Press releases
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447 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "WI" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending
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| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1335 | Moore Expresses Concern Over Abuse Allegations at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake School | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By Cristina Marcos The House early Friday passed the third 2015 appropriations bill that would fund the Departments of Commerce and Justice, as well as federal science programs. Passed in a 321-87 vote, the bill would provide $51.2 billion in funding through September 2015, a reduction of nearly $400 million below the current spending level. The legislation was considered under an open rule, which allowed members to offer an unlimited number of amendments. In total, the House considered more than 80 amendments over the course of two days. Immigration entered the fray during debate of the wide-ranging measure. Late Wednesday, the House gave voice vote approval to an amendment from Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) that would boost funding for the Justice Department's Executive Office of Immigration Review, which handles immigration court proceedings. Earlier Thursday, the House adopted, 218-193, an amendment offered by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) that would provide $5 million for the Justice Department to investigate the Obama administration's release of illegal immigrants facing deportation who are also criminals. King said the current policy amounted to "de facto amnesty." Consideration of the measure further included heated debates over drug policy. Shortly before final passage, the House adopted 219-189 an amendment from Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) that would prohibit the Justice Department from allowing states to implement their own medical marijuana laws. And earlier Thursday evening, the House rejected an amendment from Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), whose state has legalized marijuana, that would cut funding to the Drug Enforcement Administration by $35 million. About $2 billion is allocated for the DEA in the legislation. The controversy over the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals' mishandling of wait times for medical care also made its way into the Commerce-Justice-Science bill. At nearly midnight Wednesday, the House gave voice vote… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2241 | Moore Expresses Concern Over Abuse Allegations at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake School | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | I fear that, without swift intervention, these inmates are at serious risk of becoming another faceless member of our seemingly endless school-to-prison pipeline. I am determined to fulfill our promise to help these youth become productive and successful members of our society. share: f t Washington, D.C. In response to alarming allegations of abuse at Lincoln Hills School for Boys and the Copper Lake School for Girls, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent the following letter to FBI Director James Comey: The Honorable James B. Comey Director Federal Bureau of Investigation 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20535 Dear Director Comey, I write to express my grave concerns about recent news reports documenting what seems to be a dangerous environment at Lincoln Hills School for Boys and the Copper Lake School for Girls in Wisconsin. I understand that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has now joined what's been described as a sweeping probe into the matter. I thank you for your attention to this matter and ask that you keep me updated on any actions taken by federal authorities. Recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel articles have described a serious situation at Lincoln Hills and the Copper Lake School for Girls. According to the Sentinel's reporting, staff members at Lincoln Hills have apparently been placed on leave after having been involved in incidents where inmates have had their arms or wrists broken. Another article by the Sentinel reported on a November 29th event in which a juvenile inmate's foot was slammed so hard in a door frame it actually required an amputation of the toes. Other troubling events have also come to light, including allegations of sexual abuse, improper use of force by staff, and violence amongst the youth population. There have also been reported incidences of suicide attempts and violence at the sister school Copper Lake School for Girls at the facility. It is paramount that a safe environment is restor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-omnibus-big-win-for-wisconsin-veterans | Bipartisan Omnibus Big Win for Wisconsin Veterans | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.15 Bipartisan Omnibus Big Win for Wisconsin Veterans As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Baldwin secured several bipartisan provisions for Wisconsin veterans and their families WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, which included several provisions Senator Baldwin championed on behalf of Wisconsin veterans and their families: I was proud to usher in this legislation which rolls back devastating budget cuts to veterans and includes many reforms that I have fought for and support. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I fought to include provisions in this legislation that would improve transparency of VA Office of Inspector General reports, strengthen protections for whistleblowers, and provide stronger oversight of the VAs prescribing practices. These are significant reforms that take a serious step in the right direction to ensure we address underlying challenges at the VA. Earlier this month, the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs passed an updated version of Senator Baldwins Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act, a bill aimed at providing safer and more effective pain management services to our nations veterans. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-GA) said Senator Baldwins bill would be viewed as one of the great accomplishments of the committee. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin championed the following provisions in the new law: Opioid Drug Abuse Prevention Funding Senator Baldwin is a strong supporter of increased funding for opioid and prescription drug abuse prevention, treatment and research programs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin led a call to strengthen federal investments to combat the growing prescription drug and opioid abuse e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-fda-recommendations-on-gay-men-blood-donation | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on FDA Recommendations on Gay Men Blood Donation | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on FDA Recommendations on Gay Men Blood Donation WASHINGTON, D.C. Today U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released final guidance that lifts the lifetime ban on blood donation for men who have sex with men (MSM) and implements a new policy requiring a year of abstinence prior to donating blood: I am encouraged that the FDA swiftly finalized this guidance to move forward and revise the discriminatory lifetime ban on blood donations. However, this is just the first step toward ending an outdated policy that is medically and scientifically unwarranted. This revision doesnt go far enough and I expect the FDA to maintain its commitment to work with stakeholders to develop better blood donor policies based on science. I will continue to push the Administration to move forward to achieve our ultimate goal of blood donation policies that are based on individual risk factors, that dont unfairly single out one group of individuals, and that allow all healthy Americans to donate. In December 2014, Senator Baldwin led over 75 Members of Congress in calling on HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell to end the outdated and discriminatory ban, and replace it by instituting a risk-based policy. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1334 | Omnibus Provides Much Needed Support for Students, Police, and Businesses | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By WiG and AP reports A rally took place on May 29 in Milwaukee to protest President Barack Obama's decision to ask his Homeland Security chief to hold off on completing a review of U.S. deportation policies until the end of the summer. The White House said the request was a move aimed at salvaging any hopes for Congress to act on immigration this year, but immigration rights activists said more deportations will lead to more raids, stings and arrests and the continued separation of families. Milwaukee-based Voces de la Frontera reported that on May 26, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and detained approximately 21 undocumented people from their homes and workplaces across Milwaukee. A demonstration took place on May 29 outside the ICE office on Knapp Street and Broadway in downtown Milwaukee to protest the arrests and the delay in reform from the Obama administration. "No family should have to endure this kind of harassment, said Silvia Juarez, whose cousin Epigmenio Martinez-Ruiz was taken this week to the Dodge County detention center. Epigmenio has no criminal record and a daughter, 8-year-old Tatiana, who is a U.S. citizen. He came to the United States before 2001, and has been working the past decade as a foundry worker in Milwaukee. Every day our office sees families like those affected by Tuesdays raids who are reeling from these attacks," said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, in a statement. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, and other members of the Congress wrote Johnson, asking him to address the problem of ICE targeting suspected undocumented immigrants at courthouses. People arriving to the court house for hearings and appearances for traffic citations or other matters are being detained for questioning and investigations that in some cases lead to deportation. My colleagues and I sent a strong message that people accessing our courthouses should be safe from profiling,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2249 | Omnibus Provides Much Needed Support for Students, Police, and Businesses | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | The FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill is not perfect, but this bipartisan compromise will keep the government functioning and is a tremendous improvement over the disastrous budget proposed by Republicans earlier this year. share: f t Washington, D.C. In response to the passage of the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: Today, I voted with my colleagues in the House to adopt the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the government for FY 2016. While this is not the bill I would have written, I am proud to report that several of my legislative priorities were included in this bill. As co-chair of the Congressional TRIO Caucus, I was encouraged to see that federal TRIO programs received an additional $60 million in funding. This additional funding will support outreach and student support services that help low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities succeed in education. Ensuring that all students, regardless of background, are able to access higher education is critical to our nation's long-term economic success. In addition, my financial services legislation, H.R. 1317, was also included in the Omnibus funding package. My bipartisan bill provides clarification of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, helping companies mitigate commercial risk and keeping prices for consumers predictable and low. This legislation helps businesses, promotes stability, and enhances opportunity for America's job creators. Finally, I am pleased to announce that the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA) received an increase of funding in the Omnibus bill. My community in Milwaukee is still reeling over the death of Dontre Hamilton, an unarmed man suffering from mental illness who was shot 14 times during a tragic encounter with a Milwaukee police officer. MIOTCRA funding can be used to help train police o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-has-key-wisconsin-priorities-included-year-end-budget | Rep. Kind Has Key Wisconsin Priorities Included in Year End Budget | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (WI-03) voted in favor of an end of year budget bill that includes a number of Wisconsin priorities that he worked over the last months to have included. With today's vote we avoided another disastrous government shutdown and gave families and businesses across Wisconsin more certainty. With this certainty western and central Wisconsin businesses will continue to grow and produce good-paying jobs in our communities, Rep. Kind stated. Additionally, I am pleased that Congress could come together in a bipartisan manner and ease the negative impact of the ongoing indiscriminate cuts to critical areas like education, job training, and Medicare. Today's budget also works to fix a number of issues I have been pushing for, including reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, increasing transparency in the VA, and providing additional funding for rail safety. Specific provisions Rep. Kind has pushed for that were included in the 2016 Budget: A $300,000 increase for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which would help improve rail safety. Find a copy of the letter Rep. Kind sent here. A number of provisions from Rep. Kind's Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015, including requiring the VA Inspector General to provide all work products to the Congress, share work products with any individual or entity that requested it, and post final reports on the IG website no later than 3 days after it is submitted in final form. Whistleblower protection to assure that VA medical staff has the same protections as other VA employees. 3 year reauthorization of Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program. In August Rep. Kind welcomed Secretary Sally Jewell of the Department of the Interior to La Crosse to tour the Mississippi River Basin and discuss the success and local impact of the Land and Water | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-chemical-safety-reform-legislation-supported-by-senator-baldwin-moving-forward | Bipartisan Chemical Safety Reform Legislation Supported by Senator Baldwin Moving Forward | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.06.15 Bipartisan Chemical Safety Reform Legislation Supported by Senator Baldwin Moving Forward Senate vote expected this Thursday to overhaul the nation's broken chemical safety law WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today applauded the fact that bipartisan chemical safety reform legislation is moving forward in the Senate this week. The comprehensive legislation, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, to overhaul the nation's broken chemical safety law is expected to be voted on Thursday in the U.S. Senate. Reform is long overdue, and I am proud to support this bipartisan bill, Senator Baldwin said. Its important that we advance protections for public health and the environment, while also ensuring that it happens at a pace that works for our manufacturing economy. This bipartisan legislation does just that and is a meaningful reform. Im pleased that we have worked across party lines on bipartisan reforms that will move forward this week in the Senate. In Wisconsin, the bipartisan legislation is supported by businesses including S.C. Johnson, BASF, Proctor and Gamble, Mattel - American Girl, Air Liquide and ChemDesign. Advocacy groups nationwide also support the bill, including March of Dimes, National Wildlife Federation, Humane Society of the United States, Environmental Defense Fund, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, American Alliance for Innovation and American Chemistry Council. The chemical safety reform legislation was introduced by Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and David Vitter (R-LA). The bipartisan bill overhauls the broken and outdated 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act for the first time in almost 40 years. Previous efforts to reform the law have died for lack of bipartisan support, but an unprecedented number of senatorsfrom liberals to conservatives, as well as stakeholders ranging from environ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-champions-made-in-america-policy-for-wisconsin-shipbuilding-suppliers | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Champions “Made in America” Policy for Wisconsin Shipbuilding Suppliers | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Champions Made in America Policy for Wisconsin Shipbuilding Suppliers WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the United States Senate passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, which included a provision championed by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, requiring the domestic manufacture of certain shipboard components, such as diesel engines, for the U.S. Navys new oiler ship, one of which will be purchased in FY16 for $674 million. This provision will help ensure a level playing field for Beloit, Wisconsin-based Fairbanks Morse Engine, which has been a key supplier of superior-performance and best-value diesel engines to the U.S. Navy for decades, as well as other suppliers in Americas shipbuilding industry. Enacting this requirement into law will provide Fairbanks Morse with an opportunity to fairly compete for propulsion work on the Navys new oiler program, which ultimately will include 17 ships in the fleet, constructed over the next 17 years. This critical provision will maintain the U.S. Navys historical and mutually beneficial relationship with the domestic shipbuilding industrial base by continuing policies that have served U.S. national security and the public interest for almost 25 years, said Senator Baldwin. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to fight on behalf of the hard-working men and women of Wisconsins shipbuilding industry who play a critical role in strengthening our Made in Wisconsin economy and our national security. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Baldwin and the U.S. Congress, the inclusion of Section 8125 in the budget will preserve critical technical skills and expertise in the United States. This provision supports the continued availability of skilled, middle class jobs in Wisconsin and Beloit, said Fairbanks Morse President Marvin Riley. We are committed to continue supplying engines and parts for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and to invest in our business, developing … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-bill-to-make-permanent-critical-tax-breaks-for-wisconsin-families-and-students | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bill to Make Permanent Critical Tax Breaks for Wisconsin Families and Students | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bill to Make Permanent Critical Tax Breaks for Wisconsin Families and Students WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a tax extenders package which makes permanent critical provisions of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). These provisions, which were set to expire in December 2017, provide critical relief for Wisconsins families and college students. In Wisconsin, more than 301,000 children in 158,000 working families benefit from the EITC and CTC becoming permanent. Wisconsin families who benefit from these tax credits could have lost an average of $1,100 per year if they had expired. At a time when Wisconsin residents are struggling to get ahead as our states economy continues to lag behind, and as student debt is at a crisis level, Im proud to support these critical investments that will continue to provide some much-needed relief for Badger State families and students, while making significant strides to reduce the disturbing levels of poverty in our communities, said Senator Baldwin. Its great news that Congress has permanently extended the improvements in tax credits for families, which are among the nations strongest tools to help working families escape poverty and achieve greater self-sufficiency, said Ken Taylor, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. These tax credits lift 5 million children out of poverty, more than any other program, and research shows they have done as much or more as welfare reform to raise employment among single mothers. Julie Kerksick, Senior Policy Advocate, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute said, "We applaud the federal legislative initiative that makes permanent the improvements that Congress made several years ago to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Both the EITC and CTC ar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-bipartisan-omnibus-bill | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan Omnibus Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan Omnibus Bill As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Baldwin secured several significant provisions for the state of Wisconsin WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, which now heads to the Presidents desk to become law: As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to help usher in this bipartisan compromise which not only rolls back the harmful, arbitrary cuts weve seen due to the sequester, but does so in a fair, responsible, and balanced way that strengthens our investments in education, the environment, infrastructure and innovation, while ensuring we provide for our national defense here at home and abroad. While I am concerned that the bill lifts the longstanding ban on exporting American crude oil and contains cybersecurity legislation that does not adequately protect privacy and civil liberties, I believe this legislation goes a long way in supporting Wisconsins middle class and working families at a time when Badger State residents are struggling to get ahead as Wisconsins economy continues to lag behind. As Congress prepares to adjourn, I remain committed to working across party lines in the New Year as I fight to move Wisconsin, and our nation, forward. (DOWNLOAD audio of this statement here.) As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin was able to secure several, significant provisions for the state of Wisconsin, some of which include investments in: Made in Wisconsin Shipbuilding Suppliers The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, included a provision championed by Senator Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, requiring the domestic manufacture of certain shipboard components, such as diesel engines,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1333 | Moore Welcomes DOJ Investigation of Milwaukee Police Department | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By Priscilla Luong MILWAUKEE-- Before he became a jeweler-- Nyajtoua Her, was a soldier in Laos. Sitting in his shop near West Allis, he still remembers what ran through his mind when the communists took over. "I'm not going to survive," said Her. Her left Laos with his family in 1978 to escape persecution. His nationality was Laotian, but his ethnicity-- Hmong, made his family targets for political oppression. "We are Hmong, we have our own group," he explained. When his family settled in the US, they sought political asylum and opportunity. "We don't know what the future is going to be," said Her, as he recalled their arrival on American soil. For Her and his family, Wisconsin-- became home. The state now has the third largest Hmong population in the US, behind California and Minnesota. This makes Hmong-Americans the largest ethnic group among Wisconsin's Asian Americans. Nearly four decades later, Hmong families are still trying to keep their heritage alive. "For us, it's even more challenging," said Charles Vang, Executive Director of the Hmong Chamber of Commerce. Many Asian cultures have a country to call home, but leaders in the Hmong-American community say for them, not so much. Aside from Laos, people of Hmong culture are spread among China, Vietnam, and Thailand. "We don't have a country," explained Vang, "and it's harder for us to keep that heritage." May marks Asian Pacific Islander Heritage month-- as the month comes to an end, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) joined other lawmakers urging President Obama to designate July 22nd Lao-Hmong Recognition Day. For Her and his family, it's a day to celebrate how far Hmong-American families have come. "I built my life from nothing," said Her, "so this is good for me and my family." To view this article online, please click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2027 | Moore Welcomes DOJ Investigation of Milwaukee Police Department | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | Moore Welcomes DOJ Investigation of Milwaukee Police Department f t # e Washington, DC, December 17, 2015 I am encouraged by Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn's decision to request this investigation, and I am hopeful that the recommendations made by the U.S. Department of Justice will help the Milwaukee Police Department better serve our community. Given the number of high profile incidences in my district, including the deaths of Dontre Hamilton and Derek Williams, change in our current system is long overdue. share: f t Washington, D.C. In response to the U.S. Department of Justice's announcement that it will launch a collaborative reform initiative with the Milwaukee Police Department, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: I am encouraged by Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn's decision to request this investigation, and I am hopeful that the recommendations made by the U.S. Department of Justice will help the Milwaukee Police Department better serve our community. Given the number of high profile incidences in my district, including the deaths of Dontre Hamilton and Derek Williams, change in our current system is long overdue. We must do everything we can to strengthen the relationship between the citizens of Milwaukee and those who have sworn to protect them. However, I remain deeply concerned about allegations of racial profiling and stop and frisk' style policies that I fear are deeply imbedded in our current policing strategy. While this Office of Community Oriented Policing Services review represents a promising step forward, it does not involve the type of in-depth legal investigation I have called for through the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. In the past, I have advocated for a full pat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-rep-bustos-include-rail-safety-funding-year-end-budget | Rep. Kind & Rep. Bustos Include Rail Safety Funding in Year End Budget | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind's and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos' request for increased funding for rail safety was included in the year end spending bill. The bill is expected to come to the House floor for a vote on Friday. I am pleased to see that Congress has taken Rep. Bustos' and my recommendation to increase funding for rail safety measures. During a derailment or spill a quick response time and access to the proper tools saves lives and property, Congressman Kind stated. While this increase in funding is a step in the right direction I would have liked to have seen additional funding. Going forward I will continue to work on additional measures to ensure our first responders have the tools they need in emergencies. "I fought to increase funding for emergency response equipment because we have an obligation to protect families in communities along rail lines," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "Last March in Galena, we saw how important it is for first responders to have immediate access to the tools they need to prevent an accident from becoming a full scale disaster. While I would have preferred to have seen additional funding for emergency response equipment, this is an encouraging step in the right direction and I will continue to fight for more resources for our communities." The 2016 budget contains funding for the various transportation safety programs and agencies within DOT. This includes a $300,000 increase for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Find a copy of the letter here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-supports-passage-bipartisan-perkins-loan-extension-house | Rep. Kind Supports Passage of Bipartisan Perkins Loan Extension in House | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan, 2 year extension of the Perkins Loan Program. Rep. Kind has been pushing his colleagues to extend the program since its expiration in September of this year. In Wisconsin's Third Congressional District we are home to fourteen colleges, technical colleges, and private universities and more than 71,000 undergraduate students, which makes affordable higher education a top priority. Today, I was pleased to join my colleagues in unanimously passing a 2-year extension to the Perkins Loan Program. Wisconsin students and families deserve to have access to affordable quality education, and I have been pushing my colleagues in Congress to extend this vital program, Rep. Kind said. Recently Rep. Kind has discussed the need to reauthorize the program with UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank and during a tour of Chippewa Valley Technical College. Additionally, in September he voted in favor of the Higher Education Extension Act of 2015, which would have extended the program without delay. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-2-year-perkins-loan-extension | House Passes Bipartisan 2-Year Perkins Loan Progam Extension | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | pocan | https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after the Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015 passed the House reauthorizing Perkins Loans through Sept. 30, 2017. Rep. Pocan introduced the Higher Extension Act of 2015, which passed the House, along with his colleague Rep. Bishop (R-MI). Despite Rep. Pocan's efforts in the House, the Senate blocked the bill and allowed the program to expire on September 30, 2015. "The Perkins Loans program has helped students in Wisconsin and all across the country struggling to find a way to pay for college," Rep. Pocan said. "While this bipartisan bill is not as expansive as I would like, I am pleased that students will still be able to access much-needed federal financial aid for another two years. After months of working on this issue with education groups, students, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I am relieved to see that this critical program will continue. I will tirelessly work with my colleagues to ensure Perkins Loans are available to both graduate and undergraduate students in the years to come." "For approximately 16,000 UW System students a year, Perkins loans have been an important source of financial aid as they pursue a degree," said UW System President Ray Cross. "We appreciate the leadership and partnership of Rep. Pocan and the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in helping continue this critical program for our students with financial need." Since the inception of the Federal Perkins Loan program in 1958, over $28 billion dollars in loans have been made to students. The Federal Perkins Loan is a need-based loan, which fosters access to higher education for low-income students by providing low interest loans to students in need. Perkins Loans borrowers are predominantly from lower income families and are often the first in their family to attend college. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-calls-on-president-obama-to-reject-harmful-plan-to-reduce-lcs-program | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on President Obama to Reject Harmful Plan to Reduce LCS Program | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on President Obama to Reject Harmful Plan to Reduce LCS Program WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statements after media reports indicated that U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, as part of the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2017 budget request, is proposing cuts to the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program and the Frigate (FF) program that will follow LCS.The President will ultimately decide what is included in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request, which will be released next year for Congress to then consider. News outlets have acquired an internal memo from Secretary Carter to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, in which he directs the Navy to reduce the planned LCS/FF procurement from 52 ships to 40 ships. I am deeply troubled by Secretary Carters recent directive to reduce the Navys Littoral Combat Ship and Frigate purchases programs that the Navy strongly supports. At a time of continuing global instability and dynamic threatsparticularly in the very areas of the world the LCS and Frigate are meant to operatethe Navy is responding to ever-increasing mission demands. We need to give our men and women in uniform the resources and capabilities they need to meet those demandsthat means the LCS and the Frigate. The President should reject this short-sighted proposal, which is not driven by strategy and, while appearing to result from budgetary pressures, does not make fiscal sense in the long-term. I remain committed to fighting for this program and for the hard-working men and women of Wisconsins shipbuilding industry who play a critical role in strengthening our national security. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2148 | Interest Rate Hike Signals Stronger Economy | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | This modest increase the first since 2006 will also help us avoid a more substantial rise in rates in the future and prevent a potential disruption in financial markets. Although risks from the global economy continue to persist, this is a measured and pragmatic response to our nation's current economic standing. share: f t Washington, D.C. In response to today's announcement by the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), Ranking Member on the Financial Services Committee's Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement: The decision by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to raise interest rates by a quarter-percentage point is a distinct indicator that our economy is growing stronger and is on the path to recovery. With the Great Recession behind us, this rate hike is consistent with our collective goal of job creation and inflation targets. As Chairwoman Yellen indicated to Congress earlier this year, Ongoing gains in the labor market, coupled with my judgment that longer-term inflation expectations remain reasonably well anchored, serve to bolster my confidence in a return of inflation to 2%.' This modest increase the first since 2006 will also help us avoid a more substantial rise in rates in the future and prevent a potential disruption in financial markets. Although risks from the global economy continue to persist, this is a measured and pragmatic response to our nation's current economic standing. As a result of President Obama's economic recovery policies, Americans can once again look toward the future with confidence and optimism. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kinds-va-inspector-general-transparency-bill-included-2016-funding | Rep. Kind's VA Inspector General Transparency Bill Included in 2016 Funding Bill | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, a number of provisions from U.S. Rep. Ron Kind's Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015 were included in the 2016 funding bill. The bill is expected to come to the House floor for a vote on Friday. After months of pushing my colleagues to increase transparency in the VA Inspector General's office I was pleased to see a number of the provisions from my Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015 included in the 2016 spending bill, said Rep. Kind. By working together to ensure greater transparency in the VA system, we can make sure the tragic events at Tomah are never repeated. Earlier this year Rep. Kind brought together the entire Wisconsin delegation to sponsor his bill, the Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015. Additionally, in July he sent aletter to House Leadership requesting they move forward on the legislation. The 2016 Omnibus includes an expansion of whistleblower protection to assure that VA medical staff has the same protections as other VA employees. In addition, the OIG is required to provide all work products to the Congress in a consistent and timely manner to support oversight, share work products with any individual or entity that requested it, and post final reports on the IG website no later than 3 days after it is submitted in final form. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-projection-shows-wisconsin-would-save-1-billion-if-walker-expands | New Projection Shows Wisconsin Would Save $1 Billion if Walker Expands Medicaid | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | pocan | https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after an updated projection from the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau showed a full Medicaid expansion allowed under Obamacare would save the state more than $1 billion through 2020-21: "If Governor Walker would just expand Medicaid, our state could save $1 billion. This is a staggering amount of money Wisconsin desperately needs to offset the haphazard budget cuts imposed by Gov. Walker. The fact is because of Walker's actions we are going to face an even worse budget next year, which will yet again fail to provide critical investment in programs that matter most to the people of Wisconsin. "If we expanded Medicaid, an additional 83,000 Wisconsinites could receive health care coverage and save our state $1 billion dollars in the process. It would be a huge win for our state. Plus, I'm sure we could find a few things to use some of this $1 billion in savings on like restoring cuts to the University of Wisconsin system, properly funding school districts, or maybe even fixing our crumbling roads and bridges, for starters. Now that Gov. Walker is back in Wisconsin, hopefully we can find a path forward for our state that grows our economy and creates good paying jobs." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://web.archive.org/web/20160912042132/https://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1332 | Interest Rate Hike Signals Stronger Economy | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. In response to todays announcement by the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), Ranking Member on the Financial Services Committees Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement: The decision by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to raise interest rates by a quarter-percentage point is a distinct indicator that our economy is growing stronger and is on the path to recovery. With the Great Recession behind us, this rate hike is consistent with our collective goal of job creation and inflation targets. As Chairwoman Yellen indicated to Congress earlier this year, Ongoing gains in the labor market, coupled with my judgment that longer-term inflation expectations remain reasonably well anchored, serve to bolster my confidence in a return of inflation to 2%. This modest increase the first since 2006 will also help us avoid a more substantial rise in rates in the future and prevent a potential disruption in financial markets. Although risks from the global economy continue to persist, this is a measured and pragmatic response to our nations current economic standing. As a result of President Obamas economic recovery policies, Americans can once again look toward the future with confidence and optimism. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senate-passes-bipartisan-2-year-perkins-loan-extension | U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan, 2-Year Perkins Loan Extension | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.15 U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan, 2-Year Perkins Loan Extension U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Led Bipartisan Coalition to Save Program after September 30 Expiration UW System President: A significant victory for the students and families who are most in need of financial aid WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Senate cleared a bipartisan compromise to extend the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Senator Baldwin has led a bipartisan Senate coalition to reauthorize the program, which expired on September 30, 2015, cutting off the ability for approximately 1,500 colleges and universities across the country to make low-interest loans to new borrowers and leaving 150,000 students who have just started college in the lurch. The bipartisan Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015, passed by the U.S. Senate today, builds on a bill passed unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives in September and provides for a two-year extension of the Perkins Loan program. The bill now heads back to the House of Representatives for consideration. Today we have found a bipartisan solution that breaks the gridlock and will revive the Perkins Loan Program, providing critical support to students across America who were left in the lurch when the program expired this fall, said Senator Baldwin. While this bipartisan compromise is not perfect and it is not the legislation that I would have written on my own, I was proud to lead a bipartisan coalition here in the Senate that really kept up the pressure to get this done on behalf of students in Wisconsin and across America. And as a member of the HELP Committee, I remain committed to fighting on behalf of programs like Perkins as we explore a long-term solution to strengthening and improving federal supports for higher education. I call on our colleagues in the House to immediately take up and pass this legislation so students i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-announces-2015-united-states-service-academy-nominations | Pocan Announces 2015 United States Service Academy Nominations | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | pocan | https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) announced the nomination of 15 outstanding students from Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District to the Class of 2020 at the United States Service Academies. "It is an honor to nominate these exceptional young men and women to attend our nation's service academies and become the future leaders in our military," said Rep. Pocan. "All of the students have worked hard and demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement to earn these nominations. I am confident that if selected, these students will represent Wisconsin and our nation with the utmost integrity." On Dec. 14, the students and their families were recognized at an award ceremony and reception at the Monona Public Library in Monona, WI and personally received an award from Rep. Pocan. Rep. Pocan assembled a board of volunteers comprised of community leaders as well as active and retired service members from south central Wisconsin to assist with the evaluation of the applicants from the 2nd Congressional District. After the completion of the application process, the nomination board recommended the following students, who were then nominated by Rep. Pocan. Rep. Pocan is recommending the following students to the service academy classes of 2020. Final admission is determined by the respective academy. Air Force Academy Tyler Kasperski- Madison La Follette High School Brynn Lunaas- Milton High School James Roberts- Waunakee High School Peter Speckman- Brodhead High School Victoria Trantow- Middleton High School Jack Zocher- Middleton High School Naval Academy Ajith Brown- 2015 Graduate of Madison West High School Diana Bulaong- Madison East High School Maxwell Cardwell- 2015 Graduate of Madison West High School Laura Kamm- Waunakee High School Samuel Noonan- Edgewood High School Allison Perales- DeForest High School West Point Jacob Kelley- St. John's Northwestern Military Academy Cheyenne Trilling- Verona High School Gray Woodward- Middleton High School | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-governor-walkers-1-billion-missed-opportunity | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Governor Walker’s $1 Billion “Missed Opportunity” | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Governor Walkers $1 Billion Missed Opportunity Nonpartisan Wisconsin agency estimates taxpayers could have saved over $1 billion through BadgerCare expansion WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement after Wisconsins nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released updated projections outlining how the State of Wisconsin could have saved over $1 billion in taxpayer money over six years by accepting available federal dollars to expand Wisconsins BadgerCare program through the Affordable Care Act. According to LFBs projections, about 83,000 additional Wisconsinites would gain coverage through full expansion of BadgerCare. Todays projections from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau are further proof of the missed opportunity by Governor Walker to strengthen Wisconsins BadgerCare program, a critical lifeline for many in our state. I have repeatedly called on Governor Walker to put politics aside and accept this federal investment, but instead he pursued a plan that terminated health care coverage for 63,000 Wisconsinites, created a coverage gap, and exposes Wisconsin taxpayers to higher costs while covering fewer people. At a time when Wisconsin Republicans are making devastating cuts to education and infrastructure, Governor Walkers fiscally irresponsible path isnt the Wisconsin way, as he likes to call it. Its the wrong way. Wisconsin families and taxpayers need more opportunities to improve their health and economic security during these difficult times. They dont need elected officials putting their own personal, partisan politics first. Its time to seize the opportunity to move health care reform forward and put progress for Wisconsin ahead of politics. That is the Wisconsin way. After Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker kicked almost 63,000 low-income parents off their BadgerCare coverage last year, Senator Baldwi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-tours-chippewa-valley-technical-college-energy-education | Rep. Ron Kind Tours Chippewa Valley Technical College Energy Education Center | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Eau Claire, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind toured Chippewa Valley Technical College's new Energy Education Center. The innovative new site represents an approximate $10 million investment in training workers for the energy sector jobs of the future. In order to continue to grow our economy we need to be investing in our greatest resource our workers so that we can remain the most innovative and creative nation in the world. Having facilities like the state of the art Energy Education Center makes sure that our workers are prepared to compete for new jobs in the energy sector, Rep. Kind said. Right here in the Chippewa Valley we have seen how technological advancements in wind, solar and geothermal energy systems have changed the landscape in the energy sector of our economy, CVTC President Bruce Barker said. The Energy Education Center provides the facilities where our students and their future employers can keep up with the changes and prepare for the next generation of energy technology Rep. Kind recently co-sponsored the Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation (GREEN) Act, which would award grants to educational institutions, like Chippewa Valley Technical College, to develop programs of study for careers in clean and renewable energy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pocan-op-ed-despite-25-years-of-failing-our-families-taxpayer-funded | Pocan Op-Ed: Despite 25 Years of Failing Our Families, Taxpayer-Funded Vouchers Coming To Your School District | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Madison 365 By Rep. Mark Pocan In recent years, Wisconsins taxpayer-funded voucher program has wasted taxpayer dollars and harmed our public schools, but thats not stopping Republican legislators from expanding this failed program. In many places, voucher programs began with a honorable intent give low-income families in tough school districts access to the private school system. That is clearly no longer the case. Now, vouchers are being aggressively pursued by shady lobbying outfits, such as the notorious American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which seeks to take curriculum and financial control away from public accountability. In October 2015, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released information demonstrating that nearly 75 percent of students in the states newly expanded program were already enrolled in private schools. This new data reveals that only 19 percent of new statewide enrollees came from the public-school system. The evidence is clear: this program doesnt exist to help students in need. It is nothing more than a taxpayer-funded perk for people who were already enrolled in private school. And this perk comes at the expense of our public schools. Wisconsinites now foot the bill for select children to attend private school, who were already there, while our public schools struggle to repair leaking roofs and class sizes rapidly expand. Having two separate and unequal school systems is costly for taxpayers and for our children. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, this year alone, Wisconsin is expected to take $258 million dollars in funding from public schools for tax-payer funded vouchers. Nationally, schools are spending close to 1.5 billion dollars on similar schemes. The American Civil Liberties Union has started to fight back, suing Nevada for its use of a voucher program to send students to for-profit religious schools on the taxpayers dime. My colleague Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) and I recently formed a Public Education Caucus in Congress. The word public is in there f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-co-sponsors-bill-create-energy-job-training-program | Rep. Kind Co-Sponsors Bill to Create Energy Job Training Program | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind co-sponsored legislation to help prepare Wisconsin workers for jobs in the renewable and energy efficiency industries. I have toured a number of businesses in western and central Wisconsin that are on the cutting edge of renewable energy production. As the renewable energy sector continues to grow in Wisconsin, businesses will create more good paying high-skilled jobs. We need to make sure Wisconsin workers have the training they need to compete for these jobs, which is why I co-sponsored legislation to train our workers for jobs in renewable and energy efficiency industries, Rep. Kind stated. The Renewable Energy Act was introduced by Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA). The bill seeks to strengthen our energy independence and create jobs by setting up a competitive grant program to be run by the Department of Labor (DOL) which will provide the education and on the job training necessary to put unemployed workers to work in the renewable and energy efficiency industries. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwins-bipartisan-raise-family-caregivers-passes-senate | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Passes Senate | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.08.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwins Bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Passes Senate More than 50 national and state advocacy groups have joined in support of bipartisan legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today applauded the passage of her bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage, or RAISE Family Caregivers Act, by the United States Senate. Introduced with U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the legislation would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and sustain a National Family Caregiving Strategy to support family caregivers. The legislation will now move to consideration by the House of Representatives. Over the past few months, Senator Baldwin has toured the state of Wisconsin, promoting the legislation and hosting listening sessions in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Wausau with family caregivers. I applaud the Senates move to advance the bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act forward, and Im proud of the widespread support, nationally and in Wisconsin, that this critical, bipartisan bill has received, said Senator Baldwin. In so many instances, family caregivers put their own health, livelihoods and financial security at risk to tend to the needs of their loved ones, many of whom require full-time assistance and care. If we are serious about ensuring that our older adults and loved ones with disabilities receive the highest quality care in their own homes, we must formally recognize and support family caregivers. The bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act creates a national strategy and plan to assist family caregivers. This effort is especially personal to me as I was raised by my maternal grandparents and later served as my grandmothers primary caretaker as she grew older, and I will continue to work to ensure that everyone has access to the care and assistance they ne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-joins-reps-moore-and-pocan-delay-cuts-wisconsin-national-guard | Rep. Kind Joins with Reps. Moore and Pocan to Delay Cuts to Wisconsin National Guard | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI- Today, U.S. Reps Ron Kind, Gwen Moore, and Mark Pocan sent a letter to leadership urging them to delay personnel cuts to the National Guard until the completion of a study on the future size and structure of the Army. At a time when the United States faces a number of threats to our homeland we must have a long-term strategic plan for the future of our Army National Guard, which is why I am calling on leadership to delay these cuts until we complete a study on the future size and structure of the Army, Rep. Kind said. The 2016 National Defense Authorization Act calls for reducing overall Army National Guard strength from 350,000 troops to 342,000 troops. This letter requests Congress delay ant personnel cuts until the National Commission on the Future of the Army completes their study on the appropriate size and role of the Army, including the National Guard. They are expected to provide their expert recommendations in February 2016. Find a copy of the letter here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1331 | Moore Announces 2015 Service Academy Nominees | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By Mike Lowe MILWAUKEE (WITI) Americans are observing Memorial Day against the backdrop of a growing scandal over long wait times and secret records at Veterans Affairs medical facilities. But how will the backlogs in other states affect Wisconsins ability to serve its own veterans? Its a question being asked by every member of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation. The VA facility in Milwaukee is a sort of home away from home for Marine Corps veteran Kenneth Mueller. In my opinion, they dont deny any veteran any coverage, Mueller said. Mueller visits the VA facility in Milwaukee every week either to see friends or receive care himself. He wears his pride in the VA but he, like many veterans is disturbed by the backlog of cases that have kept military veterans waiting without proper medical care. I think its depressing. This VA scandal is not good so maybe theres some VAs that are not quite up to par, Mueller said. Its a problem Milwaukee Congresswoman Gwen Moore is working to resolve. Were very, very concerned about the backlog of cases that the VA has, Moore said. Moore says backlogs are bad enough, but the allegations that some VA hospitals manipulated waiting lists to hide delays are a downright disgrace. There was also an incentive to hide older cases if you hadnt gotten them services, so Im very curious about routing out that particular problem, Moore said. They shouldnt be doing that. They shouldnt be capitalizing on our health, Mueller said. The worst problems are in Arizona, but in Wisconsin, the VA does well processing cases. Ive had no problems at this VA. I can personally say that, Mueller said. In fact, last May, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki visited the VA facility in Milwaukee highlighting its move to digitized medical records allowing it to have a much smaller backlog. We realized that we had to go through a process of improving, Shinseki said. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2284 | Moore Announces 2015 Service Academy Nominees | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | I am immensely proud to nominate such exceptional students to our nation's military service academies this year, said Congresswoman Moore. "They have been through an incredibly competitive process and I congratulate them on all that they have accomplished." share: f t Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) announced the 2015 service academy nominees from Wisconsin's 4th congressional district. The nominees would enter their academies in the fall of 20 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) announced the 2015 service academy nominees from Wisconsin's 4th congressional district. The nominees would enter their academies in the fall of 2016. I am immensely proud to nominate such exceptional students to our nation's military service academies this year. They have been through an incredibly competitive process and I congratulate them on all that they have accomplished. Our nation's service academies not only provide military training, but also four-year academic degrees. Students attending these academies receive a top-notch education and are given the tools and knowledge they need to serve our nation. I wish these exceptional young men and women well as they work to achieve their goals. Below, please find a list of this year's service academy nominees: USAF: Michael Kowalski Elijah Evers Connor Johnson Nicholas Pelkowski Brendan Lee Justin Weber Connor Fergus John Dargle USNA: Marlee Lane Connor Johnson Elijah Evers Cooper Fergus Maeve Hanley Percy Devlin West Point: Simon Kronschnobel Cooper Fergus Juwaun Battle Michael Kowalski Justin Weber Cooper Fergus Jacob Nygarrd ### Perry Devlin Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) announced the 2015 service academy nominees from Wisconsin's 4th congressional district. The nominees would enter their academies in the fall of 2016. I am immensely proud to nominate such exceptional students to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-presents-purple-heart-local-veteran | Rep. Ron Kind Presents Purple Heart to Local Veteran | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind presented La Crosse resident Ray Anderson, a Korean War veteran, with a Purple Heart he had earned but never received. Rep. Kind's office was able to work with Mr. Anderson and his family to get him the recognition he had earned. Thank you to Ray Anderson for his bravery and dedication to our country. Today it was my honor to a present Ray with a Purple Heart he earned during the Korean War, but due to a clerical error had been unable to receive, Rep. Kind said, One of my office's most important jobs is to help veterans and their families cut through bureaucracy to secure the benefits they have earned and deserve. Ray Anderson is a veteran of the Korean War. He served as Private First Class attached to Company A, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division of the US Army from September 16, 1949 to October 1, 1952. Mr. Anderson previously received the following awards and decorations: United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Campaign Stars, Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was never awarded the Purple Heart until now because it was omitted from his record. Rep. Kind's office helped rectify that. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-strongly-supports-reauthorization-of-export-import-bank | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Strongly Supports Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Strongly Supports Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank After Republican Opposition and Wisconsin Job Loss, Senate Passes Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has released a statement after the U.S. Senate voted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank through 2019. Due to opposition and inaction by the Republican majority in Congress, the Export-Import Bank was allowed to expire on June 30, 2015. This year, Senator Baldwin toured the state of Wisconsin, calling for a long-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, despite opposition from Wisconsin Republicans such as Speaker Paul Ryan and Governor Scott Walker. The Export-Import Bank is not only a vital export tool for small businesses, but an important tool for deficitreduction that returned $675 million to the U.S. Treasury last year. Since 2007, the Export-Import Bank has supported27,131 Wisconsin jobs by helping 218 Wisconsin businesses, including 128 small businesses, export $5 billion worth of goods and products made in Wisconsin. In 2014 alone, the Export-Import Bank supported $210.2 million of Wisconsin exports, 46% of which were from small businesses. In 2014, the Export-Import Bank supported 3,340 small-business transactions, $27 billion in total U.S. export sales and 164,000 jobs. In June, Senator Baldwin visited Wisconsin companiesAppvion, Inc.in Appleton,Fristam Pumps USAin Middleton andProlitec, Inc. in Milwaukeeduring her fight for reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. In September, Wisconsin's manufacturing economy lost 2,700 jobs. In addition, GE Power & Water announced plans to stop manufacturing gas engines in Wisconsin, blaming the Waukesha closure on Congress' failure to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. Statement from Senator Baldwin: The Export-Import Bank is an important tool that helps us create a level playing field, bringing fairness to global trade, and g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-supports-bipartisan-bill-improve-education-system | Rep. Ron Kind Supports Bipartisan Bill to Improve Education System | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI U.S. Rep. Ron Kind voted in favor of bipartisan legislation to revise the long-outdated policies of No Child Left Behind and give Wisconsin teachers and students the tools they need to succeed. After years of waiting for a replacement for No Child Left Behind, I am pleased that we were able to craft a bipartisan piece of legislation that gives our teachers the flexibility to adequately address each student's needs, rather than tying their hands with a one-size-fits-all approach, said Rep. Ron Kind. It is more important than ever that we ensure each student has the education and skills they need to compete in an increasingly global, 21st century economy; and these commonsense reforms take a significant step toward achieving that. The passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act marks the most significant changes to our education system in the last 15 years. The legislation replaces the national school accountability system with a system that gives states more flexibility to self-assess, reduces the overall amount of testing, and puts an end to testing being the primary factor used when assessing school efficiency. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kinds-statement-passage-long-term-bipartisan-transportation-bill | Rep. Ron Kind's Statement on Passage of Long-Term Bipartisan Transportation Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI- Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind voted in favor of bipartisan legislation to fund our nation's transportation system, increase rail safety, and re-authorize the Export-Import Bank. Below is his statement: Today's long-term transportation legislation shows that with bipartisan compromise we can take commonsense steps to address problems that have seemed intractable for years. This legislation gives local and state officials the certainty they need to move forward on transportation and infrastructure projects that are vital to creating jobs in western and central Wisconsin. One of the most pressing issues in western and central Wisconsin is rail safety, which is why I am pleased they included a provision from my Crude-by-Rail Safety Act to improve disclosure to our local communities of what exactly is being transported on the trains traveling through. Additionally, the renewal of the Export-Import bank will help open global markets for businesses across western and central Wisconsin to sell their products abroad. Access to these new markets will help businesses keep facilities in Wisconsin, hire Wisconsin workers, and continue to grow and innovate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-house-floor-statement-on-esea-reauthorization | Pocan House Floor Statement on ESEA Reauthorization | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | pocan | https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, spoke on the House Floor in support of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Reauthorization, the Every Student Succeeds Act. The bipartisan bill passed the House last night by a vote of 359-64 and the Senate is expected to finalize it next week. This is the first reauthorization of the ESEA since the expiration of No Child Left Behind in 2007. You can find a video clip of Rep. Pocan speaking on the Floor here. "I rise in support of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Defending public education is one of the reasons I came to Congress. For years, we've witnessed a negative impact on public education from underfunding our schools and to stripping teachers of their rights to collectively bargain for fair pay and conditions. At the same time, punitive policies which limit teachers' and administrators' abilities to manage their classrooms have further hampered student achievement. In my home state, attacks on public education are made on a regular basis. And nationally our dialogue surrounding K-12 education has lacked the input of local educators, parents and communities. It's past time we renew the promise of an ESEA which has students' best interests at heart. I meet with teachers and administrators from Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District regularly and was stunned when I was told one third of a school's staff turned over last year because schools lack the financial support and autonomy they need to give students the educational experience they deserve. Teachers are being asked to do more with less and it's coming at the expense of our kids' education. A 2014 Alliance for Excellent Education student demonstrated that 13% of the nation's 3.4 million teachers move schools or leave the profession every year. Close to 40-50% of teachers leave the job entirely within 5 years of starting. And while this bill is far from perfect, I am pleased that we are finally discussing a bill today that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z |
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-casey-budget-amendment-cut-taxes-for-middle-class-by-ending-corporate-inversion-enacting-buffett-rule | Baldwin, Casey Budget Amendment: Cut Taxes for Middle Class by Ending Corporate Inversion, Enacting Buffett Rule | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 Baldwin, Casey Budget Amendment: Cut Taxes for Middle Class by Ending Corporate Inversion, Enacting Buffett Rule WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that they have introduced a key middle class tax amendment to the House-passed Budget Reconciliation Act. The Amendment includes multiple tax provisions, specifically two major tax credits, including the Dual Earner Tax Credit, allowing up to a $700 tax credit on a second earners income, and the Child Care Tax Credit, which would help families afford childcare. Further provisions in the amendment include: Ending corporate inversions by tightening rules for inverted companies, requiring that they be at least 50 percent foreign-owned (as opposed to just 20 percent) to escape U.S. tax jurisdiction A new minimum tax, known as the Buffett Rule, which would be phased in for individuals with adjusted gross income between $1 million and $2 million; in later years, those thresholds would be indexed for inflation. Closing an executive loophole, which encourages executives to assume riskier management approaches in the hope of driving near-term profits and stock price gains Washington continues to give tax preferences to the wealthy and well connected as household income is falling for middle class families in Wisconsin. We need to rewrite the rules by making sure those at the top pay their fair share so we can cut taxes for the middle class and raise incomes for working families. Im proud to join Senator Casey in support of these tax reforms so that we can work to build an economy that works for everyone, Senator Baldwin said. Middle class families in Pennsylvania and around the country are struggling, said Senator Casey. Wages are stagnant and household costs, such as child care, continue to go up. My amendment provides tax relief for middle class families up front, but also enables families to invest in things like high quality early learning that we also know yield benefits down the road,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-murphy-letter-prompts-army-investigation-into-wrongful-discharge-of-servicemembers-with-mental-health-disorders | Baldwin, Murphy Letter Prompts Army Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 Baldwin, Murphy Letter Prompts Army Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders Baldwin, Murphy led 10 senators in calling for investigation after allegations that more than 22,000 soldiers diagnosed with mental health disorders were dismissed for misconduct WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today applauded the U.S. Armys announcement that they will conduct a thorough, multidisciplinary investigation into allegations that the Army has, since 2009, wrongfully dismissed more than 22,000 soldiers for misconduct after they returned from deployment and were diagnosed with mental health disorders. The Armys announcement comes less than one month after Senator Baldwin joined a group of 10 senators, led by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), in requesting the investigation. In a letter to Senator Baldwin, Acting Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning wrote that the Assistant Secretary of the Army, The Inspector General of the Army, The Auditor General of the Army, and other senior Army leaders would conduct the investigation and report their findings. I am pleased the U.S. Army will be conducting a full investigation into the troubling allegations that men and women in uniform, diagnosed with PTSD or TBI, are being forcefully separated from service, said Senator Baldwin. I urge investigators to rectify this grave offense so our nations heroes are able to access the crucial retirement and health benefits and post-service employment eligibility they have earned. The November letter, addressed to Acting Secretary Fanning and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Mark A. Milley, expressed serious concern that the dismissed soldiers will not receive the critical retirement, health care, and employment benefits that those with an honorable discharge would receive. The senators also emphasized that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-pay-for-business-tax-cuts-by-closing-loopholes-that-benefit-hedge-funds-and-corporate-ceos | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin: Pay for Business Tax Cuts by Closing Loopholes that Benefit Hedge Funds and Corporate CEOs | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin: Pay for Business Tax Cuts by Closing Loopholes that Benefit Hedge Funds and Corporate CEOs Baldwin, Reed, King, Warren, Whitehouse Call for Tax Fairness WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, joined by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Finance urging them to offset the cost of potential tax extenders legislation by closing tax loopholes that benefit hedge fund managers and corporate CEOs. If we are going to extend expired tax cuts for businesses and corporations we should pay for them instead of driving up the deficit. It is simply unfair to apply a different standard to these tax cuts than we apply to investments in the middle class, Senator Baldwin said. Washington continues to give tax preferences to the wealthy and well connected as household income is falling for middle class families. We need to rewrite the rules by closing tax loopholes for hedge fund managers and corporate CEOs and make those at the top pay their fair share. Middle class families cant afford to have the deficit placed on their backs alone. The letter shines a spotlight on a double standard whereby tax cuts that largely benefit businesses are allowed to drive up the deficit, while investments in healthcare, education, medical research and job training must be offset with budget cuts or increases in revenue. [A]s you work to finalize a tax extenders package, we urge you to also close tax loopholes to help pay for this bill so that we can give both businesses and middle class families the certainty they deserve, while eliminating some of the inequity in the tax code, the senators wrote. In October, Congress enacted legislationthe Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015that included spending cuts and revenue increases to help pay for nati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwins-rail-safety-reforms-clear-senate-head-to-presidents-desk | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Rail Safety Reforms Clear Senate, Head to President’s Desk | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwins Rail Safety Reforms Clear Senate, Head to Presidents Desk Baldwin thanks Wisconsin advocates, first responders, local officials, and concerned citizens for input and efforts on reforms Baldwin provisions improve safety, increase transparency, and require better communication between the railroads and local communities WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the United States Senate voted 83-16 to approve a bipartisan, five-year transportation funding bill that includes several provisions championed by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin aimed at increasing safety and transparency along Wisconsins oil train routes. The legislation now heads to President Obama for his signature. I am so grateful to the advocates, first responders, local officials, and concerned citizens who have spoken out and demanded increased transparency, communication and accountability when it comes to keeping our Wisconsin communities along oil train routes safe, said Senator Baldwin. I have been sounding the alarm for two years on the need to put in place strong rail safety reforms and today we have taken major action to hold railroad companies accountable and protect Wisconsins citizens from the catastrophic consequences of these dangerous derailments. As a fire chief with 37 years of experience, I know that there is no substitute for advance notification. I applaud Senator Baldwins efforts to include these important safety reforms in the highway bill. This law will allow Wisconsins hazmat response teams like mine to better prepare for an oil train coming into our communities, said La Crosse Fire Chief Gregg Cleveland, La Crosse Hazmat Team Leader. "We are pleased that the bill requires railroads transporting hazardous materials to inform first responders when they travel through their communities. I'd like to thank Senator Baldwin for her hard work on this important provision to better secure the safety of citizens nationwide," said International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitbe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-rep-bustos-push-increase-funding-emergency-response-equipment | Rep. Kind & Rep. Bustos Push to Increase Funding for Emergency Response Equipment | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos urged leaders to increase funding for foam trailers and other emergency response equipment in the upcoming FY16 Omnibus spending bill. During the recent train derailment in Alma local emergency personnel requested a foam trailer be sent to the scene as a precautionary measure in case of a fire, but the nearest trailer was located nearly sixty miles away in La Crosse, WI. In March, a train derailed near Galena Illinois leaking 110,000 gallons of crude oil, emergency responders said that with more foam available, they could have been significantly more effective in addressing the problem. As we saw with the recent derailment in Alma many of our rural communities and responders don't have timely access to vital equipment needed to handle a catastrophic incident. That is unacceptable, Rep. Kind said. During a derailment or spill a quick response time and access to the proper tools saves lives and property, which is why I am urging leaders to take immediate action to increase funding and give all our local communities tools they need to handle a derailment. When a train derailed near Galena and leaked thousands of gallons of crude oil, having more foam readily available would have helped our first responders do their jobs more effectively, said Rep. Cheri Bustos. It's critically important for us to do more to protect communities along rail lines. That's why I'm working to make common sense investments to provide our first responders with the tools they need to protect our communities and our environment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-joins-bipartisan-effort-to-strengthen-security-of-visa-waiver-program | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Security of Visa Waiver Program | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Security of Visa Waiver Program WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today joined U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and a bipartisan group of senators to introduce legislation to strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program in order to help prevent terrorists from entering the United States. In the aftermath of the Paris attacks we need to keep our eye on the enemy and prevent terrorists from entering the United States. It is imperative that Congress work across party lines to prevent terrorist attacks here at home and Im proud to join this bipartisan effort to address security gaps that exist within the Visa Waiver Program. This legislation will enhance security screenings in the Visa Waiver Program and close loopholes that need to be closed.said Senator Baldwin. The Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act would improve the security of the Visa Waiver Program by doing the following: Require individuals who have traveled to Syria or Iraq in the past five years to acquire a traditional tourist visa instead of traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. This process requires an in-person interview with an American consular official and the submission of the travelers biometric information. Require travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information, in the form of fingerprints and a photograph, before they travel to the United States. Require all visa waiver travelers to use an electronic passport, which are more secure and harder to tamper with. Require increased intelligence-sharing between Visa Waiver Program countries and the United States. Security enhancements in the bill would be paid for by increasing the Visa Waiver traveler fee, which is currently $14. Only $4 supports Visa Waiver Program security. In comparison, the fee for a traditional tourist visa is $160. Addressing security gaps The bill would strengthen the Visa … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwins-rail-safety-reforms-included-in-final-bipartisan-transportation-legislation | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Rail Safety Reforms Included in Final Bipartisan Transportation Legislation | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwins Rail Safety Reforms Included in Final Bipartisan Transportation Legislation Baldwin provisions improve safety, transparency, and better communication between the railroads and local communities WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has announced that House and Senate negotiators have included several rail safety reforms she has championed in a long-term, bipartisan federal transportation compromise unveiled today, ahead of Fridays deadline. I have been sounding the alarm for two years on the need to put in place strong rail safety reforms, said Senator Baldwin. This legislation includes reforms I have been fighting for to improve safety, transparency, and better communication between the railroads and local first responders and communities, so I am proud that Congress is taking action. Last month, two trains carrying hazardous materials derailed in Wisconsin and Senator Baldwin called on the transportation conference committee to include her long-time efforts in their final product. Wisconsin first responders should be applauded for their reaction to these derailments but railroad companies need to do more. We need to strengthen communication between railroads and local communities before an accident occurs and railroads must let first responders know what is moving through their community beforehand, Senator Baldwin said.We also need to make railroads share infrastructure inspection reports with local elected officials. This legislation will make that happen. The bipartisan, five-year transportation funding extension legislation announced today includes several provisions championed by Senator Baldwin, aimed at increasing safety and transparency along Wisconsins oil train routes: Transparency: Currently, railroads do not have to provide bridge inspection reports to local officialsdespite the obligation of local officials to protect their citizens and ensure … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/cap-times-mark-pocan-shadows-home-care-worker-fighting-for-minimum-wage | Cap Times: Mark Pocan shadows home care worker fighting for minimum wage increase | 2015-11-27 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Cap Times By Jessie Opoien The "Fight for 15" is a national movement, but it's personal for home care worker Mike Dickman and his client, Steve Verriden. Tucked into a corner of the window of Verriden's home on Madison's north side is a small "Fight for 15" sign. Verriden, 63, has been in a wheelchair for more than 40 years after he was paralyzed in a diving accident. Dickman is one of five home care workers who tend to Verriden throughout the week. He's been working in home care for more than 35 years, since he was in college, and has been with Verriden for about two years. On Tuesday afternoon, Dickman and Verriden were visited for a few hours by U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison. As Dickman worked through his afternoon duties, he and Verriden chatted about their time together and about his job. Verriden's cat, Peanut, rested on his lap. Peppered throughout Dickman's chatter was the phrase, "Fifteen and a union." That's what he and other home care, child care, fast food and other low-wage workers are asking for: increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Dickman currently makes $11.43 an hour. His duties include helping Verriden get washed and dressed, taking him to the bathroom, keeping the house clean, dispensing medication, preparing meals and managing his IV lines. In Dickman's case, he also lives upstairs and covers the night shift. "They put a value on us that is too low," Dickman said. "Fifteen dollars and a union is still too low, but it's a great start. It is an honorable occupation." For Verriden, it means a lot to be able to live in the home he worked to pay for, and to not have to stay in a nursing home. He tried that for about a year "never again," he said. After Pocan was introduced, Dickman walked him through the midday routine. He opened a metal safe secured with two combination locks to retrieve Verriden's medication about a dozen pills a day. Verriden washed the pills down with juice, and then it was time to move from his bed to his wheelchair. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/support-grows-for-bipartisan-baldwin-effort-to-save-perkins-program | Support Grows for Bipartisan Baldwin Effort to Save Perkins Program | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.24.15 Support Grows for Bipartisan Baldwin Effort to Save Perkins Program Letter signed by 53 organizations and 535 colleges and universities calls on congressional leaders to pass one-year extension of critical student loan program WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is continuing her efforts to reauthorize the federal Perkins Loan Program as 53 organizations and 535 colleges and universities, led by the American Council on Education, call on congressional leaders to pass a one-year extension of the critical student loan program. Senator Baldwin is leading a bipartisan Senate coalition to reauthorize the program, which expired on September 30, 2015. Last week, as the House and Senate finalized bipartisan legislation to fix No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Senator Baldwin reiterated her commitment to ensuring the Perkins Loan Program is also reauthorized as soon as possible: [A]s we move forward in this bipartisan process to improve and reauthorize a critical federal education law for Americas young people in preschool and the K-12 grades, I felt compelled to remind my colleagues of this unfinished business that impacts whether those students will also be able to afford to take the next step in their educational journeysUnfortunately, by letting the Perkins authorization lapse, we have left thousands of current and future students facing uncertainty and hundreds of institutions struggling to find another way to help their neediest students afford their educationI believe it is critical that we not leave those students and institutions depending on Perkins in the lurch. The entire American higher education community strongly supports the reauthorization of the Perkins Loan Program. The recent expiration of this valuable program has caused significant co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-joins-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-introducing-va-patient-protection-act | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators in Introducing VA Patient Protection Act | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.24.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators in Introducing VA Patient Protection Act Bill Forces VA to Address Reports of Patient Abuse, Punish Those Who Retaliate Against Whistleblowers; Bill Protects VA Employees Who Protect Veterans WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon/VA), has joined a bipartisan group of Senators, led by U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), in introducing the VA Patient Protection Act to force the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address reports of abuse of veteran patients and to punish VA managers who ignore, intimidate and retaliate against whistleblowers. More must be done to change the status quo. We must work to build a VA that embraces, rather than retaliates against, whistleblowers who want to improve the system, Senator Baldwin said. We need to ensure that whistleblowers are empowered and this bipartisan reform legislation will hold the VA managers accountable for unacceptable retaliation and intimidation. Most importantly, it will improve the VA so veterans can get the care and services they need and deserve. In order to address the challenges faced by VA employees who stand up for veterans, and to punish the managers who retaliate against whistleblowers, the VA Patient Protection Act: Punishes retaliation. After the first offense of retaliation, a supervisor will receive a minimum 12-day suspension. On the second offense, they will be fired. Holds supervisors accountable. Supervisors performance ratings will be tied to how they respond to and deal with whistleblower reports and complaints. Supervisors found to retaliate against whistleblowers would not be eligible to receive bonuses for the 1 year period beginning on the date when the determination was made and for the supervisor to must repay bonuses already paid under certain … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/24-senators-urge-white-house-to-take-executive-action-to-reduce-gun-violence | 24 Senators Urge White House to take Executive Action to Reduce Gun Violence | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.23.15 24 Senators Urge White House to take Executive Action to Reduce Gun Violence Baldwin, Murphy, Blumenthal, 21 Senate Democrats call on White House to close loophole in face of Congressional inaction Urges President Obama to take executive action that could save lives WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who led the group of 24 senators, in calling on President Barack Obama to investigate and pursue all possible options under his executive authority to reduce gun violence. In a letter to the President, the senators especially urged him to eliminate a loophole that currently allows individuals without a federal license to conduct high volumes of gun sales at gun shows, over the internet, and elsewhere, all without conducting background checks. U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today sent a similar letter signed by 114 of his colleagues in the House. We stand with you determined to take action to reduce the terrible epidemic of gun violence plaguing this nation. All across the country, communities are ravaged and lives are senselessly cut short by gun violence. Following yet another horrific mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, it is unthinkable that our country can continue to turn a blind eye to these tragedies, the Senators wrote. We urge you to address an aspect of the high-volume gun seller loophole that allows guns to be sold without a background check by eliminating the ambiguity surrounding the term engaged in the business as it pertains to federally licensed firearms dealers. Updating the definition of engaged in the business to provide more explicit guidance as to which gun sellers are required to obtain a federal firearms license wouldhelp ensure that individuals are not able to continue to exploit ambiguity in the current regulation and sell guns at a high volume without any oversight by ATF and without conducting background checks This c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-calls-for-increased-flexibility-for-wisconsin-dairy-farmers-in-transportation-bill | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Increased Flexibility for Wisconsin Dairy Farmers in Transportation Bill | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.23.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Increased Flexibility for Wisconsin Dairy Farmers in Transportation Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kelly Ayotte (D-N.H.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Angus King (I-Maine) in calling for flexibility for Americas dairy farmers in the recently-passed Surface Transportation bill. The senators sent a letter to bipartisan leaders on the conference committee asking that the final bill allow bulk milk trucks to carry milk without being forced to offload portions of their load at state borders, which increases food safety risks for consumers and costs for dairy farmers. Each day, more than 12,500 bulk milk trucks pick up milk at farms across the country and move it to over 2,000 processing plants. The transportation of milk is an issue that affects businesses and consumers in every region and in every state, the senators wrote. We urge you to support language that was included in the House-passed version of H.R. 22, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act, that would classify milk as a non-divisible load. This provision would allow states to issue special permits to bulk milk trucks, giving them more flexibility to ensure that milk is delivered in a timely manner and in compliance with federal and state food safety and security standards. The cost of transporting bulk milk can be significant for dairy cooperatives and our dairy farmer-owners, said Randy Paulson, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI) Division Manager (Jim Falls, WI). Having a more rational and coordinated weight limit policy for milk trucks crossing state borders makes total sense, and we applaud the Senators help on this matter. The language, offered by Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT-5) and Richard Hanna (R-NY-22), was included in the House-passed version of the bill but was not included the bill passed by the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-supports-common-sense-measures-keep-america-safe | Rep. Ron Kind Supports Common Sense Measures to Keep America Safe | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind voted in favor of the American SAFE Act of 2015, which would enhance and improve background checks and screening for Syria refugees. Below is his statement: In the wake of the recent attacks by ISIS our top priority must be doing everything we can to ensure the safety of the American people, both here and abroad. Currently, it takes between 18 and 24 months for each individual, over 75% of whom are women and children, to enter the US. While the current process for Syrian refugees to enter the country is extensive, there are additional common sense actions we can take to make it more secure. One step to enhance security is to increase background checks for Syrian refugees entering the United States. This legislation requires multiple Federal intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies to work together to verify that those entering the US don't pose a danger to the country. The legislation today strikes a good balance between protecting our national security while not implementing draconian policies that go against the values on which our country was founded. There are no provisions in the legislation that prohibit refugees from entering the US, it does not defund the refugee program or jeopardize our government funding, and it does not discriminate based on religious affiliation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-introduces-jason-simcakoski-promise-act-0 | Rep. Ron Kind Introduces Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind joined U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) to introduce the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act, which aims to fix a number of problems seen at the Tomah VA, including looking into improved pain management practices. This legislation is named in honor of Jason Simcakoski, a Wisconsin veteran who tragically lost his life last year. We must make sure no other veterans and their families have to go through what the Simcakoski family and others have had to. One of the best ways to do this is to give veteran patients and their families a real role in VA oversight and to provide health care professionals better training on the negative effects of prescription painkillers. This legislation uses some of the lessons learned from problems at Tomah to help the VA provide better care for veterans nationwide, Rep. Kind stated. The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act is an important piece of history. Helping our veterans get the best care possible is the ultimate goal. The guidelines in the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act will help the VA give our veterans and service men and women the best health care they deserve. Our family doesn't want to see what happened to our son Jason happen to another veteran or service person, said Jason's father Marvin Simcakoski. This bipartisan legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update pain management guidelines, strengthens provider education and training, improves patient advocacy, and authorizes a new commission to examine alternative treatments, among other provisions. The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act is similar to the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act in the Senate. The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act is supported by Disabled Veterans of America, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwins-bipartisan-raise-family-caregivers-act-moves-forward | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act Moves Forward | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwins Bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act Moves Forward More than 50 national and state advocacy groups have joined in support of bipartisan legislation Bill passes out of committee and moves to Senate floor WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today applauded the passage of her bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage, or RAISE Family Caregivers Act, by the committee unanimously by voice vote. Introduced with U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the legislation would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and sustain a National Family Caregiving Strategy to support family caregivers. The legislation will now move to the full Senate. Over the past few months, Senator Baldwin has toured the state of Wisconsin, promoting the legislation and hosting listening sessions in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Wausau with family caregivers. Im proud of the widespread support, nationally and in Wisconsin, that the bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act has received and I applaud todays vote by my colleagues on the HELP Committee that moves this critical, bipartisan bill forward, said Senator Baldwin. Family caregivers are integral to our long-term care system and our economy, but are too often over-looked as part of the care team for seniors and those with disabilities. If we are serious about ensuring that our older adults and loved ones with disabilities receive the highest quality care in their own homes, we must formally recognize and support family caregivers. The bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act creates a national strategy and plan to assist family caregivers. This effort is especially personal to me as I was raised by my maternal grandparents and later served as my grandmothers primary caretaker as she grew older, and I will continue to work to ensure that everyone has access to the care and assistance they need and deserve. November is National Fami… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-works-simcakoski-family-fix-problems-va | Rep. Kind Works with Simcakoski Family to Fix Problems at VA | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind participated in and asked questions at a Veterans' Affairs committee hearing on bipartisan legislation he is working on to fix the problems seen at the Tomah VA Medical Center. He also submitted statements from Jason Simcakoski's family to the record during the I am honored to work with Jason's family to tell his story and make sure no other family has to go through what they have. Today's hearing was a positive step forward in building support for my bipartisan legislation, the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act, which works to give our veterans the care they have earned and deserve, Rep. Kind stated. Rep. Kind is working with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) on Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act that would fix some of the problems seen at the Tomah VA and look into improved pain management practices. The legislation is expected to be introduced soon, and would be similar to the Senate's Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act. Watch video of Rep. Kind's testimony here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/affirm-act-real-farm-bill-reform | Affirm Act Is Real Farm Bill Reform | 2015-11-12 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense, a non-partisan group focused on stopping government waste, wrote an op-ed in U.S. News and World Report about the positive impact of the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures (AFFIRM) Act. Rep. Kind and Rep. Sensenbrenner introduced the AFFIRM Act last week. The legislation makes bold reforms to crop insurance premium subsidy payments, saves taxpayer dollars and promotes transparency. The full text of the op-ed can be read below: U.S. News and World Report - Planting the Seeds of Real Farm Reform By: Ryan Alexander I have written onthese pagesand elsewhere about the many ways that the 2014 farm billhas already failed taxpayers. Apologists for big spending on agriculture claimed passing the nearly $1 trillion bill would generate $16.6 billion in savings over 10 years, but this fantasy is crashing down less than two years after the bill was signed into law. The reality is the 2014 farm bill increased spending much more than promised. Spending in fiscal year 2014 alone was $5.2 billion more than projected by the farm bill because of payments made to farmers. And the Department of Agriculture has testified that its "cost cutting" shallow loss programs are going to be $3 billion over-budget in just their first year of payments. It's pretty clear those promises of savings are never going to bear fruit. That's why Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis., and Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., last week introduced the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures Act. Longtime observers of the Washington policy landscape, these congressmen know good agriculture policy requires years of cultivation. Before we can plant an agriculture policy that better serves farmers, consumers and taxpayers, we have to begin clearing out special interest brambles and brush that grow up long before most people start paying attention to the once-every-six-years farm bill.And these kernels of good reform must be tended to withstand ferocious attacks from moneyed special interests th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-affirm-act-real-farm-bill-reform | ICYMI – Affirm Act Is Real Farm Bill Reform | 2015-11-12 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, Taxpayers for Common Sense, a non-partisan group focused on stopping government waste, wrote an op-ed in U.S. News and World Report about the positive impact of the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures (AFFIRM) Act. Rep. Kind and Rep. Sensenbrenner introduced the AFFIRM Act last week. The legislation makes bold reforms to crop insurance premium subsidy payments, saves taxpayer dollars and promotes transparency. The full text of the op-ed can be read below: U.S. News and World Report - Planting the Seeds of Real Farm Reform By: Ryan Alexander I have written onthese pagesand elsewhere about the many ways that the 2014 farm billhas already failed taxpayers. Apologists for big spending on agriculture claimed passing the nearly $1 trillion bill would generate $16.6 billion in savings over 10 years, but this fantasy is crashing down less than two years after the bill was signed into law. The reality is the 2014 farm bill increased spending much more than promised. Spending in fiscal year 2014 alone was $5.2 billion more than projected by the farm bill because of payments made to farmers. And the Department of Agriculture has testified that its "cost cutting" shallow loss programs are going to be $3 billion over-budget in just their first year of payments. It's pretty clear those promises of savings are never going to bear fruit. That's why Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis., and Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., last week introduced the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures Act. Longtime observers of the Washington policy landscape, these congressmen know good agriculture policy requires years of cultivation. Before we can plant an agriculture policy that better serves farmers, consumers and taxpayers, we have to begin clearing out special interest brambles and brush that grow up long before most people start paying attention to the once-every-six-years farm bill.And these kernels of good reform must be tended to withstand ferocious attacks from moneyed special interests th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-discusses-ways-fix-problems-tomah-va-va-secretary-mcdonald | Rep. Ron Kind Discusses Ways to Fix Problems at Tomah VA with VA Secretary McDonald | 2015-11-12 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Recently, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind spoke with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald about ways to fix problems at the Tomah VA medical facility and the progress being made to ensure we keep our promises to our veterans. Secretary McDonald and I had an informative discussion about a number of actions that can be taken to make sure our veterans receive the care they earned and deserve. I look forward to continuing to work with officials at the VA, the Tomah community, and veterans to ensure Wisconsin veterans have access to quality care and increased transparency in the VA, Rep. Kind stated. Rep. Kind brought together the entire Wisconsin delegation to sponsor his bill, the Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015, which will ensure greater transparency and oversight into the office of inspector general. To improve the quality of care he proposed oversight boards to help find alternative and complementary treatments to pain management. Additionally, he introduced the Veterans Access to Care Act, which would fix recruitment problems the VA is having in Tomah, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, and other parts of the state. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1330 | DOJ Closes Review into the Death of Dontre Hamilton | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By Kirk Semple Rosario Socope, a Guatemalan immigrant in the country illegally, had an unwelcome surprise waiting for her when she attended a pretrial hearing on a felony charge at a courthouse in Brooklyn this month. As she stepped out of the courtroom into a public hallway, she was approached by immigration agents seeking to deport her. As her husband, her social worker and one of her lawyers looked on aghast, the agents hauled her away. The encounter was only the most recent in a long series of such cases across the country that immigrant advocates and politicians say have spread fear of courthouses among immigrants and eroded their willingness to participate in the judicial system, with profound civil rights implications. If they feel like the court is not a safe place where they can go, they may not show up to court, said Nyasa Hickey, Ms. Socopes immigration lawyer. For years, even as the number of deportations has climbed to record levels, immigration agents have generally refrained from questioning or detaining immigrants in and around locations deemed sensitive, including schools, houses of worship, hospitals and public demonstrations. Now a growing lobby of immigrants advocates and politicians is seeking to add courthouses to that list. Advocates argue that the use of courthouses by immigration officials deters undocumented immigrants from exercising their constitutional rights of due process; petitioning for redress of grievances, such as wage claims against employers; and satisfying their civic duties, such as paying traffic tickets. Joanne Lin, a legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington, said she had heard about dozens of cases since the beginning of 2013 in which immigrants have been interrogated or detained at courthouses, including while trying to attend hearings, get married or obtain a domestic violence restraining order. I have no doubt that this is just the tip of the iceberg, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2023 | DOJ Closes Review into the Death of Dontre Hamilton | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | As a mother to two young Black men, I am especially saddened by the Department of Justice's decision not to bring criminal civil rights charges against Officer Christopher Manney. More than eighteen months have passed since Officer Manney fatally shot Dontre Hamilton an unarmed Black man struggling with mental illness and many unanswered questions still remain. Although this decision is certainly a setback, it is by no means the end of our collective efforts to pursue justice for the Hamilton family. I continue to hold them in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, as I know the wounds from such a devastating loss will take time to heal. share: f t Washington, D.C. In response to the Department of Justice's decision not to bring criminal civil rights charges against Milwaukee Police Officer Christopher Manney, the officer who shot and killed Dontre Hamilton, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: As a mother to two young Black men, I am especially saddened by the Department of Justice's decision not to bring criminal civil rights charges against Officer Christopher Manney. More than eighteen months have passed since Officer Manney fatally shot Dontre Hamilton an unarmed Black man struggling with mental illness and many unanswered questions still remain. Although this decision is certainly a setback, it is by no means the end of our collective efforts to pursue justice for the Hamilton family. I continue to hold them in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, as I know the wounds from such a devastating loss will take time to heal. As we saw in the case of Mr. Hamilton, men and women battling mental illness are all too often confronted by our criminal justice system with disastrous results. As we move forward, we must work to prevent further tragedies by providing law enforcement officials with the tools they need to safely interact with mentally ill individuals and holding officers accountable fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-urges-action-improve-rail-safety | Rep. Ron Kind Urges Action to Improve Rail Safety | 2015-11-09 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind wrote a letter to House leadership urging them to immediately bring his rail safety legislation to the House floor for a vote. This comes after two separate train derailments in Wisconsin over the weekend. The derailments this weekend in Alma and Watertown showed once again the negative impact increased rail traffic is having on our communities and environment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at either derailment, but dozens of people were forced to temporarily evacuate their homes and nearly 20,000 gallons of ethanol spilled into the Mississippi River, Rep. Kind stated. The increase in rail traffic shows no signs of stopping, which is why we must take immediate action to prevent future derailments. I am calling on House leadership to hold a vote on my legislation which will provide for stronger rail safety standards and will increase oversight. The Crude-by-Rail Safety Act prohibits the use of unsafe DOT-111 tank cars, such as the ones involved in the Alma derailment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-introduces-legislation-to-limit-corporate-tax-inversions | Pocan Introduces Legislation to Limit Corporate Tax Inversions | 2015-11-09 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | pocan | https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced the Corporate Fair Share Tax Act and the Putting America First Corporate Act to prevent corporations from using "tax inversions" to reduce a company's U.S. tax burden and ensure they cannot avoid taxes by hiding profits overseas. "It is wrong that Wall Street corporations are using tax loopholes to skirt their responsibilities while small business owners and hard-working Americans play by the rules," said Rep. Mark Pocan. "This legislation will eliminate a major incentive for corporations to leave the United States and ensure that companies pay their taxes on overseas profits immediately. We must stop corporate deserters from abusing the U.S. tax system and force these companies to contribute their fair share." Corporate inversion is a process by which an existing U.S. corporation shifts it's company's headquarters to a country with a smaller tax burden and assuming the label of a "foreign" corporation, even as business activity and general operations frequently remain on American soil. These firms utilize U.S. resources, infrastructure, and customer base while renouncing their American identity to avoid paying taxes in our country. Recent reports highlight a potential merger between Pfizer, an American pharmaceutical corporation, and Ireland-based drug company Allergan, a deal which may include Pfizer pursuing an inversion. This is just the latest example in a long list of United States corporations taking advantage of this massive loophole to avoid paying taxes. Corporate Fair Share Tax Act Policy summary: This bill cracks down on corporate earnings stripping, a method of avoiding taxes in which U.S.-based groups are loaded up with debt owed to the affiliated foreign company; the U.S. entity then pays high levels of interest on this debt, which nets them significant tax deductions or wipes out taxable income in the U.S. Specifically, the legislation limits the deductions a corporation may claim to a level at which the U.S. entity's share of intere… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:30:58Z |
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/wkow-capitol-city-sunday-rep-pocan-discusses-oscar-mayer-speaker-ryan | WKOW Capitol City Sunday: Rep. Pocan discusses Oscar Mayer, Speaker Ryan | 2015-11-08 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | MADISON (WKOW) -- U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI-2) talked about the news of Oscar Mayer closing down and the impact newly elected House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI-1) is having in Congress on Capitol City Sunday this week. You can watch the episode here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kind-sensenbrenner-introduce-bipartisan-crop-insurance-reform | Kind, Sensenbrenner Introduce Bipartisan Crop Insurance Reform Legislation | 2015-11-06 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Wisconsin Congressmen Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) introduced the bipartisan Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures (AFFIRM) Act. The AFFIRM Act makes bold reforms to crop insurance premium subsidy payments, saves taxpayer dollars and promotes transparency. Congressman Sensenbrenner:The AFFIRM Act makes sensible changes to our nation's crop insurance program to reduce unnecessary subsidies directed towards our country's largest and most profitable farms and agribusinesses. These reforms will promote the longevity of agriculture risk-sharing programs and make sure the farm safety-net remains readily available, especially for those who need it most. With our national debt approaching $19 trillion, Congress must continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to reduce excessive spending and ensure future generations inherit a prosperous America. Legislation that will save taxpayers billions, such as the AFFIRM Act, is a step in the right direction. Congressman Kind: The current crop insurance system is extremely wasteful and in need of major reform. The AFFIRM Act will save taxpayers $24.4 billion over 10 years while still providing a strong safety net for family farmers, said Rep. Kind. Taxpayers deserve to know where their tax dollars are going, and the AFFIRM Act will make that possible.These important reforms not only strike a better deal for taxpayers but will have no out of pocket expense to farmers. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the AFFIRM Act will save approximately $24.4 billion over the next decade, and the legislation enjoys bipartisan support from groups such as The Environmental Working Group, National Taxpayer's Union, Taxpayers for Common Sense, R-Street Institute, Citizens Against Government Waste, and Freedom Works. This legislation comes a week after Congress passed a budget agreement, which made much needed changes to the wasteful crop insurance program. The agreement lowered the profit margin to large insu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-requests-meeting-with-kraft-heinz-ceo-after-decision-to-close | Pocan Requests Meeting with Kraft Heinz CEO after Decision to Close Oscar Mayer Plant | 2015-11-06 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | pocan | https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Madison, WI– U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) requested a meeting with the Kraft Heinz CEO after a confusing conversation with a Kraft Heinz representative in DC following the announcement. On Wednesday, Kraft Heinz announced it was shutting down the Oscar Mayer plant and headquarters, which has employed hundreds of Wisconsinites for nearly 100 years. "Today, I requested a meeting with the Kraft Heinz CEO to discuss their decision to close the Oscar Mayer operations in Madison," said Rep. Mark Pocan. "Workers and their families, along with members of the Dane County community were shocked by this loss. The intention of this meeting is to explain Oscar Mayer's deep roots in the community and the devastating ripple effect this closure would have on our local economy." "We must seek answers from Kraft Heinz regarding unanswered questions we've heard from constituents," continued Rep. Pocan. "I've requested a meeting as soon as possible in either of my Congressional offices, in DC or Madison, and have indicated I would be open to meeting at the Kraft Heinz corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh. Time is of the essence to ensure workers, the Dane County community and other stakeholders are involved in decisions about the Oscar Mayer plant moving forward." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T20:30:58Z |
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/as-veterans-day-approaches-sen-schatz-reps-pocan-rangel-urge-congress-to | As Veterans Day Approaches Sen. Schatz & Reps. Pocan, Rangel Urge Congress to Pass Restore Honor to Service Members Act | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) and Members of the LGBT Equality Caucus urged the passage of the Restore Honor to Service Members Act at a press conference on Capitol Hill. The legislation would help service members discharged solely due to their sexual orientation correct their military records to reflect their honorable service and reinstate the benefits they earned. We have a sacred commitment to every American who serves in our military. But for the 100,000 brave Americans who were forced out for being gay, we have failed to honor that commitment, said Senator Schatz. The Restore Honor to Service Members Act would give these veterans a chance to correct their military recordsto remove an unwarranted discharge that was given to them for no other reason than being gay. It would remove the mark of shame they carry, give them access to benefits, and finally give them the respect and honor they rightly deserve. As we approach Veterans Day, its important to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country, said Rep. Pocan, co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. This includes the selfless service of more than 100,000 veterans who were discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation. Our legislation ensures that gay veterans who served our country no longer live with tarnished records that prohibit them from receiving the recognition, benefits and honors they deserve. "As a veteran, I know that our men and women in uniform give all to serve our country with great honor, said Rep. Rangel. We can no longer delay honoring these veterans who deserve long overdue recognition. We struck down Dont Ask, Dont Tell and legalized same sex marriage. Love is not dishonorable." Since World War II, more than 100,000 Americans are estimated to have been discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation. Those forced out of the military may have left with discharge statuses of other than ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-release-of-trans-pacific-partnership-text-confirms-our-fears-about | Pocan: Release of Trans-Pacific Partnership Text Confirms Our Fears About Trade Deal | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C - U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) provided the following statement after the Administration released the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership at 4:00am today: The release of the Trans-Pacific Partnership text confirms our fears about how bad this trade deal will be for American workers. This deal, which encompasses 40 percent of the global economy, will send more American jobs overseas and lower wages. Our workers will now have to directly compete with workers making pocket change in countries like Vietnam. We should not be surprised that a trade deal negotiated in secret by 600 corporate advisors gives huge sweetheart deals to multinational corporations while producing disastrous results for the middle class. Not only would this deal ship jobs overseas, destroying our communities and local economies in the process, but the deal will also have a widespread effect on issues ranging from drug prices to environmental protections to food safety. It will also almost double the number of corporations with access to special non-judicial courts to challenge state and local laws. In the end the TPP was worse than we thought it would be. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/senators-introduce-save-benefits-act-to-boost-social-security-and-other-critical-benefits-for-seniors-veterans | Senators Introduce SAVE Benefits Act to Boost Social Security and Other Critical Benefits for Seniors, Veterans | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.15 Senators Introduce SAVE Benefits Act to Boost Social Security and Other Critical Benefits for Seniors, Veterans Without legislation, Social Security recipients, veterans face rare, zero cost-of-living increase in 2016 Bill would end tax subsidies for million-dollar corporate bonuses to give 70 million Americans emergency relief WASHINGTON, DC - Today, United States Senators Tammy Baldwin, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai'i), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation to boost Social Security and other critical benefits for seniors, veterans and other Americans following last month's announcement that there will be a zero cost-of-living adjustment in 2016. "Every month, thirty percent of Wisconsin's seniors depend on Social Security as their only source of income. This means they are relying on a promise that must be kept," Senator Baldwin said. "Congress must take action, as we have in the past, to keep our promise and I am proud to support this emergency payment to make sure seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and other Americans are able to make ends meet." Although the cost of core goods and services is projected to rise next year, millions of Americans will see no increase in the benefits they rely on to make ends meet. Meanwhile, CEO compensation for the top 350 firms increased by 3.9 percent last year. The Seniors and Veterans Emergency Benefits Act (SAVE Benefits Act) would give about 70 million seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and others an emergency payment equal to 3.9 percent of the average annual Social Security benefit, about $581 - the same percentage raise as the top CEOs. A $581 increase could cov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-introduces-fruit-and-vegetable-access-for-children-act | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Senators Ron Johnson, Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), and Daniel Coats (R-Ind.) today introduced the Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act. The bipartisan legislation would expand the U.S. Department of Agricultures Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which improves childrens in-school snacks in schools districts with low-income families. The bill would allow the program to include all forms of fruits and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried and pureed. This ensures that schools can more effectively use their program dollars, and it accommodates cold-weather states where local fruit and vegetable harvests are seasonal. Givng our schools the flexibility to serve a broad range of fruits and vegetables is a major part of helping our children get more of the daily nutrients they need,Baldwin said.Our farmers grow the corn, carrots, peas, sweet corn and cranberries that give kids the healthy foods they need to succeed and Im proud to support this effort that will boost our Grown in Wisconsin economy. We should allow our schools in Wisconsin the flexibility they need to provide nutritious foods for our children, Johnson said. By opening the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to all forms of fruits and vegetables, schools utilizing the program are given the opportunity to maximize the nourishing snacks they provide children with taxpayers dollars. I am pleased that Senators Donnelly, Coats and Baldwin have joined me in supporting this initiative. Better access to healthy foods for children is something we can all agree on. Providing children in need with access to nutritious fruits and vegetables is critical to building healthy diets, and I am proud to work with my colleagues to give school districts flexibility to operate such an important program, said Donnelly. School children should have access to a full range of healthy fruit and vegetable snack option… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-joins-call-for-full-investigation-into-wrongful-discharge-of-servicemembers-with-mental-health-disorders | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Call for Full Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Call for Full Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders Senators request comes after allegations that more than 22,000 soldiers have been dismissed for misconduct after mental health disorder diagnosis WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee, has joined U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in calling on the U.S. Army to conduct a full U.S. Army Inspector General investigation into recent allegations that the U.S. Army has, since 2009, wrongfully dismissed more than 22,000 soldiers for misconduct after they returned from deployment and were diagnosed with mental health disorders. In a letter addressed to Acting Under Secretary of the Army, Eric Fanning, and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Mark A. Milley, the senators expressed serious concern that the dismissed soldiers will not receive the critical retirement, health care, and employment benefits that those with an honorable discharge would receive. The senators also emphasized that the forced separation of soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) further denies these men and women of much-needed treatments, and may even discourage other servicemembers from seeking the medical treatment they require. We are troubled by recent allegations that the U.S. Army is forcefully separating for misconduct servicemembers diagnosed with PTSD or TBI. We are concerned that it may be easier to discharge servicemembers for minor misconductpossibly related to mental health issuesthan to evaluate them for conditions that may warrant … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-calls-oscar-mayer-factory-closing-a-devastating-blow-to-workers | Pocan Calls Oscar Mayer Factory Closing a Devastating Blow to Workers and Their Families | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Madison, WI U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) released the following statement after Oscar Mayer announced it was closing the companys plant and corporate headquarters resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs: This is a devastating blow for the Oscar Mayer workers, their families and our local economy. Oscar Mayer was a source of good paying jobs and a valuable asset to Dane County. I am deeply concerned for the hundreds of employees and their families who have just found out they can no longer expect to come to work at this facility as they have for many years now. Since Heinz took over Kraft and Oscar Mayer, their commitment to the corporate bottom line over the interests of individual workers and the communities they live in has, unfortunately, been repeated across the country. Given the companys indication that they will instead expand operations elsewhere in North America, my office is prepared to assist should workers qualify for trade adjustment assistance. I will work with state and local officials to provide necessary assistance to the workers who have just endured this terrible loss. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-introduces-jason-simcakoski-promise-act | Rep. Ron Kind Introduces Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Ron Kind Introduces Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act Bipartisan Bill Ensures Wisconsin Veterans Receive the Care They Earned and Deserve La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind joined Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) to introduce the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act, which aims to fix a number of problems seen at the Tomah VA, including looking into improved pain management practices. This legislation is named in honor of Jason Simcakoski, a Wisconsin veteran who tragically lost his life last year. We must make sure no other veterans and their families have to go through what the Simcakoski family and others have had to. One of the best ways to do this is to give veteran patients and their families a real role in VA oversight and to provide health care professionals better training on the negative effects of prescription painkillers. This legislation takes some of the lessons learned from the problems at Tomah and helps the VA provide better care for veterans nationwide, Rep Kind stated. This bipartisan legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update pain management guidelines, strengthen provider education and training, improve patient advocacy, and authorizes a new commission to examine alternative treatments, among other provisions. The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act is the House companion to the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act in the Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/usda-announces-53-million-investment-kickapoo-river | USDA Announces $5.3 Million Investment for Kickapoo River | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | USDA Announces $5.3 Million Investment for Kickapoo River Rep. Kind has Long Fought to Improve Water Quality in the Mississippi River Basin La Crosse, WI This week the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service announced that over the next four years they will invest $5.3 million in projects on the Kickapoo River. This is good news for Wisconsin and the entire region said Rep. Ron Kind. Investing in water quality, agriculture and supporting conservation is critically important to our way of life. These projects will benefit our economy and our ecology for years to come. One of the watersheds to receive funding is the Kickapoo River, which travels between Ontario and La Farge. Partners working with this project include the Crawford and Vernon County Land Conversation Departments among others. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pocan-op-ed-where-have-all-the-teachers-gone | Pocan Op-Ed: Where Have All The Teachers Gone? | 2015-11-03 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Madison 365 By Rep. Mark Pocan There has been an onslaught of data showing many states around the country from California to Indiana are in desperate need of teachers. Wisconsin is no stranger to this teacher shortage. In August, theMilwaukee Journal Sentinelran a piece with a striking headline: School districts scramble to find teachers for open positions. Many districts across Wisconsin are making last ditch efforts to fill teaching slots for this upcoming school year. As someone who cares deeply about our public education system, this is particularly concerning, so I started to delve deeper into Wisconsins teacher shortage to search for some answers. Data obtained from the University of Wisconsin-Madison show the universitys School of Education has seen more than a 52% decline in applications between the 10-11 and 14-15 school years. In 2010, there were 329 applicants to the school of education, for 14-15 there were 155. The picture of this teacher shortage is even starker at the two largest education schools in Milwaukee. Both Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have reported significant drops in enrollment in their teaching programs. Marquette Universitys enrollment dropped from 445 students in 2010 to 385 in 2014. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Educations enrollment dropped from 2,135 in 2010 to 1,516 in 2014. The question then becomes, why is there a sudden drop off in teachers? Over the last few years polling shows teachers have become increasingly disillusioned about their jobs and the field of education as a whole. Educators cite low pay, under resourced schools, increased testing requirements, loss of job protections, and unfair teacher evaluations as contributing factors to low morale. Its no surprise schools with budgetary problems are seeing teacher shortages. In Wisconsin, Governor Walkers K-12 budget, which proposes cutting $150 per pupil in coming school year, is certainly not helping with the teacher shortage. Neither is passing policies politically ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-cms-creates-benefit-advance-care-planning | ICYMI CMS Creates Benefit for Advance Care Planning | 2015-11-02 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | ICYMI CMS Creates Benefit for Advance Care Planning Rep. Kind has long advocated for Patient Centered Health Care La Crosse, WI Last Friday the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized their new rule for the physician fee schedule update. The proposed rule includes reimbursement for advance care planning, which Rep. Kind has been working on for several years. Below is Rep. Kind's statement on the inclusion of reimbursements for advanced care planning: I am pleased and encouraged to see CMS take the step of allowing doctors to be reimbursed for having advanced care planning conversations with their patients. Western and central Wisconsin health centers, including Gunderson Health and the Mayo Clinic, have been pioneering programs that empower patients to have vital conversations about end of life care with their physicians. We need to be creating a health care system that is patient centered and rewards the value of care over the quantity of procedures, Rep Kind stated. Reimbursing for these conversations is a step in the right direction. Rep. Kind and Rep. Blumenauer introduced the Personalize Your Care Act in 2013, which would have reimbursed doctors for advanced care planning conversations. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-effort-urging-robust-education-technology-funding-in-esea | Baldwin Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort Urging Robust Education Technology Funding in ESEA | 2015-11-02 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.02.15 Baldwin Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort Urging Robust Education Technology Funding in ESEA WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and 14 of their Congressional colleagues have sent a letter to House and Senate education leaders urging that a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) maintain strong education technology provisions. The bicameral and bipartisan letter, which was addressed to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate HELP Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee, asks ESEA conferees to include robust support in their bill for education technology and technology-specific educator professional development, preferably through a stand-alone program. Read the full letter addressed to conferees here. Unfortunately, too many classrooms, especially those that serve traditionally disadvantaged students and those in rural and remote areas, are not equipped with technology that can help children learn and lack high-quality professional development opportunities for educators in using this tool to best serve students. That is why I was proud to work across party lines to partner with Senator Orrin Hatch to secure the adoption of the Innovative Technology Expands Horizons (I-TECH) Program as part of the Every Child Achieves Act (ECAA), Senator Baldwin said. I-TECH ensures that educators receive technology-specific professional development and provides schools with resources to invest in education technology that increases student learning. The use of technology, coupled with quality training, can help to personalize education, inspire lifelong learning, and prepare tomorrows workforce. It is critical that we invest in the tools and training that can make these goals a reality. I urge ECAA conference leaders to include a standalone education technology… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-house-did-the-right-thing-but-will-the-senate | Pocan Op-Ed: The House Did the Right Thing, But Will the Senate? | 2015-11-01 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Huffington Post By Rep. Mark Pocan With higher education costs skyrocketing, Congress should be making it easier not harder to ensure students have access to an affordable college education. Yet, Senate Republicans, led by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), have twice blocked the renewal of the longest standing federal financial aid program -- the Perkins Loan. The Perkins Loan program fosters access to higher education for low-income students by providing low interest loans to students in need. Since its inception in 1958, over $28 billion dollars in loans have been made to students through almost 26 million financial aid awards. Perkins Loans borrowers are predominantly lower income and are often the first in their family to attend college. Nearly one quarter of all Perkins recipients are from families who earn less than $30,000. One of the main reasons the Perkins Loan program has been such a success is that colleges and universities can tailor the program to best-fit borrowers' and institutions' needs. Perkins is a risk-sharing program with colleges contributing one-third of their students' awards. When students repay their loans, the money goes into a revolving fund that colleges then use to create new loans. Besides making higher education accessible for low-income students, this program serves as an incentive for people who wish to go into public service by offering targeted loan cancellations for specific progression in areas of national need including teaching, nursing and law enforcement. In 2013-2014, close to 500,000 students across the country were awarded Perkins Loans. The University of Wisconsin System awarded 15,829 loans to students amounting in more than $28 million dollars and impacting nearly 1 in 11 UW students during the 2013-14 school year. Earlier this year, I introduced a bipartisan resolution with Rep. Luke Messer (R-IN) along with 56 cosponsors to show strong support for the Perkins Loan program. My colleague Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI) and I also introduced the Higher Education Extension Act… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kinds-statement-firing-former-tomah-chief-staff-david-houlihan | Rep. Ron Kind's Statement of Firing of Former Tomah Chief of Staff David Houlihan | 2015-10-30 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Ron Kind's Statement of Firing of Former Tomah Chief of Staff David Houlihan La Crosse, WI Today, The Department of Veterans Affairs informed U.S. Rep. Ron Kind that Former Tomah Chief of Staff David Houlihan was officially fired from the VA. Below is Rep. Kind's statement: After extensive and fair investigation the VA has formally removed Dr. Houlihan from their employment. This is an important step in moving forward at the Tomah VA and ensuring our veterans receive the care they earned and deserve. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-casey-brown-take-action-against-childhood-poverty | Baldwin, Casey, Brown Take Action Against Childhood Poverty | 2015-10-30 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.30.15 Baldwin, Casey, Brown Take Action Against Childhood Poverty New bill would set goal to eliminate child poverty in US in 20 years Wisconsins child poverty rate ranks 21st in the nation WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Bob Casey and Sherrod Brown introduced the Child Poverty Act, which would establish a national target to reduce the number of children living in poverty in the United States by half in the first 10 years, and completely eliminate in 20 years. According to bipartisan advocacy organization First Focus, in 2014, 18.1 percent of Wisconsin children under 18 were living below the poverty level. African-American children in the state are over four times more likely to face these challenges, with 49 percent living below the poverty level. Read more about child poverty in Wisconsin here. To meet these goals, the bill charges a Federal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Child Poverty with developing a plan, including recommendations to improve the coordination and efficiency of existing initiatives as well as recommendations for new legislation required to reach the target. It also tasks the working group with monitoring progress toward the target at the federal and state levels. With over 18 percent of Wisconsins children, and nearly 50 percent of the states African-American children, living below the poverty level, we have a moral responsibility to take bold action, said Senator Baldwin. Im proud to lead this call to action with Senators Casey and Brown to meet the challenge of cutting child poverty in half over the next ten years. This is a problem that government cannot address alone, it is going to take a national commitment to act and solve this problem. Over 500,000 children in Pennsylvania are living in poverty. This crisis not only effects individual children, but has broader societal effects including higher spending on health, increased rates of crime, and reduced rates of education attainment and higher spending on remedial education, said Senator … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-report-shows-75-of-taxpayer-funded-vouchers-benefit-students-already | New Report Shows 75% of Taxpayer-Funded Vouchers Benefit Students Already Enrolled in Private Schools | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Mark Pocan | P000607 | pocan.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) released the following statement after the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced the number of students attending private schools on state-funded vouchers more than doubled since enrollment caps were lifted. Nearly, 75 percent of students in the newly expanded program were already enrolled in private schools and only 19 percent of new statewide enrollees came from the public-school system. The total cost for the statewide program is estimated to be $18.3 million for the 2015-2016 school year. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, during the 16-17 school year, the state will spend $258 million on taxpayer-funded vouchers and will reduce public school funding by $83 million. This new data clearly shows that the Wisconsin taxpayer- funded voucher program doesnt exist to help students in need, said Rep. Mark Pocan. The Wisconsin taxpayers are paying tuition to students already enrolled in private schools, while our public schools struggle to cover basic infrastructure needs. Not only are voucher schools selecting which students they educate, often turning down students with special needs, but they also operate with little to no oversight or transparency. Lets be clear: public education is fundamental part of a governments responsibility to its citizens. Public funds should only be used for public education. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-announces-1st-annual-hunting-fishing-and-outdoor-photo | Rep. Ron Kind Announces 1st Annual Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Photo Contest | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announced that he is holding a hunting, fishing, and outdoor photo contest for residents of Wisconsin's Third Congressional District. In an effort to showcase western and central Wisconsin during fall hunting season I am asking people to submit their best hunting, fishing, or outdoor photo. Like most Wisconsinites this time of year is an exciting time for my family and me to bond and take advantage of the beautiful Wisconsin outdoors. This year I hope you will send me your best photos, so we can share in this great Wisconsin tradition. Guidelines: Photos should be submitted to wi3photos@mail.house.gov Include in the email the county where the picture was taken Deadline is December 1st The winner will be determined by the photo that receives the most page likes on Rep. Ron Kind's Facebook page The winning photo will be featured on Rep. Kind's website and Facebook page. Additionally, a copy will be displayed in the D.C. office | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-ron-kind-announced-he-holding-hunting-fishing-and-outdoor-photo | U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announced that he is holding a hunting, fishing, and outdoor photo contest for residents of Wisconsin's Third Congressional District. | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, The Department of Veterans Affairs informed U.S. Rep. Ron Kind that Former Tomah Chief of Staff David Houlihan was officially fired from the VA. Below is Rep. Kind's statement: After extensive and fair investigation the VA has formally removed Dr. Houlihan from their employment. This is an important step in moving forward at the Tomah VA and ensuring our veterans receive the care they earned and deserve. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-collins-casey-portman-lead-majority-of-senate-in-bipartisan-effort-to-save-student-loan-program | Baldwin, Collins, Casey, Portman Lead Majority of Senate in Bipartisan Effort to Save Student Loan Program | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.29.15 Baldwin, Collins, Casey, Portman Lead Majority of Senate in Bipartisan Effort to Save Student Loan Program Letter from 54 Senators urges Senate leadership to take up and pass bill to reauthorize Perkins Loan Program Critical lifeline for low-income students expired on September 30 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Robert Casey (D-PA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) have sent a bipartisan letter, cosigned by a majority of the Senate, to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Harry Reid urging them to take up and pass legislation to reauthorize the Perkins Loan Program. This critical lifeline for many low-income students expired on September 30, despite receiving a unanimous one-year, no-cost extension from the House of Representatives on September 28. Since its expiration, a bipartisan coalition of Senators have twice attempted to reauthorize the program with a unanimous consent" request, but the Senate has yet to pass the bill. READ the letter here. The Perkins Loan Program, the nations oldest federal student loan program, has existed with broad bipartisan support since 1958 and has provided more than $28 billion in loans through almost 26 million awards to students in all 50 states. In the last academic year alone, the program lent $1.1 billion to more than half a million students with financial need across more than 1,500 institutions of higher education. For almost six decades, the Federal Perkins Loan Program has been successfully helping Americas students access affordable higher education. In my home state of Wisconsin, the program provides more than 20,000 low-income students with more than $41 million in aid and it is my top priority to fight to ensure it continues for generations to come. I urge Senate leadership to heed this bipartisan call and immediately reauthorize this critical investment for our nations students, said Senator Baldwin. In Maine, more than 5,000 students received a Perkins Loan last year, providing $9.2 million … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-bipartisan-budget-agreement | Rep. Ron Kind Votes for Bipartisan Budget Agreement | 2015-10-28 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Ron Kind Votes for Bipartisan Budget Agreement Reforms Crop Insurance Program to Save Taxpayers $3 Billion La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind joined a bipartisan coalition to pass a two-year budget agreement, which eases the burden of sequestration cuts, ensures America will continue to pay our bills on time, and makes much needed reforms to the crop insurance program. The people of western and central Wisconsin expect the government to play by the same rules they do, which means ensuring we pay bills on time and having a long-term budget. This two-year budget agreement will bring a measure of certainty to help the economy grow and help ease the negative impact of ongoing indiscriminate cuts to critical areas like education, job training, and Medicare, Rep. Kind stated. Additionally, I am pleased this agreement reflects my idea on farm bill reform by making much needed changes to the wasteful crop insurance program. This legislation will lower the profit margin to large insurance companies to 8.9 percent from 14 percent, generating $3 billion in savings for taxpayers. These important reforms not only strike a better deal for taxpayers but will have no out of pocket expense to farmers. Rep. Kind has been a leading advocate for protecting American taxpayers by reforming wasteful taxpayer subsidy programs to big Agribusiness and instead focusing on the needs of family farmers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1314 | House Votes to Reauthorize Export-Import Bank | 2015-10-27 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | A highly anticipated session between black lawmakers and the conservative Republican was not the fiery confrontation some expected. By Charles D. Ellison If conservative bean counter and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) was expecting a packed roomful of angry black members of Congress, he got a rude awakening. They were actually mad nice about it. A nervously anticipated meeting this week between the Congressional Black Caucus and the stumbling Badger State congressman looking to reinvent himself had been advertised as an Ultimate Fighting Championship Muay Thai cage match. That expectation certainly seemed warranted. Ryan, the 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee and P90X fanatic, had paved a long road of cultural gaffes and miscues near worthy of a customized racial sensitivity boot camp. If he wasnt faking an inarticulate throat bump on exactly what he meant by inner city during a pander-filled appearance on a conservative talk show, he was actively dynamiting crucial social programson spreadsheets to pay for corporate tax breaks. We tried to create a good environment for him, explained Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), the CBC Budget Task Force chair and a Ryan state-mate. We actually fed him. In essence, the CBC flipped the scripts on Ryan for this session, killing him and his budget philosophy nicely with a classic soul food spread and unbearably pleasant African-American hospitality. The strategy, on surface, appeared well played: completely obliterate any preconceived notions he or the ultraconservative anti-black activists he rolls with have about black folks in general. Use honey rather than vinegar. Instead of doing what he expected, do the exact opposite. That meant a lot of sore tongues in the aftermath as CBC members bit back from hurling diatribes at Ryan. But they did manage to get their talking points across while drawing commitments from the Budget chair. Of course, we let him know that what you expec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2224 | House Votes to Reauthorize Export-Import Bank | 2015-10-27 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | Today's House vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank is a major victory for American workers. This important bipartisan vote signifies that both Republicans and Democrats understand the value this vital federal agency adds to our collective effort to bolster and grow our economy. I'd like to thank my Republican colleagues who broke with the extreme wing of their party and joined us to pass this critical legislation. share: f t Washington, D.C. In response to the passage of H.R. 597, To Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: Today's House vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank is a major victory for American workers. This important bipartisan vote signifies that both Republicans and Democrats understand the value this vital federal agency adds to our collective effort to bolster and grow our economy. I'd like to thank my Republican colleagues who broke with the extreme wing of their party and joined us to pass this critical legislation. For 70 years, the Bank has supported American exports and kept them competitive abroad. Last year, 90 percent of the Bank's transactions went to small businesses. Since 2007, this vital financial institution has helped 224 businesses in my home state of Wisconsin including 135 small businesses export $5 billion worth of goods and products made in the Badger State. I am proud to have helped lead efforts in the House to reauthorize this essential financial institution. Since the Bank lapsed in June, thousands of American jobs have been needlessly lost. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to follow our lead and send this bill to President Obama's desk for his signature. ### Twitter| Facebook| Website | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-joins-bipartisan-coalition-renew-export-import-bank | Rep. Ron Kind Joins Bipartisan Coalition to Renew the Export-Import Bank | 2015-10-27 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Ron Kind Joins Bipartisan Coalition to Renew the Export-Import Bank Renewal of the Bank Helps Wisconsin Businesses Keep Jobs Here at Home La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kindvoted to renew the Export-Import Bank, which provides a variety of financing mechanisms to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services. In Wisconsin's Third Congressional District the bank has helped 19 companies increase exports and supports 480 jobs. The renewal comes 5 months after the bank's charter expired, and businesses across the country had begun to see the negative impacts from the expiration. Today's bipartisan vote to renew the Export-Import bank will help businesses across western and central Wisconsin grow and compete in the global marketplace. Almost every developed country has an Ex-Im bank to help their businesses and not having one put our economy at a severe disadvantage, Rep. Kind stated. The vote today was not only important for renewing the Export-Import Bank, but also serves as an example of what happens when we come together to put the country ahead of partisanship. An independent federal agency, the Ex-Im Bank creates and maintains U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. The program is funded by fees on those who use the program not taxpayers and is so successful those fees actually exceed costs and help to reduce our deficit. Rep. Kind has long been a supporter of renewing the Export-Import Bank. Last year he hosted Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) Chairman Fred Hochberg at a Global Access Forum for small businesses in Eau Claire. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1313 | Milwaukee to Receive $14.2 Million Grant for Streetcar Extension | 2015-10-26 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By Rebecca Kaplan A meeting between Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Wednesday has helped reduce tensions but seems to have done little to reconcile different views on how to best fight poverty. The House Budget Committee chairman was invited to attend one of the meetings after he made comments about a "tailspin of culture in our inner cities" on conservative Bill Bennett's radio show had many members of the CBC, and even the broader Democratic establishment, crying foul. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., called the remarks, "a thinly veiled racial attack." In a letter to Ryan after the comments, CBC chairwoman Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, and Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., called the remarks, "highly offensive," but invited Ryan to attend one of their regular meetings. Speaking to the press after the Wednesday meeting, Fudge said there is some agreement between Ryan and the members of her caucus. "We both care about poverty," she said, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, "but we have different approaches." "The only point of agreement that we really had is that we both believe we have unduly isolated the poor in this country and we need to find some policies that correct that situation," Fudge said, National Journal reported. Both parties indicated the discussion was respectful, and Ryan encouraged a broader discussion about the best ways to fight the roots of poverty. "We need to figure out what works; we need to learn from people who are fighting poverty on the front lines. And that conversation must go both ways. Simply defending the status quo or demanding more of the same is not an answer," he said in a statement released after the meeting. He also told reporters that one of his goals is "improving the tone of the debate." CBC members said that Ryan had called his own comments on poverty "inarticulate" but did not apologize for them. In an interview with BuzzFeed last month, Ryan said he'll need to think more… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2142 | Milwaukee to Receive $14.2 Million Grant for Streetcar Extension | 2015-10-26 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | Economic mobility is vital to our city's future, said Congresswoman Moore. "That's why I've dedicated so much time and effort in securing this multimillion federal grant for the Milwaukee Streetcar project. With this funding, we can expand our city's public transportation options while fostering local economic growth and development." share: f t Milwaukee, WI Mayor Tom Barrett, Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore announced Monday that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the City of Milwaukee a $14.2 million grant to enable construction of the Milwaukee Streetcar's Lakefront Line. The Lakefront Line, approved along with the Milwaukee Streetcar's Phase 1 route by the Common Council and Mayor Barrett in February, will connect Cathedral Square to the Lakefront using Milwaukee and Broadway and Michigan and Clybourn. It will link to the planned $122 million, 44-story lakefront Couture development, which will incorporate a streetcar stop. In addition to this extension to the Phase 1 route, the Mayor intends on additional system expansions into the neighborhoods as part of a modern streetcar network improving transit across the City. This critical federal grant for the Milwaukee Streetcar will bring thousands of residents and visitors to major attractions and new developments on Milwaukee's lakefront, Mayor Barrett said. This announcement builds on the positive momentum we're experiencing in the heart of the City and will also have a significant impact on our neighborhoods creating hundreds of construction jobs and better connecting our neighborhoods to downtown. This major investment will further enhance Downtown Milwaukee's recent renaissance, which includes $2.6 billion of public and private investment since 2005, and another $2.4 billion under construction or planned. I greatly appreciate the support we've received for this grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Milwaukee's congressional delegation and the dozens of busin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-announces-238155-usda-energy-efficiency-project-grants-7 | Rep. Ron Kind Announces $238,155 in USDA Energy Efficiency Project Grants for 7 Local Businesses | 2015-10-26 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announced that seven small businesses in Wisconsin's Third Congressional District received grants from United States Department of Agriculture to make energy efficiency improvements and upgrade to renewable energy systems. For businesses in Wisconsin one of the most expensive costs they have face are energy costs. These USDA energy efficiency grants will help a number of central and western Wisconsin businesses lower their energy costs and save money, that they can use to reinvest in growing their business and the local economy, Rep. Kind stated. The seven local businesses to receive grants are: Central Waters Brewing Company (Amherst, WI) Dan Val Farms (Independence, WI) Digman Grain Farms (Platteville, WI) Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (Fall Creek, WI) Helbach Farms (Amherst, WI) Reser Morton (Readstown, WI) Runde Chevrolet (Hazel Green, WI) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-announces-142-million-in-federal-funding-for-milwaukee-streetcar-lakefront-line | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces $14.2 Million in Federal Funding for Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line | 2015-10-26 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.26.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces $14.2 Million in Federal Funding for Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line Baldwin Helped Secure TIGER Grant Investment from U.S. Department of Transportation WASHINGTON, D.C. Today U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced that the City of Milwaukee has been awarded $14.2 million in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) for the Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line. In May, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to U.S. DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx in support of the City of Milwaukees TIGER grant application for construction of the Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line. This is a strong federal investment in 21st century Wisconsin infrastructure that will put people to work, said Senator Baldwin. The Milwaukee Streetcar will also help spur significant economic development and improve the quality of life for Milwaukee residents. Im pleased to see this important project move forward and proud to have helped secure this investment in Milwaukees economy. This critical federal grant for the Milwaukee Streetcar will bring thousands of residents and visitors to major attractions and new developments on Milwaukees lakefront, MilwaukeeMayor Tom Barrett said. This announcement builds on the positive momentum were experiencing in the heart of the City and will also have a significant impact on our neighborhoods creating hundreds of construction jobs and better connecting our neighborhoods to downtown. This major investment will further enhance Downtown Milwaukees recent renaissance, which includes $2.6 billion of public and private investment since 2005, and another $2.4 billion under construction or planned. I greatly appreciate the support weve received for this grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Milwaukees congressional delegation and the dozens of business and community leaders who submi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-introduces-resolution-to-honor-major-lisa-jaster | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Resolution to Honor Major Lisa Jaster | 2015-10-26 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.26.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Resolution to Honor Major Lisa Jaster Wisconsin native is first Army Reserve woman and mother to graduate from prestigious Army Ranger School Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today introduced a resolution with Senator Ron Johnson honoring Army Reserve Major Lisa Jaster. Jaster, a Wisconsin native who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is the first Army Reserve woman and mother to graduate from the prestigious Army Ranger School. Jaster is now the third woman ever to graduate from Army Ranger School since the program was established in 1950. Senators Baldwin and Johnson's resolution recognizes and honors Jasters impressive accomplishments and the role she will play in protecting and defending the American people. Im proud to honor Wisconsin native Major Lisa Jaster for her tremendous achievement in earning her Army Ranger tabs, Senator Baldwin said. Her success is yet another affirmation that continued gender integration of our nations Armed Forces will help improve readiness and recruitment of the best talent America has to offer. Major Jasters commitment and perseverance is an inspiration to us all and I wish her the best as she continues her courageous service to our nation. Major Jaster is an exceptional leader who makes Wisconsin and this nation proud, Senator Johnson said. I admire her determination and deep commitment to serving with the finest among us. Today, I am pleased to be able to congratulate and honor Major Jaster on this historic achievement, and I look forward to her continued leadership in our armed forces. A copy of the resolution can be found here. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1312 | Blumenthal, Moore Join Advocates to Call on Congress to Increase Protections for Domestic Violence Victims | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By NewsOne Now Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Gwen Moore are two of 17 women in the Congressional Black Caucus. When news broke recently that the Pentagon was tightening restrictions on hairstyles for female soldiers, most pertaining to natural styles worn commonly by black women, the representatives stepped up and have asked military officials to rethink their new standards. Ive had a natural or braids for a good part of my life and I see nothing wrong with any of the styles mentioned, said Jackson Lee. The new regulations are now under review but both women agree that a review isnt enough. They want an end to the policing of black womens hair. Listen to their full conversation with Roland Martin below and how they say the CBCs meeting with Paul Ryan went. To view this article and listen to the interview online, please click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2024 | Blumenthal, Moore Join Advocates to Call on Congress to Increase Protections for Domestic Violence Victims | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | As we continue our national dialogue regarding how we can collectively address the rash of mass shootings in our country, we cannot overlook how pervasive gun violence is to our local communities, especially to women, said Congresswoman Moore. "My bill the Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Act encourages states to implement strong firearm enforcement policies and empowers law enforcement officials to remove a gun from a dangerous domestic violence situation. One of the most dangerous times for a victim of domestic violence is right after the victim tries to leave. With this critical legislation, we can help support and protect these brave survivors when they are at their most vulnerable." share: f t Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) joined domestic violence advocates from the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) to call on Congress to pass critical legislation to prevent domestic violence homicides caused by gun violence. This week, Blumenthal and Moore re-introduced measures in the Senate and House, respectively, that would incentivize states to continue and strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and abuse who are at risk of gun violence. Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim, and adding the threat or use of firearms heightens the risk of fatality for a victim. 46 women are shot to death each month by a current or former partner, and perpetrators with access to firearms are 5-8 times more likely to kill their partners. When domestic abusers are most dangerous at the height of their rage adding guns into the mix places people in immediate peril, said Senator Blumenthal. This critical legislation empowers states to take guns out of the hands of abusers persons convicted of domestic violence or who have used guns to threaten or harass partners or children … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-announces-13-million-infrastructure-funding-benefit-grant | Rep. Kind Announces $13 Million Infrastructure Funding to Benefit Grant, Crawford, Richland and Vernon Counties | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announced that The Scenic Rivers Energy Co-op, which serves Grant, Crawford, and parts of Richland and Vernon counties, will receive $13 million in United States Department of Agriculture rural electric infrastructure project loans to improve 92 miles of electric lines. With this rural electric infrastructure grant the Scenic Rivers Energy Co-op will be able to better provide electricity to over 11,000 Wisconsinites in Southwestern Wisconsin, Rep. Kind stated. It is vital that we continue to find ways to ensure rural residents have access to reliable and affordable energy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-and-senate-democrats-call-on-mcconnell-reid-to-close-carried-interest-loophole | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Senate Democrats Call on McConnell, Reid to Close Carried Interest Loophole | 2015-10-22 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.22.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Senate Democrats Call on McConnell, Reid to Close Carried Interest Loophole As budget negotiations move forward, Baldwin and colleagues urge Senate leadership to include tax reform in bipartisan budget agreement WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin led a group of Senate Democrats in sending a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Harry Reid, urging both leaders to include a provision to close the carried interest loophole as part of a bipartisan budget agreement. Senator Baldwin was joined in sending the letter by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Al Franken (D-MN), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). As we work on a bipartisan budget agreement, Congress has a choice. We can embrace misguided and harmful budget cuts that are stunting economic growth. Or we can work together to repeal the carried interest loophole and use the revenue to invest in an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. For me, the choice is clear, said Senator Baldwin. In June, Senator Baldwin and House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) introduced the Carried Interest Fairness Act of 2015. The legislation would end the carried interest loophole and ensure that income earned managing other people's money is taxed at the same ordinary income tax rates as that of the vast majority of Americans. The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimated that the Baldwin-Levin legislation to close the carried interest loophole would raise $15.6 billion in revenue. We are encouraged that negotiations are underway to provide Americans relief from the damaging cuts and budget caps laid out in the Budget Control Act. These indiscriminate cuts were never intended to be permanent policy and we are supportive of efforts to reach a bipartisan bu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1311 | Moore Introduces Young Adults Safety Act | 2015-10-21 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | By Erika Eichelberger On Wednesday afternoon, anti-safety-net crusader Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus in an attempt to make amends after he said on a radio show last month that urban poverty is caused by the lack of a work ethic in inner cities. At the meeting, Ryan admitted he didn't "know everything about poverty," and agreed to sit down with CBC members in the coming months to discuss specific solutions proposed by black lawmakers to address the needs of historically disadvantaged communities. "The sky didn't open up," says CBC member Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), who was at the meeting. "But there were some productive things that happened." In a conversation with conservative talk show host Bill Bennett on March 12, Ryan said, "We have got this tailspin of culture, in our inner cities in particular, of men not working and just generations of men not even thinking about working or learning to value the culture of work, so there is a real culture problem here that has to be dealt with." At the time, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), a member of the CBC, called Ryan's remarks "a thinly veiled racial attack." Ryan denied the comments had anything to do with race. He said he was merely criticizing the fact that inner city men are "isolated" from economic opportunity. This isn't the first time Ryan has used racial rhetoric when talking about poverty. In a 2005 speech, he associated the "victimization class" with minorities, and in 2012, he said inner-city poverty and crime was a cultural problem. At the Wednesday gathering, CBC members pounced on that walk-back by pointing out that if Ryan wants to prevent the isolation of inner-city men, his most recent federal budget proposal certainly doesn't reflect that; it drastically cuts social programs designed to support them. CBC members introduced Ryan to the caucus' alternative federal budget plan, which would require that 10 percent of all federal agencies' funds be directed to area… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2044 | Moore Introduces Young Adults Safety Act | 2015-10-21 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Gwen Moore | M001160 | gwenmoore.house.gov | legacy | This alarming trend inspired me to introduce the Young Adults Safety Act, which would provide the capacity to help develop model programs to help low-resource teens and young adults acquire a driver's license or regain their license after a suspension. Make no mistake: Those with a flagrant disregard for public safety don't belong behind the wheel. This bill aims to develop and implement strategies to address the many barriers that low-income youth encounter in their efforts to obtain a license and drive legally. share: f t Washington, D.C.Upon the introduction of the Young Adults Safety Act, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: We're seeing a growing pattern by cities across the country to use driver's license suspensions as a means to punish those who fail to pay a municipal debt. Often, these penalties have nothing to do with traffic infractions or poor driving behavior and are imposed against those who have yet to even reach the legal driving age. These suspensions disproportionately impact minorities, including young African American males. According to one report, in 2011, African Americans received 69% of failure-to-pay suspensions in Milwaukee County. For young people, one of the dire consequences of such additional barriers to having a driver's licenses is that, at a key part in their life, it can limit education opportunities, job opportunities and the ability to gain critical work experience. This alarming trend inspired me to introduce the Young Adults Safety Act, which would provide the capacity to help develop model programs to help low-resource teens and young adults acquire a driver's license or regain their license after a suspension. Make no mistake: Those with a flagrant disregard for public safety don't belong behind the wheel. This bill aims to develop and implement strategies to address the many barriers that low-income youth encounter in their efforts to obtain a license and drive legally. I can tell… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-co-sponsors-bill-expand-access-outdoor-recreation | Rep. Ron Kind Co-Sponsors Bill to Expand Access to Outdoor Recreation Activities | 2015-10-21 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Ron Kind Co-Sponsors Bill to Expand Access to Outdoor Recreation Activities La Crosse, WIToday, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (WI-3) co-sponsored the bipartisan Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act, which reauthorizes a number of measures to expand access for hunting and other outdoor activities. For many families in western and central Wisconsin, including my own, outdoor reaction is a time to bond with loved ones and enjoy the outdoors, said Rep. Kind. I'm passionate about protecting the rights of hunters and anglers across the country so they can pass on the sporting tradition to future generations. The SHARE Act will provide better access to outdoor opportunities and will protect Wisconsin's abundant natural resources. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), and Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC). It is a package of bills aimed at expanding access to outdoor recreation and protecting the rights of hunters, including: Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act: Modifies the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to increase the proportion of funding from the Act that states may use for acquiring land for public target ranges. Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act: Federal public land management officials must facilitate hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on certain federal public land. Farmer and Hunter Protection Act: Revises standards for determining what a baited area is for purposes of the prohibition on taking migratory game birds. Recently, Rep. Kind introduced the Sportsmen's Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Enhancement (SCORE) Act, which reauthorizes a number of measures to conserve hunting and fishing habitats. He is a longtime member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and has previously served as both the vice chair and co-chair of the caucus. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kinds-statement-president-obamas-announcement-new-standards | Rep. Ron Kind's Statement on President Obama's Announcement of New Standards to Combat Opioid Abuse | 2015-10-21 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Ron Kind's Statement on President Obama's Announcement of New Standards to Combat Opioid Abuse Would help Combat the Opioid Over Prescriptions Seen at Tomah VA La Crosse, WI Today, President Barack Obama announcednew actions to stop abuse of prescription painkillers and help treat people fighting opioid addiction. Included as part of the actions is training for VA health care professionals on proper prescription protocols for opioid medications, which will help fix one of the biggest problems we saw at the Tomah VA Medical Center. Below is Rep. Kind's statement: I applaud President Obama taking actions to address proper pain management for our veterans. As we learned at the Tomah VA, over prescription and misuse of opioids has dangerous consequences. The first step in addressing the problem is making sure we better inform health care professionals about the risks associated with over prescribing, and this proposal helps with that important step. More needs to be done, so I will continue my work on the Veterans Pain Management Improvement Act, which establishes pain management oversight boards to help find alternative and complementary treatments to pain management. In May, Rep. Kind introduced the bipartisan Veterans Pain Management Improvement Act, which would establish a pain management oversight board within each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) comprised of health care professionals and clinical patients and/or family members of a clinical patient. Recently, he joined Rep. Ribble to introduce the Veterans Access to Care Act, which would fix recruitment problems the VA is having in Tomah, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, and other parts of the state. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-baldwin-effort-to-save-perkins-loans-obstructed-once-again-in-senate | Bipartisan Baldwin Effort to Save Perkins Loans Obstructed Once Again in Senate | 2015-10-21 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.21.15 Bipartisan Baldwin Effort to Save Perkins Loans Obstructed Once Again in Senate UW System President and Chancellors: With the expiration of the program, our students are caught in the middle. WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today went to the Senate floor for a second time to save the critical Federal Perkins Loan Program, which expired on September 30, 2015. Senator Baldwin took action with a unanimous consent request to fund the student loan program for one year, but Senator John McCain (R-AZ) objected on behalf of Senate Republican leadership. On September 30, Senator Baldwin led a bipartisan coalition on the Senate floor in an attempt to save the program before its expiration. Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the HELP Committee, blocked their efforts. During her remarks on the floor today, Senator Baldwin discussed her recent college affordability listening session in Kenosha, During the course of that conversation, it was abundantly clear that most of the students were very frustrated that Congress could not take the most commonsense steps to make it happen. I told them I shared their frustration and ensured them I would be going back to Washington, D.C. to fight on their behalfSo here I am, almost one month from the day I last stood here on the Senate floor. One month since a single Senator, stood up and blocked a commonsense and bipartisan measure that would have continued to provide critical, financial support for Americas low-income students. WATCH Senator Baldwins remarks on the Senate floor. Today, Senator Baldwin received a letter from UW System President Ray Cross and cosigned by all fourteen UW System chancellors. In addition to Senator Baldwin, the letter was addressed to the leadership of both House and Senate education committees, as well as Senator Ron Johnson and Representatives Mark Po… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-congressman-kind-hold-open-office-hours | Representatives for Congressman Kind Hold Open Office Hours | 2015-10-20 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Ron Kind | K000188 | kind.house.gov | legacy | Representatives for Congressman Kind Hold Open Office Hours Will be in all 18 counties in Wisconsin's Third District La Crosse, WI Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announced that over the next three weeks representatives from his district offices will be available at open office hours in all 18 counties in Wisconsin's Third Congressional District. Our office is always working to be accessible and helpful to residents of central and western Wisconsin, said Rep. Kind. I hope that people will take advantage of these open office hours to come share their thoughts and seek help to solve problems they may be having with a federal agency. Rep. Kind's office can assist people who are having trouble dealing with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and a number of other federal agencies. District Office representatives will be available at the dates, times and locations listed below: Thursday, October 22, 2015 10:00 -11 a.m. City of Hillsboro - City Hall Council Chambers 123 Mechanic Street Hillsboro, WI 54634 12:00 -1 p.m. City of Richland Center Municipal Building - Conference Room 450 South Main Street Richland Center, WI 53581 2:30-3:30 p.m. Village of Muscoda Kratochwill Memorial Municipal Building 206 N. Wisconsin Ave. Muscoda, WI 53573 Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 9:30-10:30 a.m. Village of Almond-Village Hall 122 Main Street Almond, Wi 54909 11:30-12:30 p.m. City of Adams-Community Center 569 N. Cedar St. Room 103 Adams, WI 53901 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 10:00-11:00 a.m.City of Sparta- City Council Chambers 201 West Oak Street Sparta, WI 54656 Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015 9:00-10:00 a.m. Village of Rudolph - Village Hall 1580 Main St. Rudolph, WI 54475 1:00-2:00 p.m.Hatch Public Library-Conference Meeting Room 111 West State Street Mauston, WI 53948 Wednesday, Oct 28, 2015 1:00- 2:00 p.m. Village of Gays Mills 16381 State Hwy 131, Suite 1 Gays Mills, WI 54631 3:00 4:00 p.m. Southwest Wisconsin T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-joins-effort-to-prevent-spike-in-medicare-premiums | U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Effort to Prevent Spike in Medicare Premiums | 2015-10-19 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | WI | Tammy Baldwin | B001230 | www.baldwin.senate.gov | legacy | 10.19.15 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Effort to Prevent Spike in Medicare Premiums Medicare Part B Premiums and Deductibles Set for Dramatic Rise Next Year without Congressional Action Bill Would Keep Premiums and Deductibles Affordable for Millions of Seniors WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has joined Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden and Senate Democrats in introducing legislation that would protect Medicare beneficiaries and states from a sharp rise in Part B premiums and deductibles in 2016. The Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015 ensures that Medicare premiums and deductibles will not increase in 2016. This commonsense measure will protect over 630,000 Wisconsinites and millions of seniors across the country from an abrupt and dramatic increase in Medicare costs, said Senator Baldwin. I urge my colleagues to act quickly in order to ensure vulnerable Americans arent left behind by this harmful policy. Last week, it was announced that for the first time in five years, there will be no annual Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security in 2016. Because of this, roughly 30% of Medicare beneficiaries, 15 million Americans, will face an unexpected 52% increase in monthly premiums because they are excluded from the rarely-used hold-harmless policy. The Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015 will hold 2016 premiums constant for the 30% group at the 2015 level ($104.90) and maintain the deductible for all beneficiaries at $147 (the 2015 threshold). Bill text can be found here. Co-sponsors include Sens. Bennet, Brown, Cardin, Casey, Menendez, Murray, Nelson, Schumer, Stabenow, Sanders, Leahy, Carper, Udall, Hirono, King, Mikulski, Coons, Franken and Merkley. Background Medicare has a hold-harmless provision that, for about 70 percent of beneficiaries, ensures the dollar increase in the Part B premium cannot be more than the dollar increase of a beneficiarys monthly Social Security benefit. This is to ensure that beneficiaries will not have a r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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