Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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946 rows where party = "Republican", state = "WI" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.speaker.gov/video/merry-christmas-our-military | Merry Christmas to our Military | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | To all of our men and women around the world this holiday season, especially those of you from the great state of Wisconsin, I know it is said many times many ways: thank you for your service. You and your families are never far from our thoughts. How blessed we are to live under the cover of your protection. Merry Christmas. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/saturday-snapshot | Saturday Snapshot | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, There has been a lot going on in our neck of the woods of Wisconsin, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the latest news with you! Top Five In The Nation...Number One In Our Hearts There are a lot of reasons to be proud to be from Wisconsin; it's hands down the best place to work, raise a family, or vacation in the country. But we're also leaders when it comes to Christmas tree production! That means that Wisconsin continues to bring joy to families across the country this season. ClickHERE or the image below to celebrate Wisconsin's proud Christmas tree production! Our Nation Deserves Border Security At my recent townhall meeting at Northcentral Technical College in Antigo, I discussed the need for our nation to have a secure border. There are too many families across our nation who have lost loved ones because of the meth and heroin that pours over our southern border. In fact, at a recent Law Enforcement Roundtable, Wisconsin law enforcement leaders told me that even though our state is more than 1,000 miles away from Mexico, more than 90% of the meth and heroin in our community can be traced back to Mexico. This is unacceptable. Click HERE to watch a short interview with Eau Claire's Channel 18 about the need for border security. More Town Halls! Not only did we have a productive townhall meeting in Antigo, but it was great to chat with folks in Eagle River and Medford as well. It's important that we routinely get the opportunity to discuss the issues face to face. Click HERE or the image below to "like" and SHARE our recent town hall pics! Spring Isn't THAT Far Off! Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the pol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/saturday-snapshot-0 | Saturday Snapshot | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, There has been a lot going on in our neck of the woods of Wisconsin, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the latest news with you! Top Five In The Nation...Number One In Our Hearts There are a lot of reasons to be proud to be from Wisconsin; it's hands down the best place to work, raise a family, or vacation in the country. But we're also leaders when it comes to Christmas tree production! That means that Wisconsin continues to bring joy to families across the country this season. ClickHERE or the image below to celebrate Wisconsin's proud Christmas tree production! Our Nation Deserves Border Security At my recent townhall meeting at Northcentral Technical College in Antigo, I discussed the need for our nation to have a secure border. There are too many families across our nation who have lost loved ones because of the meth and heroin that pours over our southern border. In fact, at a recent Law Enforcement Roundtable, Wisconsin law enforcement leaders told me that even though our state is more than 1,000 miles away from Mexico, more than 90% of the meth and heroin in our community can be traced back to Mexico. This is unacceptable. Click HERE to watch a short interview with Eau Claire's Channel 18 about the need for border security. More Town Halls! Not only did we have a productive townhall meeting in Antigo, but it was great to chat with folks in Eagle River and Medford as well. It's important that we routinely get the opportunity to discuss the issues face to face. Click HERE or the image below to "like" and SHARE our recent town hall pics! Spring Isn't THAT Far Off! Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the pol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/general/first-step-act-2018 | Speaker Ryan Signs First Step Act of 2018 | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | Last night, House members from both sides of the aisle gathered as Speaker Ryan signed the FIRST STEP Act,legislation to make substantive reforms to our criminal justice system. Republican or Democrat, redemption is at the heart of the American Idea. These reforms will not only make our communities safer, but will create a smoother path for those who have been incarcerated to successfully reenter and contribute to society. Members from left to right: Front Row: Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), Speaker Ryan (R-WI), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) Back Row: Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/congress-passes-bipartisan-ryan-murray-evidence-based-policy-bill | Bipartisan Ryan-Murray Evidence-Based Policy Bill to Become Law | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONThe House has passed H.R. 4174, the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation authored by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). This measure, set to become law, culminates years of work to make better use of data, improving the way government solves entrenched problems. It is a critical piece of Speaker Ryan's agenda to tackle intergenerational poverty. Speaker Ryan offered the following thoughts: Good policy is often about asking the right questions. After the 2012 election, we started working on a poverty and opportunity agenda. We found Washington was stuck in some old ways of thinking, particularly when it came to rewarding efforts instead of results. Much of the focus was on how much we are spending, not whether people are truly being helped. So we asked ourselves: How do we move from inputs to outputs, and then ultimately to outcomes? How can government better test whether something is actually working, and make decisions based on that information? Unsurprisingly, we found out that it was awfully complicated. So, Patty Murray and I put together a bipartisan bill to encourage more policymaking based on evidence, based on data. That bill established a commission to look at everything and determine how we could do this in a way that protects privacy and emphasizes results. The commission, which shares in today's success, did an incredible amount of work in a short period of time to advance this cause. Patty and I then put the commission's recommendations into a second bipartisan bill, and Congress passed it this week. I am deeply grateful to Patty for the chance to work together with her on this. Now we move into the implementation phase. We need to keep building up the government's ability to streamline access to this data. We need to ensure the data is being used not just to inform, but to evaluate. Some agencies are already on the right track; some agencies are nowhere near the track. The next five years will be pivotal. What I'm e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-votes-support-criminal-justice-reform | Gallagher Votes in Support of Criminal Justice Reform | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today Congressman Mike Gallagher voted in support of the revised version of the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform package that focuses on reducing rampant recidivism among federal prisoners, reforming select sentencing laws, and increasing community safety. After the bill passed the House, Rep. Gallagher released the following statement: "At the core of the First Step Act is redemption a fundamental principle of our justice system. The reality is, most inmates in our federal prison system will someday be released. By giving them the training and education they need to succeed upon release, this bill goes a long way toward ensuring they are productive members of their communities and don't return to a life of crime." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/sensenbrenner-s-second-chance-reauthorization-act-sent-to-president-s | Sensenbrenners Second Chance Reauthorization Act Sent to Presidents Desk as Part of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Package | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Today, the House passed S. 756, the First Step Act. This bipartisan criminal justice reform package includesCongressman Jim Sensenbrenner's(WI-05) reauthorization language of theSecond Chance Act, which provides grants for the purpose of helping newly-released prisoners successfully reenter society. Rep. Sensenbrenner:Republicans and Democrats coming together to pass criminal justice reform is a monumental victory for the American people, and I'm proud to have been a leader of this effort that has been years in the making. I'm also proud to note that this bill reauthorizes the Second Chance Act, which has been instrumental in healing communities by helping those who have paid their debts to society to rejoin their families and live a productive life. I thank Chairman Goodlatte, Congressman Collins, and the many others who carried this bill across the finish line. You can view Congressman Sensenbrenner's remarks on the House floorhere. Background on the First Step Act: The First Step Act is a combination of the originalHouse-passed First Step Act, theSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, and theSecond Chance Reauthorization Act. The comprehensive package aims to reduce over-criminalization by preparing inmates to successfully reenter society through programs proven to reduce recidivism. Additionally, it gives judges greater discretion when sentencing low-level, nonviolent offenders and provides grants for reentry programs. Background on the Second Chance Reauthorization Act: Congressmen Danny Davis (D-IL-07) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) introduced the original Second Chance Act in 2007. It passed Congress with strong bipartisan support, and President George W. Bush signed it into law in 2008. This legislation provided non-profit faith and community-based organizations with mentoring grants to develop support programs such as drug treatment, housing, job training, medical care, and education. Reentry services have been improved in the decade since the Second Chance Act was implemented, wh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E3B70A9B-B397-49B2-8715-83786329A0B7 | Johnson Comments on Retirement of General Mattis | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said the following regarding the retirement of Defense Secretary James Mattis: General Mattis is a fine man who has spent his career serving our country with great distinction. His perspective on military matters and foreign affairs will be missed. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/congress-passes-historic-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-legislation | Congress Passes Historic, Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Legislation | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement following the bipartisan passage of the revisedFIRST STEP Act: "This is something I have believed in for a long time. AsAmericans, we are about lifting people upthere is no reason a person who wants to redeem themselves, work hard, and contribute to their community should be deprived of that opportunity. Once this legislation is signed by the president, that ethos will be further etched into law. These reforms to our criminal justice system will not only reduce recidivism and make communities safer, but they will help people into lives of purpose. Today is an encouraging day for countless families who are ready for a new beginning." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/statement-secretary-mattis-service-our-country | Statement on Secretary Mattis’ Service to Our Country | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released the following statement on Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis: Secretary Mattis has served our country with honor, bravery, and integrity. With our country's defense in his hands, we have become a safer America at home, and a more commanding force abroad. His patriotism and grit are matched only by his humility and graciousness. I have been deeply honored to work alongside him to rebuild our military, and to support our men and women in uniform. The House is indebted to Secretary Mattis for his service. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D2F3C61D-9318-4BD3-BC63-B2426790AAF4 | Johnson, Durbin Urge Stronger Response to Russian Aggression in Ukraine | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and 39 of their colleagues introduced a resolution calling for a prompt multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea and the cancellation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in response to Russia's recent aggressive actions in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov. The United States and our allies need to rapidly counter Russia's military aggression in the Kerch Strait with strong and resolute action, Sen. Johnson said. Assembling a multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea to help ensure safe passage into the Sea of Azov, combined with cancellation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is exactly the kind of response Putin needs to see. The recent provocative military actions from Russia and revelations about its extensive cyber disinformation campaigns in the U.S. are warnings to the rest of the world that Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping his aggressive campaign against Western democracies or Ukraine, said Sen. Durbin. The world must work together to stop this Russian assault on democracy and Ukraine sovereignty. I am proud to support this resolution and urge my colleagues to reaffirm this message of deterring further aggression from the Russian Federation. Ukraine is the front line of Vladimir Putin's struggle against the free world and, last month, Russia's attack on Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait marked a dangerous escalation of that conflict. We have to respond, and respond with strength. Weakness will only provoke further aggression. The United States must enhance our lethal aid to Ukraine, especially to enhance its maritime capabilities. And working together with our European allies, we should conduct freedom of navigation operations in the Black Sea to deter further bullying. Ukraine has never asked Americans or Europeans to do their fighting for them. They have asked only that we give them the tools they need to defend themselves and their country. Ukrainians need and deserve our help. T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/general/advancing-american-idea | Advancing the American Idea | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | I have served alongside so many, from both sides of the aisle, who are here for the greater good. Those who put service above self, and recognize the responsibility that comes with public office. Together, we have put into law good, aspirational ideas to improve people's lives. I will be forever proud of those efforts. For me, this season of service is coming to a close. But the ideas that make this nation the greatest in the worldthe pillars of this strong republicare enduring. What we have in this country is a miracle. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of this work to advance the American Idea. Click here for a .pdf of the booklet documenting Paul Ryan's Two Decades of Service in the House. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/excerpts-speaker-ryan-s-farewell-address | Excerpts: Speaker Ryan’s Farewell Address | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) will deliver his farewell address at 1:00 p.m. ET today at the Library of Congress. Following are excerpts from the address, which you can watch live on Speaker.gov: On the accomplishments of this Congress: Three years ago, when we last gathered in this hall, we began a great journey. To set our nation on a better path. To move our economy from stagnation to growth. To restore our military might. And we have kept our promises. .. We have taken on some of the biggest challenges of our time, and made a great and lasting difference in the trajectory of this country. Certainly one Congress cannot solve all that ails us. Not every outcome has been perfect. But that is our great system at work. And I am proud of what we have achieved together to make this a stronger and more prosperous country. .. I leave here as convinced as I was at the start that we face no challenge which cannot be overcome by putting pen to paper on sound policy. By addressing head-on the problems of the day. On the state of politics: The state of politics these days is another question, and frankly one I don't have an answer for. . Our culture is meant to be shaped not by our political institutions, but by the mediating institutions of civil society, of the community. These are the places where we come together with people of different backgroundschurches, charities, teams, PTA meetings. It is where we build up our social capital, that currency which keeps us rooted to where we live, and how we live with one another. Rediscovering that human connection is one lane on the road back to aspiration and inclusion as the guiding influences in public life. . As I look ahead to the future, this much I know: Our complex problems are solvable. That is to say, our problems are solvable if our politics will allow it. On poverty: I believe firmly that solving our poverty challenges once and for all will require not just a great undertaking, but a great rethinking of how we help the most vulnerable among us. It begins w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/full-text-speaker-ryans-farewell-address | Full Text: Speaker Ryan's Farewell Address | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) today delivered his farewell address at the Library of Congress. Watch the address live on Speaker.gov. Following are Speaker Ryan's remarks, as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Trey, for being a great colleague, and an even better friend. And for combing your hair today. Thank you to my great friends and colleagues for joining me here today. Thank you especially to the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Hayden, for having us in this beautiful hall. Anytime I come over here, I can't help but think back to a pivotal moment in my life. It was the summer of 2012. I was about to speak to a local Chamber of Commerce group when I got a phone call. It was Beth Meyers, from the Romney campaign. At this point, I knew that I was being vetted for vice president, but I hadn't heard anything. I didn't know how serious this really was. So Beth starts to walk me through how I would need to fly up to Boston incognito. As she is going through the logistics, it just starts occurring to me that my lifemy family's lifeis about to change dramatically. We hang up, I get through the speech I have to give. And then I realize that I have to go vote on the House floor. So at this moment when I want to be alone with my thoughts, I have to walk right into a swarm of colleagues and reporters. It is one of those inflection points you just remember at certain crossroads in your life. This building, that momentit reminds me that your plan, your direction, can change in an instant. I have had a number of improbable turns in my life, and I don't know what's next. But before I go, I am grateful to have a chance to share a few thoughts and say goodbye: to you, to this job, and to this incredible institution we call the House of Representatives. A long time ago, I came here to Capitol Hill as an intern for one semester during college. The plan was one semester here in Washington, and that's it. Since then, I have met and been surrounded by some incredible people. The mentors who helped set me on the ri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C2F7E69A-D156-449F-B113-DDCE3E63F7E3 | Johnson Statement on Criminal Justice Reform | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said the following Tuesday regarding his vote for the First Step Act: TheFirst Step Actrecognizes that helping federal inmates prepare for a successful life outside of prison can reduce recidivism and crime. Through the Joseph Project, I have witnessed formerly incarcerated individuals transform their lives when given work opportunities. Like most pieces of legislation, it is not perfect, and provisions I hoped to see included were not adopted.Nevertheless, I believe the potential positives outweighed my concerns and I voted to support it. It will be the responsibility of Congress to closely monitor the results of the law in the years ahead, and make modifications if necessary. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/decades | Decades in the Making: The Story of Paul Ryan and Tax Reform | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | It's the 1990s, and an idealisticyoung conservative is forming a set of boldand at times, politically contentiousideas about the role of the federal government and our tax system. But as he'll learn as a member of Congress from Wisconsin, there is a reasontax reform hasn't happened in nearly 30 years. This is the story of Paul Ryan and his relentless drive to pass the firsttax reform law in a generation. It is a cause, and a career,that was decades in the making. Click here to watch the full series (19 minutes total), or choose an individual episode below. Episode 1: The Idea Episode 2: The Wilderness Episode 3: The Groundwork Episode 4: The Speakership Episode 5: The Agenda Episode 6: The Finale | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/video/decades-making | Teaser Trailer: "Decades in the Making" | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | There's a reason it hadn't happened in a generation. Big ideasideas about the role and size and scope of governmenttake time to debate, to normalize, and eventually, to become law of land. From his first election to Congress as a 28-year-old to hisreluctant rise to the speakership,Paul Ryan has maintained a laser-like focus on comprehensive tax reform. The warnings from political pundits, naysayers, and defenders of the status quo never deterred him, and in 2017, Speaker Ryan championed one of the biggest legislative victories of our time with the enactment of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. It's a cause, and a career, that was decades in the making. (Full series coming December 18th.) This Wednesday, tune into speaker.gov/live at 1:00 pm E.T. as Speaker Ryan delivershis farewell address at the Library of Congress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/update-for-you-0 | Update For You | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, I hope you're having a wonderful week. Before you start your weekend, I wanted to take a quick moment to update you on what's going on in Wisconsin. Town Hall Time! I say it all the time because it's true: our government works best when we can directly communicate with each other. That's why I believe in-person town halls are so important. I recently held four in northern Wisconsin, and I'm glad we got the opportunity to discuss issues of the day. It was great to see so many of you at our town halls in Mercer, Rhinelander, Florence, and Crandon. Click HERE or the image below to see coverage of the recent town halls from NBC 12. Thank A Cop Today Even while we are getting ready for the opportunity to spend time with friends and family this Christmas season, our local cops are still out there every day to keep us safe. Please take a moment to thank a local cop today for all that they do for our communities! I was fortunate to chat with the team from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office at my recent town hall. Click HERE or the image below to "like" or SHARE on Facebook. Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the political process. For more information on the internship, click HERE or the photo below. Also be sure to share these opportunities with any interested students! Stay Connected On Social Media Snapchat is a fun way to stay connected with what's going on in Wisconsin and Washington (and of course, find me on Facebook and Twitter- @RepSeanDuffy). Find my snapchat profile either by searching @RepSeanDuffy or use the Snapcode below! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gallagher-sen-cruz-introduce-blocking-iranian-illicit-finance-act | Rep. Gallagher, Sen. Cruz Introduce the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Thursday introduced the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act. The bill seeks to counter the Iranian regime's money laundering and financing of terrorism, protect the global financial system from Iranian illicit finance, and impose maximum financial pressure on Iran. "Withdrawing from the JCPOA was only the first step in ratcheting up pressure on the Iranian regime. We now have an important window to impose maximum economic pressure and degrade the Iranian regime's ability to export violence across the region. This legislation does exactly that by effectively cutting Iran off from the international financial community. Its message is clear: Iran must pay a steep price for its aggressive and destabilizing behavior, and the United States will never tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons,Rep. Gallagher said. The Obama Iran nuclear deal gifted the Ayatollahs with hundreds of billions of dollars and reconnected them to the global financial system, which they used launder even more money and fund even more terrorism Sen. Cruz said. Undoing that damage requires imposing maximum pressure against the Iranian regime. President Trump was absolutely right when he began that process by withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Effectively disconnecting Iran from the global financial system, which this bill does, is a necessary next step. I look forward to working more with the administration and my Congressional colleagues to ensure this bill becomes law during the next Congress. U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Thom Tillis (R-S.C.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Reps. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jacki Walorski (R-Ind.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also joined as original cosponsors of the bill. This important legislation would empowe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/sensenbrenner-introduces-bipartisan | Sensenbrenner Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Assist Law Enforcement | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) introduced legislation to direct the US Attorney General (AG) to make grants to states and localities for gunfire detection and location technology. The AG would be authorized to allocate $10 million annually for the next four fiscal years. Rep. Sensenbrenner: This commonsense legislation will help law enforcement quickly and accurately locate violent crimes, cut down on response time, and save lives. Cities like Milwaukee have already begun utilizing this type of technology and have with positive results. I'm grateful to Congressman Jeffries for joining me in leading this important effort. Background: Cities like Milwaukee have already begun utilizing gunshot detection technology. Networked sensors are placed throughout a coverage area to detect the origin of gunshots. Once a gunshot is detected, the technology calculates the position of the shooter and instantly notifies law enforcement with real-time data delivered to dispatch centers, patrol cars, and smart phones. Police stations that have access to shot detecting technology can arrive at the scene faster and better prepared to protect the public and themselves as well as attend to victims. Further, information gather is secured in a database and then turned into preemptive intelligence, which provides for better dispatch of resources and improved collection of evidence. Far too often gunfire incidents are not reported to 911 dispatchers. This means law enforcement begin responding to crimes with significantly limited information. Additionally, reports of gunfire often contain vague or inaccurate information resulting in lost time and less efficient response by law enforcement. Early data suggests that use of gunfire detection technology has shown positive results. According to areport, the city of Milwaukee has seen a 38 percent decrease in the amount of gunshots fired in areas where this technology was used from 2017 to 2018 showing that its use can act as a deterrent. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/in-the-news/us-rep-mike-gallagher-looks-ahead-116th-congress | U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher Looks Ahead To 116th Congress | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | 1230 Longworth House Office Building | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-introduces-bipartisan-bill-increase-transparency-and-accountability | Gallagher Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability of Political Spending | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today U.S. Representatives Gallagher (R-WI), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA), three of the co-chairs of the Congressional Reformers Caucus, introduced a bipartisan bill to increase disclosure and accountability of political spending. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act, H.R. 7267, would strengthen coordination rules between super PACs and individual campaigns to ensure that super PACs truly operate independently from candidates, require political advertisements to disclose the top donors to the organization paying for the advertisements, and would apply the personal use restriction on campaign funds to all political committees, including leadership PACs. The American people deserve to know who is spending hundreds of millions of dollars every election cycle to influence their vote and muddy our politics, said Rep. Gallagher. This bipartisan bill is critical to injecting more transparency into our campaign finance system and helping reduce the corrosive influence of dark money in our elections. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important piece of legislation. For too long, we've allowed outside money to play an outsized and arcane role in our politics, blurring the lines between special interest groups and the candidates they support, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act will close some of the most gaping loopholes in our campaign finance laws by increasing restrictions and reporting requirements for outside groups. This bipartisan bill will help restore integrity and trust in our nation's political process. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, saidRep. Derek Kilmer. Americans deserve to know who is paying for the political ads they see regardless of how those ads are purchased. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act slams shut campaign finance loopholes and shines a light on the murky world of dark money. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act addresses some of the most obvious flaws in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=873 | Debunking the Myth of Fetal Tissue Research | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Glenn Grothman | G000576 | grothman.house.gov | legacy | Today, at a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) questioned expert medical researchers about the effectiveness of fetal stem cell research. Key Takeaway 1: According to the experts, stem cells created from adult samples, called pluripotent stem cells, have yielded far greater results than stem cells taken from fetal tissue. Key Takeaway 2: When asked why fetal tissue studies are not foregone for the more effective pluripotent stem cells, Dr. Prentice replied that some scientists are trained in a certain way and we may be reluctant to switch to something new, even if we know that it's better and potentially more productive. Witnesses included: Dr. Tara Sander Lee, Associate Scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute Dr. David Prentice, Advisory Board Member at the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Dr. Sally Temple, Board Member and Former President at the International Society for Stem Cell Research Excerpts of Grothman's questioning Congressman Grothman: First question is for Dr. Prentice. You don't use fetal tissue at the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, correct? Dr. Prentice: No, Congressman. Grothman: Has this prohibited you from doing cutting-edge research? Prentice: None of the research at the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center uses aborted fetal tissue, but they have made great strides in spite of that. And probably because of that. Grothman: That's interesting that you say because' of it, and there are other centers like yours around the country. Can you explain why, first of all some of the progress you've been making, and second why you feel you're being able to make progress at a greater rate than some of the centers who feel they have to use fetal tissue? Prentice: The origin of that- not using the aborted fetal tissue, quite frankly, was from the legislature that initially set up the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center. And, part of the reason was to focus on the more successful adult stem c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/congress-passes-sexual-harassment-reform | Congress Passes Sexual Harassment Reform | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, the House unanimously passed landmark legislation to reform the Congressional Accountability Act. Following passage, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement: This legislation begins to remedy some of the areas where this institution hasfallenunacceptably short. It includes strong reforms to protect victims, and improve accountability and transparency while addressing allegations. I want to thank Chairman Harper and Ranking Member Brady for working together in a positive way on behalf of the whole House. While this legislation begins to answer the call of this moment, creating lasting change to the culture will require continued vigilance by all of those who serve here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/dec19-speaker-ryan-deliver-farewell-address-library-congress | DEC. 19: Speaker Ryan to Deliver Farewell Address at Library of Congress | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONOn Wednesday, December 19, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) will deliver his farewell address in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. It is the same setting where he delivered his Confident America address in December 2015, shortly after he became speaker. Details: Speaker Ryan's Farewell Address Wednesday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. ET Great Hall, Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress Media Logistics: TV crews with equipment may access the Great Hall at 10:00 a.m. ET to pre-set. All equipment must be in place by 10:45 a.m. ET for the security sweep. All members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP to Maya Arrieta-Walden atmaya.walden@mail.house.gov. For further guidance, media should contact their respective congressional media gallery. Media must be credentialed to attend. Watch Live:The event will be live-streamed on speaker.gov/live. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-group-lawmakers-applaud-passage-bill-sanction-hizballah-hamas-use | Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Applaud Passage of Bill to Sanction Hizballah & Hamas for Use of Human Shields | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today Representatives Gallagher (R-WI), Suozzi (D-NY), Wilson (R-SC) and Moulton (D-MA), joined by Senators Cruz (R-TX) and Corker (R-TN) applauded the House's passage of the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act (H.R. 3342) to impose sanctions on Hizballah and Hamas for their use of civilians as human shields. The vote ratifies a Senate bill combining standalone House-passed legislation sanctioning Hizballah and Hamas, and will now go to the President's desk to be signed into law. Since their creation, groups like Hizballah and Hamas have been dedicated to destroying Israel and combating American interests in the Middle East. Of all the malign activities of these groups, few are more reprehensible or dangerous than their use of civilians as human shields. This bipartisan legislation sends a clear signal that the United States will not tolerate this behavior. I thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for their hard work on this bill, and I look forward to seeing the President sign this important legislation, said Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI). "This bill will help to protect Israel from two groups that shamelessly use civilians as human shields. Hezbollah stashes its deadly arsenal in hospitals, mosques and homes in Lebanon. Hamas does the same in Gaza. These are flagrant war crimes committed by terrorist groups commited to the destruction of an American ally. They also endanger millions of innocent civilians in Lebanon and Gaza. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues that have joined to support this important legislation imposing sanctions, said Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY). As a threat to American interests and our ally Israel, Hizbollah and Hamas must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent civilians. The use of human shields is an affront to our values and international norms, and this bill will authorize the U.S. to impose consequences on those who engage in such gross violations of human rights. I thank my colleagues for offering this legislat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallaghers-farm-bill-statement | Gallagher's Statement on the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Today CongressmanMike Gallagherreleased the following statement on the 2018 Farm Bill conference report: In Northeast Wisconsin and across the country, agricultural producers are suffering through the worst farm economy in over a decade. To be sure, there are some positive things in this bill to help our farmers through hard times and conserve our environment, but if Congress really wanted to have a positive impact, it would focus on the fixing the real issues I hear about most from farmers in Northeast Wisconsin: lack of a stable workforce and an adverse trade environment. The conference report also reflects D.C.'s failed legislative processjamming together $867 billion of spending in the last two weeks of Congress, with nearly 80% going towards food stamp programs unrelated to farming. We have little evidence to suggest our current approach is helping people escape poverty, yet we have made no meaningful reforms to these programs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=872 | Grothman Unlocks Backdoor Spending | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Glenn Grothman | G000576 | grothman.house.gov | legacy | This week at a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) questioned experts on backdoor spending, which is federal agency spending that occurs outside of the federal appropriations process. This means that federal bureaucrats are deciding how tax dollars are being spent with no Congressional oversight. Due to prior Congresses ceding power to bureaucrats, backdoor spending has increased by 88 percent since 1994. Witnesses included: Ms. Tranchau (Kris) T. Nguyen, Director of Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Ms. Julia Matta, Managing Associate General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel at the GAO Mr. James Wallner, Senior Fellow, Governance Project at R Street Institute Mr. Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen Excerpts of Grothman's questioning Congressman Grothman: Theoretically, all federal spending should be authorized. Did the GAO confirm that all of this backdoor spending was authorized? Ms. Nguyen: Yes, our process of confirming the statutory authority required us to work with agencies to identify both amount and statutory references. And when possible, we verified this information against the President's budget. Grothman: How many spending authorities did Congress create say over the last 20 years? Nguyen: As I mentioned earlier, we have a total of 902 accounts. Grothman: Can you give me some examples of the biggest ones? Nguyen: In our report, we identified the biggest drier of the growth is permanent appropriations. And specifically HHS, SSA, with their Medicare and old age and survivor and disability insurance programs are among the top spending authorities. And, in addition to that, Treasury is the third in line. Collectively, those three agencies make up 75 percent of spending authority in permanent appropriations. Grothman: I take it by the Treasury' you mean interest on the government debt? Nguyen: Yes. Grothman: How much has backdoor spe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/senate-companion-to-sensenbrenner-children-protection-bill-passes-house-and-senate-unanimously | Senate Companion to Sensenbrenner Child Protection Bill Passes House and Senate Unanimously | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Today, The House unanimously passed S. 3170, the CyberTipline Modernization Act of 2018, which cleared the Senate unanimously in September. Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) sponsored H.R. 4447, the companion legislation in the House. The bill now heads to the White House for the President's signature. Rep. Sensenbrenner: Today's vote will reduce the online sexual exploitation of children. The bill improves upon the successes of the existing CyberTipline by empowering the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to address new developments in online child abuse. I urge the President to sign it into law immediately. Background: First launched by the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 1998, the CyberTipline allows public citizens and members of the technology industry to report online instances of child sexual exploitation and abuse, such as child pornography, online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sex tourism, and child sex trafficking. In 2017 alone, NCMEC received more than 10 million reports. The CyberTipline Modernization Act makes key updates to the existing program, including changes to reporting requirements for imminent or planned violations. The bill also reflects a commitment to fight new forms of online abuse including the expansion of child pornography. Congress last updated the CyberTipline statute in 2008. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-statement-farm-bill-passage | Speaker Ryan Statement on Farm Bill Passage | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONFollowing the passage of the final version of H.R. 2, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement: At a time when America's farmers and ranchers face steep challenges, this farm bill delivers. It provides relief and certainty to guard against the volatility of the agricultural economy. It includes vital provisions to support rural families like expanded access to broadband. And it includes important reforms to better manage our forests. With this farm bill, we are also making important progress to alleviate poverty. By including reforms to encourage work and expand opportunity, we are moving our federal poverty programs in the right direction. The bill tightens work requirements while also providing resources for education and training. Notably, it requires states to implement a case management system to more successfully transition people back to work. A proven approach, this is already being done by organizations on the ground in communities across the country. This legislation is about empowering the individual, and I look forward to sending this to the president's desk. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://paulryan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399062 | Congressional Offices of Congressman Paul Ryan Now Closed | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | paulryan.house.gov | legacy | Congressional Offices of Congressman Paul Ryan Now Closed f t # e December 11, 2018 As of Monday, December 10, 2018, all of Congressman Paul Ryan's offices will be closed as the House of Representatives transitions operations to the New Member-Elect for Wisconsin's First District. If you require immediate assistance, we would encourage you to contact either Senator Baldwin's office at (414) 297-4451 or Senator Johnson's office at (414) 276-7282. It has been a pleasure to be of service to you the past 20 years. Thank you. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-bill-impose-denial-orders-chinese | Gallagher & Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Impose Denial Orders on Chinese Telecommunications Companies That Violate US Sanctions | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today Representatives Gallagher (R-WI) and Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Telecommunications Denial Order Enforcement Act (H.R. 7255) to direct the President to impose denial orders banning the export of U.S. parts and components to Chinese telecommunications companies that are in violation of U.S. export control or sanctions laws. The legislation follows news that Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, was arrested in Canada at the request of U.S. prosecutors on charges of violating U.S. sanctions. Click here for text of the bill. Chinese telecommunications firms like Huawei represent a growing threat to American national security. As state-directed enterprises, they ultimately report to the Chinese Communist Party and will be employed where and whenever possible to undermine American interests and those of our allies. This bipartisan legislation sets a simple standard: if a Chinese telecommunications firm is found to have violated U.S. sanctions moving forward, it will be subject to the same severe punishment originally imposed on ZTE, said Rep. Mike Gallagher. Huawei and ZTE's every action is dictated by the Chinese Communist Party. For years, they have conducted complex and systematic attacks on U.S. telecommunications, compromising the information security of our government, our allies, and private companies around the world. Meng Wanzhou's recent arrest and the resulting outrage in Beijing shows how Chinese oligarchs think that laws are for the little people. This bill is designed to ensure that if Chinese government officials choose to use the companies they operate as weapons against the United States or the world's rules based system, there will be severe consequences for those choices, said Rep. Ruben Gallego. Measures included in the Telecommunications Denial Order Enforcement Act include: Establishing that it is U.S. policy to enforce denial orders banning the export of U.S. parts and components to Chinese telecommunications companies that have violated U.S. ex… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/senate-bill-would-block-state-remote-sales-taxes-until-2020 | Senate Bill Would Block State Remote Sales Taxes Until 2020 | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Paul Williams of Law360 A federal bill that would prohibit states from taxing remote sellers until 2020 while codifying a temporary exemption for businesses has been introduced by four Democratic senators from two states without a sales tax. S.B. 3275, filed Thursday by the senators from New Hampshire and Oregon, would enact a moratorium on taxing remote sales until Jan. 1, 2020, prevent retroactive collection and shield businesses with less than $10 million in annual sales from the tax until the U.S. Congress approves an interstate compact with clearly defined nexus thresholds. The bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said Friday that a federal barricade against the tax would provide businesses ample time to adapt to the country's new tax landscape in the wake of theU.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in South Dakota v.Wayfair. That decision,issued in June, no longer requires companies to have a physical presence in a state to be subject to sales and use taxes. The bill would bar states from taxing any remote sales that occurred prior to that date. Forcing New Hampshire businesses to adopt and adhere to a new, complicated tax collection system, particularly as retailers approach the busiest time of the year, is entirely unfair and impractical, Shaheen said in a Friday statement. New Hampshire doesn't collect a sales tax, and our small businesses shouldn't have to bear this burden for other states. Joining Shaheen in sponsoring the bill are fellow New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan and Oregon Democratic Sens. Jeffrey A. Merkley and Ron Wyden. Those four senatorssent a letterto the Senate leadership in November, arguing for the passage of legislation akin to S.B. 3275 before the current session ends Jan. 3. In their letter, the senators said federal lawmakers should grant a reprieve to businesses that face the possibility of complying with thousands of taxing jurisdictions nationwide. Wyden doubled down on that stance in a Friday statement. Action by Congress is the only way to giv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8C76693A-47B6-47C9-9B47-6A7531C08DCA | Johnson Statement on Farm Bill | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said the following Tuesday regarding his vote on the farm bill: Once again, senators were forced to vote on a farm bill' where nearly 80 percent of the spending was directed to SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program. Eight years into a recovery, with unemployment at historically low levels, 13 percent of the population is still on food stamps. This is a level of participation normally experienced during recessions and high unemployment. I will continue to support Wisconsin's farm families and fight for their ability to sell their goods at fair prices around the world, but I will not support a farm bill' in name only that does not include needed reforms to a runaway spending program. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/general/speaker-ryan-calls-farm-bill-passage-leadership-press-conference | Speaker Ryan Calls for Farm Bill Passage at Leadership Press Conference | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | Summary: This morning at the House Republican leadership press conference, Speaker Ryan discussed how we can build on recent economic progress by passing the farm bill conference report, which includes reforms to the integrity of federal benefits programs to encourage work. Opening Statement: We're coming up on one year since the tax reform bill was made into law. In that time, we have seen unemployment hit record lows, we have seen economic confidence hit record highs. Millions of jobs have been created. Businesses have upped their investments. Workers have seen bigger paychecks, workers have seen bonuses, they've seen better benefits. Now we have another chance to build on this progress. Just yesterday it was reported that there are more than seven million open jobs right now. Seven million jobs, open for Americans to take. There are so many opportunities, but too few people able to take advantage of them. Now we have a chance to help people off of the sidelines, get the right skills, and get into the workforce. It's a perfect time to get people out of poverty, into lives of self-sufficiency, into good-paying jobs and careers. The House and the Senate reached an agreement on the final farm bill. This bill strengthens work requirements and boosts work supports, so that more people are spurred toward opportunities. I want to thank Secretary Perdue for his lead on this issue. He spoke to us today in our conference. This bill ensures that he can do his part on workforce development. I want to thank Chairman Conaway, and all the members of the House Agriculture Committee, for their commitment to getting this across the finish line. This farm bill delivers on the certainty and support that our farmers need. And this bill includes very important forestry management reforms that are important to guard our communities against health risks like wildfires. So, this is an effort that is a great step in the right direction. It will help us get people out of poverty, into careers, into skills, and this is something we should… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-welcomes-progress-criminal-justice-reform-legislation | Speaker Ryan Welcomes Progress on Criminal Justice Reform Legislation | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONFollowing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) announcement that the Senate will consider the FIRST STEP Act during the 115th Congress, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released this statement: This is very welcome news. As the House has already demonstrated, we are committed to making substantive reforms to our criminal justice system. Years of work here and around the country have gotten us to this point. This is about redemption, and giving many Americans another chance to achieve a more fulfilling future. I encourage the Senate to act swiftly on this legislation, and the House stands ready to get it done. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-announces-198-million-grant-brown-county-interchange | Gallagher Announces $19.8 Million Grant for Brown County Interchange | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Mike Gallagher announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award Brown County a $19.8 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to help fund the State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and County Highway VV Interchange Project. Over the last year, Rep. Gallagher has been in contact with DOT to help secure the grant money. Click here to read his letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao in support of Brown County's grant application. Congressman Mike Gallagher: This is incredible news for our region. The nearly $20 million in grant money will be a significant driver of economic development and jobs for not only Hobart and Howard, but for all of Brown County. I was proud to help secure this critical funding and I'm excited to see the project move forward. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao: The Department is committed to following through on the President's commitment to rebuild our country's infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life. Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach: Congressman Gallagher went to bat for Northeast Wisconsin by securing funding that will help continue our growth and economic development. Background: This project will eliminate the STH 29 and County Highway U intersection, and replace the existing State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and County Highway VV intersection with a full-access interchange intersection which will include: sidewalks, striped on-street bicycle lanes, and roundabouts at the ramp terminals and nearby intersections. In addition to transportation benefits, the project will enable fiber/broadband extension to rural Brown County, which will facilitate economic development and job creation, improve accessibility to Pulaski schools, and enhance emergency responsiveness to the area. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/disability-activists-at-senator-gardner-s-christmas-party-get-picture-but-no-promises | Disability Activists At Senator Gardners Christmas Party Get Picture But No Promises | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Erik Maulbetsch of the ColoradoTimes Recorder Colorado Senator Cory Gardner had a few unexpected guests at his annual Christmas party Friday eveningat the Brown Palace Hotel. In addition to the usual gathering of elected officials and Republican party volunteers, several disability rights activists with the groupAtlantis ADAPT joined the festivities. The group wanted Gardner to grant them a meeting to discuss his reason for being the only member of the Colorado congressional delegation who has not yet signed on to the Disability Integration Act (S. 910). The bipartisancivil rights billwas introduced by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D- New York) and U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI). As of August the bill has 24 Senate and 114 House co-sponsors. It would protect the rights of disabled people who require Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) to live and receive services in their own homes, rather than being forced into institutions. Dawn Russell, one of the activists pictured below (center), confirmed that they received a photo with Gardner, but no firm promise on sponsorship or a date for an in-person meeting. Prior to the Friday, they talked with Gardner's state director Andy Merritt, whom they say promised to follow up with the group this week. Gardner and his staff know the ADAPT activists well. Russell was among thosearrested and forcibly removedfrom Gardner's office last year, along withJordan Sibayan (right). Besides the ADAPT activists, Senator Gardner's party attendees included a number of prominent elected officials. Outgoing Secretary of State Wayne Williams, outgoing Congressman Mike Coffman (R CO06), and outgoing Senate President Kevin Grantham (R- Caon City) all attended. Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D CO07) also dropped by. In years past the evening has typically featured speeches by Senator Gardner and others. Gardner delivered his speech via video last year as he was stuck in Washington. This year however, despite a microphone and stand set up in the suite, not one speaker addressed the cr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-statement-farm-bill-conference-report | Speaker Ryan Statement on Farm Bill Conference Report | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) today issued the following statement on the farm bill agreement reached by the House and Senate: Rural America is at the heart of our way of life. Our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities count on agriculture policy that delivers certainty and support, and this farm bill achieves that goal. This bill strengthens work requirements for our federal nutrition benefit programs, and uses savings to better train andequipour workforcereforms we have long sought to help more Americans move from welfare to work. Now we need to build on this, which is why it is important that this bill ensures Secretary Perdue can continue his work on this critical issue. This bill will also help keep communities safe by reducing catastrophic wildfire risk and will provide more timber management tools at the state, county, and tribal levels. I am thankful to Chairman Conaway and the members of the House Committee on Agriculture for all the work they have put into this legislation. This is a good day for American producers and families. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/internet-gambling-addiction-is-a-looming-crisis | Internet gambling addiction is a looming crisis | 2018-12-08 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: John Kindt, Opinion Contributor to The Hill In her Nov. 28 presentation at Liberty University, First LadyMelania Trumpstated that the opioid epidemic was the worst drug crisis in American history. The Trump administration even appeared to signal that opioids/addictions needed to be treated as a socio-economic security issue because Melania's trip entourage included Homeland Security SecretaryKirstjen Nielsenand Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. Similar to the bipartisan issue of opioid addiction, the looming crisis ofinternet gambling addiction is now getting renewed attention. On Sep. 27, House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and InvestigationsChair James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) held a hearing on internet sports gambling,which he followed with a pointed Nov. 15 letterto the Department of Justice (DOJ) asking what actions DOJ proposes to initiate on the matter. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer(D-N.Y.) andSen. Orrin Hatch(R-Utah) have also raised parallel concerns. Jeopardizing millions of families, internet gambling addiction is currently thefastest growing addictionamong kids, high schoolers and college students because of real-time 24/7 sports gambling on cell phones and video games. Young gamblers are notoriously unaware that most internet gambling is illegal in the United States, as exemplified by the case where aUniversity of Wisconsin honor studentlost over $72,000 in tuition money on illegal internet sports gambling, killed three young men in the bookie's apartment and thereafter committed suicide. The United Kingdom has legalized more types of electronic gambling than the United States, and therefore,U.K. reports for Novemberare illustrative of anticipated comparable U.S. numbers within the next 2 to 4 years. The U.K. Gambling Commission reported that 1 in 7 children ages 11 to 16 (U.S. = 2.2 million kids) gamble regularly, which is more than those who have smoked, taken drugs or consumed alcohol reflected in a 400-percent increase over 2 years in the n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-thanks-general-john-kelly-his-service | Speaker Ryan Thanks General John Kelly For His Service | 2018-12-08 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement thanking General Kelly forhis service as White House chiefof staff, following the announcement of his departure: John Kelly is a patriot. Service to America is part of his DNA, and our country is better for his duty at the White House. During this time he has become a dear friend and trusted partner. He was a force for order, clarity, and good sense. He is departing what is often a thankless job, but John Kelly has my eternal gratitude. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/jim-sensenbrenner-urges-va-secretary-to-take-immediate-action-on-underpayment-of-gi-bill-benefits | Jim Sensenbrenner urges VA Secretary to take 'immediate' action on underpayment of GI Bill benefits | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Bill Glauber of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner called on the Department ofVeterans Affairsto "take aggressive and immediate action," in the wake of a computer glitch that led to veterans receiving incorrect GI Bill housing stipends. The Menomonee Falls Republican made public Friday a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. The agency has had difficulty implementing a "Forever" GI Bill that expanded education benefits. One key change involvedhow veterans' housing allowances are calculated. The VA's information technology system had difficulty applying the new formula for the housing allowance and payments were delayed. "Many of these veterans were forced to either pay housing costs out of pocket or faced eviction," Sensenbrenner wrote. "Those whose claims were approved often received smaller benefit payments than what they required to pay expenses." Sensenbrenner said that on Nov. 28 the VA told congressional staff that the agency "would not be repaying veterans who received smaller GI Bill payments." The next day, a VA spokesman said the vets harmed by the glitches "would be made whole," according to Sensenbrenner's letter. Sensenbrenner told Wilkie:"I am requesting that your department take aggressive and immediate action on this issue by reaching out to those who use the GI Bill and make clear your intentions to reimburse all who were damaged by your technology glitch in full." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/president-george-h-w-bush-an-environmental-protection-legacy | President George H.W. Bush: An Environmental Protection Legacy | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | As appears on JD Supra A quick pop quiz. What do Newt Gingrich, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Barton, Henry Waxman, Jim Inhofe, Ed Markey, Jim Sensenbrenner, Chuck Schumer, and Fred Upton have in common? The answer is provided by the League of Conservation Voters. This combination of Democrats and Republicans all voted for the final passage of the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act. The enactment of arguably one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in United States history would not have occurred without the management and support of former President George H.W. Bush and his Administration. The passing of George H.W. Bush has resulted in remembrance of the skill in which he managed important foreign policy issues such as Desert Storm and the ending of the Cold War. However, a sometimes overlooked aspect of President Bush's single term in office is his work in developing and enhancing federal environmental protection programs. National environmental organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund do not normally praise Republicans these days on environmental matters. However, they noted President Bush's passing and stated: . . . President George Herbert Walker Bush will be remembered for a great many proud achievements and outstanding qualities. He knew that our country matters far more than political party or personal ambition, and that the national interest demands that we protect America's precious natural heritage. And he knew that there is no inherent conflict between environmental progress and economic progress. The first Bush Administration accomplished environmental goals in diverse ways. From an environmental legislative standpoint, President Bush and a bipartisan Congress on November 15, 1990, enacted amendments to the Clean Air Act. Air related issues addressed by the amendments included: Acid Rain Urban Smog Hazardous Air Emissions Ozone Layer Expanded (Title V) Permitting Requirements Certain aspects of these programs were innovative and precedent setting. A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-applauds-nauert-un-nomination | Speaker Ryan Applauds Nauert U.N. Nomination | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement on the nomination of Heather Nauert to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: President Trump has made an excellent selection by nominating Heather Nauert to be U.N. ambassador. As one of the United States' strongest voices on the global stage, Heather will seamlessly transition to the country's top diplomat at the U.N. Janna and I have known and respected Heather for many years, and we look forward to all that she will accomplish at the U.N. as an advocate for freedom, liberty, and human rights. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-announces-winners-2018-congressional-app-challenge | Gallagher Announces Winners of 2018 Congressional App Challenge | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Mike Gallagher announced that Wesley Jochman and George McCray from Fox Valley Lutheran High School won the 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District. Wesley and George created the Spartan Encryption app to securely store people's sensitive information, such as logins and passwords. Their work comes at a critical time as individuals and businesses in Northeast Wisconsin and across the U.S. are experiencing an increasing number of cybersecurity breaches. In a video congratulating Wesley and George on their winning app, Rep. Gallagher highlighted the importance of their work to the future of America's national security: Particularly as we think about our country's long-term competition with other countries like China, it's incredibly important that we maintain our technological edge. Our open economy and innovative spirit have been important sources of our strength relative to our competitors, and it's absolutely critical that we maintain them. I salute Wesley and George for being among the best and the brightest to work on these challenges, and I look forward to seeing their future innovative ideas. Click here for video of Rep. Gallagher discussing the app challenge. Click here for video of George and Wesley explaining their app. Background: The annual Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide effort to spur interest in coding, STEM, and computer-science education among middle and high school students. Congressional App Challenge winners will be invited to Washington, D.C. in the Spring of 2019 to showcase their apps at the #HouseofCode event in the U.S. Capitol. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/mass-of-christian-burial-for-bishop-robert-c-morlino | Mass of Christian Burial for Bishop Robert C. Morlino | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Kevin Wondrash of the Catholic Herald MADISON --A Corporal Work of Mercy has been performed for the late Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison. The fourth bishop of the Diocese of Madison was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Madison on December 4. He now lies with all of the preceding shepherds of this diocese. Bishop Morlino died on November 24 at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. A few days prior, the bishop was undergoing planned medical tests when he suffered what doctors described as "a cardiac event," and he never recovered. Paying respects The final farewells to Bishop Morlino began on December 3 when his body arrived at Holy Name Heights. His casket was carried through the lobby, into the Bishop O'Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel, while staff members of the Diocese of Madison and related offices lined up to welcome the body. The casket was then placed in the chapel where the bishop laid in state in the afternoon and into the evening as a cross section of the Diocese of Madison and beyond lined up to take their turns viewing the body. The vigil was concluded with a vespers service in the chapel, presided over by Bishop Paul J. Swain of Sioux Falls, S.D. Bishop Swain was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Madison and later served as vicar general to Bishop Morlino being named the Bishop of Sioux Falls, where he has served since 2006. In a homily during the service, Bishop Swain expressed his concordances to the diocese and reflected on his relationship with Bishop Morlino. "Your faith will sustain you during these challenging times," Bishop Swain said. He recalled the first time he met Bishop Morlino, after he was named Bishop of Madison in 2003, and called him "a genial man who seemed a bit surprised at his sudden change of assignment" after serving as the Bishop of Helena, Mont. "I grew to admire Bishop Morlino's fine intellect, his robust sense of humor, his love for the Church and the priesthood, and his courage to speak the truth with a colorful turn of phrase. Especiall… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/2018-capitol-christmas-tree | The 2018 Capitol Christmas Tree | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONThis evening, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) participated in the annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the West Front Lawn. He was joined in lighting the 80-foot Noble Fir from the Willamette National Forest by 9-year-old Oregonian Brigette Harrington, who earned the role by winning a poem contest.The tree will be lit from nightfall until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2019. Below are the speaker's remarks as prepared for delivery: What a beautiful tree. What a beautiful occasion. I want to thank everyone who had a hand in pulling all of this together. I know it is no small task, especially when the tree comes all the way from Oregon. I want to thank my colleagues in the Oregon delegation: Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Kurt Schrader, and Greg Walden. And especially Peter DeFazio, for sharing a piece of his district with us. This is my fourth and final time leading this event and each time the tree is more stunning. I will say though, we have some pretty nice trees in Wisconsin, too keep that in mind one of these years. But this beautiful noble fir made a long journey, stopping in communities all across the country, so that people could share in this wonderful tradition. What a tremendous way to come together. This week, our nation mourns the loss of a giant. And while his loss is a great sorrow, George H.W. Bush was also a beacon of joy. A few days after one of his granddaughters was born, President Bush wrote her a letter. He ends the letter by saying how you can do all these incredible things in life, but even with all that,' he writes, what counts is family and love.' Now, he didn't necessarily write that about Christmas, but is there anything that better captures its spiritits light? We celebrate Christmas year after year and somehow it never becomes less special. A season dedicated to wonder and faith. We take our joy at the birth of a savior, heralded by angels, and we spread that joy to those in our lives. We could all use a little more of that. Sometimes,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/house-leaders-present-mccormack-award-hugh-halpern-bernie-raimo-and-austin-smythe | House Leaders Present McCormack Award to Hugh Halpern, Bernie Raimo, and Austin Smythe | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONAt a ceremony in the Capitol on Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) presented the John W. McCormack Award of Excellence to longtime House staffers Hugh Halpern, Bernie Raimo, and Austin Smythe. The award, named after Speaker John McCormack of Massachusetts, was created in 1970 to recognize long-time employees of the House of Representatives who have displayed dedication and bipartisanship. Halpern is director of floor operations for the Office of the Speaker. Raimo is counsel for the Office of the Democratic Leader. Smythe is policy director for the Office of the Speaker. Following are excerpts from Speaker Ryan's remarks at today's ceremony, as prepared for delivery: The McCormack Award celebrates the idea that the people's House is only as good as its people: the dedicated staff who make this institution work. John McCormack was a product of South Boston who served here for 42 years. He succeeded Sam Rayburn as speaker, and led the institution during the tumultuous 1960s. His biographer described him as you would a true man of the House. He was always in the room for the big decisions, but made sure to let others take the credit. He was unfailingly kind, too. History records that his harshest insult was saying, quote, I hold the member in minimum high regard.' This award in his name, the highest that we as House leaders can bestow, celebrates longtime employees who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the institution and their commitment to bipartisanship. When I think about Hugh, two things that I absolutely love about this place come to mind. First, that it is a meritocracy. Hugh started as a driver and he has risen to the top of the institution. And he has done it by consistently being a behind-the-scenes guy, putting in the long hours, doing the nuts and bolts work, mentoring the next generation of staff. He really embodies the traits necessary to make this institution function. Second, Hugh really respects the vital role of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/honoring-a-great-man | honoring a great man | 2018-12-05 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, On Friday, November 30, our 41st President, George H.W. Bush, died at the age of 94. President Bush was an incredible man who dedicated his entire life to serving our country. He served as a naval aviator in World War II. He was a man of faith, humility, and undying optimism for our nation's future. Rachel and I continue to pray for the Bush family and friends. May the Lord may comfort them in this time of mourning. His funeral can be viewed LIVE by clicking HERE. It begins at 10am central today. I wanted to share with you a few touching moments from the last few days, as America honors the memory of a great man. President Bush's Service Dog Here is a picture of President Bush's faithful service dog, Sully. Click HERE or the image below to share the picture of this faithful yellow lab. Bob Dole's Salute Senator Bob Dole, also a World War II veteran, stood to salute President Bush as 41 was lying in state in the United States Capitol. ClickHERE or the image below to "like" and SHARE this incredible moment. Honor President Bush's Memory On Facebook Click HERE or the image below to "like" and SHARE on Facebook. He was an incredible man, and we will never forget his dedication to service and his love of country. Until next week! God bless, Sean Duffy | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/a-president-has-passed | A President has passed | 2018-12-05 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Sarah Weihert of the Lake Mills Leader When a notable public figure passes away, especially a former president, I think we all take a moment to breath, think back and remember. I don't remember George H.W. Bush from his time in the White House, I was born the year before he assumed the presidency, but I do remember him. I did realize as a I sat down to write this that I didn't know that much about him, so I did what any intrepid journalist of Millennial age would do. I Googled him. I was impressed to learn Bush postponed his university studies after the attack on Pearl Harbor to enlist in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday. He became one of the youngest aviators in the Navy. After the war he attended Yale and moved to Texas where he became a millionaire in the oil business by the age of 40. Before becoming President, Bush was a U.S. Representative, Ambassador, Director of Central Intelligence and the 43rd Vice President of the United States under President Ronald Ragan. After leaving office in 1993, Bush was activeoften alongside his former opponent Bill Clintonin humanitarian activities. With George W. Bush's victory in the 2000 presidential election, Bush and his son became the second fatherson pair to serve as president, following John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Bush's second son, Jeb Bush, served as the 43rd Governor of Florida and sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Gov. Scott Walker ordered flags at half-staff through Dec. 30 in honor of the former President and said in 1988 he cast his first vote for President for him. I am proud of that vote today. He was a true gentleman and our country is better because of his service. Tonette and I send our love and prayers to the Bush family as America mourns the loss of one of our greatest patriots. Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner issued a statement Dec. 1, including a picture of him with George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush and Cheryl Sensenbrenner saying, My deepest condolences go out to the Bush family, and I join our nation … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/johnson-backs-bill-to-delist-gray-wolf-while-baldwin-remains-noncommittal | Johnson backs bill to delist gray wolf, while Baldwin remains noncommittal | 2018-12-05 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: WisPolitics.com A U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson spokesman says the Oshkosh Republican would back a bill aiming to delist the gray wolf in all but two states should it be taken up in the Senate. But the office of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin didn't say whether she'd support the legislation from 7th Congressional District U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy seeking to remove the wolves from the Endangered Species Act. The bill, which cleared the House earlier this month, would lift protections for the wolves across the continental United States. A Johnson spokesman this week noted Johnson has been working on the issue for a while. Johnson in 2015 introduced a bill that would direct the Department of the Interior to reissue final rules related to the endangered listing of the gray wolf in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Wyoming. He reintroduced the legislation last year. But a Baldwin spokeswoman in an email expressed preference for the Madison Democrat's HELP for Wildlife Act, which would delist the gray wolf in Wyoming and the western Great Lakes as well as reauthorize and provide funding for a series of conservation programs. The spokeswoman noted Duffy's bill has not yet come up in the Senate and didn't answer whether Baldwin would vote for the Wausau Republican's legislation if it does hit the floor. The comments follow the House passage of Duffy's Manage Our Wolves Act. The bipartisan legislation passed on a 196-180 vote aims to remove the gray wolf from the list of endangered or threatened species and reinstate a rule that removed the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region from the list. If you live in Wisconsin, especially northern Wisconsin, it might be necessary for us to actually manage this population because it's good for the environment, Duffy said in a statement following the bill's passage. Frankly, I believe that our states are far more in tuned in understanding the ecosystem of their state than bureaucrats in Washington. The legislation garnered support from U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay; Glenn … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/madison-bishop-robert-morlino-remembered-for-having-deep-knowledge-of-catholic-doctrine | Madison Bishop Robert Morlino remembered for having deep knowledge of Catholic doctrine | 2018-12-05 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Rob Schultz of the Wisconsin State Journal Madison Bishop Robert C. Morlino was remembered at a funeral Mass Tuesday for having a deep knowledge of Catholic doctrine and representing the bone marrow of the Church. Morlino wanted to direct people to the truth because he knew that is the path to Jesus, said Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, who presided over the nearly two-hour Mass at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church on Madison's Southwest Side. Nearly 2,000 people, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, paid their final respects. Morlino, 71, died Nov. 24, after suffering what the Catholic Diocese of Madison called a cardiac event. The Scranton, Pennsylvania, native was installed as the fourth bishop of Madison on Aug. 1, 2003, and soon became known for upholding conservative Church teachings often at odds with the more liberal flock he led. Morlino publicly opposed abortion and same-sex unions and blamed the ongoing sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church largely on what he called a homosexual subculture. Monsignor James Bartylla, who worked with Morlino during his entire time in Madison, said in his homily that Morlino's steady, deep maturity and knowledge of the sacred doctrine was in sync with Jesus' spirit. That represented the bone marrow of the church, Bartylla said. Courageous and firm, jovial and joyful, even if not perfect, Bishop Morlino would always enjoy a good argument from his opponents, he might even invite them for a drink or a meal with him, very much to their surprise, Bartylla said. However, he would not accept petty, ad hominem arguments that sometimes crept their way into widely spirited debates. He'd defend sacred doctrine without hesitation. Among the 17 bishops at Morlino's funeral were the four other bishops from Wisconsin as well as Minneapolis-St. Paul Archbishop Bernard Hebda and retired Archbishop John C. Nienstedt. Also in attendance were U.S. Reps. James Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, Sean Duffy, R-Wausau, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/new-us-betting-bill-would-require-fed-approval-of-state-legislation | New US betting bill would require fed approval of state legislation | 2018-12-05 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Steven Stradbrooke of CalvinAyre.com A draft of a new US federal sports betting bill would allow the US Attorney General to potentially veto state-level legislation, while also requiring bookmakers to use official league-supplied data for wagering purposes. The new draft legislation, first spotted byESPN scribe David Purdum, is the first significant effort toreinstate some level of federal controlover betting since the US Supreme Court struck down the federal betting prohibition this spring. Purdum reported that the bill had emerged from the office of SenatorOrrin Hatch(R-UT), who is set to retire after the current lame duck session of Congress. Hatch (pictured) has previously secured the public support of Rep.Chuck Schumer(D-NY), while Rep.Jim Sensenbrenner(R-WI) recently promised a legislative response to the federal betting disempowerment was in the works. With Hatch set to exit the political scene when the lame duck session concludes, he may not have the clout with which to push through something as controversial as a betting bill. Some Republicans may also find the bill an uncomfortable reminder of the states' rights issues that brought about the demise of the previous federal betting bill. But for argument's sake, read on NONE SHALL PASS The draft bill's most striking element is the requirement for all state-level sports betting legislation to be submitted to the US Attorney General for approval. The AG would have 180 days in which to mull things over, and could veto any legislation that didn't meet minimum standards. Even if the AG okays a bill, the state would have to apply for its renewal every three years. It's unclear from the draft whether this inspection would apply retroactively to states that had already approved their regulated betting markets prior to the new federal bill's passage. Seven states have already launched legal wagering markets in the six months since the Supreme Court decision. DATA IN, DATA OUT State-licensed betting operators would be required to use officialleague-sup… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/state-betting-laws-could-be-vetoed-under-leaked-federal-bill | State betting laws could be vetoed under leaked federal bill | 2018-12-05 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: iGaming Business US states would be required to have betting legislation approved by the US Attorney General and purchase official major league data under plans for federal oversight outlined in a leaked Congressional draft bill. The comprehensive legislation would force states to apply for approval from the Attorney General when implementing new sports betting laws and regulations. However it does not specify if this would be required retrospectively for those states where betting is already legal and regulated. In a nod to the sports leagues and those lobbying for integrity fees, all operators would be required to use official league data until at least 2023. A National Sports Wagering Clearinghouse would be founded to monitor for any unusual betting patterns, while the Sports Bribery Act of 1964 would be strengthened by criminalising the act of betting based on non-public information. Looking beyond state borders, the draft bill would alter the Wire Act of 1961 to allow sportsbooks to operate across state lines through compacts. iGamingBusiness.comunderstands the 37-page discussion draft was drawn up and circulated in the US Senate. The document is neither titled or dated and it is unclear who precisely the author has sought to discuss it with. Some media reports suggest the author was retiring Utah Senator Orrin Hatch (pictured), one of the authors of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 1992 who announced plans to progress federal legislation immediately after its repeal in May. Hatch, who is to retire at the end of this month, has yet to comment on the document. Responding to the leak, the American Gaming Association (AGA) reiterated its support for state autonomy in betting regulation. Since the Supreme Court's ruling in May, the AGA has consistently maintained that federal legislation regarding sports betting is not necessary, said Chris Cylke, AGA's vice president of government relations. That underlying position remains unchanged. At the same time, we remain committ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallaghers-statement-inf-treaty | Gallagher's Statement on INF Treaty | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Mike Gallagher | G000579 | gallagher.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today CongressmanMike Gallagher, member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statementafter Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Russia is in material breach of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. "Secretary Pompeo deserves enormous credit for today's announcement. Not only are we moving forward on INF in a way that makes clear Russia is the party acting in bad faith, but we are doing so in close coordination with our NATO allies. Although we did not realize it at the time, we know from former Obama administration officials that Russia began testing INF-prohibited ground-launched cruise missiles in 2008. Every year since 2014, the State Department has found Russia to be in violation of its INF obligations. Meanwhile, China has never been part of the treaty and has amassed an arsenal over 2,000 ballistic and cruise missilesabout 95% of which fall under INF ranges. These missiles are far cheaper than our ships and planes, meaning we are increasingly priced out of the competition. Recognizing these realities, my amendment to the FY19 NDAA gave the president until January to make a final determination of whether Russia is in material breach of its INF obligations. In the event of a positive material breach determination, the amendment set a path to exit the treaty. Today, Secretary Pompeo delivered an unequivocal finding that Russia's actions constitute a material breach of INF. If Russia fails to verifiably return to its obligations under the agreement, in 60 days, the US will suspend its compliance with the treaty. Just as importantly, our NATO allies have released a unanimous statement concurring with the administration's assessment of Russia's material breach. So let's be clear: this is not a unilateral step away from arms control. This is a consensus finding coordinated with our allies. We'll see what happens in 60 days. But for now, all Americans should take heart that we are holding Russia accountable for its actions and paving the way for a mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/with-female-genital-mutilation-ban-gone-we-need-new-legislation-to-protect-at-risk-girls | With female genital mutilation ban gone, we need new legislation to protect at-risk girls | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | 500,000 girls in the U.S. are at risk of female genital mutilation. With a ban on the practice struck down, we need new legislation to protect them. For more than two decades, underage girls in this country have been federally protected from the horrific practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). The ritualistic cutting or removal of a young girl's external genitalia is an anachronistic act that occurs mostly in parts of Africa, the Middle Eastand a few countries in Asia.Last month, during a trial of aMichigan doctor accused of performing FGMon nine minor girls, a federal judge ruled that thelaw banning FGM is unconstitutional. Now, Congress and the states must act immediately to re-enact FGM protections. FGM is decried internationally for its cruelty.It is denounced by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as aviolation of basic human rightsand a form of child abuse. At its most basic, this practice is rooted in the desire to control a woman's sexuality. Physicians worldwide agree that FGM is medically unnecessary, and the procedure poses physical, sexual, and psychological dangers for the young victims. These girls, sometimes only a few days old, are subjected to an act that will have a profound negative effect on their lives. Michigan ruling was misguided In the Michigan case, the defendants were charged under the 1996 statute that banned FGM on minors.In their motion to dismiss, the defense claimed that Congress had overstepped its constitutional authority by enacting this statute. Judge Bernard Friedman agreed with this position and ruled the law unconstitutional. Judge Friedman's ruling rests on his belief that Congress, under principles of federalism, lacks the authority to prohibit this activity under the Commerce Clause because it is not a commercial activity. I share those views in some respects. And perhaps, Congress should address the judge's concerns to make clear the federal aspect of this crime. But t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/photo/five-photos-41s-lying-state-ceremony | Five Photos from 41's Lying In State Ceremony | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | President George Herbert Walker Bush became just the 12th president to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda yesterdaya solemn honor that brought his family, members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and military leaders together like no other service could. At 94 years of age and with 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, he lived a full life of service: to others and to his country. As Speaker Ryan said in his eulogy, President Bush was "a great leader and a good man...his memory will belong to glory." 1. The Bush family, Vice President and Second Lady Pence, and Speaker and Mrs. Ryan stand inrespect as President Bush's casket enters the Capitol Rotunda. 2. Speaker Ryan offers his condolences to President George W. Bush. 3. America's military and political leaders bow their heads in prayer in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. 4. President Bush's flag-draped casket sits atop a woodenboxknown as a catafalquethe same one that President Lincoln laid upon during his state funeral. 5. From high above in the Rotunda, a bird's eye view shows a steady stream of visitors who have traveled from all corners of the country to pay theirlast respects to President George Herbert Walker Bush. May God bless him. More: To watch the full hour-long service, click here. To watch Speaker Ryan's five-minute eulogy, click here. To see that photo that Speaker Ryan mentions in his eulogy of both Presidents Bush after 9/11, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/johnson-backs-bill-to-delist-gray-wolf | Johnson backs bill to delist gray wolf | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: WisPolitics Capitol Report A U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson spokesman says the Oshkosh Republican would back a bill aiming to delist the gray wolf in all but two states should it be taken up in the Senate. But the office of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin didn't say whether she'd support the legislation from 7th CD U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy seeking to remove the wolves from the Endangered Species Act. The bill, which cleared the House earlier this month, would lift protections for the wolves across the continental United States. A Johnson spokesman this week noted Johnson has been working on the issue for a while. Johnson in 2015 introduced a bill that would direct the Department of the Interior to reissue final rules related to the endangered listing of the gray wolf in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Wyoming. He reintroduced the legislation last year. But a Baldwin spokeswoman in an email expressed preference for the Madison Democrat's HELP for Wildlife Act, which would delist the gray wolf in Wyoming and the western Great Lakes as well as reauthorize and provide funding for a series of conservation programs. The spokeswoman noted Duffy's bill has not yet come up in the Senate and didn't answer whether Baldwin would vote for the Wausau Republican's legislation if it does hit the floor. The comments follow the House passage of Duffy's Manage Our Wolves Act. The bipartisan legislation passed on a 196-180 vote aims to remove the gray wolf from the list of endangered or threatened species and reinstate a rule that removed the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region from the list. If you live in Wisconsin, especially northern Wisconsin, it might be necessary for us to actually manage this population because it's good for the environment, Duffy said in a statement following the bill's passage. Frankly, I believe that our states are far more in tuned in understanding the ecosystem of their state than bureaucrats in Washington. The legislation garnered support from U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay; Glenn Grothman,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/general/how-watch-today-s-us-capitol-ceremony-president-george-hw-bush | How to Watch Today’s U.S. Capitol Ceremony for President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | The late President George H.W. Bush will lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda from today through Wednesday morning. At 5:00 p.m. ET, the Bush family and friends, the vice president, members of Congress, and members of the administration will gather for a service honoring President Bush. At 7:30 p.m. ET, the Rotunda will open to members of the public so they may pay their respects. The Capitol service will include eulogies by the vice president, speaker, and Senate majority leader. Congressional leadership and the vice president will participate in the laying of wreaths. President Bush lived an exemplary life of service to this country. The last president to serve in combat, he served as a pilot in the United States Navy in World War II, flying more than 50 combat missions and earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. He spent decades as a public servant, beginning in the House of Representatives and serving as ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China, director of Central Intelligence, and vice president. He was the dedicated husband of 73 years to the late First Lady Barbara Bush and the patriarch of the Bush family. Lying in state is a rare honor authorized by Congress and given to those who have devoted their lives to military or public service to our nation. Just 27 individuals have lain in state or in honor in the Capitol, with the most recent being late Senator John McCain following his passing earlier this year. Congress has also honored the unknown soldiers of World War I, World War II and the Korean War, and of the Vietnam Era. President Bush's casket will lay upon the catafalque constructed in 1865 to support that of President Abraham Lincoln as he laid in state in the Rotunda. WATCH: The Capitol service and public viewing will be live on speaker.gov/live beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-s-remarks-honoring-life-president-george-hw-bush-3 | Speaker Ryan’s Remarks Honoring the Life of President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, President George H.W. Bush was honored in a service at the United States Capitol. The ceremony marked the arrival of his casket to the Capitol Rotunda, where the late president will lie in state until Wednesday. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) spoke to recognize President Bush's legacy of service, strength of character, and the indelible mark he left on our nation's history. Speaker Ryan's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are as follows: As Americans, we have no more solemn duty than laying a great patriot to rest. Here lies a great man. To the Bush family: On behalf of the whole HouseRepublicans and Democratswe are profoundly sorry for your loss. And we are honored to celebrate this wonderful life with you. Like so many, I feel a personal debt of gratitude today. The 1988 campaign was the first one I was involved in. We handed out literature at the Janesville Craig Cougars ball games. I remember going to this big rally on the Miami of Ohio campus the day after the first debate. The whole experience really drew me into politics. He was the first president I had the chance to vote for. And he was the first president to teach me that in a democracy sometimes you fall short. And that how you handle that is just as important as how you win. An old preacher once said: Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected. Glory is transcendent in the life of our republic. This Rotunda is a trumpet call to glory, tributes to the giants all the way up to the sky. Grace is different, more elemental. It is not larger than life; it is the stuff of lifethe connective tissue in a free society. It deepens the well of our common humanity. Throughout his life of service, President Bush personified grace. His character was second to none. He reached the heights of power with uncommon humility. He made monumental contributions to freedom with a fundamental decency that resonates across generations. No one better harmonized the joy of life and the duty of life. There is that indelible image of him as command… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-is-a-hipster-and-her-green-new-deal-could-be-a-political-winner | Flags ordered to half-staff in honor of 41st President | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: CBS 58 Newsroom MADISON, WI (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has ordered flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff beginning December 1, in honor of former President George Herbert Walker Bush. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on December 30, 2018. Upon learning of the passing of the former President, the Governor issued the following statement. So sorry to hear of the death of President George Herbert Walker Bush. In 1988, I cast my first vote for President for him. I am proud of that vote today. He was a true gentleman and our country is better because of his service. Tonette and I send our love and prayers to the Bush family as America mourns the loss of one of our greatest patriots. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson issued this statement via email and twitter. Throughout his life, George H.W. Bush fought for freedom and prosperity for all Americans. From his service in World War II as a naval aviator to his efforts organizing international disaster relief, the nation and world will never forget his years of public service. In a tweet, Senator Tammy Baldwin said of the former President. "I have a lot of respect for President George H.W. Bush's lifetime commitment to serving our country. His humility and kindness serve as an example for all who follow him in public service. My thoughts are with the entire Bush family." Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner issued this statement after learning of the death of the former President. "My deepest condolences go out to the Bush family, and I join our nation in mourning the passing of George H.W. Bush. The former president was a heroic veteran, accomplished statesman, and lifelong public servant whose sense of duty and devotion to our country stands as a shining example for all. He lived a remarkable life, and our nation is stronger today because of him. I am grateful for his contributions to society and will keep his loved ones in my prayers. May he rest in peace." Former Wisconsin Governor and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/12/sensenbrenner-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-h-w-bush | Sensenbrenner Statement on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | Brookfield, WICongressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) issued the following statement after the death of the 41st President of the United States, President George H.W. Bush: "My deepest condolences go out to the Bush family, and I join our nation in mourning the passing of George H.W. Bush. The former president was a heroic veteran, accomplished statesman, and lifelong public servant whose sense of duty and devotion to our country stands as a shining example for all. He lived a remarkable life, and our nation is stronger today because of him. I am grateful for his contributions to society and will keep his loved ones in my prayers. May he rest in peace." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6B591A28-1E9C-4729-B446-369BDA910854 | Johnson Comments on Passing of President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | Stevens Point, Wis. U.S. Senator Ron Johnson said the following Saturday in response to the news of the death of former President George H.W. Bush: Throughout his life, George H.W. Bush fought for freedom and prosperity for all Americans. From his service in World War II as a naval aviator to his efforts organizing international disaster relief, the nation and world will never forget his years of public service. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/president-george-hw-bush-lie-state-united-states-capitol-rotunda | President George H.W. Bush to Lie in State in the United States Capitol Rotunda | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) today announced that the late President George H.W. Bush will lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda. A bicameral arrival ceremony will be held for President Bush on Monday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The public is invited to pay their respects from Monday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. ET until Wednesday, December 5, at 7:00 a.m. ET. The Bush family will provide additional details regarding arrangements beyond the Capitol ceremony. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/statement-passing-president-george-hw-bush-0 | Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONThis morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement: George H.W. Bush was a man for all seasons. He was great in his impact, making the world safer and freer. He was great in his character, leading with decency and integrity. A war hero and statesman, the country is inspired by his example. Like so many Americans, I admired President Bush not only for how he served, but for how he lived. He took pride in being a family man. The affection he showed for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was so endearing. His 73 years of marriage to Barbara marks a long and beautiful love story. President Bush best demonstrated the qualities he once described as those little touches of grace and affection and humor that make life sing.' His life was a hymn of honor. It was in the people's House where he began his time in public office. In our sadness today, we express our deepest condolences to theBush family. We give thanks to God for the life of this patriot. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/irish-e-3-may-be-on-the-horizon | Irish E-3 May Be On the Horizon | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Andrew Clancy Rogers of Green and Spiegel LLP When Congress reconvenes in Washington following the Thanksgiving holiday, it may be Irish Nationals that have most cause to be grateful. In a bipartisan effort, Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Richard Neal and Wisconsin Republican Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner have introduced a bill to Congress (H.R. 7100) that proposes adding Irish Nationals to theE-3 Australian Special Occupation Program. The E-3 program provides 10,500 visas each fiscal year to Australians entering the U.S. to perform services in a specialty occupation. The E-3 visa classification is very similar in substance to the H-1B classification, except that it is only available to Australians and as such, in the twelve years that the E-3 program has existed, the program has yet to reach the stated cap of 10,500 visas per fiscal year. Therein lays the opportunity: this bipartisan bill proposes that 50% of these 10,500 visas should be made available to Irish nationals. This is welcome news for Irish nationals seeking to work in the United States. The E-3 visa is one of the most efficient U.S. visa options for Australians. Applicants may apply directly at a U.S. consulate (thus avoiding lengthy processing times with USCIS), the visas are granted for 2 year periods (renewableindefinitely), and spouses of E-3 visa holders are permitted to apply for employment authorization documents. Further, the proposed cap of 5,250 would not apply to E-3 extensions, and E-3 visa holders may be the beneficiaries of Immigrant Visas (although they are still required to intend to depart the U.S. upon termination of their E-3 status). This significant addition to the U.S. immigration system will not only benefit Irish nationals seeking employment in the United States, but will also open up an additional talent reservoir for U.S. employers. Green and Spiegel remains cautiously optimistic and will be monitoring the development of this legislation closely. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/us-visa-hopes-rise-for-irish-citizens-under-new-law | US visa hopes rise for Irish citizens under new law | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Rachel Farrell and Laura Larkin of the Irish Independent Thousands of Irish citizens will be able to avail of a visa to work in the United States under proposed legislation passed by the lower house in the US Congress. The E-3 work visa, a two-year renewable visa currently reserved for Australian nationals, would under the bill which passed through the House of Representatives become available to Irish applicants. It is for workers in "special occupations" - there is no prescribed list of jobs but the requirement mandates a specialised knowledge. Only unused visas, not taken up by Australians, would be issued to Irish citizens under the proposed changes. The bill must now be cleared by the Senate where it needs unanimous consent. Work has been ongoing, spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, to gain access for Irish people to the coveted scheme over the past number of months. Ireland's special envoy to the US, John Deasy, welcomed the bill's progress but said he was under no illusions over the difficulty the bill may face in getting through the Senate. Taniste Simon Coveney has also welcomed the passage of the bill, describing it as a "positive development for future generations to travel to [the] USA". However, he acknowledged there was "still work to do". To qualify for the scheme as it stands, a legitimate offer of work from a US employer must be in place, and have been accepted, for a person to apply. The visa can be "indefinitely" renewed and a spouse can also work in the US but not their children. If the law is passed, there will be a maximum of 5,000 visas awarded to Irish citizens. It will not be accessible to undocumented Irish in the US. Jim Sensenbrenner, who helped to introduce the legislation, said the bill would add to the "great legacy" between Ireland and the United States. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/congressman-debuts-second-online-tax-bill-in-three-months | Congressman Debuts Second Online Tax Bill in Three Months | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By; Ryan Prete of Bloomberg Law Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) has introduced yet another online sales tax bill. The Congressman introduced theNo Retroactive Online Taxation Act of 2018Nov. 29, a new online sales tax bill that would prohibit states from imposing sales tax collection duties on remote sellers for any sale that occurred prior to June 21, 2018the day the U.S. Supreme Court delivered theWayfairdecision. Sensenbrenner has been the most active federal lawmaker in the online sales tax field since theWayfairruling. In September, he filed theOnline Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Act of 2018 (H.R. 6814),a which would also ban retroactivity and would require all states to push back online sales tax law implementation dates to Jan. 1, 2019. As of Nov. 1, 23 states have seen online sales tax enforcement laws go live. Sensenbrenner told Bloomberg Tax in September he was he was very confident that H.R. 6814 would be considered by the House by the end of 2018. The bill hasn't moved since its introduction. The U.S. Supreme Court's groundbreaking ruling inSouth Dakota v. Wayfairtossed outQuill Corp. v. North Dakota, the Supreme Court's 1992 physical presence threshold for when states could tax remote sales. The majority in the 5-4 ruling suggested strongly that South Dakota's law requiring remote sellers that meet thresholds of $100,000 in annual in-state sales or 200 transactions to collect and remit sales tax would pass constitutional muster. The court didn't rule on the validity of South Dakota's law in the absence ofQuill, but that hasn't stopped states from passing their own versions of it. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/explainer-irish-people-may-get-access-to-thousands-of-us-visas-what-are-they-how-can-i-get-one-and-how-much-are-they | Explainer: Irish people may get access to thousands of US visas - what are they, how can I get one and how much are they? | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | The E-3 work visa, a 2-year renewable visa that is currently reserved for Australian nationals only, would be issued to Irish citizens from the remainder of unused visas offered to Australians. Here's everything you need to know about the E-3 visa, and what requirements are needed to apply for one. What is the E-3 visa? The E-3 visa, or the Australian Specialty Occupation Professional visa, is a visa that currently allows Australian nationals to work and live in America. According to Australian immigration, the visa was first introduced in 2005 to allow professionals to capitalise on the opportunities offered under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. There is no definite list of special occupations eligible for the visa, but it is defined as theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge. Who is eligible? At the moment, only Australian citizens are eligible for the visa, but that could be all set to change. The US House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday that could make thousands of Irish people eligible for the visa, if it passes a final vote from the Senate. What requirements are needed? To apply for the E-3 visa, a legitimate offer of employment in the US is needed. You also must have necessary academic or other qualifying credentials, and be able to show that you have the necessary license or other official permission to practice in the specialty occupation. There is no age limit on the visa, but a minimum of a bachelor's degree or at least 12 years experience in the specialty occupation is necessary. How can I get one? The first step for Australians interested in obtaining the E-3 visa is to find a suitable job in the US. Once someone has accepted a job offer, they can begin the application with their employer. The application includes paperwork and a pre-organised interview with a consular officer. There is not yet any details on whether the Irish citizen application will be the same. How long is the visa for? The E-3 visa is a two-yea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/house-passes-irish-e-3-visa-bill | House passes Irish E-3 Visa bill | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Ray O'Hanlon of The Irish Echo It was a rare example of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill and with the Irish in the middle of it. The House of Representatives has approved legislation that would allow Irish applicants gain access to the E-3 visa program that is only open to Australians. The legislation still requires Senate approval but the joining together of House Republicans and Democrats would appear to auger well for a matching measure in the Senate, though the hurdle in that chamber is larger than what it was in the House. In the latter it was two thirds support, in the Senate it will have to be unanimous. As it turned out the House voted unanimously on Wednesday evening for H.R. 7164, crafted by Republican Congressman James Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin, and co-sponsored by Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Richard Neal, who chairs the Friends of Ireland group in Congress. The bill had been in the pipeline for several years and has been tweaked several times, part because of Australian objection to the Irish being allowed to directly compete for the visas, 10,500 of which are awarded each fiscal year. Instead, Irish hopefuls will be able to apply for those visas not taken up by Australians in each fiscal year. It might be a second place of sorts but it also would be a first in that the Irish have lacked any large scale access to legal residency in the U.S. since passage of the Morrison visas in the early 1990s. E-3s do no provide green cards but last for two years and are renewable indefinitely. Spouses of E-3 holders can also live and work legally in the U.S. A release posted on Rep. Sensenbrenner's website hailed the House approval of H.R. 7164. Today, it stated, the House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to extend E-3 visa eligibility to Irish Nationals. The bill was sponsored by Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) and Richard Neal (D-MA-01). The release carried Congressman Sensenbrenner's delivered remarks on the House floor prior to the vote. He said: T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/irish-workers-may-get-access-to-thousands-of-us-visas-after-e3-bill-passed-by-house-of-representatives | Irish workers may get access to thousands of US visas after 'E3 Bill' passed by House of Representatives | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Rachel Farrell of the Irish Independent The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that may see thousands of new visas issued to Irish citizens every year. The E-3 work visa, a 2-year renewable visa that is currently reserved for Australian nationals only, would be issued to Irish citizens from the remainder of unused visas offered to Australians. Some 10,500 E-3 visas are offered to Australians who wish to work in America every year, and if the bill receives Senate approval, up to 5,000 Irish citizens will be eligible for the scheme. The bill was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives during a debate in Congress last night, the Bill must now be approved by the US Senate. Republican Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, who sponsored the bill alongside Democrat Richard Neal, said the passing of the bill would add to the "great legacy" between Ireland and the States. "The United States was built on hard work and the determination of immigrants -many of them who hail from Ireland. Through their perseverance, they have enabled this country to grow and prosper," he said. "I believe in the value and opportunity that comes with legal immigration. I am pleased to have authored this legislation to make the process more efficient for one of our oldest allies, and add to the great legacy of cultural diversity celebrated our country." According to Mr Sensenbrenner, applicants outside the US will be able to apply directly at a US consulate, to lengthy processing times with US citizenship and immigration services. He added that the visa would benefit both Irish and American citizens, including American citizens who wish to "retire" to Ireland with the Department of Justice currently looking to change the criteria needed for US retirees. "This significant addition to the U.S. immigration system will not only benefit Irish nationals seeking employment in the United States, but also ease restrictions on Americans wanting to live or retire in Ireland." The visa allows spouses of recipients to work… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/mgm-resorts-hits-trifecta-with-mlb-gaming-partnership-not-close-on-potential-nfl-betting-deal | MGM Resorts Hits Trifecta With MLB Gaming Partnership, Not Close On Potential NFL Betting Deal | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Matt Rybaltowski of Forbes In reaching a comprehensive gaming deal with Major League Baseball earlier this week, MGM Resorts International reverted back to a playbook that has dictated the company'ssports betting strategy in the brief Post-PASPA era. The partnership, which designates MGM Resorts as the first-ever official gaming partner of the league, follows similar dealswith the NBAandthe NHL over the last four months. MGM Resorts, one of the world's largest gaming operators, owns the distinction of being the only company in the casino industry to form partnerships with all three leagues. Though MGM completed all three deals on a non-exclusive basis, it remains the lone sports book operator to land a sponsorship deal with aBig Four professional sports league since the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting in May. With the three leagues on board, MGM has yet to hook the big fish in the pond. On Wednesday, MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren delivered a keynote address at the ICE Sports Betting USA Conference in New York. Predictably, Murren was peppered with questions on MGM's relationship with the NFL. While Murren noted that MGM shares a philosophical alignment on sports betting with the three aforementioned leagues, the same can not be said for the NFL. Without enumerating all of the differences between the sides, Murren addressed a key sticking point during his appearance. While the NFL has urged Congress to enact uniform standards for states that are considering the legalization of sports gambling, Murren said that MGM does not support a federal approach. Echoing that position, the American Gaming Association has consistently opposed legislative efforts for certain business interests that it believes can be accomplished through commercial relationships such as MGM's partnership with Major League Baseball. "It is not a coincidence that we have relationships with those three leagues and not currently with the NFL," Murren said. "This is an emerging field, I think anyone that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/thousands-of-new-us-visas-could-be-issued-to-workers-from-ireland-every-year-after-the-house-of-representatives-voted-to-extend-the-e-3-visa-scheme-to-irish-citizens | THOUSANDS of new US visas could be issued to workers from Ireland every year after the House of Representatives voted to extend the E-3 visa scheme to Irish citizens. | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Aidan Lonergan of the Irish Post TheE-3 visais currently available to Australian nationals only and allows them to live and work in the US for up to two years with a spouse but typically only half are used. Last night, a bill (HR-7164) proposing that Irish people be able to apply for the remainder of unused visas offered to Australians was unanimously approved by the House. The legislation now goes through to the Senate, and if passed would open up a wealth of opportunities to Irish workers looking to start a new life and explore fresh opportunities across the pond. Around 10,500 E-3 visas are offered to Australians who wish to work in America every year, and up to 5,000 Irish citizens will be eligible for the scheme annually if the bill passes. 'OUR UNIQUE FRIENDSHIP' Republican Jim Sensenbrenner, who introduced the bill alongside Democrat Richard Neal, said the passing of the bill would add to the "great legacy" between Ireland and the US. "The United States was built on hard work and the determination of immigrants many of whom hail from Ireland. Through their perseverance, they have enabled this country to grow and prosper," he said. "I believe in the value and opportunity that comes with legal immigration. I am pleased to have authored this legislation to make the process more efficient for one of our oldest allies, and add to the great legacy of cultural diversity celebrated in our country." According to Mr Sensenbrenner, applicants based in Ireland would be able to apply directly at a US consulate but should expect lengthy processing times with US citizenship and immigration services. He added that the visa would benefit both Irish and US citizens, including Americans who wish to "retire in Ireland" as the Irish Government has promised to ease restrictions on US retirees if the bill passes. "This significant addition to the U.S. immigration system will not only benefit Irish nationals seeking employment in the United States, but also ease restrictions on Americans wanting to live or r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CEBB8E2C-FE9A-4578-B147-3D6210E7F286 | Senate Unanimously Passes Johnson, Murphy Resolution Condemning Russian Aggression Against Ukraine | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate Thursday unanimously approved a resolution condemning Russia's recent attack on Ukrainian vessels in the Kerch Strait and calling for the immediate release of all Ukrainian sailors. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation,introduced the resolution on Tuesday. The following cosponsors commented on the resolution's passage: Vladimir Putin is testing the West, and he needs to know we will not stand for this sort of provocation. I am pleased the Senate spoke with one voice to reaffirm our support for the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian government and Ukraine's territorial integrity and make it clear that Russia's aggression cannot be tolerated, Sen. Johnson said. Today, the Senate took action and sent a clear message to Putin that his government's aggression against Ukraine in the Sea of Azov will not be tolerated. We strongly condemn any military action taken by Russia to unilaterally rewrite international rules, said Sen. Murphy. The United States should stand firmly alongside Ukraine in the face of this most recent Russian aggression, said Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio). Russia's unprovoked action against Ukraine is a violation of international law and it highlights the urgent need to bolster Ukraine's ability to defend its sovereign borders. I'm pleased that this resolution acknowledges my amendment to the FY 2018 NDAA authorizing naval security assistance to Ukraine. As Sunday's events showed, the Black Sea and Sea of Azov have become hotspots in this conflict and increased naval assistance as well as international condemnation is appropriate and necessary. Through cyberattacks, propaganda, military intimidation, and outright invasion, Russia continues to attack Ukrainian sovereignty and international standards. By escalating the tension in the region, Russia's campaign of aggression in Eastern Europe blazes on. Such blatantly hostile acts must be u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/general/watch-speaker-ryan-reflects-his-congressional-career | WATCH: Speaker Ryan Reflects on His Congressional Career | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | Today, Speaker Ryan sat down for an extended conversation with The Washington Post's Paul Kane to discuss his legislative legacy and what he's most proud of over his two decades in Congress. Watch the full discussionhere and check out the excerpts below: Speaker Ryan: I like to think that I took the opportunity I was given and made a positive difference in people's lives. . . .I'm proud of the fact that the House since I was Budget Chair, every year, every session, has passed a budget that shows how we would balance the budget and how we would pay off the debt. . . .And then on the poverty issues. People don't really report this too much but social impact bonds, opportunity zones, I think our members have gotten more attuned to this issue. It's the stuff that Bob Woodson and I preach about. It's the stuff I learned from Jack Kemp. Evidence-based policymaking, we've made a really good impact on that.And then there are just certain things, like rebuilding the military and the tax system. Those are policy achievements I'm proudest of. Speaker Ryan: I think history is going to be very good to this majority. Why? The tax system was atrocious. I spent my adult life working on tax reform. Ever since I did it with Jack Kemp, working on the issue. We really did have the worst tax system in the industrialized world, and it was hollowing out American competitiveness. We have now put underneath the economy a far, far stronger foundation for a healthy economy and growth because of that. I was extremely worried about our national security posture, meaning our military. We have now put underneath that a much stronger foundation. What I have been saying to my staff all along, and our members, is our job in the majority is to improve the health and the antibodies of the American economy, of the American system. So what we were aiming to do was strengthen America's resilience, America's health, America's antibodiesSo whatever comes our way, we are stronger and better prepared for those things. I really believe that we have done th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-thanks-wisconsin-s-first-district-staff-remarks-house-floor | Speaker Ryan Thanks Wisconsin’s First District, Staff in Remarks on House Floor | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONThis afternoon, in remarks on the House floor, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) thanked the people of Wisconsin's First District and paid tribute to members of his Wisconsin staff for their dedication. His remarks are available in full here and below: My colleagues, I rise today to express profound gratitude to the people of the First District of Wisconsin. Any time I get to swear in a new member, like we just did, it brings me back to the time when I was first sworn in here in 1998. I remember just being awestruck the first time I walked down that center aisle. That feeling just never goes away. I still feel it when I walk onto the floor, each and every time. I am immensely grateful to the people of Southern Wisconsin for their trust and their confidence. I have always had this thing about calling the people I represent not my constituents but my employers.' It's the way I've always thought of this, and I think it's important that we as members understand that we work for the people and not the other way around, that we are in this to make a difference for them. We work every day to keep that obligation, especially, actually, when it comes to constituent service. It is the lifeblood of the work we do here as representatives. And it's something that goes unreported, but it is extremely important, extremely valuable, and very gratifying. Any success that we have had is really, in my case, due to our humble and our hard-working staff. I have had the chance to work for, and to work with, the very best people, I really have. Before I was a member, I was a part of the legion of Hill staffers. I was a staffer here before I got elected as a member. I started as an intern in the mail room, and I worked my way on up: legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, legislative director, chief of staffall of those things. And I figured I knew everything about these jobs, all the long hours and all the sacrifices. But nothing can truly prepare you for having people willing to help you in such a big undertaking on t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/happy-wednesday | Happy Wednesday | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, I hope you're having a wonderful week, and that you were able to spend Thanksgiving with loved ones. Last week, my amazing wife Rachel and I gave a few tips to families who are traveling for the holidays. Trust me...with eight kids, we've seen it all on long road trips. Click HERE or the image below to view a few quick tips on traveling over the holiday season, and I hope you and your family travel safely! Wisconsin Deserves To Manage Its Gray Wolf Population The House of Representatives recently passed my legislation to delist the gray wolf and to put its population management in the control of states. Like most parts of our government, things work better when handled at a local level- not by Washington bureaucrats. I'd like to thank my Republican and Democrat colleagues for supporting this important reform, because Wisconsin farmers deserve to protect their livestock. Click HERE or the image below to see WXPR's coverage my wolf delisting legislation. Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the political process. For more information on the internship, click HERE or the photo below. Also be sure to share these opportunities with any interested students! Stay Connected On Social Media Snapchat is a fun way to stay connected with what's going on in Wisconsin and Washington (and of course, find me on Facebook and Twitter- @RepSeanDuffy). Find my snapchat profile either by searching @RepSeanDuffy or use the Snapcode below! Until next week! God bless, Sean Duffy | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=864 | Grothman Casts Solution to Invasive Fish Problem | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Glenn Grothman | G000576 | grothman.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah), along with Congressman Mark Pocan (D-Madison), this week introduced a bipartisan bill that would help keep Wisconsin's lakes healthy by restricting the access of invasive species of fish. H.R. 7170 would amend the Federal Power Act to require that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be required to consider the threats posed by invasive species before mandating a new fishway be built. Fishways serve an important purpose of preserving and enhancing the populations of desirable, native fish by allowing them a way to travel around dams. However, invasive species use these same fishways to invade rivers and lakes and devastate native species and their habitats. The state of Wisconsin is currently experiencing this problem. The Fish and Wildlife Service has ordered the installation of a fishway at the Prairie du Sac dam. Asian Carp, which is an invasive species that can grow nearly three feet in length, have been found at the base of this dam. Installing a fishway in this location would allow the Asian carp to migrate upstream to the Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin and eventually the Great Lakes. This would wreak havoc on native species and threaten the Great Lakes $7 billion fishing industry. Invasive species can have a devastating effect on the environment, public health and the economy. The damage they can cause only gets worse over time, which is why this legislation is becoming increasingly important to pass.said Grothman.H.R. 7170 will ensure that federal decision-makers consider all consequences before ordering the installation of fishways. I believe that we have to do a better job of making smart decisions to protect our environment. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his second term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=865 | Grothman Questions Prison Officials on How to Better Protect Inmates | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Glenn Grothman | G000576 | grothman.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today, at a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, questioned The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General for the Department of Justice and Mr. Hugh J. Hurwitz, Acting Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) on how the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) holds both inmates and guards accountable for wrongdoing. Specifically, Grothman questioned about the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Since being enacted into law, PREA has led to a large number of frivolous accusations against guards, which in turn leads to a litany of paperwork. Grothman's line of questioning was designed to gain insight to these false accusations in order to discern how we can both A) protect actual victims under PREA and B) reduce frivolous reporting that only serves to distract from other important prison matters. Excerpts of Grothman's questioning Congressman Grothman: I do have the Oxford federal prison right outside of my district and several state prisons in my district. When I talk about PREA I think there's sometimes a forgotten person here. Everybody says we've got all these out of control prison guards, we've got to crack down on the prison guards'. A lot of prisoners, and perhaps it's not surprising given the type of people who wind up prisoners and the fact that being a prisoner is kind of a boring life, I think they sit around and try to make lives miserable for the guards. What percentage of PREA complaints do you find meritless, and what are we doing to stop that? Mr. Hurwitz: Sir, the PREA complaints, again, like any other sort of sexual misconduct, whether it be a staff member or an inmate, is absolutely unacceptable. Earlier, I mentioned the direction I sent out to all of our wardens, our expectation is a zero tolerance policy. I expect that if there are inmates acting in an inappropriate behavior that we take action against them as well. Sometimes that's difficult because the inmates, there is very little to deter the inmates because there… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/aussies-relent-and-path-cleared-for-irish-e-3-visa-vote | Aussies relent and path cleared for Irish E-3 visa vote | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Ray O'Hanlon of The Irish Echo Sharing is caring so long as it's the leftovers that are being shared. Australia has relented in the face of the Irish bid to secure a portion of Washington's annual E-3 visa allocation. But the ground giving is on the basis of, as the Sydney Morning Herald reported: Almost 11,000 Australians a year will continue to have exclusive access to a prized visa that allows them to work in the U.S. following an intense lobbying campaign by Australian officials in Washington. The Sydney daily reported that Australia's ambassador to the U.S., Joe Hockey, had gone nuts over proposed legislation that could have seen Australians competing with the Irish for access to the plum E3 visa scheme. The paper stated in a separate report that Ireland is trying to muscle in on a special United States visa class that only Australians currently enjoy and which has limited numbers. A bill before the House of Representatives, H.R. 7100, co-sponsored by Republican Congressman James Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin and Democratic Congressman, and Chairman of the Friends of Ireland, Richard Neal, from Massachusetts, had proposed to add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program. That bill has since been amended and, as H.R. 7164, is listed for debate and a possible floor vote today in the House of Representatives. Prior to the bill amending, the precise method of adding had occupied Ambassador Hockey's mind to the point of his apparently straying from normal diplomatic wording and method and venting his concerns to, among others, House Speaker Paul Ryan. It seems the ambassador, Joe Hockey got a bit excited about it, was the measured, indeed diplomatic, reaction of Billy Cantwell, publisher of the Irish Echo newspaper in Sydney. Hockey's reaction to the bill apparently had an effect. Again reported the Sydney Morning Herald: That legislation has now been withdrawn and replaced by a new draft bill that guarantees Australians continued access to up to 10,500 E3 visas a year. The new bipartisan bill … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/irish-workers-would-get-more-visa-access-under-house-passed-bill | Irish Workers Would Get More Visa Access Under House-Passed Bill | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Laura D. Francis of Bloomberg Law Potentially thousands of professionals from Ireland would be eligible for a special skilled guestworker visa under a bill passed by the House Nov. 28. H.R. 7164, introduced by Reps.James Sensenbrenner(R-Wis.) andRichard Neal(D-Mass.), would add Ireland to the E-3 visa, a workaround for the H-1B visa that's available solely to workers from Australia. It was approved in the House by voice vote. The bill would retain the current 10,500 E-3 cap, but Irish workers would be entitled to the difference between 10,500 and the number of visas approved for Australians in the prior fiscal year. Australians currently only use about half of the 10,500 visas they're allotted. Spouses and children wouldn't count toward the visa cap. The measure differs from an earlierversion(H.R. 7100) Sensenbrenner introduced in October, which didn't give Australians first crack at the visas. Gaining access to H-1B visas in recent years has been difficult, as demand for the temporary visa for specialty occupations far outstrips supply. There are 65,000 H-1B visas available each year, with an additional 20,000 reserved for workers with advanced degrees from U.S. colleges and universities. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which administers the visa program, received 190,098 petitions for the visas this year. The agency also is moving forward with a proposal to change the H-1B lottery to allow for an employer pre-registration process. It also could rework the lottery to ensure that more visas are awarded to workers with advanced degrees. USCIS Director Francis Cissna hasindicatedthat he wants a regulation finalized by the time the next H-1B lottery rolls around in April. A proposed regulation hasn't yet been released for public comment. Sensenbrenner's bill would allow Irish workers to get around the regular H-1B cap and have their own separate pool of visas for the same type of high-skilled jobs. Employers that hire Irish workers on E-3 visas would have to participate in the E-Verify elect… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/new-us-visa-deal-for-irish-citizens-passes-first-congress-hurdle | New US visa deal for Irish citizens passes first Congress hurdle | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Suzanne Lynch of The Irish Times The US House of Representatives has voted to extend the E3 visa scheme to Irish citizens during a debate in Congress on Wednesday evening. Though the Bill must still get Senate approval, its passage through the House marks a major breakthrough in Ireland's efforts to secure new visa access for Irish citizens who want to live and work in the United States. Up to 5,000 visas per year could become available under the scheme which is currently only open to Australian citizens. Speaking in the House on Wednesday evening during the debate, CongressmanRichard Nealwho co-sponsored the bill with Republican congressmanJim Sensenbrenner, described how more than a million people moved to America from Ireland after the famine. America to its everlasting credit the land of the great, home of the brave, welcomed them. He said that the United States' relationship with Ireland remains one of the great relationships in terms of allies that we have in the history of America. Mr Sensenbrenner said the proposal would be a significant addition to the US immigration system, noting that it would also ease restrictions on Americans who want to live in Ireland without raising the cap on numbers already extended under the E3 visa scheme. The United States was built on hard work and the perseverance of immigrants, many who came from Ireland, he said. Senate hurdle While the Bill only needed a two-third majority to pass in the lower chamber, the Senate requires unanimous consent in order to progress the Bill - a significant hurdle. The E3 is a two-year renewable visa which allows Australian citizens and their spouses to live and work in the US. Australia negotiated the visa programme in 2005 as part of the US-Australia trade agreement. The Government's special envoy to the US CongressJohn Deasyand the Irish embassy in Washington have been advancing talks with senior figures on Capitol Hill and within the Trump administration about expanding access to the coveted visa scheme to include Irish peo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/sensenbrenner-s-bipartisan-visa-bill-passes-house-unanimously | Sensenbrenners Bipartisan Visa Bill Passes House Unanimously | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to extend E-3 visa eligibility to Irish Nationals. The bill was sponsored by Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) and Richard Neal (D-MA-01). Congressman Sensenbrenner delivered the following remarks on the House floor: The United States was built on hard work and the determination of immigrants -many of them who hail from Ireland. Through their perseverance, they have enabled this country to grow and prosper. I believe in the value and opportunity that comes with legal immigration. I am pleased to have authored this legislation to make the process more efficient for one of our oldest allies, and add to the great legacy of cultural diversity celebrated our country. This modest proposal would give Irish Nationals the opportunity to work in the U.S. under the non-immigrant visa category of the E-3 Visa, previously reserved only for Australian nationals. Ireland in the meantime, has proposed a reciprocal work visa specific to U.S. nationals so that those wanting to live and work in Ireland can more easily do so. The E-3 visa is one of the most efficient U.S. visa options. Applicants outside the United States may apply directly at a U.S. consulate, thus avoiding lengthy processing times with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The visas are granted for 2 year periods (renewable indefinitely), and the spouses of E-3 visa holders are permitted to apply for employment authorization documents. Currently, 10,500 E-3 visas are allocated each year, yet only half of these are used. This legislation would allow Irish nationals to apply for those visas unused by Australian nationals. This significant addition to the U.S. immigration system will not only benefit Irish nationals seeking employment in the United States, but also ease restrictions on Americans wanting to live or retire in Ireland. In conclusion, I would like to say that this does not increase the number of visas that are authorized in total. It merely allows th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/general/speaker-ryan-highlights-results-delivered-house-republicans-policies-0 | Speaker Ryan Highlights Results Delivered by House Republicans’ Policies | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | Summary: At today's House Republican leadership press conference, Speaker Ryan spoke about the number of historic legislative initiatives accomplished on behalf of the American people by this Congress. He also previewed some items Republicans are continuing to work on, including the farm bill and criminal justice reform. Opening Statement: It's good to see all of you. So I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We're coming up on the close of one of the most productive Congresses in recent memory. Two years ago, we took a hard look at what was holding our communities back, and we came up with very thoughtful policy solutions. Those policies have delivered results. There may be no better example than historic tax reform. Week after week, we've told stories of economic resurgence that this country has experienced. It goes beyond the economy, too. Years of work went into legislation to bring true reforms to the veterans' administrationto veterans' health care. We passed policies to secure new opportunities, including overhauling the career and technical education system, so that we can close that skills gap, and get people to the careers that they want to get. We're back on the path to rebuilding our military. This year, we've already funded 75 percent of government. That means funding for the military, for veterans, for health, for labor, for education programs, to name a few, are already in placethe most that has been done on time, before the deadline, in 22 years. So, we have accomplished quite a bit. And our nation is very much the better for it. Our nation is safer, our nation is stronger for it. We have an opportunity in the next coming weeks to get a few more things done. To get some good things done. We want to reform our criminal justice system to give people another shot at contributing to their communities. We're still working on a farm bill. We're getting very close on the farm bill. We've got bipartisan initiatives to build on the success of tax reform. These are outstanding issues. And of course, as you… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-deliver-farewell-address-library-congress | Speaker Ryan to Deliver Farewell Address at Library of Congress | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | Next Wednesday, Speaker Ryan will deliver his farewell address in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. It is the same setting where he delivered his Confident America address given in December of 2015, shortly after he became speaker. In addition, Speaker Ryan will take part in a number of events over the next week to cap his 20 years of service in Congress, and the policies and ideas he has championed in that time. Wednesday, November 28 3:45 p.m. In a ceremony at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary James Mattis will present Speaker Ryan with the Department of Defense's Distinguished Public Service Award. This award, a significant honor, will recognize the speaker's commitment to rebuilding the nation's military. Additional details. Thursday, November 29 9:00 a.m. Speaker Ryan will take part in a Washington Post Live event with senior congressional correspondent Paul Kane. Additional details. Noon. Speaker Ryan will deliver remarks on the House floor to thank the people of Wisconsin's First District and his district staff. 6:00 p.m. Speaker Ryan will attend the unveiling of his Budget Committee Chairman portrait in the Rayburn Room of the Capitol. Monday, December 3 5:30 p.m. Speaker Ryan will deliver remarks at the Hudson Institute's 2018 Award Gala in New York City, where he will receive the Herman Kahn Award for his commitment to pro-growth economic policies. Additional details. Wednesday, December 5 1:00 p.m. Speaker Ryan will deliver his farewell address in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress, the same setting as his Confident America address given in December of 2015 shortly after becoming speaker. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-ryan-honored-department-defense-ceremony | Speaker Ryan Honored at Department of Defense Ceremony | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, in an award ceremony at The Pentagon, Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis honored House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. The award, which is the highest award given to civilians by the Department, recognizes Speaker Ryan's commitment to the men and women who serve in the United States Military. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. This is truly a great and unexpected honor. Permit me, Mr. Secretary, to express what a privilege it has been to work alongside you for the last two years. I certainly share in the American people's admiration for your service to our country. As fortunate as I feel at this moment, I am simply a temporary steward of a solemn obligation. The role that America plays in the world is so vital and so indispensable. Nothing and no oneespecially politicsshould get in the way of making sure our servicemembers have what they need to sustain this great cause. I am gratified that my colleagues and I could do our small part to fulfill this duty on behalf of the American people. I want to especially thank Chairman Mac Thornberry and the members of our Armed Services Committee. Without their vigilance, we would not have been able to achieve this breakthrough. We see the two-year budget agreement as a first step in rebuilding our military. Now this work must continue, and I am confident it will. Last month, I had the opportunity to visit our servicemembers in Afghanistan. It was the one thing I really wanted to do before leaving office. No matter how many times I have done this, in no matter how many theatres, it is no less rewarding. And it is personal, too. Like any civilian, I treasure the servicemembers I have crossed paths with in my life. One of the buddies I lived with in college is a Navy SEAL. My hunting buddy is a Green Beret. My close college friend is an Army engineer. And my childhood friend is the commanding general of the 101st Airborne. There are many others, especiall… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/the-white-house-wants-allies-in-oversight-positions | The White House Wants Allies in Oversight Positions | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Martin Longman of Washington Monthly If you want to get a sense for how seriously House Republicans take theiroversight responsibilities, you need not look further than the comments of Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida who serves on the Judiciary Committee. He's supporting Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio's bid to take over the GOP's top ranking member position on Judiciary despite the fact that Jordan only ranks eighth in seniority. In truth, the Republicans serving on the committee were decimated in the midterms. The chairman, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia decided to retire. Other members who retired or sought other offices include: Darrell Issa of California, Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, and Ral Labrador of Idaho. Meanwhile, both Karen C. Handel of Georgia and Keith Rothfus of Pennsylvania were defeated. Technically, Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin is next in line, but he's already served as the head of Judiciary and appears to be ineligible. Running instead, in addition to Rep. Jordan, are Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio and Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia. Based on seniority, the job should go to Chabot, but Rep. Gaetz thinks that Chabot and Collins are the wrong men for the job. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a Republican member of the Judiciary Committee, said Jordan is the best choice to be the Republican face of the committee while the GOP is in the minority. Collins and Chabot are fine legislators. They have great skill in developing legislation and a vision for leadership. They'd make the best chairmen of the committee, he said in a statement to POLITICO. Neither is qualified to be ranking member now. Neither has attended the depositions of key witnesses in the committee's most important investigations. Jim knows how to fight the battle we are facing. He has internalized the facts and timeline. If he isn't the ranking member, President Trump will be without the most capable defense we could otherwise offer. Kevin McCarthy, Gaetz continued, has the power to make Jim Jordan the lead Republican on Judiciary. If he doesn't, h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4025D8C2-5B3A-45DE-B2DB-3924B1F6B909 | Sen. Johnson Podcast: Catching up with Grace for National Adoption Month | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | OSHKOSHIn honor of November being National Adoption Month, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) released a new episode of his podcastHey, Wisconsinfeaturing a conversation with Nicole Craig. The Craig family of Green Bay first met Sen. Johnson in 2014 aftertheadoption oftheir daughterGrace was held up for years by thegovernment of theDemocratic Republic of Congo. Nicole made six trips to Washington D.C. to advocate for the release of 1,200 adopted children, includingGrace. In this podcast, Sen. Johnson talks withNicole about the fight to bring Grace home and her assimilation to her forever family and life in America and Wisconsin. Nicole says adoption was one of the hardest things her family has ever done, but the blessings have been immeasurableandthe sky's the limit for Grace! Listen to the podcast here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5796881A-4CB0-4A1E-887E-C6A9B068537C | Johnson, Murphy Lead Resolution Condemning Russian Aggression Against Ukraine | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, today introduced a resolution condemning Russia's recent attack on Ukrainian vessels in the Kerch Strait and calling for the immediate release of all Ukrainian sailors. Joining Senators Johnson and Murphy as cosponsors of the resolution are Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). Full resolution text can be found here and below. Condemning Russia's provocative actions in the Kerch Strait against the Ukrainian navy Whereas, on November 24, 2018, Ukraine commemorated the 85th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine of 19321933, known as the Holodomor, in which millions of Ukrainians perished under Soviet policies designed to break Ukrainian resistance to Soviet communist rule and forced collectivization; Whereas, on November 25, 2018, Russian Federation military forces fired on three Ukrainian Navy vessels attempting to transit the Kerch Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov; Whereas the three Ukrainian ships were seized by Russian Federation forces, and Ukrainian government officials stated that at least six of the 24 captured Ukrainian sailors were wounded in the incident; Whereas the Russian Federation's seizure of the Ukrainian vessels is a blatant violation of its commitments under international law and a 2003 Agreement between the Russian Federation and Ukraine on cooperation in the use of the sea of Azov and the strait of Kerch; Whereas, on May 15, 2018, the Government of the Russian Federation completed construction of a road and rail bridge over the Kerch Strait, connecting Russia with Crimea in Ukraine, and has systematically harassed Ukrainian and international shipping transiting between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov; Whereas, in March 2014, Russian Federation forces invaded and occupied Ukraine's Crimea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/tomorrow-speaker-ryan-be-honored-department-defense | TOMORROW: Speaker Ryan to Be Honored by Department of Defense | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONOn Wednesday, November 28, Secretary of Defense James Mattis will host an award ceremony honoring House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) for his public service and enduring support of the United States Military. The ceremony will be held at The Pentagon and will begin at 3:45 p.m. ET. DETAILS: Award Ceremony Honoring Speaker Ryan Wednesday, November 28 at 3:45 p.m. ET Press Briefing Room, The Pentagon, Arlington, VA MEDIA: This event is open to press. All media who wish to attend must RSVP by calling 703-697-5131 or emailing OSD.PA.DutyOfficer@mail.miland providing a full name and email address no later than 9:00 a.m. ET on November 28.Media who RSVP will be sent a link to enter their personal information into the Pentagon's Visitor Management System (VMS) for pre-registration screening. Media who do not have a Pentagon building pass must be pre-registered in VMS to attend the ceremony and should arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. ET. WATCH LIVE: The event will be live-streamed at speaker.gov/live. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F0B3027E-42A7-4A66-825F-70D45457E288 | Johnson, Murphy Statement on Escalating Tensions Between Russia and Ukraine | 2018-11-26 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Ron Johnson | J000293 | www.ronjohnson.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, issued the following joint statement regarding escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine: We strongly condemn the Russian Federation's attack on Ukrainian vessels in the Kerch Strait and increasingly aggressive actions in the Sea of Azov. Russia must swiftly release all Ukrainian crew members and vessels, cease the disruption of Ukrainian and international shipping, and allow unhindered access through the Kerch Strait and in the Sea of Azov. We continue to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and their right to freedom of navigation. Russia cannot rewrite international rules by force. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/general/capitol-christmas-tree-here-0 | The Capitol Christmas Tree Is Here | 2018-11-26 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | Good news. This year's Capitol Christmas Tree has made its way from Oregon's Willamette National Forest to stand tall at the West Front of the United States Capitol. The tree's two-week journey to Washington followed the reverse passage of pioneers on the Oregon Trail, arriving this morning. The tree lighting ceremony is set for December 5 this year. Here's all you need to know about this great holiday tradition: Where is the tree from this year? This year's U.S. Capitol Tree hails from the great state of Oregon. The tree, a noblefir, was chosen from Willamette National Forest's more than 1.6 million acres. Nestled againstOregon's Cascade Range, the Forest symbolizes the richness of both the state's and country's wilderness and is a fitting choice for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Systems Act. The state is also sending more than 70 additional trees and 10,000 ornaments to adorn places in D.C. with Christmas decorations. How did it get here? The tree has traveled more than 3,000 miles by truck, crossing through 10 states and tracing the reverse path of the Oregon Trail taken by pioneers 175 years ago. A local trucking company from the tree's home state was entrusted with making sure it reaches D.C. safelya charge one of the drivers called the event of a lifetime. The tree has made stops in at least 25 different communities along the way, met with celebrations in each town (check out some of the festivities here: Sweet Home, OR; Perry, KS; Nebraska City, NE). Hosting the tree allows communities to join in the holiday spirit, showcase their local pride, and celebrate what brings us togethertruly making this the People's Tree. Is this one of those old congressional traditions? Well, you have to go back to 1913 to find the first inklings of a Capitol Christmas Tree celebration, but the modern tradition really begins in 1964. Speaker John McCormack had a Pennsylvania fir planted on the West Front Lawn. That tree was only able to weather a few years out there, and ever since 1970, the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/australians-retain-access-to-special-us-visa-scheme-after-lobbying-campaign | Australians retain access to special US visa scheme after lobbying campaign | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Matthew Knott of The Sydney Morning Herald New York:Almost 11,000 Australians a year will continue to have exclusive access to a prized visa that allows them to work in the US following an intense lobbying campaign by Australian officials in Washington. Fairfax Mediarevealed last week that Australia's ambassador to the US, Joe Hockey, had "gone nuts"over proposed legislation that could have seen Australians competing with the Irish for access to the plum E3 visa scheme. That legislation has now been withdrawn and replaced by a new draft bill that guarantees Australians continued access to up to 10,500 E3 visas a year. This visa class can only be accessed by Australian professionals andis the envy of many countries around the world. The new bipartisan bill would allow Irish professionals in the US to apply for any unused visas from Australia's annual quota in the subsequent fiscal year. It is expected to be voted on before the end of the year. Australia's first preference was to remain the sole beneficiary of the E3 visa, which was created as part of the 2005 Australia-US Free Trade Agreement. But sources said the Australian embassy was "comfortable" with the new legislation and would be recommending members of Congress support the bill. Unlike other visas, the E3 visa permits the spouses of Australian recipients to live and work in the US without restrictions and can be renewed indefinitely. It is relatively cheap and allows Australians to bypass the pool of hundreds of thousands of other applicants competing for the right to work in America. Despite these advantages, uptake of the visa has been slow and thousands go unused each year. Some 5700 Australians took advantage of the E3 scheme last year, leaving almost half of our annual quota unused. Irish officials have insisted that their goal has only been to gain access to any of Australia's remaining visas. But the Australian embassy was concerned that, under the wording of the initial bill, Australian and Irish professionals… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/australians-set-to-retain-access-to-10-500-us-e3-visas | Australians set to retain access to 10,500 US 'E3' visas | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | Washington| The US is poised to scrap a plan that would have forced professional and highly-skilled Australians to compete with workers from Ireland for anattractive visacategory that experts say is being under used. Australians will continue to have exclusive access to 10,500so-called E3 visasper year - a unique category that no other country can claim. However, in an amended bill reintroduced by Republican congressman Jim Sensenbrenner on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) any unused quota would be offered to Irish workers in the subsequent fiscal year. The change, which is expected to be adopted before the end of the year, ends weeks of lobbying by the Australian embassy in Washington, which was concerned that Australians' access to the visas would effectively be halved. It is understood Australian officials will encourage both sides of Congress to adopt the proposed change. "We wanted very much to protect that 10,500 [figure] because we see an upward trajectory in takeup by Australians of the E3 visa, which was very hard fought during the FTA," said a source. "They've come up with this solution, which I think is pretty neat." Introduced in 2005 after Canberra and Washington negotiated a free trade agreement, the E3 visas provide a streamlined avenue for professionals with qualifications or high-level skills to work in the US for two years. Department of Homeland Security figures show a steady increase in Australians winning E3 visas. In 2017 some 5657 were issued, up from 3946 in 2013. The original draft bill introduced by Mr Sensenbrenner earlier this year would have enabled Irish citizens to apply concurrently with Australians for the limited pool of E3s, which are capped by number. This could have resulted in future waves of Australian workers missing out. The unused quota of E3s has drawn attention to the fact that many professional and highly skilled Australians may not be taking advantage of the program, and are effectively missing out on a US jobs and wages boom. Experts say there is considerable de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/he-has-managed-the-most-impeachments-in-history-and-warns-impeaching-kavanaugh-would-be-a-waste-of-time | He has managed the most impeachments in history and warns impeaching Kavanaugh would be a 'waste of time' | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Philip Wegmann of the Washington Examiner It is easy to threaten impeachment on cable news and even easier to promise impeachment on the campaign trail. Turns out, though, that the actual business of removing a public official from office for the requisite "high crimes and misdemeanors" is actually pretty difficult. Ask Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., about the impeachment process, and he will describe it with just one adjective: all-consuming. After four decades in Congress, the old bull should know. He has managed more impeachments than anyone since the moment the Founding Fathers decided to empower Congress with the authority in Article 2, Section 4 of the Constitution some two centuries ago. While it's a difficult job, Sensenbrenner is pretty good at using this specific check on the executive and judicial branches. He was the one who guided the House when they charged former President Bill Clinton in 1999 for perjury and obstruction of justice. Clinton would get off the hook, acquitted by the Senate after a five-week trial. Others weren't as lucky: Sensenbrenner has collected the scalps of three federal judges. But even when the defendants were guilty as sin, like Walter Nixon of Mississippi, who was already sentenced to five years in prison by a civil court for perjury after lying to prosecutors about marijuana smuggling, kicking the bums out is a herculean task. You don't know how much work it is, Sensenbrenner told theWashington Examinereditorial board during a recent meeting, even if it is impeaching a judge that is in jail for some type of crime, refuses to resign, and is collecting a full judicial salary while sitting in the slammer. What makes this constitutional power so unwieldy? The greatest deliberative body in the world, the Senate, requires an overwhelming amount of evidence. Call it constitutional prudence or call it snobbery, but that upper chamber won't accept the verdict of any other court. The House makes the charges, and the Senate won't accept any evidence or testimony from anyw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/why-weren-t-the-last-two-republican-speakers-more-successful-they-were-nice-guys | Why weren't the last two Republican speakers more successful? They were 'nice guys' | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Philip Wegmann of the Washington Examiner Nice Republicans don't always make the best speakers of the House. And after the better part of a decade, Republicans have little to show for their now lost majority. There were no lasting spending decreases. There was no immigration reform. No real Obamacare repeal. Nice Republicans don't make great speakers of the House -- at least according to Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. Well, Boehner and Ryan are nice guys, the old GOP bull said of the last two Republican House speakers one who is now a weed lobbyist and the other soon to be some kind of a roving public policy wonk. A legislative veteran of four decades and the second-most senior member of the House, Sensenbrenner points instead to former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas. You know, he tells a recent meeting ofthe Washington Examinereditorial board, DeLay was called The Hammer for a reason. It was DeLay who helped sparked the Republican Revolution as a rank-and-file member of the minority. It was DeLay who scuttled calls for censure and settled instead on impeachment for President Bill Clinton as majority whip. It was DeLay who united a fractured GOP majority behind the legislative agenda of President George W. Bush as majority leader. Vote against the party, and DeLay would threaten to pull your committee spot. Vote against the party too many times, and Delay would help someone primary you. Even while serving as chairman of the House Science Committee and the House Judiciary Committee, Sensenbrenner wasn't exempt: He hit me over the head a couple times. But that was over a decade ago, when party unity made twisting arms easier. As Sensenbrenner points out, Boehner and Ryan were frustrated by political arithmetic and an entirely different dynamic in the House. Of course, it should be noted that Ryan never wanted the gavel. He was happier with his spreadsheets and his policy, planning overhauls of the tax code, which he achieved, and reform of the entitlement system, which remains elusive. By circumstan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.speaker.gov/video/what-im-thankful-year | What I'm Thankful For This Year... | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Paul Ryan | R000570 | www.speaker.gov | legacy | What am I thankful for this year? Well, let's see I'm thankful I will soon have a lot more time to spend with my family. I don't know if they're so thankful for that, but I sure am. I'm thankful deer hunting season has started in Wisconsin. I'm thankful for a new tax code, one that is making such a positive difference in people's lives. I'm thankful for the battle of ideas. You know, things can get a little off track, but our system, our way of resolving our differences and figuring things out, is still the best in the world, and it will endure. I'm thankful for Republicans and Democrats, and everyone in between. Because we're all Americans first. I'm thankful I have had the chance to work for the people of my community for the last 20 years. They have been the best bosses. I'm thankful for the people who work through the holidays, at hospitals, firehouses, and police stations. I am especially thankful for our troops, wherever they serve. You and your families are never far from our thoughts. And I am thankful to God for all of these gifts. From the Ryan family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/us-congressman-wants-doj-to-weigh-in-on-sports-betting | US CONGRESSMAN WANTS DOJ TO WEIGH IN ON SPORTS BETTING | 2018-11-20 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: Nicholaus Garcia of Play USA At least onecongressmanis on board with theU.S. Department of Justiceweighing in onsports bettingin the post-PASPA era. Last week,Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.)addressed a letter toDeputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein,asking the DOJfor guidance on how to proceed in the current sports betting landscape. ENTERING THE POST-PASPA ERA In September, theHouse Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations, which Sensenbrenner chairs, heardpublic testimony on sports betting. Following the hearing, Sensenbrenner declared for Congress todo nothing was the worst possible choice. In his letter to Rosenstein, Sensenbrenner has this to say: As you are well aware, until 2011, the federal government consistently interpreted the Wire Act to prohibit all forms of gambling involving interstate wire transmissions including transmissions over the internet. Revising its own longstanding interpretation, the Office of Legal Counsel issued a legal opinion stating the Wire Act only bans sports betting and does not apply to online gambling. Read the full letterhere. It appears the congressman is looking for theDOJ to answer three specific questions: Do you support the 2011 Office of Legal Counsel's opinion that reinterpreted theWire Actto permit online gambling? What guidance, if any, is the Department of Justice providing to states that are entering the sports betting realm? What issues do you foresee in sports betting, both legal and illegal, if Congress does not act in response to the Supreme Court's PASPA decision? OPTIONS FOR CONGRESS TO CONSIDER Additionally, Sensenbrenner laid outthree viable optionsCongress could consider: Re-enact a federal ban on sports betting Defer completely to states to regulate the activity Adopt uniform federal standards After hearing from a panel of experts representing a broad range of positions related to sports betting, it is clear that Congress has work to do to ensure the public is protected, and an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/monday-memo-0 | monday memo | 2018-11-19 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | Sean Duffy | D000614 | duffy.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, I hope you're all having a great start to the week. Hard to believe Thanksgiving's only a few days away! Let's dive into some of the latest news in Wisconsin. Good Luck Wisconsin Hunters! Gun deer season has just kicked off here in Wisconsin, and it goes until the 25th of November.ClickHERE for 2018's regulations from the Wisconsin DNR. Stay safe and have fun out there. Click HERE or the image below to celebrate the beginning of the season. Time To Use A Science-Based Approach To Wolf Management Before Friday's vote on my bipartisan legislation, the Manage Our Wolves Act, I spoke on the House floor in support of the bill. It gives management of the gray wolf population to our states, who are far more in tune in with their local ecosystem than bureaucrats in Washington. I'd like to thank my Republican and Democrat colleagues for supporting this important reform, because Wisconsin farmers deserve to protect their livestock. Click HERE or the image below to watch my speech on the House floor. Great Opportunity For College Students Or Recent Grads Attention college students or recent grads: my Washington DC office is now accepting applications for Spring internships. It's a great way to serve your community and get involved in the political process. For more information on the internship, click HERE or the photo below. Also be sure to share these opportunities with any interested students! Stay Connected On Social Media Snapchat is a fun way to stay connected with what's going on in Wisconsin and Washington (and of course, find me on Facebook and Twitter- @RepSeanDuffy). Find my snapchat profile either by searching @RepSeanDuffy or use the Snapcode below! Until next week! God bless, Sean Duffy | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2018/11/commitee-chair-asks-doj-to-reconsider-wire-act-ruling | Commitee chair asks DOJ to reconsider Wire Act ruling | 2018-11-19 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | WI | F. Sensenbrenner | S000244 | sensenbrenner.house.gov | legacy | By: iGaming Business A senior US politician has attempted to resurrect arguments in favour of restoring the Wire Act in a letter to US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Wisconsin Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations, asked Rosenstein as to whether he believes the Wire Act, which effectively acted as a federal ban on iGaming still has legal weight. His attempts to resurrect discussion over the act comes around seven years after the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) said that the 1961 legislation was not applicable to online gaming, in a response to queries from the New York Lottery and Illinois Governor's Office regarding online lottery sales. Recent developments in sports betting have come about despite the act still being on the statute book as legislation has been introduced at a intrastate level in states such as New Jersey. In his letter to Rosenstein, Sensenbrenner brought up old arguments that gambling could be used to fund terrorism and said only federal oversight of sports betting would protect the public from unscrupulous operators. Sensenbrenner told Rosenstein that evidence submitted convinced him that Congress must act to ensure the public is protected, and any potential for exploitation by criminals is minimised in this post-PASPA era. Describing the option of deferring responsibility completely to the states and do[ing] nothing as the worst option for Congress, he said two alternatives were the re-enactment of the federal ban and the adoption of uniform standards across the country. He wrote: [Online] wagering will allow for exploitation of internet gambling by criminal and terrorist organisations to obtain funds, launder money, and engage in identity theft and other cybercrimes. In the closing half of the letter Sensenbrenner asked Rosenstein a series of questions about the Wire Act the legislation used to outlaw online gambling until the issuance of a reinterpretation by the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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