fgallagher~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fgallagher-applauds-delisting-gray-wolf&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 252.91546387597919, "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"}