{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"WI\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.speaker.gov/video/merry-christmas-our-military", "Merry Christmas to our Military", "2018-12-24", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To all of our men and women around the world this holiday season, especially those of you from the great state of Wisconsin, I know it is said many times many ways: thank you for your service.\nYou and your families are never far from our thoughts. How blessed we are to live under the cover of your protection. Merry Christmas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/saturday-snapshot", "Saturday Snapshot", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Sean Duffy", "D000614", "duffy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere has been a lot going on in our neck of the woods of Wisconsin, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the latest news with you!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Top Five In The Nation...Number One In Our Hearts\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are a lot of reasons to be proud to be from Wisconsin; it's hands down the best place to work, raise a family, or vacation in the country. But we're also leaders when it comes to Christmas tree production! That means that Wisconsin continues to bring joy to families across the country this season.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClickHERE or the image below to celebrate Wisconsin's proud Christmas tree production!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Our Nation Deserves Border Security\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt my recent townhall meeting at Northcentral Technical College in Antigo, I discussed the need for our nation to have a secure border.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are too many families across our nation who have lost loved ones because of the meth and heroin that pours over our southern border. In fact, at a recent Law Enforcement Roundtable, Wisconsin law enforcement leaders told me that even though our state is more than 1,000 miles away from Mexico, more than 90% of the meth and heroin in our community can be traced back to Mexico. This is unacceptable. Click HERE to watch a short interview with Eau Claire's Channel 18 about the need for border security.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  More Town Halls!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot only did we have a productive townhall meeting in Antigo, but it was great to chat with folks in Eagle River and Medford as well. It's important that we routinely get the opportunity to discuss the issues face to face.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClick HERE or the image below to \"like\" and SHARE our recent town hall pics!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Spring Isn't THAT Far Off! Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads  Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the political process.  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information on the internship, click HERE or the photo below. Also be sure to share these opportunities with any interested students!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Stay Connected On Social Media   \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSnapchat is a fun way to stay connected with what's going on in Wisconsin and Washington (and of course, find me on Facebook and Twitter- @RepSeanDuffy). Find my snapchat profile either by searching @RepSeanDuffy or use the Snapcode below!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/saturday-snapshot-0", "Saturday Snapshot", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Sean Duffy", "D000614", "duffy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere has been a lot going on in our neck of the woods of Wisconsin, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the latest news with you!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Top Five In The Nation...Number One In Our Hearts\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are a lot of reasons to be proud to be from Wisconsin; it's hands down the best place to work, raise a family, or vacation in the country. But we're also leaders when it comes to Christmas tree production! That means that Wisconsin continues to bring joy to families across the country this season.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClickHERE or the image below to celebrate Wisconsin's proud Christmas tree production!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Our Nation Deserves Border Security\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt my recent townhall meeting at Northcentral Technical College in Antigo, I discussed the need for our nation to have a secure border.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are too many families across our nation who have lost loved ones because of the meth and heroin that pours over our southern border. In fact, at a recent Law Enforcement Roundtable, Wisconsin law enforcement leaders told me that even though our state is more than 1,000 miles away from Mexico, more than 90% of the meth and heroin in our community can be traced back to Mexico. This is unacceptable. Click HERE to watch a short interview with Eau Claire's Channel 18 about the need for border security.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  More Town Halls!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot only did we have a productive townhall meeting in Antigo, but it was great to chat with folks in Eagle River and Medford as well. It's important that we routinely get the opportunity to discuss the issues face to face.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClick HERE or the image below to \"like\" and SHARE our recent town hall pics!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Spring Isn't THAT Far Off! Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads  Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the political process.  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information on the internship, click HERE or the photo below. Also be sure to share these opportunities with any interested students!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Stay Connected On Social Media   \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSnapchat is a fun way to stay connected with what's going on in Wisconsin and Washington (and of course, find me on Facebook and Twitter- @RepSeanDuffy). Find my snapchat profile either by searching @RepSeanDuffy or use the Snapcode below!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3072", "Rep. Moore Statement on the #TrumpShutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Moore Statement on the #TrumpShutdown \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        Saturday,\r\n        December 22, 2018\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      \r\n      \r\n        Urban Milwaukee  Congresswoman Washington, D.C. -- Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement in response to the partial government shutdown, which began at midnight:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Gwen Moore  \r\nUrban MilwaukeeWashington DC  Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement in response to the partial government shutdown, which began at midnight: President Trump's tantrums have forced the nation into political and economic chaos. His behavior and this shutdown are inexcusable. A reasonable, bipartisan compromise has already passed the Senate. For the sake of our nation and the good of the public, House Republicans and President Trump need to do their job, fund the government, and put an end to this mess. To read online,cilckhere.\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://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3070", "Rep. Moore Fights to Re-Enfranchise Incarcerated Americans", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.  Yesterday,Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI)introduced H.R. 7359, the Voter Information and Access Act (VIAA). VIAA would provide detained and incarcerated persons, who are eligible to vote, information on voting eligibility, registration, and access to absentee ballots and polling places. Upon the bill's introduction,Congresswoman Moorereleased the following statement:\r\nThe freedom to vote and the power to have our voices heard is a fundamental tenet of our democracy. However, in jails and prisons across the country, nearly half a million individuals awaiting trial or on the precipice of release are being systematically disenfranchised and denied access to essential information about their voting rights,\" saidCongresswoman Moore. \"The Voter Information and Access Act would help right this wrong by supplying detained and incarcerated persons with the information they need to access the ballot box. At a time when the right to vote for so many Americans is under attack, it's essential we pass this legislation and move forward in our fight to reduce recidivism and increase societal reintegration.\r\n\"The Campaing for Youth Justice supports the VIA Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Moore. We know that too many children, particularly those charged as adults, become eligible voters while pending trial. In addition, thousands return home from a period of incarceration with no history of voting. Too often, these youth come from communities that are disenfranchised and grossly over-represented in prison. The VIAA would enable them to engage in the democratic process and take a critical step to reneging positively in civic life,\" saidMarcy Mistrett, CEO, Campaign for Youth Justice.\r\nThe VIAA will provide critical voting rights information and assistance for millions of eligible voters who currently are hindered in participating in the electoral process. Hundreds of thousands of these potential voters need assistance while jailed awaiting trial without access to voter registration or voting access. Tragically, an estimated 17 million, eligible Returning Citizens, are caught in a limbo of fear, confusion, miseducation or lack of information about their voting rights and do not participate as voters. The VIAA answers a vital need in fulfilling the quest for an inclusive and robust Democracy, saidBarbara R. Arnwine, President, Transformative Justice Coalition.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                        ###\r\n                        Twitter|Facebook|Snapchat|Instagram|Website", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-introduces-new-bipartisan-legislation-to-boost-apprenticeships", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces New Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Apprenticeships", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces New Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Apprenticeships \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t EARNS Act would expand apprenticeship opportunities while supporting existing apprenticeship programs \r\n  \r\n There are more than 22,000 registered apprenticeships programs that provide workers with the skills they need to succeed \r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today helped introduce bipartisan legislation to strengthen our nation's workforce and provide skilled jobs to workers through registered apprenticeships. The Effective Apprenticeships Rebuild National Skills (EARNS) Act, led by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), includes provisions from Senator Baldwin's PARTNERS Act to promote and expand apprenticeship opportunities while supporting existing apprenticeship programs.\r\n\r\nIn Wisconsin, I've heard from workers looking for more job training, and businesses facing a shortage of skilled workers,said Senator Baldwin. Registered apprenticeships are a proven way to provide workers with the skills they need to succeed and our businesses with the skilled workforce they need to grow our economy. This legislation will improve and expand our registered apprenticeship programs to boost workforce readiness and ensure Wisconsin businesses can compete globally.\r\n\r\nTo ensure that our workforce can truly lead in the 21stcentury global economy, we need our students and workers to be prepared to compete for high-skill, high-wage jobs in industries across the economy,said Senator Murray.By strengthening and expanding registered apprenticeship programs,we can help workers get the training and experience they'll need, while they are also earning a paycheck, and provide a ladder of opportunity to reach a stable middle class life. I thank Senator Hatch for partnership and on this bill and I look forward to continue working with Senators Baldwin, Scott, and Kaine, and with workers, businesses, and advocates to build on this work to expand registered apprenticeships to serve more students, workers, and businesses across the country in the coming Congress.\r\n\r\nApprenticeship is an important tool in maintaining and growing our nation's workforce to remain a leader in the world economy and I am proud it is part of my legislative legacy,said Senator Hatch.That is why I joined Senator Murray today  the last day of the 115th Congress  to introduce the EARNs Act which represents a first step in reforming and expanding registered apprenticeships. Over the past several years I have crisscrossed the country listening to the workforce development ideas of industry leaders representing small, mid-size and large companies. I've worked in a bipartisan manner to bring industry-led ideas to forefront of apprenticeship policy. The bill we introduced today reflects some of those ideas, but we have a way to go. I hope our work in this legislation will be built upon in the next Congress. In particular, I trust states and industry to lead this reform. As I depart the Senate, I have every confidence in this body forging the compromises necessary to facilitating programs that build our workforce and build our workers, apprenticeship sponsors and apprentices alike.\r\n\r\nThere are now more than 22,000 registered apprenticeships programs across the nation, and over 150,000 employers are participating in over 1,000 occupations. This proven model of workforce training and development should be expanded in the information technology, finance, healthcare, insurance, information management fields and trades to support a strong and leading American workforce.\r\n\r\nThe EARNS Act focuses on providing greater clarification around the role of the Office of Apprenticeship and the National Advisory Committee, establishes in statute the quality standards that make apprenticeships the highest quality form of work-based learning in the country, and directs the $160 million Congress has appropriated for registered apprenticeships to support expansion of existing programs, creating new programs in nontraditional apprenticeship occupations, support for qualified intermediaries, and funding for youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tim Scott (R-SC).\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/general/first-step-act-2018", "Speaker Ryan Signs First Step Act of 2018", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, House members from both sides of the aisle gathered as Speaker Ryan signed the FIRST STEP Act,legislation to make substantive reforms to our criminal justice system. Republican or Democrat, redemption is at the heart of the American Idea. These reforms will not only make our communities safer, but will create a smoother path for those who have been incarcerated to successfully reenter and contribute to society.\n\n\n        \n    \n  \n  \n    \n\n  \n\n\nMembers from left to right:\nFront Row: Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), Speaker Ryan (R-WI), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)\nBack Row: Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/congress-passes-bipartisan-ryan-murray-evidence-based-policy-bill", "Bipartisan Ryan-Murray Evidence-Based Policy Bill to Become Law", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONThe House has passed H.R. 4174, the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation authored by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). This measure, set to become law, culminates years of work to make better use of data, improving the way government solves entrenched problems. It is a critical piece of Speaker Ryan's agenda to tackle intergenerational poverty. Speaker Ryan offered the following thoughts: Good policy is often about asking the right questions. After the 2012 election, we started working on a poverty and opportunity agenda. We found Washington was stuck in some old ways of thinking, particularly when it came to rewarding efforts instead of results. Much of the focus was on how much we are spending, not whether people are truly being helped. So we asked ourselves: How do we move from inputs to outputs, and then ultimately to outcomes? How can government better test whether something is actually working, and make decisions based on that information? Unsurprisingly, we found out that it was awfully complicated. So, Patty Murray and I put together a bipartisan bill to encourage more policymaking based on evidence, based on data. That bill established a commission to look at everything and determine how we could do this in a way that protects privacy and emphasizes results. The commission, which shares in today's success, did an incredible amount of work in a short period of time to advance this cause. Patty and I then put the commission's recommendations into a second bipartisan bill, and Congress passed it this week. I am deeply grateful to Patty for the chance to work together with her on this. Now we move into the implementation phase. We need to keep building up the government's ability to streamline access to this data. We need to ensure the data is being used not just to inform, but to evaluate. Some agencies are already on the right track; some agencies are nowhere near the track. The next five years will be pivotal. What I'm excited about is that this really could lead to a sea change in how we solve problems to make things better for people. An evidence-based way to advance the American Ideait could do a lot of good to improve people's lives. \nTimeline: How Evidence-Based Policymaking Became Law\n April 2015: Then-Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) introduce the Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, which establishes a commission to study how best to expand the use of data to evaluate the effectiveness of federal programs.\n\t\t\n\tMarch 2016: Congress completes work on the Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.\n\t\t\n\tJuly 2016: The Evidence-Based Policy Commission holds its first meeting. The panel is comprised of leading researchers and social scientists to conduct an inventory of the data the government collects and to determine the best methods for policymakers to make use of that information.\n\t\t\n\tSeptember 2017: The commission releases its final report, laying out a series of recommendations for improving confidential data access, modernizing privacy protections, and strengthening federal evidence-building capacity. At a press conference with Sen. Murray, Speaker Ryan pledges to act on the commission's recommendations, saying, it's about changing our approach so we can actually change the status quo, and improve people's lives.\n\t\t\n\tNovember 2017: Speaker Ryan and Sen. Murray introduce the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, codifying the commission's recommendations. This is an exciting day, Speaker Ryan says after the bill's introduction. Patty and I have long advocated for a way to better measure the federal government's effectivenessand this bill puts those efforts into action.\n\t\t\n\tDecember 2018: Congress sends the bipartisan Foundations forEvidence-Based Policymaking Act to the president's desk.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-votes-support-criminal-justice-reform", "Gallagher Votes in Support of Criminal Justice Reform", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today Congressman Mike Gallagher voted in support of the revised version of the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform package that focuses on reducing rampant recidivism among federal prisoners, reforming select sentencing laws, and increasing community safety. After the bill passed the House, Rep. Gallagher released the following statement: \"At the core of the First Step Act is redemption  a fundamental principle of our justice system. The reality is, most inmates in our federal prison system will someday be released. By giving them the training and education they need to succeed upon release, this bill goes a long way toward ensuring they are productive members of their communities and don't return to a life of crime.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/sensenbrenner-s-second-chance-reauthorization-act-sent-to-president-s", "Sensenbrenners Second Chance Reauthorization Act Sent to Presidents Desk as Part of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Package", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, the House passed S. 756, the First Step Act. This bipartisan criminal justice reform package includesCongressman Jim Sensenbrenner's(WI-05) reauthorization language of theSecond Chance Act, which provides grants for the purpose of helping newly-released prisoners successfully reenter society.\r\nRep. Sensenbrenner:Republicans and Democrats coming together to pass criminal justice reform is a monumental victory for the American people, and I'm proud to have been a leader of this effort that has been years in the making. I'm also proud to note that this bill reauthorizes the Second Chance Act, which has been instrumental in healing communities by helping those who have paid their debts to society to rejoin their families and live a productive life. I thank Chairman Goodlatte, Congressman Collins, and the many others who carried this bill across the finish line.\r\nYou can view Congressman Sensenbrenner's remarks on the House floorhere.\r\nBackground on the First Step Act:\r\nThe First Step Act is a combination of the originalHouse-passed First Step Act, theSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, and theSecond Chance Reauthorization Act. The comprehensive package aims to reduce over-criminalization by preparing inmates to successfully reenter society through programs proven to reduce recidivism. Additionally, it gives judges greater discretion when sentencing low-level, nonviolent offenders and provides grants for reentry programs.\r\nBackground on the Second Chance Reauthorization Act:\r\nCongressmen Danny Davis (D-IL-07) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) introduced the original Second Chance Act in 2007. It passed Congress with strong bipartisan support, and President George W. Bush signed it into law in 2008. This legislation provided non-profit faith and community-based organizations with mentoring grants to develop support programs such as drug treatment, housing, job training, medical care, and education.\r\nReentry services have been improved in the decade since the Second Chance Act was implemented, which resulted in a reduction in recidivism and helped ensure a successful return to society for prisoners who have completed their sentence. More than160,000men, women, and youths returning home from prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities have benefited from Second Chance grants providing career training, mentoring, family-based substance abuse treatment, and other evidence-based reentry programs.\r\nThis investment has also paid public safety dividends. Areportfrom the National Reentry Resource Center highlights how numerous states have experienced drastic reductions in statewide recidivism rates as a result of robust reentry services made possible in part through Second Chance.\r\nCongressmen Sensenbrenner and Davisintroducedthe Second Chance Reauthorization Act in 2017 to build upon the success of the original legislation. The bill authorizes funding for both public and private entities to evaluate and improve academic and vocational education for offenders in prison, jails, and juvenile facilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/msnbc-senator-baldwin-on-keeping-the-government-open-and-the-partisan-power-grab-in-wisconsin", "MSNBC: Senator Baldwin on Keeping the Government Open and the Partisan Power Grab in Wisconsin", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wfrv-baldwin-calls-on-senate-to-pass-blue-water-navy-vietnam-veterans-legislation", "WFRV: Baldwin Calls on Senate to Pass Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Legislation", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/major-victory-for-organic-farmers-in-farm-bill", "In Major Victory for American Consumers and Organic Farmers, Baldwin\u2019s Legislation to Combat Fraudulent Organic Imports Heads to the President\u2019s Desk", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t In Major Victory for American Consumers and Organic Farmers, Baldwin's Legislation to Combat Fraudulent Organic Imports Heads to the President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Baldwin's legislation fights back against fraud, delivers on Inspector General recommendations, and protects integrity of USDA organic standards for consumers and Wisconsin farmers\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's legislation to combat fraudulent organic imports that unfairly undercut American farmers and mislead consumers passed Congress last week with overwhelming bipartisan support as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\nWisconsin is home to more than 1,200 organic farms, and they are a strong driver of our state's agricultural economy,said Senator Baldwin.Our farmers work extremely hard to make sure their products meet the strict requirements of USDA organic standards, and we must make sure that all organic products sold in the U.S. meet those same rigorous standards. This reform will level the playing field for American farmers and make sure that American consumers get the high quality, organic food products they expect. I look forward to seeing the President sign this important legislation into law.\r\nReports by theWashington Post, theMilwaukee Journal Sentineland theUSDA Office of the Inspector Generalrevealed concerns about the integrity of agricultural products imported into the United States to be sold as organic. In their May 2017 article, the Washington Post reported on substantial fraud in imported grain from Turkey destined to be sold as organic in the United States. Fraudulent organic imports have the potential to seriously and unfairly damage the strong reputation of American organic products and undercut their sales, posing a threat to U.S. farmers and consumers alike.\r\nSenator Baldwin'sOrganic Farmer and Consumer Protection Actwill take on these unfair trading practices by giving officials new and better tools to guard against fraud. The legislation works to ensure that all organic products admitted at ports of entry in the United States are authentic and prohibit entry of products labeled as organic that do not meet National Organic Program standards. It addresses the threat that fraudulent imported organic products pose to U.S. farmers and consumers, and ensures that farmers exporting products to the U.S. must abide by robust organic production standards, just like domestic organic farmers.\r\nThe National Organic Coalition is grateful to Senator Baldwin for her incredible leadership in the Farm Bill process to strengthen oversight of organic imports by introducing and successfully championing the Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act. There has been an urgent need to modernize and strengthen USDA's infrastructure to prevent fraud,said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director of the National Organic Coalition.This farm bill is a huge win on that front, by providing USDA with enhanced authorities and resources to crack down on fraud. These provisions are a boon to farmers, especially those who are harmed by fraudulent imports, as well as consumers, whose trust in the organic seal depends on effective enforcement of clear and consistent standards across the board. NOC will play an active role in working with USDA to fully operationalize these changes to ensure integrity of organic products originating from both international and domestic farms and companies.\r\nMOSES is excited to tell our farmers and supporters about Farm Bill wins for organic  more funding for organic research and data collection, provisions to address import fraud, and funding for organic certification cost-share,said John Mesko, Executive Director of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).We especially want to extend appreciation to our home-state Senator Tammy Baldwin for her leadership role in strengthening oversight of organic imports. The Senator has met with farmers on this issue and heard loud and clear about the need for a level playing field. We're thrilled that she and other Congressional champions have succeeded in making sure that the USDA is armed with the resources and authorities to keep organic strong alongside tremendous growth in the organic marketplace.\r\nThe Farm Bill contains the largest commitment of resources ever to ensure organic integrity remains strong. It includes better policy and funding for organic fraud prevention, especially in the international trade arena, which was really needed. Modernizing the organic regulations and increasing funding help the National Organic Program be in a position to better weed out fraud, said Melissa Hughes, Chief Mission Officer and General Counsel, Organic Valley. A big thanks to our home-state U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin as well as Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow for leading efforts to strengthen organic oversight. They played a key role in making sure the Farm Bill updated the agency's ability to crack down on any suspected fraud no matter where it might originate. The work ahead of the organic industry is to now get these changes operational at the National Organic Program as soon as possible, and at Organic Valley, we are going to keep our foot on the gas pedal until these new provisions are fully realized and implemented.\r\nWe thank Sen. Tammy Baldwin for her leadership that resulted in the bill containing important steps to modernize and speed up federal efforts to prevent organic fraud and to create a transparent marketplace, said Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association. The Farm Bill strengthens the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program's authority and capacity to conduct investigations to keep organic markets strong; it invests in technology and access to data to improve tracking of international organic trade; and requires increased measures that will strengthen global organic supply chain integrity. Reliable oversight and a level playing field are critical to the success of U.S. organic farmers and ensures that consumers are getting what they pay for every time they choose the USDA organic seal.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/stop-pushing-junk-plans", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Trump Administration to Stop Pushing Health Insurance Plans that Weaken Pre-Existing Condition Protections", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Trump Administration to Stop Pushing Health Insurance Plans that Weaken Pre-Existing Condition Protections \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New Administration guidance encourages states to promote junk health plans that lack protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and would increase costs for millions of Americans\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led a group of 38 Senators in calling on the Trump Administration to withdraw recent changes that make it easier for states to promote junk insurance plans. These health care plans typically lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and would increase costs for millions of Americans. Under the Administration's new guidance, states could use federal subsidies to pay for these subpar plans by utilizing a section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) intended to give states additional flexibility to implement targeted improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs and provide more comprehensive benefits. The Senators argue that the Administration is improperly using Section 1332 to allow states to do the exact opposite.\r\nWe have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress, said the Senators in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.\r\nThe Senators made it clear these actions did not reflect Congress' intent in creating the 1332 waiver program, stating the Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage.\r\nAdditionally the proposed changes, which were outlined in guidance provided by the Administration and a discussion paper released a few months back, will allow states to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for the majority of beneficiaries if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower for some.\r\nWe ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability, concluded the Senators.\r\nIn October, Senator Baldwin forced a vote in the Senate on her discharge petition that would have blocked the Trump Administration's rule to expand junk insurance plans. The measure was supported by 50 Senators, including one Republican. Ultimately, the petition did not receive the simple majority needed to pass the Senate and send it to the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nIn addition to Baldwin, Warner, Cardin and Shaheen, the letter was signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\r\n  \r\nThe Honorable Alex Azar  Secretary  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  200 Independence Avenue, SW  Washington, DC 20201\r\nThe Honorable Seema VermaAdministrator    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services7500 Security BoulevardBaltimore, MD 21244 \r\nThe Honorable Steven MnuchinSecretaryU.S. Department of the Treasury1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20220 \r\nDear Secretary Azar, Administrator Verma and Secretary Mnuchin:\r\nWe write to express concern with the Administration's October 22 guidance and November 29 discussion paper on new options for states pursuing a Section 1332 waiver under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new guidance and discussion paper promote health plans that lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and low-income families enshrined in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance released in 2015 and adopt new principles that were not envisioned by Congress. We have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress.\r\nSection 1332 of the ACA gives states additional flexibility to implement state-specific improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs and provide more comprehensive benefits. In fact, Congress enacted so-called guardrails that waiver proposals must meet in order for the Secretary to approve them. Specifically, waivers must ensure 1) health coverage is at least as comprehensive as it would be under the ACA, 2) cost-sharing and premiums are as affordable as they would be under the ACA, 3) the number of individuals with coverage remains comparable to the number of individuals covered under the ACA, and 4) the waiver does not increase the Federal deficit.\r\nThe Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage. The waiver concepts, published after the release of the recent guidance, suggests that the Secretary will permit states to use Federal subsidies for the purchase of short-term, limited-duration (STLDI) junk plans that do not meet Federal patient protections. The new guidance will also allow states to count junk plans as health insurance when determining how many individuals are enrolled in coverage. \r\nThis change will allow states to enroll more individuals in subpar plans that do not offer essential health benefits such as mental health care, maternity care, prescription drug coverage or substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, these subpar plans can discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, older Americans and women by excluding these essential benefits. These plans may also charge certain customers more for their coverage, deny coverage entirely, impose annual and lifetime limits on care, and other anti-consumer practices. This use of federal tax dollars for subpar, often deceptively-marketed insurance that barely provides coverage at all is completely unacceptable.\r\nIt is important to note that hospitals, insurers, patient groups and independent health experts have all agreed that the increased use of these junk plans will increase the cost of health care coverage for many Americans, undercut protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and erode stability in the health insurance markets.\r\nIn addition to the increased use of junk plans, the discussion paper makes clear that the Secretary will also give states more flexibility to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for those who need it most if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower in the aggregate. We have serious concerns about how these changes will impact the quality and affordability of coverage, especially for vulnerable sub-populations.\r\nFurthermore, we are concerned that this guidance may exceed the Secretary's legal authority by not requiring Congressional approval to changeexisting law and by subverting the full notice and comment rule-making process. The guidance violates the statute by allowing states to provide access to instead of provision of affordable and comprehensive coverage to at least the same number of residents. It also redefines health insurance to include plans that lack the ACA's consumer protections. In addition, by forgoing Congressional approval and the rule-making process the Administration has excluded an opportunity for public comment from millions of Americans and other stakeholders that will be impacted by these changes. In contrast, the Department finalized the 2015 guidance only after taking into account feedback from stakeholders and experts. The Department finalized this new guidance immediately, without getting any vital input from affected stakeholders.\r\nFor these reasons, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability. Thank you for your consideration of our letter and we look forward to your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E3B70A9B-B397-49B2-8715-83786329A0B7", "Johnson Comments on Retirement of General Mattis", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said the following regarding the retirement of Defense Secretary James Mattis:\r\nGeneral Mattis is a fine man who has spent his career serving our country with great distinction. His perspective on military matters and foreign affairs will be missed.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/congress-passes-historic-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-legislation", "Congress Passes Historic, Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Legislation", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement following the bipartisan passage of the revisedFIRST STEP Act:\n\"This is something I have believed in for a long time. AsAmericans, we are about lifting people upthere is no reason a person who wants to redeem themselves, work hard, and contribute to their community should be deprived of that opportunity. Once this legislation is signed by the president, that ethos will be further etched into law. These reforms to our criminal justice system will not only reduce recidivism and make communities safer, but they will help people into lives of purpose. Today is an encouraging day for countless families who are ready for a new beginning.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/statement-secretary-mattis-service-our-country", "Statement on Secretary Mattis\u2019 Service to Our Country", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released the following statement on Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis:\nSecretary Mattis has served our country with honor, bravery, and integrity. With our country's defense in his hands, we have become a safer America at home, and a more commanding force abroad. His patriotism and grit are matched only by his humility and graciousness. I have been deeply honored to work alongside him to rebuild our military, and to support our men and women in uniform. The House is indebted to Secretary Mattis for his service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-calls-on-senate-to-pass-blue-water-navy-vietnam-veterans-legislation", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Senate to Pass Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Legislation", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wmtv-baldwins-reform-to-provide-mental-health-resources-for-farmers-included-in-farm-bill", "WMTV: Baldwin\u2019s Reform to Provide Mental Health Resources for Farmers Included in Farm Bill", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/first-step-act", "Major Criminal Justice Reform Legislation Cosponsored By Senator Baldwin Passes Senate", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.18\n\t\t\t Major Criminal Justice Reform Legislation Cosponsored By Senator Baldwin Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Baldwin: An important step in the right direction to keep our communities safe and make the criminal justice system more just and fair.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin voted in favor of the bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that passed the Senate this week with overwhelming support (87-12). The legislation cosponsored by Senator Baldwin, the First Step Act, includes reforms to America's prison and sentencing system to reduce recidivism, save taxpayer dollars and promote safe communities.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation is an important step in the right direction to keep our communities safe and make the criminal justice system more just and fair, said Senator Baldwin. The First Step Act reforms sentencing for nonviolent offenders and will help lower recidivism rates. People who have made mistakes and paid their debt to society deserve a chance to move forward and live a productive life. While there is much more work to be done, this bipartisan legislation will help move us in the right direction and I'm proud to join a broad coalition of supporters who have worked to get the job done on this legislation.\r\nTheFirst Step Actwas introduced by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The bipartisan legislation uses evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to help inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence.It also reduces some sentences for certain low-level, nonviolent offenders while preserving important law enforcement tools to tackle criminal enterprises.\r\nThe bill aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction programs. It also improves fairness in prison sentences by recalibrating certain mandatory minimum sentences while expanding their application to new categories of violent felons.The bill grants greater discretion to judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who cooperate with law enforcement. It also clarifies congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms.TheFirst Step Actpreserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. Finally, the legislation allows petitions for retroactive application of theFair Sentencing Actto be considered on an individual basis to reduce sentence disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses. Under this legislation, any savings generated by the reforms are automatically reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety.\r\nTheFirst Step Actincludes safeguards that prevent career and violent criminals from receiving earned time credits toward pre-release custody following completion of recidivism reduction programs. Under the bill, each inmate is evaluated using a data-driven risk and needs assessment tool to determine their likelihood of reoffending upon release. Only inmates found to be a low or minimum risk may benefit from earned time credits. Conviction for a number of serious offenses also disqualify inmates from earning time credits.\r\nTheFirst Step Actis modeled after state-based reforms that have proven to reduce crime, prison populations and taxpayer expenses. It is endorsed by President Trump andcosponsoredby more than a third of the Senate, evenly balanced among Democrats and Republicans.\r\nTheFirst Step Actis backed by a number of law enforcement groups, including thenation's largest police group. It's alsosupported by 172 former federal prosecutorsincluding two former Republican U.S. attorneys general, two former deputy attorneys general and a former director of the FBI along withsheriffs from 34 statesacross the country. The National Governor's Association, which represents the governors of all 50 states,praised the bill. A broad coalition of conservative and progressive groups along with a host of business leaders and faith-based organizations also support theFirst Step Act.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D2F3C61D-9318-4BD3-BC63-B2426790AAF4", "Johnson, Durbin Urge Stronger Response to Russian Aggression in Ukraine", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and 39 of their colleagues introduced a resolution calling for a prompt multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea and the cancellation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in response to Russia's recent aggressive actions in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov.\r\nThe United States and our allies need to rapidly counter Russia's military aggression in the Kerch Strait with strong and resolute action, Sen. Johnson said. Assembling a multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea to help ensure safe passage into the Sea of Azov, combined with cancellation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is exactly the kind of response Putin needs to see.\r\nThe recent provocative military actions from Russia and revelations about its extensive cyber disinformation campaigns in the U.S. are warnings to the rest of the world that Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping his aggressive campaign against Western democracies or Ukraine, said Sen. Durbin. The world must work together to stop this Russian assault on democracy and Ukraine sovereignty. I am proud to support this resolution and urge my colleagues to reaffirm this message of deterring further aggression from the Russian Federation.\r\nUkraine is the front line of Vladimir Putin's struggle against the free world and, last month, Russia's attack on Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait marked a dangerous escalation of that conflict. We have to respond, and respond with strength. Weakness will only provoke further aggression. The United States must enhance our lethal aid to Ukraine, especially to enhance its maritime capabilities. And working together with our European allies, we should conduct freedom of navigation operations in the Black Sea to deter further bullying. Ukraine has never asked Americans or Europeans to do their fighting for them. They have asked only that we give them the tools they need to defend themselves and their country. Ukrainians need and deserve our help. This resolution is the right step, said Sen. Inhofe.\r\nFull text of the resolution can be found here.\r\nSen. Johnson is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation and Sen. Durbin is Senate Minority Whip. Joining Sens. Johnson and Durbin in cosponsoring the resolution were Sen. James Inhofe (R-Ok.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation; and Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/general/advancing-american-idea", "Advancing the American Idea", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I have served alongside so many, from both sides of the aisle, who are here for the greater good. Those who put service above self, and recognize the responsibility that comes with public office. Together, we have put into law good, aspirational ideas to improve people's lives. I will be forever proud of those efforts.\nFor me, this season of service is coming to a close. But the ideas that make this nation the greatest in the worldthe pillars of this strong republicare enduring. What we have in this country is a miracle.\nI am grateful for the chance to be a part of this work to advance the American Idea.\n\n\n        \n    \n  \n  \n    \n\n  \n\n\nClick here for a .pdf of the booklet documenting Paul Ryan's Two Decades of Service in the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/excerpts-speaker-ryan-s-farewell-address", "Excerpts: Speaker Ryan\u2019s Farewell Address", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) will deliver his farewell address at 1:00 p.m. ET today at the Library of Congress. Following are excerpts from the address, which you can watch live on Speaker.gov:\nOn the accomplishments of this Congress:\nThree years ago, when we last gathered in this hall, we began a great journey. To set our nation on a better path. To move our economy from stagnation to growth. To restore our military might. And we have kept our promises. .. We have taken on some of the biggest challenges of our time, and made a great and lasting difference in the trajectory of this country.\nCertainly one Congress cannot solve all that ails us. Not every outcome has been perfect. But that is our great system at work. And I am proud of what we have achieved together to make this a stronger and more prosperous country.\n..\nI leave here as convinced as I was at the start that we face no challenge which cannot be overcome by putting pen to paper on sound policy. By addressing head-on the problems of the day.\nOn the state of politics:\nThe state of politics these days is another question, and frankly one I don't have an answer for.\n. Our culture is meant to be shaped not by our political institutions, but by the mediating institutions of civil society, of the community. These are the places where we come together with people of different backgroundschurches, charities, teams, PTA meetings. It is where we build up our social capital, that currency which keeps us rooted to where we live, and how we live with one another. Rediscovering that human connection is one lane on the road back to aspiration and inclusion as the guiding influences in public life.\n. As I look ahead to the future, this much I know: Our complex problems are solvable. That is to say, our problems are solvable if our politics will allow it.\nOn poverty:\nI believe firmly that solving our poverty challenges once and for all will require not just a great undertaking, but a great rethinking of how we help the most vulnerable among us. It begins with realizing that the best results come from within communities, where solutions are tailored and targeted for people's needs. This battle will be won soul-to-soul and eye-to-eye.\nWe have great advocates for welfare reform in our party, like my friend Tim Scott. But I challenge my party here: Do not let this issue drift from your consciousness. Every life matters, and every person deserves the chance to succeed. Let us keep advancing ideas to allow people to live lives of self-determination.\nOn entitlements:\nI believe that we can be the generation that saves our entitlement programs. And frankly we will need to be. I acknowledge plainly that my ambitions for entitlement reform have outpaced the political reality and I consider this our greatest unfinished business. We all know what needs to be done. Strong economic growth, which we have now, and entitlement reform, to address the long-term drivers of our debt.\n.  \n\t\nUltimately, solving this problem will require a greater degree of political will than exists today. I regret that. But when the time comes to do this, and it will, it will be based on the framework we have laid out to solve this problem.\nOn immigration:\nRight now, we are yet again locked in another short-term battle over one aspect of this issue. No matter what the outcome is in the coming days, the larger problem will remain. The system will still be in need of serious reform. And no less than our full potential as a nation is at stake.  Again, we came closer in this Congress than people realize. And next year, the Supreme Court will make a rulingandthen both parties can and should go back to the table. Getting this right is an economic and moral imperative. And it would go a long way toward taking some of the venom out of our discourse.\nIf we do these three thingsmake progress on poverty, fix our immigration system, confront this debt crisiswe can make this another great century for our country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/full-text-speaker-ryans-farewell-address", "Full Text: Speaker Ryan's Farewell Address", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) today delivered his farewell address at the Library of Congress. Watch the address live on Speaker.gov. Following are Speaker Ryan's remarks, as prepared for delivery:\nThank you, Trey, for being a great colleague, and an even better friend. And for combing your hair today. \nThank you to my great friends and colleagues for joining me here today. \nThank you especially to the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Hayden, for having us in this beautiful hall. \nAnytime I come over here, I can't help but think back to a pivotal moment in my life. \nIt was the summer of 2012. I was about to speak to a local Chamber of Commerce group when I got a phone call. \nIt was Beth Meyers, from the Romney campaign. \nAt this point, I knew that I was being vetted for vice president, but I hadn't heard anything. I didn't know how serious this really was.\nSo Beth starts to walk me through how I would need to fly up to Boston incognito. \nAs she is going through the logistics, it just starts occurring to me that my lifemy family's lifeis about to change dramatically. \nWe hang up, I get through the speech I have to give.\nAnd then I realize that I have to go vote on the House floor. \nSo at this moment when I want to be alone with my thoughts, I have to walk right into a swarm of colleagues and reporters.\nIt is one of those inflection points you just remember at certain crossroads in your life. \nThis building, that momentit reminds me that your plan, your direction, can change in an instant. \nI have had a number of improbable turns in my life, and I don't know what's next. \nBut before I go, I am grateful to have a chance to share a few thoughts and say goodbye: to you, to this job, and to this incredible institution we call the House of Representatives.\nA long time ago, I came here to Capitol Hill as an intern for one semester during college. The plan was one semester here in Washington, and that's it. \nSince then, I have met and been surrounded by some incredible people. \nThe mentors who helped set me on the right path. Jack Kemp, Bill Bennett, and Bob Woodson.\nThe intellectual giants who guided me in the things I wanted to pursue. \nThe people of Southern Wisconsin who gave me the chance to work for them.\nThe staff who always made me better. The president and the vice president, for being my partners in government.\nThe colleagues who became lifelong friends.\nAnd, of course, my family. \nAll of this began as a family affair. My mom, my brother Tobin, and my sister-in-law Oakleigh signed on for my first campaign. \nAnd it ends with family, too. I would not have been able to serve as speaker were it not for the sacrifices that Janna, Liza, Charlie, and Sam made. Being a husband and a dad is everything to me. \nWe have come a long way together on this improbable journey. \nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you. \nOver the years, and especially lately, I have found myself thinking about whether my dad would be proud of me. \nWould he be proud of what I'm doing? \nI lost him at a young age, before he really had a chance to shape my path in life. \nI don't know what he thought I would make of myself, but this was certainly not my plan. Not even close. \nAll I keep thinking is: what a country. \nWhat a country, where someone of an unassuming Midwest upbringing gets the chance to be a part of all of this. Where you can pursue whatever your passion is, wherever it takes you.\nThat's the American Idea, isn't it?\nThe condition of your birth isn't your destiny. Your struggle isn't your destiny. It is part of our journey. \nIt is all laid out right there in the first words of the Constitution. Before first principles even, a first mission: to achieve a more perfect union. \nWe are conditioned to recognize that we are imperfect, but we are called to do better. \nSo we revere those beautiful founding principlesliberty, free enterprise, consent of the governedas we work to apply them to the problems of the day. \nWe build up the country's fundamental resiliencethe antibodies that protect us from whatever comes our way. \nThat is how we advance the American Idea. And how we build a more confident America.\nAs everyone here knows, I never wanted to become speaker. \nI was just a policy guy. And I like to think I still am. \nWhat I realize now is you don't really become' speaker. At least I don't see it that way. \nI don't see power as something you take for yourself, as if it is a prize to claim or a trophy to raise. \nYou accept a temporary trust, to be a steward of the greatest legislative body in the world. It is an awesome thing. \nAgain the people have spoken, and soon the House will become the care of a new majority, and what I know will be a spirited Republican minority. I wish our next leaders well.\nIt is precisely because all of this is so momentaryit is because you are just a small part of history, that you are inspired to do big things.\nOn this score, we have achieved a great deal. \nThree years ago, when we last gathered in this hall, we began a great journey. To set our nation on a better path. To move our economy from stagnation to growth. To restore our military might. \nAnd we have kept our promises. \nThis House is the most productive we have had in at least a generation.\nTo date, we have passed 1,175 bills, more than half of them with bipartisan support.\nAndit is my duty as speaker to say thisnearly 750 bills that the House has passed remain stuck in the United States Senate. \nBut the rest made it into law.\nWe have taken on some of the biggest challenges of our time, and made a great and lasting difference in the trajectory of this country. \nWe began a historic rebuilding of our military and national defense. \nWe enacted new and tough sanctions on some of our biggest foes. \nWe ushered in a new career and technical education system. \nRecord regulatory reform to help small businesses.\nA long-sought expansion of domestic energy production, to be followed by America's new energy dominance.\nTo stem the tide of opioid addiction, the most significant effort against a single drug crisis in congressional history. \nCriminal justice reform to give more people a chance at redemption.\nA landmark crackdown on human trafficking that is already yielding results and saving lives. \nA VA with real accountability, and finally, better care for veterans. \nAnd, after years of doubt, years of the cynics saying it could not be done, we achieved the first major overhaul of our tax code in 31 years. \nThink about it. We went from having the worst tax code in the industrialized world to one of the most competitive. \nThis is something I worked on my entire adult life, and it is something that will help to improve people's lives for a long time to come. \nIt is one of those elusive generational reforms. \nIt is why we do this.\nCertainly one Congress cannot solve all that ails us. Not every outcome has been perfect. \nBut that is our great system at work. And I am darn proud of what we have achieved together to make this a stronger and more prosperous country. \nMy mentor, Jack Kemp, once said that the central task of any political party is to offer the people superior ideas of government.\nI see it as even more than a task or an obligation. It is a labor of love.\nYes, you can make a career out of criticism. You can deal from that deck all day long. Many do, and I certainly don't begrudge that. It seems like an easy living.\nBut well-done is always a better pursuit than well-said, isn't it? \nIn this business, you catch slings and arrows. It is a price that I have been happy to pay. \nBecause nothing is as fulfilling as pursuing an idea that will truly make a difference in people's lives, and seeing it through from start to finish. To me, that is the ultimate proving ground of politics. \nIt is the great manifestation of this experiment in self-government. \nAnd the more you get into itwhen you choose to truly engage in the process rather than merely endure itthe more you come to see that even our most complex problems are solvable. \nI leave here as convinced as I was at the start that we face no challenge which cannot be overcome by putting pen to paper on sound policy. By addressing head-on the problems of the day.\nThe state of politics these days, though, is another question, and frankly one I don't have an answer for.\nWe have a good sense of what our politics should look like. \nA great clash of ideas. A civil, passionate discourse through which we debate and resolve our differences. \nOur system of government doesn't just allow for that. Our system depends on it.\nOne side may win, and one may lose, but we dust ourselves off and start anew knowing each one fought in pursuit of their honest ideals. \nBut today, too often, genuine disagreement quickly gives way to intense distrust. We spend far more time trying to convict one another than we do developing our own convictions. \nBeing against someone has more currency than being for anything. Each of us has found ourselves operating on the wrong side of this equation from time to time. \nAll of this gets amplified by technology, with an incentive structure that preys on people's fears, and algorithms that play on anger. Outrage is a brand. \nAnd, as with anything that gets marketed, it gets scaled up. \nIt becomes more industrialized, more cold, and more unfeeling.\nThat's the thing: For all the noise, there is actually less passion, less energy. \nWe default to lazy litmus tests and shopworn denunciations. It is just emotional pabulum fed from a trough of outrage. \nIt is exhausting. It saps meaning from our politics. And it discourages good people from pursuing public service. \nThe symptoms of it are in our face all the time. And we have to recognize that its roots run deep, into our society and our culture today. \nAll of this pulls on the threads of our common humanity, in what could be our unraveling. \nBut nothingnothing says it has to be this way.\nWe all struggle. We are all fighting some battle in our lives. \nSo why do we insist on fighting one another so bitterly?\nThis kind of politics starts from a place of outrage, and seeks to tear us down from there. \nSohow do we get back to aspiration and inclusion, where we start with humility, and seek to build on that? \nI don't know the answer to that. \nWhat I offer today instead is something to keep in mind as we all try to navigate through this moment.\nOur culture is meant to be shaped not by our political institutions, but by the mediating institutions of civil society, of the community. \nThese are the places where we come together with people of different backgroundschurches, charities, teams, PTA meetings. \nIt is where we build up our social capital, that currency which keeps us rooted to where we live, and how we live with one another.\nRediscovering that human connection is one lane on the road back to aspiration and inclusion as the guiding influences in public life.\nAs I said, the drivers of our broken politics are more obvious than the solutions.\nThis is a challenge I hope to spend more time wrestling with in my next chapter. \nAs I look ahead to the future, this much I know: Our complex problems are solvable.\nThat is to say, our problems are solvable if our politics will allow it. There are three big ones in particular that I think we can tackle in the years ahead. \nThey are challenges that have vexed this country for many years. \nAnd as I leave, I recognize so much more work remains to be done.\nAnd if we get them right, we can be certain that this will be another great century for our country.\nYou all know that finding solutions to help people lift themselves out of poverty is a personal mission for me. I think we have made real progress here in a relatively short time. \nFour years ago, when our nation marked the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty, we exposed some hard truths. \nFor all the billions spent, and all the bureaucracies and programs created, the needle had barely moved.\nWe have begun to break this monolith. New opportunity zones, part of tax reform, will bring more investment to distressed communities. \nSocial-impact bonds will push more private capital toward community leaders that are solving big problems, whether it's helping the homeless or addressing recidivism. \nNew workforce reforms, job training programs, and a case management approach, will help more people move from welfare to work. \nWe have a long way to go. But this is what I find to be so dynamic about free enterprise. \nIt is not just about creating jobs. It is about restoring the meaning of a job, the meaning of work.\nIt is not just about getting people off the sidelines. It is about helping people get on the path of life. \nI believe firmly that solving our poverty challenges once and for all will require not just a great undertaking, but a great rethinking of how we help the most vulnerable among us.\nIt begins with realizing that the best results come from within communities, where solutions are tailored and targeted for people's needs. This battle will be won soul-to-soul and eye-to-eye.\nWe have great advocates for welfare reform in our party, like my friend Tim Scott. \nBut I challenge my party here: Do not let this issue drift from your consciousness. \nEvery life matters, and every person deserves the chance to succeed. \nLet us keep advancing ideas to allow people to live lives of self-determination. \nSecond, I believe that we can be the generation that saves our entitlement programs. And frankly we will need to be.\nI acknowledge plainly that my ambitions for entitlement reform have outpaced the political reality and I consider this our greatest unfinished business.\nWe all know what needs to be done. Strong economic growth, which we have now, and entitlement reform, to address the long-term drivers of our debt. \nOur revenue will soon return to its 50-year average. \nWhat continues to plague us is a mandatory spending system that is deeply out of balance and unsustainable. \nThis was the case when I came here 25 years ago, and remains the case today. \nNot too long ago, few were willing to recognize the scope of this problem, let alone engage on solutions. Our government was not even inclined to examine our long-term fiscal picture. It just didn't work that way. \nWe had to go about changing the debate before we could even begin to try and change people's minds. \nI'm proud that every year I was Budget Committee chairman, we passed in the House a roadmap to balancing the budget and paying off our debt. \nIn this Congress, we came within one vote of real health care entitlement reform. \nFederal health care spending remains the principle driver of entitlement spending. \nOur bill would have reformed two of our major health care programs to make them sustainable and meet the health care needs of our country. \nSo we have come a long way, and we are closer than people realize.\nUltimately, solving this problem will require a greater degree of political will than exists today. I regret that. \nBut when the time comes to do thisand it willthe path ahead will be based on the framework we have laid out to solve this problem. \nWe can get there. We really can tackle this problem before it tackles us. \nThe third big challenge we have to address is fixing our immigration system.\nRight now, we are yet again locked in another short-term battle over one aspect of this issue. \nNo matter what the outcome is in the coming days, the larger problem will remain. \nThe system will still be in need of serious reform. And no less than our full potential as a nation is at stake. \nThe right mix of solutions is there. Border security and interior enforcement, for starters. But also a modernization of our visa system. \nSo that it makes sense for our economy and our people. So that anyone who wants to play by the rules, work hard, and be a part of our American fabric can contribute. \nThat includes the Dreamers, those who came here through no fault of their own, and ultimately the undocumented population. \nIn order to fix the system, you have to reset the system. In order to truly enforce the law, you have to get people right with the law. \nAgain, we came closer in this Congress than people realize. And next year, the Supreme Court will make a ruling and then both parties can and should go back to the table. \nGetting this right is an economic and moral imperative. And it would go a long way toward taking some of the venom out of our discourse.\nIf we do these three thingsmake progress on poverty, fix our immigration system, confront this debt crisiswe can make this another great century for our country.\nI recognize that these challenges are ones we haven't made much progress on in recent years, but I am confident we still have it in us to solve them.\nA good friend recently commented to me that, amid the frenzy of politics today, he has more faith in our system of government than ever before. \nAs he put it, in our system, really bad ideas get killed. And good ideas, they just take time. \nOur problems are solvable if our politics will allow it. I know it. I have seen it. \nIn a confident America, we don't shrug our shoulders and pass the buck. \nWe roll up our sleeves and get on with our work.\nA confident America leads the world, too. Not with bluster, but with steady, principled action. \nRemember, history has a way of repeating itself. The democratic capitalist model again faces a generational-defining test. \nMuch of our day-to-day attention is focused on threats from illiberal regimes and radical Islamist extremism, as it should be. \nThat said, I strongly urge leaders in both parties to devote more time and energy to the direct challenge China poses to the West. \nChina unabashedly offers an alternative in the form of an authoritarian model with a veneer of 21st-century capitalism.\nThe sense I get, from when I have traveled overseas as speaker, is that our allies wonder whether we are still in the game here.\nWhen we show that our way of doing things still has juice, that we can do the most good for the most people, liberty gains ground. \nWhen we get complacent, we risk seeing more countries go in the direction of the autocrats.\nA confident America stands up to its challengers by committing to the pillars of international relations.\nIn addition to rebuilding our military and giving our intelligence community the tools it needs, this Congress has worked to strengthen our security cooperation with our allies, particularly through NATO and in the Indo-Pacific region. \nGood security cooperation goes hand in hand with strong economic ties. That is why we need to continue to pursue good free trade agreements that open up new markets to American-made products.\nWe don't want our competitors writing the rules of the road and shutting us out. \nAnd a confident America exercises clear moral leadership. We need to continue to work together to promote global health initiatives, fight human trafficking, and be a voice for the voiceless. \nOur economy is strong. Our military might is second to none. Clear American leadership in the world makes the most of both.\nFor each of the challenges I have discussed here today, there are people of goodwill in both parties who are ready and willing to take action. \nEveryone doesn't need to agree on everything, and everyone doesn't need to disagree on everything, either. \nAll you need is enough people of good faith willing to take up an idea. That's a good start. \nWhat comes next? Well, we'll have a lot of new faces around Congress next year. I hear great things about this new fresh-faced Senator from Utah\nSo here is my advice, for members new and old.\nThis place is full of wonders and opportunity. But do your best to stay grounded. The way I think of this is, either you change things or they change you. \nSo you have to keep your sense of self. Work hard at staying who you are. Insist on it. It is what I have prayed about every morning since I first came here. To keep my sense of self.\nI knew when I took this job, I would become a polarizing figure. It comes with the territory. But one thing I leave most proud of is that I like to think I am the same person now that I was when I arrived.\nStill, never forget the excitement that brought you here. \nRemember how awestruck you felt the first time you stepped on to the floor of the House. Keep that feeling, especially when so-called experts tell you that you need to tack this way or that. \nHone your ability to advance ideas. Sit down with people who know more about something than you do, listen, keep at it. Invest in the process. \nYou'll hit roadblocks. That's okay. Give yourself some grace.\nTiming is everything though, so you have to get it right. You may not get too many shots at it. You need to be ready when the moment demands action.\nFocus on good relationships with your colleagues. Get to know people on the other side of the aisle. Get to know the human side of serving with people. Build personal relationships, so it's not just transactions. \nYou want real relationships. Having real relationships will help you overcome pitfalls, and build trust. \nWhen you give your word, keep your word. \nThis is really important. Give your word only if you can keep it.\nAnd keep a balanced temperament, with a sense of gratitude.\nWhich brings me to this.\nTo everything there is a season. For me, this season of service is coming to a close. \nI have had the chance to do something I love so much for so long. To do my small part to advance the American Idea. \nI leave as I came here: an optimist to the core. I would not have it any other way. \nNothing is impossible if you are willing to go out and fight for it. \nIf nothing else, I ask you to remember one thing.\nWe are each part of a larger story, a greater cause. \nWhat we have is a miracle, it really is. \nAnd this miracle has made us the most free, the most prosperous nation on Earthever.\nCherish that. Marvel at that. \nAlways dream big. Always raise your gaze. \nFor just as remarkable as what we have achieved is what we have the capacity to do still. \nHere's to the people. \nHere's to the people's House. \nHere's to possibilities. \nThank you, for everything. \nGod bless America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-reform-mental-health-resources-for-farmers-included-in-farm-bill", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin\u2019s Bipartisan Reform to Provide Mental Health Resources for Farmers Included in 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's Bipartisan Reform to Provide Mental Health Resources for Farmers Included in 2018 Farm Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The final 2018 Farm Bill includes several key priorities authored by Baldwin to support Wisconsin farmers\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisan reforms to provide our nation's farmers with critical support and mental health resources was included in the final 2018 Farm Bill that passed Congress last week with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\nIn April, Senators Baldwin and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Facilitating Accessible Resources for Mental health and Encouraging Rural Solutions for Immediate Response to Stressful Times (FARMERS FIRST) Act to provide funding for local mental health resources and expand access to stress reduction strategies and suicide prevention programs for people who work in agriculture. Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that farmers and other individuals who work in agriculture experience a high rate of suicide.\r\nFarmers are the backbone of our rural economy and leaders in our rural communities. Washington has been slow to recognize the challenges that farmers are facing, and the daily stressors that they experience during difficult years, said Senator Baldwin.I worked to include this bipartisan reform in the final Farm Bill so that when there is a crisis on the farm, farmers know they are not alone and there are resources available to help them find a path through tough times. I'm looking forward to the President signing the Farm Bill into law so we can help tackle this problem and save lives.\r\nSenator Baldwin's bipartisan effort has been endorsed by the National Milk Producers Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, Farm Aid, Female Farmer Project, National Rural Health Association, National Council for Behavioral Health, Rural Coalition/Coalicin Rural, American Soybean Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Cotton Council, National Young Farmers Coalition, Rural and Agricultural Council of America, U.S. Cattlemen's Association, Wisconsin Farmers Union, The American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, and Eating Disorders Coalition.\r\nThe National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) appreciates Senator Baldwin's leadership in ensuring farmer stress and mental health was a priority in the Farm Bill. First and foremost, nothing is more important to American agriculture than the safety and wellness of our farmers. This provision will go a long way to put farmers and ranchers in touch with those who can help them through serious and personal struggles. State departments of agriculture are the closest connection to producers tackling these issues, so NASDA is pleased to see that all state departments of agriculture qualify as recipients and agents to implement this service, said Dr. Barbara Glenn, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.\r\nThe National Rural Health Association is proud to support the rural health provisions in the recently passed 2018 Farm Bill, including policies to ensure the financial viability of rural hospitals, expand deployment of telemedicine, and improve access to mental health services. The reauthorization of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) will help support agricultural workers and their families in rural communities by providing at-home resources for mental health services. Many farmers struggling still with the economic consequences of the Great Recession are at higher risk of substance abuse and suicide, but the majority of rural counties do not have a single psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker to meet these needs. We applaud the bipartisan work of rural health advocates who fought to ensure the future of the FRSAN program in this Farm Bill, said Jessica Seigel, National Rural Health Association.\r\n\"Stress is part of the job, whether you're a farmer, rancher, farmworker, young or old. We all share a responsibility to ensure mental health assistance remains part of the national safety net for farm families. As growers weather this difficult farm economy, we're grateful that Congress has stepped up to include these critical resources in the 2018 Farm Bill.When these challenges are left unspoken, swept under the rug or stigmatized, our entire community is impacted. Inclusion of the FARMERS FIRST Act in the Farm Bill is an important first step,\"said Andrew Bahrenburg, National Policy Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition.\r\nSpecifically, Senator Baldwin's reform will provide funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to state departments of agriculture, state extension services, non-profits and tribes to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). The bipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act was cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C2F7E69A-D156-449F-B113-DDCE3E63F7E3", "Johnson Statement on Criminal Justice Reform", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said the following Tuesday regarding his vote for the First Step Act:\r\nTheFirst Step Actrecognizes that helping federal inmates prepare for a successful life outside of prison can reduce recidivism and crime. Through the Joseph Project, I have witnessed formerly incarcerated individuals transform their lives when given work opportunities. Like most pieces of legislation, it is not perfect, and provisions I hoped to see included were not adopted.Nevertheless, I believe the potential positives outweighed my concerns and I voted to support it. It will be the responsibility of Congress to closely monitor the results of the law in the years ahead, and make modifications if necessary.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/decades", "Decades in the Making: The Story of Paul Ryan and Tax Reform", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It's the 1990s, and an idealisticyoung conservative is forming a set of boldand at times, politically contentiousideas about the role of the federal government and our tax system. But as he'll learn as a member of Congress from Wisconsin, there is a reasontax reform hasn't happened in nearly 30 years. This is the story of Paul Ryan and his relentless drive to pass the firsttax reform law in a generation. \nIt is a cause, and a career,that was decades in the making.\n  \nClick here to watch the full series (19 minutes total), or choose an individual episode below.\nEpisode 1: The Idea\nEpisode 2: The Wilderness\nEpisode 3: The Groundwork\nEpisode 4: The Speakership\nEpisode 5: The Agenda\nEpisode 6: The Finale", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-demands-ice-respond-to-foia-request-regarding-raids-in-wisconsin", "Pocan Demands ICE Respond to FOIA Request Regarding Raids in Wisconsin", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 17, 2018) \u2013 U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) today sent a letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling on the agency to respond to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that he sent to the agency more than two months ago. Despite receiving the request on October 12, the agency continues to ask for extensions to respond to the request for records regarding raids in Wisconsin, including the agency's communication with local law enforcement officials and information about whether the arrested individuals held criminal records.\n\n\"I am writing to follow up on a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for records pursuant to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's actions that resulted in the arrest of 83 individuals in Wisconsin in September 2018,\" wrote Pocan. \"The FOIA request was initiated because the agency was unwilling to provide information and answers to simple questions about these enforcement activities. Since the initial request submitted on October 12, 2018 \u2013 two months ago \u2013 we have received two letters from the agency delaying the process without sufficient explanation.\"\n\n\"The inability to provide this straightforward information or comply with the FOIA request in a timely manner underscores a very troubling lack of accountability that seems to be pervasive within the agency,\" continued Pocan. \"Further delays on this request will not be granted, and I urge you to move expeditiously to provide the requested information. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/video/decades-making", "Teaser Trailer: \"Decades in the Making\"", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There's a reason it hadn't happened in a generation. Big ideasideas about the role and size and scope of governmenttake time to debate, to normalize, and eventually, to become law of land.\nFrom his first election to Congress as a 28-year-old to hisreluctant rise to the speakership,Paul Ryan has maintained a laser-like focus on comprehensive tax reform. The warnings from political pundits, naysayers, and defenders of the status quo never deterred him, and in 2017, Speaker Ryan championed one of the biggest legislative victories of our time with the enactment of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act.\nIt's a cause, and a career, that was decades in the making.\n(Full series coming December 18th.)\n  This Wednesday, tune into speaker.gov/live at 1:00 pm E.T. as Speaker Ryan delivershis farewell address at the Library of Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/statement-on-federal-court-ruling-to-dismantle-the-affordable-care-act", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Federal Court Ruling to Dismantle the Affordable Care Act and Repeal Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Federal Court Ruling to Dismantle the Affordable Care Act and Repeal Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement in response to the federal court ruling in thelawsuit supported by the Trump Administration and filed by 20 states, including the State of Wisconsin, that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act and threaten guaranteed health care protectionsfor people with pre-existing conditions.\r\nWisconsin should have never signed on to this lawsuit and Scott Walker has not only broken his promise to protect people with pre-existing conditions, he has now signed legislation preventing Governor-elect Evers from keeping his promise to take our state's good name off this attack on people's health care.\r\n\"This ruling is a threat because Walker's lawsuit would take away guaranteed health protections and raise costs for Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions. But it is not the final word and we must do everything we can to stop this sabotage because if it succeeds, insurance companies will again be able to deny coverage or charge higher premiums for more than 2 million people in Wisconsin with a pre-existing condition.\"\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/update-for-you-0", "Update For You", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Sean Duffy", "D000614", "duffy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI hope you're having a wonderful week. Before you start your weekend, I wanted to take a quick moment to update you on what's going on in Wisconsin.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Town Hall Time!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI say it all the time because it's true: our government works best when we can directly communicate with each other. That's why I believe in-person town halls are so important.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI recently held four in northern Wisconsin, and I'm glad we got the opportunity to discuss issues of the day. It was great to see so many of you at our town halls in Mercer, Rhinelander, Florence, and Crandon.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClick HERE or the image below to see coverage of the recent town halls from NBC 12.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThank A Cop Today\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEven while we are getting ready for the opportunity to spend time with friends and family this Christmas season, our local cops are still out there every day to keep us safe.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPlease take a moment to thank a local cop today for all that they do for our communities! I was fortunate to chat with the team from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office at my recent town hall.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClick HERE or the image below to \"like\" or SHARE on Facebook.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads  Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the political process.  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information on the internship, click HERE or the photo below. Also be sure to share these opportunities with any interested students!\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStay Connected On Social Media    Snapchat is a fun way to stay connected with what's going on in Wisconsin and Washington (and of course, find me on Facebook and Twitter- @RepSeanDuffy). Find my snapchat profile either by searching @RepSeanDuffy or use the Snapcode below!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gallagher-sen-cruz-introduce-blocking-iranian-illicit-finance-act", "Rep. Gallagher, Sen. Cruz Introduce the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Thursday introduced the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act. The bill seeks to counter the Iranian regime's money laundering and financing of terrorism, protect the global financial system from Iranian illicit finance, and impose maximum financial pressure on Iran. \"Withdrawing from the JCPOA was only the first step in ratcheting up pressure on the Iranian regime. We now have an important window to impose maximum economic pressure and degrade the Iranian regime's ability to export violence across the region. This legislation does exactly that by effectively cutting Iran off from the international financial community. Its message is clear: Iran must pay a steep price for its aggressive and destabilizing behavior, and the United States will never tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons,Rep. Gallagher said. The Obama Iran nuclear deal gifted the Ayatollahs with hundreds of billions of dollars and reconnected them to the global financial system, which they used launder even more money and fund even more terrorism Sen. Cruz said. Undoing that damage requires imposing maximum pressure against the Iranian regime. President Trump was absolutely right when he began that process by withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Effectively disconnecting Iran from the global financial system, which this bill does, is a necessary next step. I look forward to working more with the administration and my Congressional colleagues to ensure this bill becomes law during the next Congress. U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Thom Tillis (R-S.C.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Reps. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jacki Walorski (R-Ind.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also joined as original cosponsors of the bill. This important legislation would empower the United States and our like-minded allies to do more to end the Iranian government's ability to illicitly finance its dangerous efforts to sponsor terrorism and militancy, to advance its nuclear and missile programs, to egregiously abuse human rights in Iran and abroad, and to suppress the Iranian people's aspirations for self-determination, Sen. Rubio said. I look forward to working with fellow lawmakers and the Administration to enact this legislation and fully implement the maximum pressure against the regime in Tehran. The ayatollahs will find it much more difficult to sponsor terrorism, launder money, and research and develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles without access to the global financial system, Sen. Cotton said. This bill supports the administration's maximum pressure campaign to curb Tehran's malign activities, and Congress needs to send it to the President's desk. The current Iranian regime is one of the world's largest sponsors of global terrorism has shown no interest in discontinuing their support, said Sen. Tillis. This critical legislation will block Iran's dishonest financial dealings and send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate the bad actions of this regime. The United States needs to take strong action against Iran for financing and arming terrorists around the globe, said Sen. Gardner. The Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act will cut off Iran's access to financial institutions around the world and have a direct impact on their ability to support terrorism and destabilize the region. The Senate needs to act on this legislation and show Iran the United States will not tolerate their behavior. Leveraging the global finance system against Iran and other rogue nations that sponsor terrorism is a position I'm happy to take, Sen. Hyde-Smith said. Iran is the world's worst state sponsor of terrorism and the biggest destabilizing force in the Middle East, said Sen. Young. This legislation would further cut off the Iranian regime from the global financial system, imposing increasingly severe consequences for their terrorist activities, pursuit of WMDs, and ongoing human rights abuses. I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation which will further impede the Iranian regime's ability to spread death, chaos, and misery throughout the Middle East, Rep. Lamborn said. We were promised by the Obama Administration that opening up Iran to international markets would encourage them to cease exporting terror around the world. Instead of spending the new revenue on improving the lives of the Iranian people, the despots in Tehran squandered the wealth supporting murderous dictators, terror groups, and foreign wars. This important legislation cuts Tehran out of the financial markets, further limiting their ability to spread their fanatical terror abroad. Congress should step up to the plate and condemn Iran for its support for terrorism throughout the world, Rep. Banks said. Limiting Iran's access to the SWIFT network will finally initiate the change the we need to see in the Middle East. Very simply, we need to increase pressure on the Iranian financial sector to effectively shut down those banks or financial institutions involved in terrorism, WMDs, money laundering or human rights violations. I commend Rep. Gallagher for his efforts, Rep. Peter King said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/sensenbrenner-introduces-bipartisan", "Sensenbrenner Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Assist Law Enforcement", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) introduced legislation to direct the US Attorney General (AG) to make grants to states and localities for gunfire detection and location technology. The AG would be authorized to allocate $10 million annually for the next four fiscal years.\nRep. Sensenbrenner: This commonsense legislation will help law enforcement quickly and accurately locate violent crimes, cut down on response time, and save lives. Cities like Milwaukee have already begun utilizing this type of technology and have with positive results. I'm grateful to Congressman Jeffries for joining me in leading this important effort. \nBackground:   Cities like Milwaukee have already begun utilizing gunshot detection technology. Networked sensors are placed throughout a coverage area to detect the origin of gunshots. Once a gunshot is detected, the technology calculates the position of the shooter and instantly notifies law enforcement with real-time data delivered to dispatch centers, patrol cars, and smart phones.\nPolice stations that have access to shot detecting technology can arrive at the scene faster and better prepared to protect the public and themselves as well as attend to victims. Further, information gather is secured in a database and then turned into preemptive intelligence, which provides for better dispatch of resources and improved collection of evidence.\nFar too often gunfire incidents are not reported to 911 dispatchers. This means law enforcement begin responding to crimes with significantly limited information. Additionally, reports of gunfire often contain vague or inaccurate information resulting in lost time and less efficient response by law enforcement.\nEarly data suggests that use of gunfire detection technology has shown positive results. According to areport, the city of Milwaukee has seen a 38 percent decrease in the amount of gunshots fired in areas where this technology was used from 2017 to 2018 showing that its use can act as a deterrent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/ag-leaders-commend-baldwins-work-doing-right-by-farmers", "Wisconsin\u2019s Agriculture Leaders Commend Senator Baldwin\u2019s Work Doing Right by Farmers", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.18\n\t\t\t Wisconsin's Agriculture Leaders Commend Senator Baldwin's Work Doing Right by Farmers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Farm Bill includes Baldwin reforms to support Wisconsin's agriculture economy \r\n Wisconsin farmers call Baldwin's reforms a much improved safety net for family dairy farmers, cheesemakers call it a much-needed boost to the American dairy industry \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Farmers and cheesemakers, farm groups and rural stakeholders are sharing their strong support for Senator Baldwin's bipartisan reforms that were included in the 2018 Farm Bill that passed Congress this week with overwhelming bipartisan support. The final 2018 Farm Bill includes several key priorities authored by Baldwin to support Wisconsin farmers and help boost Wisconsin's agriculture economy. The legislation now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\nSenator Baldwin successfully secured improved risk management tools for dairy farmers, grants for Dairy Business Innovation, mental health resources for farmers and provisions to combat fraudulent organic imports. More information about her efforts is available here.\r\nSenator Baldwin has been an outspoken supporter for rural communities and Wisconsin's struggling dairy industry, said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Jim Holte. Wisconsin Farm Bureau appreciates her vote for the 2018 Farm Bill so Wisconsin farmers will have programs in place to help them during these tough times.\r\nThe passage of the farm bill is welcome news in farm country, where net farm income is at its lowest point in more than a decade. Wisconsin Farmers Union appreciates the tireless work of Senate and House agriculture leaders and their staff to resolve differences in this incredibly important piece of legislation, said Darin Von Ruden, President, Wisconsin Farmers Union. Farmers Union appreciates Sen. Baldwin's efforts to crack down on fraudulent organic imports and her role in bringing forth provisions of the Dairy Business Innovation Act and making sure they were incorporated in the farm bill. We also are pleased to see continued support for conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). We are also encouraged by the reauthorization of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, a program that is direly needed given the current economic and mental health crises plaguing rural America, and we urge funding of that to be a priority in the next appropriations cycle.\r\nWisconsin Cheese Makers Association is pleased to see the exciting concepts in Senator Baldwin's Dairy Business Innovation Act in the new 2018 Farm Bill. Dairy farmers and processors believe a consumer focus  innovating delicious products for families  is the sustainable solution to revitalize the dairy industry. Innovation Centers can concentrate dairy expertise and help new ideas flourish in the marketplace, said John Umhoefer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.\r\nI would like to thank Senator Baldwin for her leadership and support throughout the entire Farm Bill process. Family farms in Wisconsin are facing economic hardships not seen since the 1980's coupled with unprecedented trade uncertainties. This Farm Bill will help provide stability through these turbulent times to the family farms that are the backbone of this great nation. Senator Baldwin has once again proven that she is an ally for Wisconsin farmers in Washington D.C. and I look forward to working with her and her staff into the future for the betterment of Wisconsin's family farms, said Tony Mellenthin, President, Wisconsin Soybean Association.\r\nWisconsin Corn appreciates Senator Baldwin's support in passing the Farm Bill. It's no secret that it is a hard time for producers with low prices, trade issues and barriers to ethanol. The passage of the Farm Bill shows our elected officials are listening and we hope this is the first step to a stronger future for Wisconsin corn growers, said Doug Rebout, President of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association.\r\nOn behalf of the dairy farmer owners of AMPI I'd like to thank Senator Baldwin for her leadership and for working together with other leaders to come up with a much improved safety net for family dairy farmers in Wisconsin and across rural America. I believe the new policy will provide certainty in very uncertain times and hope for the future of our industry and the rural communities we live in and support, said Steve Schlangen, Dairy Farmer and Chairman of the Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI) Board of Directors.\r\nGiven the challenging times in agriculture, especially for dairy producers, the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill is great news and positions us to compete in the future.I commend Senator Baldwin for her leadership in listening to the needs of her constituents, including producers like me who need better solutions to manage operational risks. In addition, she supported measures to address those struggling with mental health concerns due to financial stress and uncertainty in rural areas.Senator Baldwin championed policy that addressed these concerns, in addition to several others included in this bill, and we are fortunate to have a leader like her in Congress, said Nic Schoenberger, Land O'Lakes Dairy Producer and Board Director, from Kiel, Wisconsin.\r\nSenator Baldwin's efforts were crucial to improving the risk management tools for dairy farmers to reflect the reality of today's dairy economy. Edge was fortunate to be able to work collaboratively with the Senator on the new Dairy Margin Coverage program and on allowing farmers to use various tools simultaneously. Our dairy farmers need to able to manage risk according to their management style and individual farm's needs, said Brody Stapel, President of Green Bay-based Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Dairy Farmer in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin.\r\nWe are grateful for Senator Baldwin's bipartisan efforts to protect Wisconsin's dairy industry in the 2018 Farm Bill. She understands the issues that are critically important to dairy producers across the USA and her support of the Farm Bill shows that she is willing to fight for us. We greatly appreciate the Senator's advocacy for the entire industry, said Louie Gentine, CEO of Sargento Foods, Inc.\r\nThe Dairy Business Innovation Act will help start-ups and existing companies accelerate and enhance their technology, product development, finance, and marketing. I'm delighted that Senator Baldwin is delivering this much-needed boost to the American dairy industry, said Bob Wills, Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker and President of Cedar Grove Cheese and Clock Shadow Creamery.\r\nMy family and I know the challenges firsthand of taking on the processing and marketing of our own dairy products. Senator Baldwin's Dairy Business Innovation Act provides an opportunity for farmers and processors to grow and diversify their businesses to meet customers' changing tastes, said Tom Crave, Vice President of the Dairy Business Association in Wisconsin and a dairy farmer and cheese processor in Waterloo, Wisconsin.\r\nThe Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association appreciates the hard work by and support of Senator Baldwin on the issues of importance to our growers in the Farm Bill.The Senator has been a strong supporter of agricultural research programs important to our growers and export promotion programs that help us as we develop new markets for Wisconsin's largest fruit crop. Like all of agriculture we face challenges and the Senator has been a partner in taking action on behalf of our family farmers as we work toward continues to develop and implement sustainable practices, said Tom Lochner, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.\r\nThe Farm Bill contains the largest commitment of resources ever to ensure organic integrity remains strong. It includes better policy and funding for organic fraud prevention, especially in the international trade arena, which was really needed. Modernizing the organic regulations and increasing funding help the National Organic Program be in a position to better weed out fraud, said Melissa Hughes, Chief Mission Officer and General Counsel of Organic Valley. A big thanks to our home-state U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin as well as Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow for leading efforts to strengthen organic oversight. They played a key role in making sure the Farm Bill updated the agency's ability to crack down on any suspected fraud no matter where it might originate. The work ahead of the organic industry is to now get these changes operational at the National Organic Program as soon as possible, and at Organic Valley, we are going to keep our foot on the gas pedal until these new provisions are fully realized and implemented.\r\nWe thank Sen. Tammy Baldwin for her leadership that resulted in the bill containing important steps to modernize and speed up federal efforts to prevent organic fraud and to create a transparent marketplace, said Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association. The Farm Bill strengthens the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program's authority and capacity to conduct investigations to keep organic markets strong; it invests in technology and access to data to improve tracking of international organic trade; and requires increased measures that will strengthen global organic supply chain integrity. Reliable oversight and a level playing field are critical to the success of U.S. organic farmers and ensures that consumers are getting what they pay for every time they choose the USDA organic seal.\r\nThe National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) appreciates Senator Baldwin's leadership in ensuring farmer stress and mental health was a priority in the Farm Bill. First and foremost, nothing is more important to American agriculture than the safety and wellness of our farmers. This provision will go a long way to put farmers and ranchers in touch with those who can help them through serious and personal struggles. State departments of agriculture are the closest connection to producers tackling these issues, so NASDA is pleased to see that all state departments of agriculture qualify as recipients and agents to implement this service, said Dr. Barbara Glenn, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.\r\n\"Stress is part of the job, whether you're a farmer, rancher, farmworker, young or old. We all share a responsibility to ensure mental health assistance remains part of the national safety net for farm families. As growers weather this difficult farm economy, we're grateful that Congress has stepped up to include these critical resources in the 2018 Farm Bill.When these challenges are left unspoken, swept under the rug or stigmatized, our entire community is impacted. Inclusion of the FARMERS FIRST Act in the Farm Bill is an important first step,\"said Andrew Bahrenburg, National Policy Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition.\r\n\r\nThe entire list of support for Senator Baldwin's efforts in the 2018 Farm Bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/in-the-news/us-rep-mike-gallagher-looks-ahead-116th-congress", "U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher Looks Ahead To 116th Congress", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "1230 Longworth House Office Building", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-introduces-bipartisan-bill-increase-transparency-and-accountability", "Gallagher Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability of Political Spending", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today U.S. Representatives Gallagher (R-WI), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA), three of the co-chairs of the Congressional Reformers Caucus, introduced a bipartisan bill to increase disclosure and accountability of political spending. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act, H.R. 7267, would strengthen coordination rules between super PACs and individual campaigns to ensure that super PACs truly operate independently from candidates, require political advertisements to disclose the top donors to the organization paying for the advertisements, and would apply the personal use restriction on campaign funds to all political committees, including leadership PACs. The American people deserve to know who is spending hundreds of millions of dollars every election cycle to influence their vote and muddy our politics, said Rep. Gallagher. This bipartisan bill is critical to injecting more transparency into our campaign finance system and helping reduce the corrosive influence of dark money in our elections. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important piece of legislation. For too long, we've allowed outside money to play an outsized and arcane role in our politics, blurring the lines between special interest groups and the candidates they support, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act will close some of the most gaping loopholes in our campaign finance laws by increasing restrictions and reporting requirements for outside groups. This bipartisan bill will help restore integrity and trust in our nation's political process.  Sunlight is the best disinfectant, saidRep. Derek Kilmer. Americans deserve to know who is paying for the political ads they see regardless of how those ads are purchased. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act slams shut campaign finance loopholes and shines a light on the murky world of dark money. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act addresses some of the most obvious flaws in federal campaign law that repeatedly frustrate members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. We are pleased to see these leaders of the bipartisan Congressional Reformers Caucus put forward solutions to help fix America's broken political system, said Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee. H.R. 7267 tightens coordination rules between Super PACs and individual campaigns in several ways. For one, the bill would apply to the coordination that happens before a candidate is officially running for office if the spending occurs after the candidate is running for office. The bill would also apply broadly to any ads paid for by super PACs that promote, attack, support or oppose a candidate. Further, H.R. 7267 would apply to any communications that mention a candidate starting 120 days before a primary and going through the general election, and it explicitly covers all types of activity in addition to mass-broadcast communications, including mail and canvassing literature. Lastly, this bill strengthens the restriction on staff moving from a campaign or official office to an outside spender and, in the case that it does happen, requires a robust firewall. Another goal of H.R. 7267 is to provide voters with additional information on who pays for political advertisements. The bill would require television, radio, and internet advertisements to display, within the advertisement itself, the three largest donors to the organization paying for the advertisement. This would apply to super PACs, 501(c) nonprofits, and other corporate entities. Finally, H.R. 7267 aims to limit the widespread abuse of leadership PAC funds. Issue One and the Campaign Legal Center revealed widespread abuse of leadership PACs by Members of Congress, who are increasingly using these funds for five-star dinners, high-end vacations and country club memberships, all under the guise of fundraising expenses. The full text of the bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=873", "Debunking the Myth of Fetal Tissue Research", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, at a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) questioned expert medical researchers about the effectiveness of fetal stem cell research.\r\nKey Takeaway 1: According to the experts, stem cells created from adult samples, called pluripotent stem cells, have yielded far greater results than stem cells taken from fetal tissue.\r\nKey Takeaway 2: When asked why fetal tissue studies are not foregone for the more effective pluripotent stem cells, Dr. Prentice replied that some scientists are trained in a certain way and we may be reluctant to switch to something new, even if we know that it's better and potentially more productive.\r\nWitnesses included:\r\n \r\n    Dr. Tara Sander Lee, Associate Scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute\r\n \r\n \r\n    Dr. David Prentice, Advisory Board Member at the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center\r\n \r\n \r\n    Dr. Sally Temple, Board Member and Former President at the International Society for Stem Cell Research\r\n \r\nExcerpts of Grothman's questioning\r\nCongressman Grothman: First question is for Dr. Prentice. You don't use fetal tissue at the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, correct?\r\nDr. Prentice: No, Congressman.\r\nGrothman: Has this prohibited you from doing cutting-edge research?\r\nPrentice: None of the research at the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center uses aborted fetal tissue, but they have made great strides in spite of that. And probably because of that.\r\nGrothman: That's interesting that you say because' of it, and there are other centers like yours around the country. Can you explain why, first of all some of the progress you've been making, and second why you feel you're being able to make progress at a greater rate than some of the centers who feel they have to use fetal tissue?\r\nPrentice: The origin of that- not using the aborted fetal tissue, quite frankly, was from the legislature that initially set up the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center. And, part of the reason was to focus on the more successful adult stem cells and the potential treatment to get this into the clinic faster for the patients. So I mentioned one of the clinical trials. It's a homegrown clinical trial, first of its kind, to treat Graft v. Host disease using an adult stem cell source. That clinical trial is still ongoing so this is very early. But, the initial results seemed very successful. In association with the Bone Marrow Transplant Center they have been treating a number of different cancers as well as anemias, including sickle cell anemia. They have also engaged in this stroke study to treat patients who have experienced stroke even years in the past.\r\nGrothman: Overall in our country, why? Has there been more progress with adult stem cells or fetal tissue research?\r\nPrentice: There's much more from adult stem cells. Not even close\r\nGrothman: Why do you think when it's not even close are there some people out there who insist, is there something psychological going on? This apparent love affair with fetal tissue, why psychologically would people prefer to use that than the more effective adult stem cells?\r\nPrentice: Well, I think in some cases, as a scientist, we're trained in a certain way and we may be reluctant to switch to something new, even if we know that it's better and potentially more productive. But, Congressman, I'd like to make a point about that, that when we do step out, great things can happen. And if I could give you just one brief example, if we look in the stem cell field, if we look at the production of these induced pluripotent stem cells, a Japanese scientist, Dr. Yamanaka came up with a few years ago. One of his reasons, frankly, was he looked through the microscope at an embryo in a colleague's lab and said you know we can't see much difference between this and my daughter's. We can't keep destroying embryos. There must be a better way to get the same kind of cell.' He came up with these IPS cells, which mimic pretty much everything an embryonic stem cell can do and won the 2012 Nobel Prize for it.\r\nGrothman: Okay, I sometimes wonder when it comes to politicians, we're always pushing the fetal tissue because they've been so invested in abortions and they ant abortions to be good that they just want to believe that fetal tissue research is superior. I don't want to let you alone Dr. Sandra Lee. Can you tell us a little about reprogramming adult stem cells into pluripotent cells?\r\nDr. Sander Lee: Yes, so you can generate what's called induced pluripotent stem cells from sematic cells. So for example you can take a skin biopsy from an adult human and you could isolate the skin cells and you can reprogram them, you can give them specific factors that allow them to differentiate and basically revert back to an embryonic-like state. And then those cells, those pluripotent cells, can be further reprogrammed into what are called organoids, which are simply organs in a dish. They can be studied and have comparable, similar cell components to what we see in the fetus.\r\nGrothman: Can you give me examples of some sort of treatments that are evolving out of this?\r\nSander Lee: Probably some of the best examples are when we look at brain development. So, there are multiple publications in literature, which show you can take skin fiber blasts from adults, you can actually purchase these skin fiber blasts from biorepositories such as Coriell, and you can make these IPS derived four-brain organoids that you can use to study Miller-Decker syndrome. There's actually key publications that have shown that you can take these cells and you can actually make cerebral organoids and you can look specifically at astrocytes and they have shown these astrocytes actually have functional pathways similar to the adult human cortex. We have other examples such as [indiscernible] from 2016 in which they've generated many of these organoids to recapitulate many of the features of the pre-fetal human brain. There is other examples, so for example [indiscernible] from 2017 in which they've taken these brain organoids and actually been able to graft them into a mouse and actually look at functional neuronal networks of vascularization such as blood vessels. So, these are all critical studies. Another example, Levine was able to take these, well actually it was Jang Et. Al. were able to actually take these and actually research human developmental brain by recapitulating the medial ganglion organoids and cortical organoids. So there are multiple, multiple examples, I could keep talking, and this is just about brain development. We're not even talking about retinal development, Kidney development, and these are key studies that can be don't in multiple areas on development in the fetus.\r\nClick here to view Grothman's full remarks (beginning at 1:39:24).\r\nAdditional Information\r\nPURPOSE:\r\n \r\n    To evaluate the ethical considerations of fetal tissue research and explore alternative research methods.\r\n \r\n \r\n    To discuss the recent steps taken by the Administration to expand efforts in developing and implementing the use of alternatives.\r\n \r\nBACKGROUND:\r\n \r\n    Since the 1920s, scientists have used cells from fetal tissue in their research. This year, the National Institutes of Health is estimated to provide approximately $100 million in funding for research grants that involve the use of fetal tissue.\r\n \r\n \r\n    In September, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) canceled its contract with a fetal tissue procurement company, citing concerns the company was not meeting applicable fetal tissue regulations. HHS subsequently initiated an audit regarding their human fetal tissue acquisitions and is continuing its review of whether adequate alternatives exist to the use ofhuman fetal tissue in HHS funded research.\r\n \r\n-30-\r\nU.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his second term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/luj-n-pocan-lynch-boyle-and-schakowsky-introduce-house-companion-of", "Luj\u00e1n, Pocan, Lynch, Boyle, and Schakowsky Introduce House Companion of Senator Warren\u2019s Accountable Capitalism Act", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 13, 2018) \u2013 U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (NM-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-13), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) introduced H.R. 7294, the House companion of Senator Elizabeth Warren's (D-MA) Accountable Capitalism Act.\n\nSenator Warren introduced the bill in August to help eliminate skewed market incentives and return to the era when American corporations and American workers did well together. The legislation empowers American workers and aims to reverse the harmful corporate trend over the last thirty years that have produced record corporate profits for American companies but stagnant wages for American workers.\n\n\"I'm proud to partner with Representatives Luj\u00e1n, Pocan, Lynch, Boyle, and Schakowsky on this bill to empower American workers,\" said Warren. \"With the support of this powerful group of House leaders, we're one big step closer to helping American workers get the higher wages they deserve.\"\n\n\"Throughout our country's history, the well-being of our workers has been directly linked to the prosperity we have achieved as a nation,\" said Luj\u00e1n. \"Yet today, working families in my district and across the country face rising costs of living and stagnant wages. Elevating the voices of workers in our corporate boardrooms will help restore balance in our economy. The Accountable Capitalism Act is an innovative and commonsense approach to level the playing field. I thank Senator Warren for her partnership on this effort.\"\n\n\"Today, it's more important than ever that we give American workers the opportunity to have a seat at the table to make critical decisions on their rights and their future. Unfortunately, runaway corporate power is causing more benefits to flow to shareholders and CEOs, while families are struggling to make ends meet,\" said Pocan. \"I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the House companion bill to Sen. Warren's Accountable Capitalism Act to take a strong step forward leveling the playing field for America's middle class. Together, we will empower American workers and build an economy that works for everyone.\"\n\n\"I am proud to join my colleagues Representatives Luj\u00e1n, Pocan, Boyle and Schakowsky to introduce the House companion Bill to Senator Warren's legislation,\" said Lynch. \"Hopefully this Bill will help to rebalance the relationship for workers and give employees a stronger voice in the workplace.\"\n\n\"American workers feel the system is rigged against them \u2013 and they're right,\" said Boyle. \"Washington has only exacerbated this trend. Look no further than the Republican tax scam and the record profits, stock buybacks, and stagnant wages we've seen since. Clearly we can no longer afford to sit back and hope corporations act in the best interests of their employees. The Accountable Capitalism Act represents a great step toward making that a reality.\"\n\n\"For the past 40 years, economic growth has gone to the top one percent, and workers have seen their wages stagnate and their jobs shipped overseas,\" said Schakowsky. \"Even with high profile examples like General Motors announcing its intent to perversely kill roughly 15,000 American jobs leading to its stock price increasing by five percent, the Republican majority over the last eight years has done nothing to right this wrong. In fact, Republicans have made things much worse by crafting that misguided tax bill. That is why I have chosen to be an original cosponsor of the Accountable Capitalism Act, a bill that will ensure the American economy gets back on track and works for everyone, not just the wealthy. I am proud to stand with my friend and incoming Assistant Speaker, Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n, on this important bill.\"\n\nSince the passage of the Republican tax bill, American companies have done more than $800 billion in stock buybacks, while real wages for workers remain stagnant. There is an urgent need to end the grip of shareholder value maximization and return to the era when American corporations produced broad-based growth that helped workers and shareholders alike. The Accountable Capitalism Act:\n\nCompels company directors to consider the interests of all corporate stakeholders - including employees, customers, shareholders, and communities in which the company operates - by requiring American corporations with $1 billion or more in annual revenue to obtain a federal charter as a \"United States corporation.\" This approach is derived from the thriving benefit corporation model that 33 states and the District of Columbia have adopted and that companies like Patagonia, Danone North America, and Kickstarter have embraced with strong results.\n\nEmpowers workers at United States corporations to elect at least 40% of Board members: Borrowing from the successful approach in Germany and other developed economies, a United States corporation must ensure that no fewer than 40% of its directors are selected by the corporation's employees.\n\nRestricts the sales of company shares by the directors and officers of United States corporations: Top corporate executives are now compensated mostly in company equity, which gives them huge financial incentives to focus exclusively on shareholder returns. To ensure that they are focused on the long-term interests of all corporate stakeholders, the bill prohibits directors and officers of United States corporations from selling company shares within five years of receiving them or within three years of a company stock buyback.\n\nProhibits United States corporations from making any political expenditures without the approval of 75% of its directors and shareholders: Drawing on a proposal from John Bogle, the founder of the investment company Vanguard, United States corporations must receive the approval of at least 75% of their shareholders and 75% of their directors before engaging in political expenditures. This ensures any political expenditures benefit all corporate stakeholders.\n\nPermits the federal government to revoke the charter of a United States corporation if the company has engaged in repeated and egregious illegal conduct: State Attorneys General are authorized to submit petitions to the Office of United States Corporations to revoke a United States corporation's charter. If the Director of the Office finds that the corporation has a history of egregious and repeated illegal conduct and has failed to take meaningful steps to address its problems, she may grant the petition. The company's charter would then be revoked a year later - giving the company time before its charter is revoked to make the case to Congress that it should retain its charter in the same or in a modified form.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-letter-to-pfizer", "Senator Baldwin to Pfizer: Why Does $11 Billion in Corporate Tax Breaks Result in Prescription Drug Price Hikes for Families?", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.18\n\t\t\t Senator Baldwin to Pfizer: Why Does $11 Billion in Corporate Tax Breaks Result in Prescription Drug Price Hikes for Families? \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin wrote to the CEO of Pfizer this week, calling on them to provide an explanation after the pharmaceutical company announced that they intended to increase the costs of 41 prescription drugs starting in January. Major drug companies have drastically raised prices for top-selling drugs over the past five years, in some cases more than doubling prices. This is despite increased sales and company profits.\r\nI am disappointed that your company has decided to continue playing political games and to raise prices once again in January instead of making a commitment to permanently reduce prescription drug prices for millions of families struggling to afford needed medications, wrote Senator Baldwin.\r\nLast December, President Trump signed partisan tax legislation passed by Congressional Republicans that gave permanent tax breaks to corporations such as Pfizer. Since then, Pfizer has received almost $11 billion in tax benefits and announced more than $10 billion in stock buybackslargely benefitting top executives and wealthy shareholders as prescription drug prices continue to rise for American families.\r\nPfizer and many other companies instituted price hikes on prescription drugs after the corporate tax cut became law. In January of this year, Pfizer instituted 116 price hikes. Then on July 1, Pfizer increased prices for the second time on many prescription drugs by nearly 10 percent. Days later, Pfizer issued a puzzling statement that they would return the prices of over 40 prescription drugs to their pre-July 1 levels as soon as technically possible but only until the end of the year or until the President's prescription drug Blueprint is implemented. Senator Baldwin then called on Pfizer to make those price reductions permanent. Instead, Pfizer is increasing prices again rather than lowering costs for Wisconsin consumers.\r\nSenator Baldwin has been working to hold prescription drug companies accountable for skyrocketing drug prices. Earlier this year, Baldwin and the late Senator John McCain sent a letter to President Trump urging him to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable and make good on his promise to lower the skyrocketing prescription drug prices that American families are struggling to afford.\r\nIn 2017, Baldwin and McCain introduced the bipartisan FAIR Drug Pricing Act, which would begin to address high prescription drug prices and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable by requiring transparency for drug companies that plan to increase drug prices. The bill would not prohibit manufacturers from increasing prices, but it would, for the first time, give taxpayers notice of price increases and bring basic transparency to the market for prescription drugs.\r\nI have heard from countless Wisconsinites who are struggling to afford medications that they have relied on for years as major drug companies continue to systematically raise drug prices with no transparency or accountability. That is why I have offered a bipartisan solution, the FAIR Drug Pricing Act, to institute basic transparency for drug companies that raise prices, wrote Senator Baldwin.\r\nThe full letter is available here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/data-care-act", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Colleagues to Help Protect People\u2019s Personal Data Online", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Colleagues to Help Protect People's Personal Data Online  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Data Care Act will stop websites and apps from using personal data against users, protect user information from hacks and hold companies accountable for misuse\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined 15 of her Senate colleagues in introducing new legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), would require websites, apps and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data.\r\nFar too many times, we have seen online providers fail to meet their users' expectations about how their personal data will be collected, used and protected. The current system is skewed against consumers and we have to fix it, said Senator Baldwin. The Data Care Act will provide clear, reasonable rules of the road on user data, and hold companies who fail to follow them accountable.\r\nPeople have a basic expectation that the personal information they provide to websites and apps is well-protected and won't be used against them. Just as doctors and lawyers are expected to protect and responsibly use the personal data they hold, online companies should be required to do the same. Our bill will help make sure that when people give online companies their information, it won't be exploited, said Senator Schatz.\r\nDoctors, lawyers and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. While online companies also hold personal and sensitive information about the people they serve, they are not required to protect consumers' data. This leaves users in a vulnerable position; they are expected to understand the information they give to providers and how it is being used  an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy consumer. By establishing a fiduciary duty for online providers, Americans can trust that their online data is protected and used in a responsible way.\r\nThe Data Care Act establishes reasonable duties that will require providers to protect user data and will prohibit providers from using user data to their detriment:\r\n \r\nDuty of Care  Must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information;\r\nDuty of Loyalty  May not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users;\r\nDuty of Confidentiality  Must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling or sharing individual identifying data;\r\nFederal and State Enforcement  A violation of the duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule with fine authority. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene.\r\nRulemaking Authority  FTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act.\r\n \r\n\r\nFree Press Action welcomes the important contributions the Data Care Act makes to a growing list of good ideas on privacy in the Senate. The bill shifts away from a notice and choice framework alone, where internet users bear all the responsibility and risk of protecting themselves, with few remedies for violations. Instead it moves towards putting the duty on companies and other data collectors where it belongs, to actually prevent such harmful exploitation and honor people's rights. It also does the right thing by empowering the FTC to make rules and impose penalties, and let's state attorneys general enforce the new protections too. We thank Senator Schatz and all the co-sponsors for putting so many ideas on the table, pushing the debate towards even more comprehensive laws, said Sandra Fulton, Government Relations Director for Free Press Action.\r\nWe commend Senator Schatz for tackling the difficult task of drafting privacy legislation that focuses on routine data processing practices instead of consumer data self-management. It signals an important shift in how Congress views consumer privacy issues and foreshadows a serious privacy debate in 2019, said Michelle Richardson, Director of the Privacy and Data Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology.\r\nEFF thanks Senator Schatz for his leadership on protecting consumer data privacy. We generally favor legislation requiring large companies to serve as fiduciaries for their consumers' data, and to satisfy duties of loyalty, confidentiality, and care for their users. We look forward to working with the Senator to improve his bill and to advance information fiduciary protections that will meet the needs of Internet users and adequately safeguard consumer data privacy as a part of comprehensive privacy legislation, said India McKinney, Legislative Analyst for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EEF).\r\nIn addition to Senators Baldwin and Schatz, the Data Care Act is co-sponsored by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/congress-passes-sexual-harassment-reform", "Congress Passes Sexual Harassment Reform", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, the House unanimously passed landmark legislation to reform the Congressional Accountability Act. Following passage, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement:\nThis legislation begins to remedy some of the areas where this institution hasfallenunacceptably short. It includes strong reforms to protect victims, and improve accountability and transparency while addressing allegations. I want to thank Chairman Harper and Ranking Member Brady for working together in a positive way on behalf of the whole House. While this legislation begins to answer the call of this moment, creating lasting change to the culture will require continued vigilance by all of those who serve here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/dec19-speaker-ryan-deliver-farewell-address-library-congress", "DEC. 19: Speaker Ryan to Deliver Farewell Address at Library of Congress", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONOn Wednesday, December 19, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) will deliver his farewell address in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. It is the same setting where he delivered his Confident America address in December 2015, shortly after he became speaker.\nDetails:  \n\tSpeaker Ryan's Farewell Address  \n\tWednesday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. ET  \n\tGreat Hall, Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress\nMedia Logistics:\n \nTV crews with equipment may access the Great Hall at 10:00 a.m. ET to pre-set.\n\tAll equipment must be in place by 10:45 a.m. ET for the security sweep.\n\tAll members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP to Maya Arrieta-Walden atmaya.walden@mail.house.gov.\n\tFor further guidance, media should contact their respective congressional media gallery. Media must be credentialed to attend.\n \nWatch Live:The event will be live-streamed on speaker.gov/live.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-group-lawmakers-applaud-passage-bill-sanction-hizballah-hamas-use", "Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Applaud Passage of Bill to Sanction Hizballah & Hamas for Use of Human Shields", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today Representatives Gallagher (R-WI), Suozzi (D-NY), Wilson (R-SC) and Moulton (D-MA), joined by Senators Cruz (R-TX) and Corker (R-TN) applauded the House's passage of the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act (H.R. 3342) to impose sanctions on Hizballah and Hamas for their use of civilians as human shields. The vote ratifies a Senate bill combining standalone House-passed legislation sanctioning Hizballah and Hamas, and will now go to the President's desk to be signed into law. Since their creation, groups like Hizballah and Hamas have been dedicated to destroying Israel and combating American interests in the Middle East. Of all the malign activities of these groups, few are more reprehensible or dangerous than their use of civilians as human shields. This bipartisan legislation sends a clear signal that the United States will not tolerate this behavior. I thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for their hard work on this bill, and I look forward to seeing the President sign this important legislation, said Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI). \"This bill will help to protect Israel from two groups that shamelessly use civilians as human shields. Hezbollah stashes its deadly arsenal in hospitals, mosques and homes in Lebanon. Hamas does the same in Gaza. These are flagrant war crimes committed by terrorist groups commited to the destruction of an American ally. They also endanger millions of innocent civilians in Lebanon and Gaza. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues that have joined to support this important legislation imposing sanctions, said Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY). As a threat to American interests and our ally Israel, Hizbollah and Hamas must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent civilians. The use of human shields is an affront to our values and international norms, and this bill will authorize the U.S. to impose consequences on those who engage in such gross violations of human rights. I thank my colleagues for offering this legislation that will now become law, said U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in Congress to hold groups that use human shields accountable, including Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. For years Hezbollah has used civilian infrastructure in Lebanon to store and launch rockets at Israeli civilians, and in recent weeks we've learned they also use homes to hide the entrances of tunnels dug under Israel's northern border to attack Israeli homes. Hamas engages in the same practices. The international community has failed to hold these groups accountable, and last week the United Nations refused to pass a non-binding resolution condemning Hamas. The United States is sending a message that it will not turn a blind eye to terrorist war crimes the way the United Nations does, that those who use civilians as human shields are the ones responsible for endangering civilians, and that they will be held accountable, said Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). Terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hizballahmustbe stopped from using innocent lives as human shields. This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. In addition, malicious and provocative acts against our friends and allies in Israel have intensified as we have seen Hizballah tunneling into their sovereign nation. As a part of H.R. 3342, I was grateful to lead the Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act. Through these pieces of legislation, we were able to combine efforts to sanction Hizballah and Hamas for threatening Israel and regional security. I'm grateful to Congressman Mike Gallagher for his leadership on this matter, and I look forward to our continued work together. We will not allow these terrorist organizations to indiscriminately use innocent Palestinians as human shields without reproach from the international community, said Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC). The use of human shields is a clear human rights violation. This bill ensures that members of Hamas who put civilians in harm's way are sanctioned for their actions. We have a moral obligation to hold Hamas accountable and I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort, said Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA). Measures included in the Act:\n Requires the President to identify and impose sanctions against members of Hizballah or Hamas that knowingly order, control, or direct the use of civilians to shield military objectives from attack, as well as any foreign person, agent, or instrumentality of a foreign state that directs, orders, controls, or materially supports Hizballah and Hamas' use of human shields.\n\tAllows the President to identify and impose sanctions on non-Hizballah or Hamas foreign persons that knowingly order, control, or direct the use of human shields.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallaghers-farm-bill-statement", "Gallagher's Statement on the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today CongressmanMike Gallagherreleased the following statement on the 2018 Farm Bill conference report: In Northeast Wisconsin and across the country, agricultural producers are suffering through the worst farm economy in over a decade. To be sure, there are some positive things in this bill to help our farmers through hard times and conserve our environment, but if Congress really wanted to have a positive impact, it would focus on the fixing the real issues I hear about most from farmers in Northeast Wisconsin: lack of a stable workforce and an adverse trade environment. The conference report also reflects D.C.'s failed legislative processjamming together $867 billion of spending in the last two weeks of Congress, with nearly 80% going towards food stamp programs unrelated to farming. We have little evidence to suggest our current approach is helping people escape poverty, yet we have made no meaningful reforms to these programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=872", "Grothman Unlocks Backdoor Spending", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Glenn Grothman", "G000576", "grothman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week at a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) questioned experts on backdoor spending, which is federal agency spending that occurs outside of the federal appropriations process. This means that federal bureaucrats are deciding how tax dollars are being spent with no Congressional oversight. Due to prior Congresses ceding power to bureaucrats, backdoor spending has increased by 88 percent since 1994.\r\nWitnesses included:\r\n \r\n    Ms. Tranchau (Kris) T. Nguyen, Director of Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office (GAO)\r\n \r\n \r\n    Ms. Julia Matta, Managing Associate General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel at the GAO\r\n \r\n \r\n    Mr. James Wallner, Senior Fellow, Governance Project at R Street Institute\r\n \r\n \r\n    Mr. Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen\r\n \r\nExcerpts of Grothman's questioning\r\nCongressman Grothman: Theoretically, all federal spending should be authorized. Did the GAO confirm that all of this backdoor spending was authorized?\r\nMs. Nguyen: Yes, our process of confirming the statutory authority required us to work with agencies to identify both amount and statutory references. And when possible, we verified this information against the President's budget.\r\nGrothman: How many spending authorities did Congress create say over the last 20 years?\r\nNguyen: As I mentioned earlier, we have a total of 902 accounts.\r\nGrothman: Can you give me some examples of the biggest ones?\r\nNguyen: In our report, we identified the biggest drier of the growth is permanent appropriations. And specifically HHS, SSA, with their Medicare and old age and survivor and disability insurance programs are among the top spending authorities. And, in addition to that, Treasury is the third in line. Collectively, those three agencies make up 75 percent of spending authority in permanent appropriations.\r\nGrothman: I take it by the Treasury' you mean interest on the government debt?\r\nNguyen: Yes.\r\nGrothman: How much has backdoor spending gone up per year the last couple years?\r\nNguyen: As I mentioned earlier, backdoor spending is a general term that's referring to appropriations that occur outside of the annual appropriations process. And our definition of spending authority' is the authority that is made available outside of the annual appropriations process.\r\nGrothman: How much has that gone up per year the last couple years?\r\nNguyen: The increase collectively is 88 percent since 1994.\r\nGrothman: Right, but the last couple years?\r\nNguyen: For that level of information I would need to get back to you on that.\r\nGrothman: I'd like to find out for the last couple of years both the increase in what you'd call mandatory spending, or backdoor spending, and the increase of appropriations and see for the last two years what overall has happened. You said Congress amended some backdoor spending authorities. Can you give me some examples of authorities Congress how expanded in the last few years?\r\nMs. Matta: One good example, Representative Grothman, would be the Flood Insurance fund. They've reported an increase in about 878 million in offsetting collections in 2012, after legislation increased the annual limitation on premium increases for certain insurance premiums.\r\nGrothman: You said GAO confirmed that the programs are authorized. Have any authorizations ever lapsed.\r\nMatta: Yes, during that period of time some authorizations did lapse. The other point that I want to let you know is that out of the approximately 1,000 Authorities, we were unable to confirm about 28 authorities with individual agencies. As our report is issuing publicly today, we are planning to refer those particular accounts to the appropriate authorizing and appropriations committees in case they wish to exercise further oversight. We attempted to confirm those with the agencies on our own and working with them. We were unable to identify whether it was an improper use of an authority, or the data in that particular account, coming from the OMB database, perhaps had an error in it. But we were unable in those particular counts to confirm the authority. So, the vast majority, we did, but there was a small part we did not.\r\nClick here to view Grothman's full remarks (beginning at 48:16).\r\nAdditional Information\r\nPurpose:\r\n \r\n    To examine the extent to which federal agencies use backdoor spending to avoid the annual appropriations process.\r\n \r\n \r\n    To explore how backdoor spending undermines Congress' authority and what Congress can do to reassert its authority over the power of the purse.\r\n \r\n\r\nBackground:\r\n \r\n    Congress generally asserts its constitutional authority over the power of the purse through the annual appropriations process. However, prior Congresses have ceded some control to the Executive Branch by allowing backdoor spending. Backdoor spending is federal agency spending not subject to congressional review in the annual appropriations process, such as permanent appropriations and offsetting collections like fines and penalties.1 Spending outside of the appropriations process undermines congressional oversight by allowing agencies to fund agency operations and unappropriated programs without an annual approval by Congress. \r\n \r\n \r\n    On December 11, 2018, the Government Accountability (GAO) will issue a report examining federal agency use of backdoor spending.According to GAO, federal agencies reported $3.2 trillion in backdoor spending in 2015, an 88 percent increase since 1994.\r\n \r\n-30-\r\nU.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his second term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-against-status-quo-farm-bill", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes Against Status Quo Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Ron Kind Votes Against Status Quo Farm Bill\nLa Crosse  Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind voted against the 2018 Farm Bill, the Conference Report of H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act. His statement is below:\nThis Farm Bill maintains a status quo that will drive more family farmers out of business. It fails to rein in wasteful subsidies and crop insurance programs that lead to overproduction by big Agribusiness, and sends taxpayer dollars to billionaires on Wall Street, and in Chicago and San Francisco. It cuts $800 million from vital conservation programs, and does nothing to address the damage caused by the President's trade war.  \n\t\nI can't support a bill that maintains the failed status quo. As long as family farmers are fighting for their lives in Wisconsin, I will continue to fight for them in this Farm Bill.\nThe 2018 Farm Bill has a number of fiscally irresponsible provisions, including a crop subsidy program that gives 80% of all farm subsidies to 20% of American farmers. The Farm Bill also expands the eligibility of pass-through entities, allowing distant relatives (including cousins, nieces and nephews) to qualify for taxpayer-funded commodity payments.\nRep. Kind introduced bipartisan amendments to the House Farm Bill to create more transparency in the crop insurance and subsidy programs, protect the Conservation Stewardship Program within the Farm Bill Conservation Title, and avoid trade disputes with Brazil due to U.S. cotton subsidies. His amendments were blocked by the House Committee on Rules.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/senate-companion-to-sensenbrenner-children-protection-bill-passes-house-and-senate-unanimously", "Senate Companion to Sensenbrenner Child Protection Bill Passes House and Senate Unanimously", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, The House unanimously passed S. 3170, the CyberTipline Modernization Act of 2018, which cleared the Senate unanimously in September. Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) sponsored H.R. 4447, the companion legislation in the House. The bill now heads to the White House for the President's signature.      Rep. Sensenbrenner: Today's vote will reduce the online sexual exploitation of children. The bill improves upon the successes of the existing CyberTipline by empowering the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to address new developments in online child abuse. I urge the President to sign it into law immediately.       Background:    First launched by the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 1998, the CyberTipline allows public citizens and members of the technology industry to report online instances of child sexual exploitation and abuse, such as child pornography, online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sex tourism, and child sex trafficking. In 2017 alone, NCMEC received more than 10 million reports.      The CyberTipline Modernization Act makes key updates to the existing program, including changes to reporting requirements for imminent or planned violations. The bill also reflects a commitment to fight new forms of online abuse including the expansion of child pornography.      Congress last updated the CyberTipline statute in 2008.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/waow-us-senator-tammy-baldwin-applauds-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-farm-bill", "WAOW: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wbay-us-senator-tammy-baldwin-announces-nearly-20-million-for-brown-county-highway-project", "WBAY: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Nearly $20 Million for Brown County Highway Project", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-statement-farm-bill-passage", "Speaker Ryan Statement on Farm Bill Passage", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONFollowing the passage of the final version of H.R. 2, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement: \nAt a time when America's farmers and ranchers face steep challenges, this farm bill delivers. It provides relief and certainty to guard against the volatility of the agricultural economy. It includes vital provisions to support rural families like expanded access to broadband. And it includes important reforms to better manage our forests.\nWith this farm bill, we are also making important progress to alleviate poverty. By including reforms to encourage work and expand opportunity, we are moving our federal poverty programs in the right direction. The bill tightens work requirements while also providing resources for education and training. Notably, it requires states to implement a case management system to more successfully transition people back to work. A proven approach, this is already being done by organizations on the ground in communities across the country. This legislation is about empowering the individual, and I look forward to sending this to the president's desk.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://paulryan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399062", "Congressional Offices of Congressman Paul Ryan Now Closed", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "paulryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressional Offices of Congressman Paul Ryan Now Closed \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        \r\n        December 11, 2018\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      As of Monday, December 10, 2018, all of Congressman Paul Ryan's offices will be closed as the House of Representatives transitions operations to the New Member-Elect for Wisconsin's First District.\r\nIf you require immediate assistance, we would encourage you to contact either Senator Baldwin's office at (414) 297-4451 or Senator Johnson's office at (414) 276-7282.\r\nIt has been a pleasure to be of service to you the past 20 years. Thank you.\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://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-bill-impose-denial-orders-chinese", "Gallagher & Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Impose Denial Orders on Chinese Telecommunications Companies That Violate US Sanctions", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today Representatives Gallagher (R-WI) and Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Telecommunications Denial Order Enforcement Act (H.R. 7255) to direct the President to impose denial orders banning the export of U.S. parts and components to Chinese telecommunications companies that are in violation of U.S. export control or sanctions laws. The legislation follows news that Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, was arrested in Canada at the request of U.S. prosecutors on charges of violating U.S. sanctions. Click here for text of the bill. Chinese telecommunications firms like Huawei represent a growing threat to American national security. As state-directed enterprises, they ultimately report to the Chinese Communist Party and will be employed where and whenever possible to undermine American interests and those of our allies. This bipartisan legislation sets a simple standard: if a Chinese telecommunications firm is found to have violated U.S. sanctions moving forward, it will be subject to the same severe punishment originally imposed on ZTE, said Rep. Mike Gallagher. Huawei and ZTE's every action is dictated by the Chinese Communist Party. For years, they have conducted complex and systematic attacks on U.S. telecommunications, compromising the information security of our government, our allies, and private companies around the world. Meng Wanzhou's recent arrest and the resulting outrage in Beijing shows how Chinese oligarchs think that laws are for the little people. This bill is designed to ensure that if Chinese government officials choose to use the companies they operate as weapons against the United States or the world's rules based system, there will be severe consequences for those choices, said Rep. Ruben Gallego. Measures included in the Telecommunications Denial Order Enforcement Act include:  \n\t\n Establishing that it is U.S. policy to enforce denial orders banning the export of U.S. parts and components to Chinese telecommunications companies that have violated U.S. export control laws or sanctions.\n\tDirecting the President to impose the same strict penalties originally faced by ZTE on any Chinese telecommunications firm found to be in violation of U.S. export control laws or sanctions.\n\tEnsuring that penalties for violating U.S. export control laws or sanctions are not withdrawn until a pattern of compliance and cooperation over the course of a year proves that policies surrounding systematic lawbreaking by Chinese telecommunications firms have been changed.\n\tProhibiting any executive agency official from modifying any penalty imposed on Chinese telecommunications companies, their agents, or affiliates until the President certifies that the company has not violated US laws for one year and is cooperating fully with U.S. investigations.\n\tHighlighting the Congressional role in overseeing Executive Branch export control and sanctions determinations regarding Chinese telecommunications companies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-reminds-wisconsinites-impacted-flooding-december-17", "Rep. Ron Kind Reminds Wisconsinites Impacted by Flooding of December 17 Application Deadline for Federal Disaster Assistance", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Ron Kind", "K000188", "kind.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Ron Kind Reminds Wisconsinites Impacted by Flooding of December 17 Application Deadline for Federal Disaster Assistance\nLa Crosse  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind is reminding Wisconsinites impacted by late-August and early-September's severe storms and flooding that the application deadline for individual federal disaster assistance is Monday, December 17, 2018.\nWisconsinites are strong, and are hard at work rebuilding their homes, farms and businesses after the devastating flooding and storms we saw late this summer, said Rep. Ron Kind. I want to remind everyone facing storm damage repairs that the application deadline to receive individual federal disaster assistance is this Monday, December 17th. My office is open and ready to help Wisconsinites get connected to the help they need.\nWisconsin residents can apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.\nCounties in western and central Wisconsin that are approved for individual assistance include Crawford, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, and Vernon Counties. Renters, homeowners and businesses in those counties who were affected by severe storms and flooding from Aug. 17 through Sept. 14, 2018 are eligible to apply.\nRep. Kind's office has, and will continue to, work side-by-side with residents and local officials that are rebuilding their homes and communities. Any Wisconsinite with questions regarding recovery efforts or services should call his office toll-free at 1-888-442-8040, or visit his website: kind.house.gov.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/senate-bill-would-block-state-remote-sales-taxes-until-2020", "Senate Bill Would Block State Remote Sales Taxes Until 2020", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Paul Williams of Law360\r\nA federal bill that would prohibit states from taxing remote sellers until 2020 while codifying a temporary exemption for businesses has been introduced by four Democratic senators from two states without a sales tax.\nS.B. 3275, filed Thursday by the senators from New Hampshire and Oregon, would enact a moratorium on taxing remote sales until Jan. 1, 2020, prevent retroactive collection and shield businesses with less than $10 million in annual sales from the tax until the U.S. Congress approves an interstate compact with clearly defined nexus thresholds.\nThe bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said Friday that a federal barricade against the tax would provide businesses ample time to adapt to the country's new tax landscape in the wake of theU.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in South Dakota v.Wayfair. That decision,issued in June, no longer requires companies to have a physical presence in a state to be subject to sales and use taxes. The bill would bar states from taxing any remote sales that occurred prior to that date.\nForcing New Hampshire businesses to adopt and adhere to a new, complicated tax collection system, particularly as retailers approach the busiest time of the year, is entirely unfair and impractical, Shaheen said in a Friday statement. New Hampshire doesn't collect a sales tax, and our small businesses shouldn't have to bear this burden for other states.\nJoining Shaheen in sponsoring the bill are fellow New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan and Oregon Democratic Sens. Jeffrey A. Merkley and Ron Wyden. Those four senatorssent a letterto the Senate leadership in November, arguing for the passage of legislation akin to S.B. 3275 before the current session ends Jan. 3.\nIn their letter, the senators said federal lawmakers should grant a reprieve to businesses that face the possibility of complying with thousands of taxing jurisdictions nationwide. Wyden doubled down on that stance in a Friday statement.\nAction by Congress is the only way to give small businesses more time to prepare for this new and disastrous internet sales tax regime, Wyden said.\nSeveral states that have alreadyenacted remote sales tax lawsor rules began taxing out-of-state transactions earlier this year, with more eyeing Jan. 1 as their remote tax rollout date. Not all of those states share the same small business exemptions, with nexus parameters ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 in annual sales into a state per year.\nThe bill's $10 million annual sales threshold would give way to congressional approval of an interstate compact that contains bright-line nexus thresholds and simplifies the process of registering, collecting and remitting the tax. Currently, 24 states are members of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, which simplifies the tax regimes of its participants. However, it is not universal among states and has never been ratified by Congress.\nCraig Johnson, executive director of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, did not return a phone call seeking comment Monday.\nThe bill's text mostly represents a blend of two bills Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. has introduced to theU.S. House of Representativesin the last three months, with the chief difference being the date the proposed remote tax ban would be lifted.\nIn September, Sensenbrennerfiled H.R. 6824, which called for a Jan. 1, 2019, start date for remote tax and included the same $10 million small-seller exemption and interstate compact ratification included in the senators' bill. In late November, he introduced H.R. 7184 to bar states from taxing any remote sales that occurred prior to the date the Wayfair opinion was issued. Neither of those bills have had a hearing.\nChristopher Krepich, a spokesman for Sensenbrenner, told Law360 via email Monday that the congressman would support S.B. 3275 if it passed the Senate, and believes there is still enough time for lawmakers to act if the measure is fast-tracked in the session's waning weeks.\nNone of the senators responded to a question asking if they expected the bill to have a hearing by the Senate Finance Committee before the session ends.\n--Additional reporting by Maria Koklanaris. Editing by Neil Cohen.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-applauds-2018-farm-bill-senate-passage", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Farm Bill That Includes  Major Investments for Wisconsin Farmers and Rural Communities", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Farm Bill That Includes  Major Investments for Wisconsin Farmers and Rural Communities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan legislation includes improved risk management tools for dairy farmers, grants for Dairy Business Innovation, mental health resources for farmers and provisions to combat fraudulent organic imports\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today voted in favor of the final bipartisan Farm Bill and praised the Senate for passing the legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support. The final 2018 Farm Bill includes several key priorities authored by Baldwin to support Wisconsin farmers and help boost Wisconsin's agriculture economy. The legislation now must pass the House of Representatives before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\r\nWisconsin farmers are a key driver of our agriculture economy and the backbone of our rural communities, but right now our farmers are facing a perfect storm of challenges that have threatened their businesses and our communities, said Senator Baldwin. I've met with farmers across Wisconsin and I brought their concerns and ideas to Washington to make sure the Farm Bill works for our Wisconsin farmers. I've worked for strong investments and reforms in the 2018 Farm Bill to support our hardworking farmers, and ensure they have the tools to be successful and move our state forward. It's time for Congress to get the job done and get this bipartisan legislation to the President's desk.\r\nReforms authored by Senator Baldwin and included in the final legislation are summarized below.\r\n\r\nImproving Tools for Wisconsin's Family Dairy Farmers\r\nWisconsin's dairy farmers are facing extremely challenging times with low dairy prices, an oversupply of milk in the region, unfair trade barriers from Canada, market loss in Mexico and broader trade uncertainty. The 2018 Farm Bill makes substantial improvements for dairy farmers, building on the $1.1 billion investment made in the Bipartisan Budget Act, which assisted farmers facing enormously difficult market conditions.\r\nSenator Baldwin fought to substantially update the dairy tools so that they address the challenges Wisconsin farmers are facing. Baldwin worked with her colleagues and secured bipartisan agreement to sunset the Margin Protection Program and replace it with an updated safety net program, Dairy Margin Coverage. This new program will provide higher coverage levels to better reflect the costs farmers face to produce milk, and provide more affordable rates. Farmers who used the Margin Protection Program when it was failing to adequately respond to the downturn in dairy prices will be eligible for a refund or credit for the premiums they paid.\r\nAdditionally, dairy farmers will be able to utilize multiple risk management tools at the same time, making it possible for them to better adjust to changing market conditions. Specifically, farmers may enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage and the Livestock Gross Margin program or other dairy insurance products at the same time. This addresses a key gap in risk management tools for Wisconsin dairy farmers.\r\nIn addition, Senator Baldwin's Dairy Business Innovation Act was included in the Farm Bill to support dairy product innovation and address oversupply by providing resources to help cheesemakers and other dairy businesses get their start, develop new products and expand markets.\r\n  \r\n\r\nSupporting More Resources for Farmers in Crisis\r\nWashington has been slow to recognize the challenges that farmers are facing and the daily stressors that they experience during difficult years. Senator Baldwin'sbipartisan FARMERS FIRST Actwas included in the Farm Bill and will provide funding for local mental health resourcesand expand access to stress reduction strategies and suicide prevention programs for people who work in agriculture.\r\n  \r\n\r\nStanding Up For Organic Farmers and Consumers by Cracking Down On Fraudulent Organic Imports\r\nWisconsin is home to over 1,200 organic farmsthe second highest number in the countryand our organic farmers work extremely hard to make sure their products meet strict U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Senator Baldwin worked to include her Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act to crack down on fraudulent foreign imports that claim to be organic but do not meet the USDA standard, and also ensure that American consumers are getting the high quality, organic food they expect.\r\n  \r\nInvesting in Rural Economic Development for Wisconsin's Small Towns and Rural Communities\r\nThe 2018 Farm Bill includes investments in rural economic development to expand high-speed internet to more rural areas, combat the opioid crisis, support rural emergency medicine, improve rural drinking water and boost rural small businesses.\r\nSafe drinking water is a priority for every community and is essential to the health and economic vitality of Wisconsin's rural communities. Senator Baldwin secured language from her Rural Water Infrastructure Improvements Act to support more rural areas and make sure they have access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation. The Farm Bill reauthorizes USDA's water and wastewater loan and grant program and increases the maximum amount of financing available for these infrastructure projects from $100,000 to $200,000.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8C76693A-47B6-47C9-9B47-6A7531C08DCA", "Johnson Statement on Farm Bill", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said the following Tuesday regarding his vote on the farm bill:\r\nOnce again, senators were forced to vote on a farm bill' where nearly 80 percent of the spending was directed to SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program. Eight years into a recovery, with unemployment at historically low levels, 13 percent of the population is still on food stamps. This is a level of participation normally experienced during recessions and high unemployment. I will continue to support Wisconsin's farm families and fight for their ability to sell their goods at fair prices around the world, but I will not support a farm bill' in name only that does not include needed reforms to a runaway spending program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/general/speaker-ryan-calls-farm-bill-passage-leadership-press-conference", "Speaker Ryan Calls for Farm Bill Passage at Leadership Press Conference", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Summary: This morning at the House Republican leadership press conference, Speaker Ryan discussed how we can build on recent economic progress by passing the farm bill conference report, which includes reforms to the integrity of federal benefits programs to encourage work.\nOpening Statement:\nWe're coming up on one year since the tax reform bill was made into law.\nIn that time, we have seen unemployment hit record lows, we have seen economic confidence hit record highs.\nMillions of jobs have been created. Businesses have upped their investments.\nWorkers have seen bigger paychecks, workers have seen bonuses, they've seen better benefits.\nNow we have another chance to build on this progress.\nJust yesterday it was reported that there are more than seven million open jobs right now. Seven million jobs, open for Americans to take.\nThere are so many opportunities, but too few people able to take advantage of them.\nNow we have a chance to help people off of the sidelines, get the right skills, and get into the workforce.\nIt's a perfect time to get people out of poverty, into lives of self-sufficiency, into good-paying jobs and careers.\nThe House and the Senate reached an agreement on the final farm bill.\nThis bill strengthens work requirements and boosts work supports, so that more people are spurred toward opportunities.\nI want to thank Secretary Perdue for his lead on this issue. He spoke to us today in our conference. This bill ensures that he can do his part on workforce development.\nI want to thank Chairman Conaway, and all the members of the House Agriculture Committee, for their commitment to getting this across the finish line.\nThis farm bill delivers on the certainty and support that our farmers need.\nAnd this bill includes very important forestry management reforms that are important to guard our communities against health risks like wildfires.\nSo, this is an effort that is a great step in the right direction.\nIt will help us get people out of poverty, into careers, into skills, and this is something we should be passing and putting on the president's desk momentarily.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-welcomes-progress-criminal-justice-reform-legislation", "Speaker Ryan Welcomes Progress on Criminal Justice Reform Legislation", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONFollowing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) announcement that the Senate will consider the FIRST STEP Act during the 115th Congress, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement:\nThis is very welcome news. As the House has already demonstrated, we are committed to making substantive reforms to our criminal justice system. Years of work here and around the country have gotten us to this point. This is about redemption, and giving many Americans another chance to achieve a more fulfilling future. I encourage the Senate to act swiftly on this legislation, and the House stands ready to get it done.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-announces-198-million-grant-brown-county-interchange", "Gallagher Announces $19.8 Million Grant for Brown County Interchange", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Mike Gallagher announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award Brown County a $19.8 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to help fund the State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and County Highway VV Interchange Project. Over the last year, Rep. Gallagher has been in contact with DOT to help secure the grant money. Click here to read his letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao in support of Brown County's grant application.  Congressman Mike Gallagher: This is incredible news for our region. The nearly $20 million in grant money will be a significant driver of economic development and jobs for not only Hobart and Howard, but for all of Brown County. I was proud to help secure this critical funding and I'm excited to see the project move forward. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao: The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life. Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach: Congressman Gallagher went to bat for Northeast Wisconsin by securing funding that will help continue our growth and economic development. Background: This project will eliminate the STH 29 and County Highway U intersection, and replace the existing State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and County Highway VV intersection with a full-access interchange intersection which will include: sidewalks, striped on-street bicycle lanes, and roundabouts at the ramp terminals and nearby intersections. In addition to transportation benefits, the project will enable fiber/broadband extension to rural Brown County, which will facilitate economic development and job creation, improve accessibility to Pulaski schools, and enhance emergency responsiveness to the area.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3058", "Trump Attacks Legal US Immigrants with Public Charge Rule Change", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen decrying President Trump's latest attack on legal immigrants and their children. The full letter is available here.  The letter was submitted as a public comment on the Trump Administration's Proposed Rule, Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds, which would expand the list of federal programs considered in the public charge determination to include non-cash assistance programs established by Congress to protect individuals and families from poverty, provide a basic living standard, and support work.  The Trump Administration's proposed rule serves no purpose other than to terrify immigrants, refugees, and their families, said Congresswoman Moore. The changes contradict Congressional intent and threaten access to essential health, nutrition, and security for millions of vulnerable families. I will not stand by and allow the Trump Administration to continue these hateful scare tactics, and I am proud to join with many of my democratic colleagues pushing back against this harmful proposal.  In today's letter, Congresswoman Moore wrote in part: The Proposed Rule would have dire consequences for immigrant families who have been part of our communities for decades, while being assured repeatedly by U.S. immigration officials that partaking in benefit programs would not hinder their eligibility to become lawful residents. The authority to institute such drastic changes in law resides solely with Congress, not the Administration. It is a contradiction of our American values to wreak havoc in the lives of millions who help weave our diverse cultural and economic framework. Congresswoman Moore, whose district, WI-04, has a large number of immigrant families, urges Secretary Nielsen to withdraw the proposed rule in its entirety. \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                                    Twitter|Facebook|Snapchat|Instagram|Website", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3059", "Rep. Moore's Bill Honoring Vel R. Phillips\u2019s Legacy is Signed into Law", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Moore's Bill Honoring Vel R. Phillips's Legacy is Signed into Law \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        Monday,\r\n        December 10, 2018\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      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Last week, Congresswoman Gwen Moore's (WI-04)bill to designate the US Post Office located at 2650 North Doctor Martin Luther King Drive in Milwaukee as the Vel R. Phillips Post Office Building was signed into law. \r\nVel Phillips inspired profound activism in the City of Milwaukee. Her movement influenced the congressional fair housing debates and led to the enactment of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. As the first Black official elected to Milwaukee's Common Council and the first Black member of the Democratic National Committee, Vel was also a prolific trailblazer. \r\nVel was a soldier for civil rights. She paved the road of change and lifted up our city's dream for equality and prosperity for all. Today, I stand on her shoulders and take solace knowing that her legacy of love, service, and commitment now will be memorialized in Milwaukee, said Congresswoman Moore. I believe Vel would be honored to know that her representatives in Washington worked together, across aisles and chambers, to celebrateher legacy in our great city.\r\n\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://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/disability-activists-at-senator-gardner-s-christmas-party-get-picture-but-no-promises", "Disability Activists At Senator Gardners Christmas Party Get Picture But No Promises", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Erik Maulbetsch of the ColoradoTimes Recorder\r\nColorado Senator Cory Gardner had a few unexpected guests at his annual Christmas party Friday eveningat the Brown Palace Hotel.\r\nIn addition to the usual gathering of elected officials and Republican party volunteers, several disability rights activists with the groupAtlantis ADAPT joined the festivities.\r\nThe group wanted Gardner to grant them a meeting to discuss his reason for being the only member of the Colorado congressional delegation who has not yet signed on to the Disability Integration Act (S. 910).\r\nThe bipartisancivil rights billwas introduced by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D- New York) and U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI). As of August the bill has 24 Senate and 114 House co-sponsors. It would protect the rights of disabled people who require Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) to live and receive services in their own homes, rather than being forced into institutions.\r\nDawn Russell, one of the activists pictured below (center), confirmed that they received a photo with Gardner, but no firm promise on sponsorship or a date for an in-person meeting. Prior to the Friday, they talked with Gardner's state director Andy Merritt, whom they say promised to follow up with the group this week.\r\nGardner and his staff know the ADAPT activists well. Russell was among thosearrested and forcibly removedfrom Gardner's office last year, along withJordan Sibayan (right).\r\nBesides the ADAPT activists, Senator Gardner's party attendees included a number of prominent elected officials. Outgoing Secretary of State Wayne Williams, outgoing Congressman Mike Coffman (R  CO06), and outgoing Senate President Kevin Grantham (R- Caon City) all attended. Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D  CO07) also dropped by.\r\nIn years past the evening has typically featured speeches by Senator Gardner and others. Gardner delivered his speech via video last year as he was stuck in Washington. This year however, despite a microphone and stand set up in the suite, not one speaker addressed the crowd.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wmtv-baldwin-legislation-to-improve-access-to-maternity-care-passes-senate", "WMTV: Baldwin Legislation to Improve Access to Maternity Care Passes Senate", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-statement-farm-bill-conference-report", "Speaker Ryan Statement on Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) today issued the following statement on the farm bill agreement reached by the House and Senate:\nRural America is at the heart of our way of life. Our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities count on agriculture policy that delivers certainty and support, and this farm bill achieves that goal. This bill strengthens work requirements for our federal nutrition benefit programs, and uses savings to better train andequipour workforcereforms we have long sought to help more Americans move from welfare to work. Now we need to build on this, which is why it is important that this bill ensures Secretary Perdue can continue his work on this critical issue.\nThis bill will also help keep communities safe by reducing catastrophic wildfire risk and will provide more timber management tools at the state, county, and tribal levels. I am thankful to Chairman Conaway and the members of the House Committee on Agriculture for all the work they have put into this legislation. This is a good day for American producers and families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/internet-gambling-addiction-is-a-looming-crisis", "Internet gambling addiction is a looming crisis", "2018-12-08", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: John Kindt, Opinion Contributor to The Hill\r\nIn her Nov. 28 presentation at Liberty University, First LadyMelania Trumpstated that the opioid epidemic was the worst drug crisis in American history.\r\nThe Trump administration even appeared to signal that opioids/addictions needed to be treated as a socio-economic security issue because Melania's trip entourage included Homeland Security SecretaryKirstjen Nielsenand Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.\r\nSimilar to the bipartisan issue of opioid addiction, the looming crisis ofinternet gambling addiction is now getting renewed attention.\r\nOn Sep. 27, House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and InvestigationsChair James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) held a hearing on internet sports gambling,which he followed with a pointed Nov. 15 letterto the Department of Justice (DOJ) asking what actions DOJ proposes to initiate on the matter.\r\nSenate Minority Leader Charles Schumer(D-N.Y.) andSen. Orrin Hatch(R-Utah) have also raised parallel concerns.\r\nJeopardizing millions of families, internet gambling addiction is currently thefastest growing addictionamong kids, high schoolers and college students because of real-time 24/7 sports gambling on cell phones and video games.\r\nYoung gamblers are notoriously unaware that most internet gambling is illegal in the United States, as exemplified by the case where aUniversity of Wisconsin honor studentlost over $72,000 in tuition money on illegal internet sports gambling, killed three young men in the bookie's apartment and thereafter committed suicide.\r\nThe United Kingdom has legalized more types of electronic gambling than the United States, and therefore,U.K. reports for Novemberare illustrative of anticipated comparable U.S. numbers within the next 2 to 4 years.\r\nThe U.K. Gambling Commission reported that 1 in 7 children ages 11 to 16 (U.S. = 2.2 million kids) gamble regularly, which is more than those who have smoked, taken drugs or consumed alcohol  reflected in a 400-percent increase over 2 years in the numbers of kids becoming addicted and problem gamblers.\r\nVia social media, 1 in 6 boys reportedly followed betting brands, and in this age group about 1 million kids (U.S. = 500,00 kids) had explored internet gambling via smartphone apps and video-game loot boxes.\r\nAmong the European Union, the almost universal trend of countries is to declare loot boxes illegal, but comparable U.S. safeguards have been legislatively paralyzed by the gambling industry.\r\nAs implied in Sensenbrenner's DOJ letter, the gambling industry has used its legal clout in recent years to negate congressional legislative safeguards on gambling, and U.S. kids will be victimized.\r\nFirst, the DOJ decided administratively not to enforce the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). Second, a dubious 2011 DOJ memorandum reinterpreted U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy's 1961 Wire Act, which was passed to fight organized crime.\r\nThird,the gambling industrygot the U.S. Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) neutered by the U.S. Supreme Court via a 10th Amendment argument inMurphy v. NCAA, 584 U.S. (2018).\r\nFor two decades, the congressional bipartisanU.S. National Gambling Impact Study Commission, as well as the U.S. medical and psychological communities, have delimited electronic sports gambling as the crack-cocaine for addicting new gamblers  particularly kids.\r\nThe commission also concluded that internet gambling was impossible to regulate and could only be prohibited.\" While opioids and illegal drugs may be found on street corners, illegal internet gambling will soon be available everywhere  via in-your-face, real-time gambling on every cell phone and video game.\r\nIn the U.K., 8 percent of the 2018 advertising market is gambling advertising,which is seven times more than Proctor and Gamble spends.\r\nDespite seven U.S. state attorneys general initiating legal actions against illegal daily fantasy sports in 2015, a couple of DFS operators together were the largest U.S. advertisers for 2015.\r\nWithout new U.S. safeguards, millions of American and international kids will continue to be targeted bythe gambling industry and will become gambling addicts, creating enormous social and economic costs. A bipartisan Congress needs to act quickly to eliminate the surging specter of 24/7 sports gambling.\r\nJohn Kindt is professor emeritus at the University of Illinois, teaching law and economics. He is senior editor of the multi-volume United States-International Gaming Report.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-thanks-general-john-kelly-his-service", "Speaker Ryan Thanks General John Kelly For His Service", "2018-12-08", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement thanking General Kelly forhis service as White House chiefof staff, following the announcement of his departure:\nJohn Kelly is a patriot. Service to America is part of his DNA, and our country is better for his duty at the White House. During this time he has become a dear friend and trusted partner. He was a force for order, clarity, and good sense. He is departing what is often a thankless job, but John Kelly has my eternal gratitude.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/jim-sensenbrenner-urges-va-secretary-to-take-immediate-action-on-underpayment-of-gi-bill-benefits", "Jim Sensenbrenner urges VA Secretary to take 'immediate' action on underpayment of GI Bill benefits", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Bill Glauber of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel\r\nU.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner called on the Department ofVeterans Affairsto \"take aggressive and immediate action,\" in the wake of a computer glitch that led to veterans receiving incorrect GI Bill housing stipends.\r\nThe Menomonee Falls Republican made public Friday a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.\r\nThe agency has had difficulty implementing a \"Forever\" GI Bill that expanded education benefits. One key change involvedhow veterans' housing allowances are calculated.\r\nThe VA's information technology system had difficulty applying the new formula for the housing allowance and payments were delayed.\r\n\"Many of these veterans were forced to either pay housing costs out of pocket or faced eviction,\" Sensenbrenner wrote. \"Those whose claims were approved often received smaller benefit payments than what they required to pay expenses.\"\r\nSensenbrenner said that on Nov. 28 the VA told congressional staff that the agency \"would not be repaying veterans who received smaller GI Bill payments.\" The next day, a VA spokesman said the vets harmed by the glitches \"would be made whole,\" according to Sensenbrenner's letter.\r\nSensenbrenner told Wilkie:\"I am requesting that your department take aggressive and immediate action on this issue by reaching out to those who use the GI Bill and make clear your intentions to reimburse all who were damaged by your technology glitch in full.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/president-george-h-w-bush-an-environmental-protection-legacy", "President George H.W. Bush: An Environmental Protection Legacy", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As appears on JD Supra\r\nA quick pop quiz.\r\nWhat do Newt Gingrich, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Barton, Henry Waxman, Jim Inhofe, Ed Markey, Jim Sensenbrenner, Chuck Schumer, and Fred Upton have in common?\r\nThe answer is provided by the League of Conservation Voters.\r\nThis combination of Democrats and Republicans all voted for the final passage of the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act.\r\nThe enactment of arguably one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in United States history would not have occurred without the management and support of former President George H.W. Bush and his Administration.\r\nThe passing of George H.W. Bush has resulted in remembrance of the skill in which he managed important foreign policy issues such as Desert Storm and the ending of the Cold War. However, a sometimes overlooked aspect of President Bush's single term in office is his work in developing and enhancing federal environmental protection programs.\r\nNational environmental organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund do not normally praise Republicans these days on environmental matters. However, they noted President Bush's passing and stated:\r\n \r\n. . . President George Herbert Walker Bush will be remembered for a great many proud achievements and outstanding qualities. He knew that our country matters far more than political party or personal ambition, and that the national interest demands that we protect America's precious natural heritage. And he knew that there is no inherent conflict between environmental progress and economic progress.\r\n \r\nThe first Bush Administration accomplished environmental goals in diverse ways.\r\nFrom an environmental legislative standpoint, President Bush and a bipartisan Congress on November 15, 1990, enacted amendments to the Clean Air Act. Air related issues addressed by the amendments included:\r\n \r\nAcid Rain\r\nUrban Smog\r\nHazardous Air Emissions\r\nOzone Layer\r\nExpanded (Title V) Permitting Requirements\r\n \r\nCertain aspects of these programs were innovative and precedent setting. An example are the provisions intended to drastically reduce acid rain. A market-based system of marketable pollution allowances was created. This program has dramatically reduced sulfur dioxide emissions with a corresponding decrease in acid rain. There has clearly been a reduction in damage to water quality in lakes and streams along with ecosystems and forests because of acid deposition.\r\nAn equally important achievement by the Bush Administration was undertaken pursuant to Executive Action.\r\nIn 1989 the Bush Administration established the National Policy of No-Net Loss of Wetlands. This imposed upon the Clean Water Act 404 program a requirement that each newly impacted quantity of wetlands must be replaced with a wetland of the same size and with similar wetland functions/values.\r\nWhile the definition of what constitutes a jurisdictional wetland continues to be a subject of intense debate, the no-net loss policy remains in place  and is not the subject of serious debate. In view of the importance of wetlands to both public health and the environment (i.e., protection and nurturing of many species of plants and animals, storing floodwaters, filtering pollutants, serving as a carbon sink, providing recreation sites, etc.) this was clearly an important achievement.\r\nI will end this post by quoting another national environmental organization. The National Resources Defense Council stated, in commenting on the President's passing:\r\n \r\n. . . George H.W. Bush left a legacy all Americans share with every breath we take. As President, he led efforts to pass one of the most successful environmental packages in history, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wbay-baldwins-bipartisan-legislation-to-spur-small-business-investment-heads-to-presidents-desk", "WBAY: Baldwin's Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Small Business Investment Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wzaw-us-senator-tammy-baldwin-calls-on-congress-to-pass-the-farm-bill", "WZAW: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Congress to Pass the Farm Bill", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-announces-nearly-20-million-for-brown-county", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Nearly $20 Million for Brown County Highway Project", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Nearly $20 Million for Brown County Highway Project \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Federal funds will upgrade Wisconsin Highway 29 to improve transportation efficiency for Brown County businesses and families\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin successfully secured nearly $20 million in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant funding for a Brown County highway project that will improve local transportation efficiency and access for Wisconsin residents and families. The federal grant is being provided through DOT's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program that will fund improvements and upgrades on Wisconsin Highway 29.\r\nThe State Trunk Highway 29-County Highway VV Interchange Project will replace County Highway VV with a new interchange on Wisconsin Highway 29 that will include sidewalks, bicycle lanes and roundabouts near its ramp terminals and nearby intersections. This project will improve transportation network efficiency and economic growth throughout Brown County. It will enhance mobility for families as well as goods, and expand access to broadband.\r\nI strongly support transportation and economic development projects that strengthen Wisconsin communities, said Senator Baldwin. I worked to secure federal funding for this project to support economic development in Brown County and enhance transportation accessibility and mobility for Wisconsin residents and families.\r\nSenator Baldwin's efforts are greatly appreciated in helping maintain Brown County as one of the fastest growing economies in the state, said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has supported strong funding for DOT programs that prioritize transportation investments and upgrades, including the BUILD program.\r\nThe BUILD Grant Program funds projects that support the revitalization of roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports and intermodal transportation throughout the country.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/improving-access-to-maternity-care-act-passes-senate", "U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Lisa Murkowski\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Maternity Care in Rural and Underserved Areas Passes Senate", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Lisa Murkowski's Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Maternity Care in Rural and Underserved Areas Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The legislation will help ensure women have better access to timely, high quality maternity care by identifying provider shortage areas in rural and underserved communities\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are praising the Senate passage of their bipartisan Improving Access to Maternity Care Act that will help reduce maternity care shortages by identifying areas lacking maternal health professionals to help incentivize providers to practice in these underserved, often rural areas. The legislation has already passed the House and now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\nToo many communities around Wisconsin are still facing a shortage of qualified, maternity care professionals and services. I've heard from other expecting mothers across the state who can't find a maternity care provider in their community and are forced to drive over an hour for their appointments  often putting their lives and their babies' lives at risk, said Senator Baldwin. This bipartisan legislation will identify shortages to better target resources so providers can deliver the care that expecting mothers in Wisconsin so desperately need  no matter where they live. I'm proud to have led this bipartisan effort with Senator Murkowski to ensure that healthier pregnancies lead to healthier babies, and I'm looking forward to the President signing this bill into law.\r\nPicture this: you're a woman in rural Alaska facing a high-risk pregnancy. To help ensure the safety of your baby, you must fly hundreds of miles away for care adding stress to an already overwhelming situation. Because of the cost of transportation and housing, your family and loved ones aren't able to be with you, so you spend the remaining weeks of your pregnancy and your delivery alone, said Senator Murkowski. This is a sad but true reality for many parts of Alaska, which lack any form of access to maternity care -- services that some parts of the U.S., perhaps, take for granted. I am proud that my Senate colleagues supported our legislation to improve access to these types of services which will increase overall safety, reduce rates of pregnancy-related deaths, and lower healthcare costs, long-term.\r\nTheImproving Access to Maternity Care Actdirects the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to identify maternity care shortage areas that may be used by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). The NHSC is critical to filling workforce shortages in underserved areas, with over 9,200 Corps clinicians delivering services to about 9.7 million people across the US. Currently, ob-gyns are recognized under the primary care shortage designation, which fails to adequately address shortages in maternity care.\r\nHRSA already collects data on shortages of primary care, dental care and mental health care providers, and this reform will require HRSA to start collecting data on shortages of maternity care providers as well, to help better target resources where they are needed most. By identifying maternity care needs within existing shortage areas, the United States can begin to fill the gap in maternity care access. This legislation is critical to facilitating a better understanding of where the serious maternity care shortages are located and to subsequently direct health care providers to those communities.\r\nTheImproving Access to Maternity Care Actis endorsed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), the March of Dimes, and the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).\r\nLearn more about the bipartisanImproving Access to Maternity Care Act here.\r\nText of the legislation isavailable here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-applauds-nauert-un-nomination", "Speaker Ryan Applauds Nauert U.N. Nomination", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement on the nomination of Heather Nauert to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations:\nPresident Trump has made an excellent selection by nominating Heather Nauert to be U.N. ambassador. As one of the United States' strongest voices on the global stage, Heather will seamlessly transition to the country's top diplomat at the U.N. Janna and I have known and respected Heather for many years, and we look forward to all that she will accomplish at the U.N. as an advocate for freedom, liberty, and human rights.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-announces-winners-2018-congressional-app-challenge", "Gallagher Announces Winners of 2018 Congressional App Challenge", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Mike Gallagher announced that Wesley Jochman and George McCray from Fox Valley Lutheran High School won the 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District. Wesley and George created the Spartan Encryption app to securely store people's sensitive information, such as logins and passwords. Their work comes at a critical time as individuals and businesses in Northeast Wisconsin and across the U.S. are experiencing an increasing number of cybersecurity breaches. In a video congratulating Wesley and George on their winning app, Rep. Gallagher highlighted the importance of their work to the future of America's national security: Particularly as we think about our country's long-term competition with other countries like China, it's incredibly important that we maintain our technological edge. Our open economy and innovative spirit have been important sources of our strength relative to our competitors, and it's absolutely critical that we maintain them. I salute Wesley and George for being among the best and the brightest to work on these challenges, and I look forward to seeing their future innovative ideas. Click here for video of Rep. Gallagher discussing the app challenge.  Click here for video of George and Wesley explaining their app. Background: The annual Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide effort to spur interest in coding, STEM, and computer-science education among middle and high school students. Congressional App Challenge winners will be invited to Washington, D.C. in the Spring of 2019 to showcase their apps at the #HouseofCode event in the U.S. Capitol.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/mass-of-christian-burial-for-bishop-robert-c-morlino", "Mass of Christian Burial for Bishop Robert C. Morlino", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Kevin Wondrash of the Catholic Herald\r\nMADISON --A Corporal Work of Mercy has been performed for the late Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison.\r\nThe fourth bishop of the Diocese of Madison was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Madison on December 4.\r\nHe now lies with all of the preceding shepherds of this diocese.\r\nBishop Morlino died on November 24 at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in Madison.\r\nA few days prior, the bishop was undergoing planned medical tests when he suffered what doctors described as \"a cardiac event,\" and he never recovered.\r\n Paying respects \r\nThe final farewells to Bishop Morlino began on December 3 when his body arrived at Holy Name Heights.\r\nHis casket was carried through the lobby, into the Bishop O'Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel, while staff members of the Diocese of Madison and related offices lined up to welcome the body.\r\nThe casket was then placed in the chapel where the bishop laid in state in the afternoon and into the evening as a cross section of the Diocese of Madison and beyond lined up to take their turns viewing the body.\r\nThe vigil was concluded with a vespers service in the chapel, presided over by Bishop Paul J. Swain of Sioux Falls, S.D.\r\nBishop Swain was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Madison and later served as vicar general to Bishop Morlino being named the Bishop of Sioux Falls, where he has served since 2006.\r\nIn a homily during the service, Bishop Swain expressed his concordances to the diocese and reflected on his relationship with Bishop Morlino.\r\n\"Your faith will sustain you during these challenging times,\" Bishop Swain said.\r\nHe recalled the first time he met Bishop Morlino, after he was named Bishop of Madison in 2003, and called him \"a genial man who seemed a bit surprised at his sudden change of assignment\" after serving as the Bishop of Helena, Mont.\r\n\"I grew to admire Bishop Morlino's fine intellect, his robust sense of humor, his love for the Church and the priesthood, and his courage to speak the truth with a colorful turn of phrase. Especially his gentleness and caring nature, not widely known.\"\r\nHe noted while their personalities were different, \"we hit it off, immediately\".\r\nBishop Swain also recalled when, while he served as rector St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison, it was burned down by a \"troubled man.\"\r\nHe said Bishop Morlino showed his \"gentle self\" by cooking dinner for Bishop Swain on the night of the fire.\r\nHe then told of when he and Bishop Morlino both visited the arsonist in jail, where they both prayed for the man and accepted his apology in the name of Jesus Christ.\r\n\"It was a humbling experience,\" said Bishop Swain, noting the damaged cathedral could be seen from a window where they met the man.\r\nAssisting Bishop Swain with the service were Transitional Deacons Steve Brunner and Lawrence Oparaji. The Sisters of Mary Morning Star provided music.\r\nFollowing vespers, Bishop Morlino's body was taken to St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison in preparation for the next day's funeral.\r\n Funeral and burial \r\nOn the morning of December 4, visitation for the late bishop continued as mourners paid their respects ahead of the Funeral Mass later that morning.\r\nWith the main church already expected to be full of the bishop's friends, staff members, and supporters, extra seating was set up in the narthex and social hall at St. Maria Goretti for a total of 1,700 people in attendance.\r\nA live stream of the Funeral Mass was set up in the social hall for the overflow crowd to view.\r\nFollowing the morning visitation, the Mass began with Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee, who celebrated the Mass, presiding over a sprinkling of the casket with holy water and placing the pall over the casket.\r\nThe procession into Mass was led by Knights of Columbus, along with the Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, priests of the Diocese of Madison and guest priests, Archbishop Listecki and visiting bishops, and diocesan seminarians. Recently ordained priests of the Diocese of Madison served as pallbearers processing in with Bishop Morlino's casket.\r\nOther dignitaries at the funeral included U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville; U.S. Representative-elect Bryan Steil; U.S. Representatives Sean Duffy, Glenn Grothman, and Jim Sensenbrenner; Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney; and Madison Police Chief Mike Koval.\r\nWhile Archbishop Listecki said a prayer over the casket, a crucifix was placed on top of it, where it stayed during the Mass.\r\nReaders for the Mass were longtime friend of the bishop Malcolm Harkins, who attended Bishop Morlino's first Mass as a Jesuit, and William Yallaly, chancellor of the Diocese of Madison. Sam Galvin was the cantor. Transitional Deacon Austin Steffen served as Deacon of the Word.\r\nMsgr. James Bartylla, former vicar general under Bishop Morlino and current diocesan administrator, delivered the homily at the late bishop's request.\r\n\"I find myself with a very difficult task, today,\" said Monsignor Bartylla.\r\n\"Bishop gave me one instruction, regarding his funeral homily, which I plan to obey -- my last act of obedience to my beloved bishop.\"\r\nThe instruction, given to Monsignor Bartylla when Bishop Morlino asked him to deliver his funeral homily, was \"don't canonize me.\"\r\nHe continued, \"The bishop honestly thought he'd be fortunate if he made it to 'Furnace Number 57' in Purgatory.\"\r\nMonsignor Bartylla recalled the bishop's final moments, eventually leading to his death.\r\nHe called the bishop's final day a \"beautiful day\" as many people close to him came to see him for the last time.\r\n\"Never did I see the bishop look more episcopal,\" he said. \"In all his helplessness, he looked more like the consummate Churchman, trading in his jeweled miter, Roman chasuble, gold crosier, pectoral cross for a ventilator, surgical cap, and a room fill of monitors, but with the Sisters [of Mary Morning Star] chanting at his bedside and praying for him.\"\r\nMonsignor Bartylla called the bishop's death \"his final teaching moment\" as he, two other priests, and Yallaly and his wife, Bridget, were there at the bishop's side, at his death.\r\n\"It become deeper and clearer in those moments how death is really the soul just leaving the body.\"\r\nHe called it a \"blessed Catholic death\" from entering the hospital on the Feast of the Presentation of Mary to dying on the vigil of Christ the King -- a \"nice little slice of Salvation History\".\r\nLater in the Mass, before the final blessings and prayer, Archbishop Listecki made remarks about his departed brother bishop, nothing his episcopal motto \"Visus Non Mentietur,\" or \"The Vision Will Not Disappoint\".\r\n\"He wanted to direct people to the truth,\" said Archbishop Listecki.\r\nHe also noted Bishop Morlino's passion for others to love the Eucharist and that \"all of us, as Catholics realize the great gift given to us in the real presence of Christ.\"\r\nArchbishop Listecki added Bishop Morlino wanted his vision to be shared. \"He was really a tremendous trailblazer for vocations.\"\r\n\"I will miss my friend,\" the archbishop said. \"He was a true servant of the Church and fostered his life in the communities that he served for that Church.\"\r\nHe added, \"We will miss him, but have that vision, the vision which he used as a motto, that vision will not disappoint.\"\r\nFollowing Archbishop Listecki's remarks were a Song of Farewell and Prayer and Commendation, following by singing of the \"Salve Regina\".\r\nBishop Morlino's casket was processed out of the church and into the casket to be taken to his resting place.\r\nThe Bishop Robert C. Morlino Memorial Fund has been set up to memorialize the legacy of the late bishop, with a primary intention of erecting a chapel and crypt within the future Diocese of Madison cathedral building. The crypt would be intended to represent the architectural design envisioned by Bishop Morlino suitable for a cathedral building and house his tomb along with any past or future bishops of the Diocese of Madison. For more information, go tohttp://diocesemadisonfoundation.org/bishopmorlino\r\nFor more on the death of Bishop Morlino, go tohttps://madisondiocese.org/remembering-bishop-morlino", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-baldwin-to-gov-walker-do-the-right-thing-and-veto-partisan-power-grab", "Sen. Baldwin to Gov. Walker: Do The Right Thing and Veto Partisan Power Grab", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/spurring-business-in-communities-act", "U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Marco Rubio\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Small Business Investment Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Marco Rubio's Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Small Business Investment Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) today praised the Senate passage of their bipartisan Spurring Business in Communities Act that will increase the amount of start-up funding for small businesses in underserved states like Wisconsin. The House passed the legislation in May and it now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\r\nSmall businesses are the engines of our Made in Wisconsin economy and if we increase the amount of start-up funding in states like Wisconsin, we can create new jobs and grow our economy, said Senator Baldwin. Wisconsin has lagged in business start-up activity and I have worked to change that. This legislation will help carry on Wisconsin's proud history of entrepreneurship and innovation by providing more support to our small business start-ups, and I'm looking forward to the President signing this bill into law.\r\nThis bill will help to keep and encourage more investment in Florida's economy, instead of being shoe-horned into Wall Street and Silicon Valley, said Senator Rubio. I'll continue to fight for Florida's economy, and I look forward to the president signing this important bill into law.\r\nAccording to the Kauffman Foundation, one of the country's leading entrepreneurship advocacy and research organizations,Wisconsin ranked last in business start-up activityin reports released in 2017, 2016 and 2015.\r\nThe Spurring Business in Communities Act will allow more Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) to form and invest in Wisconsin, Florida and other under-licensed states to ensure government financing for small businesses does not disproportionately benefit areas already dominated by financial services.\r\nSpecifically, the legislation will:\r\n \r\nExempt SBIC applicants from under-licensed states from full capital requirements;\r\nGive first priority to new applicants from under-licensed and under-financed states; and\r\nEstablish annual reporting requirements on the Small Business Administration's progress toward increasing the geographic dispersion of SBICs.\r\n \r\nMore information about the Spurring Business in Communities Act is available here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/2018-capitol-christmas-tree", "The 2018 Capitol Christmas Tree", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONThis evening, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) participated in the annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the West Front Lawn. He was joined in lighting the 80-foot Noble Fir from the Willamette National Forest by 9-year-old Oregonian Brigette Harrington, who earned the role by winning a poem contest.The tree will be lit from nightfall until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2019. Below are the speaker's remarks as prepared for delivery:\nWhat a beautiful tree. \nWhat a beautiful occasion. \nI want to thank everyone who had a hand in pulling all of this together. \nI know it is no small task, especially when the tree comes all the way from Oregon.\nI want to thank my colleagues in the Oregon delegation: Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Kurt Schrader, and Greg Walden. And especially Peter DeFazio, for sharing a piece of his district with us. \nThis is my fourth and final time leading this event and each time the tree is more stunning.\nI will say though, we have some pretty nice trees in Wisconsin, too keep that in mind one of these years.\nBut this beautiful noble fir made a long journey, stopping in communities all across the country, so that people could share in this wonderful tradition. \nWhat a tremendous way to come together. \nThis week, our nation mourns the loss of a giant. \nAnd while his loss is a great sorrow, George H.W. Bush was also a beacon of joy. \nA few days after one of his granddaughters was born, President Bush wrote her a letter. \nHe ends the letter by saying how you can do all these incredible things in life, but even with all that,' he writes, what counts is family and love.' \nNow, he didn't necessarily write that about Christmas, but is there anything that better captures its spiritits light?\nWe celebrate Christmas year after year and somehow it never becomes less special. \nA season dedicated to wonder and faith. \nWe take our joy at the birth of a savior, heralded by angels, and we spread that joy to those in our lives. \nWe could all use a little more of that. \nSometimes, our best blessings are hidden. \nMy favorite Christmas movie is It's a Wonderful Life.' It captures this idea so well. \nI watch it every year. It's in black-and-white, so part of the tradition involves trying to convince my kids to watch it with me. \nIn the movie, George Bailey despairs he has fallen short in life. He goes so far as to imagine the world would be better off without him. \nOnly when an angel comes to him and reveals how much he is loved, how much he is worthonly then does he realize that he truly has a wonderful life.\nWe all have angels in our own lives who remind us of our blessings.\nThere is so much good, so much joy, so much compassion around us, and we simply fail to see it. \nIt's there, but hidden. \nAll it needs is just a few points of light. \nSo in a moment, we will light this tree. \nWe always try to bring in an expert to help us out with this. \nThis year, it's Brigette Harrington from Hillsboro. \nBrigette won a contest with her poem about Oregon's outdoors and what they mean to her. \nI've asked her to share a few lines. \n\nNow, it's time for us to light this tree. Brigette, let's give them a countdown five", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/house-leaders-present-mccormack-award-hugh-halpern-bernie-raimo-and-austin-smythe", "House Leaders Present McCormack Award to Hugh Halpern, Bernie Raimo, and Austin Smythe", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONAt a ceremony in the Capitol on Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) presented the John W. McCormack Award of Excellence to longtime House staffers Hugh Halpern, Bernie Raimo, and Austin Smythe. The award, named after Speaker John McCormack of Massachusetts, was created in 1970 to recognize long-time employees of the House of Representatives who have displayed dedication and bipartisanship.\nHalpern is director of floor operations for the Office of the Speaker. Raimo is counsel for the Office of the Democratic Leader. Smythe is policy director for the Office of the Speaker.\nFollowing are excerpts from Speaker Ryan's remarks at today's ceremony, as prepared for delivery:\n \nThe McCormack Award celebrates the idea that the people's House is only as good as its people: the dedicated staff who make this institution work. John McCormack was a product of South Boston who served here for 42 years. He succeeded Sam Rayburn as speaker, and led the institution during the tumultuous 1960s. His biographer described him as you would a true man of the House. He was always in the room for the big decisions, but made sure to let others take the credit. He was unfailingly kind, too. History records that his harshest insult was saying, quote, I hold the member in minimum high regard.' This award in his name, the highest that we as House leaders can bestow, celebrates longtime employees who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the institution and their commitment to bipartisanship.\n\t\t\n\t\nWhen I think about Hugh, two things that I absolutely love about this place come to mind. First, that it is a meritocracy. Hugh started as a driver and he has risen to the top of the institution. And he has done it by consistently being a behind-the-scenes guy, putting in the long hours, doing the nuts and bolts work, mentoring the next generation of staff. He really embodies the traits necessary to make this institution function. Second, Hugh really respects the vital role of the committees. It is just second nature to him to respect the input of both the majority and the minority. And frankly, we need more of that. One other thing about Hugh: He is often the guy who has to tell members no or explain, respectfully, why their great idea maybe isn't so great.' SomehowI'm not exactly sure how he smooths everything out without a problem.\n\t\t\n\t\nAs for Bernie, his reputation precedes him. Working for two committees and two Democratic leadersincluding of course a speakeris an impressive run. One story I have heard comes from Jennifer Hemingway, his counterpart in our office. Jennifer says that after she got the job, the first person to call her was Bernie. It is a small gesture, but I think it says a lot about his genuine commitment to being institutional partners. Bernie can always be counted on to provide his best counsel. If he gives his word, we can trust his word. And no matter what the decision is, he will see it through for the good of the institution. Also, Bernie is decidedly old school. He is known to be a fan of the House telephone book. So much so, that he has informed the clerk that if we were to discontinue the practice, he will have no choice but to retire.  \n\t\t\n\tWhen I called Austin to tell him he was receiving this award, he said, Hey, that's great!  What is it?' If you know Austin, that really captures who he is. There is no ego about him, no expectation of recognition. He embodies service above self.' It is why, when I started at the Budget Committee as ranking member, the very first thing I did was lure him from OMB to be my staff director. And we have been working together ever since. Austin is one of those people who is always in the room for the big decisions. You can implicitly trust him to know the particulars, and work to get to yes. And when the work is done, there is no victory lap. He always moves right on to the next thing. As we speak, he is probably thinking about the next four corners' meeting he has to get to. Austin is someone I consider a kindred spirit. I could not be more honoredas speaker and just as a friendto present him with this award.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/honoring-a-great-man", "honoring a great man", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Sean Duffy", "D000614", "duffy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends, \n  On Friday, November 30, our 41st President, George H.W. Bush, died at the age of 94. \nPresident Bush was an incredible man who dedicated his entire life to serving our country. He served as a naval aviator in World War II. He was a man of faith, humility, and undying optimism for our nation's future. Rachel and I continue to pray for the Bush family and friends. May the Lord may comfort them in this time of mourning. \nHis funeral can be viewed LIVE by clicking HERE. It begins at 10am central today. \n  I wanted to share with you a few touching moments from the last few days, as America honors the memory of a great man. \n \nPresident Bush's Service Dog \nHere is a picture of President Bush's faithful service dog, Sully. Click HERE or the image below to share the picture of this faithful yellow lab. \n\n\nBob Dole's Salute \nSenator Bob Dole, also a World War II veteran, stood to salute President Bush as 41 was lying in state in the United States Capitol.\nClickHERE or the image below to \"like\" and SHARE this incredible moment. \n\n\nHonor President Bush's Memory On Facebook \nClick HERE or the image below to \"like\" and SHARE on Facebook. He was an incredible man, and we will never forget his dedication to service and his love of country.\n\n\n\nUntil next week! God bless,\nSean Duffy", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3049", "Rep. Gwen Moore Statement on GOP Power Grab", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Gwen Moore", "M001160", "gwenmoore.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Gwen Moore Statement on GOP Power Grab \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        Wednesday,\r\n        December 5, 2018\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      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  In response to the Wisconsin State Legislature's passage of sweeping lame-duck legislation restricting the powers of incoming Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement:\r\nVoters sent Tony Evers and Josh Kaul to Madison with a clear mandate. Their election should have triggered a peaceful transition of power; instead, Wisconsin Republicans have disgraced the state in a midnight legislative session more befitting of a strong man dictatorship than the United States of America.\r\nThe legislators who engineered this coup retained the majority of the legislature, despite getting fewer overall votes than the Democrats, due to highly gerrymandered district lines. Their actions amount to a smash and grab hijacking of the voters' will. In my over 30 years of public service, I have never witnessed a power grab as shameful and blatant as this in Wisconsin.\r\nThis power grab is a direct threat to our state's democracy. As Wisconsinites, we must stand strong in the face of greed and intolerance to overcome this period of darkness and begin our return to Wisconsin's progressive roots.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                        ###\r\n                        Twitter|Facebook|Snapchat|Instagram|Website\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    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/a-president-has-passed", "A President has passed", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Sarah Weihert of the Lake Mills Leader\r\nWhen a notable public figure passes away, especially a former president, I think we all take a moment to breath, think back and remember.\r\nI don't remember George H.W. Bush from his time in the White House, I was born the year before he assumed the presidency, but I do remember him.\r\nI did realize as a I sat down to write this that I didn't know that much about him, so I did what any intrepid journalist of Millennial age would do. I Googled him.\r\nI was impressed to learn Bush postponed his university studies after the attack on Pearl Harbor to enlist in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday. He became one of the youngest aviators in the Navy. After the war he attended Yale and moved to Texas where he became a millionaire in the oil business by the age of 40.\r\nBefore becoming President, Bush was a U.S. Representative, Ambassador, Director of Central Intelligence and the 43rd Vice President of the United States under President Ronald Ragan.\r\nAfter leaving office in 1993, Bush was activeoften alongside his former opponent Bill Clintonin humanitarian activities. With George W. Bush's victory in the 2000 presidential election, Bush and his son became the second fatherson pair to serve as president, following John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Bush's second son, Jeb Bush, served as the 43rd Governor of Florida and sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.\r\nGov. Scott Walker ordered flags at half-staff through Dec. 30 in honor of the former President and said in 1988 he cast his first vote for President for him. I am proud of that vote today. He was a true gentleman and our country is better because of his service. Tonette and I send our love and prayers to the Bush family as America mourns the loss of one of our greatest patriots.\r\nCongressman Jim Sensenbrenner issued a statement Dec. 1, including a picture of him with George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush and Cheryl Sensenbrenner saying, My deepest condolences go out to the Bush family, and I join our nation in mourning the passing of George H.W. Bush.\r\nThe former president was a heroic veteran, accomplished statesman, and lifelong public servant whose sense of duty and devotion to our country stands as a shining example for all.\r\nHe lived a remarkable life, and our nation is stronger today because of him. I am grateful for his contributions to society and will keep his loved ones in my prayers. May he rest in peace.\r\nSen. Ron Johnson said, Throughout his life, George H.W. Bush fought for freedom and prosperity for all Americans. From his service in World War II as a naval aviator to his efforts organizing international disaster relief, the nation and world will never forget his years of public service.\r\nPerhaps he is best remembered by his oldest son, George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for, George W. Bush wrote in a statement. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.\r\nHis last words to his son were, I love you, too.\r\nBush decided not to go to the hospital in his final hours and said he was ready to be with his wife Barbara who died in April, and their daughter Robin, who died of leukemia as a child.\r\nLooking back at our lives here in Lake Mills and the surrounding area, it reminds us to make the most of the time we have here with our loved ones. See family and friends more often, get together even if it is just for an evening, invite someone over who you think is lonely. Just try to put a smile on someone else's face.\r\nIn his words, I will keep America moving forward, always forwardfor a better America, for an endless, enduring dream and a thousand points of light. This is my mission, and I will complete it.\r\nMission accomplished Mr. President. Rest in peace.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/johnson-backs-bill-to-delist-gray-wolf-while-baldwin-remains-noncommittal", "Johnson backs bill to delist gray wolf, while Baldwin remains noncommittal", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: WisPolitics.com\r\nA U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson spokesman says the Oshkosh Republican would back a bill aiming to delist the gray wolf in all but two states should it be taken up in the Senate.\r\nBut the office of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin didn't say whether she'd support the legislation from 7th Congressional District U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy seeking to remove the wolves from the Endangered Species Act. The bill, which cleared the House earlier this month, would lift protections for the wolves across the continental United States.\r\nA Johnson spokesman this week noted Johnson has been working on the issue for a while. Johnson in 2015 introduced a bill that would direct the Department of the Interior to reissue final rules related to the endangered listing of the gray wolf in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Wyoming. He reintroduced the legislation last year.\r\nBut a Baldwin spokeswoman in an email expressed preference for the Madison Democrat's HELP for Wildlife Act, which would delist the gray wolf in Wyoming and the western Great Lakes as well as reauthorize and provide funding for a series of conservation programs.\r\nThe spokeswoman noted Duffy's bill has not yet come up in the Senate and didn't answer whether Baldwin would vote for the Wausau Republican's legislation if it does hit the floor.\r\nThe comments follow the House passage of Duffy's Manage Our Wolves Act. The bipartisan legislation  passed on a 196-180 vote  aims to remove the gray wolf from the list of endangered or threatened species and reinstate a rule that removed the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region from the list.\r\nIf you live in Wisconsin, especially northern Wisconsin, it might be necessary for us to actually manage this population because it's good for the environment, Duffy said in a statement following the bill's passage. Frankly, I believe that our states are far more in tuned in understanding the ecosystem of their state than bureaucrats in Washington.\r\nThe legislation garnered support from U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay; Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah; and Ron Kind, D-La Crosse. U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan, D-Town of Vermont; and Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, voted against the bill, while U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, did not vote.\r\nState Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, praised Duffy's work and urged Baldwin to back the bill in a joint statement last week with Michigan Sen. Tom Casperson.\r\nTiffany this session introduced a bill that would ban police from enforcing state or federal law aimed at managing Wisconsin's wolf population. The language would also prohibit the state Department of Natural Resources from spending any money to manage wolves  other than paying claims for any losses they cause.\r\nThe Obama administration in 2012 first delisted the gray wolf in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. In 2014, the wolves were returned to the federal endangered species list after a lawsuit, resulting in the end of wolf trapping and hunting.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/madison-bishop-robert-morlino-remembered-for-having-deep-knowledge-of-catholic-doctrine", "Madison Bishop Robert Morlino remembered for having deep knowledge of Catholic doctrine", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Rob Schultz of the Wisconsin State Journal\r\n\r\nMadison Bishop Robert C. Morlino was remembered at a funeral Mass Tuesday for having a deep knowledge of Catholic doctrine and representing the bone marrow of the Church.\r\n\r\n\r\nMorlino wanted to direct people to the truth because he knew that is the path to Jesus, said Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, who presided over the nearly two-hour Mass at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church on Madison's Southwest Side.\r\n\r\n\r\nNearly 2,000 people, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, paid their final respects.\r\n\r\n\r\nMorlino, 71, died Nov. 24, after suffering what the Catholic Diocese of Madison called a cardiac event.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Scranton, Pennsylvania, native was installed as the fourth bishop of Madison on Aug. 1, 2003, and soon became known for upholding conservative Church teachings often at odds with the more liberal flock he led. Morlino publicly opposed abortion and same-sex unions and blamed the ongoing sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church largely on what he called a homosexual subculture.\r\n\r\n\r\nMonsignor James Bartylla, who worked with Morlino during his entire time in Madison, said in his homily that Morlino's steady, deep maturity and knowledge of the sacred doctrine was in sync with Jesus' spirit. That represented the bone marrow of the church, Bartylla said.\r\n\r\n\r\nCourageous and firm, jovial and joyful, even if not perfect, Bishop Morlino would always enjoy a good argument from his opponents, he might even invite them for a drink or a meal with him, very much to their surprise, Bartylla said.\r\n\r\n\r\nHowever, he would not accept petty, ad hominem arguments that sometimes crept their way into widely spirited debates. He'd defend sacred doctrine without hesitation.\r\n\r\n\r\nAmong the 17 bishops at Morlino's funeral were the four other bishops from Wisconsin as well as Minneapolis-St. Paul Archbishop Bernard Hebda and retired Archbishop John C. Nienstedt. Also in attendance were U.S. Reps. James Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, Sean Duffy, R-Wausau, and Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah, along with Brian Steil, who will take over Ryan's congressional seat in January.\r\n\r\n\r\nDane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney and Madison Police Chief Mike Koval also attended the service.\r\n\r\n\r\nBartylla told the packed church that when Morlino asked him to deliver the homily at his funeral it came with one simple order: He said, Don't canonize me.'\r\n\r\n\r\nSo Morlino's loyal vicar general, who was elected to run the diocese until a new bishop is selected by Pope Francis, mentioned in his homily that he wished his boss had exercised more and had a stronger diet. That may have prevented him from dying so early, he said.\r\n\r\n\r\nBartylla also said that he grew frustrated with Morlino's lack of interest in managing day-to-day administrative things. But Bartylla described how that frustration melted away whenever he tried to confront Morlino face-to-face. He was treated no differently than everyone else who had an issue with him.\r\n\r\n\r\nIt's the charming, jovial personality combined with grace in office, Bartylla said. That's a powerful tool for a bishop.\r\n\r\n\r\nMorlino used that tool to achieve the goals he set for the diocese, including increasing the number of men ordained to the priesthood.\r\n\r\n\r\nMorlino's last official act as bishop was one of mercy for someone who had been critical of Morlino and the Catholic Church, Bartylla said. That wasn't unfamiliar to us, he said in his homily.\r\n\r\n\r\nBill Van Wagner, 27, of Madison, who will be ordained as a deacon Friday at St. Paul's Catholic Church, said Morlino provided strong answers to heavy moral questions millennials have been asking for years.\r\n\r\n\r\nI think a clear authoritative speaker like Bishop Morlino, who presented the message of the Gospel with this courage, but also with a great kind of a jovial spirit, was very attractive because it was instructive, it was helpful, he said. I think popular culture and secular culture offers answers that aren't as satisfactory as the answers that Bishop Morlino gave.\r\n\r\n\r\nMorlino had been a friend of the Van Wagner family for years. Van Wagner recalled how Morlino, the academician, loved the challenge of debating issues most important to him with some of the greatest liberal minds in Madison and elsewhere  and how Morlino reveled in making statements that he knew would stir the emotions of his detractors.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen Van Wagner's sister, Mollie, died from a drug overdose in September, Morlino was the first person outside of the family to call him. Van Wagner recalled Mollie's death was hard on Morlino, too, because he often prayed with the family during Mollie's roller-coaster journey with drug abuse. We just chatted on the phone for 10, 15 minutes and he just let me cry a little bit and then he expressed his fatherly care, Van Wagner said.\r\n\r\n\r\nIt was the last substantive chat Van Wagner had with Morlino. I think it's a good testament to who he was because he really cared, Van Wagner said.\r\n\r\n\r\nSioux Falls Bishop Paul Swain told a similar story during his homily at a prayer vigil for Morlino Monday night at Holy Name Heights.\r\n\r\n\r\nSwain recalled how Morlino was a source of comfort to him after St. Raphael's Cathedral  where Swain was pastor  was reduced to ashes in March 2005 at the hands of an arsonist.\r\n\r\n\r\nHe cared about me as a person and all the others who were involved, too, Swain said after the vigil. He didn't let the sadness of it all get in the way of his relationship with me and with others even though it was hard for him, too.\r\n\r\n\r\nSwain also recalled how he went with Morlino to the Dane County Jail to visit William J. Connell, who admitted to setting the fire at the cathedral. Morlino was a great fan of St. John Paul II, who visited the man who tried to assassinate him, Swain said. I think that's a lesson that he picked up  that we're all troubled, we're all sinners in some way.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/new-us-betting-bill-would-require-fed-approval-of-state-legislation", "New US betting bill would require fed approval of state legislation", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Steven Stradbrooke of CalvinAyre.com\r\nA draft of a new US federal sports betting bill would allow the US Attorney General to potentially veto state-level legislation, while also requiring bookmakers to use official league-supplied data for wagering purposes.\r\nThe new draft legislation, first spotted byESPN scribe David Purdum, is the first significant effort toreinstate some level of federal controlover betting since the US Supreme Court struck down the federal betting prohibition this spring.\r\nPurdum reported that the bill had emerged from the office of SenatorOrrin Hatch(R-UT), who is set to retire after the current lame duck session of Congress. Hatch (pictured) has previously secured the public support of Rep.Chuck Schumer(D-NY), while Rep.Jim Sensenbrenner(R-WI) recently promised a legislative response to the federal betting disempowerment was in the works.\r\nWith Hatch set to exit the political scene when the lame duck session concludes, he may not have the clout with which to push through something as controversial as a betting bill. Some Republicans may also find the bill an uncomfortable reminder of the states' rights issues that brought about the demise of the previous federal betting bill. But for argument's sake, read on\r\nNONE SHALL PASS  The draft bill's most striking element is the requirement for all state-level sports betting legislation to be submitted to the US Attorney General for approval. The AG would have 180 days in which to mull things over, and could veto any legislation that didn't meet minimum standards. Even if the AG okays a bill, the state would have to apply for its renewal every three years.\r\nIt's unclear from the draft whether this inspection would apply retroactively to states that had already approved their regulated betting markets prior to the new federal bill's passage. Seven states have already launched legal wagering markets in the six months since the Supreme Court decision.\r\nDATA IN, DATA OUT  State-licensed betting operators would be required to use officialleague-supplied datafor wagering purposes, at least until December 31, 2022. After that date, an operator could potentially use legally obtained data that offers substantially similar speed, accuracy, and consistency to that of the league-supplied product.\r\nOperators would also be required to provide anonymized sports betting information to a nonprofit national sports wagering clearinghouse,' a central registry for ensuring no country-wide suspicious betting patterns emerge. The info is to be submitted in real time or as soon as practicable, but not later than 24 hours after a wager is placed with the operator.\r\nOperators would also have to file suspicious transaction reports to the national clearinghouse and cooperate with any subsequent state or federal investigations of these transactions. The clearinghouse would also control a national register of excluded bettors, be they self-excluded or barred from betting because of some sketchy behavior.\r\nThe 0.25% cut of wagering handle that the federal government currently claims via excise tax would now be folded into a wagering trust fund.' This fund would be used for running the clearinghouse and other wagering-related programs.\r\nWIRE ACT BE DAMNED  The draft would amend the 1961 Wire Act  which bans the transmission of wagering info over state lines  to permit operators to lay off' wagers with books in other states. This would be done by allowing interstate sports wagering compacts with other states and Indian tribes involved in gaming in those states. These compacts would also be subject to the AG's approval.\r\nBAD HOMBRES  The draft also takes aim at internationally licensed online sportsbooks that compete with state-licensed operators by targeting registrants of nondomestic domain name[s] used by an internet site dedicated to unlicensed sports wagering and any owner or operator of an internet site dedicated to unlicensed sports wagering accessed through a nondomestic domain name.\r\nPayment processors would be required to prohibit transactions between unauthorized betting sites and US residents, while websites would be forbidden from accepting advertising promoting unauthorized sites.\r\nThe draft also includes a version of the infamous bad actor' clause, which in this case, would prohibit states from licensing any betting operator who accepted wagers from US residents after the 2006 passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.\r\nThere's even a clause that suggests international operators could be targeted for enforcement action if they offer unlicensed sports wagering on sporting events that take place in the United States, which appears to bar any international operator from taking wagers on US sports from anyone, not just US residents. The US really does put the extra' in extraterritorial jurisdiction, don't they?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/state-betting-laws-could-be-vetoed-under-leaked-federal-bill", "State betting laws could be vetoed under leaked federal bill", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: iGaming Business\r\nUS states would be required to have betting legislation approved by the US Attorney General and purchase official major league data under plans for federal oversight outlined in a leaked Congressional draft bill.\r\nThe comprehensive legislation would force states to apply for approval from the Attorney General when implementing new sports betting laws and regulations. However it does not specify if this would be required retrospectively for those states where betting is already legal and regulated.\r\nIn a nod to the sports leagues and those lobbying for integrity fees, all operators would be required to use official league data until at least 2023. A National Sports Wagering Clearinghouse would be founded to monitor for any unusual betting patterns, while the Sports Bribery Act of 1964 would be strengthened by criminalising the act of betting based on non-public information.\r\nLooking beyond state borders, the draft bill would alter the Wire Act of 1961 to allow sportsbooks to operate across state lines through compacts.\r\niGamingBusiness.comunderstands the 37-page discussion draft was drawn up and circulated in the US Senate.\r\nThe document is neither titled or dated and it is unclear who precisely the author has sought to discuss it with. Some media reports suggest the author was retiring Utah Senator Orrin Hatch (pictured), one of the authors of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 1992 who announced plans to progress federal legislation immediately after its repeal in May. Hatch, who is to retire at the end of this month, has yet to comment on the document.\r\nResponding to the leak, the American Gaming Association (AGA) reiterated its support for state autonomy in betting regulation.\r\nSince the Supreme Court's ruling in May, the AGA has consistently maintained that federal legislation regarding sports betting is not necessary, said Chris Cylke, AGA's vice president of government relations.\r\nThat underlying position remains unchanged. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with policymakers considering sports betting legislation at any level of government.\r\nIn May, Hatch described his fears of a Wild West world of sports gambling following the devastating repeal of PASPA.\r\nAlready looking to federal governance of sports betting he said in a statement: Through balanced legislation, I believe we can create federal standards that not only align with constitutional principles but also uphold the integrity of the sports we love.\r\nWhile some have pointed to Hatch as the author of the bill, its text is similar to plans outlined in abriefing by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in August. At the time Schumer proposed a requirement that all sportsbooks only use official league data.\r\nThe leak comes two months after thePost-PASPA: An Examination of Sports Betting in America' hearing on Capitol Hill, when organisations such as the AGA and National Football League (NFL) were among those to give testimony to the Judiciary Committee.\r\nIn his closing remarks, hearing chair Jim Sensenbrenner suggested that the federal authorities must have some involvement in the oversight of betting across the country. For Congress to do nothing is the worst possible alternative,\" he said.\r\nFollowing the repeal of PASPA, seven states now have legal, state-regulated sports betting industries, with Pennsylvania and Rhode Island the most recent market entrants.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallaghers-statement-inf-treaty", "Gallagher's Statement on INF Treaty", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today CongressmanMike Gallagher, member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statementafter Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Russia is in material breach of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. \"Secretary Pompeo deserves enormous credit for today's announcement. Not only are we moving forward on INF in a way that makes clear Russia is the party acting in bad faith, but we are doing so in close coordination with our NATO allies. Although we did not realize it at the time, we know from former Obama administration officials that Russia began testing INF-prohibited ground-launched cruise missiles in 2008. Every year since 2014, the State Department has found Russia to be in violation of its INF obligations. Meanwhile, China has never been part of the treaty and has amassed an arsenal over 2,000 ballistic and cruise missilesabout 95% of which fall under INF ranges. These missiles are far cheaper than our ships and planes, meaning we are increasingly priced out of the competition. Recognizing these realities, my amendment to the FY19 NDAA gave the president until January to make a final determination of whether Russia is in material breach of its INF obligations. In the event of a positive material breach determination, the amendment set a path to exit the treaty. Today, Secretary Pompeo delivered an unequivocal finding that Russia's actions constitute a material breach of INF. If Russia fails to verifiably return to its obligations under the agreement, in 60 days, the US will suspend its compliance with the treaty. Just as importantly, our NATO allies have released a unanimous statement concurring with the administration's assessment of Russia's material breach. So let's be clear: this is not a unilateral step away from arms control. This is a consensus finding coordinated with our allies. We'll see what happens in 60 days. But for now, all Americans should take heart that we are holding Russia accountable for its actions and paving the way for a more secure future in the Indo-Pacific, all while working closely with our allies.\"\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/with-female-genital-mutilation-ban-gone-we-need-new-legislation-to-protect-at-risk-girls", "With female genital mutilation ban gone, we need new legislation to protect at-risk girls", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "500,000 girls in the U.S. are at risk of female genital mutilation. With a ban on the practice struck down, we need new legislation to protect them. \r\nFor more than two decades, underage girls in this country have been federally protected from the horrific practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). The ritualistic cutting or removal of a young girl's external genitalia is an anachronistic act that occurs mostly in parts of Africa, the Middle Eastand a few countries in Asia.Last month, during a trial of aMichigan doctor accused of performing FGMon nine minor girls, a federal judge ruled that thelaw banning FGM is unconstitutional. Now, Congress and the states must act immediately to re-enact FGM protections.\r\nFGM is decried internationally for its cruelty.It is denounced by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as aviolation of basic human rightsand a form of child abuse. At its most basic, this practice is rooted in the desire to control a woman's sexuality. Physicians worldwide agree that FGM is medically unnecessary, and the procedure poses physical, sexual, and psychological dangers for the young victims. These girls, sometimes only a few days old, are subjected to an act that will have a profound negative effect on their lives.\r\n Michigan ruling was misguided \r\nIn the Michigan case, the defendants were charged under the 1996 statute that banned FGM on minors.In their motion to dismiss, the defense claimed that Congress had overstepped its constitutional authority by enacting this statute. Judge Bernard Friedman agreed with this position and ruled the law unconstitutional.\r\nJudge Friedman's ruling rests on his belief that Congress, under principles of federalism, lacks the authority to prohibit this activity under the Commerce Clause because it is not a commercial activity. I share those views in some respects. And perhaps, Congress should address the judge's concerns to make clear the federal aspect of this crime. But this ruling is nevertheless misguided and wrong.\r\n\r\nJudge Friedman is too quick to dismiss the interstate market for this horrid procedure. In his decision, he rejects the comparison of the FGM marketplace to that of other illicit goods, like marijuana or child pornography. But in his view, because there are only a small number of alleged victims and not billions of dollars at stake, there is no real market for FGM.\r\nThis reasoning fails on two fronts.First, this case absolutely demonstrates an interstate marketplace.Five of the victims weretransported across state linesfor the sole purpose of undergoing this mutilation. A relatively small marketplace is still a marketplace.Second, while there are the nine victims in this case, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2012 that there are likely more than 500,000 women and girls in the United States who areat risk of being victims of this procedure. Today these women are now at a greater risk as a result of this ruling.\r\n We need to protect at risk girls \r\nThe Trump administration should appeal this decision immediately.This law has protected girls from FGM for 22 years.To accept this ruling without contention would be a dereliction of our duty to protect our young girls from this this abuse.\r\nWithout a federal ban in place,FGM is now legal in 23 states. Unless these states act swiftly to ban the practice, more of America's young girls remain at risk. While Judge Friedman suggests that FGM can be prosecuted under existing assault statutes, this especially barbaric form of child abuse  being masqueraded as a religious practice  deserves to be addresses explicitly in our criminal code.\r\nFor my part, I intend to introduce legislation early next year to reinstitute a federal ban on this practice. The message should be clear to the women and girls of America  they are protected from this barbaric practice.\r\nCongressman Jim Sensenbrenner represents Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District. He is a former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and current Chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.\r\nYou can view this piece online here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-announces-funds-to-rebuild-improve-rural-water-infrastructure", "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Over $51 Million to Rebuild and Improve Rural Water Infrastructure in Wisconsin", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Over $51 Million to Rebuild and Improve Rural Water Infrastructure in Wisconsin \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t USDA funds will be used to improve access to clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems for homes and businesses in Wisconsin rural communities\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is announcing more than $51 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development funding to help rebuild and improve water infrastructure in Wisconsin communities. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has supported strong funding for infrastructure projects through USDA's Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program and is working to reauthorize the program in the 2018 Farm Bill.\r\nUSDA Rural Development will provide $34,822,000 in loans and $16,547,000 in grant funding for seven water and wastewater projects in Wisconsin.\r\nSafe drinking water and reliable water infrastructure are priorities for every Wisconsin community and are essential to public health and the economic prosperity of our state. Too often, small rural communities lack the resources to solve our most pressing water challenges, said Senator Baldwin. I worked to secure these strong investments to make sure that our rural communities across Wisconsin have access to clean drinking water, and safe and improved water infrastructure.\r\nUSDA is providing the funds through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. The funding can be used for drinking water, storm water drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.\r\nThe USDA funding was awarded to the following Wisconsin communities:\r\n \r\nCity of Waupun: $27,611,000 in loans and $9,479,000 in grants for water distribution and storm water drainage system improvements, including the addition of a phosphorus removal system making use of new technology.\r\nVillage of Reedsville: $1,049,000 in loans and $802,000 in grants for water distribution system improvements; and $1,275,000 in loans and $813,000 in grants for sanitary sewer system improvements.\r\nVillage of Tennyson: $1,628,000 in loans and $2,591,000 in grants for water and sanitary sewer system improvements.\r\nVillage of Albany: $983,000 in loans and $676,000 in grants for water system improvements.\r\nVillage of Blanchardville: $1,876,000 in loans and $1,453,000 in grants for water distribution and sanitary sewer system improvements.\r\nVillage of Radisson: $400,000 in loans and $733,000 in grants for a new well and elevated water tower to meet residential and industrial needs after an existing well was shut down due to lead.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Press Release", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/photo/five-photos-41s-lying-state-ceremony", "Five Photos from 41's Lying In State Ceremony", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President George Herbert Walker Bush became just the 12th president to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda yesterdaya solemn honor that brought his family, members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and military leaders together like no other service could. At 94 years of age and with 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, he lived a full life of service: to others and to his country. As Speaker Ryan said in his eulogy, President Bush was \"a great leader and a good man...his memory will belong to glory.\"\n1. The Bush family, Vice President and Second Lady Pence, and Speaker and Mrs. Ryan stand inrespect as President Bush's casket enters the Capitol Rotunda.\n2. Speaker Ryan offers his condolences to President George W. Bush.\n3. America's military and political leaders bow their heads in prayer in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.\n4. President Bush's flag-draped casket sits atop a woodenboxknown as a catafalquethe same one that President Lincoln laid upon during his state funeral.\n5. From high above in the Rotunda, a bird's eye view shows a steady stream of visitors who have traveled from all corners of the country to pay theirlast respects to President George Herbert Walker Bush. May God bless him.\n  More:\n To watch the full hour-long service, click here.\n\tTo watch Speaker Ryan's five-minute eulogy, click here.\n\tTo see that photo that Speaker Ryan mentions in his eulogy of both Presidents Bush after 9/11, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-on-republican-attempts-to-override-will-of-wisconsin", "Pocan Statement on Republican Attempts to Override Will of Wisconsin Voters", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Mark Pocan", "P000607", "pocan.house.gov", "pocan", "https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MADISON, WI (December 3, 2018) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement regarding Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee taking up legislation today aimed at weakening the authority of incoming Democratic officials.\n\n\"Wisconsin Republicans' shameful and undemocratic last-minute attempt to override the vote of the people is more becoming of a third world dictatorship than the birthplace of Fighting Bob La Follette and it must be stopped. Jamming the last days of the legislative session with voter suppression legislation and attempts at undermining the agenda of a newly elected Governor and Attorney General is a blatant attempt to override the vote by the people of our state.\n\n\"Republicans had eight years of the Scott Walker Administration to enact laws if needed, but instead, they waited until the last minute of an exiting administration to make an unconstitutional push for more power. As a former Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance, I know that fast-tracking these bills is not only wrong to do, but also shows how wrong the Republicans know these actions are. By rushing these bills, Republicans know they are attempting to deceive the people.\n\n\"Wisconsin voters spoke on November 6, electing Democrats to the Governor's and Attorney General's offices, as well as other offices up and down the ballot. Governor Walker, Majority Leader Fitzgerald, and Speaker Vos should immediately reverse course and stop seeking to crack down on voting rights, thwart the incoming administration, and shove through laws that will have long-lasting damaging effects on Wisconsin families.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/johnson-backs-bill-to-delist-gray-wolf", "Johnson backs bill to delist gray wolf", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: WisPolitics Capitol Report\r\nA U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson spokesman says the Oshkosh Republican would back a bill aiming to delist the gray wolf in all but two states should it be taken up in the Senate.\r\nBut the office of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin didn't say whether she'd support the legislation from 7th CD U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy seeking to remove the wolves from the Endangered Species Act. The bill, which cleared the House earlier this month, would lift protections for the wolves across the continental United States.\r\nA Johnson spokesman this week noted Johnson has been working on the issue for a while. Johnson in 2015 introduced a bill that would direct the Department of the Interior to reissue final rules related to the endangered listing of the gray wolf in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Wyoming. He reintroduced the legislation last year.\r\nBut a Baldwin spokeswoman in an email expressed preference for the Madison Democrat's HELP for Wildlife Act, which would delist the gray wolf in Wyoming and the western Great Lakes as well as reauthorize and provide funding for a series of conservation programs.\r\nThe spokeswoman noted Duffy's bill has not yet come up in the Senate and didn't answer whether Baldwin would vote for the Wausau Republican's legislation if it does hit the floor.\r\nThe comments follow the House passage of Duffy's Manage Our Wolves Act. The bipartisan legislation  passed on a 196-180 vote  aims to remove the gray wolf from the list of endangered or threatened species and reinstate a rule that removed the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region from the list.\r\nIf you live in Wisconsin, especially northern Wisconsin, it might be necessary for us to actually manage this population because it's good for the environment, Duffy said in a statement following the bill's passage. Frankly, I believe that our states are far more in tuned in understanding the ecosystem of their state than bureaucrats in Washington.\r\nThe legislation garnered support from U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay; Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah; and Ron Kind, D-La Crosse. U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan, D-Town of Vermont; and Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, voted against the bill, while U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, did not vote.\r\n\r\nState Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, praised Duffy's work and urged Baldwin to back the bill in a joint statement last week with Michigan Sen. Tom Casperson.\r\nTiffany this session introduced a bill that would ban police from enforcing state or federal law aimed at managing Wisconsin's wolf population. The language would also prohibit the state Department of Natural Resources from spending any money to manage wolves  other than paying claims for any losses they cause.\r\nThe Obama administration in 2012 first delisted the gray wolf in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. In 2014, the wolves were returned to the federal endangered species list after a lawsuit, resulting in the end of wolf trapping and hunting.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/weau-senator-baldwin-working-to-improve-access-to-maternity-care-for-wisconsin-moms", "WEAU: Senator Baldwin Working to Improve Access to Maternity Care for Wisconsin Moms", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "WI", "Tammy Baldwin", "B001230", "www.baldwin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/general/how-watch-today-s-us-capitol-ceremony-president-george-hw-bush", "How to Watch Today\u2019s U.S. Capitol Ceremony for President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The late President George H.W. Bush will lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda from today through Wednesday morning. At 5:00 p.m. ET, the Bush family and friends, the vice president, members of Congress, and members of the administration will gather for a service honoring President Bush. At 7:30 p.m. ET, the Rotunda will open to members of the public so they may pay their respects.\nThe Capitol service will include eulogies by the vice president, speaker, and Senate majority leader. Congressional leadership and the vice president will participate in the laying of wreaths.\nPresident Bush lived an exemplary life of service to this country. The last president to serve in combat, he served as a pilot in the United States Navy in World War II, flying more than 50 combat missions and earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. He spent decades as a public servant, beginning in the House of Representatives and serving as ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China, director of Central Intelligence, and vice president. He was the dedicated husband of 73 years to the late First Lady Barbara Bush and the patriarch of the Bush family.\nLying in state is a rare honor authorized by Congress and given to those who have devoted their lives to military or public service to our nation. Just 27 individuals have lain in state or in honor in the Capitol, with the most recent being late Senator John McCain following his passing earlier this year. Congress has also honored the unknown soldiers of World War I, World War II and the Korean War, and of the Vietnam Era. President Bush's casket will lay upon the catafalque constructed in 1865 to support that of President Abraham Lincoln as he laid in state in the Rotunda.\nWATCH: The Capitol service and public viewing will be live on speaker.gov/live beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-s-remarks-honoring-life-president-george-hw-bush-3", "Speaker Ryan\u2019s Remarks Honoring the Life of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, President George H.W. Bush was honored in a service at the United States Capitol. The ceremony marked the arrival of his casket to the Capitol Rotunda, where the late president will lie in state until Wednesday. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) spoke to recognize President Bush's legacy of service, strength of character, and the indelible mark he left on our nation's history.\nSpeaker Ryan's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are as follows:\nAs Americans, we have no more solemn duty than laying a great patriot to rest.\nHere lies a great man.\nTo the Bush family:\nOn behalf of the whole HouseRepublicans and Democratswe are profoundly sorry for your loss. And we are honored to celebrate this wonderful life with you.\nLike so many, I feel a personal debt of gratitude today. The 1988 campaign was the first one I was involved in.\nWe handed out literature at the Janesville Craig Cougars ball games.\nI remember going to this big rally on the Miami of Ohio campus the day after the first debate. The whole experience really drew me into politics.\nHe was the first president I had the chance to vote for.\nAnd he was the first president to teach me that in a democracy sometimes you fall short. And that how you handle that is just as important as how you win.\nAn old preacher once said:\nGrace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.\nGlory is transcendent in the life of our republic. This Rotunda is a trumpet call to glory, tributes to the giants all the way up to the sky.\nGrace is different, more elemental. It is not larger than life; it is the stuff of lifethe connective tissue in a free society. It deepens the well of our common humanity.\nThroughout his life of service, President Bush personified grace. His character was second to none.\nHe reached the heights of power with uncommon humility.\nHe made monumental contributions to freedom with a fundamental decency that resonates across generations.\nNo one better harmonized the joy of life and the duty of life.\nThere is that indelible image of him as commander-in-chief during the Gulf War waving to a sea of troops during a visit over Thanksgiving.\nThere are the images of him as a devoted husbandthat twinkle in his eye Barbara always brought outespecially in those big family photos in Kennebunkport.\nThere is the image of him as a loving father reaching out to hold his son's hand at the National Cathedral after 9/11.\nAnd there is the letter he wrote to his children on the last day of 1990, as he wrestled with the decision over Operation Desert Storm.\nHe begins by recounting the family Christmas, and apologizes if he seemed distracted.\nI tried not to be, he writes.\nThen, for about a page, he elaborates on his struggle over sending young Americans into harm's way.\nTwice in the letter, he writes that every human life is precious.\nOn the original copy, he adds by hand a note wishing the family a happy new year.\nIn consequential times, George Herbert Walker Bush demonstrated the finest qualities of our Nation and humankind.\nA great leader and a good man.\nA gentle soul of sturdy resolve.\nHe showed us that how we live is as important as what we achieve.\nHis life was a hymn of honor.\nHis legacy is grace perfected.\nHis memory will belong to glory.\nGod bless the 41st president of the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-is-a-hipster-and-her-green-new-deal-could-be-a-political-winner", "Flags ordered to half-staff in honor of 41st President", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: CBS 58 Newsroom\r\nMADISON, WI (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has ordered flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff beginning December 1, in honor of former President George Herbert Walker Bush. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on December 30, 2018.\r\nUpon learning of the passing of the former President, the Governor issued the following statement.\r\nSo sorry to hear of the death of President George Herbert Walker Bush. In 1988, I cast my first vote for President for him. I am proud of that vote today. He was a true gentleman and our country is better because of his service. Tonette and I send our love and prayers to the Bush family as America mourns the loss of one of our greatest patriots.\r\nWisconsin Senator Ron Johnson issued this statement via email and twitter.\r\nThroughout his life, George H.W. Bush fought for freedom and prosperity for all Americans. From his service in World War II as a naval aviator to his efforts organizing international disaster relief, the nation and world will never forget his years of public service.\r\nIn a tweet, Senator Tammy Baldwin said of the former President.\r\n\"I have a lot of respect for President George H.W. Bush's lifetime commitment to serving our country. His humility and kindness serve as an example for all who follow him in public service. My thoughts are with the entire Bush family.\"\r\nWisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner issued this statement after learning of the death of the former President.\r\n\"My deepest condolences go out to the Bush family, and I join our nation in mourning the passing of George H.W. Bush. The former president was a heroic veteran, accomplished statesman, and lifelong public servant whose sense of duty and devotion to our country stands as a shining example for all. He lived a remarkable life, and our nation is stronger today because of him. I am grateful for his contributions to society and will keep his loved ones in my prayers. May he rest in peace.\"\r\nFormer Wisconsin Governor and Health and Human Services Secretary under George W Bush issued this statement on the death of the elder President Bush.\r\nToday we mourn the loss of a leader who has long-served as a shining example of selfless leadership and compassion. George H. Bush held a steadfast belief in a greater calling, underlined by his service to our country as a World War II hero, public servant, elected official and through countless philanthropic efforts. There was President Bush, a man of great character that our nation truly admired and also the George Bush whom was genuine, sincere and quick-witted that I was fortunate to call a friend. The loss of George H. Bush weighs heavy, may the example he set inspire tomorrow's leaders.\r\nThe 41stPresident of the United States died Friday in Houston. He was 94-years-old.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/sensenbrenner-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-h-w-bush", "Sensenbrenner Statement on the Passing of  Former President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Brookfield, WICongressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) issued the following statement after the death of the 41st President of the United States, President George H.W. Bush:\r\n\"My deepest condolences go out to the Bush family, and I join our nation in mourning the passing of George H.W. Bush.\nThe former president was a heroic veteran, accomplished statesman, and lifelong public servant whose sense of duty and devotion to our country stands as a shining example for all.\nHe lived a remarkable life, and our nation is stronger today because of him. I am grateful for his contributions to society and will keep his loved ones in my prayers. May he rest in peace.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6B591A28-1E9C-4729-B446-369BDA910854", "Johnson Comments on Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Ron Johnson", "J000293", "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stevens Point, Wis.  U.S. Senator Ron Johnson said the following Saturday in response to the news of the death of former President George H.W. Bush:\r\n\r\nThroughout his life, George H.W. Bush fought for freedom and prosperity for all Americans. From his service in World War II as a naval aviator to his efforts organizing international disaster relief, the nation and world will never forget his years of public service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/president-george-hw-bush-lie-state-united-states-capitol-rotunda", "President George H.W. Bush to Lie in State in the United States Capitol Rotunda", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) today announced that the late President George H.W. Bush will lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda.\nA bicameral arrival ceremony will be held for President Bush on Monday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. ET.\nThe public is invited to pay their respects from Monday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. ET until Wednesday, December 5, at 7:00 a.m. ET.\nThe Bush family will provide additional details regarding arrangements beyond the Capitol ceremony.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/statement-passing-president-george-hw-bush-0", "Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Paul Ryan", "R000570", "www.speaker.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONThis morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement:\nGeorge H.W. Bush was a man for all seasons. He was great in his impact, making the world safer and freer. He was great in his character, leading with decency and integrity. A war hero and statesman, the country is inspired by his example.\nLike so many Americans, I admired President Bush not only for how he served, but for how he lived. He took pride in being a family man. The affection he showed for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was so endearing. His 73 years of marriage to Barbara marks a long and beautiful love story.\nPresident Bush best demonstrated the qualities he once described as those little touches of grace and affection and humor that make life sing.' His life was a hymn of honor.\nIt was in the people's House where he began his time in public office. In our sadness today, we express our deepest condolences to theBush family. We give thanks to God for the life of this patriot.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1572, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "WI", "p1": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 946, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 626, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1572, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "WI", "label": "WI", "count": 1572, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 1572, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-12-01,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Espeaker~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fstatement-passing-president-george-hw-bush-0", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WI&year=2018&_next=2018-12-01%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Espeaker~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fstatement-passing-president-george-hw-bush-0&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 867.0987980440259, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}