{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"WI\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-calls-congress-extend-unemployment-benefits", "Rep. Ron Kind Calls on Congress to Extend Unemployment Benefits", "2013-12-30", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) is calling on Congress to immediately return to Washington to vote on an extension of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, which expired for 1.3 million job-seeking Americans on December 28th.\nCongress needs to reconvene immediately and extend the benefits that so many job-seeking Americans and their families rely on, said Rep. Kind. Allowing UI benefits to lapse doesn't just hurt long-term unemployed workers; it directly harms entire communities, too. When families can't afford to buy groceries and other necessities at our Main Street businesses, our local economies feel the impact.\nIn Wisconsin, approximately 23,700 people lost their benefits when the federal UI program expired last weekend. It's estimated that almost 100,000 people across the state will be affected by the loss of benefits over the course of the next year.\nThe average job hunter in America needs 8 months to find employment, and nationwide there are three unemployed workers available for each job opening.\nEven though we are seeing positive changes in the economy, the job market has not recovered sufficiently to absorb all the job seekers who are trying to join the workforce, concluded Rep. Kind. And we know that if UI benefits aren't extended, almost 250,000 jobs could be lost due to reduced spending in our local economies. Job seekers are getting hit from all sides, and it's time for Congress to step up and fix this.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=966", "Gwen Moore Pushes for Unemployment Insurance Extension", "2013-12-28", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jamil Smith, @JamilSmith\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tEven after facing backlash for effectively killing an act historically seen as a bi-partisan non-issue, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is short on answers explaining precisely why he and a number of his fellow Republicans opposed the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cMajority Leader Cantor has worked hard seeking to move the bill forward so we can protect all victims and prosecute offenders,\u201d Cantor\u2019s office told Melissa Harris-Perry Thursday in a written statement. \u201cThe majority leader has been working with our members and directly with Vice President Biden to seek common ground across party lines and put an end to violence against women.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut the House version Cantor supports, by definition, does not protect \u201call victims.\u201d That description would apply more accurately to the more inclusive version, which added provisions granting legal protections to American Indians, undocumented immigrants, and lesbian and trans women, and passed with a supermajority in the Senate. But per a new report today from Talking Points Memo\u2018s Sahil Kapur, what happened when it got to the House was vintage GOP obstructionism:\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRepublican leaders deployed their female members to make the case for it, notably Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), a leadership member, and Rep. Sandy Adams (FL), herself a victim of domestic violence. Over the objections of advocates for abused victims, but with the support of a so-called men\u2019s rights group, House GOP leaders passed their version on a partisan vote, despite a White House veto threat.\r\n\r\n\tAnd that\u2019s when the legislation stalled, never to recover.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tA Republican source who complained of House Democratic tactics to TPM pointed to a Dec. 7 letter from the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women applauding Cantor\u2019s \u201cgood faith\u201d negotiations with Democrats like Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont concerning the new VAWA provisions. Dec. 7 was a while ago; what are they saying now?\r\n\r\n\tIn a statement posted on their site Thursday expressing their \u201canger\u201d over the failure to pass a new VAWA, it appears the national task force has run out of patience.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe U.S. House of Representatives continued to voice strong opposition to offering basic protections to certain vulnerable populations\u2026\u201d the task force wrote. \u201cThere is no time to waste in addressing the needs of victims. \u00a0We call on the 113th Congress to act immediately on VAWA this month and pass a bill that safely and effectively meets the needs of all victims.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOne member of that new Congress, Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, has been one of the more vocal advocates for passage of the Senate version of VAWA. She was the author of a December letter signed by ten House Republicans urging that passage, and delivered to Cantor\u2013among others. On Thursday, her office released this statement to Melissa Harris-Perry, seeking to show that the VAWA isn\u2019t \u201cdead,\u201d in the purest sense:\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHowever, reports that VAWA is \u201cdead\u201d are untrue; VAWA\u2019s authorization expired over a year ago, but its programs and services continue to operate under language last updated in 2005. Still, VAWA\u2019s current form is in serious need of the updates and enhancements suggested by the domestic violence and sexual assault community.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWe must continue to fight for funds for VAWA through the appropriations process, and we absolutely must make sure that the sequester doesn\u2019t hit at the end of February. The sequester\u2019s cuts to VAWA programs would be incredibly harmful, particularly at the state and local level.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOur goal for the next few weeks and months is to speak out on behalf of VAWA and ensure it doesn\u2019t get lost in the shuffle of the debt ceiling and ongoing budget-related discussions.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWe must reauthorize VAWA, and we must do it now.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi echoed Moore in her statement, but is passage of a new VAWA likely in this new Congress? Moore, a survivor of sexual assault, is one of a record 80 women now\u2013as of today\u2019s swearings-in\u2013serving in the House of Representatives. A record 20 now serve in the Senate. But as both Tara Culp-Ressler in The Atlantic and The Cycle co-host Krystal Ball noted today, the problem may lie in the fact that those numbers aren\u2019t nearly high enough. After listing the new Senate protections referenced above, Ball wrote, \u201cI don\u2019t know how you could object to any of those things. The only explanation is a lack of personal connection to the problem.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2138", "Gwen Moore Pushes for Unemployment Insurance Extension", "2013-12-28", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After the New Year, I urge my colleagues to act in the best interests of our constituents and make this extension a priority. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Milwaukee, WI  Today, approximately 1.3 million Americans will lose their unemployment insurance. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released this statement:  This holiday season, Congressional Republicans have given Americans a gift' of uncertainty they did not ask for and did not deserve. Today approximately 23,700 Wisconsinites will lose their unemployment insurance benefits. In the first six months of 2014, these benefits will expire for approximately 41,800 more Wisconsinites.  \"Each day, struggling families across our nation wonder how they will feed their families and warm their homes. Unemployment insurance helps to reduce this anxiety and increase the well-being of many. In our slowly recovering economy, the decision to extend these benefits to assist our families, friends and neighbors should not be difficult.  \"After the New Year, I urge my colleagues to act in the best interests of our constituents and make this extension a priority. As lawmakers, we should give a hand to struggling American families, not remove their resources.\" To watch Rep. Moore support unemployment insurance on MSNBC, please click here.  ###  For Moore News Updates", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140106172912/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov:80/view/a-holiday-message-from-senator-tammy-baldwin", "A holiday message from Senator Tammy Baldwin", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "It's been an exciting year and I look forward to continue working with you next year and in the years to come to build a stronger future for Wisconsin and America. Have a wonderful holiday season everyone and a happy new year!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060306/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/wishes-for-a-wonderful-holiday-season-and-a-happy-new-year", "Wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 23, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\nHello everyone! As your United States\u2019 Senator, I want to thank you for your support over the course of my first year working for you in the United States Senate. Every day it is my honor and privilege to work for Wisconsin and give a voice to our shared values.\nI want to take the time to let you know how much I appreciate all you do to move our state and country forward. As I have traveled across our great state I have seen firsthand our strong \u201cMade in Wisconsin\u201d work ethic and innovative, entrepreneurial spirit in action. Hard working families and businesses getting up every day and through shear grit and determination are moving our economy forward.\nBut I also know, as you do, that many of our neighbors are working as hard as ever, and they deserve to get ahead, but many are barely getting by and that is just not right.\nThat is why it so important that Washington hears your voice.\u00a0 Wisconsin needs Washington working for you and that is why I remain committed to working across party lines and putting progress for our state ahead of partisan politics.\nSince taking office, I have made it my priority to close the gap between the economic security Wisconsinites work so hard to achieve, and the economic uncertainty that they are asked to settle for.\nBecause if we can\u2019t close that gap, we might someday talk about the middle class as something we used to have, not something each generation can aspire to.\nThe holiday season gives us a time to reflect on the things that are important, to celebrate the many joys and blessings of the season, and to renew our commitment to something bigger than ourselves.\nFor me, it\u2019s working in the Senate for you and the great State of Wisconsin.\nIt\u2019s been an exciting year and I look forward to continue working with you next year and in the years to come to build a stronger future for Wisconsin and America.\nHave a wonderful holiday season everyone and a happy new year!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=965", "Gwen Moore Opposes So-Called \"School Mascot\" Bill", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Erika Eichelberger | January 2, 2013\r\n\r\n\t\u2002\r\n\r\n\tInterstate 5 runs down the middle of California\u2019s San Joaquin Valley for hundreds of miles. On either side are dusty rows of almond, peach and orange trees. In the summer, the ground is tan and dry. Telephone poles measure out the time for passing cars, their sagging power lines scalloping out to a vanishing point on the horizon. Somewhere almost halfway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a town called Huron.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThis is where Carla (not her real name) used to work, shaking almonds from the trees at harvest time for $8 an hour. This is also where she was raped by her foreman. But as a Mexican immigrant with no papers, she was afraid to tell anyone.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIt\u2019s a common tale. Some 630,000 of the 3 million migrant farm laborers in the United States are women, and at least 60 percent are undocumented. Most are subject to sexual abuse but fear deportation if they speak up. The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which expired almost a year and a half ago, would have helped change that. But after being held hostage by House Republicans who wanted fewer protections for women, it died in the 112th Congress. The next class of legislators will have to start from scratch on a new bill. Meanwhile, women are waiting.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tA 2010 survey by Irma Morales Waugh of the University of California, Santa Cruz, reported that 80 percent of female farmworkers interviewed had been subject to sexual assault or harassment. A recent Human Rights Watch report found that sexual abuse of female farmworkers is so common that many see it as \u201can unavoidable condition of agricultural work.\u201d And a mid-1990s study by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission concluded that among California crop workers, \u201chundreds, if not thousands, of women had to have sex with supervisors to get or keep jobs and/or put up with a constant barrage of grabbing and touching and propositions for sex.\u201d The female laborers, or campesinas, called one company\u2019s crops the \u201cfield of panties,\u201d since so many women had been raped there by their overseers.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe women are stuck, because even though the same labor laws that forbid workplace harassment for legal residents also technically cover undocumented workers, enforcement is spotty and laborers seldom know their rights. Female crop workers make an average of $11,250 a year. \u201cThey don\u2019t want to lose their job,\u201d said Amparo Yebra, a senior caseworker at Westside Family Preservation Services Network, a community group in Huron that provides social services to migrant laborers.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe Senate passed a version of VAWA in April that would have expanded escape routes for these women. The bill would have increased the number of special U-visas, which give temporary legal status to undocumented immigrants who are victims of sexual assault or domestic violence, and who are willing to cooperate with an investigation.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t* * *\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWhen the foreman drove Carla home for the first time, it was raining. She piled into his truck with other workers. He stopped at a gas station to drop everyone else off, but told Carla he\u2019d give her a lift all the way back to her place. Instead, he took her out into a field and raped her.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThere\u2019s so much space out there in the flat fields, sounds don\u2019t travel much. Sometimes there\u2019s a background noise: an unseen bird chirping, or power lines buzzing, or a giant eighteen-wheeler groaning by, mud flaps beating.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOver the next couple of months, he raped her five or six more times, and she became pregnant. She was 22. When she started to show, the women working alongside her asked who the father was, and told her to go to the Westside community group. Carla went because they gave out free food. At Westside, her caseworker Yebra, who knew all about U-visas, called the police and helped Carla through the ensuing investigation, which concluded with the arrest and deportation of her assailant back to Mexico. About eight months later, in 2010, Carla got a temporary work permit.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t* * *\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn 2012, the number of U-visas issued by the Department of Homeland Security hit its annual 10,000 limit a month before the end of the fiscal year\u2014for the third year in a row. The Senate version of VAWA would have made up to 5,000 rollover visas from previous years available annually to undocumented women. The bill included additional safeguards for immigrants, and new provisions for Native American women and LGBT victims of sexual abuse as well.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut in the version of the bill that passed the House in May, Republicans stripped out the new protections for these three vulnerable groups, slamming them as politically driven. They also scaled back the law\u2019s existing protections for women\u2014for example, removing the chance for immigrants with U-visas to become eligible for permanent residency after their temporary visas expire. The House bill would also have required a stricter standard of proof for asylum, and would have broken with current confidentiality laws to allow the government to interview the abuser about the applicant.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOver the nearly two decades of its existence, VAWA has been renewed perfunctorily every five years, each time adding new protections to keep it up-to-date with changes in the population and the recommendations of law enforcement and advocates. \u201c[The reauthorization] was supposed to be a yawner,\u201d said Wisconsin Democratic Representative Gwen Moore, a fierce proponent of the Senate version of the bill. Meghan Rhoad, a women\u2019s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, says the dispute over the bill this year between the two chambers \u201ccreates a really disturbing precedent, interjecting uncertainty for programs that provide really essential services for victims of sexual violence.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAt the eleventh hour, at the very end of the lame-duck Congress, the House and Senate were still squabbling over how to draw up a compromise bill. House Republicans had relented on the immigrant and LGBT sections, but majority leader Eric Cantor dug in his heels over the Native American provision, which would have expanded tribal courts\u2019 jurisdiction over domestic violence offenses committed on reservations against Native women by non-Native men. \u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAction on the reauthorization awaits the new Congress. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame to start all over again,\u201d Moore said.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tSenator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the Democratic co-sponsor of the Senate bill, said Congress\u2019s failure to act simply means more people suffering. \u201cI still have nightmares from the domestic violence crime scenes I saw as a prosecutor in Vermont,\u201d he said in a statement in December. \u201cThe thought that our inaction could lead to more such scenes is tragic.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t* * *\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tCarla has a baby now. She says she wants to go to school and learn English. And \u201cshe knows her rights,\u201d Yebra says. \u201cWomen who are sexually abused are told they are good for nothing\u2026. But they are an important person. The women are very important.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tGreg Kaufman recently (Sept. 12) presented a video [1] explaining why Native American women, in particular, need the Violence Against Women Act.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2112", "Gwen Moore Opposes So-Called \"School Mascot\" Bill", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "What kind of message are we sending to our Native American neighbors, our students and school districts across the nation? I am extremely disappointed that Governor Walker has, once again, chosen to stand on the wrong side of history. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Milwaukee, WI  Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) spoke out after learning that Governor Walker has signed a bill making it easier for public schools to keep Native American nicknames, logos, mascots and team names.  Our governor continues to make headlines for his decisions negatively impacting Wisconsinites, said Rep. Moore. This time, he is not singling out students, seniors, people with disabilities, the middle class or the poor. Rather he is turning his back on our Native American communities. This law is offensive at its core.  In 2010, Wisconsin enacted a law that allowed the Department of Public Instruction to conduct a hearing on the offensive nature of a Native American public school nickname, logo, mascot or team name if one complaint was received. The so-called School Mascot bill not only essentially repeals this law, it provides more control to the Walker administration by giving hearing supervision to the Department of Administration. In addition, the new law has onerous requirements that will cause complainants to gather signatures from 10 percent of the school district population in order to file a complaint.  What kind of message are we sending to our Native American neighbors, our students and school districts across the nation? I am extremely disappointed that Governor Walker has, once again, chosen to stand on the wrong side of history.  According to news reports, all 11 tribal nations in Wisconsin oppose the law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kind-and-sensenbrenner-lead-successful-effort-include-cushing", "Reps. Kind and Sensenbrenner Lead Successful Effort to Include Cushing Amendment in NDAA", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) today celebrated the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included a provision to posthumously award Lt. Alonzo Cushing with the Medal of Honor. Lieutenant Cushing, a Wisconsin-born Civil War hero, played a key role in securing a victory for the Union at Gettysburg.\nIt's never too late to do the right thing, especially when it comes to honoring our war heroes, said Rep. Kind. I am heartened to be joined by my colleagues in Congress in sending this bill to the President so we as a nation can finally honor Lt. Cushing with his well-deserved Medal of Honor.\nLieutenant Cushing was a courageous leader who gave his life to protect our country and deserves to be recognized for his bravery, Rep. Sensenbrenner said. I am extremely pleased that the Cushing amendment was passed by the House and Senate and hopeful President Obama awards Lieutenant Cushing with the Medal of Honor for his heroic service during the Civil War.\"\nA native of Delafield, WI, Lt. Cushing is best remembered for his actions on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg when he helped turn the tide during Pickett's Charge. On July 3, 1863, the third day of battle, Cushing and the 110 men under his command received the full force of Confederate artillery and Pickett's Charge of 13,000 infantry. Over the course of just a few hours, all of his officers had been killed and Cushing himself was wounded. But he continued to fight, and sustained two more wounds before dying on the field of battle.\nRecommendations for the Medal of Honor must be formally made within two years of the heroic action and awarded within three years. The legislation passed by Congress makes it possible to waive this requirement. The medal can be awarded after the bill is signed by the President and the waiver is approved by the Department of Defense. Reps. Kind and Sensenbrenner are sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel requesting his prompt attention to Lt. Cushing's record and look forward to his recommendation that Lt. Cushing be recognized with the Medal of Honor.\nReps. Kind and Sensenbrenner also thanked Wisconsin Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin for leading the effort in the Senate to award Lt. Cushing.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034451/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/enroll-by-december-23rd-for-health-care-coverage-starting-as-soon-as-january-1-2014", "Enroll by December 23rd for health care coverage starting as soon as January 1, 2014", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 20, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Enroll by December 23rd for health care coverage starting as soon as January 1, 2014 \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Affordable Care Act gives millions of uninsured Americans access to health insurance, while also helping Americans who already have insurance feel more secure in their coverage, ensuring it'll be there when they need it.\u00a0 Every day more Americans are signing up for plans through HealthCare.gov, and more people with insurance are benefiting from the law.  \u00a0  If you're currently one of those who is uninsured, you can get health coverage that starts on January 1, 2014 by signing up by Monday - December 23, 2013. Open enrollment to sign up for health care coverage will continue through March 31st.\nGet Covered Quick Links:\nDon't delay \u2013 get covered today! Since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law and health care reforms have already made an empowering impact on the lives of many Wisconsinites.\nToday, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against children based on pre-existing medical conditions. Young adults can now stay on their parents' insurance plans up to age 26. And seniors on Medicare have received relief in their prescription drug costs and free preventive care.\nVisit baldwin.senate.gov/health-care-information for more information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060331/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/tammys-support-for-the-national-defense-authorization-act", "Tammy’s support for the National Defense Authorization Act", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 20, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Tammy\u2019s support for the National Defense Authorization Act \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tYesterday, the Senate voted to move the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) forward. This bill governs the U.S. Department of Defense for the upcoming year. The NDAA includes a provision that maintains support for the \u2018Made in Wisconsin\u2019 Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program important to our state\u2019s economy and nation\u2019s defense.  \u00a0  Earlier this week, the newest ship of this \u2018Made in Wisconsin\u2019 fleet launched into the Menominee River, the USS Milwaukee. The LCS program, which includes the USS Milwaukee, has brought over $137 million to the Wisconsin economy already, while supporting well over 2,000 jobs at more than 240 separate businesses in the state.\n\nSenator Baldwin fought for provisions included in this year\u2019s bill. Her provisions include:\n \nStrengthening health, education and employment benefits for veterans; combating sexual assault in the military;\nAuthorizing the Medal of Honor for Wisconsinite First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing for acts of valor during the Civil War\u2019s Battle of Gettysburg;\nAuthorizing the award of the Purple Heart to victims of the Fort Hood terrorist attack, six of whom were from Wisconsin;\nEnsuring that the Wisconsin National Guard can retain its important role in supporting American military operations worldwide;and\nMaintaining the possibility for 55,000 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) serving as replacements for the Marine Corps\u2019 and Army\u2019s Humvees will be built in Oshkosh.\n \nThe NDAA is a critical bill that gives our troops the resources and training they need and provides security for our country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221032628/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-baldwin-supports-bipartisan-unemployment-extension-legislation", "Senator Baldwin Supports Bipartisan Unemployment Extension Legislation", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Baldwin Supports Bipartisan Unemployment Extension Legislation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t99,000 Wisconsinites projected to be affected in 2014 if Emergency Unemployment Compensation not extended  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced today that she is supporting bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) that would prevent the expiration of unemployment insurance for 1.3 million Americans, including 99,000 Wisconsinites who are out of work and looking for a job.  \u00a0  \u201cOur nation\u2019s economy is moving forward but Wisconsin\u2019s economy continues to lag behind other states and far too many hard working people are still looking for a job. Wisconsin\u2019s economy can\u2019t afford the expiration of unemployment insurance because it will cost our economy jobs and slow growth,\u201d Baldwin said, \u201cThat is why it is critical that Congress takes action to continue federal support for unemployment insurance and provide a lifeline for Wisconsin families as they search for work in our recovering economy.\u201d  \u00a0  The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act would reinstate and continue federal support for unemployment insurance (UI), effective January 1, 2014, for an additional three months, preventing the expiration of benefits for 1.3 million Americans. The legislation would effectively extend current UI policy through March 31, 2014 including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, Extended Benefits Provisions, and Funding for Reemployment Services and Reemployment and Eligibility Assessments. The bill would allow all states to continue federal unemployment insurance without a lapse from January 1, 2014. The bill would also allow any state whose agreement was previously terminated in 2013 to enter into a new agreement with the Department of Labor for Emergency Unemployment Compensation.  \u00a0  In 2014, if Emergency Unemployment Compensation is not extended, 99,000 Wisconsinites are projected to be affected. According to the Wisconsin Budget Project, since Congress has failed to take action before the end of the year, nearly 24,000 jobless workers in Wisconsin will abruptly lose all of their unemployment income at the end of December. Some 41,800 additional workers will exhaust their state-funded 26 weeks of unemployment benefits in the first half of 2014 and will be denied access to federal unemployment benefits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042429/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-baldwin-advocates-for-wisconsin-cranberry-growers", "Senator Baldwin Advocates for Wisconsin Cranberry Growers", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Baldwin Advocates for Wisconsin Cranberry Growers\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCo-Chair of Congressional Cranberry Caucus Calls on USDA to Support Wisconsin Industry  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a strong supporter of Wisconsin\u2019s agriculture economy and co-chair of the Congressional Cranberry Caucus, today led a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, advocating for Wisconsin cranberry growers, who in 2013 produced over half of the nation\u2019s crop and were the top cranberry producers in the country for the 19th consecutive year.  \u00a0  \u201cWisconsin produces more cranberries than any other state. In a state that depends on agriculture to support hundreds of thousands of jobs and communities small and large, it\u2019s essential that we provide our growers with the tools and resources they need to continue to succeed,\u201d said Baldwin.\u00a0 \u201cAnd that means supporting them when the markets are tough. I will continue to advocate for efforts that strengthen Wisconsin\u2019s agriculture industry and grow our rural economies.\u201d   \u00a0  The letter asks USDA to consider a purchase of cranberries to mitigate the impact on growers at no cost to the taxpayer. The program is funded through customs receipts and the products purchased are provided to food pantries, which distribute the products to families in need. In addition, the cranberry industry has also worked with agency staff at the Food and Nutrition Service to expand the availability of cranberry products in school food programs through the addition of sweetened, dried cranberries to the Foods Available List.   \u00a0  \u201cThe cranberry industry is facing an oversupply of berries, which has severely impacted the commodity price. Wisconsin growers produce the majority of the world\u2019s cranberry crop, so this is a top concern in our state,\u201d said Tom Lochner, executive director of Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. \u201cWe are grateful to Senator Baldwin and the rest of the cranberry caucus for their efforts to support the cranberry industry in Wisconsin and nationwide.\u201d  \u00a0  The WSCGA today applauded Senator Baldwin for her leadership to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Cranberry Caucus. The Congressional Cranberry Caucus was created in 2012 as a platform to educate members of Congress, their staffs and federal agencies about cranberry production across the U.S. The caucus aims to address conservation, environmental and nutritional benefits and concerns, along with issues surrounding the international trade of cranberries. Currently, the caucus is focused on securing USDA purchases of cranberry products to help offset an oversupply of the fruit. The caucus has also supported industry efforts to include more cranberry products in school lunch programs.  \u00a0  According to a University of Wisconsin report, Wisconsin\u2019s cranberry industry has an annual economic impact on the state of $300 million and supports 3,400 jobs from its 21,000 acres of cranberries grown in 20 counties in central and northern Wisconsin.  \u00a0  The letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042456/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwins-statement-on-the-bipartisan-budget-agreement", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's statement on the bipartisan budget agreement", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's statement on the bipartisan budget agreement\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 18, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"The bipartisan budget agreement isn\u2019t perfect, but it is progress that will help break this destructive pattern of drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next. If we hadn\u2019t reached this bipartisan compromise, we would have been left with a potential shutdown in January and continued uncertainty for our economy. This agreement rolls back the arbitrary cuts of sequestration that have slowed economic growth and cost our economy jobs and also builds on the $2.5 trillion in deficit reduction done since 2011. It is important that both parties worked together to put progress ahead of politics and produce a bipartisan agreement that is grounded in compromise, not crisis. It protects investments in education, research, and innovation and is a good first step towards providing economic security for the middle class and certainty for our economy. Now that we have put in place a new path forward, it is my hope that we can continue to work across party lines to create economic growth and take a balanced approach to reducing the deficit without shortchanging our future. There is a lot more work to be done to create jobs and grow the middle class but this compromise is a strong step forward and can be the foundation for continued bipartisan work.\" --- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042519/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-baldwin-works-to-strengthen-continued-investments-in-wisconsin-shipbuilders-and-state-economy", "Senator Baldwin Works to Strengthen Continued Investments in Wisconsin Shipbuilders and State Economy", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Baldwin Works to Strengthen Continued Investments in Wisconsin Shipbuilders and State Economy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSupport for Littoral Combat Ship Program Included in National Defense Authorization Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 18, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 The United States Senate will vote today to move forward on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the bill that governs United States Department of Defense for the upcoming year. The NDAA includes a provision that maintains support for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, which employs thousands of Wisconsin workers and contributes millions of dollars to our state economy. Senator Baldwin has been a strong advocate for the LCS program for years and helped ensure inclusion of the LCS language in the NDAA.  \u00a0  \u201cWisconsin is home to one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, including a strong shipbuilding industry with a history of success providing ships for our nation\u2019s defense,\u201d Baldwin said. \u201cI have fought for this program because it employs thousands of hardworking Wisconsinites and positively impacts not only the local community but has a ripple effect across the state, boosting our made in Wisconsin economy.\u201d   \u00a0  The U.S. Navy has contracted with Lockheed Martin who contracted with Marinette Marine to build a total of 12 Littoral Combat Ships in Wisconsin by 2019. Marinette Marine has just completed production of their third ship, the USS Milwaukee, which is being launched today in Marinette. Five additional ships are currently in some stage of production. Previously in danger of being cut under sequestration, the NDAA helps secure the funding for four ships to be built at Marinette, two in 2014, and two in 2015.  \u00a0  \u201cOn behalf of MMC and our great mid-western employees who contribute so much to our nation's security by building the Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship, I want to express deep gratitude to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her exemplary leadership,\u201d said Chuck Goddard, CEO of Marinette Marine Corporation. \u201cIn particular, the role she played in preserving the current 20 ship Block Buy from attacks was key in avoiding delay and harm to this critical program so needed by our warfighters. Senator Baldwin's hard work in the Senate enabled a compromise amendment that leaves the current Block Buy in place and allows MMC to continue constructing the LCS, and expanding our workforce to help us build the U.S. Navy's ship of the future.\"  \u00a0  According to Marinette, the LCS program has brought over $137 million to the Wisconsin economy already, while supporting well over 2,000 jobs at more than 240 separate businesses in the state.  \u00a0  The bipartisan NDAA, which Congress has passed every year for 52 years, gives guidance to the Pentagon for all of its actions, conduct and spending for the year. This year\u2019s bill contained other provisions Senator Baldwin has fought for as well. These included: maintaining the possibility that the 55,000 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) serving as replacements for the Marine Corps\u2019 and Army\u2019s Humvees will be built in Oshkosh, Wis.;\u00a0 strengthening health, education and employment benefits for veterans; combating sexual assault in the military; authorizing the Medal of Honor for Wisconsinite First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing for acts of valor during the Civil War\u2019s Battle of Gettysburg; authorizing the award of the Purple Heart to victims of the Fort Hood terrorist attack, six of whom were from Wisconsin; and ensuring that the Wisconsin National Guard can retain its important role in supporting American military operations worldwide.  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221061531/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/a-proud-day-for-wisconsin-the-future-uss-milwaukee-launches-today", "A proud day for Wisconsin: The future USS Milwaukee Launches today", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 18, 2013\n\t\t\t\t A proud day for Wisconsin: The future USS Milwaukee Launches today \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday, the future USS Milwaukee will launch at Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette. Senator Baldwin has made it her priority to build and strengthen our \"Made in Wisconsin\" economy, including strengthening investments in Wisconsin shipbuilders. \u00a0  \u00a0\n\nWisconsin is home to one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, including a strong shipbuilding industry with a history of success providing ships for our nation\u2019s defense. I have fought for this program because it employs thousands of hardworking Wisconsinites and positively impacts not only the local community but has a ripple effect across the state, boosting our made in Wisconsin economy.\u201d --- Senator Tammy Baldwin\nFun facts about the USS Milwaukee & the Littoral Combat Ships program:\n###\nToday, the U.S. Senate will vote to move forward on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) - a bill that governs the United State Deprtment of Defense for the upcoming year. The NDAA includes a provision that maintains support for the LCS program. Click here, to read more on Tammy's work to support the program.\nPhoto credit to Lockheed Martin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-welcomes-usda-investment-electric-system-improvement", "Rep. Ron Kind Welcomes USDA Investment in Electric System Improvement Projects in Wisconsin", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) applauded the news that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Program is making major investments in electric utility infrastructure projects in Wisconsin.\nElectric cooperatives do a great job of powering our rural economies and ensuring that our homes and businesses have a reliable and affordable source of electricity, said Rep. Kind. These investments from the USDA will help modernize and improve our electric system so that our rural communities have the power they need to create jobs and keep our local economies competitive.\nThe USDA investments in Wisconsin include a $121,562,000 loan to Wisconsin's Dairyland Power Cooperative to build and improve 87 miles of transmission line and five new substations, along with other system improvements. Additionally, the Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative is getting a $3,000,000 loan for building 40 miles of distribution line and other projects. Funding for smart grid projects is included in both loans: $800,000 for Dairyland Power and $147,188 for Chippewa Valley.\nA total of $1.8 billion in infrastructure funding will be invested across 25 states and one territory.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221061558/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/through-the-aca-wisconsin-seniors-are-saving-money-on-prescription-drugs-and-preventive-services", "Through the ACA, Wisconsin seniors are saving money on prescription drugs & preventive services", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 17, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Through the ACA, Wisconsin seniors are saving money on prescription drugs & preventive services \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSince America\u2019s new health care law was enacted, nearly 7 million seniors and people with disabilities have saved a total of $9 billion on prescription drugs. In Wisconsin alone, approximately 58,900 Wisconsinites have saved $848 on average on their prescription drugs because of the Affordable Care Act.\nSo what do these savings mean? Before the Affordable Care Act, if people with Medicare hit a certain threshold of spending on prescription drugs, they would suddenly have to pay out of pocket for the entire cost of the prescription drugs until they reached catastrophic coverage. Now, the Affordable Care Act is helping close this gap in coverage, also known as the \u201cdonut hole,\u201d reducing out of pocket costs for Wisconsin seniors.\nIn addition to these important cost-savings for Wisconsin seniors, more and more Wisconsinites are gaining access to preventive services. New data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that in the first 11 months of 2013 alone, an estimated 25.4 million people with traditional Medicare received at least one free preventive service, like a wellness visit or mammogram, at no out-of-pocket cost. In Wisconsin, approximately 461,000 people with Medicare have already received at least one free preventive service this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221061626/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/wisconsin-scores-high-on-giving-back-through-volunteering", "Wisconsin Scores High on Giving Back through Volunteering", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 17, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Wisconsin Scores High on Giving Back through Volunteering \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVolunteering is an important commitment we make to our communities. It gives people an opportunity to advance the common good and helps improve the lives our neighbors. \u00a0\nA new report says Wisconsin ranks among the top 10 states in volunteer rates.The Corporation for National & Community Service, a federal agency that promotes public service, reviewed states' volunteer rates between 2010 and 2012. It found 35.6 percent of Wisconsin residents did volunteer work over that span, ranking them eighth among all 50 states and the District of Columbia.Milwaukee ranked third in the country with 33.6 percent of residents participating in some volunteer work.\n\nCheck out these state statistics ---\n \nAn annual volunteer rate of 35.6%\n1.62 million volunteers\n165.3 million hours of service\n \nWant to get involved? Visit Serve.Gov to find out how you can get involved in your local community.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034459/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/support-is-growing-for-tammys-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-efficiency-in-healthcare-delivery-and-reduce-costs", "Support is growing for Tammy's bipartisan legislation to increase efficiency in healthcare delivery and reduce costs", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 16, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Support is growing for Tammy's bipartisan legislation to increase efficiency in healthcare delivery and reduce costs \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLast month, Senator Baldwin introduced the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act \u2013 a bipartisan piece of legislation she worked on with Senator John Thune of South Dakota. The legislation increases the transparency of healthcare costs in medicare \u2013 helping doctors, health systems, private insurers and research institutions provide more efficient, higher quality health care and better patient outcomes.  \u00a0  This month support has continued to grow for Tammy's bipartisan legislation. Late last week, provisions of the legislation moved unanimously through the Senate Finance Committee as part of a bill to reform Medicare physician payments. In addition to the progress made in Congress, health care organizations have also stepped up and shared their support for the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act:  \u00a0  \u201cWhile more remains to be done, particularly in the area of quality and safety transparency, the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act is an important first step toward creating a more accountable, consumer-centered health care marketplace.\u201d  \u00a0  The groups offering their support for the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act include the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, National Coalition on Health Care, Compass Healthcare Advisors, Corporate Health Care Coalition, HR Policy Association, Midwest Business Group on Health, National Retail Federation, ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value, Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality, Wisconsin Medical Society, and the Wisconsin Health Information Organization.  \u00a0  Click here to read more on the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act and how Tammy is making the Affordable Care Act work for Wisconsin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034646/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/support-grows-for-baldwins-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-efficiency-in-healthcare-delivery-reduce-costs", "Support Grows for Baldwin’s Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery, Reduce Costs", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Support Grows for Baldwin\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery, Reduce Costs\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tQuality Data, Quality Healthcare Act Passes Unanimously through Senate Finance Committee\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 16, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 Major national health care organizations from across the political spectrum have added their support to the bipartisan Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act, S.1758. The bipartisan bill, introduced recently by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Thune (R-S.D.), increases the transparency of healthcare costs in Medicare - helping doctors, health systems, private insurers, and research institutions provide more efficient, higher quality healthcare and better patient outcomes.  \u00a0  In a letter of support the health care organization wrote, \u201cWhile more remains to be done, particularly in the area of quality and safety transparency, the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act is an important first step toward creating a more accountable, consumer-centered health care marketplace.\u201d  \u00a0  The groups offering their support for the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act include the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, National Coalition on Health Care, Compass Healthcare Advisors, Corporate Health Care Coalition, HR Policy Association, Midwest Business Group on Health, National Retail Federation, ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value, Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality, Wisconsin Medical Society, and the Wisconsin Health Information Organization.  \u00a0  In addition, late last week, provisions of the legislation moved unanimously through the Senate Finance Committee as part of a bill to reform Medicare physician payments.  \u00a0  \u201cMedicare is the single largest payer of healthcare services in the country, spending $600 billion each year. But we have very little access to what we are paying for,\u201d said Baldwin. \u201cThe Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act provides access to that data and puts it into the hands of those who can use it, increasing efficiency in the delivery of healthcare and helping us get better bang for our healthcare buck.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cProviding access to data that can be used to evaluate healthcare services is a critical component of increasing transparency and reducing healthcare costs,\u201d said Thune. \u201cOur bill would ultimately provide data to evaluate the areas of healthcare that are working and those that are not, thereby lowering costs and increasing efficiency. I hope our colleagues will join us in supporting this common-sense measure to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing costs.\u201d  \u00a0  As the largest payer of healthcare in the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sits on a wealth of information that can help inform healthcare providers in making better decisions that will improve patient care and reduce costs. Economists have argued that expanding access to Medicare cost and utilization data will increase efficiency in healthcare delivery, reduce costs, and improve the quality of care.  \u00a0  Congress and the administration have taken initial steps to make Medicare data more widely available. One of the more promising efforts is the Qualified Entity (QE) program, which permits organizations to access and analyze Medicare data for select purposes. The QE program has the potential to empower our nation\u2019s healthcare decision-makers to make better choices. However, current law is far too restrictive on which organizations can participate in the QE program; what QEs can do with the Medicare data once they have received it; and the degree to which QEs can support their own data maintenance infrastructures.  \u00a0  The Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act would provide for greater access to Medicare claims data by modernizing and reforming the QE program. The legislation would:  \u00a0\n \nAllow organizations receiving Medicare data to analyze and redistribute it to authorized subscribers (insurers, health systems, and physicians) so that subscribers can make more informed decisions; and\nPermit those entities to charge a fee to their subscribers so that the organizations can conduct robust analyses to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs.\n \n\u00a0  In addition to the organizations sending the recent letter, other groups from across the political spectrum have expressed support for Baldwin and Thune\u2019s \u201cmuch-needed\u201d efforts to reform the QE program, including: AARP, Blue Shield of California, The Boeing Company, Castlight Health, Caterpillar Inc., Communicating for America, Community Catalyst, Compass Healthcare Advisors, Corporate Health Care Coalition, The Dow Chemical Company, National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Manufacturers, Pacific Business Group on Health, U.S. PIRG, UPS, and Xerox Corporation.\nThe letter of support can be found here.\nLink to more the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act release.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221061638/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/upcoming-staff-office-hours-for-the-remainder-of-2013", "Upcoming staff office hours for the remainder of 2013", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 16, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Upcoming staff office hours for the remainder of 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSenator Baldwin's office has announced that members of her staff will hold office hours throughout the remainder of this week in River Falls, Waukesha, and Balsam Lake. Constituents will have the opportunity to meet with staff and request assistance with a federal agency or discuss other federal issues. No appointment is necessary. Staff have also held office hours in Grantsburg, Racine and Kenosha this month.\nHere are the details for office hours this week:\nRiver Falls\u00a0Tuesday, December 17th - 1:00-2:00pm   River Falls Public Library  140 Union Street  River Falls, WI\nWaukesha\nTuesday, December 17th - 10:00 \u2013 11:00am  Waukesha City Hall  Room 107  201 Delafield Street  Waukesha, WI\nBalsam Lake, WI\nThursday, December 19th - 5:00-6:00pm  Balsam Lake Justice Center  1005 W. Main St.  Balsam Lake, WI", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-announces-service-academy-nominations-for-16-south-central", "Pocan Announces Service Academy Nominations for 16 South Central Wisconsin Students", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) is proud to announce the following exceptional students from Wisconsin\u2019s Second Congressional District who received his nomination to one of the nation\u2019s service academies.\n\u201cI am proud to nominate such outstanding Wisconsin students to our nation\u2019s service academies,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cThese institutions provide a one-of-a-kind experience for young men and women committed to serving our country, and all of my nominees have demonstrated they have the determination and talent to meet this challenge. I wish them all good luck through the rest of the appointment process.\u201d\nThe Second Congressional District\u2019s Academy Nomination Board, appointed by Rep. Pocan, included active and retired service members and community leaders from across south central Wisconsin. The Nomination Board then recommended the below 16 students from the district, all of which were nominated by Rep. Pocan.\nThe 2014 Service Academy Classes Nominees are as follows:\nUnited States Air Force Academy\nChristian Brandon- Verona Area High School\nJace Carlson- Stoughton High School\nCory Kramschuster- Sun Prairie High School\nMorgan Musielewicz- Waunakee High School\nXavier Santana- Madison East High School\nJack Temple- Madison Lafollette High School  \n\t\u00a0\nUnited States Naval Academy\nRyan Hanna- Marshall High School/ Virginia Polytechnic and State University\nEllen Hoffman- Madison Edgewood High School\nErik-Lars Lofgren- Quantico High School\nJack Lunaas- Milton High School/ Northwestern Preparatory School\nNicholas Mathwig- Waunakee High School\nMiriam Valley- Sun Prairie High School  \n\t\u00a0\nUnited States Military Academy at West Point\nPeter Flock- Wisconsin Dells High School\nJacob Marchillo- Clinton High School\nNicholas Miller- Oregon High School\nDavid Pontius- Sun Prairie High School/ Marion Military Institute  \n\t\u00a0\nThis nomination does not guarantee automatic admission--the academies make the final decision on who receives an appointment of admission.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=951", "Gwen Moore Votes for Bipartisan Budget Deal", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) voted in opposition to the Republican tax plan which would extend tax cuts to the very wealthiest Americans while raising taxes an average $1,000 on 25 million working families by reducing eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and ending the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Alternatively, Rep. Moore voted for the Democratic Substitute which would extend the middle class tax cuts and prevent tax increases on working families.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIt is shameful that my Republican colleagues would seek to give huge tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans on the back of the middle class and poor of this country. And though Republicans are constantly saying that we should not increase our debt, their plan would add an addition $50 billion to the deficit in 2013 alone.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIn contrast, under the Democratic alternative 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses will see no tax increase. It will extend for one year expiring marginal tax rates for income as well as rates on capital gains and dividends for taxable income of $200,000 or less for single filers and $250,000 or less for joint filers. It also extends various other tax provisions, including marriage penalty relief, expanded child and earned income tax credits, education tax incentives, and small business expensing all for one year, through 2013, and a patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax for 2012.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWe here in Congress are charged to work on behalf of all Americans \u2013 particularly the least of these. The priorities of the Republican tax plan only include the wealthiest Americans while the Democratic Substitute would give middle class families certainty that their taxes will not go up next year. It\u2019s time we make those most in need a priority in order to build a strong, robust economy.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-fasts-in-solidarity-with-comprehensive-immigration-reform", "Pocan Fasts in Solidarity with Comprehensive Immigration Reform Activists", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today is fasting for 24 hours in solidarity with activists across the country to build momentum for comprehensive immigration reform. In addition, Pocan attended a press conference with fasters today on Capitol Hill to reiterate his support for their efforts and to emphasize that Congress has #MoreWork2Do on comprehensive immigration reform before the end of the year.\n\u201cI was moved by the tremendous resolve and passion for comprehensive immigration reform I witnessed today, and I extend my unwavering support to fasters across the country,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cLike these courageous fasters, I believe that congressional inaction on immigration reform is no longer acceptable. I stand with the families who have been hurt by our broken immigration system, and I urge Congress to take up comprehensive immigration reform legislation before the end of the year.\u201d\nThe fast, organized by Fast for Families, seeks to raise awareness of the vital need for immigration reform and spur law makers to action. Beginning in November, four activists fasted for 22 days and inspired solidarity fasts throughout the nation. Now, more than 20 House Democrats and activists have taken up the fast in support of passing comprehensive immigration reform.\nPocan is a proud co-sponsor of The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, H.R. 15, which is modeled after the bipartisan immigration reform bill that passed the U.S. Senate earlier this year. The legislation currently has more than 190 bipartisan supporters in the House. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, enactment of the bipartisan Senate-passed bill would reduce the deficit by $850 billion.\u00a0\nThe Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act would:\n Unite families and offer hardworking immigrants an earned pathway to citizenship after passing background checks, paying penalties and taxes, learning English and going to the back of the legal immigration line.\n\tReform our visa programs and our interior enforcement.\n\tStrengthen the E-verify program, protect workers and reward businesses who play by the rules.\n Despite the fact that Congress is set to pass fewer laws this year than at almost any point in history, the House of Representatives is currently scheduled to finish its \u201cwork\u201d in Washington by the end of this week. As part of his #MoreWork2Do week, Rep. Pocan is highlighting many important items Congress should finish before it leaves on vacation, including the need to pass a new Farm Bill, vote on comprehensive immigration reform, and focus on legislation to promote job creation and economic growth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-on-budget-proposal", "Pocan Statement on Budget Proposal", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a member of the House Budget Committee, today issued the following statement after voting against the budget proposal that sets spending levels for fiscal years 2014 and 2015.\n\u201cI am disappointed that I cannot vote in favor of the budget proposal on the House floor today. While I commend the budget conference committee on its work to reach a deal, just because Congress has a deal does not mean Congress has done its job.\n\u201cI am thankful this proposal provides some minor relief over the next two years from the devastating, across-the-board sequester cuts that were set to once again hit critical programs in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, sequestration will continue to do needless harm to our families, our students and our economy in the coming year and for years to come. We must continue to work on a solution to replace these harmful cuts once and for all.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cAt the end of the day, the bill abandons 1.3 million Americans who desperately need unemployment insurance, and does nothing to promote economic growth or job creation. Furthermore, the legislation is paid for on the backs of the middle class and military families, while not touching the wealthiest amongst us and allowing corporations to continue to benefit from tax loopholes.\u201d\n\u201cCongress shouldn\u2019t be patting ourselves on the back just because we didn\u2019t shoot ourselves in the foot. After a year marked by petty partisanship and Tea Party obstructionism, we have to do better. The challenges of growing our economy and strengthening the middle class are too important to keep kicking down the road. There is more work to do, and I urge the House to stay in Washington until we do it.\u201d\nPocan was also disappointed that the deal only blocks a scheduled cut in payments for doctors under Medicare (also called the SGR formula) for three months. He supports a permanent repeal of the SGR formula.\nPocan believes voting in favor of the budget proposal would be an unjust acknowledgment that Congress has done its job. Unless Congress passes appropriations bills by the January deadline, this vote alone will not prevent a government shutdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2137", "Gwen Moore Votes for Bipartisan Budget Deal", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Although this deal is not perfect, it allows Congress to continue our dialogue about how we can better serve our constituents.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released this statement after voting for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. This Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 332-94.  Congress has existed one manufactured crisis to the next. Today marked a small but positive step towards breaking this pattern. The budget agreement reached by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Paul Ryan (WI-01) represents true compromise. I congratulate both Sen. Murray and my Wisconsin colleague Rep. Ryan on negotiating in good faith.  Neither party received all of what was asked. Republicans were not able to reduce funding for those who rely on our critical entitlement programs. In addition, this deal only partially replaces the sequester and does nothing to assuage the concerns of approximately 1.3 million Americans, including thousands in Wisconsin, who will lose unemployment insurance on December 28 should Congress not act.  Although this deal is not perfect, it allows Congress to continue our dialogue about how we can better serve our constituents. It also affords us the opportunity to discuss items not directly related to the budget, such as passing comprehensive immigration reform.  In light of this bipartisan agreement, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together and continue the work we were sent here to do. To view Rep. Moore on MSNBC speaking on the budget deal and unemployment insurance, please click here. ###  For Moore News Updates", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-statement-bipartisan-budget-deal", "Rep. Ron Kind Statement on Bipartisan Budget Deal", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) released the following statement after voting in support of the bipartisan budget deal passed by the House today:\nI voted for the budget deal because it represents a small but hopeful step away from the dysfunction that has gripped Congress for the past several years. Given the current atmosphere here in Washington, it's clear that we need to walk before we can run. This deal will bring a measure of stability to our economy so that employers can safely make long-term business decisions, and help ease the pain of arbitrary across-the-board sequestration' cuts to critical areas like education, job training, and military readiness.\nI am deeply disappointed, however, that an extension of unemployment benefits was not included in the package. And my ongoing concern is that Congress is still doing things backwards. The programs that we should be investing in, the ones that will strengthen our economy and lower the deficit in the long term are the very programs that are always on the chopping block. We need to focus on the biggest driver of our national deficit - rising health care costs - as well as other commonsense reforms like cutting wasteful subsidies out of our farm policy. These types of reforms, combined with smart investments in areas like education and infrastructure, are critical to ensuring prosperity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140107190125/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov:80/press-releases/senator-baldwin-calls-on-doj-inspector-general-to-investigate-atf-operations-in-milwaukee", "Senator Baldwin Calls on DOJ Inspector General to Investigate ATF Operations in Milwaukee", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Baldwin Calls on DOJ Inspector General to Investigate ATF Operations in Milwaukee\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) expressing her continued concerns about news reports regarding the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) tactics, methods and operations in Milwaukee.  \u00a0  She called on the Inspector General to investigate tactics used by ATF agents thoroughly and to include a review of the most recent allegations in an OIG report so that appropriate reforms can be implemented at ATF.  \u00a0  Read the full letter Senator Baldwin sent to U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General here.  \u00a0  In February, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) outlining her concerns about news reports regarding ATF\u2019s drug-and-gun operations in Milwaukee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221025138/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/supporting-the-next-generation-in-wisconsins-forest-products-industry", "Supporting the next generation in Wisconsin’s Forest Products Industry", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 12, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Supporting the next generation in Wisconsin\u2019s Forest Products Industry \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWisconsin\u2019s forest products industry has a long and proud tradition of delivering high quality timber and pulp to the state\u2019s lumber yards and paper mills. Today, our northern communities and timber industry are facing tough challenges. Our mills struggle to find enough timber to keep their businesses running at full capacity, and our loggers often find that the trees they harvest from our National Forests are past their prime and have lost their value.\u00a0 Second, third, and fourth generation loggers are concerned that after decades of work in the woods, their children may not be able to continue in the tradition of Wisconsin\u2019s timber industry.  \u00a0  Senator Baldwin has made supporting the timber products industry one of her top priorities. That means supporting the sustainable harvest of timber on our national forest lands, and ensuring that our forests are managed to preserve ecosystems and forest health so these natural assets continue to provide for our communities into the future.   \u00a0  Federal forest policy is important to Wisconsin\u2019s forest industry because of the significant amount of Wisconsin forestland managed by the federal government. Through recent opportunities provided in the current Farm Bill conference negotiations and through her role on the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Senator Baldwin is working hard to be an advocate for Wisconsin\u2019s timber industry and forest communities.\n\"I am proud to carry on Wisconsin\u2019s long tradition of protecting our natural resources, promoting conservation of our public lands, and supporting our timber and paper industries. Utilizing our natural resources through careful practices that sustain both our local economies and the resources themselves is important to both Wisconsin\u2019s economy and our quality of life.\u201d --- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin\nHere are some of Senator Baldwin\u2019s most recent actions on Wisconsin forest issues:\n \nA recent Letter to the Obama Administration, urging them to address forest budget issues when they propose their budget in February by dealing with wildfire borrowing, which diverts critical services away from Wisconsin.\n \n \nA letter to the Farm bill conferees, urging them to provide regulatory certainty to the forest products industry, to renew stewardship contracting authority, and support programs that assist private forest owners in maintaining forest health.\n \nOur national forests play a critical role in the productivity of the economy in Northern Wisconsin, and our communities deserve more stability in the way the forests are managed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034507/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/this-is-the-affordable-care-act-no-longer-be-denied-due-to-pre-existing-conditions", "This is the Affordable Care Act: No longer be denied due to pre-existing conditions", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 12, 2013\n\t\t\t\t This is the Affordable Care Act: No longer be denied due to pre-existing conditions \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBefore the Affordable Care Act, more than a third of people who shopped for health insurance in the individual market were turned down or charged more because of a pre-existing condition. Today, almost 2.5 million non-elderly Wisconsinites have some type of pre-existing health condition, including over 300,000 children.\u00a0 And now because of the ACA, they have protections that they didn\u2019t have before and can\u2019t be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.\nHere's the story of one Wisconsin family:\nSteven J., from Grand Chute contacted my office recently to tell me that his young, 27- year old daughter with a pre-existing condition has finally been able to purchase private insurance thanks to the ACA.\nWhen she was 14 she contracted food poisoning and had severe complications that eventually developed into gall bladder disease and other conditions. Due to these pre-existing conditions, she has been unable to purchase a health insurance plan on the market, and all of her life decisions have been driven by her need to be a full-time student to stay on her father\u2019s healthcare plan. \nShe finished school a year ago and is a successful freelance musician. Without the ACA, she would have to take a position outside of her field in order to have a healthcare plan under an employer. But now because of the Affordable Care Act she is able to continue with her career and pursue her dreams. \nShe recently enrolled in her own plan on Healthcare.gov with a national provider network. Her parents have been worrying about their daughter getting her own insurance for 13 years, but can now rest easy and are thankful for the ACA.\nThere are hard working families across our country that now have the peace of mind knowing they will have the quality health care coverage they want and need. In the United States of America, health care should be a right guaranteed to all, not a privilege reserved for the few. That vision has guided us for decades and now that vision is written into law.\nClick here, to find out more about how you can #GetCovered.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042343/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-merkley-introduce-legislation-to-level-the-playing-field-for-american-manufacturing", "Baldwin, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Level the Playing Field for American Manufacturing", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Baldwin, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Level the Playing Field for American Manufacturing\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLegislation Would Help American Manufacturers Compete on Global Playing Field against Countries with Low Environmental and Wage Standards\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced new legislation that would crack down on unfair trade practices, level the playing field for American manufacturing companies, and help create middle class jobs.\nThe Level the Playing Field in Global Trade Act would ensure that sub-standard wages, workplace safety practices, and environmental protections are properly accounted for as unfair subsidies by foreign countries when calculating American duties intended to offset cheating. It also rewards companies that meet high standards on a global basis in wages, workplace safety and environmental compliance with streamlined trade and protection from enforcement actions.\n\u201cEven as the national economy is rebounding, businesses and middle-class families in my state remain stuck in neutral.\u00a0 The manufacturing sector that sustained our prosperity for generations has taken a lot of hits so I\u2019ve made it my mission to create a \u201cMade in Wisconsin\u201d economy that revitalizes our manufacturing sector and rebuilds our prosperity,\u201d Baldwin said. \u201cIn Wisconsin, we believe in hard work and have a commitment to make sure that it is respected and rewarded. For decades, we\u2019ve worked to make things: paper, engines, tools, and ships. Give our workers a fair shot, and we\u2019ll compete against anyone.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I\u2019m taking on unfair trade practices and policies and betting on American workers by creating an even playing field and giving them a fair shot to compete and win.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cFor far too long, Oregon\u2019s manufacturers and workers have paid the price while companies overseas cut costs by cutting corners. These foreign companies should not be allow to gain an advantage over American businesses by treating their workers poorly and polluting their environment,\u201d said Merkley.\u00a0 \u201cIf we don\u2019t make things in America, we won\u2019t have a middle class in America. Oregon\u2019s manufacturers can compete with anyone in a fair fight, and it\u2019s time that they had a level playing field to help them grow and create good jobs in Oregon.\u201d  \u00a0  In the past decade, countries like China have reaped the benefits of trade deals without upholding their end of the bargain. This lack of accountability has contributed to the shuttering of tens of thousands of American factories and the loss of millions of American manufacturing jobs.  Currently, U.S. companies and workers are at a trade disadvantage against companies and countries that do not pay adequate wages or maintain safety standards and environmental controls.\u00a0 This results in countries and companies engaging in a \u201crace to the bottom,\u201d which puts U.S. manufacturing jobs at risk and is fundamentally unfair to American working families.\u00a0 As the recent scandal in Bangladesh made clear, it\u2019s also terribly destructive to workers around the world.\nCurrent American law and trade agreements prohibit \u201cdumping\u201d of products, where companies export products at prices below the cost of production or cheaper than they sell for in the home country, and allow the U.S. to impose duties to make the sale price in America reflect what the true cost would be without cheating.\u00a0 The Level the Playing Field in Global Trade Act would, for the first time, recognize that egregious environmental and labor practices are a form of illegal subsidy that can be remedied by U.S. duties. It would also reward companies that adhere to high global standards by creating new trade and enforcement incentives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042558/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/this-is-the-affordable-care-act-up-to-310000-wisconsin-children-with-pre-existing-conditions-can-no-longer-be-denied-health-coverage", "This is The Affordable Care Act: Up to 310,000 Wisconsin Children with Pre-Existing Conditions Can No Longer Be Denied Health Coverage", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "This is The Affordable Care Act: Up to 310,000 Wisconsin Children with Pre-Existing Conditions Can No Longer Be Denied Health Coverage\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released figures highlighting the number of children in Wisconsin with pre-existing conditions who, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, will be protected from discrimination based on their health. Baldwin joined her Senate colleagues Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) at a press conference on Capitol Hill today to highlight the issue.  \u00a0  As many as 2,489,279 non-elderly Wisconsinites have some type of pre-existing health condition, including 309,519 children.\u00a0 Because of America\u2019s health care law, since 2010 insurance companies have been prohibited from denying health coverage for children in Wisconsin with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, asthma, or diabetes. Starting in 2014, insurance companies will also no longer be able to deny coverage for adults or charge anyone higher premiums based on health status or history.  \u00a0  \u201cToday, because of the Affordable Care Act, children with pre-existing conditions have protections that they didn\u2019t have before and can\u2019t be denied coverage. Because of America\u2019s new health care law, for the first time insurance companies will be prohibited from denying health coverage for Americans with pre-existing conditions,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cIn the United States of America, health care should be a right guaranteed to all, not a privilege reserved for the few. That vision has guided us for decades.\u00a0 But now we have begun to write it into our laws.\u00a0 That is what we have fought for and will continue to fight for as we move the Affordable Care Act forward.\u201d  \u00a0  Steven Jordheim from Grand Chute, Wis. recently contacted Senator Baldwin\u2019s office to share that his young, 27- year old daughter with a pre-existing condition has finally been able to purchase private insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act. When she was 14, she contracted food poisoning and had severe complications that eventually developed into gall bladder disease and other conditions. Due to these pre-existing conditions, she has been unable to purchase a health insurance plan on the market, and all of her life decisions have been driven by her need to be a full-time student to stay on her father\u2019s healthcare plan.\u00a0 She finished school a year ago and is a successful freelance musician. Without the ACA, she would have to take a position outside of her field in order to have a healthcare plan under an employer. But now because of the Affordable Care Act she is able to continue with her career and pursue her dreams.\u00a0 She recently enrolled in her own plan on Healthcare.gov with a national provider network. Her parents have been worrying about their daughter getting her own insurance for 13 years, but can now rest easy and are thankful for the Affordable Care Act.  \u00a0  Helping middle class families take advantage of the benefits of the health care law like the security of affordable health care coverage and protection from discrimination based on pre-existing conditions should be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington.\u00a0 Yet instead of working to fix the law, a minority in Congress has voted to repeal the health care law more than 40 times, even shutting down the government to prevent new benefits like ending discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, taking away peace of mind for millions of children and their parents \u2013 including up to 310,000 kids in Wisconsin.   \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034521/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/the-affordable-care-act-strengthens-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorder-coverage", "The Affordable Care Act Strengthens Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 11, 2013\n\t\t\t\t The Affordable Care Act Strengthens Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Affordable Care Act is helping ordinary Americans and businesses take advantage of the benefits of the health care law \u2013 including one of the largest expansions of mental health and substance use disorder coverage in a generation.  \u00a0  Today approximately 60 million Americans \u2013 including approximately 1,018,000 Wisconsinites \u2013 have gained access to these expanded benefits and protections.  \u00a0  Because of the health care law, insurance companies, for the first time, in the individual and small group market are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services as one of ten categories of essential health benefits. It is estimated that one in five adults experience a mental illness in any given year. While most mental illnesses are treatable, those with mental illness too often cannot access needed treatment if they do not have health insurance that covers mental health services. Starting in 2014, insurers will not be able to deny coverage or charge individuals more due to pre-existing conditions, including mental illnesses.  \u00a0  Helping our families and businesses take advantage of the benefits of the health care law, like expanded mental health and substance use disorder benefits, is priority for Tammy in making the Affordable Care Act work for Wisconsin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034523/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/community-health-centers-increasing-access-to-care", "Community Health Centers: Increasing Access to Care", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 11, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Community Health Centers: Increasing Access to Care \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Affordable Care Act is supporting, expanding, and increasing funding available to Community Health Centers nationwide. Over time, health centers have helped to deliver high-quality and comprehensive preventive & primary health care to their patients, becoming essential care facilities in their communities. The Affordable Care Act allows and provides support for health center facilities to purse long-term projects to expand, improve existing facilities, and serve more patients, recognizing the need to build additional primary care capacity in advance of health insurance reforms.  \u00a0  Across the country, Community Health Centers provide primary care to more than 21 million Americans.\u00a0 Here in Wisconsin, 17 health centers operate 98 sites, providing preventive and primary health care services to the 281,591 people.  \u00a0  This support is making a difference right here in Wisconsin, at clinics such as the Bridge Street Clinic in Wausau that Tammy visited this past August.\u00a0 The Bridge Clinic is using the funding and support they received through the Affordable Care Act for an expansion of their dental services program that they expect to be completed in early 2014.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042631/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-act", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 11, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today made the following statement regarding the Bipartisan Budget Act.  \u00a0  \u201cThe bipartisan budget agreement isn\u2019t perfect, but it is progress that will help break this destructive pattern of drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next. This agreement is a fair bargain that invests in middle class families, reduces the deficit, and rolls back the arbitrary cuts of sequestration that have slowed economic growth and cost our economy jobs. It is important that both parties worked together to put progress ahead of politics and produce a bipartisan agreement that is a good first step towards providing economic security for the middle class and certainty for our economy. Now that we have put in place a new path forward, it is my hope that we can continue to work across party lines to create economic growth and take a balanced approach to reducing the deficit without shortchanging our future.\u201d  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-releases-new-report-65000-wisconsinites-to-lose-jobless-aid", "Pocan Releases New Report: 65,000 Wisconsinites to Lose Jobless Aid Without Congressional Action", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today continued highlighting that Congress has #MoreWork2Do before the end of the year by releasing a new report finding that 65,000 Wisconsinites would soon lose vital unemployment insurance without Congressional action. If Congress fails to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program within the next two weeks, in Wisconsin alone:\n 23,700 unemployed workers will lose unemployment insurance just days after the holiday season on December 28, 2013.\n\tAn additional 41,800 unemployed workers would lose their insurance in the first six months of 2014.\n Today Pocan signed on as a sponsor of The Emergency Unemployment Insurance Benefits Act, which would extend the emergency unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed for an additional year.\n\u201cWithout Congressional action, the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Wisconsin families will be threatened just days after Christmas,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cAs our economy continues to recover, we must maintain this vital unemployment insurance for Wisconsin job seekers who would like nothing more than to re-enter the workforce. Congress needs to come together to extend these benefits, focus on job creation, and strengthen middle class families across America.\u201d\nFederal unemployment insurance has been reauthorized several times as Americans continue to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began. Long-term unemployment is near historic highs at 37 percent, with the unemployment rate in Wisconsin at 6.7 percent in October and more than 195,000 Wisconsinites still struggling to find work.\u00a0\nFailure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 310,000 jobs, according to the Economic Policy Institute, while decreasing GDP and increasing government spending for other safety net programs. The White House Council of Economic Advisors estimates that in Wisconsin alone, failing to extend the program will cost more than 5,000 jobs.\nDespite the fact that Congress is set to pass fewer laws this year than at almost any point in history, the House of Representatives is currently scheduled to finish its \u201cwork\u201d in Washington by the end of this week. As part of his #MoreWork2Do week, Rep. Pocan is highlighting many important items Congress should finish before it leaves on vacation, including the need to pass a new Farm Bill, vote on comprehensive immigration reform, and focus on legislation to promote job creation and economic growth.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kind-delauro-and-blumenauer-tell-speaker-boehner-majority-leader", "Reps. Kind, DeLauro, and Blumenauer Tell Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader Cantor: Keep Farm Bill Loopholes Closed", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC--Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) today implored Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor to keep loopholes for multimillionaires closed in any final Farm Bill. Both the House and Senate-passed versions of the Farm Bill reformed payment limits for commodity programs by capping the total number of active personal management who can receive commodity payments.\nIt is unconscionable that these conferees would try to reverse the reforms backed by a majority of their colleagues so as to continue the flow of millions of dollars, beyond what they are entitled to, to a relatively few mega farms, the representatives wrote. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] has estimated $170 million in savings if Congress reforms payment limits for commodity programs by placing a hard cap of $250,000 (for married couples) on the total amount of commodity payments that producers can receive.\nMembers of Congress are currently negotiating a new five-year Farm Bill that could cut billions from nutrition and anti-hunger programs, even as multimillionaires continue to get exorbitant farm subsidy payments. The farm subsidy programs are rife with fraud, as the Government Accountability Office recently detailed.\nBy contrast, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), has one of the lowest error rates of any federal program. Over 90 percent of all food stamp spending goes to families living at or below the poverty line.\nThe letter can be read in its entirety here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042642/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/wisconsin-continues-to-pay-a-price-for-failing-to-strengthen-badgercare-through-the-affordable-care-act", "Wisconsin Continues to Pay a Price for Failing to Strengthen BadgerCare through the Affordable Care Act", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wisconsin Continues to Pay a Price for Failing to Strengthen BadgerCare through the Affordable Care Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 10, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin renewed her call for Governor Scott Walker to seize the opportunity to strengthen BadgerCare through the Affordable Care Act.  \u00a0  \u201cWisconsin continues to pay a price for Governor Walker\u2019s insistence on putting politics ahead of what\u2019s best for our state,\u201d said Baldwin.\u00a0 \u201cHe has refused to accept an investment to strengthen our BadgerCare program and instead he continues to take Wisconsin down a fiscally irresponsible path that covers fewer people at a higher cost to taxpayers. It doesn\u2019t have to be this way but Governor Walker insists on his plan of kicking tens of thousands of people off of BadgerCare and into an exchange he wants repealed - while at the same time keeping over 80,000 people out in the cold for another three months without the health care they need.\u201d  \u00a0  Because of the health care law, states can choose to expand their Medicaid coverage to all adults with incomes below 133 percent of poverty (around $32,000 for a family of four) and in return receive 100 percent of federal funding to cover those costs for the first three years and no less than 90 percent federal support for those costs in the years following. So far, 26 states and the District of Columbia have taken up this Medicaid expansion opportunity, In fact, thanks to these states and the opening of the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, we know that 6 in 10 currently uninsured Americans will have access to health coverage for $100 per month or less next year, and that number would rise to 8 in 10 if the states that haven\u2019t expanded coverage \u2013 including Wisconsin \u2013 did.  \u00a0  Expanding Medicaid is a smart choice for Wisconsin. Since expanding Medicaid reduces medical expenses that states pay for uncompensated care, the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that states would generate net savings from expanding Medicaid. According to Kaiser, expanding Medicaid could save states a total of $10 billion through 2022.  \u00a0  State analyses back up these national reports that Governor Walker\u2019s plan to reject the Medicaid expansion covers fewer people at a higher cost. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau has found that compared to taking the federal investment to expand Medicaid, Governor Walker\u2019s plan will cost Wisconsin taxpayers $119 million more over the next two years to cover 85,000 fewer people through BadgerCare. Through 2020, the Governor\u2019s plan costs $250 million more than expanding BadgerCare under the federal Medicaid expansion.  \u00a0  A recent story from a patient at the St. Clare Health Mission in La Crosse highlights the personal struggles Wisconsinites are facing under Governor Walker\u2019s plan. According to the La Crosse Tribune, a local man in his mid-40s, who has a hernia and whose employer would not allow him to work until it is repaired, is in jeopardy of losing his job because he will not have health insurance coverage at the beginning of the year. If the Governor had taken the opportunity to strengthen BadgerCare, this man would be covered and would be able to schedule a surgery the first week of January. But under Governor Walker\u2019s plan, he is not eligible for insurance until April 1, risking loss of his job because his employer won\u2019t wait that long.  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042654/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senators-tammy-baldwin-and-edward-markey-preserve-public-access-to-local-television-channels-ensure-diversity-of-programming", "U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Edward Markey Preserve Public Access to Local Television Channels, Ensure Diversity of Programming", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Edward Markey Preserve Public Access to Local Television Channels, Ensure Diversity of Programming\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 10, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Edward Markey (D-MA) today introduced the Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act, legislation to ensure public access to local television programming.  \u00a0  \u201cThe 80-plus public, educational, and governmental access channels in the state of Wisconsin deliver invaluable public programming on a daily basis, commercial free and with the sole purpose of informing and educating our communities,\u201d said Baldwin. \u201cAs local budgets tighten and television delivery methods change, we must ensure that our local public access channels are able to continue to reflect local interests and bring diverse programming to the public.\u201d  \u00a0  \"PEG access stations are televised town squares where local citizens can see and hear what is happening in their own community, and respond with their own voices to the issues affecting their cities and towns,\u201d said Markey. \u201cI have long admired the goals of education and participation heralded by these TV channels, and I will continue to support the work of these vital local resources.\"  \u00a0  Across the country, there over 2,000 public, educational, and governmental (PEG) studios/operations and an estimated 5,000 PEG channels. In a time of media consolidation, these local, non-commercial access channels bring unique voices, perspectives, and programming to communities. Local school districts operate PEG channels to feature school board meetings and forums, homework helpers, interviews, lectures, and sporting events not otherwise broadcast on television. And religious programming represents 20-40 percent of local access programming.  \u00a0  PEG channels receive no federal funding.\u00a0 The Telecommunications Act of 1996 grants municipalities the right to assess a small franchise fee, which is paid to local or state governments to support community media centers. Several states, while intending to preserve PEG and community media, have adopted statewide video franchising standards that have devastated PEG funding. Since 2005, PEG access channels have suffered severe setbacks as a result of these statewide franchising laws passed in 23 states. These laws took away a local community\u2019s ability to negotiate with cable operators, resulting in six states -\u00a0 Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, and Missouri -\u00a0 losing all funding for PEG channels in 2012.\u00a0 In addition, in 2007, the FCC ruled, subject to some important exceptions, that PEG franchise fees could only be used for facilities and equipment, and not for operating expenses.\u00a0 As a result, many communities are closing PEG facilities because, while they have equipment, there are no funds to operate them.   \u00a0  The CAP Act amends the Cable Act to ensure that PEG fees can be used for any purpose, including paying employee salaries.\u00a0 The legislation reaffirms that cable operators must deliver PEG channels to subscribers without additional charges, and via channel placement with the same quality, accessibility and functionality as provided to local television broadcast stations.\u00a0 Finally, it requires operators to provide the support required under state laws, or the support historically provided for PEG, or up to 2 percent of gross revenue, whichever is greater.\u00a0 The CAP Act costs nothing, will address the severe challenges faced by PEG access channels and local community media, and will save thousands of jobs across the country.  \u00a0  \u201cCongress, through the cable acts of 1984 and 1992, intended to make sure that local communities could have PEG access channels and funding in return for the cable operators\u2019 use of public rights-of-way,\u201d said John Rocco, President, American Community Television. This legislation will restore what Congress intended and helps to secure a local community\u2019s ability to use these channels to communicate.\u00a0 We want to thank Senator Baldwin and Senator Markey for working together to save these channels.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cWisconsin needs the CAP Act,\u201d said Mary Cardona, Executive Director of Wisconsin Community Media. \u201cIn 2007, state franchise legislation eliminated PEG funding. Since then, citizen-produced local programming has withered while local governments strive to retain coverage of local affairs.\u00a0 Some key public access centers in the state have closed their doors.\u00a0 The CAP Act will restore support for the community programming residents want.\u00a0 The continuing erosion of community television services in the state has been of great concern to Wisconsin Community Media and we could not be more thrilled at the re-introduction of the CAP Act by Senators Baldwin and Markey.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cIn a time when religious programming face increasing challenges to its voice being given an equal platform, PEG channels offer a venue for these programs to be accessed,\u201d said Bishop John C. Wester, Diocese of Salt Lake City and chair of the USCCB Committee on Communications. \u201cThis is of particular importance for the elderly, disabled or homebound who long to remain connected to their religious communities but are unable to take part in their religious or community activities.\u201d  \u00a0  The CAP Act is supported by the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), American Community Television, The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), The National League of Cities, The United States Conference of Mayors, Americans for the Arts, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062024/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/a-critical-lifeline_--congress-must-act", "A critical lifeline  - Congress must act", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 10, 2013\n\t\t\t\t A critical lifeline  - Congress must act \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAt this time, federal support for unemployment insurance is set to end a few days after the holiday season, cutting off vital support for 1.3 million Americans.\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s economy is moving forward but Wisconsin\u2019s economy continues to lag behind other states and far too many hard working people are still looking for a job. Wisconsin\u2019s economy can\u2019t afford the expiration of unemployment insurance because it will cost our economy jobs and slow growth. That is why it is critical that Congress takes action to continue federal support for unemployment insurance and provide a lifeline for Wisconsin families as they search for work in our recovering economy,\u201d said Senator Tammy Baldwin.\nAccording to the Wisconsin Budget Project\u2019s report released last week, over 65,000 Wisconsinites will be impacted if Congress fails to act by the end of the year. 23,700 long-term unemployed workers in Wisconsin will be immediately cut off EUC at the end of 2013, as shown in the chart below. Some 41,800 additional workers will exhaust their state-funded 26 weeks of unemployment benefits in the first half of 2014, and will be denied access to federal unemployment benefits.\nTammy joined a number of Senate colleagues is calling for the continuation of federal support for unemployment insurance. Today, she is encouraging Governor Walker and the entire Wisconsin Congressional delegation to join her efforts on behalf of hard-working families looking for a job in Wisconsin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-calls-on-congress-to-prevent-price-of-milk-from-doubling", "Pocan Calls on Congress to Prevent Price of Milk from Doubling", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MADISON, WI\u2014Imagine if a gallon of milk suddenly cost $7 at every grocery store in south central Wisconsin. Unfortunately, that could become a reality starting in 2014 if Congress does not pass a new Farm Bill by the end of the year.\u00a0 At a press conference today in Madison at the Jenifer Street Market, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) called for his colleagues not to leave Washington until action is taken to avoid these unnecessary price increases for families and farmers in south central Wisconsin.\n\u201cCongressional inaction has already shut down the government, and now it is threatening to double the price of milk to more than $7 a gallon,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cThis type of price increase would devastate our Wisconsin families and gravely harm our Wisconsin dairy farmers. Although the House is scheduled to finish its work by the end of the week, we will not have done our jobs if we fail to address this vital concern. I call on my colleagues not to leave Washington until we pass a Farm Bill and protect the economic security of our families and famers.\u201d\nIf Congress does not pass a new Farm Bill by the end of the year, the country will revert to the outdated dairy policies of the 1940s, which would effectively double the price of milk in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average for a gallon of milk was nearly $3.50 in October.\nMembers of the House and Senate on the Farm Bill Conference Committee are now working to finish a final agreement on new legislation, but with the House scheduled to leave Washington at the end of this week, time is quickly running out. Reports indicate that one of the major areas of disagreement remain over cuts to the food stamp program\u2014the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). House Republicans are advocating for $40 billion in SNAP Cuts, which would deny benefits to approximately 150,000 Wisconsinites, put 4,000 Wisconsin kids at risk of losing access to free/reduced school lunches, and result in the loss of an estimated $170 million to the Wisconsin economy just next year. Pocan voted against these cuts earlier this year.\nMonday\u2019s press conference kicked off Pocan\u2019s #MoreWork2Do Week, where he will highlight major priorities Congress should tackle before leaving on vacation. Due to a lack of leadership from House Republicans, this Congress is set to pass fewer laws this year than at almost any point in history. Among the priorities Pocan will highlight this week include the need to pass a budget, extend unemployment insurance benefits, pass comprehensive immigration reform, and focus on legislation to promote job creation and economic growth.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221033356/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/immigration-vital-to-wisconsin-agriculture-farmers-tell-baldwin", "Immigration vital to Wisconsin agriculture, farmers tell Baldwin", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Immigration vital to Wisconsin agriculture, farmers tell Baldwin\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    By:\u00a0\n                    Mike Tighe\n                \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n            Monday, December 9, 2013\n            \n\t\n            \n            Immigration reform must ensure a supply of farm workers from other countries to help sustain Wisconsin agriculture, several farmers and ag representatives told U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Friday in La Crosse.\nImmigration and reforming crop subsidies in the federal farm bill dominated discussion during a roundtable that the Wisconsin Democrat convened at Dairyland Power Cooperative.\nBaldwin\u2019s session with nearly 20 farmers, educators and officials in the ag industry came as a congressional conference committee wrestles with a new five-year farm bill. Negotiators are snagged over the House version, which would cut $40 billion from food stamps over 10 years, and restructuring subsidies.\n\u201cSixty percent of the milk in Wisconsin is harvested by immigrants,\u201d said John Rosenow, a Buffalo County dairy farmer with 500 cows.\nRosenow told of a Minnesota customer whose Community Supported Agriculture enterprise had 30 workers, several of whom were deported after an immigration audit deemed them illegal.\n\u201cPeople who had been working for him for 12 years he had to let go,\u201d Rosenow said. \u201cIt almost killed his farm.\u201d\nRosenow, who said eight of his 20 employees are from Mexico, said that, at a time when farm labor is in short supply, \u201cWe found this great source of workers in Mexican immigrants.\u201d\nBeyond the economic issue of providing farm workers is the moral aspect that it also benefits the immigrants, he said.\nHe recently visited families of some of his workers in Mexico, where he said a building boom \u201cis the direct result of their jobs here.\u201d\n\u201cThese are people,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are not illegal aliens. \u2026 You need to get to know them as people.\u201d\nJohn Jones, who farms 900 acres with 100 cows near Bangor, said immigrants really want to work, while many Americans eschew hard labor.\n\u201cWe need the immigrants if you don\u2019t want a lot of people to go hungry.\u201d\nAgriculture faces a dearth of workers in coming years, said Michael Compton, who directs the School of Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.\nWe're going to have 130,000 vacancies in the agricultural work force,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need to be able to recruit and retain students in agriculture.\u201d\nJake Wedeberg, a 28-year-old organic farmer near Gays Mills, said farming offers opportunities to young people like him, and the farm bill should ensure that lifestyle.\n\u201cWe market through Organic Valley, and we want a stable pay price to keep the organic seal strong,\u201d Wedeberg said.\nJerry McGeorge, cooperative affairs vice president for the La Farge-based Organic Valley, said exports are increasingly important to Organic Valley and its 1,834 members.\nBut South Korea is threatening to bar any U.S. organic products, which it also attempted a few years ago but was thwarted.\n\u201cNow, it\u2019s trying it again,\u201d McGeorge said in urging Baldwin to work against the ban.\nKeith Wilson, a Cuba City farmer and an Organic Valley board member, said, \u201cIn the farm bill, we\u2019re very concerned about huge subsidies for large farms. It really distorts the picture for family farms.\u201d\nDuring an interview after the roundtable, Wilson said, \u201cI would really like to see a cap put on subsidies, especially to the large, wealthy farmers who don\u2019t need it.\u201d\nSubsidies often make large farms larger, benefiting investors and groups at the expense of family farms, he said.\n\u201cThey are making millions from subsidies and then morally how do they get rid of food stamps?\u201d Wilson said.\nBaldwin said she hopes the conference committee has something to present on the farm bill to the Senate next week if there is to be any hope of passing it before Jan. 1.\nConference leaders expressed confidence this week that they might reach a deal in time to avert the expiration of dairy subsides Jan. 1.\nBaldwin decried the House version\u2019s slashing of food stamps, now called SNAP for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.\nSNAP is important not only for the estimated 3.8 million people who would lose food stamps but also for farmers, Baldwin said.\n\u201cThere is a reason nutrition and agriculture are linked in the farm bill,\u201d she said. \u201cFarmers realize the connection between hunger and nutrition.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-continues-fight-make-college-more-affordable", "Rep. Ron Kind Continues Fight to Make College More Affordable", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Kind Cites New Study Finding that Wisconsin Ranks 8th in the U.S. for Student Loan Debt\nWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) today renewed his call for action to make college loans more affordable, citing a new study finding that Wisconsin ranks 8th highest in the country for percentage of graduates with student loan debt.\nThe fact that our state has the 8th highest percentage of students graduating with debt should be a wake-up call for every Wisconsinite, said Rep. Kind. We have to reverse this trend. Helping our young people prepare to compete in the global marketplace is a smart investment, and an absolute necessity for the future of our state's economy.\nThe study, conducted by the Institute for College Access and Success, found the 68% of last year's graduates left school carrying student loan debt. The average debt amount was $28,102, which was the 14th highest in the nation.\nRep. Kind has taken concrete steps to keep college affordable, and has consistently voted against bills that aim to balance the federal deficit on the backs of students. He strongly opposed a so-called compromise on student loan interest rates this past summer, which will ultimately lead to higher interest rates. He also introduced the Protecting Education through Lifetime Learning (PELL) Grant Funding Act to direct any profit the government makesfrom federal student loan programs into the Pell Grant program.\nRep. Kind's efforts are especially needed as higher education in Wisconsin faces historic challenges. The state has cut funding for our public colleges by 11%, and at the federal level, mandatory spending reductions (known as the sequester) are cutting 5% from programs helping low-income students, minorities, and students with disabilities afford college.\nI have the privilege of representing 14 colleges and universities in the Third Congressional District and I know how tough it is on families trying to pay for college, concluded Rep. Kind. For a Wisconsin student to graduate from college and enter the job market with over $28,000 in debt creates a huge financial strain that can last for years. The time for action is now, before Wisconsin falls any further behind.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062114/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/upcoming-staff-office-hours-in-viroqua", "Upcoming staff office hours in Viroqua", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 6, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Upcoming staff office hours in Viroqua \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSenator Baldwin's office has announced that members of her staff will hold office hours in Viroqua on December 12, 2013. Constituents will have the opportunity to meet with staff and request assistance with a federal agency or discuss other federal issues. No appointment is necessary.\nHere are the details for office hours on December 12, 2013:\nViroqua\n2:00-3:00pm  Viroqua City Hall   202 North Main Street   Viroqua, WI 54665", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/local-headlines_-baldwin-talks-postal-reform-during-stop-at-quad/graphics", "Local Headlines - Baldwin talks postal reform during stop at Quad/Graphics", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  About Tammy\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Feedback\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHow Can I Help You?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t      \n\t    \n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n        \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 6, 2013\n\t\t\t\tLocal Headlines - Baldwin talks postal reform during stop at Quad/Graphics\n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n                    \n                    \n                 \t\n                    \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", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=934", "Gwen Moore Mourns Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Derek Wallbank - May 16, 2012 5:46 PM ET\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe House today passed the bill, 222-205, on a mostly party-line vote. Democrats criticized the Republican-written measure as part of the party\u2019s \u201cwar on women.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThey don\u2019t want to hear us talk about the war on women, but this is a direct assault on women\u2019s lives,\u201d Gwen Moore, a Wisconsin Democrat, said before the vote. Moore, who sponsored a proposal similar to a bill passed by the Democratic-dominated Senate, said she was once raped. Democrats said the Republican proposal would force immigrant victims to choose between staying with their abusers and risking deportation.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tPresident Barack Obama\u2019s administration prefers the Senate- passed version, S. 1925, and his administration threatened a veto of the House bill. Six Democrats joined 216 Republicans in voting for the House bill, while 23 Republicans and 182 Democrats opposed it.\r\n\r\n\tBoth parties put female lawmakers at the forefront of the debate. Republican Sandy Adams, a freshman lawmaker from central Florida who was a deputy sheriff before coming to Congress, sponsored the House bill. Adams said she had personal experience with the victims the bill is meant to aid, and that her first marriage was an abusive relationship from which she escaped.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u2018I Am Offended\u2019\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI have sat quietly and tried to behave here but I am offended when I hear that this does not protect victims,\u201d Adams said. \u201cAs someone who has been in the situation, who has been on the scenes of these crimes, we are trying to reauthorize something that\u2019s very important to victims. Victims, not politics.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe 1994 Violence Against Women Act and later reauthorizations of the law have easily passed both chambers of Congress.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe grants to women\u2019s shelters and police training weren\u2019t at issue, as the House and Senate versions would authorize spending of about $660 million annually. Instead, the debate centered on immigration visas for victims of domestic violence, gay rights and which party would be the best choice for women voters.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe House bill would curtail special visas reserved for immigrant victims of abuse who cooperate with law enforcement. Current law allows such visas to be used as a start toward legal permanent residence or citizenship. The House measure would block that path to citizenship in almost all circumstances unless the accused person is deported.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u2018Inexcusable\u2019\r\n\r\n\tIn the Senate, a group of Senate Democrats joined with House colleagues in calling for action on the Senate bill, which passed that chamber on a 68-31 vote April 26. Every woman in the Senate, and almost a third of Republicans, supported it.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWhat is happening in the House is inexcusable,\u201d said Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat. She said the House bill wouldn\u2019t provide adequate help for groups including immigrants, gays and college students.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWith each chamber rejecting the other\u2019s plan, the competing Violence Against Women Acts would have to be merged before becoming law.\r\n\r\n\tThe House bill is H.R. 4970.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2017", "Gwen Moore Mourns Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Though no words can wholly console those who mourn, my thoughts and prayers go out to every person touched by his kind spirit and resolve. May his legacy live on today and always.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released this statement after learning that Nelson Mandela had passed.  Today we have lost a visionary leader and hero for human rights. Nelson Mandela broke the chains of oppression in South Africa and opened the hearts and minds of millions. His life's journey serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to create a more just world. He reaffirmed to all that hope and a steadfast dream of freedom will prevail over hatred and fear.   His courage and strength freed a nation and reshaped our history. In 2005, I had the honor and blessing of meeting this remarkable man. It was a powerful moment that left an indelible mark.  Though no words can wholly console those who mourn, my thoughts and prayers go out to every person touched by his kind spirit and resolve. May his legacy live on today and always.  ###  For Moore News Updates", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221033404/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/baldwin-talks-postal-reform-during-stop-at-quad/graphics", "Baldwin talks postal reform during stop at Quad/Graphics", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Baldwin talks postal reform during stop at Quad/Graphics\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    By:\u00a0\n                    Arthur Thomas\n                \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                    \n                    \n                    Waukesha Freeman\n                    \n                    \n                \n            Thursday, December 5, 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034537/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/focusing-on-healthcare-costs-not-cuts", "Focusing on healthcare costs, not cuts", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 5, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Focusing on healthcare costs, not cuts \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFor years now, the budget debate in Washington has come to be defined by a myopic fixation with cutting Medicare and Social Security benefits that people have worked for and earned.  The common refrain we hear from Republicans in Washington is that the only path to cutting the deficit can be found in breaking our promise to today\u2019s seniors and to the next generation who have earned the economic security these programs provide.\nOver the last several years, the same folks who insist on cutting benefits have obsessively worked to repeal and defund the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This obsession has produced more than 40 repeal votes in Congress and led to a government shutdown that hampered economic growth and cost us 120,000 jobs in October.\nThe country has seen what the Tea Party brinkmanship has to offer, and it is looking for something different. The budget conference committee has provided us with an opportunity to find a bipartisan compromise that breaks this destructive pattern of drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next. It provides us with an opportunity for both parties to work together to pass a responsible budget that invests in the middle class, strengthens our economy and takes a balanced approach to reducing the deficit without shortchanging our future.\nThe budget that I supported, which passed the Senate last spring, builds on the $2.5 trillion in deficit reduction we\u2019ve already accomplished in the last two years. This budget makes smart spending cuts and confronts wasteful tax expenditures and loopholes that are not creating economic growth. It also treats seniors and families fairly and includes significant healthcare savings, building on the $700 billion in Medicare savings included in the ACA \u2014 savings that extended the solvency of Medicare without cutting benefits.\nThe budget savings we have proposed don\u2019t shift the burden to seniors, increasing their out-of-pocket costs. We have shown that there is, in fact, a path we can take where we can achieve healthcare costs savings without breaking our promises.  Unfortunately, a dialogue about how we continue down this responsible path of deficit reduction hasn\u2019t gotten as much attention as it deserves in the current budget debate. Changes to our healthcare budget should focus not solely on where we spend healthcare dollars but on how we spend them. There is widespread agreement that significant savings can be achieved by reforming the way we deliver and pay for health services. Leading economists estimate that we can produce huge cost savings every year by enacting and building on smart, targeted reforms.\nThe ACA was the first step in transforming healthcare delivery. The law provides healthcare practitioners with incentives to better integrate care, increase quality and lower costs. These efforts are producing impressive results across the country, including a number of examples in my home state.\nThedaCare Healthcare Partners in Northeast Wisconsin has excelled with the ACA\u2019s Pioneer Accountable Care Organization program, which gives healthcare providers incentives to better coordinate care. In its first year of participation, Bellin-ThedaCare earned more than $5 million in shared savings and lowered costs for its 20,000 Medicare patients by an average of nearly 4.6 percent. The Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin is using the ACA to better integrate pharmacists into clinical care teams. That initiative is set to save more than $20 million in three years. These parts of the law are empowering Wisconsin healthcare providers to provide higher-quality care at reduced costs. We must scale and build on these delivery reforms, which are already generating healthcare savings in our country.\nSince the ACA\u2019s passage in 2010, real per-capita healthcare spending has grown at the lowest rate on record for any three-year period. Healthcare price inflation has also reached its lowest rate in 50 years. Most healthcare economists agree that these slowdowns in healthcare spending have resulted in part from the important structural reforms enacted in the ACA. These reforms also have led to better quality, including a significant drop in hospital readmissions after Medicare began penalizing hospitals for causing them to occur.\nI\u2019m looking forward to the day when Congress moves beyond fighting old political battles. The years before the ACA, when healthcare costs were skyrocketing, people were denied coverage and families were forced into bankruptcy because our system was failing to provide healthcare security, should remain behind us. It\u2019s time for both parties to work together to build a stronger future. There\u2019s so much more to be done if we can form bipartisan consensus around enacting smart healthcare solutions.\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019m pleased to work with senators of both parties in pushing for transformative reforms that do not indiscriminately cut Medicare benefits or shift costs to seniors and states. A Delivery System Reform working group has been collaboratively endeavoring to study and build support for cost-saving measures, including reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections. I\u2019ve been heartened by the bipartisan, bicameral proposals that have been recently introduced to reform Medicare physician payments to reward the quality of care over the quantity of services delivered.\nIn November, I introduced commonsense, bipartisan legislation with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), The Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act, which would increase the efficiency of healthcare by providing Medicare data to the decision-makers best able to use the information to improve healthcare quality and lower costs: physicians, healthcare systems, insurers, employers and research institutions.\nI believe that we can find significant savings in our healthcare system and improve the quality of care without slashing benefits that seniors have worked for and earned. This path continues a more fundamental shift in healthcare delivery: coordinating care, rewarding the best results and the brightest innovations, empowering physicians and health systems to make informed choices, and generating savings through more meaningful, longer-lasting reforms.\nA new path is before us, and the American people expect us to take it, together.\n#####\n--- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, as recently published in The Hill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034337/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/a-made-in-wisconsin-visit-to-quad-graphics", "A 'Made in Wisconsin' visit to Quad Graphics", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "633 W. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1920\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMilwaukee, WI 53203", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043737/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/sen-baldwin-says-bulk-mailing-rate-amendment-will-help-printing-firms", "Sen. Baldwin says bulk mailing rate amendment will help printing firms", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Baldwin says bulk mailing rate amendment will help printing firms\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    By:\u00a0\n                    Denise Lockwood\n                \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n            Wednesday, December 4, 2013\n            \n\t\n            \n            U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) is championing an amendment to the postal reform bill that would curb large increases in postal rates for bulk mailers.\nBaldwin visited Quad/Graphics in Sussex Wednesday morning and spoke with Milwaukee Business Journal reporters and editors Tuesday to talk about the impact of the amendment on Wisconsin\u2019s economy. She outlined how the amendment would give postal customers \u201cpricing predictability\u201d and benefit forestry, paper and printing companies throughout the state like Quad/Graphics.\n\u201cForty percent of the paper we produce ends up in the mail stream\u2026 any significant \u2013 beyond inflation increases in postage \u2013 affects our paper industry very dramatically,\u201d Baldwin said.\nBaldwin\u2019s amendment strikes a section of the bill that would allow rates to be increased beyond the rate of inflation for bulk mailers.\n\u201cIt\u2019s pretty simple math for these folks that the postage is a significant part of their bottom line,\u201d Baldwin said. \u201cIf it goes up, they are mailing less and nobody benefits. It\u2019s a very important provision to get rid of.\u201d\nJoel Quadracci, president and CEO of Quad/Graphics, spoke about the issue during committee hearings on the topic earlier this year in which he told the committee:\n\"As discussed, above-inflation postage rate increases cannot be part of this solution (whether they are from straight rate increases or reductions in work-share discounts). The rate caps enacted as part of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA) have worked well to control postage rates and provide our clients with that much needed certainty.\"\nJeff Landin, president of Wisconsin Paper Council, supports the amendment.\n\u201cNow, unless changes are made to Section 301, an already difficult coated paper market is likely to see more damage due to further declines in mail volume,\u201d Landin said. \u201cYour efforts to provide predictable and moderate rate increases will not only benefit the paper industry in Wisconsin, it will help the USPS by providing more mail to deliver.\u201d\nMore than 600 companies, retailers, nonprofits, newspapers and other organizations around the country support the amendment.\nThe bill is still in committee, Baldwin said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-comments-on-alec-s-new-attempts-to-shield-itself-against-tax-laws", "Pocan Comments on ALEC\u2019s New Attempts to Shield Itself against Tax Laws", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement on today\u2019s Guardian story detailing the American Legislative Exchange Council\u2019s (ALEC) new efforts to shield itself against tax laws. When he served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Pocan became a member of ALEC to learn more about the group and expose its potentially illegal lobbying activities.\nBy filing as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charity, ALEC is required to verify that it does not spend more than 20 percent of its time lobbying. However, as Pocan learned when he attended the group\u2019s national conferences, ALEC spends almost all of its time lobbying\u2014it writes model legislation on behalf of its corporate partners and then helps state legislatures pass these bills.\nBut according to the Guardian, ALEC is now: \u201choping to avoid legal, tax and ethical challenges by creating a separate sister organisation it calls the \"Jeffersonian Project\". The new body would be categorised as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organisation, a designation that would allow Alec to be far more overt in its lobbying activities than its current charitable status as a 501(c)(3).\u201d\n\u201cThe only charity work ALEC does is on behalf of needy corporations and lonely legislators,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cIt is past time that ALEC is exposed for what it is\u2014a corporate lobbying firm doing the bidding of corporations. As the article details, they are now trying to not only hide their intensions, but their funding as well in a new \u201csocial welfare\u201d organization. The IRS needs to step in and strip ALEC of its ability to rig the democratic system and rob the American taxpayers.\u201d\u00a0\nLast year, Pocan sent a letter to the IRS urging them to investigate ALEC\u2019s tax filing. He also wrote a letter to the ALEC Chairman asking him to justify its tax filing status. He never received a response.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034341/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/badger-meter_innovators-strengthening-our-made-in-wisconsin-economy", "Badger Meter – innovators strengthening our 'Made in Wisconsin' economy", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 3, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Badger Meter \u2013 innovators strengthening our 'Made in Wisconsin' economy \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Milwaukee region has quickly become a world hub for water research, education and economic development and Badger Meter is just another example of bright innovators helping to build and strengthen our \"Made In Wisconsin\" economy.\n\n  Badger Meter was founded in Milwaukee over a hundred years ago and is a leader in the marketing and manufacturing of flow measurement and control technologies. Badger Meter's products measure and control the flow of liquids - such as water, oil and chemicals - and have earned a reputation across the globe. They also have an Innovation Center that includes labs where engineers and scientists simulate different conditions to further develop their technologies.\n  \u00a0\n\n  \u00a0Click here, to read more about building a 'Made in Wisconsin' economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-praises-grant-award-improve-energy-efficiency-wisconsin", "Rep. Ron Kind Praises Grant Award to Improve Energy Efficiency in Wisconsin", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) welcomed the news that Wisconsin is receiving a grant award totaling $475,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) State Energy Program. The competitively awarded grant is for projects whose goal is to increase statewide energy savings and boost the energy efficiency of public institutions, local governments and industrial sectors.\nThis grant will help support a forward-looking approach aimed at promoting energy efficiency and helping communities reduce energy waste, said Rep. Kind. These investments will protect the environment, save taxpayer dollars and help Wisconsin continue to lead the way in smart, innovative renewable energy solutions and innovations.\nWisconsin's award is part of nearly $4 million in grants to 13 states aimed at increasing statewide energy savings and boosting energy efficiency. Wisconsin's awards  totaling $475,000  fall into two categories. One will attempt to remove regulatory, market and utility barriers to industrial energy efficiency (while helping create a sustainable model), accounting for $75,000 of the federal funding. The other project will focus on retrofitting public housing as well as local government and state facilities, (including the installation of low-wattage LED lighting and an upgrade to existing heating and cooling systems), accounting for $400,000 in grant funding.\nRep. Kind wrote letters in strong support of the grant.\nThe DOE's State Energy Program provides support through formula and competitive grants, assisting states in saving energy and harnessing clean energy technologies. States use the grants to increase technology use, build partnerships, and facilitate energy-related emergency preparedness.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062223/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/upcoming-staff-office-hours-in-wausau-and-rhinelander", "Upcoming staff office hours in Wausau & Rhinelander", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, November 26, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Upcoming staff office hours in Wausau & Rhinelander \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSenator Baldwin's office has announced that members of her staff will hold office hours in Rhinelander and Wausau on December 2, 2013. Constituents will have the opportunity to meet with staff and request assistance with a federal agency or discuss other federal issues. No appointment is necessary.\nHere are the details for office hours on December 2, 2013:\nWausau\n10:00-11:00am  Marathon County Public Library  300 N. 1st Street  Wausau, WI\nRhinelander\n1:00-2:00pm  Rhinelander Public Library  106 N. Stevens Street  Rhinelander, WI", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=929", "Gwen Moore Recognizes Native American Heritage Month", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Staff|5/16/2012 3:05 PM (Talk Radio News Service)\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHouse Democrats voiced extreme opposition to a GOP version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) they argue lacks provisions that extend the authority of the law to minority women, Native American women and members of the LGBT community.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) argued that the Republican bill \u201cis a step backward\u201d from current legislation. Instead, House Democrats are pressing leadership to take up a Senate version that gained bipartisan support and passed by a 68-31 margin.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIn sharp contrast, the House Republicans have brought to the floor today a controversial bill that will weaken protections we give to those who suffer domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking,\u201d Pelosi said. \u201cAll people deserve to be protected from domestic violence, there should be no exceptions in this law.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), through personal experience, argued that the provisions being omitted from House Republicans\u2019 VAWA will inadequately support minority women and as well as women living on tribal lands.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI am particularly aggrieved that this bill ignores the special circumstances of women who are minorities, women who are in the shadows,\u201d Moore said. \u201cAnd where we have created a veritable sanctuary for those who would commit sexual assault and abuse them on tribal lands.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe White House issued a veto threat to the GOP bill Tuesday.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFor instance, H.R. 4970 fails to provide for concurrent special domestic-violence criminal jurisdiction by tribal authorities over non-Indians, and omits clarification of tribal courts\u2019 full civil jurisdiction regarding certain protection orders over non-Indians,\u201d the White House said in a statement.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe bill also fails to include language that would prohibit discrimination against LGBT victims in VAWA grant programs. No sexual-assault or domestic-violence victim should be beaten, hurt, or killed because they could not access needed support, assistance, and protection.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tHouse Republicans are likely to pass their version of VAWA Wednesday. As a result, both chambers will have to move to conference \u2013 yet again \u2013 in hopes of finding common ground.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2119", "Gwen Moore Recognizes Native American Heritage Month", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Gwen Moore Recognizes Native American Heritage Month \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        November 22, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        The rich culture and heritage of the Native American community has had an undeniable positive impact on our way of life. As Thanksgiving approaches, let us remember the great contributions that Native Americans have made and continue to make to bridge our communities and improve our nation.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released this statement in honor of Native American Heritage Month.  The rich culture and heritage of the Native American community has had an undeniable positive impact on our way of life. As Thanksgiving approaches, let us remember the great contributions that Native Americans have made and continue to make to bridge our communities and improve our nation. This week I was proud to celebrate the Native American code talkers whose service and unique languages proved invaluable during WWI and WWII. The Wisconsin tribes who received the Congressional Gold Medals included the Ho-Chunk, Oneida and Menominee Nations. It was such an honor to join them as they received this long overdue recognition.   Protecting the sovereignty and promoting the economic, political and social self-determination for the Native American community remains a pressing priority given the numerous challenges they face. One of our key legislative priorities this year was the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). For far too long, non-Native men could assault Native women with impunity. VAWA not only works to end this scourge, but it also helps provide vital support services to Native American victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. I was proud to be the lead House sponsor of such vital legislation that became law earlier this year.  I am so pleased to support our 11 federally recognized Native American tribes in Wisconsin, including the Forest County Potawatomi whose philanthropic efforts and job creation have improved the lives of many in the Milwaukee area. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Native Americans in my state and across the nation. Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every year in November. To learn more about this month, please visit this website. ###  For Moore News Updates  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042714/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-klobuchar-join-in-friendly-wager-on-this-weekends-minnesota-wisconsin-football-games", "Baldwin, Klobuchar Join in Friendly Wager on This Weekend's Minnesota-Wisconsin Football Games", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Baldwin, Klobuchar Join in Friendly Wager on This Weekend's Minnesota-Wisconsin Football Games\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJust in time for Thanksgiving, the Senators put Minnesota turkey and wild rice and Wisconsin bratwurst and cheese on the line for the Gopher-Badger and Vikings-Packers games\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 22, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today joined in a friendly wager on this weekend\u2019s Minnesota-Wisconsin football games. With the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers playing the University of Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday and the Minnesota Vikings playing the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the senators wagered Wisconsin bratwurst and cheese against a Minnesota Jennie-O turkey and wild rice \u2013 one dish for each game.\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m sure Senator Baldwin\u2019s office would enjoy a Minnesota turkey and some Minnesota wild rice for Thanksgiving dinner, I\u2019m looking forward to sampling some of the finest brats and cheese Wisconsin has to offer after cheering on the Gophers and Vikings this weekend,\u201d\u00a0Klobuchar said, noting that\u00a0Minnesota is the number one turkey producer in the country.\n\"When the Badgers and Packers beat the Gophers and Vikings like they always do, the turkey and wild rice will go wonderfully with some made in Wisconsin cranberry sauce,\" said Baldwin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221044105/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/senators-introduce-bill-to-help-homeless-and-foster-youth-attend-college", "Senators Introduce Bill To Help Homeless And Foster Youth Attend College", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Introduce Bill To Help Homeless And Foster Youth Attend College\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    By:\u00a0\n                    Scott Keyes\n                \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n            Friday, November 22, 2013\n            \n\t\n            \n            The United States recently set an depressing record when the number of homeless students across the country reached an all-time high last year. More than 1.1 million students in preschool or K-12 were homeless during the 2011-12 school year, fully 2 percent of all students in the nation.\nIn response, Democratic Sens. Patty Murray (WA), Mary Landrieu (LA), and Tammy Baldwin (WI) introduced the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act on Thursday in an effort to help homeless students be able to afford and attend college.\nCurrently, there are many hurdles that are unique to homeless youth that make it more difficult both to get to college and to stay afloat once they\u2019re there. Many have difficulty establishing residency in order to qualify for in-state tuition, and they must have their status as independent students without parental support re-determined every year. This bill would remove those barriers, providing in-state tuition for homeless and foster youth and allowing their unaccompanied status to be set in perpetuity.\nIn addition, the bill would help homeless and foster youth find housing both during the school year and between terms. And it would instruct the General Accounting Office to conduct more research on education trends among homeless and foster students so further outreach can be provided.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=928", "Paulsen, Moore Introduce Legislation to Combat Sex Trafficking", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Pete Kasperowicz - 05/16/12 01:20 PM ET\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe House on Wednesday voted to move ahead with a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), after Democrats tried blocking it by raising a point of order.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tDemocrats oppose the House bill, which omits language prohibiting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people under the law, does not go as far as a Senate bill to protect Native Americans, and makes it harder for illegal immigrant victims of domestic abuse to stay in the United States.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn early Wednesday afternoon debate, Democrats bristled at the GOP bill, H.R. 4970, because Republicans are not allowing any amendment votes. In a bid to stall the bill, Democrats raised a point of order against the rule for the bill, arguing that the bill contains unacceptable unfunded mandates.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) acknowledged that the real reason for the point of order was to allow Democrats more time to argue against it, given that there will be no amendment debate.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\"This bill has always been a bipartisan effort, and I would argue that on an issue like this, it is incredibly important to have a well-rounded discussion,\" she said. \"Why not allow us to have a healthy debate?\"\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAs part of her argument, Moore called on 10 Democratic women to register their opposition to the bill, which they did in brief statements on the House floor.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) dismissed the point of order by saying the Congressional Budget Office has determined that there are no significant unfunded mandates in the bill, and rejected Democratic attempts to paint Republicans as uncaring about violence against women.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\"It really pains me to see my colleagues across the aisle make the kind of accusations that they make about Republicans being unconcerned about the issue of violence against women,\" Foxx said. \"How could they possibly accuse us of not being concerned about that issue?\"\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tFoxx also noted that the Republican bill calls for more accountability on how federal money is spent under the VAWA program, which she said shows Republicans are looking to maximize results under the program.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\"In fact, I would say that we are more concerned with violence for women, because we want to see those women served better, and we want to see the money spent better,\" she said.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAfter this debate, the House voted 239-183 in favor of considering the rule for the bill \u2014 three Democrats voted with Republicans. As a result, the House was expected to debate the rule and approve it sometime after 2 p.m.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe same rule governing debate on the VAWA legislation also sets debate rules for the National Defense Authorization Act for 2013, H.R. 4310. Passage of the rule will set up an hour of debate on the NDAA later on Wednesday, but consideration of amendments will be covered by another rule.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2048", "Paulsen, Moore Introduce Legislation to Combat Sex Trafficking", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I am so proud to join Congressman Paulsen as we work to protect trafficking victims. I urge my colleagues to do their part to reduce the prevalence of sex trafficking and the pain associated with this horrific crime.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        CONTACT: Paulsen: Philip Minardi (202) 503-7809 Moore: Staci Cox (202) 225-4572   Washington, D.C.  Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), today introduced bipartisan legislation to combat sex trafficking in American communities. The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act will give law enforcement the tools they need to turn the tide against sex trafficking in U.S. communities and help victims of these horrific crimes receive the support they need and deserve.  These young girls are victims and need access to services and protection, said Congressman Paulsen. The fact is many trafficking victims don't seek help because they fear they will be punished. It's time to shepherd victims out of the shadows and bring traffickers and johns' to justice. We must do everything we can to combat this tragic trend in our own backyard.  In 2006, as a member of the Minnesota House, Paulsen was an author of legislation forming the first statewide human trafficking task force. This task force was the first step towards Minnesota's Safe Harbor Law.  Sex trafficking is a very serious issue that impacts far too many--including young children--across our nation, said Congresswoman Moore. This reality was undeniably exposed after July's Operation Cross Country VII where 10 young people in Milwaukee and dozens more across our nation were rescued from forced prostitution. I am so proud to join Congressman Paulsen as we work to protect trafficking victims. This bill would strengthen our national response to sex trafficking, and provide victims with access to services rather than prosecuting them for being in a bad situation through no fault of their own. I urge my colleagues to do their part to reduce the prevalence of sex trafficking and the pain associated with this horrific crime. The bill is modeled after Minnesota's safe harbor laws, which help ensure minors who are sold for sex aren't prosecuted but treated as victims. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Mark Kirk (R-IL). Read the legislation here. ###  For Moore News Updates", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-highlights-economic-impact-national-wildlife-refuges", "Rep. Ron Kind Highlights Economic Impact of National Wildlife Refuges", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) is highlighting a new report that details the substantial economic activity generated by our national wildlife refuges. \nOur national wildlife refuges offer spectacular natural beauty and critical habitat for wildlife. But they are also economic engines that create jobs in local communities,said Rep. Kind. Making investments in our natural resources provides a valuable return in Wisconsin and across the country.\"\nThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released \"Banking on Nature,\"a report that describes the profound economic impact that the nation's 561 national wildlife refuges have on local economies. In 2011 (the most recent data available), 46.5 million people visited refuges, representing a near 30 percent increase over five years. Spending by these visitors generated $2.4 billion of sales in regional economies, and approximately $342.9 million in tax revenue at the local, county, state and federal level.\nWisconsin enjoys tremendous economic benefits from national wildlife refuges. At western Wisconsin's Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, for example, there were 4.4 million visits in 2011 resulting in $101.9 million spent. A full 68 percent of that spending came from non-local visitors. The local economic impact associated with these visits includes 1,394 jobs, $47 million in employment income, and $20.4 million total tax revenue. The refuge offers activities ranging from hunting and fishing to bird watching and bicycling.\nWe are fortunate to have theUpper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, as well as the refuges in Trempealeau and Necedah, right here in our region, concluded Rep. Kind. We need to continueprotecting and investing in our refuges here at home and in public lands across the U.S., to keep local economies strong and to ensure that our open spaces can be enjoyed by future generations.\nThe full report can be read here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042722/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-and-thune-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-efficiency-in-healthcare-delivery-reduce-costs", "Baldwin and Thune Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery, Reduce Costs", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Baldwin and Thune Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery, Reduce Costs\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tQuality Data, Quality Healthcare Act Promotes Informed Healthcare Decisions Leading to Better Patient Outcomes\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced bipartisan legislation that increases the transparency of healthcare costs in Medicare - helping doctors, health systems, private insurers, and research institutions provide more efficient, higher quality healthcare and better patient outcomes.  \u00a0  \u201cMedicare is the single largest payer of healthcare services in the country, spending over $600 billion each year. But we have very little access to what we are paying for,\u201d said Baldwin. \u201cThe Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act provides access to that data and puts it into the hands of those who can use it, increasing efficiency in the delivery of healthcare and helping us get better bang for our healthcare buck.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cProviding access to data that can be used to evaluate healthcare services is a critical component of increasing transparency and reducing healthcare costs,\u201d said Thune. \u201cOur bill would ultimately provide data to evaluate the areas of healthcare that are working and those that are not, thereby lowering costs and increasing efficiency. I hope our colleagues will join us in supporting this common-sense measure to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing costs.\u201d  \u00a0  As the largest payer of healthcare in the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sits on a wealth of information that can help inform healthcare providers in making better decisions that will improve patient care and reduce costs. Economists have argued that expanding access to Medicare cost and utilization data will increase efficiency in healthcare delivery, reduce costs, and improve the quality of care.  \u00a0  Congress and the administration have taken initial steps to make Medicare data more widely available. One of the more promising efforts is the Qualified Entity (QE) program, which permits organizations to access and analyze Medicare data for select purposes. The QE program has the potential to empower our nation\u2019s healthcare decision-makers to make better choices. However, current law is far too restrictive on which organizations can participate in the QE program; what QEs can do with the Medicare data once they have received it; and the degree to which QEs can support their own data maintenance infrastructures.  \u00a0  The Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act would provide for greater access to Medicare claims data by modernizing and reforming the QE program. The legislation would:  \u00a0  \u2022Allow organizations receiving Medicare data to analyze and redistribute it to authorized subscribers (insurers, health systems, and physicians) so that subscribers can make more informed decisions; and  \u00a0  \u2022Permit those entities to charge a fee to their subscribers so that the organizations can conduct robust analyses to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs.   \u00a0  \u201cThe Wisconsin Medical Society applauds Senator Baldwin for the introduction for the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act.\u00a0 We find ourselves in the midst of a time of great challenges and of great changes in healthcare delivery and payment.\u00a0 As we proceed with the exciting transition from a payment system that is driven by volume, to a payment system that will be driven by value, reliable, accurate and comprehensive data will be the key to optimizing our success.\u00a0 The Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act will provide physicians and the organizations that represent them, easier access and use of Medicare data to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes, to improve the health of the public and to reduce healthcare costs , thereby achieving a truly value-based healthcare delivery and payment system for our nation.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 -Rick Abrams, Wisconsin Medical Society  \u00a0  \u201cWe have been improving healthcare by reviewing health insurance claims data in Wisconsin since 2009. However, we have not been able to include Medicare claims data, one of the most important data sources for understanding healthcare utilization, quality and costs, in our process. Senator Baldwin's bill removes a huge barrier in our ability to improve care. I applaud Senator Baldwin's vision and leadership, and her commitment to improving the quality of healthcare for all Americans.\u201d\u00a0 -Dr. John Toussaint, CEO, ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value  \u00a0  \u201cThe Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO) commends Senator Tammy Baldwin for her work to expand access to Medicare data, and supports the introduction of the Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act.\u00a0 WHIO uses health claims data to improve patient care in Wisconsin through increased transparency of healthcare quality and cost.\u00a0 Currently, WHIO only has access to private payer claims and Medicaid data.\u00a0 With Senator Baldwin\u2019s effort to make Medicare data more fully available, WHIO will have a more complete picture of quality and cost which it will use to better inform patients, employers, insurers and healthcare providers in Wisconsin.\u00a0 WHIO commends and thanks Senator Baldwin for her efforts to improve quality and reduce costs in Wisconsin.\u201d -Josephine Musser, CEO, Wisconsin Health Information Organization  \u00a0  Organizations from across the political spectrum support Baldwin and Thune\u2019s \u201cmuch-needed\u201d efforts to reform the QE program, including: Council for Affordable Health Coverage, National Coalition on Health Care, AARP, Blue Shield of California, The Boeing Company, Castlight Health, Caterpillar Inc., Communicating for America, Community Catalyst, Compass Healthcare Advisors, Corporate Health Care Coalition, The Dow Chemical Company, HR Policy Committee, National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Manufacturers, National Retail Federation, Pacific Business Group on Health, Midwest Business Group on Health, U.S. PIRG, UPS, Xerox Corporation.  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062237/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/tweettammy-a-great-conversation-with-students-from-across-the-state", "#TweetTammy: A great conversation with students from across the state", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t\t #TweetTammy: A great conversation with students from across the state \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday Tammy took to Twitter and hosted a \"tweet-up\" with college media from across Wisconsin. Thanks to everyone for joining the conversation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/the-congressional-medal-of-honor-a-special-day-for-wisconsin-veterans-local-tribal-leaders-and-their-families", "The Congressional Medal of Honor: A special day for Wisconsin veterans, local tribal leaders & their families", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t\t The Congressional Medal of Honor: A special day for Wisconsin veterans, local tribal leaders & their families \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMembers of the Ho Chunk, Menominee, and Oneida Nations played a vital role for the U.S. Military in World War I and World War II. Known today as \u201cCode Talkers,\u201d members of American Indian tribes exchanged sensitive information using their native languages to transmit secure communications that were never decoded. They helped elude our enemies trying to break United States military code and increased the speed that the military could communicate, ultimately saving lives and enabling victories for the United States and our allies.\n\nYesterday, tribal leaders and the families of these heroic individuals came to the Capitol to receive a Congressional Gold Medal for the remarkable service of their ancestors.\nThe work of these distinctive veterans during both world wars went unrecognized for decades because the program wasn\u2019t declassified by the military until 1968.\nYesterday, Senator Reid put their service in historical perspective:\n\u201c\u2026The government told them their language had no value. But the children held onto their languages, culture and history despite great personal risk. And in this nation\u2019s hour of greatest need, Native American languages proved to have great value indeed.\u201d\nYesterday\u2019s Congressional Gold Medal honoring the Native American Code Talkers was a special day as we recognized our veterans and their special place in history.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=927", "Gwen Moore Supports Victims of Abuse, Introduces Domestic Violence Criminal Disarmament Act", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By KATE NOCERA | 5/16/12 3:08 PM EDT\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRep. Gwen Moore spoke forcefully against the House version of the Violence Against Woman Act and openly talked about her own experience as a victim of violence and sexual assault.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tMoore sponsored the Democratic version of the bill, the twin to the Senate\u2019s re-authorization.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAs a member of this body and a survivor of sexual assault\u2026I can tell you it\u2019s traumatic to be here today and to find my colleagues not taking the recommended updates that people who work with domestic violence victims have put in front of them as best practices,\u201d Moore said at a press conference to denounce the Republican bill.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tMoore then went on to describe a \u00a0personal experience to highlight why she felt the Republican version VAWA didn\u2019t go far enough.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI took a ride with a guy I thought was a friend\u2026and he decided to take a detour behind some buildings to rape me and choke me almost to death. I went to the hospital, was examined, they could see I had been raped. When we got to court I was on trial\u2026what I wore that night was on trial and he was found not guilty,\u201d Moore said. \u00a0\u201cThis was 20 years before had the Violence Against Women Act, before we gave law enforcement to the tools to know what the circumstances are. As a woman of color I am particularly aggrieved this bill ignores the circumstances of women who are minorities.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tMoore, along with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders, argued that the Republican\u2019s version of VAWA is watered down and rolls back protections for groups like immigrant and LGBT communities.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tPelosi reiterated that the Senate\u2019s bill passed with bipartisan support.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWe\u2019ve come together [twice before] to re-authorize and strengthen this law. This year our colleagues in the Senate acted similarly, passing a strong bill with strong bipartisan support,\u201d Pelosi said. \u201cA sharp contrast to the Senate bill, the House Republicans have brought to the floor a controversial bill that would weaken protections we\u2019ve given to those who suffer domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking\u2026All people deserve to be protected from domestic violence, there should be no exceptions.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-co-sponsors-bipartisan-immigration-reform-legislation", "Pocan Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Immigration Reform Legislation", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) announced today that he has co-sponsored comprehensive immigration reform legislation and urged Speaker Boehner to bring the bill up for a vote as soon as possible. The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, H.R. 15, which is modeled after the bipartisan immigration reform bill that passed the U.S. Senate earlier this year, currently has more than 190 bipartisan supporters in the House.\n\u201cComprehensive immigration reform unites Americans from all different states, backgrounds and even political affiliations, and it\u2019s time for Congress to act,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cProviding our country with a commonsense and fair immigration system is not only the right thing to do, it\u2019s the smart thing to do. It will boost Wisconsin\u2019s economy, create jobs, promote innovation, and reduce the deficit. I am proud to support bipartisan immigration reform in the House, and I urge Speaker Boehner to allow us to vote on a measure that has strong and widespread support.\u201d\nThe Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act would:\n Unite families and offer hardworking immigrants an earned pathway to citizenship after passing background checks, paying penalties and taxes, learning English and going to the back of the legal immigration line.\n\tReform our visa programs and our interior enforcement.\n\tStrengthen the E-verify program, protect workers and reward businesses who play by the rules.\n\tSecure our borders through the bipartisan McCaul-Thompson border security bill that received unanimous approval from the House Homeland Security Committee.\n According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, enactment of the bipartisan Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform bill would reduce the deficit by $850 billion.\u00a0 In Wisconsin, comprehensive immigration would have meant $33 million more dollars in state and local taxes in 2010, money that could have been used to hire more teachers or first responders. And a report from the Regional Economic Models, Inc., found that a set of reforms like the Senate bill would boost Wisconsin\u2019s economic output by $490 million and create approximately 5,782 new jobs in 2014 alone.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1988", "Gwen Moore Supports Victims of Abuse, Introduces Domestic Violence Criminal Disarmament Act", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As we continue to debate our budgetary priorities, the farm bill, comprehensive immigration reform, and other important issues, I encourage my colleagues to join me in my fight to turn domestic violence victims into survivors. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) introduced legislation to help prevent gun-related domestic violence homicides. She released this statement:  The danger posed by a gun in the hands of a domestic violence abuser is not a new occurrence. Last year, this violence took the lives of 52 Wisconsinites including that of Zina Daniel, the victim who was shot to death by her estranged husband while working at a spa in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Hundreds more across our nation were fatally shot by an intimate partner. As a strong advocate for women, particularly women who have suffered through domestic violence, I remain committed to doing all I can to prevent these tragedies.   Today I introduced the Domestic Violence Criminal Disarmament Act, which would encourage states to adopt baseline policies that (1.) require officials to routinely take into account whether a gun is present in a serious domestic violence situation and (2.) take steps to protect the victim by removing the gun from the equation if it is illegally possessed or determined to be a threat to the victim.   As we continue to debate our budgetary priorities, the farm bill, comprehensive immigration reform, and other important issues, I encourage my colleagues to join me in my fight to turn domestic violence victims into survivors.  Supporters of the Domestic Violence Criminal Disarmament Act include the following: End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women, and Violence Policy Center. Original Cosponsors include Rep. Donna Edwards and Rep. Robin Kelly. To read Congresswoman Moore's Huffington Post op-ed and learn more about the Domestic Violence Criminal Disarmament Act, please click here. ###  For Moore News Updates", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/honoring-native-american-code-talkers", "Honoring Native American Code Talkers", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "205 Fifth Avenue S., Suite 400", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-honors-native-american-code-talkers-congressional-gold", "Rep. Ron Kind Honors Native American Code Talkers at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) helped honor the 33 Native American tribes with members who served as military code talkers during WWI and WWII, in a ceremony held today at the U.S. Capitol. It was my distinct honor to be a part of this ceremony recognizing these great patriots,said Rep. Kind. Native American code talkers, many of whom came from Wisconsin, played a key role in advancing the United States toward victory while saving the lives of countless Americans in uniform. Speaking at the ceremony, Rep. Kind described the service of the Code Talkers, who transmitted secret messages of critical tactical importance using their native tribal languages. The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008, cosponsored by Rep. Kind, authorized the creation of medals to honor the valor and dedication of Native American Code Talkers. Wisconsin Tribes honored at today's ceremony include the Ho-Chunk, Oneida, and Menominee Nations; joining Rep. Kind on the program were military leaders as well as members of the House and Senate leadership. In WWII, Code Talkers served in North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, and their unbreakable code played a pivotal role in saving countless lives and hastening WWII's end. Many Code Talkers were killed or wounded during that war, and at least one was taken prisoner, but many of those who returned from WWII continued their military careers in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As a testament to their professionalism, the enemy was never able to break the Code Talkers' communications. Code Talkers could communicate in 20 seconds what coding machines of the time took 30 minutes to do. In the field, they were never allowed to write any part of the code down, making themselves living codes. Many Native American languages had no alphabet and were almost impossible to master without early exposure. Every American owes a debt of gratitude to the Code Talkers, concluded Rep Kind. Because of the secret nature of their service, many of them returned home without a heroes' welcome. I'm proud to be able to stand here today to help ensure that everyone knows the full measure of their sacrifice and bravery. In his remarks, Rep. Kind also made reference to the Veterans History Project (VHP), which allows veterans and their families to record their stories as part of a permanent historical collection in the Library of Congress. Rep. Kind authored the legislation creating the VHP in 2000 and actively promotes engagement in the project so that the stories of our heroes can be preserved for future generations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062301/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/honoring-the-native-american-code-talkers", "Honoring the Native American Code Talkers", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 20, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Honoring the Native American Code Talkers \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday a grateful nation honored the Native American Code Talkers, including members of the Ho Chunk, Menominee & Oneida Nations, with a Congressional Gold Medal for their incredible service to our country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=924", "Reps. Moore, Kind and Pocan Call on Governor Walker to Close His Health Insurance Coverage Gap", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Mark Schoeff Jr.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tMay 6, 2012\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tDemocrats are joining Republicans in putting pressure on the Securities and Exchange Commission not to tighten regulations governing money market funds.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn a move similar to the bipartisan opposition to a pending Labor Department regulation that would expand fiduciary-duty requirements for retirement plans, Democrats have added their voices \u2014 and signatures \u2014 to what initially looked like familiar Republican and industry skepticism of a regulatory proposal.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tLast Tuesday, 18 Republicans and 15 Democrats \u2014 all former state and local officials \u2014 sent a letter to SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro warning her that changes in money market funds will make raising money for infrastructure projects more difficult.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWhen she appeared at an April 25 hearing of the House Capital Markets Subcommittee, Ms. Schapiro heard a couple of Democrats \u2014 in addition to Republicans \u2014 warn her to tread carefully.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe debate has widened out considerably,\u201d said David Smith, general counsel at the Mutual Fund Directors Forum. \u201cA lot more people have become engaged in the debate over the last few months than were engaged nine months or a year ago.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe strengthening push-back from Capitol Hill, in addition to the relentless opposition from the financial industry and a likely split among the five SEC commissioners, has observers doubting whether the commission will be able to move forward.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe systemic risk that a run on money markets poses is a \u201creal danger for the future of the economy,\u201d said Arthur S. Levitt Jr., a former SEC chairman.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut the forces working against reform may overwhelm the SEC.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI'm very sorry that regulation is unlikely to see the light of day,\u201d Mr. Levitt said last Tuesday at the Bloomberg Washington Summit.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe SEC hasn't made a proposal yet. It is considering changes designed to prevent a situation like the one in 2008 when the net asset value of the Reserve Primary Fund fell to less than $1, prompting investors to stampede for the exits.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAmong the approaches under consideration are establishing a capital buffer for money funds, imposing redemption restrictions or letting the NAV float.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe SEC maintains that these are a natural follow-up to changes imposed in 2010 that required the vehicles, which typically invest in short-term debt, to use safer assets, shorten fund maturities and invest in instruments that provide 10% daily liquidity and 30% weekly liquidity.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThose steps don't \u201cprotect against a credit event that could cause a money market fund to break the buck,\u201d Ms. Schapiro told lawmakers.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tCritics argue that more changes would undermine the $2.7 trillion money market sector by threatening the stability and liquidity that makes the funds attractive to companies and investors.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe May 1 letter from the 33 bipartisan members of Congress asserted that the potential changes \u201cwould alter the fundamental structure of [money market funds] and would, in turn, lead investors to other, less regulated products.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThey argued that money market funds hold about 60% of the debt that local governments issue to finance construction of roads, bridges, hospitals and housing. They also said that the governments rely on the funds \u2014 and the certainty of the $1 NAV \u2014 for short-term cash management.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAny reduction in demand for money market funds would reduce demand for the securities issued by state and local governments, and purchased by [money market funds],\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cAs a result, states and municipalities would be deprived of a critical funding source and would be faced with increasing debt issuance costs.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAt the April 25 House hearing, Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., pressed Ms. Schapiro on whether money flowing out of the funds would end up destabilizing other areas of the financial system. For instance, they might substantially boost the amount of money in bank accounts.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWouldn't that increase some of the systemic risk that banks might have?\u201d Ms. Moore asked. \u201cI'm concerned about the rationale for these proposals.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHer Republican colleagues also have expressed their misgivings. In a letter to Ms. Schapiro, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., and Vice Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, urged the SEC to do a thorough cost-benefit analysis before proceeding.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThey also suggested that one of Ms. Schapiro's qualms \u2014 the perception that money market fund returns are guaranteed \u2014 could be addressed with something less than a new regulation.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIf investors do not understand that their investments in money market funds can result in losses, then the commission should use its existing authority to enhance disclosures rather than change the fundamental characteristics of money market funds,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOn April 26, Fidelity Investments sent to the SEC a compilation of customer surveys, the most recent one from April, showing that more than three-quarters of those polled understood that money market funds are not backed by the government.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAn issue more likely to be on an investor's mind than regulations governing the funds is their puny returns. Advisers usually seed the funds only with money that a client is setting aside for an upcoming purchase.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cPeople have them for their security and their safety,\u201d said Andrew Feldman, president of AJ Feldman Financial. \u201cThey're not looking to beat the market with a money market fund. That's probably the safest vehicle they have in their portfolio. You know it's not going to be worth less than a $1.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tFor now, that NAV is stable.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-pocan-moore-and-kind-call-on-governor-walker-to-close-his-health", "Reps. Pocan, Moore and Kind Call on Governor Walker to Close His Health Insurance Coverage Gap", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014 Today, Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) along with Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent a letter to Governor Scott Walker expressing frustration with his most recent BadgerCare decision and urging him not to delay insurance coverage for approximately 80,000 Wisconsinites.\nUnder Governor Walker's previous plan, about 80,000 low-income Wisconsinites would be transferred into the Affordable Care Act exchange from the BadgerCare program. At that same time, Governor Walker would accept about 80,000 new BadgerCare recipients. Last week, he announced his intent to delay the transfer. However, to offset that cost he would also delay covering those newly eligible Medicaid recipients. \u00a0\n\u201cThe most viable option for Governor Walker has been an option available to him all along\u2014expand health care access in Wisconsin at no cost to the state. We simply would not be in this situation if Governor Walker had not rejected the $4 billion in federal funds to expand BadgerCare and provide families with secure, affordable and accessible health care. The health security of Wisconsin residents is too important to be used in a game of political football,\u201d said Rep. Pocan. \u00a0\n\u201cI am extremely disappointed that Governor Walker is once again turning his back on our most vulnerable populations,\u201d said Rep. Moore. \u201cAs he touts his latest health care agenda item encouraging the legislature to keep current BadgerCare recipients on the program through March, the health of thousands could be in jeopardy. He is no hero. At a minimum, I urge our governor to keep his word and cover those newly eligible for BadgerCare beginning January 1. I continue to encourage him to stop his partisan games and accept federal funds to expand Medicaid.\u201d \u00a0\n\u201cGovernor Walker never should have rejected federal support for Medicaid expansion in the first place. There are federal funds available right now for low-income Wisconsinites who need health care coverage, and all that\u2019s standing in the way is the Governor,\u201d said Rep. Kind. \u201cHe needs to put partisanship aside, and follow the example of many Republican governors around the country who have expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals.\u201d\nThe letter reads as follows:\nThe Honorable Scott Walker\nGovernor of Wisconsin\n115 East Capitol\nMadison, WI 53702\nDear Governor Walker,\nWe are writing to express our concern about the impending health insurance coverage gap that could result for the 80,000 individuals under 100% of the poverty level, as a consequence of your recent proposal to the state legislature.\nLast Thursday, November 14th, we felt relief when you announced that you would allow a three-month extension of BadgerCare coverage to the approximately 77,000 low-income Wisconsinites whose coverage is due to expire on January 1, 2014. Given the challenging rollout of the Marketplaces thus far, we agree with your assessment that these individuals\u2014who are scheduled to be transferred to the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplaces\u2014would benefit from a longer enrollment period. We also support your proposal to extend the state\u2019s high-risk insurance plan, known as the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP), for three additional months.\u00a0 \nHowever, we are gravely concerned about the fate of the 80,000 individuals under 100% of the poverty line, who were promised access to BadgerCare as of January 1, 2014 in your budget request. As you know, your budget would have granted BadgerCare eligibility to all those under the poverty level, including childless adults. Your Department of Health Services has been engaging in an outreach plan to the newly-eligible population, and some individuals who have applied for BadgerCare (through the Marketplaces or elsewhere) have already received confirmations of BadgerCare coverage. We were dismayed to learn that you now plan to renege on the promise to cover those below the poverty line in January 2014, and have now proposed delaying their eligibility until April 1, 2014.\u00a0\u00a0 \nThe key source of our concern is that individuals below 100% of the poverty level are ineligible for premium tax credits to purchase coverage in the Marketplace. As a result of your budget proposal, the newly-eligible BadgerCare population will fall into a three-month gap in coverage; they will be unable to sign up for the BadgerCare program but also unable to purchase subsidized coverage in the Marketplace. Due to their low income level, they would not have the means to purchase coverage without a subsidy. This group would thus be in a unique and inequitable situation\u2014essentially, worse off and with fewer options than other Wisconsinites. Given that this is a vulnerable population\u2014they are already living in poverty and are more likely to be in poor health than the rest of the overall population\u2014we strongly urge you to reconsider your plan for this group.\nWe realize that you plan to utilize the \u201csavings\u201d from delaying coverage for the 80,000 individuals under the poverty line to pay for coverage for about 77,000 parents currently on BadgerCare. However, we encourage you to seek alternative budgetary savings, which would allow you to provide coverage for both populations through March 2014. In addition, we once again recommend that you reconsider your choice not to fully expand BadgerCare under the Affordable Care Act. You have the option to expand BadgerCare with a 100 percent match for all newly-eligible enrollees. This funding would allow you to offset the cost of continuing coverage for BadgerCare enrollees above the poverty line.\nIt is time to move past politics and do what\u2019s right for Wisconsin.\u00a0 The Affordable Care Act provides the opportunity for Wisconsin to receive $119 million to ensure that our most at risk populations have health care access and coverage.\u00a0 We urge you to join your Republican Governor colleagues and expand Medicaid.\u00a0 Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona, Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan, and Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, among others, recognized the need to move beyond political rhetoric and put their constituents\u2019 health first.\nWe remain dedicated to collaborating with you, and the Obama Administration, to ensure the best possible outcome for Wisconsin under the Affordable Care Act. We request that you consider our suggestions for the most vulnerable population in our state. We look forward to your response.\nSincerely,\nGwen Moore\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nMember of Congress\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nRon Kind\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nMember of Congress\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nMark Pocan\nMember of Congress\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nCc: The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2169", "Reps. Moore, Kind and Pocan Call on Governor Walker to Close His Health Insurance Coverage Gap", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At a minimum, I urge our governor to keep his word and cover those newly eligible for BadgerCare beginning January 1. I continue to encourage him to stop his partisan games and accept federal funds to expand Medicaid.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n       Contact: Staci Cox (Moore) 202-225- 4572 Peter Knudsen (Kind) 202-225-5506 Samuel Lau (Pocan) 202-225-2906   Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) along with Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) sent a letter to Governor Scott Walker expressing frustration with his most recent BadgerCare decision and urging him not to delay insurance coverage for approximately 80,000 Wisconsinites.  Under Governor Walker's previous plan, about 80,000 low-income Wisconsinites would be transferred into the Affordable Care Act exchange from the BadgerCare program. At that same time, Governor Walker would accept about 80,000 new BadgerCare recipients. Last week, he announced his intent to delay the transfer. However, to offset that cost he would also delay covering those newly eligible Medicaid recipients.   I am extremely disappointed that Governor Walker is once again turning his back on our most vulnerable populations, said Rep. Moore. As he touts his latest health care agenda item encouraging the legislature to keep current BadgerCare recipients on the program through March, the health of thousands could be in jeopardy. He is no hero. At a minimum, I urge our governor to keep his word and cover those newly eligible for BadgerCare beginning January 1. I continue to encourage him to stop his partisan games and accept federal funds to expand Medicaid.   Governor Walker never should have rejected federal support for Medicaid expansion in the first place. There are federal funds available right now for low-income Wisconsinites who need health care coverage, and all that's standing in the way is the Governor, said Rep. Kind. He needs to put partisanship aside, and follow the example of many Republican governors around the country who have expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals.  The most viable option for Governor Walker has been an option available to him all alongexpand health care access in Wisconsin at no cost to the state. We simply would not be in this situation if Governor Walker had not rejected the $4 billion in federal funds to expand BadgerCare and provide families with secure, affordable and accessible health care. The health security of Wisconsin residents is too important to be used in a game of political football, said Rep. Pocan.  The letter reads as follows:  The Honorable Scott Walker Governor of Wisconsin 115 East Capitol Madison, WI 53702  Dear Governor Walker,  We are writing to express our concern about the impending health insurance coverage gap that could result for the 80,000 individuals under 100% of the poverty level, as a consequence of your recent proposal to the state legislature.  Last Thursday, November 14th, we felt relief when you announced that you would allow a three-month extension of BadgerCare coverage to the approximately 77,000 low-income Wisconsinites whose coverage is due to expire on January 1, 2014. Given the challenging rollout of the Marketplaces thus far, we agree with your assessment that these individualswho are scheduled to be transferred to the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplaceswould benefit from a longer enrollment period. We also support your proposal to extend the state's high-risk insurance plan, known as the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP), for three additional months.   However, we are gravely concerned about the fate of the 80,000 individuals under 100% of the poverty line, who were promised access to BadgerCare as of January 1, 2014 in your budget request. As you know, your budget would have granted BadgerCare eligibility to all those under the poverty level, including childless adults. Your Department of Health Services has been engaging in an outreach plan to the newly-eligible population, and some individuals who have applied for BadgerCare (through the Marketplaces or elsewhere) have already received confirmations of BadgerCare coverage. We were dismayed to learn that you now plan to renege on the promise to cover those below the poverty line in January 2014, and have now proposed delaying their eligibility until April 1, 2014.   The key source of our concern is that individuals below 100% of the poverty level are ineligible for premium tax credits to purchase coverage in the Marketplace. As a result of your budget proposal, the newly-eligible BadgerCare population will fall into a three-month gap in coverage; they will be unable to sign up for the BadgerCare program but also unable to purchase subsidized coverage in the Marketplace. Due to their low income level, they would not have the means to purchase coverage without a subsidy. This group would thus be in a unique and inequitable situationessentially, worse off and with fewer options than other Wisconsinites. Given that this is a vulnerable populationthey are already living in poverty and are more likely to be in poor health than the rest of the overall populationwe strongly urge you to reconsider your plan for this group.  We realize that you plan to utilize the savings from delaying coverage for the 80,000 individuals under the poverty line to pay for coverage for about 77,000 parents currently on BadgerCare. However, we encourage you to seek alternative budgetary savings, which would allow you to provide coverage for both populations through March 2014. In addition, we once again recommend that you reconsider your choice not to fully expand BadgerCare under the Affordable Care Act. You have the option to expand BadgerCare with a 100 percent match for all newly-eligible enrollees. This funding would allow you to offset the cost of continuing coverage for BadgerCare enrollees above the poverty line.  It is time to move past politics and do what's right for Wisconsin. The Affordable Care Act provides the opportunity for Wisconsin to receive $119 million to ensure that our most at risk populations have health care access and coverage. We urge you to join your Republican Governor colleagues and expand Medicaid. Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona, Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan, and Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, among others, recognized the need to move beyond political rhetoric and put their constituents' health first.  We remain dedicated to collaborating with you, and the Obama Administration, to ensure the best possible outcome for Wisconsin under the Affordable Care Act. We request that you consider our suggestions for the most vulnerable population in our state. We look forward to your response.    Sincerely,   Gwen Moore                    Member of Congress   Ron Kind                        Member of Congress   Mark Pocan Member of Congress                     Cc: The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  To view the letter online please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kind-moore-and-pocan-call-governor-walker-close-his-health", "Reps. Kind, Moore and Pocan Call on Governor Walker to Close His Health Insurance Coverage Gap", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03) along with Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) sent a letter to Governor Scott Walker expressing frustration with his most recent BadgerCare decision and urging him not to delay insurance coverage for approximately 80,000 Wisconsinites. Under Governor Walker's previous plan, about 80,000 low-income Wisconsinites would be transferred into the Affordable Care Act exchange from the BadgerCare program. At that same time, Governor Walker would accept about 80,000 new BadgerCare recipients. Last week, he announced his intent to delay the transfer. However, to offset that cost he would also delay covering those newly eligible Medicaid recipients.  Governor Walker never should have rejected federal support for Medicaid expansion in the first place. There are federal funds available right now for low-income Wisconsinites who need health care coverage, and all that's standing in the way is the Governor, said Rep. Kind. He needs to put partisanship aside, and follow the example of many Republican governors around the country who have expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals. I am extremely disappointed that Governor Walker is once again turning his back on our most vulnerable populations, said Rep. Moore. As he touts his latest health care agenda item encouraging the legislature to keep current BadgerCare recipients on the program through March, the health of thousands could be in jeopardy. He is no hero. At a minimum, I urge our governor to keep his word and cover those newly eligible for BadgerCare beginning January 1. I continue to encourage him to stop his partisan games and accept federal funds to expand Medicaid.  The most viable option for Governor Walker has been an option available to him all alongexpand health care access in Wisconsin at no cost to the state. We simply would not be in this situation if Governor Walker had not rejected the $4 billion in federal funds to expand BadgerCare and provide families with secure, affordable and accessible health care. The health security of Wisconsin residents is too important to be used in a game of political football, said Rep. Pocan. The letter reads as follows:  The Honorable Scott Walker Governor of Wisconsin 115 East Capitol Madison, WI 53702  Dear Governor Walker, We are writing to express our concern about the impending health insurance coverage gap that could result for the 80,000 individuals under 100% of the poverty level, as a consequence of your recent proposal to the state legislature. Last Thursday, November 14th, we felt relief when you announced that you would allow a three-month extension of BadgerCare coverage to the approximately 77,000 low-income Wisconsinites whose coverage is due to expire on January 1, 2014. Given the challenging rollout of the Marketplaces thus far, we agree with your assessment that these individualswho are scheduled to be transferred to the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplaceswould benefit from a longer enrollment period. We also support your proposal to extend the state's high-risk insurance plan, known as the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP), for three additional months.  However, we are gravely concerned about the fate of the 80,000 individuals under 100% of the poverty line, who were promised access to BadgerCare as of January 1, 2014 in your budget request. As you know, your budget would have granted BadgerCare eligibility to all those under the poverty level, including childless adults. Your Department of Health Services has been engaging in an outreach plan to the newly-eligible population, and some individuals who have applied for BadgerCare (through the Marketplaces or elsewhere) have already received confirmations of BadgerCare coverage. We were dismayed to learn that you now plan to renege on the promise to cover those below the poverty line in January 2014, and have now proposed delaying their eligibility until April 1, 2014.  The key source of our concern is that individuals below 100% of the poverty level are ineligible for premium tax credits to purchase coverage in the Marketplace. As a result of your budget proposal, the newly-eligible BadgerCare population will fall into a three-month gap in coverage; they will be unable to sign up for the BadgerCare program but also unable to purchase subsidized coverage in the Marketplace. Due to their low income level, they would not have the means to purchase coverage without a subsidy. This group would thus be in a unique and inequitable situationessentially, worse off and with fewer options than other Wisconsinites. Given that this is a vulnerable populationthey are already living in poverty and are more likely to be in poor health than the rest of the overall populationwe strongly urge you to reconsider your plan for this group. We realize that you plan to utilize the savings from delaying coverage for the 80,000 individuals under the poverty line to pay for coverage for about 77,000 parents currently on BadgerCare. However, we encourage you to seek alternative budgetary savings, which would allow you to provide coverage for both populations through March 2014. In addition, we once again recommend that you reconsider your choice not to fully expand BadgerCare under the Affordable Care Act. You have the option to expand BadgerCare with a 100 percent match for all newly-eligible enrollees. This funding would allow you to offset the cost of continuing coverage for BadgerCare enrollees above the poverty line. It is time to move past politics and do what's right for Wisconsin. The Affordable Care Act provides the opportunity for Wisconsin to receive $119 million to ensure that our most at risk populations have health care access and coverage. We urge you to join your Republican Governor colleagues and expand Medicaid. Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona, Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan, and Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, among others, recognized the need to move beyond political rhetoric and put their constituents' health first. We remain dedicated to collaborating with you, and the Obama Administration, to ensure the best possible outcome for Wisconsin under the Affordable Care Act. We request that you consider our suggestions for the most vulnerable population in our state. We look forward to your response.  Sincerely,  Gwen Moore  Member of Congress   Ron Kind  Member of Congress   Mark Pocan Member of Congress    Cc: The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221035722/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/view/nov-19-2013-baldwin-speaks-on-senate-floor-against-sexual-assault-in-the-military", "Nov 19, 2013: Baldwin speaks on Senate floor against sexual assault in the military", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Senator Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of Senate women in speaking out on the Senate floor to support historic change in an ongoing effort to address military sexual assault.  \u00a0  In her speech, Tammy shared the story of Rachel from La Crosse, who is a survivor of military sexual assault and turned her pain and courage into a platform for advocacy and service to her community.\nTammy also spoke about an amendment she has offered to the NDAA that requires a study of collected data from universities, law enforcement and ROTC programs on incidents and allegations of sexual violence by ROTC cadets in order to assess cause or reason for concern regarding sexual violence within ROTC programs.\nThe men and women of our armed forces serve with courage in defense of our freedom every single day. Their service needs to be respected by taking action to address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault in the military.\nRead more, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042735/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-delivers-senate-floor-speech-on-military-sexual-assault-", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Delivers Senate Floor Speech on Military Sexual Assault", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Delivers Senate Floor Speech on Military Sexual Assault \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Delivers Senate Floor Speech on Military Sexual Assault   \u00a0  Washington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today joined a bipartisan group of Senate women in speaking out on the Senate floor working to support historic change in an ongoing effort to address military sexual assault.  \u00a0  Senator Baldwin\u2019s speech highlighted the story of Rachel from La Crosse, Wis., a survivor of military sexual assault who has turned her pain and courage into a platform for advocacy and service to her community.  \u00a0  \u201cThe men and women in our armed services serve with courage in defense of our freedom every single day,\u201d said Baldwin. \u201cIn my eyes, their service needs to be respected by taking decisive action to address the ongoing crisis; in fact you can call it an epidemic, of sexual assault in the military. We know that the system is broken and it\u2019s long past time that we fix it.\u201d  \u00a0  The Senate is debating the National Defense Authorization Act this week. Senator Baldwin is a cosponsor of the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, S. 967, legislation introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) that has earned bipartisan support. The legislation would reform the military justice system so that military prosecutors - instead of commanders - would have the independent authority to decide whether or not felony cases go to trial. Under the current system, commanders have the discretion whether or not to prosecute a service member accused of sexual assault. They also have the ability to lessen or overturn a judge or jury\u2019s conviction. Senator Gillibrand\u2019s legislation would reform Article 60 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to make the military justice system independent at the felony level.  \u00a0  According to a 2012 report released by the U.S. Department of Defense, an estimated 26,000 cases of sexual assault occurred in FY2012, a 37 percent increase from FY2011. Meanwhile, overall rates of reporting dropped from 13.5 percent in 2011 to 9.8 percent in 2012.\u00a0 According to the report, across the Services, 74 percent of females and 60 percent of males perceived one or more barriers to reporting sexual assault. In addition, 62 percent of victims who reported a sexual assault indicated they perceived some form of professional, social, and/or administrative retaliation.\u00a0 A separate report released this spring by the Department of Defense showed that more than one in five female service members reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact while serving in the military.  \u00a0  In addition to her speech, Baldwin offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that requires a study to collect data from universities, law enforcement and ROTC programs on incidents and allegations of sexual violence by ROTC cadets in order to assess whether or not there is cause for concern regarding, sexual violence within ROTC programs.  \u00a0  Watch Baldwin\u2019s speech here.  \u00a0  Below, full remarks as prepared for delivery.   \u00a0  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin\u2019s Senate Floor Speech  Tuesday, November 19, 2013  \u00a0  Mr. President, I rise this morning to speak about this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization legislation and the important reforms that are a part of the underlying bill to improve our military\u2019s response to sexual assault within its ranks.  \u00a0  The men and women in our armed services serve with courage in defense of our freedom every single day.\u00a0 In my eyes, their service needs to be respected by taking decisive action to address the ongoing crisis; in fact you can call it an epidemic, of sexual assault in the military. We know that the system is broken and it\u2019s long past time that we fix it.  \u00a0  I want to share just one story from a remarkable and brave woman named Rachel who lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin.   \u00a0  Rachel joined the Army in 2004. She was sexually assaulted that same year when she was stationed at Fort Meade in Maryland for advanced individual training.\u00a0 After reporting her assault to her commanding officer, Rachel was interrogated for hours over numerous days and ultimately forced to drop the charge.\u00a0 She was written up for fraternization - and her assailant was not charged with any crime.   \u00a0  As you can imagine, Rachel was deeply affected by the trauma of this crime and continues to face struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.   \u00a0  But Rachel is a survivor, and a true inspiration.\u00a0 She has turned her pain and courage into a platform for advocacy and service to her community, working through her organization, Survivors Empowered Through Art, to raise awareness about military sexual assault through the power of art and storytelling.  \u00a0  Rachel\u2019s story is a reminder that she is not alone and that we must do everything we can to make sure that all victims of sexual assault have the support that they deserve.  \u00a0  That is why I am heartened by the many important reforms included in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, and very grateful to the bipartisan coalition, in particular of women Senators, who have worked so diligently to make this change happen.\u00a0 In particular, Senators Gillibrand and McCaskill have led the fight to make these improvements.\u00a0 Their efforts will make a real difference in the lives of countless Americans by preventing sexual assault in the military and greatly improving our support to victims.   \u00a0  However, I believe that more must be done to help victims of sexual assault.   \u00a0  That is why I am proud to cosponsor Senator Gillibrand\u2019s amendment, which would improve on these important reforms by removing the prosecution of major crimes from the military chain of command.\u00a0 Instead, military prosecutors would determine whether to move a case forward, which would eliminate inherent bias and conflicts of interest which currently deter victims from reporting sexual assault crimes in the first place.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nI am also filing an amendment to ensure we\u2019re including ROTC programs in our conversations about military sexual assault. Just like we must ensure that our new officers from the service academies meet our highest standards, we must do the same of those commissioned in ROTC programs across America.  \u00a0  I think the important improvements in this year\u2019s Defense Authorization show the great promise of what can be achieved if we work together in a bipartisan way to get things done for the American people.   \u00a0  I have to tell you \u2013 it\u2019s a tremendous privilege to be a public servant.\u00a0 It\u2019s a special privilege to be the first woman elected from my state to the U.S. Senate.\u00a0 But one of the best parts, for me, is that I get to be a woman in the Senate at a time when there are so many other incredible women in the Senate to work with, to learn from, and look up to.  \u00a0  I want to expressly thank my Senate colleagues who serve on the Armed Services Committee - Senators McCaskill, Hagan, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Hirono, Ayotte, and Fischer \u2013 I want to thank them for their work guiding this process through their committee in such an effective and bipartisan way.\u00a0 My thanks of course, as well go to Senators Levin and Inhofe for their stewardship of these important provisions.\u00a0 I\u2019d also like to thank Senators Mikulski and Collins for organizing today\u2019s floor speeches.   \u00a0  The cumulative total of these changes represent true progress in eliminating the tragedy and scourge of sexual assault in the military.\u00a0 I once again thank my colleagues for their bipartisan work and yield back.  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221044948/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/speaking-out-against-military-sexual-assault", "Speaking out against military sexual assault", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Speaking out against military sexual assault \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday, Senator Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of Senate women in speaking out on the Senate floor to support historic change in an ongoing effort to address military sexual assault.  \u00a0  In her speech, Tammy shared the story of Rachel from La Crosse, who is a survivor of military sexual assault and turned her pain and courage into a platform for advocacy and service to her community.  \u00a0\n  \u201cRachel joined the Army in 2004, and was sexually assaulted that same year when she was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland for advanced individual training. After reporting her assault to her commanding officer, Rachel was interrogated for hours over numerous day and ultimately forced to drop the charge. She was written up for fraternization\u2014and her assailant was not charged with any crime.\"\n\u201cAs you can imagine, Rachel was deeply affected by the trauma of this crime and continues to face struggles withpost-traumatic stress disorder.\"\n\u201cBut Rachel is a survivor, and a true inspiration. She has turned her pain and courage into a platform for advocacy and service to her community, working through her organization, Survivors Empowered Through Art, to raise awareness about military sexual assault through the power of art and storytelling.\u201c\nRachel\u2019s story is a reminder that she is not alone and that more must be done to make sure that victims of sexual assault have the support they deserve. This week, the Senate is debating the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) \u2013 which includes 30 different reforms to address military sexual assault. Tammy is a cosponsor of Senator Gillibrand\u2019s Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 that reforms the military justice system so that that independent military prosecutors \u2013 instead of commanders \u2013 would have authority to decide whether or not felony cases go to trial.\nIn her speech, Tammy also spoke about an amendment she has offered to the NDAA that requires a study of collected data from universities, law enforcement and ROTC programs on incidents and allegations of sexual violence by ROTC cadets in order to assess cause or reason for concern regarding sexual violence within ROTC programs.\nThe men and women of our armed forces serve with courage in defense of our freedom every single day. Their service needs to be respected by taking action to address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault in the military.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kind-delauro-and-blumenauer-request-gao-report-crop-insurance", "Reps. Kind, DeLauro and Blumenauer Request GAO Report on Crop Insurance", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DCRepresentatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) today continued their effort for more transparency in the crop insurance program. They are asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of crop insurance payments and shed some light on how much of the payments go to wealthy individuals and families. The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 2642) passed in July by the House expanded crop insurance subsidies, the representatives wrote. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, these crop insurance subsidies will cost taxpayers $90 billion over the next decade. USDA reports it spent $14 billion on crop insurance last year alone. These subsidies overwhelmingly flow to the largest and most successful farm businesses. Unlike other farm subsidies, crop insurance subsidies are not subject to means testing or payment limits and farmers are not required to adopt basic environmental protections in exchange for premium support from the taxpayer. Members of Congress are currently negotiating a new five-year farm bill that could cut billions from nutrition and anti-hunger programs, while continuingor even increasingthese crop insurance subsidies that have little to no oversight. Crop insurance payments are also not subject to means testing, payment limits or conservation requirements. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office recently issued a report with common-sense recommendations for saving taxpayer dollars by reducing crop insurance subsidies.  The full letter follows: November 18, 2013  The Honorable Gene Dodaro Comptroller General of the United States U.S. Government Accountability Office 441 G Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20548  Dear Mr. Dodaro: We write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of farm subsidy payments, in particular crop insurance payments, under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report on November 7, 2012 showing that at least 50 billionaires, or farm businesses in which they had a financial interest, benefited from $11.3 million in traditional farm subsidies between 1995 and 2012. It is of great concern to us that farm subsidies have been paid to such wealthy individuals. Many of the same billionaires may have also received premium subsidies through the federal crop insurance program. However, taxpayers have no way of knowing who has received this support because current federal law prohibits the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from disclosing the identities of crop insurance recipients. Congress is currently negotiating a new Farm Bill that would reauthorize and possibly reform a wide range of agriculture and nutrition programs, including the crop insurance program. At the same time, Congress is also determining funding and policy for the food stamp program, which provides support to millions of low-income households, including over 21 million children. The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 2642) passed in July by the House expanded crop insurance subsidies. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, these crop insurance subsidies will cost taxpayers $90 billion over the next decade. USDA reports it spent $14 billion on crop insurance last year alone. These subsidies overwhelmingly flow to the largest and most successful farm businesses. Unlike other farm subsidies, crop insurance subsidies are not subject to means testing or payment limits and farmers are not required to adopt basic environmental protections in exchange for premium support from the taxpayer. While some farms annually collect more than $1 million in crop insurance premium support, the bottom 80% of policyholders annually collect about $5,000. This may very likely be lawful, but it underscores the need for agricultural policy reform. Reform begins with accurate information. Accordingly, we would like a report answering the following key questions:  How many individuals or families with a net worth over $1,000,000 have or will receive farm subsidies under the current farm bill, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008?  Of these individuals, how many meet the active farming requirements as defined in Title I of the current Farm Bill?  Of these individuals, how many are members of Congress?  How much money are each of these individuals receiving from farm subsidies? Over what time period?  What programs within the Farm Bill result in the most payments to those with an adjusted gross income greater than $1,000,000?  How many individuals or families with a net worth over $1,000,000 are benefiting from crop insurance premium subsidies?  Of these individuals, how many are members of Congress?  How large are the premium subsidies these individuals are benefiting from and how much are these individuals receiving in crop insurance indemnities? Over what time period? Thank you in advance for your immediate attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact a member our staff. We look forward to hearing from you on this important issue. Sincerely, Rosa L. DeLauro Ron Kind Earl Blumenauer", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=923", "Gwen Moore Opposes So-Called \"Keep Your Health Plan\" Act", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Suzy Khimm, Published: April 27\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAfter Hilary Rosen\u2019s remarks about Ann Romney\u2019s life as a homemaker, some thought Democrats might tread more cautiously in their attempt to paint the GOP as being anti-women. Nope. Jacquelyn Martin AP\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOn Capitol Hill, Democrats are aggressively pushing the case that Republicans are now waging a \u201cWar on Women\u201d on three legislative fronts. First, they are blasting House Republicans for their proposal to block changes to the Violence Against Women Act that would extend protection to battered women who are LGBT, immigrants or Native Americans who live on tribal lands. \u201cWe are seeing the sheer gender bias of their so-called \u2018clean\u2019 bill,\u201d Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) said Friday. \u201cThey don\u2019t want to sully their hands dealing with women in the shadows.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tSecond, they\u2019ve cast the GOP proposal to lower student rates by taking money out of Obamacare\u2019s prevention fund as another \u201cassault on women,\u201d as Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi put it at the news conference \u2014 which, appropriately enough, was held in a small alcove in the Capitol lined with statues of former male senators. According to the female Democrats, the prevention fund targets osteoporosis, arthritis and mental illness, \u201cwhich disproportionately affect women,\u201d explained Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.). So by targeting such funds, Republicans are going out of their way to go after women, the Dems\u2019 argument goes. \u201cTheir assault on women\u2019s health is part of their continued assault on women,\u201d Pelosi concluded.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn fact, the prevention fund\u2019s biggest programs don\u2019t aim to target women in particular: As my colleague Sarah Kliff pointed out this morning, most of the money goes toward training primary-care doctors and investing in community-level health programs to reduce smoking, obesity and other problems.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut the Democrats aren\u2019t going to let up their push to cast Republicans as the party against women. As my colleague Greg Sargent reports today, Senate Democrats are planning to hold a vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act, which \u201cwould put more pressure on employers to prove that differences in wages are not rooted in gender difference, and would make it easier for employees to divulge information about their salaries\u201d to combat gender-based pay discrimination.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRepublicans insist that Democrats are fabricating the \u201cWar on Women\u201d to score political points. After hearing the Dems\u2019 pushback against preventative health, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) erupted on the House floor Friday. \u201cWhy do people insist that we have to have a political fight on something where there is no fight? ... My God, do we have to fight about everything?\u201d Boehner said as his colleagues cheered him on. \u201cAnd now, now we are going to have a fight over women\u2019s health. Give me a break. This is the latest plank in the so-called war on women. Entirely created, entirely created by my colleagues across the aisle for political gain.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tDemocrats don\u2019t agree that the \u201cWar on Women\u201d is something they concocted out of thin air. But they do agree that it is leading to political gain for them. \u201cDemocrats have a 15 to 20 percent gender gap advantage, and [Republicans] worked very hard to earn that gender gap,\u201d Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) concluded.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2302", "Gwen Moore Opposes So-Called \"Keep Your Health Plan\" Act", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This legislation is nothing more than another attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA).\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) voted against H.R. 3350, the Republican titled Keep Your Health Plan Act. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 261-157. She released this statement:  This legislation is nothing more than another attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The so-called Keep Your Health Plan' Act does not actually require insurance companies to maintain their policies for those who would like to remain covered under the same plans. Perhaps most noteworthy, however, is that this bill will allow insurance companies to offer policies to new consumers that do not meet the quality standards under the Affordable Care Act. H.R. 3350 would give insurance companies the ability to discriminate against consumers based on their pre-existing conditions and gender. In addition, this legislation would remove the peace of mind offered under the ACA by restoring annual health care limits.  Instead of working to dismantle the ACA, we should work together to improve it where necessary. Recently, President Obama announced that he is unrolling an administrative fix to the Affordable Care Act that will allow insurers to offer customers the chance to renew their existing health coverage through 2014, without changing their plans. Insurers would have to notify their enrollees that they can purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they could be eligible for premium tax credits. Insurers would also have to tell consumers that their existing plans do not offer the same protections as the plans in the Marketplace.  Clearly, the President is responding to the many consumers who want the ability to keep their existing health plans. Given the extremely challenging rollout, people have been blocked from viewing the plans offered through the online exchange and finding a plan that is competitively-priced and comprehensive. I encourage the Obama administration to continue working hard to fix the website. I look forward to learning more about the President's plan and investigating how it will impact the people of Wisconsin. In the same vein, I urge my colleagues to put aside political posturing and work to ensure that Americans can receive the care they need and deserve.  ###  For Moore News Updates", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-blasts-gov-walkers-health-care-announcement-disingenuous", "Rep. Ron Kind Blasts Gov. Walker's Health Care Announcement as Disingenuous", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) blasted Gov. Scott Walker today for announcing a three-month delay in moving more than 70,000 low-income Wisconsinites from state health coverage to the federal insurance exchanges, and continued failure to fully expand BadgerCare for low-income adults.\nGovernor Walker should never have rejected federal support for Medicaid expansion in the first place, said Rep. Kind.He had the opportunity to expand BadgerCare in our state and ensure affordable coverage for low-income adults while saving Wisconsin money. Governor Walker's announcement is disingenuous since it was his failure to expand BadgerCare that forced 70,000 Wisconsinites off their current health coverage.\nThe effects of Gov. Walker's failure to use the tools in health care reform are already surfacing. Last month, Citizen Action of Wisconsin released a report detailing how much more affordable insurance premium will be in Minnesota as compared to those in Wisconsin. Although the two states have similar demographics and comparable medical costs, aggregate Wisconsin premiums are 79% to 99% higher than those in Minnesota.\nGov. Walker's decision to reject federal Medicaid dollars accounts for part of this vast discrepancy between the two states. Another critical difference is the use of rate review, a new ACA reform that allows states to examine any insurance rate increases of more than 10 percent to ensure that the increase is justified by actual medical costs. The Citizen Action report found that Wisconsin has a passive rate review process, while counterparts in Minnesota are proactivelymonitoring rate increases to keep prices in check.\nIf our state accepted the BadgerCare help and used the rate review tool likeMinnesota, we would be seeing better rates, concluded Rep. Kind. Wisconsin can't take much more of Governor Walker's fiscal malpractice. He should instead follow the example of many Republican governors around the country who have expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221040137/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/view/enda-senate-passes-workplace-anti-discrimination-bill", "ENDA: Senate passes workplace anti-discrimination bill", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Sen. Baldwin said \"this is a really a tremendous milestone, a day I will never forget in my service in the Senate.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062347/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/expanding-access-to-high-quality-early-learning-programs", "Expanding Access to High-Quality Early Learning Programs", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, November 15, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Expanding Access to High-Quality Early Learning Programs \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, Tammy joined her colleagues to introduce the Strong Start for America\u2019s Children Act, legislation that would greatly expand access to high-quality early learning programs for children from birth to kindergarten.\nThe bill focuses on four key goals:\n \nBoosting funding for high-quality preschool programs serving low- and moderate-income families,\nIncreasing the quality of infant and toddler care offered by providers,\nSupporting broad-scale quality improvements to child care programs, and\nEncouraging continued support for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program.\n \n\u201cIn Wisconsin, we have a long history of making strong investments in our schools because we understand that a quality education helps build a strong middle class.\u00a0 We must make it a priority to invest in early education for student and families, so we open the doors of opportunity to every child and help provide them the skills they need to get ahead and realize their dreams. I\u2019m proud to join this effort to strengthen our commitment to the foundation that early childhood education provides our children. This is an important investment in a stronger future.\u201d\n--- Senator Tammy Baldwin\n\nFor more information about the Strong Start for America\u2019s Children Act, see a summary of the bill here; see a fact sheet on the bill here; see a list of national organizations supporting the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=922", "Gwen Moore Responds to Governor Walker's BadgerCare Plan", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Kathleen Hunter\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tU.S. Senate Democrats are urging lawmakers in the Republican-led House to quickly pass legislation reauthorizing assistance to victims of domestic violence.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tFifteen Senate Republicans joined all of the chamber\u2019s Democrats yesterday to pass a renewal of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act by a vote of 68-31. Democrats cast the bill, which would authorize $660 million through 2016 for domestic violence shelters and police training, as a test of Republicans\u2019 attitudes toward women.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cToday\u2019s strong bipartisan vote will give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to prosecute and convict the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, and will help victims get the protection and support they need,\u201d Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, said in a statement urging House passage of his chamber\u2019s measure.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRepublicans have been trying to blunt Democrats\u2019 criticism that the party is hostile toward women. House Republicans yesterday said they may vote during the week of May 14 on their own measure to reauthorize the law.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIt has been the goal and the desire of Senate Republicans to pass the Violence Against Women Act without procedural impediment,\u201d Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, told reporters before the vote.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tSupport Among Women\r\n\r\n\tDemocrats say they hope their support for the bill will buttress the party\u2019s support among women. A Quinnipiac University national poll conducted April 11-17 found that President Barack Obama holds a 10-percentage-point advantage among women surveyed. He was backed by 49 percent, compared with 39 percent for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee. Obama trails slightly with men, with 43 percent supporting him and 46 percent backing Romney.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe funding authorized under the Senate bill is less than the $682.5 million in the previous law, which expired Sept. 30.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cA strong vote here helps the people who want to do the right thing\u201d in the House of Representatives, the legislation\u2019s chief sponsor, Senator Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, said in an interview.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHouse Republican Bill\r\n\r\n\tThe House\u2019s version tracks closely with an alternative from Senate Republicans that was defeated yesterday. It would have stripped language in the Senate bill expanding the number of visas available to domestic violence victims who aid criminal investigations.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tRepresentative Gwen Moore, a Wisconsin Democrat, told reporters today that the bill passed by the Senate has \u201call the elements\u201d to \u201chelp all women, despite their immigration status, despite their gender or sexual orientation.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThat bill ought to be brought up in that form,\u201d said Moore, who has sponsored in the House her own version of legislation reauthorizing the 1994 law. \u201cThe inability to bring forth that bill in the House is another example of the gender bias against women.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tSenator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said in an interview that passage of the Senate bill was a \u201cgreat victory for women,\u201d with bipartisan support, and she\u2019s \u201cvery hopeful\u201d the House will approve it.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe White House strongly backed the Senate measure because it provides services to victims and \u201cimproves the prosecution of these crimes,\u201d Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Obama, said yesterday in a conference call with reporters. Jarrett wouldn\u2019t say whether Obama would veto a House version of the bill.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tDomestic Violence Statistics\r\n\r\n\tAccording to the White House, incidents of domestic violence have dropped by more than 50 percent since the law first was enacted in 1994. Even so, one in three women in the U.S. will experience rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner at some time in their lives, the White House said, citing the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe survey found that more than 12 million individuals experienced domestic violence in the one-year period, and that while women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence, men also are victims.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe White House opposed the alternative proposed by Republican Senators Charles Grassley of Iowa and Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, Jarrett said.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWe believe it takes us backwards,\u201d she said. She said the Republican measure would discourage local police departments from arresting domestic violence offenders, delete provisions for aiding gay men, lesbians and trans-gender people and weaken proposals to confront high rates of violence on college campuses.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBefore yesterday\u2019s vote, Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, said Democrats are \u201cmaking this harder than it needs to be.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis should be simple,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tLeahy blamed Republicans, saying, \u201cThere should not have been all this time to get to something that just makes sense.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe bill is S. 1925.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2172", "Gwen Moore Responds to Governor Walker's BadgerCare Plan", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I am relieved that these individuals will have more time to enroll, but extremely disappointed that they will be kicked off BadgerCare in the first place. There was no need to have jeopardized health care coverage for this population at all.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n        Contact: Staci Cox  (202) 225- 4572   Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) responded to Governor Scott Walker's call for a special legislative session to delay moving people from BadgerCare into the Health Insurance Marketplaces for three months.  Governor Scott Walker also called for a three-month delay in changes to the state's high-risk sharing plan.  I have been concerned all along about the potential ramifications of Governor Walker's decision to cut off BadgerCare access for 77,000 individuals and familiesand the state's long, convoluted timeline for outreach to those losing their coverage. Now that the federal system is not running smoothly, I have become even more alarmed about the Governor's treatment of BadgerCare recipients. I am relieved that these individuals will have more time to enroll, but extremely disappointed that they will be kicked off BadgerCare in the first place. There was no need to have jeopardized health care coverage for this population at all.  The implementation of the Affordable Care Act has been rocky nationwide, but in Wisconsin the problems were exacerbated by our governor's decisions not to operate a state-run exchange, not to cooperate with the set-up of the federal Marketplace and not to accept federal support for BadgerCare expansion. My urgent request is that the legislature do all it can to look out for the best interests of all Wisconsinites, including BadgerCare beneficiaries, and enact these two changes as soon as possible.  I supported the Affordable Care Act, but I also know that we must fix what is not working. I look forward to working with both the Obama administration and Governor Walker to ensure that the law works well for the people of Wisconsin.   ###  For Moore News Updates", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131115144435/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/the-freedoms-and-privacy-act-of-2013", "The Freedoms and Privacy Act of 2013", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t\t The Freedoms and Privacy Act of 2013 \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday Tammy introduced the Freedoms and Privacy Act of 2013 \u2013 a piece of legislation that strengthens transparency, oversight and accountability on National Security Agency domestic surveillance; protects Americans\u2019 right to privacy under the 4th Amendment and improves constitution due process procedures in relation to Intelligence Community (IC) and law enforcement information sharing.\n\u201cOver ten years ago, I voted against the USA PATRIOT Act because I believed it would open the door to government overreach. We have now seen that secret, domestic surveillance programs at the National Security Agency have crossed the line. I believe that we must fight terrorism while also protecting our American freedoms. This legislation improves transparency, oversight and accountability on National Security Agency domestic surveillance. It also helps ensure that our counter-terrorism efforts respect the constitutional civil liberties and freedoms of the American people.\u201d\n--- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin\nThe Freedoms and Privacy Act will strengthen the transparency, oversight and accountability of the over-zealous actions of our government\u2019s intelligence infrastructure and FISA collection minimization procedures. In conjunction with other FISA-reform measures in front of the Senate, this will restore the needed safeguards to ensure both Americans\u2019 security and constitutional rights are protected.\n\nThe Freedoms and Privacy Act has earned the support of U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D.Ore.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.).\n\u201cThe information collected under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is often shared with civilian law enforcement for criminal prosecutions. This legislation would clarify the rules for using surveillance information for domestic law enforcement to improve protections for both American security and Americans\u2019 constitutional rights. It will require government agencies to be more open about their rules for handling the personal information of regular Americans with no connection to suspicious activity. Importantly, it will also require defense counsel to be notified whenever FISA information is used in criminal cases.\u201d\n--- U.S. Senator Ron Wyden\n\"Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we learned about the importance of sharing information about international terrorism between intelligence agencies and law enforcement. But we need to ensure that any personal information collected on innocent Americans with no connection to terrorism or espionage is shared appropriately with law enforcement entities. We need strong, appropriate privacy protections. We also must ensure that the federal government provides appropriate notice when it uses information collected under or derived from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in domestic law enforcement cases. This bill would protect our security while also putting in place important constitutional safeguards.\"\n--- U.S. Senator Mark Udall", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034652/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/our-view-walker-should-delay-badgercare-deadline", "Our view: Walker should delay BadgerCare deadline", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Our view: Walker should delay BadgerCare deadline\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n            Thursday, November 14, 2013\n            \n\t\n            \n            It would be difficult to find two people farther apart on the ideological spectrum than Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Gov. Scott Walker.\nOne is the ultimate liberal on social issues, the other the ultimate fiscal conservative. We hope that divide alone is not enough to thwart a proposal by Baldwin to delay until March 31 the state\u2019s health insurance enrollment deadline for Medicaid recipients who will be losing their BadgerCare coverage in January.\nWalker should give serious thought to extending beyond Dec. 15 the current deadline to sign up on the federal exchange through the Affordable Care Act. The confusion of changing insurance carriers is exacerbated by the problems plaguing the website \u2014 healthcare.gov \u2014 being used to implement the changes.\nAn estimated 77,000 people in Wisconsin are expected to lose their Medicaid coverage Jan. 1, and be required to obtain insurance through the online marketplace. Baldwin suggests in a letter to Walker that people losing Medicaid coverage be allowed to remain on the program through the end of March.\nWalker should approve the delay, particularly since he decided not to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid in the first place. The financial hardship placed on the state\u2019s poorest families resulting from that decision should not be magnified by adherence to a strict sign-up deadline that will be impossible for some to meet under current circumstances.\nThe trouble surrounding the federal healthcare website is well documented and hardly bears repeating. It creates angst for anyone exploring health-care options, but is a particular source of anxiety for those families transitioning from Medicaid and BadgerCare who rely almost entirely on the government for their health care insurance.\nIt is unlikely that Walker will expand BadgerCare or reverse his position on accepting federal funds to expand Medicaid. He should do the next best thing and accept Baldwin\u2019s common sense suggestion to delay the health insurance enrollment deadline. Those facing the Dec. 15 deadline can use the extra time to climb the mountain of detail involved in the transition to different insurers.\nWalker and Baldwin will likely see eye-to-eye on few things. This could be one of them, however, to the benefit of thousands of Wisconsin residents they each represent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034700/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/statement-from-us-senator-tammy-baldwin-on-governor-walkers-new-badgercare-proposal", "Statement from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin on Governor Walker’s New BadgerCare Proposal", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Statement from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin on Governor Walker\u2019s New BadgerCare Proposal\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin made the following statement regarding Governor Walker\u2019s new BadgerCare proposal.  \u00a0  \u201cI supported building a Wisconsin-made, state-based Health Insurance Marketplace for individuals and small businesses and I joined others in encouraging the Walker Administration to take that path. State-run marketplaces are working across the country and enrolling people but Governor Walker chose to rely on the federal government\u2019s website. In fact, 74 percent of the enrollments in the Marketplace so far have come from states that chose to build their own state-based marketplaces. Unfortunately, Wisconsin wasn\u2019t one of them because Governor Walker refused to build a state-based marketplace for our state. \u00a0  \u00a0  \u201cI also urged the Governor to seize the opportunity to strengthen our BadgerCare program by accepting a federal partnership and investment to expand Medicaid with the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0 Again, Governor Walker refused and chose to make Wisconsin one of just two states that are set to kick a large number of individuals off their current Medicaid coverage in 2014. In the past month, as states across the nation, including our Midwestern neighbors, accepted the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, 400,000 Americans have gained health coverage through Medicaid.  \u00a0  \u201cIn Wisconsin, we are paying a price for Governor Walker\u2019s decisions and the problems with the federal website. I am encouraged that Governor Walker has listened to my call to ensure that Wisconsinites with BadgerCare coverage today will not lose the health care they need at the start of the year. However, the Governor\u2019s new proposal breaks the promise he made in his budget and leaves upwards of 80,000 low-income Wisconsinites out in the cold.  \u00a0  \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be this way and the solution I proposed is a stronger path forward for our state. The Governor should accept the federal investment to strengthen BadgerCare offered by the Affordable Care Act. That would ensure a 100 percent federal reimbursement covering all newly-eligible individuals, including the over 80,000 Wisconsinites that the Governor is leaving out of the BadgerCare program. The Governor could even accept this deal temporarily - for a year or through the end of the open enrollment period in March. These cost savings would allow the Governor to offset any additional costs of continuing BadgerCare coverage for current enrollees. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau has found that this path I have proposed would cover more people and save the state money. It\u2019s disappointing that Governor Walker has chosen not to take it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221040210/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/view/senator-baldwin-just-bring-it-up-for-a-vote", "Senator Baldwin: \"Just bring it up for a vote\"", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 with strong bipartisan support. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 would prohibit employers from firing, refusing to hire, or discriminating against those employed or seeking employment, on the basis of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity. Such protections are already in place prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042413/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-introduces-freedoms-and-privacy-act-of-2013", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Freedoms and Privacy Act of 2013", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Freedoms and Privacy Act of 2013\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLegislation strengthens transparency, oversight and accountability on National Security Agency domestic surveillance\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today introduced the Freedoms and Privacy Act of 2013, legislation that strengthens transparency, oversight and accountability on National Security Agency domestic surveillance.   \u00a0  \u201cOver ten years ago, I voted against the USA PATRIOT Act because I believed it would open the door to government overreach. We have now seen that secret, domestic surveillance programs at the National Security Agency have crossed the line,\u201d Baldwin said. \u201cI believe that we must fight terrorism while also protecting our American freedoms. This legislation improves transparency, oversight and accountability on National Security Agency domestic surveillance. It also helps ensure that our counter-terrorism efforts respect the constitutional civil liberties and freedoms of the American people.\u201d  \u00a0  The Freedoms and Privacy Act also protects Americans\u2019 right to privacy under the 4th Amendment and improves constitutional due process procedures in relation to Intelligence Community (IC) and law enforcement information sharing.  \u00a0  The Freedoms and Privacy Act has earned the support of U.S Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.).  \u00a0  \u201cThe information collected under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is often shared with civilian law enforcement for criminal prosecutions,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cThis legislation would clarify the rules for using surveillance information for domestic law enforcement to improve protections for both American security and Americans\u2019 constitutional rights. It will require government agencies to be more open about their rules for handling the personal information of regular Americans with no connection to suspicious activity. Importantly, it will also require defense counsel to be notified whenever FISA information is used in criminal cases.\u201d   \u00a0  \"Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we learned about the importance of sharing information about international terrorism between intelligence agencies and law enforcement. But we need to ensure that any personal information collected on innocent Americans with no connection to terrorism or espionage is shared appropriately with law enforcement entities. We need strong, appropriate privacy protections\" Udall said. \"We also must ensure that the federal government provides appropriate notice when it uses information collected under or derived from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in domestic law enforcement cases. This bill would protect our security while also putting in place important constitutional safeguards.\"\n###\nDownload additional background information here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-to-president-obama-we-should-not-fast-track-trans-pacific", "Pocan to President Obama: We Should Not \u201cFast Track\u201d  Trans-Pacific Partnership through Congress", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014As the United States continues to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a massive new trade deal with 11 other countries that would affect nearly every sector of the American economy, Congress and the American people continue to be left in the dark on the contents of the deal. In response, today U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) joined more than 150 of his Democratic colleagues in a letter to President Obama opposing the use of the \u201cFast Track\u201d process or any mechanism that would rush the deal through Congress without proper oversight and input.\u00a0 The letter is led by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and George Miller (D-CA).\n\u201cWisconsinites have seen these type of \u201cfree trade\u201d deals rushed through Washington before, and we saw the results firsthand: closed factories, depleted industries and lost jobs,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cWe cannot make the same mistakes of the past. If the administration wants to get the approval of Congress for this new agreement, we must take the time to conduct the careful and thorough oversight this measure requires.\u201d\nThe Constitution provides Congress with the authority to oversee all international trade agreements, but previously Congress has instituted a procedure called \u201cfast track negotiating authority\u201d or \u201ctrade promotion authority\u201d which speeds up the trade agreement approval process by delegating wide swaths of Congress\u2019s power to oversee international trade to the executive branch. If implemented, Congress would vote to accept or reject a trade agreement, but would be unable to amend the text.\u00a0\nMembers of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committees are looking to develop legislation that would reinstate the outdated Fast Track procedures that expired in 2007.\n\u201cTwentieth Century \u2018Fast Track\u2019 is simply not appropriate for 21st Century agreements and must be replaced,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cA new trade agreement negotiation and approval process that restores a robust role for Congress is essential to achieving U.S. trade agreements that can secure prosperity for the greatest number of Americans, while preserving the vital tenets of American democracy in the era of globalization.\u201d\nAs a small business owner who has seen the effects of massive trade deals and their impact on American products, Pocan has been a leader in fighting for fair trade deals that protect American jobs and American industries. This summer, Pocan led a letter with 35 other freshman lawmakers calling for increased transparency from the administration on TPP and urging Congress not to give up its constitutional authority to oversee foreign trade agreements.\nThe full text of the letter is below:\nDear President Obama:\n\u00a0\nWe write to express our serious concern with the ongoing negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a potential agreement of tremendous consequence for our country. Specifically, we remain deeply troubled by the continued lack of adequate congressional consultation in many areas of the proposed pact that deeply implicates Congress\u2019 constitutional and domestic policy authorities.\n\u00a0\nFor some time, members of Congress have urged your administration to engage in broader and deeper consultations with members of the full range of committees of Congress whose jurisdiction touches on the numerous issues being negotiated.\u00a0 Many have raised concerns relating to reports about the agreement\u2019s proposed content.\u00a0 While your Administration\u2019s goal was to sign a TPP FTA at the October 2013 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, we believe that to date the process has failed to provide adequate consultation with Congress.\n\u00a0\nSuch opportunity for input from Congress is critical as the TPP FTA will include binding obligations that touch upon a wide swath of policy matters under the authority of Congress.\u00a0\nBeyond traditional tariff issues, these include policies related to labor, patent and copyright, land use, food, agriculture and product standards, natural resources, the environment, professional licensing, competition, state-owned enterprises and government procurement policies, as well as financial, healthcare, energy, e-commerce, telecommunications and other service sector regulations.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIn light of the broad scope of today\u2019s trade agreements, it is even more vital that Congress have a fulsome role in shaping these pacts\u2019 terms. Given our concerns, we will oppose\u00a0 \u201cFast Track\u201d Trade Promotion Authority or any other mechanism delegating Congress\u2019 constitutional authority over trade policy that continues to exclude us from having a meaningful role in the formative stages of trade agreements and throughout negotiating and approval processes.\n\u00a0\nCongress, not the Executive Branch, must determine when an agreement meets the objectives Congress sets in the exercise of its Article I-8 exclusive constitutional authority to set the terms of trade.\u00a0\u00a0 For instance, an agreement that does not specifically meet congressional negotiating objectives must not receive preferential consideration in Congress.\u00a0 A new trade agreement negotiation and approval process that restores a robust role for Congress is essential to achieving U.S. trade agreements that can secure prosperity for the greatest number of Americans, while preserving the vital tenets of American democracy in the era of globalization.\n\u00a0\nTwentieth Century \u201cFast Track\u201d is simply not appropriate for 21st Century agreements and must be replaced.\u00a0 The United States cannot afford another trade agreement that replicates the mistakes of the past. We can and must do better.\n\u00a0\nWe are deeply committed to transforming U.S. trade policy into a tool for creating and retaining family-wage jobs in America, safeguarding the environment, maintaining consumer protection and improving the quality of life throughout the country.\u00a0\u00a0 We look forward to working with you to ensure that Congress and the Executive Branch are working together to meet that critical goal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131126111923/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/introducing-the-womens-health-protection-act", "Introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 13, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Introducing the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday, Tammy was part of the introduction for a new piece of legislation - the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act.\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act because every American woman deserves the freedom to exercise her constitutional rights by making personal health decisions for herself and her family with a trusted doctor, and without political interference.\nOur bill makes it clear that states can no longer enact laws that unduly limit access to reproductive health services and do nothing to further women\u2019s health or safety.\nEvery women in America deserves the freedom to plan their own families, make their own health care decisions and access essential, quality women\u2019s health care services. We need to act now to guarantee women have that freedom.\u201d\nThe Women\u2019s Health Protection Act:\n \nCreates federal protections against state restrictions that fail to protect women\u2019s health and intrude upon personal decision-making.\nPromotes and protects a woman\u2019s individual constitutional rights.\nEnsures women the decision to make their own responsible health care decisions, no matter where they live.\n \n\nWisconsin support for the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act\n\u201cPlanned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin knows that women are more than capable of making their own personal, medical decisions without consulting their legislator.\u00a0 Everyone deserves the freedom to plan their own families, make their own health care decisions and access essential, affordable health care. We applaud Senator Baldwin\u2019s leadership on this important bill and for caring more about women than about politics.\u201d  - Nicole Safar, Public Policy Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin\n\"Women deserve access to affordable, comprehensive health care and services when they need it.\u00a0 It's time to trust women and allow them to make their personal health care decisions with their trusted health professional without political interference. The Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health applauds the introduction of the Women's Health Protection Act and supports these and all efforts to ensure every woman has the access to the comprehensive health care she needs and deserves.\" - Sara Finger, Executive Director, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health\n\u201cWomen in Wisconsin know first-hand the devastating impact of being subjected to a barrage of harmful and unnecessary legislative restrictions that make it progressively impossible to access essential reproductive health care services. It is clear that we need federal protection from these unwarranted intrusions into our personal health care decisions.\u00a0 We are grateful to Senator Baldwin for recognizing this unprecedented state-by-state legislative offensive and taking action to provide that needed protection through introduction of the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act of 2013.\u201d -\u00a0 Eve Galanter, Chair, Wisconsin Women's Network", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034720/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/baldwin-asks-walker-to-delay-enrollment-deadline-for-those-losing-badgercare-coverage", "Baldwin asks Walker to delay enrollment deadline for those losing BadgerCare coverage", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Baldwin asks Walker to delay enrollment deadline for those losing BadgerCare coverage\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n            Wednesday, November 13, 2013\n            \n\t\n            \n            MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker called a special legislative session Thursday to extend the deadline for moving 77,000 people off Medicaid until April, saying they need more time to sign up for private insurance through the problematic online federal health care exchange.\nWalker, a Republican, blasted the federal rollout during a news conference, calling the launch \"abysmal\" and saying he wants to make sure everyone who needs more time to find coverage gets it.\n\"We see very vividly it's not working,\" Walker said of the exchange. \"We want to make sure nobody falls through the cracks.\"\nWalker toughened Medicaid eligibility in the state budget, forcing 77,000 people off the state's BadgerCare plan and into the marketplace as of Jan. 1. The governor's administration gave everyone who would lose coverage until Dec. 15 to sign up for an alternative plan through the exchange to ensure uninterrupted coverage.\nThe exchange, a cornerstone of President Barack Obama's signature health care reform plan, offers people a chance to shop online for a private insurance plan. People who sign up for the plans can collect federal subsidies.\nThe website went live on Oct. 1 but it's been fraught with technical problems, making it difficult to sign up. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released state-by-state numbers on Wednesday that showed only 877 Wisconsin residents have been able to successfully enroll in a program between Oct. 1 and Nov. 2.\nWalker said he wants the Legislature to pass a bill that would extend Medicaid coverage for those 77,000 people until April 1, the day the exchange is supposed to close. The governor also said he wants lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow about 20,000 people to continue to get insurance through what's known as a high-risk pool through April 1.\nThe pool - funded by a mix of money from health care providers, insurance companies and premiums - offers coverage for people with serious conditions who can't get it elsewhere. The federal reforms mandate insurance companies provide coverage regardless of a person's condition, eliminating the need for the pools. Wisconsin's pool ends Jan. 1.\nWalker said both groups deserve more time to find private coverage through the exchange since the website doesn't work yet.\nWalker said he wants to see the Legislature act on the bills by early December. The special session would begin when Walker issues an executive order setting the date. Walker didn't say when he would issue the order, and his spokesman said only that the order would be \"forthcoming soon.\"\nBut Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, told The Associated Press he wasn't sure how much support Walker has for the proposals, saying the Legislature shouldn't have to \"bail out\" Democrats after they botched the exchange. He said he'd rather extend the deadline on a month-to-month basis.\n\"I'd just like to explore that first,\" he said. \"I'm working with the governor to get there.\"\nWalker brushed aside Fitzgerald's remarks during his news conference, calling them an \"initial reaction.\" He said he doesn't think the state should be revisiting the problem on a monthly basis.\nAssembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Burlington, said he believes most Republicans would support the delay.\nU.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Madison Democrat, sent Walker a letter Tuesday asking him to let the 77,000 stay on Medicaid through the end of March.\nBaldwin issued a statement saying she was pleased Walker listened to her call to extend coverage but criticized him for not setting up a state-run exchange and refusing federal funds to expand Medicaid in the state.\nWalker denied that he called the special session in response to Baldwin's letter, saying his administration had contemplated extending the deadline since it crafted the state budget depending on the exchange's performance.\nHe refused the federal Medicaid expansion because he didn't want to make people dependent on the federal government, a position he said the exchange rollout problems have validated.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034727/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-stands-up-to-attacks-on-womens-freedoms-introduces-the-womens-health-protection-act-of-2013", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Stands up to Attacks on Women’s Freedoms, Introduces the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2013", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Stands up to Attacks on Women\u2019s Freedoms, Introduces the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act of 2013\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 13, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today joined her colleagues Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA-27), Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11), and Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) to introduce the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act of 2013, legislation that will protect the constitutional, reproductive rights of women to make their own, private health decisions.  \u00a0  \u201cIn Wisconsin and in states across the country, politicians have been standing between women and their doctors, restricting the choices women can make regarding their own reproductive health,\u201d said Baldwin. \u201cThey are doing this because they think they know better than women and their doctors. I am proud to stand up to these attacks on women\u2019s freedoms and introduce the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act.\u00a0 Every American woman deserves access to quality, safe health care and the ability to exercise her individual and constitutional rights to make her own, private health decisions.\u201d  \u00a0  The Women\u2019s Health Protection Act would protect a woman\u2019s right to safe and legal reproductive health services by stopping restrictive regulations and laws - such as those in place in states including Texas and Wisconsin - intended to curtail reproductive health services for women. This legislation would prohibit laws that impose burdensome requirements on access to reproductive health services such as requiring doctors to perform tests and procedures that doctors have deemed unnecessary or preventing doctors from prescribing and dispensing medication as is medically appropriate. Other examples of laws that make it more difficult for a woman to access reproductive health services include requirements concerning the physical layout of clinics and forced waiting periods for patients. The Women\u2019s Health Protection Act has 27 cosponsors in the Senate and 52 cosponsors in the House of Representatives.  \u00a0  In Wisconsin, the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act is supported by American Association of University Women of Wisconsin, Family Planning Health Services, Inc., Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Alliance for Women\u2019s Health, Wisconsin Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, and the Wisconsin Women's Network.  \u00a0  \u201cPlanned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin knows that women are more than capable of making their own personal, medical decisions without consulting their legislator.\u00a0 Everyone deserves the freedom to plan their own families, make their own health care decisions and access essential, affordable health care. We applaud Senator Baldwin\u2019s leadership on this important bill and for caring more about women than about politics.\u201d - Nicole Safar, Public Policy Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin  \u00a0  \"Women deserve access to affordable, comprehensive health care and services when they need it.\u00a0 It's time to trust women and allow them to make their personal health care decisions with their trusted health professional without political interference. The Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health applauds the introduction of the Women's Health Protection Act and supports these and all efforts to ensure every woman has the access to the comprehensive health care she needs and deserves.\" - Sara Finger, Executive Director, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health  \u00a0  \u201cWomen in Wisconsin know first-hand the devastating impact of being subjected to a barrage of harmful and unnecessary legislative restrictions that make it progressively impossible to access essential reproductive health care services. It is clear that we need federal protection from these unwarranted intrusions into our personal health care decisions.\u00a0 We are grateful to Senator Baldwin for recognizing this unprecedented state-by-state legislative offensive and taking action to provide that needed protection through introduction of the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act of 2013.\u201d -\u00a0 Eve Galanter, Chair, Wisconsin Women's Network  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221044109/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/hospital-execs-baldwin-urge-walker-to-delay-medicaid-plan", "Hospital execs, Baldwin urge Walker to delay Medicaid plan", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Hospital execs, Baldwin urge Walker to delay Medicaid plan\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n            Wednesday, November 13, 2013\n            \n\t\n            \n            The Wisconsin Hospital Association and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin are suggesting that Gov. Scott Walker\u2019s health care agency delay transitioning Wisconsinites off Medicaid as long as the online health insurance marketplace is not functioning properly.\nA spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which is implementing Walker\u2019s plan for insuring the state\u2019s low-income population, said the agency has no intention of changing its course.\n\u201cBoth Gov. Walker and the Department of Health Services continue to move forward with operationalizing the Affordable Care Act and the governor\u2019s entitlement reform plan,\u201d agency spokeswoman Claire Smith said Tuesday.\nThe pleas from Wisconsin Hospital Association executive vice president Eric Borgerding and Baldwin, a Democrat, joined similar concerns expressed by some county executives in Wisconsin and patient advocacy groups in Madison.\nIn spite of efforts by hospitals, clinics, navigators and DHS officials, enrollment for the online health plan cannot be completed, the Wisconsin Hospital Association said in its Nov. 8 newsletter. The situation is raising concerns among hospital executives that the more than 70,000 people who are losing Medicaid eligibility Jan. 1, 2014, will not connect to coverage on the exchange prior to that date.\nWalker rejected President Barack Obama\u2019s plan to expand Medicaid coverage. Walker\u2019s administration is implementing a plan in which Wisconsinites at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level are supposed to enroll for Medicaid. Those who had received the state\u2019s BadgerCare Medicaid program but have incomes of more than 100 percent of the poverty level are being urged to sign up for coverage on the marketplace.\nBorgerding said in the hospital association newsletter that hospitals and their partners in the community are continuing to educate and assist people who are trying to enroll on the exchange.\n\u201cWe are committed to doing everything we can to help Gov. Walker accomplish his goal of cutting the uninsured rate in half in Wisconsin,\u201d Borgerding said.\nHowever, Borgerding said it would be ideal if DHS would delay transitioning people off the Medicaid program until the exchange is working.\nBaldwin issued a press release Tuesday saying she sent a letter to Walker raising concerns about his plan and offering solutions \u201cto ensure our constituents maintain the health coverage they need.\"\n\u201cYour current outreach plan calls for residents who will lose their BadgerCare coverage to receive final notice at the end of November, leaving them just two weeks to enroll or they will lose coverage on Jan. 1,\u201d Baldwin said in the letter. \u201cGiven the state\u2019s current timeline for direct outreach to these individuals, the major issues with the federal government\u2019s ACA website, and the fast-approaching deadline, thousands of people are at risk of losing their coverage.\u201d\nThe Department of Health Services has several outreach strategies for people who may be transitioning to the marketplace, Smith said.\n\u201cWe are continuing these outreach plans while the federal government works out the technical problems,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThe federal government has indicated that they are building capacity and working on the technical issues with the website, and individuals also have the option to apply by mail or phone.\u201d\nPeople who do not apply for and enroll in a health insurance plan in the marketplace by Dec. 15 will not have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2014, Smith noted. However, the open enrollment period for the marketplace has been extended for this first year through March 31, 2014.\nThe DHS also has strong support with the agency\u2019s regional enrollment networks, partnerships with more than 1,500 health care providers, tribal agencies, local public health departments and veterans groups, Smith said.\n\u201cWe believe that we are making a strong outreach effort to people who are transitioning to the marketplace,\u201d she said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034552/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/wisconsin-health-care-leaders-agree-senator-baldwins-proposal-to-governor-walker-is-the-right-thing-to-do", "Wisconsin health care leaders agree, Senator Baldwin's proposal to Governor Walker is the right thing to do", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, November 12, 2013\n\t\t\t\t Wisconsin health care leaders agree, Senator Baldwin's proposal to Governor Walker is the right thing to do \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAs a result of Governor Walker\u2019s decision to reject an opportunity to strengthen Wisconsin\u2019s BadgerCare program through a federal partnership and investment, an estimated 77,000 Wisconsinites will lose their health insurance coverage on January 1, 2014 unless they enroll in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by December 15.\nToday, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to Governor Walker raising concerns about Walker\u2019s current plan and offered solutions \u201cto ensure our constituents maintain the health coverage they need\u201d.\n\nWisconsin health care leaders praise Senator Baldwin's solutions:\nMany Wisconsinites who will be forced to transition from BadgerCare to insurance via the health marketplace simply won\u2019t have the time to do so, and will instead become uninsured. Wisconsin should adopt the common sense interim solutions proposed by Senator Baldwin, which will provide more time for those making this difficult transition. The Senator\u2019s plan will also help achieve the Governor\u2019s commitment to cutting Wisconsin\u2019s uninsured rate in half. \u201d \u2013 David Riemer, Senior Fellow, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute\n\"We are extremely concerned that the timeline for Wisconsin's changes in BadgerCare will needlessly disrupt essential health coverage for tens of thousands of moderate income Wisconsin families. Senator Baldwin is offering practical and common sense solutions which Governor Walker ought to adopt. Senator Baldwin's proposals would give Wisconsinites who are losing BadgerCare coverage the reasonable time they need to enroll in new federal options under the Affordable Care Act.\" \u2013 Robert Kraig, Executive Director, Citizen Action of Wisconsin\n\u201cDelaying the abrupt termination of people from BadgerCare isn\u2019t just a matter of fairness for those families. By helping avoid a huge logjam of applications in early December, Senator Baldwin\u2019s recommendations could improve the enrollment process for all who apply for insurance through the new marketplace.\u201d \u2013 Jon Peacock Research Director, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042748/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-offers-solutions-to-governor-walker-on-his-plan-to-move-wisconsinites-off-badgercare-and-into-aca-marketplace", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Offers Solutions to Governor Walker on his Plan to Move Wisconsinites off BadgerCare and Into ACA Marketplace", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Offers Solutions to Governor Walker on his Plan to Move Wisconsinites off BadgerCare and Into ACA Marketplace\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 12, 2013\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington D.C. \u2013 As a result of Governor Scott Walker\u2019s decision to reject an opportunity to strengthen Wisconsin\u2019s BadgerCare program through a federal partnership and investment, an estimated 77,000 Wisconsinites will lose their health insurance coverage on January 1, 2014 unless they enroll in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by December 15.\nToday, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin sent a letter to Governor Scott Walker raising concerns about Walker\u2019s current plan and offered solutions \u201cto ensure our constituents maintain the health coverage they need\u201d.\nIn the letter Senator Baldwin writes, \u201cYour current outreach plan calls for residents who will lose their BadgerCare coverage to receive final notice at the end of November, leaving them just two weeks to enroll or they will lose coverage on January 1.\u00a0 Given the state\u2019s current timeline for direct outreach to these individuals, the major issues with the federal government\u2019s ACA website, and the fast-approaching deadline, thousands of people are at risk of losing their coverage.\u201d\nSenator Baldwin also offers a number of solutions that the Walker Administration could pursue, including altering their current request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services so that BadgerCare enrollees maintain their current coverage through the end of March.\n\u201cSuch a change would extend the deadline that BadgerCare enrollees face today to ensure uninterrupted health security from December 15, 2013 and align it with the deadline for open enrollment on the federal Health Insurance Marketplace - March 31, 2014,\u201d Baldwin said, \u201cTo me, this is a common sense solution that will ensure that individuals receiving BadgerCare today will not lose coverage on January 1, 2014.\u00a0 This solution would give the people we work for more time to enroll, gain access to ACA premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies, and eliminate the risk of lost coverage on January 1.\u201d\u00a0\nBaldwin also encourages Walker to fully expand BadgerCare under the Affordable Care Act - at no cost to the State of Wisconsin - temporarily until March 31, 2014.\u00a0\n\u201cSuch changes would provide the state with a 100 percent federal match for all newly-eligible BadgerCare enrollees. These cost savings would allow you to offset any additional costs of continuing BadgerCare coverage for current enrollees through the end of open enrollment,\u201d Baldwin said. \u00a0\nWisconsin Health Care Leaders Praise Senator Baldwin\u2019s Solutions\n\u201cMany Wisconsinites who will be forced to transition from BadgerCare to insurance via the health marketplace simply won\u2019t have the time to do so, and will instead become uninsured. Wisconsin should adopt the common sense interim solutions proposed by Senator Baldwin, which will provide more time for those making this difficult transition. The Senator\u2019s plan will also help achieve the Governor\u2019s commitment to cutting Wisconsin\u2019s uninsured rate in half. \u201d \u2013 David Riemer, Senior Fellow, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute\n\"We are extremely concerned that the timeline for Wisconsin's changes in BadgerCare will needlessly disrupt essential health coverage for tens of thousands of moderate income Wisconsin families. Senator Baldwin is offering practical and common sense solutions which Governor Walker ought to adopt. Senator Baldwin's proposals would give Wisconsinites who are losing BadgerCare coverage the reasonable time they need to enroll in new federal options under the Affordable Care Act.\" \u2013 Robert Kraig, Executive Director, Citizen Action of Wisconsin\n\u201cDelaying the abrupt termination of people from BadgerCare isn\u2019t just a matter of fairness for those families.\u00a0By helping avoid a huge logjam of applications in early December, Senator Baldwin\u2019s recommendations could improve the enrollment process for all who apply for insurance through the new marketplace.\u201d \u2013 Jon Peacock Research Director, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families\nThe text of the letter can be found below.\nClick here to download the letter.\n\u00a0\nNovember 12, 2013\nThe Honorable Scott Walker   Governor of Wisconsin\n115 East Capitol   Madison, WI 53702\nDear Governor Walker,\nI am writing in regards to the health care coverage of the 77,000 low-income, working Wisconsin residents whose health coverage expires on January 1, 2014.\u00a0\u00a0 As a result of your decision to move these individuals off of BadgerCare, these citizens must be enrolled in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by December 15 in order to prevent a lapse in coverage at the start of the new year.\u00a0 Your current outreach plan calls for residents who will lose their BadgerCare coverage to receive final notice at the end of November, leaving them just two weeks to enroll or they will lose coverage on January 1.\u00a0 Given the state\u2019s current timeline for direct outreach to these individuals, the major issues with the federal government\u2019s ACA website, and the fast-approaching deadline, thousands of people are at risk of losing their coverage.\u00a0 Therefore, I am writing to raise this concern and to offer potential options in the hope that we can work together to ensure our constituents maintain the health coverage they need.\u00a0\nOver the past year, I have written to you on a number of occasions regarding the ACA and I have had an opportunity to meet with representatives from the Department of Health Services and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.\u00a0 First, I urged you to build a Wisconsin-made, state-based Health Insurance Marketplace for individuals and small businesses.\u00a0 Instead, you chose to rely on the federal government\u2019s website.\u00a0 Second, I urged you to seize the opportunity to accept a federal partnership and investment to strengthen our BadgerCare program by expanding Medicaid under the ACA. Our Midwestern neighbors have widely accepted these opportunities. Governors from both parties in Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota are supporting the ACA\u2019s Medicaid expansion. Instead, you chose to make Wisconsin one of just two states in the nation that are set to kick a large number of individuals off their current Medicaid coverage in 2014. While you have not taken our state down the strongest path, I am committed to working with you to ensure these 77,000 BadgerCare recipients do not lose health coverage on January 1.\nMy most recent letter to you outlined problems with the state\u2019s outreach to individuals losing their BadgerCare.\u00a0 Since then, the state has made positive improvements, including making phone calls to affected families. I commend you for taking this positive step, yet reaching all of these individuals in a timely manner remains a significant challenge.\u00a0 Furthermore, these residents must enroll through the federal ACA enrollment program and website\u2014www.healthcare.gov\u2014which has been plagued with problems.\u00a0 I am deeply disappointed and extremely frustrated with the website.\u00a0 While, the Administration has vowed to fix it as soon as possible, I have called on the Obama Administration to redouble its efforts to ensure that all Wisconsin residents, including the 77,000 BadgerCare recipients facing the December 15 enrollment deadline, have access to coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.\u00a0\nBecause of the transition issues and the fast-approaching December 15 deadline, I am offering a few solutions that you could pursue to help solve this problem.\u00a0\u00a0 First, I would urge you to alter your current request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services so that BadgerCare enrollees maintain their current coverage through the end of March. Such a change would extend the deadline that BadgerCare enrollees face today to ensure uninterrupted health security from December 15, 2013 and align it with the deadline for open enrollment on the federal Health Insurance Marketplace\u2014March 31, 2014.\u00a0 To me, this is a common sense solution that will ensure that individuals receiving BadgerCare today will not lose coverage on January 1, 2014.\u00a0 This solution would give the people we work for more time to enroll, gain access to ACA premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies, and eliminate the risk of lost coverage on January 1.\u00a0\nIn addition, you could choose to fully expand BadgerCare under the Affordable Care Act\u2014at no cost to the State of Wisconsin\u2014temporarily until March 31, 2014.\u00a0 Such changes would provide the state with a 100 percent federal match for all newly-eligible BadgerCare enrollees.\u00a0 These cost savings would allow you to offset any additional costs of continuing BadgerCare coverage for current enrollees through the end of open enrollment. \u00a0\nI remain committed to working with you and the Obama Administration to ensure that the ACA works for Wisconsin and fixing what does not.\u00a0 I ask that you strongly consider these solutions and I look forward to working together on this shared responsibility.\nSincerely,\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin\nCc: The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=919", "Gwen Moore Celebrates Veterans Day", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Dominique Paul Noth\r\n\r\n\tEditor, Milwaukee Labor Press\r\n\r\n\tPosted April 24. 2012\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tCo-workers at his union (United Steel Workers) saw giant mining parts crush Jeff Smith to death before their eyes last September at Bucyrus (now Caterpillar) where Smith, 30, had worked as a material handler since 2008.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tUSW members will remember Jeff as part of the annual Workers Memorial Day ceremonies at noon Saturday, April 28.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAlso speaking at Zeidler Union Square Park between 3rd and 4th on Michigan St. will be US Rep. Gwen Moore and Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm, who has continued his office\u2019s concern about negligence and safety conditions at workplaces (the federal OSHA is also regularly called in to all incidents).\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tChisholm and Mooore are officials much in the news of late as she has attacked Gov. Walker's quiet reverasal of state participation in equal pay recourse for women and his legislature's reduction in women's health care.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tChicholm, resisting calls from all sides to play politics, just proceeds as a prosecutor to investigate corruption in Walker's county administration in a John Doe probe that has already charged several of Walker's personal hires and led the governor to hire his own criminal legal team (the only governor in the nation to need a criminal legal defense fund).\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele has also agreed to attend and union musicians will provide \"Taps\" echoing across the park at the end of the roll call of the fallen.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tVarious other dignitaries as well as regular workers expect to attend because this year the national day set aside to remember workers who died on the job falls on a weekend, April 28. So the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, which sponsors the event and created though a commission from Milwaukee County the nation's only dedicated park memorial, has moved activities up to noon to accommodate the higher interst.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tSmith\u2019s death at the Bucyrus plant is still fresh in the minds of his USW colleagues. He was a popular lively member, a fitness buff who played lead guitar in local bands. Leaders of his USW Local 1343 were on the scene of the tragedy within minutes. Reports indicate the details are still being investigated but that the company has already changed procdures after his death.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tNormally, the big parts involved in mining equipment are handled by special machinery, but those machines were in use that day, colleagues say, so the plant had reverted to a manual technique involving two cranes to handle the weight. Smith was reaching underneath to undo a chain when the weight shifted and fell on him, witnesses say. Caterpillar has since changed the system involved, but the accident was yet another reminder of how dangers always lurk within these intense jobs and complicated handling processes, so safety procedures must be constantly re-evaluated and both companies and workers must constantly be on guard.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBoth Wisconsin workers and Wisconsin military members who died on the job in 2011 will be included in lists read by union veterans and members of WisCOSH (Wisconsin Committee on Occupational Safety and Health) while union musicians resonate \u201cTaps\u201d across the park.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe morning before the ceremony, at 10 a.m., WisCOSH is planning a lavish breakfast-brunch as a benefit at nearby Postal Workers Union Hall, 417 N. 3rd St. Details are being worked out. Contact James Schultz at exec_dir@wiscosh.org or (414) 933-2338.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAll this accompanies new interest in the memorial itself, where the central gazebo is decorated with workers\u2019 tools, where the walks are dotted with chains and placards of notable labor sayings. The whole concept, tranquil and functional without interfering with regular park life, has been visible to Milwaukee pedestrians since 1995 and was designed by landscape artist Mary Zebell and now nationally known tapestry artist Terese Agnew to honor workers killed on the job.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAgnew is one of four artists featured on PBS nationally May 11 in a new episode of \u201cCrafts in America,\u201d including Milwaukee interviews at Zeidler Park.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tSince the memorial was always designed not to interfere with normal park activities, over the years other events have become regular \u2013 a farmer\u2019s market, holiday decorations, staging areas for parades and May Day rallies. Inevitably the memorial has suffered some abuse and respect seemed to erode, much to the annoyance of the labor council, which took its concerns to the county and the downtown commerece association responsible for holiday lighting displays \u2013 and frankly, the appearance of the park was also upsetting to the PBS film crew and Agnew when they visited the park for filming.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tNow some steps have been taken to restore dignity and attention to the nation\u2019s only park that honors fallen workers. The AFL-CIO sponsors Workers Memorial activities in many parts of the country on April 28, but nothing like this.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTributes to workers who died on the job have created slogans and ribbons \u2013 Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living \u2013 because the problem has national consequences. In 2010, 203 workers died in Illinois, 107 in Missouri and 4,547 nationwide (though Wisconsin figures because of privacy issues are now harder to validate). That works out to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 workers according to conservative statistics.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOSHA continues its efforts to cut deaths and injuries and has had some success over 42 years despite the low fines it can impose on chronic violators, lack of professional staff, employer resistance and intimidation of workers into refusal to report job-related injuries and illnesses.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut even limited safety gains are threatened by budget issues. \u201cOSHA\u2019s capacity to oversee workplaces is woefully inadequate,\u201d said Peg Seminario, the AFL-CIO\u2019s veteran Occupational Safety and Health chief, in reports to Congress.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tFor instance, in fiscal 2009, \u201cOSHA conducted 30,057 workplace inspections and had the capacity to inspect workplaces under its jurisdiction approximately once every 137 years,\u201d the OSHA report relates. Under the Obama administration, the number has since risen to approximately 36,000 inspections yearly.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut \u201cOSHA must target and leverage its enforcement resources to have the maximum effect,\u201d Seminario added, pushing further efforts to \u201cprovide more meaningful penalties.\u201d OSHA can only do so much, she says, when \u201cpenalty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act are far weaker than most other safety and environmental laws and fail to provide an adequate deterrence.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWith election of a Republican majority in the House in 2010, progress in safety and health is threatened,\u201d the AFL-CIO said in its 2011 Death On The Job report. (The 2012 edition is due on Workers Memorial Day, with that warning likely to be repeated.)\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cBusiness groups and Republicans are trying to block new regulations and have targeted key OSHA and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) rules. Attempts already have been made to slash OSHA\u2019s budget, with proposed cuts that would decimate OSHA\u2019s already inadequate enforcement.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tTo view this article online, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-honors-veterans-day", "Pocan Honors Veterans Day", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MADISON, WI--U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today released the following statement honoring Veterans Day.\n\u201cOn Veterans Day in Wisconsin, we honor the 400,000 veterans who call our state home, as well as the millions more across the nation who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation,\u201d Pocan said. \u201cOur brave servicemen and women have risked their lives to secure our freedoms in the line of duty, and now it is our duty to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.\n\u201cThank you to our veterans, their families and our future veterans\u2014our active duty troops\u2014for your commitment, your sacrifice, and your courage. 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