url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-merger-exclusivity-discussion-draft,Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Merger Exclusivity Discussion Draft,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, has introduced a discussion draft of legislation to provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) with exclusive authority to review or challenge certain mergers and acquisitions with an inherent interstate or international nexus. “Over the last two years, we have witnessed multiple attempts by Democrat state attorneys general to challenge mergers and acquisitions that have already been approved by multiple federal and foreign regulators,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “These lawsuits—which are based entirely on political disagreements rather than legitimate antitrust concerns—provide uncertainty to businesses and harm consumers who would otherwise benefit from the efficiencies of a completed transaction. State AGs should not be able to delay mergers that extend beyond their territorial borders. My bill promotes federalism by asserting the federal government’s role as the sole authority in transactions effecting interstate commerce.” Congressman Fitzgerald’s proposed National Merger Uniformity and Federal Exclusivity Act would grant the FTC and DOJ with exclusive authority to investigate, challenge, approve, consent to, or settle transactions that are reasonably likely to have substantial direct economic effects on interstate or international commerce, foreign markets, international supply chains, or trade between the United States and foreign countries. State AGs would still be allowed to participate in reviews or challenges brought by federal regulators, and the bill would not affect a state’s ability to challenge mergers that are inherently intrastate. View the discussion draft here. Any person who wishes to provide feedback on the draft legislation may contact Congressman Fitzgerald’s Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-5101 for further guidance. ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-presents-racine-physicians-with-2026-health-care-hero-awards,Steil Presents Racine Physicians with 2026 Health Care Hero Awards,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Racine, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) presented Dr. Paul Durbin and Dr. Patricia Golden with Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s 2026 Health Care Hero of the Year Award for their exceptional service to patients and communities across Southeast Wisconsin. “Our community is incredibly grateful for the health care professionals working on the front lines. Dr. Durbin and Dr. Golden exemplify the compassion, dedication, and selflessness that define our health care heroes. Their commitment to their patients, colleagues, and communities has made a lasting difference across Southeast Wisconsin. Congratulations to Dr. Durbin and Dr. Golden.” Rep. Steil (left) with Dr. Patricia Golden (middle) and Dr. Paul Durbin (right) Dr. Paul Durbin, recognized as Wisconsin’s First Congressional District's Healthcare Worker of the Year. Dr. Durbin is an internal medicine physician who has served patients at Ascension All Saints in Racine for 28 years. According to his nomination, Dr. Durbin he has built lasting relationships with patients and their families while earning recognition for his expertise in preventive medicine and chronic disease management. He has received six Guardian Angel Awards and has been repeatedly recognized as a Top Doctor by local publications. Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Durbin has dedicated himself to serving vulnerable populations in Racine and around the world. For 13 years, he has helped lead an annual medical mission to Guatemala, coordinating nearly 70 volunteers to provide medical and dental care to underserved communities. He also serves on the board of HALO, Racine’s homeless shelter, volunteers through Grace Church, and has helped lead Ascension’s Medical Mission at Home events. Alongside his wife, Jennifer, Dr. Durbin has also opened their home to foster children, including medically complex children who require specialized care. Rep. Steil with Dr. Paul Durbin Dr. Patricia Golden, recognized as a Health Care Hero, is a family medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. According to her nomination, Dr. Golden’s career has focused on improving the health of individuals, families, and communities across southeastern Wisconsin. For more than 20 years, she has balanced compassionate patient care with physician leadership and has served for more than a decade as Medical Director of Ascension Wisconsin’s Community Clinics, providing clinical leadership for programs serving Southeast Wisconsin's most vulnerable residents. Dr. Golden has also served for more than 10 years as Medical Advisor to the Franklin Health Department, helping guide public health planning, disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and community wellness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped lead Ascension Wisconsin’s regional response and develop a mobile testing playbook that was shared with other health systems, public health agencies, and community partners. She continues to mentor future health care professionals, recruit physicians to southeastern Wisconsin, and volunteer with organizations serving underserved communities. Rep. Bryan Steil with Dr. Patricia Golden For more photos from the event, click here. Background: Recipients of this award were nominated by residents of Wisconsin and selected by Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s Health Care Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is comprised of health care professionals across Southeast Wisconsin. The Advisory Board evaluated nominees on the following criteria: SERVICE: Displays exemplary service and performance in their profession. DEDICATION: Upholds the standard of providing unsurpassed care and treatment for their patients and goes above and beyond the call of duty in performing their responsibilities. SELFLESSNESS: Displays self-sacrifice and selflessness in caring for others. Nominees must reside in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District and be a licensed health care professional. This is the seventh annual 1st Congressional District Health Care Hero of the Year Award.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-sanction-russia-and-iran-and-lower-costs-imposed-left,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Sanction Russia and Iran and to Lower Costs Imposed by Left-Wing Climate Mandates,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and two joint resolutions challenging left-wing environmental regulations that have unnecessarily driven up costs. On the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act: “America’s foreign policy must put the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people first,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Russia and Iran are hostile regimes that threaten our national interests and continue to undermine stability around the world. This legislation gives the United States greater leverage to hold these regimes and those who support them accountable. Stronger sanctions give us greater leverage to force Russia to the negotiating table and pursue a lasting peace in Ukraine. These sanctions also strengthen our ability to confront the Iranian regime and protect American interests from its terrorist activities and nuclear ambitions.” Background: This bill imposes broad sanctions and economic restrictions on Russia in response to its war against Ukraine. It targets Russian government officials, financial institutions, state-owned entities, energy projects, defense suppliers, sanctions evaders, and vessels used to transport Russian energy products. The bill also authorizes tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian imports and up to 100 percent on goods from certain countries that continue purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil or natural gas or facilitate sanctions evasion. It extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031. On H.J. Res 213: “Green New Deal activists should not be allowed to use the federal government to impose costly environmental mandates that drive up prices for American workers, businesses, and consumers,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “These burdensome regulations do nothing to make Americans safer or more prosperous, and they threaten jobs and economic growth. I’m proud to support this resolution to roll back these costly mandates and put American economic interests first.” Background: This resolution overturns a Biden-Harris Administration waiver that allows California to impose costly and burdensome mandates on ferries, tugboats, work boats, and commercial fishing boats. These requirements would cost maritime operators and consumers more than $2.5 billion and would not result in a meaningful reduction in emissions. On H.J. Res. 210: “The United States cannot sacrifice our energy security in pursuit of radical climate policies,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “These costly regulations threaten our energy supply, drive up prices for hardworking Americans, and put critical fuel supplies for our military at risk. I’m proud to support this resolution to overturn another reckless Biden-Harris Administration waiver.” Background: This resolution overturns a Biden-Harris Administration waiver covering ocean-going oil tankers docked in California waters. These rules disrupt oil imports and are contributing to refinery closures, including refineries supplying critical jet fuel for military use. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-landmark-reform-judicial-conduct-and-disability-act,Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Landmark Reform of Judicial Conduct and Disability Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, introduced the Judicial Conduct and Disability Reform Act, the first major overhaul of the Judicial Conduct and Disability (JCDA) Act in more than 45 years and the latest since 2002. “The case of Judge Pauline Newman has exposed major flaws in the JCDA that warrant Congressional attention,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “For more than three years, Judge Newman has been unable to hear any cases while her case drags on. Meanwhile, the Chief Justice refused to grant Judge Newman’s request to transfer the proceedings to another circuit despite an obvious bias at the Federal Circuit and has now denied her petition for judicial review. My bill will correct this injustice against Judge Newman and ensure judges cannot be subjected to indefinite suspensions without due process.” The Judicial Conduct and Disability Reform Act makes four key reforms to the JCDA: Provides a statutory time limit for Judicial Conduct and Disability (JC&D) proceedings; Requires the mandatory transfer of cases against certain Circuit Court judges; Creates limited judicial review for challenging suspension orders; and Establishes an objective standard of recusal from JC&D proceedings. The bill also increases oversight and notification procedures to Congress when judges are subject to certain judicial conduct proceedings. This is a change from current law, which requires Congressional notification only when the Judicial Conference determines impeachment may be warranted. “For decades, the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act has helped ensure that judges who engage in unethical conduct are held accountable. But developments like Judge Newman's suspension and Judge Ross' misbehavior underscore the need for modernization,” said Executive Director of Fix the Court Gabe Roth. “Rep. Fitzgerald's amendments would strengthen the JCDA in several respects, by limiting the maximum duration of suspensions, facilitating the transfer of complaints where appropriate and enhancing Congress’s oversight responsibilities. They constitute a valuable contribution to judicial accountability, and Fix the Court is proud to endorse Rep. Fitzgerald's work.” “The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act was last amended almost a quarter of a century ago. Since then, high-profile proceedings have revealed gaps and flaws that warrant Congressional attention,” said federal judicial ethics expert Professor Arthur D. Hellman. “I applaud Rep. Fitzgerald for introducing this bill, which makes modest but important changes in the Act’s procedures. Although the bill responds particularly to the concerns raised by what has been called the ‘stealth impeachment’ of Judge Pauline Newman of the Federal Circuit, its provisions are broadly applicable and will serve the interests of judges and complainants alike.” Background: The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 (28 U.S.C. §§ 351-364) authorizes any person, including the chief judge of the circuit, to file or initiate a written complaint alleging that a federal judge either has engaged in “conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts,” or “is unable to discharge all the duties” of the office due to mental or physical disability. In 2023, Judge Pauline Newman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was the victim of a misconduct and disability investigation initiated by the Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit, who also chaired the judicial council charged with reviewing the complaint. In 2025, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a district court’s earlier ruling that it lacked standing to hear Judge Newman’s challenge of the suspension due to 28 U.S.C. § 357(c)’s bar on judicial review and, in June 2026, the Supreme Court denied Judge Newman’s petition for certiorari. Read the bill text here. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-strengthen-federal-fight-against-fraud,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Strengthen Federal Fight Against Fraud,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of two critical pieces of legislation today: the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 and the Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act. On the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act: “American taxpayers work too hard to have their money siphoned away by fraudsters,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation gives the Department of Justice a permanent structure dedicated to going after major fraud schemes and holding those who steal from taxpayers accountable. There is zero excuse for not taking fraud seriously and the House of Representatives took action today to guarantee the DOJ can continue shutting these schemes down.” Background: This bill codifies the National Fraud Enforcement Division in federal law. This is critical to ensure the Department of Justice has a permanent structure focused on major fraud investigations and prosecutions to protect taxpayer dollars. On the PROOF Act: “Federal investigators can’t crack down on fraud if they can’t get the information needed to uncover it,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The PROOF Act closes critical information gaps and gives DOJ the ability to access state program data when investigating fraud cases. If someone is stealing from a taxpayer-funded program, it’s a no-brainer that investigators should have the tools to find them, follow the money, and hold them accountable.” Background: This bill requires states provide program data when the Attorney General makes a written request related to a fraud investigation or prosecution. This applies to Medicaid, SNAP, unemployment benefits, pandemic relief, disaster assistance, housing programs, broadband funding, and other federally funded state programs determined to be vulnerable to fraud. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/small-business-committee-advances-two-bills-introduced-rep-wied,Small Business Committee Advances Two Bills Introduced by Rep. Wied,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — The House Committee on Small Business today advanced two bills introduced by Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) with bipartisan support. “Whether it’s strengthening cybersecurity for small businesses or helping bring manufacturing back home, I am committed to doing everything I can to put Main Street first and give small businesses the tools they need to continue driving our economy,” said Congressman Wied. “These commonsense pieces of legislation were designed to make life easier for small business owners. I am pleased to see them advance through committee, and I look forward to working to pass them through the House.” During today’s markup, members of the Small Business Committee unanimously voted to advance both the Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act and the Reshoring American Manufacturing Act. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act: Requires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices. Requires the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of War, to provide specific information related to the levels of cybersecurity requirements for the Department of War’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Requires the Administrator to consult the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA’s Office of Advocacy annually to determine best practices for disseminating information to small businesses. The Reshoring American Manufacturing Act:",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-led-bill-protecting-retirees-scams-passes-house-representatives,Fitzgerald-Led Bill Protecting Retirees from Scams Passes House of Representatives,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act, bipartisan legislation Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced alongside Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), passed the House of Representatives. The GUARD Act was introduced with one critical goal in mind—to combat financial fraud scams that target hardworking Americans. Scams have become increasingly complex, cross-jurisdictional, and technology-driven. Pig butchering schemes often combine social engineering, fake investment platforms, romance or confidence fraud, and cryptocurrency transactions that move quickly across wallets, exchanges, and borders. State, local, and tribal law enforcement are often the first point of contact for scam victims, but many agencies lack dedicated personnel, blockchain tracing tools, training, and coordination channels with financial institutions and federal law enforcement. The GUARD Act addresses this gap by allowing existing federal grant funds to be used more directly for financial fraud investigations, training, technology, data collection, and law enforcement coordination. “As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by criminals to defraud hardworking Americans. The House passage of the GUARD Act is an important step toward giving state and local law enforcement the tools they need to combat financial fraud and protect victims,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “By harnessing innovative technologies like blockchain, we can stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated scams and better protect Wisconsin seniors and families. I’m proud to co-lead this effort, and I urge my Senate colleagues to take up the GUARD Act and pass it swiftly.” “Iowa retirees spent a lifetime building their savings, and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to steal it out from under them,” said Rep. Nunn. “The GUARD Act came directly from an Iowa sheriff's deputy who told me officers were watching criminals steal the life savings of hardworking Iowans but lacked the tools to track them down and recover the money. Today, the House voted to give state and local law enforcement the resources they need to pursue fraudsters, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for victims. I urge the Senate to take it up without delay and get these protections to the Iowans who need them.” BACKGROUND: Financial fraud, elder exploitation, and cryptocurrency-enabled scams continue to impose significant losses on American consumers, particularly seniors. The FTC reported that consumers lost about $16 billion to fraud in 2025, the highest level on record, while reported fraud losses in 2024 totaled $12.5 billion. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report found that IC3 received 859,532 complaints with losses exceeding $16.6 billion, including more than $6.5 billion in cryptocurrency-related investment fraud losses. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-chairs-judiciary-subcommittee-field-hearing-obamacare-waste,"Rep. Fitzgerald Chairs Judiciary Subcommittee Field Hearing on Obamacare Waste, Fraud, & Abuse",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLOTTE, NC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), who serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, held a field hearing in North Carolina titled, “Examining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition.” Rep. Fitzgerald issued the following statement about the hearing: “I think we can all agree that there is something wrong with the American healthcare system. The price of care is sky high, in part because of the design of, and rampant fraud occurring in, the Obamacare insurance system. “Obamacare promised affordable healthcare for Americans. But it has not lived up to that promise. The price of Obamacare plans has increased at twice the rate of employer-sponsored plans. Instead of doing something about the artificially inflated prices, the Biden Administration just handed out more subsidies. “To add insult to injury, because the Obamacare system does not trust Americans to make decisions about their own healthcare coverage, those subsidies go straight into the pockets of insurance companies instead of the American people. “In the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, Republicans prevented illegal aliens from receiving premium tax credits. We also removed the cap on repayments to the federal government for excessive subsidies and added stricter eligibility verification to ensure people do not receive generous subsidies before their eligibility is determined. “I also supported the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act that passed the House late last year. House Republicans recognize that we cannot keep writing blank checks for heavily subsidized programs that continue to drive up costs. “While we have taken huge steps in the right direction, Congress must build on that progress to protect taxpayers, crack down on fraud, and ensure these subsidies go to people who are actually eligible. “That’s exactly why we gathered in North Carolina for this field hearing, to gather additional solutions. North Carolina has redefined its healthcare industry through investments in cutting-edge tech and research hubs, as well as a statewide rural health transformation program. As a result, the state has received national rankings in healthcare innovation and quality.” Watch Congressman Fitzgerald's opening statement from the hearing: Background: This hearing examined how mergers, certificate of need laws, regulations, vertical integration, and insurance fraud are affecting healthcare access and affordability across the United States. The hearing also reviewed how Obamacare subsidies inflate healthcare costs and create an environment ripe for waste, fraud, and abuse. ###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-applauds-white-houses-action-delist-gray-wolves,Tiffany Applauds White House’s Action to Delist Gray Wolves,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WAUSAU, WI – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) today applauded President Trump’s executive action directing the Department of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves meet the criteria for removal from protections under the Endangered Species Act and begin the process of delisting them. “The gray wolf has recovered, and the impacts are being felt across rural communities in Wisconsin. Farmers are dealing with livestock depredations, families are losing pets, and wolves are showing up closer to homes. Wisconsin has successfully managed wildlife for generations. It is time to get out-of-state judges and bureaucrats out of the way and let Wisconsin responsibly manage its wolf population,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany. Tiffany has been a leading advocate in Congress for removing the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list and returning management back to states. He authored the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, legislation to delist the gray wolf and return management authority to states like Wisconsin. The legislation passed the House with bipartisan support and awaits action in the Senate.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-condemn-socialism-all-forms-protect-domestic-mining,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Condemn Socialism in All Forms & Protect Domestic Mining,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of two critical measures this week: H. Res. 1490 - Condemning Socialism in All Forms and H.R. 1501 - Protecting Domestic Mining Act. On the Resolution Condemning Socialism: “We have seen a dramatic rise in socialism in the United States over the past year which is completely antithetical to the American way of life and what the Founders intended,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This Resolution, which 192 House Democrats opposed, formally condemns socialism in all its forms, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and opposes socialist policies in the United States. Socialism gives government more power and leaves the people with less freedom. That is the exact opposite of what America stands for.” On the Protecting Domestic Mining Act: “This legislation will help make it easier to produce the minerals the United States needs right here at home,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “By improving the permitting process for mining and mineral processing, we will strengthen our domestic supply chains and reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries like China. This is key to protecting our national security and supporting American manufacturing.” ###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-introduces-bill-strengthen-cybersecurity-and-reduce-costs-small,Rep. Wied Introduces Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Reduce Costs for Small Businesses,2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation this week to help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity while streamlining coordination among federal agencies to reduce unnecessary costs. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act requires the Small Business Administration to work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices. It also requires coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information on the levels of cybersecurity requirements under the Department of War’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. “In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, it is critical for small businesses to maintain the highest-quality and most up-to-date cybersecurity infrastructure,” said Congressman Wied. “However, small businesses shouldn't be forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a level of cybersecurity they don’t need simply because Washington has failed to provide clear rules. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act will provide much-needed clarity to help small businesses protect themselves without forcing them to spend excessive amounts of money trying to comply with vague guidelines.” Background: Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important consideration for small businesses, but many struggle to find clear, up-to-date guidance. Currently, the SBA’s website provides some information for small businesses looking to secure their cyber infrastructure, but it may not reflect other agencies’ best-practice recommendations. This leaves small businesses’ cyber infrastructure vulnerable to nefarious actors. Additionally, the SBA lacks information on complying with the Department of War's new cybersecurity initiative, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This certification is multi-tiered based on the sensitive information a contractor or subcontractor may handle. The DoW has paused Phase II and III requirements while it conducts a 60-day review. Before the temporary pause, many small businesses were unsure of which level they were required to have. Without clear instructions, many were forced to spend upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with requirements they may not have needed. This bill ensures the SBA can provide small businesses with the most accurate and relevant information once Phase II and III requirements are reimplemented. Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI) are original cosponsors of this legislation. “North Texas is one of America’s fastest-growing hubs for firms offering professional, scientific, and technical services, and thousands of tech-oriented small businesses call our region home. They shouldn’t have to spend six figures trying to decipher Washington’s one-size-fits-all bureaucratic cybersecurity rules. I am glad to help introduce the Cybersecurity for Small Business Act to give small businesses clear guidance on best practices to protect their networks without wasting time and money on unnecessary requirements,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “Cyberattacks do not just target the federal government or large corporations. Small businesses are also targets for foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party. Many lack the resources or expertise of larger companies to protect themselves. These attacks cost American businesses and our economy. This legislation gives small businesses clearer access to federal cybersecurity guidance. It also helps those seeking to work with the federal government understand the requirements they need to meet. Protecting America’s small businesses is part of protecting our economy and our national security,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act: Requires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices. Requires the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information related to the levels of cybersecurity requirements for the Department of War’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Requires the Administrator to consult the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA’s Office of Advocacy to determine best practices for disseminating information. Adds an annual reporting requirement to Section 10 of the Small Business Act.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-keep-government-open-avoiding-another-democrat-led,"Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Keep the Government Open, Avoiding Another Democrat-Led Shutdown",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027. “Keeping the government open is the responsible thing to do,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation keeps the government funded through December 11, 2026, ensures critical services continue, provides certainty for our military, and supports our national security priorities. I voted to keep the government open and avoid another reckless shutdown while we work to complete the appropriations process here in the House.” ###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgeralds-ndo-fairness-act-passes-house-representatives,Rep. Fitzgerald's NDO Fairness Act Passes House of Representatives,2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald’s (WI-05) NDO Fairness Act, legislation aimed at restoring transparency, reinforcing constitutional rights, and ending the pattern of surveillance overreach, passed the House of Representatives unanimously today. Earlier this year, Congressman Fitzgerald questioned former Special Counsel Jack Smith during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that focused on Smith’s investigations and prosecutions of President Trump. As mentioned by multiple committee members during the hearing, the unconstitutional subpoena of phone records for Members of Congress was a gross abuse of power. Not only did Smith’s team fail to notify the Federal Judge that the subpoenas were for Members of Congress, but he also imposed a non-disclosure order, or NDO, prohibiting the phone companies from notifying Members of the search. The NDO Fairness Act would require notification of a subpoena after 90 days, ensuring all Americans, not just Members of Congress, have a right to challenge the constitutionality of a subpoena. “The government should not be able to secretly search Americans’ private information and then prevent them from ever knowing it happened,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The NDO Fairness Act restores fundamental safeguards against government overreach by ensuring Americans have the opportunity to learn when their information has been searched. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act quickly to advance these critical protections.” BACKGROUND: The NDO Fairness Act reins in prosecutorial abuse and executive branch overreach by strengthening the standards prosecutors must meet when seeking to place non-disclosure orders (NDOs) on service providers. This bill will prevent federal prosecutors from using indefinite and often boilerplate secrecy orders to access third-party communications data. It will also ensure an individual is notified within 90 days when their data was searched and allow that individual to request a copy of any information disclosed. ###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5367,Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Urging President Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) is leading every member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation in urging President Donald Trump to approve Wisconsin’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on July 27, 2026. The storms caused extensive damage across Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago Counties. A powerful EF3 tornado tore through Wisconsin’s Fox Valley region, leaving a broad path of devastation across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. Preliminary findings from the National Weather Service indicate that the tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, and reached nearly one mile in width, with estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. The tornado left thousands of homes and businesses destroyed or severely damaged and caused widespread damage to infrastructure. Damage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management found 2,346 residential structures impacted, including 84 destroyed and 412 with major damage, with estimated losses exceeding $8.2 million. Public-sector damage exceeded $13.8 million, surpassing Wisconsin’s per-capita threshold by more than $2.4 million. The bipartisan delegation is urging President Trump to make Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation assistance available to affected Wisconsinites.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-tours-oaks-jackson-highlights-housing-legislation-inspired,"Rep. Fitzgerald Tours Oaks of Jackson, Highlights Housing Legislation Inspired by Washington County Initiative",2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"JACKSON, WI – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) toured the Oaks of Jackson, a Washington County Next Generation Housing development, to highlight the county’s efforts to expand attainable homeownership opportunities and discuss his recently introduced Working Families Home Construction Act, which was inspired by the county’s successful housing initiative. The Working Families Home Construction Act is designed to help address the nation’s housing supply shortage by making construction financing more accessible to builders. The bill would allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase qualifying residential construction loans at low interest rates, helping builders access gap financing needed to produce more middle-class housing. “Washington County has shown that innovative financing can help get more homes built for working families,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “My Working Families Home Construction Act takes the lessons learned here in Wisconsin and brings them to the federal level, helping builders access the financing they need to build more middle-class housing across the country.” Builders across the country are ready to build, but too often cannot access affordable construction financing needed for land acquisition, infrastructure, site preparation, and other upfront development costs, making it difficult for developers to build anything but upper-income homes. “Fixing the housing shortage in the United States is one of the top issues we face,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Washington County has developed a successful model for overcoming barriers to housing construction, and we need to build on that success so more hardworking Americans can achieve the dream of homeownership.” “What started as a local solution to a challenge facing Washington County is now helping shape the national conversation about housing,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. “Our Next Generation Housing Initiative demonstrates what can be accomplished when county and municipal leaders work alongside builders, employers and community partners. By reducing barriers to construction and focusing on attainable homeownership, we are helping more working families achieve the American Dream while strengthening the workforce our local businesses need.” During the tour, Congressman Fitzgerald joined Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, Village of Jackson Administrator Jen Heidke, local housing partners, and Next Generation Housing homeowners to view homes within the Oaks of Jackson and discuss the importance of increasing the supply of attainable, owner-occupied housing.",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-wisconsin-delegation-applaud-cms-rule-securing-historic-healthcare,"Van Orden, Wisconsin Delegation Applaud CMS Rule Securing Historic Healthcare Funding for Wisconsin Families",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08), applauded the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’(CMS) proposed rule 91 FR 46562, ensuring Wisconsin receives fairness in the Medicaid reimbursement formula and delivering historic Medicaid funding to WI. Van Orden led the delegation in working directly with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure that Wisconsin providers receive the same treatment in the Medicaid reimbursement system as providers in other states. Recent changes resulted in an additional $1 billion in federal healthcare funding for Wisconsin. This funding will help ensure high-quality care for patients in Wisconsin. “For years, Wisconsin providers have been reimbursed at a lower rate than other states. Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, Wisconsin will now be treated fairly, protecting Medicaid for the people it was designed for - children, pregnant women, and disabled Americans,” said the Representatives. “Wisconsin’s Republican congressional delegation worked closely with the State Legislature and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to guarantee fair treatment, implement meaningful reforms, and deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare for families and seniors.” During CMS Administrator Dr. Oz’s visit to Eau Claire, he stated, ""We're going to make sure the Badger State is taken care of and that the funding that's required to improve rural healthcare is at the level that it should be at,"" and praised Van Orden for ensuring that Wisconsin’s provider tax rate was aligned with other states across the nation.",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5342,Grothman Introduces PERM Backlog Reduction Act to Address Green Card Processing Delays,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressmen Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced the PERM Backlog Reduction Act, legislation to reduce costly delays in the Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system, which employers use to obtain permanent labor certifications required for certain permanent employment-based immigration petitions, by establishing an optional premium processing program for participating employers. The bill establishes an optional fee for expedited processing of the ETA-9089 Permanent Employment Certification Form, which is one of the two required filings in the Department of Labor's PERM process. The user fees generated would fund the program while also helping reduce processing delays for the additional ETA-9141 Prevailing Wage Determination Form, ensuring the program is fully supported without taxpayer dollars. Fees collected would be dedicated exclusively to modernizing the PERM system and reducing backlogs. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act is endorsed by the Critical Labor Coalition, Eb3.Work, and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations. ""Our legal immigration system should work efficiently for employers who follow the rules,"" said Congressman Grothman. “Before an employer can permanently hire a foreign worker, the PERM process requires employers to first show that they were unable to find an available and qualified American worker to fill the position. Businesses that have already met those requirements shouldn't be forced to wait through unnecessary bureaucratic delays that make it harder to plan for their workforce, fill critical positions, and grow our economy. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act provides employers with an optional, self-funded way to receive timely decisions while giving the Department of Labor the resources it needs to reduce backlogs and modernize the system. This is a practical solution that benefits American businesses without costing taxpayers a dime."" ""Businesses and employers across the country are trying to create jobs and grow our economy, but they're being held back by unnecessary government delays,” said Congressman Lou Correa. “This bill gives the Department of Labor the resources to modernize the PERM process, reduce delays, and make sure our system works for employers, workers, and America's economy."" “The Critical Labor Coalition applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. By incorporating processes which update and streamline the PERM application process, this bill ensures a robust, efficient process for U.S. employers. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act modernizes application evaluations, increases resources to update current systems and streamlines the vetting process to assist America’s job creators,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director of the Critical Labor Coalition. ""The Coalition of Franchisee Associations applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. As small business owners, franchisees are facing an unprecedented logjam in securing the talent needed to keep their doors open. By addressing Department of Labor processing delays, increasing critical resources, and streamlining the vetting process, this Act provides vital relief to America's franchisees—allowing them to cut through red tape, fill essential vacancies, and continue growing their businesses,” said Bill Mathis, Chairman of the Board for the Coalition of Franchisee Associations. Background Information The Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system is required for most employment-based green card applications. In recent years, processing times for prevailing wage determinations and labor certifications have increased significantly despite stable funding levels and application volumes. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act establishes an optional premium processing program at DOL to expedite processing of Form ETA-9089 – PERM Labor Certifications for employers seeking permanent labor certifications. Process ETA-9089 within 30 days. Charge a $1,200 premium processing fee for Form ETA-9089, adjusted annually for inflation beginning in FY2028. The legislation requires the Department of Labor to set premium processing fees at levels necessary to fully fund the program. All fees would be deposited into a dedicated PERM Premium Processing Fee Account within the U.S. Treasury and used exclusively for program operations, modernization, and reducing processing backlogs. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5341,Grothman Leads Entire Bipartisan Wisconsin Delegation in Urging FEMA to Assess Fox Valley Tornado Damage,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) led the entire bipartisan Wisconsin Congressional delegation in support of Wisconsin’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with Wisconsin Emergency Management following the devastating EF3 tornado that struck the Fox Valley on July 27. The tornado caused widespread destruction across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. More than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power. The members wrote, “The tornado ripped roofs from homes and businesses, hollowed out houses, reduced some structures to little more than their exterior walls, overturned vehicles, snapped trees, and brought down utility poles and power lines. Debris was scattered across neighborhoods and highways, roadways became impassable, families were displaced, and more than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.” The Members emphasized the importance of a timely assessment, writing, “Conducting a timely Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment is an essential first step in securing the federal support needed to help affected families, local governments, and communities recover and rebuild.” The letter urged FEMA to “begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay.” Governor Evers has declared a state of emergency, while Neenah, Menasha, and the Town of Grand Chute have issued local emergency or disaster declarations.",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5329,Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Protecting Marine Corps Readiness,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) announced today that he led every Republican member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to protect Marine Corps readiness, preserve competition, and strengthen America’s tactical vehicle industrial base. In a letter sent to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers expressed support for the Administration’s Arsenal of Freedom initiative and called for qualified alternative production capacity to remain available for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. “America’s warfighters should not be forced to wait for critical equipment because a defense program has fallen behind schedule,” said Congressman Grothman. “Maintaining competition and proven production capacity will help protect military readiness while ensuring contractors remain accountable to the servicemembers and taxpayers they serve. Oshkosh Defense has the experienced workforce and proven manufacturing capability needed to produce vehicles and help address the current backlog. Wisconsin stands ready to support the Marine Corps and deliver the vehicles our warfighters need.” Production challenges affecting the JLTV A2 program have raised concerns about the Marine Corps’ ability to field the vehicles needed to support expeditionary operations. According to the House Appropriations Committee report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, the program was more than 20 months behind schedule, with approximately 2,000 vehicles overdue. The delegation also highlighted the Marine Corps’ May Request for Information seeking commercially available, non-developmental vehicles capable of rapid fielding. The lawmakers described the request as an important step toward preserving competition and ensuring qualified alternative production capacity remains available if performance challenges continue. Oshkosh Defense, headquartered in Wisconsin, has delivered more than 25,000 JLTV A1 vehicles to U.S. and allied forces. The company is positioned to produce additional vehicles to help reduce the backlog, protect the Marine Corps’ fielding schedule, and restore needed competition to the program.",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-introduces-resolution-recognizing-small-firearm-manufacturers,Wied Introduces Resolution Recognizing Small Firearm Manufacturers,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced a resolution this week to recognize the contributions of small business firearm manufacturers to our economy and designate the month of August as National Shooting Sports Month. ""Wisconsin is home to many incredible small firearm manufacturers who help drive our economy and ensure access to safe, reliable firearms that allow us to exercise our Second Amendment rights,"" said Congressman Wied. ""This month, we recognize their contributions to our economy and reaffirm our commitment to protecting Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms."" Background: Small manufacturers of firearms contribute significantly to the national and local economy, as they support 380,000 jobs in the broader firearms industry and produce more than $91 billion in annual economic output. They are essential conduits for the exercise of Second Amendment rights by individuals in the United States and provide products, training, and community engagement to sportsmen in this country. Shooting sports promote safe and responsible firearm handling, outdoor stewardship, and civic engagement through local clubs, ranges, and competitions. Congressman Wied introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives in August 2025. He renewed the effort this month to reassert his commitment to small manufacturers and to protecting the Second Amendment. Congressman Wied is proud to have the support of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “National Shooting Sports Month is a celebration of our shared American heritage of responsible firearm ownership. The firearm industry has been on the leading edge of ensuring Americans can freely exercise their Second Amendment rights. That journey begins when law-abiding citizens can freely approach the counter to purchase firearms and ammunition. Americans share our industry’s passion for recreational shooting sports, hunting, conservation and self-defense. The firearm industry proudly supports 393,00 jobs across America and generates over $91.7 billion in economic activity. Just as proudly, the firearm industry paid over $804 million in Pittman-Robertson excise taxes last year, which funds wildlife conservation, public land access and construction of public recreational shooting ranges. Since those funds’ inception in 1937, firearm and ammunition manufacturers have paid over $31 billion, when adjusted for inflation. NSSF is grateful that Congressman Tony Wied has been at the forefront to ensure that heritage of responsible firearm ownership is passed on to the next generation, and we are proud that he leads this effort to recognize the importance of National Shooting Sports Month,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. This Resolution: Celebrates the role of small businesses that manufacture firearms in supporting domestic manufacturing and economic opportunity in communities across the United States. Supports policies that strengthen the ability of such small businesses to innovate, grow, and preserve the recreational shooting traditions of the United States. Recognizes August 2026 as “National Shooting Sports Month.""",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-secures-cms-approval-protecting-wisconsin-hospitals-and-medicaid,Van Orden Secures CMS Approval Protecting Wisconsin Hospitals and Medicaid Funding,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the approval of Van Orden’s request to grandfather the state’s six percent hospital provider tax, preserving enhanced federal Medicaid funding for hospitals across Wisconsin. Prior to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Congressman Van Orden urged Governor Tony Evers in a letter highlighting the critical need to promptly enact Wisconsin's FY 2025–2027 state budget so the state's hospital provider tax increase could take effect before the anticipated federal deadline. In a letter to the Governor, Van Orden urged Evers to ""act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline."" CMS’s announcement follows Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s continued advocacy with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure Wisconsin qualified for the grandfathering protections included in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The approval allows Wisconsin to continue drawing down enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds and protects critical health care resources across the state. Without this action, Wisconsin’s enhanced federal Medicaid payments would have expired on October 1, 2026. In addition, CMS approved Wisconsin's Medicaid state plan preprint for all of calendar year 2026, ensuring the state will continue receiving the higher federal Medicaid reimbursement throughout the year. ""This is a major win for Wisconsin. When I learned Wisconsin hospitals were at risk of losing critical Medicaid funding, I immediately got to work with CMS and the Trump Administration to fix it. I fought to make sure Wisconsin's provider tax was grandfathered exactly as intended under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and today that work paid off. With this rule, Wisconsin's Medicaid reimbursement rate is jumping from 1.8% to 6%. This decision protects our hospitals and gives providers the certainty they need to continue caring for Wisconsin families."" Van Orden said. During CMS Administrator Dr. Oz’s visit to Eau Claire, he stated""We're going to make sure the Badger State is taken care of and that the funding that's required to improve rural healthcare is at the level that it should be at,"" and praised Van Orden for ensuring that Wisconsin’s provider tax rate was aligned with other states across the nation. For Wisconsin’s rural hospitals and health care providers, this decision provides critical stability and ensures they can continue serving patients in communities across the state. This approval is the latest example of Van Orden fighting to deliver for Wisconsin families and ensuring federal policies work for the communities he represents. The proposed rule can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-14897/medicaid-program-indirect-hold-harmless-threshold-of-health-care-related-taxes A fact sheet on the proposed rule can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/amending-indirect-hold-harmless-threshold-health-care-related-taxes-proposed-rule-cms-2452-p ###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-steil-s-congressional-stock-trading-ban,House Passes Steil's Congressional Stock Trading Ban,2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(July 22, 2026) Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act. “The Stop Insider Trading Act is a major step forward for ethics reform on Capitol Hill. It ensures no lawmaker can profit off of insider information,” said Steil. “I urge my Senate colleagues to quickly take it up and send it to President Trump’s desk.” The Stop Insider Trading Act bill prohibits Members of Congress, spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. The bill also requires public notice 7 days before a lawmaker, spouse, or dependent child may sell a stock. Finally, the bill institutes strict penalties for any violation. Watch Chairman Steil’s closing remarks on the House Floor in support of the bill here. Background: In January 2026, Chairman Steil introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act. The legislation: Bans Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing a security issued by a publicly traded company. Requires Members of Congress to file a public notice at least 7 days, but no more than 14 days, in advance for each intended sale with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or Secretary of the Senate. Penalties for a violation: Requires the respective ethics committees to issue a fee equal to $2,000 or 10% of the value of the covered investment, whichever is greater. Also requires forfeiture of any realized profit from a sale. The Stop Insider Trading Act passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 232-198. ###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/wisconsin-congressmen-applaud-cms-rule-securing-historic-healthcare-funding-for-wisconsin-families,Wisconsin Congressmen Applaud CMS Rule Securing Historic Healthcare Funding for Wisconsin Families,2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08), applauded the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’(CMS) proposed rule 91 FR 46562, ensuring Wisconsin receives fairness in the Medicaid reimbursement formula and delivering historic Medicaid funding to WI. Wisconsin’s Republican delegation has been working directly with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure that Wisconsin providers receive the same treatment in the Medicaid reimbursement system as providers in other states. Recent changes resulted in an additional $1 billion in federal healthcare funding for Wisconsin. This funding will help ensure high-quality care for patients in Wisconsin.",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-passage-budget-resolution-kicking-reconciliation-30,Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of Budget Resolution Kicking Off Reconciliation 3.0 to Secure Our Elections and Protect National Security,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the House passage of H. Con. Res. 113. “Protecting the integrity of our elections and bolstering our national security are among the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “House Republicans are moving Reconciliation 3.0 forward to strengthen our military, support the hardworking farmers who keep our country fed, and advance election integrity safeguards to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in our elections.” ###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-stop-insider-trading-act,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act. “As an original cosponsor of the Stop Insider Trading Act, I’m extremely pleased that it passed the House today,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Transparency and accountability are essential for public confidence in our government. From my first day in Congress, I made a commitment not to trade individual stocks because I believe elected officials should be held to the highest ethical standards. This legislation reflects those same principles and is a commonsense step toward rebuilding trust in Congress.” ###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-introduces-10-year-ban-members-congress-becoming-lobbyists-or-federal,Wied Introduces 10-Year Ban on Members of Congress Becoming Lobbyists or Federal Contractors,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation today to address an issue that has plagued the DC swamp for far too long: career politicians using their connections and insider knowledge to enrich themselves as lobbyists and federal contractors after leaving office. The Safeguarding Ethics and Restoring Voter Expectations (SERVE) Act establishes a mandatory ten-year cooling-off period prohibiting any individual who serves as a Member of Congress during the 119th Congress or any succeeding Congress from lobbying or engaging in compensated federal contracting activities. “Public service is supposed to be about the people we represent, not a steppingstone to personal gain,” said Congressman Wied. “Yet too often, we see former Members of Congress leverage their time in Washington to position themselves for lucrative lobbying or federal contracting opportunities immediately after leaving office. This self-serving cycle is exactly why the American people have lost faith in Washington, and I don't blame them. Until we end this revolving door, career politicians will continue to abuse the system to enrich themselves and further erode trust in our government.” Background: For decades, Americans have watched as former Members of Congress have walked out of the Capitol and immediately cashed in on their time in office, turning public trust into private profit. This revolving-door culture erodes confidence in Congress and fuels the perception that decisions made here are shaped by future job prospects rather than the interests of our constituents. Currently, Senators are prohibited from lobbying for 2 years after leaving office, and Representatives are prohibited from lobbying for 1 year. There are no restrictions prohibiting former Members of Congress from serving as federal contractors. The SERVE Act addresses this conflict of interest by: Establishing a mandatory ten-year cooling-off period for any individual who serves as a Member of Congress during the 119th Congress or any Congress thereafter. Prohibiting former Members from: Lobbying Congress or federal agencies. Engaging in compensated federal contracting activities for ten years after leaving office. This legislation institutes practical, commonsense reforms that put constituents first and will help rebuild faith in Congress.",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-banking-reform-bills-included-house-passed-main-street-capital,Fitzgerald Banking Reform Bills Included in House-Passed Main Street Capital Access Act,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 21, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, comprehensive legislation to modernize the nation’s banking regulatory framework to strengthen community banks. This legislation includes three bills introduced by Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05): the Bank Competition Modernization Act, the Halting Uncertain Methods and Practices in Supervision (HUMPS) Act, and the Merger Agreement Approvals Clarity and Predictability Act. It also includes the Bank Failure Prevention Act, which Congressman Fitzgerald co-led with Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06). “Community banks are essential to Wisconsin’s families, farmers, and small businesses, but Washington has buried them under red tape and an unpredictable regulatory system for far too long,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “The Main Street Capital Access Act reins in unelected regulators, increases accountability, and gives community banks the certainty they need to grow, compete, and serve their customers. I am proud that several of my bills are included in this package, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get these reforms to President Trump’s desk.” More on Congressman Fitzgerald’s provisions in the legislation: Bank Competition Modernization Act: Modernizes outdated bank merger review standards. Specifically, the bill creates a $10 billion asset threshold, adjusted for growth in nominal GDP, under which federal banking regulators provide a safe harbor from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) competition analysis, allowing small community banks to grow and achieve operational efficiencies without the delays associated with the DOJ’s competition review. Halting Uncertain Methods and Practices in Supervision (HUMPS) Act: Strengthens transparency in how banks are evaluated. Specifically, it directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) to revise the CAMELS rating system by establishing clear, objective standards for each component and updating the formula used to calculate a bank’s overall rating. It also calls for eliminating or reforming the subjective “Management” component, focusing instead on measurable risk governance and internal controls. Merger Agreement Approvals Clarity and Predictability Act: Addresses political intrusion into the regulatory approval process for bank mergers and acquisitions. Specifically, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough review of how federal regulators use commitments and conditions when approving mergers of insured depository institutions. It also directs GAO to determine whether regulators rely on extrastatutory considerations, such as policy preferences or non‑statutory goals, when conditioning merger approvals. Bank Failure Prevention Act: Enhances competition in the U.S. banking system. Specifically, it ensures bank regulators make timely decisions on mergers to bring certainty to bank competition and consumer needs. ###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5299,Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee,2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)'s Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act advanced through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives. The legislation would transfer responsibility for foreign medical accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), placing the program within the federal agency best equipped to oversee medical education and the healthcare workforce. ""President Trump has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure the federal government is focused on doing its job efficiently,"" Congressman Grothman said. ""Foreign medical accreditation is a healthcare issue, not an education issue. The Department of Health and Human Services has the expertise to oversee this process, and moving these responsibilities there is simply common sense. This bill cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures these important functions are handled by the agency best suited for the job. I'm pleased the Education and Workforce Committee advanced this legislation, and I hope to see it considered by the full House."" Background Information Foreign medical accreditation is the process by which foreign medical schools are evaluated to ensure their graduates meet standards comparable to those required of medical schools in the United States. These responsibilities are currently carried out by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA, which is currently housed within the Department of Education. As part of President Trump's effort to reduce the size and scope of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, the Department of Education entered into an Interagency Agreement with HHS on November 18, 2025, to begin transferring these responsibilities. Because HHS oversees many federal healthcare and medical workforce programs, it is better positioned to administer foreign medical accreditation. The Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act would permanently codify that transfer by: Moving all foreign medical accreditation functions from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:31:57Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-leads-wi-republican-delegation-requests-epa-hold-canada-accountable-for-wildfire-pollutants,"Steil Leads WI Republican Delegation, Requests EPA Hold Canada Accountable for Wildfire Pollutants",2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 17, 2026 Janesville, WI – Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Tony Wied (WI-08) wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, requesting the department review available actions under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement (AQA) to help address ongoing wildfire smoke in Wisconsin originating from Canada. “Record-breaking wildfire smoke is inflicting real harm on Wisconsin families. We cannot allow this to continue. Canada must meet its clean air promise and prevent future wildfires from impacting Wisconsin families,” wrote the Representatives. ""We write to respectfully request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) take all appropriate measures under the U.S.-Canada AQA to address the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on families in the Great Lakes Region and the Northeast."" Read the letter here. Background: Smoke from recent wildfires, including those originating in Canada, has drifted into the United States, creating hazardous air quality ratings across Wisconsin. On Thursday, July 16, 5 of the 10 worst areas for air quality in the world were in southern Wisconsin. Air Quality Index ratings exceeded 500 in many portions of Wisconsin, including Brown, Waukesha, and Kenosha Counties. Milwaukee saw its worst air quality on record, with an AQI of 566 - significantly higher than cities like Beijing (73) and Delhi (160). Wildfires like those originating in Canada are a source of significant pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Canada in 1991 and expanded in 2000. The agreement is designed to help reduce toxic air pollutants including ozone and particulate matter. Under the agreement, the U.S. can raise concerns surrounding particulate emissions to force consultations with Canadian officials within 30 days. If a resolution is not reached, the U.S. can refer the dispute to a third party or enter formal negotiations. The letter requests that the EPA utilize this mechanism to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires and help mitigate future occurrences. ###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-wied-introduces-bill-help-restore-us-manufacturing,Congressman Wied Introduces Bill to Help Restore U.S. Manufacturing,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced the Restoring American Manufacturing (RAM) Act to provide resources to small businesses seeking to bring their manufacturing back to the United States. The RAM Act would codify the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, connecting small businesses who seek to onshore their operations with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. “Reshoring manufacturing is critical for restoring our nation’s economic independence, maintaining global supply chain control, and supporting American workers,” said Congressman Wied. “This online portal gives small businesses the resources they need to reshore their operations and revitalize Made in America manufacturing. I am proud to introduce this legislation to help bring American jobs back home and strengthen our economy.” “Small businesses make up over 98% of American manufacturers, and North Texas is no exception, as manufacturing is central to our local economy,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “The Small Business Administration already has the tools and partnerships to help small businesses onshore their manufacturing to the U.S., they just need an easy way to find those resources. The Reshoring American Manufacturing Act will do just that, which is why I am glad to help introduce this legislation.” Background: Through executive orders from President Trump, prioritization from the SBA, and congressional action such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, the United States is revitalizing its manufacturing capabilities. While many large corporations have the resources needed to reshore their manufacturing capabilities, many small businesses do not and instead turn to the SBA for support. The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal is a website run by the SBA that provides information on its programs and partnerships with organizations such as IndustryNet, CONNEX, and IQS Directory, giving small businesses a clear starting point for reshoring their manufacturing capabilities. Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), and Brad Finstad (R-MN) are original cosponsors of this legislation. Key Provisions: Requires the Small Business Administration to establish, operate, and maintain a website that provides a list of resources and relevant agencies for small businesses seeking information on onshoring part or all of their manufacturing capacity to the United States.",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-steil-led-housing-affordability-bill-becomes-law,ICYMI - Steil-Led Housing Affordability Bill Becomes Law,2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – On Saturday, July 11, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) became law. This package of bills increases housing supply, reduces government regulation, cuts red tape for building and lending, and addresses high housing costs. It includes the Accelerating Home Building Act (H.R. 5907), a bill co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05). “Red tape and bureaucratic delays have put homeownership out of reach for many Wisconsin families,"" said Steil. ""The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a step forward to increase housing supply and reduce burdensome regulations to help make housing more affordable. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support to move this bill forward and help make life more affordable for working families.” CLICK HERE to read the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. CLICK HERE for a one pager on the bill. Background: Housing costs continue to rise due to a lack of supply, workforce shortages, and costly government regulations. These costs have put homeownership out of reach for many families. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act boosts housing supply by modernizing standards, cutting red tape to reduce the cost of manufactured homes by approximately $3,000. It updates federal permitting to ensure that projects without environmental impacts do not need to undergo additional environmental reviews. This is the first meaningful housing reform package to pass Congress in over 30 years. The bill passed the House on Tuesday, June 23rd, on a bipartisan vote of 358-32 and the Senate on Monday, June 22nd, on a vote of 85-5. Steil's Accelerating Home Building Act creates a grant program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help towns and cities implement pattern zoning, a process for architects and local governments to develop ""pattern books"" full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs for use in their communities. This process tackles housing affordability by reducing red tape, lowering design costs, streamlining zoning approvals, and accelerating construction timelines. ###",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-introduces-two-bills-strengthen-va-security-and-support-retired,Van Orden Introduces Two Bills to Strengthen VA Security and Support Retired Federal Working Dogs,2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden introduced two bills to strengthen security at VA facilities and support retired federal working dogs. The VA Police Security Enhancement Act would strengthen security at VA facilities by expanding the definition of VA property under federal law, authorizing VA police officers to carry out broader security responsibilities, allowing limited off-property operations when necessary, encouraging coordination with state and local law enforcement through memoranda of understanding, modernizing facility security measures, increasing congressional oversight, and establishing a dedicated account to support VA police staffing, training, and security infrastructure. “Our veterans have earned the very best care and support our nation can provide. That starts with ensuring the facilities they rely on are secure, and that the hardworking VA police officers have the tools necessary to protect them,” said Van Orden. The K-9 Hero Act of 2026 would establish a federal grant program to help nonprofit organizations cover veterinary expenses for retired federal working dogs that served alongside America’s military members, law enforcement officers, and homeland security personnel. ""Federal working dogs have been an invaluable part of missions that protect our country and keep Americans safe. This legislation ensures the organizations caring for these retired heroes have the support necessary to provide them with proper medical care,” Van Orden added. Van Orden is a 26-year Navy SEAL veteran and a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where he continues to advocate for veterans and their families. ###",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-15T07:13:45Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5281,Grothman Introduces Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act to Honor Hmong Veterans' Service During the Vietnam War,2026-07-10,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Hmong people in recognition of their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and loyalty to the United States during the Vietnam War. The legislation pays tribute to the thousands of Hmong soldiers who courageously fought alongside American forces against communist aggression and celebrates the lasting legacy and contributions of Hmong Americans across the United States. ""The Hmong people stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in defense of freedom and against communist aggression in Southeast Asia."" said Grothman. ""Thousands risked everything to support American troops, and many paid the ultimate price for their loyalty. The story of their courage and sacrifice has been underreported for far too long and should never be forgotten. Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the Hmong veterans and families who answered America's call and to the generations of Hmong Americans who continue to strengthen our communities through their dedication, patriotism, and commitment to family."" Background Information During the Vietnam War, more than 30,000 Hmong soldiers fought alongside American forces in the battle against communism. Serving under General Vang Pao and other Hmong leaders, they gathered critical intelligence, disrupted enemy operations, defended strategic positions, and rescued downed American pilots—helping save countless American lives. Following the war, many Hmong soldiers and their families faced persecution because of their alliance with the United States. Tens of thousands fled their homes, and more than 150,000 Hmong refugees ultimately resettled in the United States, where they have built thriving communities and made lasting contributions to our nation. The Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act would award the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the Hmong people's extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service alongside the United States during the Vietnam War, while honoring the enduring contributions Hmong Americans continue to make to communities across the country. -30-",1,2026-07-12T07:28:31Z,2026-07-12T07:30:18Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-joins-vp-vance-and-cms-administrator-oz-in-wisconsin-to-discuss-combatting-waste-fraud-and-abuse-in-government-programs,"Steil Joins VP Vance and CMS Administrator Oz in Wisconsin to Discuss Combatting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Government Programs",2026-07-08,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 8, 2026 MILWAUKEE, WI. – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Vice President JD Vance, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), highlighted their work to eliminate fraud within critical federal programs. According to US Department of Justice (DOJ), fraudsters cost Wisconsin Medicaid more than $15.5 million between 2019 and 2022 and more than $6.5 billion nationwide. Image “Inadequate fraud prevention standards have opened the door to criminal actors and harmed American families and children,"" said Steil. ""Program resources should go to those in need, not fraudsters and criminals. I'm proud to work alongside VP Vance and the Trump Administration to protect vulnerable Americans and root out waste, fraud, and abuse.” Background: According to US DOJ, fraudsters cost Medicaid more than $6.5 billion including more than $15.5 million in Wisconsin between 2019 and 2022. US DOJ filed charges against 455 defendants including: A Milwaukee funeral home owner who is facing 14 felony counts of fraud for stealing nearly $1 million from Medicaid. A Milwaukee prenatal care company owner who is accused of stealing more than $5.4 million from Medicaid. Other recent WI Medicaid fraud charges include: A Milwaukee prenatal care company owner who was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for stealing more than $2.3 million from Medicaid. A Milwaukee business owner accused of defrauding Medicaid of more than $2 million for personal care services that were never delivered. In July 2025, the Working Family Tax Cuts (WFTC) was signed into law. The bill helps fight waste, fraud, and abuse and strengthens critical programs like Medicaid to protect them for who they were designed to serve: children, pregnant women, and disabled Americans: Work requirements - requires able-bodied adults without young children to work 20 hours per week to receive benefits Eligibility integrity - Strengthens eligibility integrity to remove deceased individuals, remove duplicate enrollees, and perform eligibility verification two times per year Increases Medicaid spending by more than $100 billion over the next 10 years Listen to Rep. Steil's remarks here. ###",1,2026-07-10T08:20:04Z,2026-07-10T08:21:18Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-shares-fema-storm-damage-resources-for-wisconsin-families,Steil Shares FEMA Storm Damage Resources for Wisconsin Families,2026-07-06,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 6, 2026 JANESVILLE, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) shared additional details regarding FEMA resources for families and affected communities following storm damage in Wisconsin this past April. This follows President Trump’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin and approval of $22.6 million in funding for Wisconsin families. ""This is an important step towards helping Wisconsin families impacted by the severe weather and damaging flooding in April,"" said Steil. ""Thank you, President Trump for working to provide critical resources to Wisconsin families. I look forward to working with FEMA to help Wisconsin families impacted by these storms."" Background: On June 30, President Trump approved an initial $22.6 million in funding assistance for Wisconsin families following storm damage in April. The approval includes Individual Assistance Funding for families in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock Counties and Public Assistance funding for Rock Counties in WI-01, as well as other counties throughout Wisconsin. Families can apply for assistance online at the link here. More funding and additional determinations may be made available according to FEMA. The timeline to receive FEMA funding for the most recent storm in April is following a similar timeline to the over $200 million disbursed to support recovery efforts from storms that occurred in August 2025. August 2025 Storms Initial amount approved: $29.8 million Final amount disbursed: $208.2 million April 2026 Storms Initial amount approved: $22.6 million Final amount disbursed: TBD In September 2025, President Trump announced the approval of $29.8 million and ultimately disbursed over $200 million to support recovery efforts in Wisconsin following historic flooding caused by severe rainfall in the Milwaukee region on August 9th and 10th. In April, storms caused tornadoes and widespread flooding and damage across Wisconsin. On May 1, 2026, Rep. Steil and Wisconsin Republican Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) thanking the agency for their prompt response to the State of Wisconsin's request for FEMA to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to determine whether the damage meets the thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. On May 28, 2026, Rep. Steil and the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Trump to support the State of Wisconsin's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. In June, President Trump announced the approval of a Major Disaster Declaration providing $22.6 million dollars to Wisconsin to support recovery efforts. ###",1,2026-07-07T08:20:12Z,2026-07-07T08:22:09Z https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-hageman-introduce-legislation-protect-taxpayers-abusive-eaja-lawsuits,"Tiffany, Hageman Introduce Legislation to Protect Taxpayers from Abusive EAJA Lawsuits",2026-07-01,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large) introduced the Fixing Egregiously Expensive Suits Act, or FEES Act for short. The Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) was enacted in 1980 to help ordinary Americans challenge federal overreach. It was intended to protect veterans, Social Security recipients, small businesses, and other individuals from prohibitive legal costs when taking action against the federal government. Instead, well-funded environmental organizations have transformed EAJA into a taxpayer-funded revenue stream to finance politically motivated litigation that has little to do with justice and everything to do with advancing their agenda. “EAJA was enacted to give veterans, small businesses, and everyday Americans a fair shot at challenging government overreach. Instead, it has become a cash machine for well-funded environmental groups that sue federal agencies and stick taxpayers with the bill. The FEES Act shuts down that gravy train and returns EAJA to the people it was meant to serve,”said Congressman Tiffany. “Radical environmental groups have exploited the Equal Access to Justice Act for decades, using taxpayer dollars to fund sue-and-settle schemes that undermine responsible land management and block critical projects across the West. The FEES Act closes loopholes and restores the original intent of EAJA by limiting attorney fee awards to parties with real, direct stakes in outcomes, not well-funded activist organizations gaming the system at the public's expense. The American people deserve a federal government that can actually do its job without being held hostage by serial litigants,” said Congresswoman Hageman. From fiscal years 2019 through 2024, the Department of the Interior and USDA awarded approximately $24.8 million under EAJA, with 76% of those funds flowing to a small number of environmental organizations and their lawyers, whose fees have been reimbursed at rates as high as $500 per hour—all at taxpayer expense. “The American Forest Resource Council supports the FEES Act because it restores accountability and transparency to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Too often, taxpayers are forced to fund attorney fee awards associated with lawsuits that delay critical forest management, wildfire reduction, and public safety projects for years. These commonsense EAJA reforms will help reduce incentives for serial litigation, improving the ability of federal land managers to steward public lands and protect nearby communities,”said Travis Joseph, President/CEO of the American Forest Resource Council. “American ranchers have felt the impact of radical activists’ exploitation of taxpayer-funded litigation for decades. What started as a well-intended and much-needed tools for average Americans to settle issues like veterans’ benefits and small business claims quickly was corrupted by groups who wanted to stop active management and science-based decisions across the country. Well-financed environmental groups that only exist to sue the government and recoup their attorneys’ fees should not have their agenda funded by taxpayer dollars. Thank you to Representatives Tiffany and Hageman for recognizing the need to end the cycle of sue-and-settle that has undermined meaningful resource planning for far too long,”said Tim Canterbury, Public Lands Council President. “Repeat litigants have weaponized taxpayer funds and abused EAJA for far too long. This bill delivers needed reforms to curb ‘sue-and-settle’ tactics that have allowed well-funded organizations to rely on procedural arguments that do not benefit wildlife or habitat,”said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “The bill protects the original intent of EAJA by ensuring that only those with a real, direct stake in a case can recover fees, instead of repeatedly cashing in at taxpayers’ expense. SCI urges the House to rapidly consider and pass EAJA reform like this bill.” “The Equal Access to Justice Act was enacted with good intentions to give small businesses and individuals the ability to fight an unresponsive government in court. However, by letting well-funded and litigious environmental organizations get their lawyers’ fees paid, the incentive to file suits and delay important habitat management projects has only grown. Litigation is now one of the biggest barriers to wildlife habitat improvement on federal lands. We support the FEES Act introduced by Representative Tom Tiffany as a commonsense reform to get our foresters and biologists back in the field and out of the court room,”said the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Supporting organizations include: The American Forest Resource Council, Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Safari Club International. The FEES Act includes the following reforms to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA): Limits attorney fee awards to prevailing parties with a direct, personal financial interest in the case, such as those involving personal injury, property damage, or an unpaid agency disbursement. Caps EAJA awards at $200,000 per adversary adjudication and limits recipients to no more than three adversary adjudications per calendar year. Requires courts to reduce or deny attorney fee awards for parties that acted in bad faith or engaged in dilatory, oppressive, or otherwise improper conduct. Prohibits attorney fee awards when a lawsuit is resolved through a settlement that results in the creation of a new federal regulation or guidance document. Creates a carve out so lawsuits related to Social Security or Veterans Affairs are not impacted. Exempts successful class action lawsuits from these new limitations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convene an independent panel to evaluate the law's impact and submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. You can view the text of the FEES Act here.",1,2026-07-11T07:10:48Z,2026-07-11T07:14:29Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5268,Grothman Introduces Bill to Strengthen Identity Protections for Federal Health Care Enrollees,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Marketplace Fraud Accountability (MFA) Act, legislation requiring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement multifactor authentication for enrollees in federal health care programs governed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to better protect Americans' personal information and reduce fraud. ""Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to exploit weak security systems, and the federal government shouldn't make it easy for them,"" said Grothman. ""Multifactor authentication has become a standard security measure for everything from banking to email to fast food apps because it works. There's no reason Americans should have stronger protections for their bank accounts than for their health care accounts. This is a commonsense anti-fraud measure that will make it harder for bad actors to manipulate federal health care account and exploit taxpayer-funded programs. By strengthening these basic security protections, we can better protect enrollees and save taxpayer funds by reducing fraud and improper payments. At the same time, this bill ensures individuals without reliable broadband or cellular service can continue accessing their health care accounts through alternative verification methods."" ""Congressman Grothman has stepped forward as a true champion for both consumers and the professional agent community,"" said B. Ronnell Nolan, President and CEO of Health Agents for America (HAFA). ""The Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act is about protecting Americans from fraud, preserving consumer choice, and ensuring licensed agents can continue serving their clients with integrity and accountability. This legislation is long overdue."" Background Information Multifactor authentication is a widely used security measure that verifies a user's identity through two or more authentication factors, such as a password, security token, or biometric identifier. While Americans routinely use these protections for banking, email, and other online services, CMS does not currently require multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees. Watchdog organizations have raised concerns that the lack of basic identity protections leaves enrollees vulnerable to fraud, unauthorized account changes, and identity theft. According to the Paragon Institute, fraud and improper enrollment resulting from these vulnerabilities is conservatively estimated to cost taxpayers between $15 billion and $26 billion. Several state-based health care exchanges, including DC Health Link, already require multifactor authentication. The Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act would require CMS to implement multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees within one year of enactment. The legislation also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide alternative authentication methods on a case-by-case basis for individuals who lack reliable broadband or cellular service, ensuring they are not prevented from accessing their health care accounts. -30-",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-statement-supreme-court-decision-uphold-integrity-womens-sports,Van Orden Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Integrity in Women’s Sports,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement regarding today’s monumental Supreme Court ruling gives states the right to ban males from playing in female sports: “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a landmark victory for women and female athletes. The Court rightly recognized that states have authority to set clear standards that preserve women’s sports for female athletes. That framework protects competitive integrity and ensures that opportunities created under Title IX remain grounded in their original intent. Women and girls deserve a fair playing field, and today the Court upheld that principle.” ###",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-statement-supreme-court-ruling-birthright-citizenship,Van Orden Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Birthright Citizenship,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement regarding today’s Supreme Court ruling on Birthright Citizenship: “The Fourteenth Amendment was enacted in the aftermath of Dred Scott to guarantee citizenship for freed slaves, not to establish automatic citizenship for individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States or only temporarily here. This ruling departs from that historical context and the original understanding. By adopting this interpretation, the Court risks further incentivizing abuse of the immigration system and undermining the integrity of American citizenship. These are serious consequences with long-term implications for the rule of law and border security. Congress should act promptly to ensure the Citizenship Clause is applied consistent with its original meaning and protect the integrity of American citizenship.” ###",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wieds-statement-following-president-trumps-approval-wisconsins-disaster,Wied's Statement Following President Trump's Approval of Wisconsin's Disaster Declaration Request,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) released the following statement after President Trump approved the State of Wisconsin’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the severe flooding that struck the state in April. “I am grateful to President Trump for approving this request and glad to see Northeast Wisconsin receive the relief it deserves,” said Congressman Wied. “From the moment these storms hit, I have been committed to working with the Trump Administration to ensure every available federal resource is used to support a swift and full recovery for those impacted by April’s floods. I look forward to seeing these much-needed funds delivered to communities across Wisconsin’s 8th District.” Background: In April, communities across Wisconsin experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather over several days, causing multiple rivers to flood their banks and destroy homes and businesses alike. On Wednesday, April 29th, Governor Evers requested FEMA’s assistance with a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA), and on Thursday, April 30th, FEMA responded. Following the JPDA, Governor Tony Evers requested a Major Disaster Declaration. In total, over 1,500 residential structures were damaged across 19 counties and the Oneida Nation, resulting in nearly $10 million in costs. Public infrastructure damage is currently estimated at over $17 million, easily exceeding the State’s per capita indicator. On May 28th, Congressman Wied led a bipartisan delegation letter urging the Trump Administration to approve the state of Wisconsin’s request. President Trump announced the state would receive $22.6 million on June 30th.",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-package-housing-legislation-end-gse-conservatorship,Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Package of Housing Legislation to End the GSE Conservatorship & Help Fix America's Housing Supply Crisis,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced three pieces of legislation aimed at fixing the housing supply crisis in the United States: the Sustainable Homeownership Act, the Working Families Home Construction Act, and the Home Affordability Through Mortgage Simplification Act. The Sustainable Homeownership Act creates a statutory path out of conservatorship for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It also increases private-sector risk sharing, limits risky balance-sheet growth, and protects equal access for small lenders. The broader goal is to move the housing finance system away from indefinite government control and toward a more transparent, better-capitalized, private-capital-backed structure. The bill also addresses affordability concerns by tying conforming loan limit growth more closely to household income and by permitting certain enterprise funds to support housing supply initiatives. “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have remained in conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis, and Congress should establish clear guardrails for a more sustainable housing finance system,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The bill locks in conservative reforms that have been done administratively, brings more private capital into the mortgage market, and protects taxpayers from future bailouts.” Background: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain central to the housing finance market, but their long-running conservatorships have left unresolved questions about taxpayer exposure, enterprise capital, private risk sharing, and the appropriate role of the government-sponsored enterprises in the mortgage market. Republican members have consistently raised concerns that the enterprises should operate with stronger capital, greater private-sector risk transfer, a narrower retained portfolio, and clearer limits on mission creep. Read the bill text here. The Working Families Home Construction Act allows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase residential construction loans at a low interest rate that are subject to certain home price specifications, helping builders access gap financing needed to produce more middle-class housing. Builders across the country are ready to build, but too often cannot access affordable construction financing needed for land acquisition, infrastructure, site preparation, and other upfront development costs, making it difficult for developers to build anything but upper-income homes. “By providing low-cost financing, my bill will incentivize developers to build the type of middle-class housing currently missing from the market,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “I based this legislative effort on a similar program that has worked successfully in Washington County, Wisconsin. Fixing the housing shortage in the United States is one of the top issues we face.” Background: The United States continues to face a shortage of attainable, owner-occupied housing, particularly for working and middle-income families. While much of the housing affordability debate focuses on mortgage rates and monthly payments, insufficient housing supply remains a central driver of elevated home prices. Builders frequently face financing gaps for development costs that are not well supported by traditional mortgage finance. These challenges are especially acute for smaller builders and locally supported projects aimed at producing entry-level or workforce housing. Existing federal housing finance tools primarily support completed mortgages rather than the construction pipeline needed to produce new homes. Read the bill text here. The Home Affordability Through Mortgage Simplification Act streamlines mortgage disclosure rules so lenders are not punished for minor, technical errors that do not harm borrowers, while preserving consumer restitution rights. The current Truth in Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Integrated Disclosures (TRID) framework has become overly technical and can delay closings over small, non-material issues. The bill is designed to keep core borrower protections in place while making TRID more practical. “By simplifying the TRID process, my bill reduces unnecessary closing delays, lowers compliance uncertainty, and helps make the mortgage process less costly and frustrating for homebuyers,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Any commonsense reforms that make it easier for hardworking Americans to buy a home should be a no-brainer.” Background:The TRID mortgage disclosure rules were created to help borrowers understand loan terms and closing costs before closing. While the goal remains important, the current framework has become overly technical and can delay closings or create lender liability for minor errors that do not harm the borrower. Under current rules, small fee changes, settlement agent mistakes, or routine last-minute updates can require corrected disclosures, reset waiting periods, or trigger compliance violations even when the borrower’s total costs remain substantially accurate. This creates uncertainty for lenders, adds costs to the mortgage process, and can disrupt home purchases in an already difficult affordability environment. Read the bill text here. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-chairs-hearing-how-government-regulation-harms-airline,Rep. Fitzgerald Chairs Hearing on How Government Regulation Harms Airline Competition and Consumer Costs,2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), who serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, held a hearing entitled, “The 30,000 Foot View: Competition and Regulation in the U.S. Airline Industry.” Rep. Fitzgerald issued the following statement about the hearing: “Annual airline passenger traffic has nearly quadrupled since the 1970s, and consumers now benefit from a range of choices, from the legacy airlines to the low-cost- and ultra-low-cost-carriers. This is all thanks to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. “Unshackled from government regulation, what we saw over time was intense competitive pressure that pushed prices down and consumer choice up. But that pressure also led to a significant number of mergers, acquisitions, and bankruptcies. “Between 1978 and 2005, 162 airlines filed for bankruptcy. Today’s airline industry, while certainly more accessible and more competitive, is also more concentrated than ever before. The Big Four air carriers—American, United, Delta, and Southwest—control nearly 80 percent of domestic airline travel. “While the Airline Deregulation Act freed the airlines from the decrees of government boards, the government still occupies a major role in commercial aviation that often benefits the incumbents at the expense of new entrants. For example, at seven of the nation’s busiest airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls and distributes access to take-offs and landings through a slot system that often favors incumbent carriers. “There are also long-term gate lease agreements that last for decades. In 2016, Delta signed a twenty-year lease agreement with the City of Atlanta for its airport. That lease agreement also stipulated that the City of Atlanta could not operate a second airport. These agreements create a significant barrier to entry for competitors seeking to gain a foothold at major airports. If a competitor can’t access a gate, it can’t compete for a slot. “Consumers deserve a system where airlines compete freely and can innovate and grow, not a system where the government consistently puts its thumb on the scale to foreclose competition. Government-imposed barriers destroy competition, leaving consumers worse off. “The most recent example of this was the proposed Spirit-JetBlue merger. In 2023, the Biden-Harris DOJ sued to block the proposed $3.8 billion merger. The DOJ claimed the merger would remove Spirit from the market and reduce competition. At the time, the proposed merger would have created the fifth largest airline domestically—with 10 percent market share—and increase competition against the Big Four. “However, one year later, a federal judge in Massachusetts sided with the DOJ and blocked the deal. Spirit later filed for bankruptcy twice and ultimately shut down operations in May of this year. The blocked merger of Spirit-JetBlue offers a cautionary tale about government overregulation. By blocking the transaction, regulators prevented the market from testing whether a stronger competitor could emerge to challenge the industry's largest incumbents. At a minimum, the case demonstrates the importance of ensuring that antitrust enforcement promotes competition rather than merely preserving the status quo. “Today, we had a constructive debate about the future of the airline industry. Our goal should be to remove unnecessary barriers to entry, encourage robust competition, and ensure that consumers, not regulators, are the ultimate beneficiaries of airline policy.” Watch Congressman Fitzgerald's opening statement from the hearing: Background: This hearing examined competition and regulation in the U.S. airline industry, including the current market structure and government regulations. The hearing also evaluated recent mergers and acquisitions in the airline industry and their effect on consumers. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/real-ingredients-real-standards-congressman-wied-introduces-real-butter-act,"REAL Ingredients, REAL Standards: Congressman Wied Introduces REAL Butter Act",2026-06-22,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Greenleaf, WI — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) visited Brickstead Dairy earlier today to announce his newest bill, the bipartisan Recognizing Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created (REAL) Butter Act, co-led with Congressman Josh Riley (D-NY). This legislation would promote transparency, protect consumer choice, and support Wisconsin dairy farmers. “Billionaire food experiments are no longer hypothetical. Bill Gates is currently funding a carbon-based, lab-grown butter project created from carbon dioxide instead of milk from a cow, and it is happening in Illinois, right in the backyard of America's Dairyland. The REAL Butter Act would simply require that it be clearly labeled as ""lab-created butter"" directly on the product. America's dairy farmers put in the work every day to keep our families fed, our rural communities strong, and our agricultural heritage alive. They should not have to compete with products that hide behind vague or misleading labels,” said Congressman Wied. ""Upstate dairy farmers work hard to make high-quality products that our families can count on. Fake 'butter' alternatives shouldn’t be allowed to ride their coattails with misleading labels that confuse customers. Our bipartisan bill strengthens labeling standards for imitation butter, helping families make informed choices at the grocery store and protecting dairy farmers in Upstate New York and across the country,” said Congressman Riley. Background: In April 2025, Bill Gates announced his newest company, Savor, with a “butter” made of carbon. In other words, a fake butter made from thin air, despite claims that it is chemically the same as traditional butter. This creation is an attack on American farmers, the dairy industry, and the Trump Administration, which recently recognized butter as a healthy food under its newly announced dietary guidelines. The REAL Butter Act would simply ensure that this fake ""butter"" is labeled as ""lab-created"" directly on the product, so consumers are not confused about what they are buying. This commonsense bill would protect consumers by ensuring they can make informed decisions when choosing healthy, real dairy-based butter and allow dairy farmers to compete on a level playing field. Representatives Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), John Rose (R-TN), and David Schweikert (R-AZ) are original cosponsors of this legislation.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-announces-2026-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Wied Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge,2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"DE PERE, WI — Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08) is inviting middle and high school students from Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. ""In an ever-changing technological world, it is essential that American youth become involved in the innovation,"" said Rep. Wied. ""The Congressional App Challenge provides students from across Northeast Wisconsin with a unique opportunity to showcase their STEM skills and put their creativity to work. I encourage all eligible students to participate, and I look forward to seeing what they are able to create."" The Congressional App Challenge is the official STEM competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s open to middle school and high school students of all coding skills in the 8th Congressional District and is a great opportunity for educators to encourage critical thinking and creativity. How the Challenge Works There are no limits to what students can create. Any app coded after October 30, 2025, is eligible. Examples of eligible apps include: Mobile apps Desktop applications Wearable tech apps Programmed robotics projects Games with coded logic The winning app in each district will be featured on the House.gov website and the CongressionalAppChallenge.us website. The winning app in each district will also be able to receive a copyright fee waiver.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-chairs-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-sports-broadcasting-act,Rep. Fitzgerald Chairs Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Sports Broadcasting Act as Rising Streaming Costs Are Hurting Consumers,2026-06-10,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), who serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, held a hearing entitled, “Examining the Sports Broadcasting Act.” Rep. Fitzgerald issued the following statement about the hearing: “When the Sports Broadcasting Act was enacted in 1961, the rationale was simple: Congress believed that joint television agreements would help make games more widely available to the public, preserve the competitive balance among different teams, and keep the professional sports leagues financially viable. Sixty-five years later, it’s fair for this body to ask whether the professional sports leagues have kept up their end of the bargain. In my opinion, they have not, and sports fans are paying the price. “Since 2021, the NFL and other professional sports leagues have stretched the bounds of their antitrust exemption to sign exclusive distribution agreements with streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, Peacock, and ESPN. “Consumers who wish to follow their favorite teams increasingly find themselves paying for multiple services, navigating fragmented viewing arrangements, and facing higher overall costs. According to Fox News, access to all NFL games during the 2025 season cost the average sports fan at least $575, or upwards of $800 for those without existing subscriptions. Likewise, watching all in-market MLB games can cost consumers upwards of $500 annually, according to the news site Kiplinger. “In 2024, a jury found the NFL guilty of violating antitrust law for colluding to limit consumer choice and charge supracompetitive prices for access to games through its Sunday Ticket platform. The jury awarded the plaintiffs more than $14 billion in damages. This ruling is currently on appeal, but regardless of the litigation's final outcome, the allegations themselves reflect a broader reality: the NFL has used its unique ability to coordinate among otherwise competing clubs to maximize revenue rather than expand consumer access. “The Sports Broadcasting Act was enacted to expand access to sports broadcasting, not to facilitate exclusive streaming arrangements that force fans to pay more for less. In my view, the NFL has lost sight of the original purpose of the legislation. “Today, we had a constructive debate about what reforms Congress should consider to ensure the marketplace works for consumers.” Watch Congressman Fitzgerald's opening statement from the hearing: Background: This hearing examined the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 and its effect on the modern broadcast market for major sports leagues. It also explored how the distribution of professional sports has evolved since the Sports Broadcasting Act was first enacted sixty-five years ago. Additionally, the hearing evaluated the extent to which the antitrust exemption created by the Sports Broadcasting Act has been used by professional sports leagues in ways that harm consumers, and it discussed potential legislative reforms to address those concerns. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-joins-president-trump-signing-secure-america-act,Van Orden Joins President Trump for Signing of Secure America Act,2026-06-10,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined Donald Trump for the signing of the Secure America Act. The Secure America Act provides full funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection through the remainder of President Trump’s term. Yesterday, Van Orden joined his Republican colleagues in voting to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “I will always back the men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep this nation safe. The Secure America Act ensures they have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep Americans safe. I was proud to stand with President Trump in support of a policy that puts American safety and sovereignty first,” said Van Orden.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-secure-america-act-fully-fund-ice-and-cbp,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass the Secure America Act to Fully Fund ICE and CBP,2026-06-09,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass S. 2, the Secure America Act. “Today, I was proud to vote to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE and CBP, through the reconciliation 2.0 process,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Republicans will never back down when it comes to border security. Democrats, on the other hand, have repeatedly voted against funding for ICE and CBP. Let us not forget that they shut down the entire Department of Homeland Security earlier this year because they refused to support the agencies responsible for enforcing our immigration laws. The partisan games officially end today with the passage of the Secure America Act, which secures long-term funding for ICE and CBP to ensure they have the resources they need to protect the American people.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-van-orden-joins-president-trump-historic-coal-announcement-19-million,"ICYMI: Van Orden Joins President Trump for Historic Coal Announcement, $19 MILLION to Modernize Wisconsin Coal",2026-06-09,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Thursday, Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as the President announced a $700M investment for America's coal industry and America's energy future. President Trump's announcements will support and create more than 14,000 jobs across the coal, construction, rail, maritime, and energy sectors while helping save American consumers an estimated $50 billion in future electricity generation costs. PRESIDENT TRUMP AND VAN ORDEN DELIVER – • $425M in Defense Production Act funding to support 13 coal-fired power plants across the country, including a facility in Wisconsin. • $75M to support construction of a new coal export terminal, creating more than 1,400 jobs and expanding markets for American energy. • $185M in Department of Energy funding to build two new coal plants and restart another facility, marking the first new coal plant construction in the United States since 2013. A key part of the announcement included a major investment in Wisconsin's energy infrastructure. Through the Reliable, Economical, and Local Advancement in Modernized Coal (RECLAIM-C) initiative, Alliant Energy's Columbia Energy Center in Columbia County will receive $19 million in Department of Energy funding as part of a $48.5 million modernization project. ""President Trump is proving once again that America doesn't have to choose between economic growth and energy security,"" said Congressman Derrick Van Orden. ""These investments will protect jobs, strengthen our electrical grid, lower costs for families, and help ensure Wisconsin workers remain at the forefront of America's energy future."" The announcement is expected to help preserve thousands of existing coal jobs while supporting power plant workers, miners, railroad employees, manufacturers, and energy producers across the country. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-legislation-stopping-child-care-fraud-scams,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass Legislation Stopping Child Care Fraud Scams,2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026. “Child care assistance programs are intended to support working families, not fraudsters exploiting the system,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation strengthens oversight and increases accountability for states that fail to address fraud, and helps ensure taxpayer dollars actually reach the families these programs were designed to serve. Americans deserve confidence that the waste, fraud, and abuse that has been exposed within these programs is stopped.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-legislation-supporting-american-agriculture-and,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass Legislation Supporting American Agriculture and National Security,2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. “America’s food security is national security, and this bill puts farmers, ranchers, and rural communities first,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Not only does this legislation strengthen our food supply chain, but it also invests in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and food safety inspections that protect American producers and consumers alike. It also takes critical steps to crack down on foreign influence in U.S. agriculture and strengthens oversight of foreign-owned farmland to protect against threats from adversarial nations like China.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5224,Grothman's State Emissions Authority Act Considered in House Energy and Commerce Committee,2026-06-04,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) State Emissions Authority Act, legislation to remove burdensome federal vehicle emissions testing requirements and restore state authority, was considered by the House Energy and Commerce’s Environment Subcommittee today. For decades, the Clean Air Act has required certain states to operate vehicle emissions testing programs under federal mandates based on standards developed long before modern advances in vehicle technology. Grothman's legislation would give states greater flexibility by eliminating these Clean Air Act requirements, which impose unnecessary costs and administrative burdens on drivers, businesses, and state governments. ""Federal emissions testing mandates were enacted decades ago to address challenges that have since been addressed through technological innovation and cleaner vehicles,"" said Congressman Grothman. ""Yet, federal law continues to require many states, including Wisconsin, to maintain costly testing programs that place unnecessary burdens on drivers and businesses. My bill restores flexibility to the states, reduces unnecessary costs, and updates federal law to reflect the realities of today's vehicles. I am pleased to see the Energy and Commerce Committee consider this legislation."" “The State Emissions Authority Act is a timely update to current federal requirements. It empowers states, aligns with modern vehicle technology, and reduces unnecessary costs for drivers and businesses.” – Debbie Sparks, Executive Director of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association ""The State Emissions Authority Act restores a basic principle: states, not Washington, should decide whether vehicle emissions-testing programs make sense for their residents. These federal mandates impose real costs on families, small businesses, and state governments, even as vehicle technology has changed and states are fully capable of making these decisions for themselves. This bill ends the one-size-fits-all federal requirement and returns that authority to the states.” - Jason Hayes, Director of Energy and Environment at the America First Policy Institute “States are spending much-needed taxpayer dollars on vehicle inspection programs that are often a waste of time and money. Cars rarely fail the emissions tests. The federal government should stop forcing these inspection requirements onto states. Let states decide if such programs make sense. And make no mistake, states have every reason to figure out how best to meet the stringent federal air quality standards. If inspections make sense, then states will keep them. If not, then states can identify better and different ways to improve air quality. The State Emissions Authority Act addresses this one-size-fits-all and outdated federal mandate.” - Daren Bakst, Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Director of the Center for Energy and Environment “As air quality continues to improve across the country, allowing states more flexibility to meet ambient air quality standards is appropriate and acknowledges that new vehicle technologies will continue to provide lasting air quality benefits.” – The American Trucking Association Background Information Congressman Grothman introduced the State Emissions Authority Act to amend the Clean Air Act and eliminate federal mandates requiring states to operate vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs, commonly known as emissions testing. These requirements were established in the 1970s and 1990s, before major improvements in vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, and modern emissions-control systems. As vehicle emissions have declined significantly over the past several decades, many states and drivers continue to face the costs and inconveniences associated with federally mandated testing programs. The State Emissions Authority Act would: Eliminate federal facility compliance requirements tied to state inspection programs. Remove Clean Air Act provisions requiring vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in ozone nonattainment areas. Repeal statutory language requiring inspection programs within the Ozone Transport Region. The legislation is supported by the America First Policy Institute, American Trucking Associations, Competitive Enterprise Institute, National Motor Freight Traffic Association, and Truckload Carriers Association. The State Emissions Authority Act was highlighted by the House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee on June 3, 2026. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-moolenaar-and-issa-patent-bill,"Fitzgerald, Moolenaar, and Issa Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Adversarial Chinese Patents",2026-06-04,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at countering China’s influence on the U.S. patent system: the Prohibiting Adversarial Patents Act and the Foreign Adversary Patent Disclosure Act. The Prohibiting Adversarial Patents Act, introduced alongside Chairman of the Select Committee on China John Moolenaar (MI-02) and Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet Darrell Issa (CA-50), would prohibit the issuance of a U.S. patent to any person or entity who is identified to be a threat to U.S. national security pursuant to the Non-SDN CMIC List, the 1260H List, or the FCC’s Section 2 List. Any patent previously issued to companies on these lists would be unenforceable. This bill would also restrict such entities from participating in any expedited patent examination programs, including the USPTO’s Patent Prosecution Highway program. Huawei—which has close ties with the Chinese government—ranked fourth in number of patents granted in the U.S. in 2025, despite its ban in U.S. communications infrastructure. ZTE, meanwhile, ranked fifth in number of U.S. patents related to 5G technology in 2024. These companies not only can bypass their ban by signing licensing agreements for its patents (Huawei reported more than $630 million in patent licensing revenue in 2025), but can also assert their patents in U.S. courts against American companies. “The Chinese Communist Party seeks out U.S. patents not because it believes in the right to own one’s intellectual property, but because stealing American innovation is part of its economic plan,” said Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar. “This legislation strengthens our laws against the CCP’s attempts to use lawfare to flood our judiciary with bogus patent lawsuits. No country abuses our open society and our legal system more than China, and that must be stopped.” “Today, there is no greater threat to America’s economy, national security, or technological leadership than the Chinese Communist Party’s relentless effort to gain advantage over the United States by any means necessary — both legal and illegal,” said Chairman Issa. “For too long, companies tied to the CCP have been allowed to benefit from the protections of America’s patent system while actively undermining our interests. This legislation ensures that entities posing a threat to our national security cannot exploit the very intellectual property protections that were designed to reward innovation and strengthen America.” “We commend Congressman Fitzgerald, and Chairmen Issa and Moolenaar for their steadfast leadership in defending American businesses and U.S. economic security,” said the High Tech Inventors Alliance (HTIA). “For too long, the U.S. has allowed entities identified as national security threats to amass and weaponize U.S. patents against critical domestic industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. This legislation will help prevent foreign interests from abusing the U.S. patent system and using it as a tool for economic warfare against America.” Congressman Fitzgerald also introduced the Foreign Adversary Patent Disclosure Act, which requires patent applicants to disclose the identity of each person with an ownership interest in the claimed invention who, in the previous five years: was employed by an entity owned or controlled by a foreign adversary; received funding from a state-affiliated research fund or talent recruitment program associated with a foreign adversary; or received any other financial incentive from a foreign adversary. The bill defines “foreign adversary” as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Cuba, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (i.e. “North Korea”), or the Russian Federation. According to data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), China has filed more patent applications than any other country over the last decade, with more than 1.8 million patents filed in 2024. Similarly, in 2024, nearly 55% of all U.S. patent applications were filed by foreign residents, namely China, which filed a record 49,000 applications. Most of these patents are funded, wholly or in-part, by the Chinese Communist Party through its Made in China 2025 plan. “The Chinese Communist Party has spent years exploiting the American economy to advance its own technological and military ambitions,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The Prohibiting Adversarial Patents Act closes the door on hostile foreign entities using our patent system to gain economic leverage and undermine our national security, and the Foreign Adversary Patent Disclosure Act brings much-needed transparency to foreign-backed influence in America’s innovation pipeline.” These bills are part of a broader legislative effort by Rep. Fitzgerald to counter China’s growing economic and strategic influence. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-commander-chief-must-retain-ability-act-decisively,Van Orden: The Commander-in-Chief Must Retain the Ability to Act Decisively,2026-06-03,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with 26 years of service and multiple combat deployments across the Middle East, including service in every country Iran has attacked or destabilized through its terror network, released the following statement regarding the War Powers Resolution that passed the House today. “This was a foolish, politically driven vote that would restrict the Commander-in-Chief’s ability, regardless of their political party, to exercise their Constitutionally enumerated authority as explicitly stated in Article II, Sec II. The Constitution designates the President as Commander-in-Chief for a reason. President Trump acted fully within its constitutional authority and in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Limiting a President’s ability to respond to threats makes our nation weaker. If Congress wants to debate military strategy, are they also prepared to dictate deployment schedules, operational timelines, and rules of engagement from the House floor? That is not how our military operates, and it is not how we keep Americans safe. Our adversaries are watching. Sending a message that partisan politics can override the Commander-in-Chief’s ability to act decisively undermines deterrence and emboldens those who wish to do harm to the United States and our allies. I voted against this resolution because America needs strength, not political theater masquerading as national security policy.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/train-bridge-acts,Fitzgerald and Nunn Introduce TRAIN and BRIDGE Acts to Counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Economic Coercion,2026-06-02,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced two pieces of legislation focused on countering China alongside Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03): the Thwarting Regional Adversary Investments Now (TRAIN) Act and the Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy (BRIDGE) Act. The TRAIN Act directs the State Department to help non-adversarial partner governments analyze and mitigate legal and financial risks before accepting investment or lending from China or other foreign adversaries. This effort comes as China continues to use the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand its economic and strategic influence through infrastructure lending, investment agreements, and long-term financing relationships with developing countries. Since BRI’s launch, more than 150 countries and 32 international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China, including countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Central Asia, and East Asia and the Pacific. The scale of BRI activity has continued to grow, with 2025 engagement reaching an estimated $213.5 billion in construction contracts and investments, and cumulative BRI engagement approaching $1.4 trillion since 2013. The BRIDGE Act establishes it is U.S. policy to counter efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to build an integrated economic and political order under Beijing’s leadership that threatens U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic interests. The bill requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and other relevant agencies, to submit a report to Congress within 180 days assessing the scope of PRC and CCP efforts to use BRI to undermine the U.S.-led international order. While the United States has taken steps to counter BRI through initiatives such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and broader economic statecraft tools, the federal government still lacks a single, integrated, government-wide strategy focused specifically on countering BRI. “China has turned the Belt and Road Initiative into a weapon of economic coercion, building leverage through debt, controlling critical infrastructure, and pulling countries deeper into Beijing’s orbit,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “The TRAIN Act helps countries avoid walking into those traps in the first place, and the BRIDGE Act ensures the United States is better positioned to address this challenge.” “China has spent decades buying up the ports, power grids, and trade routes of developing nations, trapping them in debt and rigging the global market in their favor,” said Rep. Nunn. “That hits Iowa directly: our farmers and manufacturers compete to feed and supply the world, and they can't win on a field Beijing is tilting in their own favor. Our bills would give the United States a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy to counter China's invest-to-control strategy of economic coercion, help partner nations walk away from a bad deal with Beijing, and keep the playing field fair for Iowa.” These bills are part of a broader legislative effort by Rep. Fitzgerald to counter China’s growing economic and strategic influence, with additional measures expected to be introduced in the coming days. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-leads-bipartisan-letter-urging-federal-assistance-wisconsin-flooding,Wied Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Federal Assistance for Wisconsin Flooding,2026-05-28,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) led members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to President Donald J. Trump in support of the State of Wisconsin’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration and to stress the need for federal assistance for impacted residents. “We write in strong support of the State of Wisconsin’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, and subsequent requests for Individual and Public Assistance following several rounds of severe storms in April, which resulted in widespread flooding and damage throughout the state. This delegation is committed to working with your administration, FEMA, and Wisconsin Emergency Management to guarantee that Wisconsin's residents and communities get the assistance they need. We thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent request.” Background: In April, communities across Wisconsin experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather over multiple days, causing multiple rivers to flood their banks and destroy homes and businesses alike. On Wednesday, April 29th, Governor Evers requested FEMA’s assistance with a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA), and on Thursday, April 30th, FEMA responded. Following the JPDA, Governor Tony Evers requested a Major Disaster Declaration. In total, over 1,500 residential structures were damaged across 19 counties and the Oneida Nation, resulting in nearly $10 million in costs. Public infrastructure damage is currently estimated at over $17 million, easily exceeding the State’s per capita indicator. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representatives Bryan Steil (WI-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Tom Tiffany (WI-07) joined Rep. Wied in making this request.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-warns-iranian-mullahs-window-opportunity-rapidly-closing,Van Orden Warns Iranian Mullahs: “Window Of Opportunity Is Rapidly Closing”,2026-05-26,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with 26 years of service and multiple combat deployments across the Middle East, including service in every country Iran has attacked or destabilized through its terror network, joined Fox News’s Fox & Friends to discuss President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations and recent U.S. self-defense strikes targeting Iranian threats in the region. WATCH FULL INTERVIEW: FOX & FRIENDS INTERVIEW Van Orden issued a direct warning to Iran’s leadership and emphasized the consequences of decades of Iran-backed terrorism targeting Americans and U.S. allies. “The Iranian mullahs have to understand that their window of opportunity is rapidly closing… And I have the utmost confidence in President Trump to make sure that the interests of the United States and the world writ large are taken care of. “How many thousands of American families were grieving over a tombstone yesterday because of the Iranians? This regime must never have a nuclear weapon.” In a post on X, Rep. Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL who served for 26 years, also spoke personally about the cost of Iran-backed terror attacks on American servicemembers. “I spent 26 years as a Navy SEAL. I’ve buried too many brothers because of Iran-backed terror to have a damn ounce of sympathy for the Iranian regime. This regime has American blood on its hands. Iran must NEVER obtain a nuclear weapon. Ever.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5208,Grothman Introduces OPT Fair Tax Act to End Tax Loophole Favoring Foreign Workers Over American Graduates,2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the OPT Fair Tax Act, legislation that will close a perverse loophole that harms American workers. Under current law, foreign workers in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes, creating an incentive to hire these foreign workers over American citizens. The OPT Fair Tax Act will ensure that OPT employment is treated the same as other employment under federal payroll tax law. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this Congress. “Americans should not be put at a disadvantage because Washington created a loophole that favors hiring foreign workers over qualified U.S. citizens,” said Congressman Glenn Grothman. “Right now, the federal government has created a financial incentive to hire foreign workers over Americans. As a result, too many young Americans graduating from our colleges and universities are forced to compete against a system that tilts the playing field against them. Congress should be focused on opening doors for young Americans, helping U.S. graduates find good-paying jobs, and ensuring employers are encouraged to hire Americans first, not creating incentives for companies to bypass American talent.” “Our tax code shouldn’t incentivize businesses to hire foreign workers. By ending the FICA tax exemption, we will put American workers first.” - Senator Cotton “The OPT Fair Tax Act stands to raise $32 billion while bringing fairness to the OPT program. The tax code shouldn’t create incentives for businesses to prefer hiring OPT participants over Americans."" - Jeremy Neufeld, Director of Immigration Policy at the Institute for Progress Background Information The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows certain foreign students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after completing their studies. Current law exempts many OPT workers and their employers from paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). This tax exemption creates a financial incentive for employers to hire OPT workers over American graduates because employers can avoid payroll taxes that would otherwise apply to U.S. workers performing similar jobs. The advantage is especially significant among recent bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates participating in the program. Between Fiscal Years 2017 and 2022, approximately 330,000 students participated in OPT annually, including more than 215,000 master’s degree students. In addition to disadvantaging American workers, the exemption reduces funding for Social Security and Medicare. A January 2026 analysis estimated that eliminating the OPT payroll tax exemption would increase federal revenue by between $27 billion and $36 billion over ten years. The OPT Fair Tax Act amends Section 3121(b)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 210(a)(19) of the Social Security Act to clarify that F-1 visa holders participating in OPT are not exempt from Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Both OPT workers and their employers would therefore pay the same payroll taxes paid by American workers and businesses. Read the Fox News exclusive HERE -30-",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-passage-21st-century-road-housing-act-lower-housing,Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to Lower Housing Costs and Boost Supply,2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the House passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. “Solving America’s housing shortage starts with increasing supply and cutting the red tape that makes it harder to build,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation takes important steps to modernize HUD programs, improve access to financing, and eliminate federal barriers that slow housing construction so developers and rural banks can deliver more housing for hardworking Americans. I’m proud to support a bill that will help lower housing costs nationwide.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-praises-workforce-pell-grant-rule-win-wisconsin-workers,Van Orden Praises Workforce Pell Grant Rule as Win for Wisconsin Workers,2026-05-18,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Derrick Van Orden today praised the U.S. Department of Education’s final rule implementing the Workforce Pell Grant program, following Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s visit Friday to Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Beginning July 1, 2026, the program will allow Pell Grants to fund short-term, high-quality training programs as short as eight weeks, preparing students for in-demand careers in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and the skilled trades. The initiative, created under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts (OBBBA), is designed to strengthen workforce pipelines and give students faster, more affordable pathways into good-paying jobs. Van Orden was a leading advocate for including workforce training flexibility in the legislation and fought to ensure these skills-based programs were eligible for Pell Grant funding. “Wisconsin is built on skilled, hardworking people who keep our communities running,” said Van Orden. “We should be encouraging more young people to pursue skilled trades where they can earn strong wages without being buried in student debt. Not every student needs a four-year degree, and yet too many are pushed into expensive programs that don’t match today’s job market. We should empower the next generation to pursue these careers with pride, earn a good living, support a family, and stay rooted in the communities they call home.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-support-veterans-military-families-and-strengthen,"Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Support Veterans, Military Families, and Strengthen Military Readiness",2026-05-15,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. “America’s veterans and servicemembers deserve a system that delivers timely, high-quality care and strong benefits they have earned through their service to our nation. This legislation fully funds critical VA health care and benefits programs, expands support for mental health services, and continues strengthening the infrastructure veterans rely on every day. “This bill also recognizes the needs of military families by investing in improved housing and childcare facilities that directly affect daily quality of life. At the same time, it strengthens military readiness by funding key construction projects to ensure our forces remain equipped and prepared as we navigate global threats. “I was proud to support this measure because it reflects House Republicans’ deep commitment to those who selflessly serve our nation. The long-term strength of our military community is critical to the success of the United States.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5202,Grothman Introduces Bill to Protect Employment Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman introduced the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act, legislation aimed at protecting work opportunities and expanding employment choice for adults with disabilities. The bill would remove burdensome federal barriers that currently prevent many adults with disabilities from accessing workplace environments that best fit their individual needs, abilities, and long-term success at facilities like Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam, WI., and Opportunities Inc in Fort Atkinson, WI. The following organizations have endorsed the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act: A-Team Wisconsin, A-Team USA, MARC, Inc., The Westmoreland County Blind Association, Industrial Opportunities, Inc., Grand Traverse Industries, The Brookwood Community, VARC, Pantheon Industries, New Hope Center, Disability Service Provider Network-WI “Too often, Washington policymakers focus only on wages and ignore the broader benefits that meaningful work provides for individuals with disabilities,” said Congressman Grothman. “For many families, these workplaces offer stability, community, training, routine, transportation assistance, and other support services that are incredibly valuable. These workplace settings provide a level of support and opportunity that has become harder to access because of bureaucratic red tape. In some cases, individuals working in these settings may also earn more overall than they would in other employment environment. Adults with disabilities deserve the freedom to choose the workplace environment that works best for them without unnecessary government obstacles standing in the way.” “Young people with disabilities deserve access to work programs that help bring them satisfaction, purpose, and dignity. I am proud to support the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities which breaks down barriers preventing these individuals from participating in work that builds confidence, leads to positive outcomes, and fosters independence.” - Congressman Burgess Owens “The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities will ensure individuals have a CHOICE in the service that helps ensure a career pathway to employment. Young adults with a disability have limited opportunity after high school graduation. Many ages 18-24 are left at home and become disenfranchised and isolated from the world of work. This bill will allow individuals the ability to continue to train and mature with the goal of gaining community integrated employment when the time is right.” - Barb LeDuc, President/CEO Opportunities, Inc. “This bill is very much needed for individuals with Special Needs in order to provide them the same opportunities that individuals without a disability have to obtain a Job. Having criteria based on the age of an individual to obtain a job, is concerning and should not be permissible. The enactment of this bill would allow those with Special Needs to obtain a Job of their CHOICE, regardless of their age. Allow the individuals to make their OWN decision!!!” – Timothy P. Miller, Executive Director at Westmoreland County Blind Association “At KANDU, we fight every day for the right of individuals with disabilities to have choice, purpose, dignity, and meaningful opportunities. Every person deserves the chance to contribute in a way that matches their abilities, goals, and comfort level — and no one should lose that right because someone else decides what is best for them. We will continue to stand up for the voices, rights, and value of the individuals we proudly serve.” – Kathy J. Hansen, Executive Director at KANDU Industries “Through my work at KANDU Industries, I have seen firsthand that meaningful employment is not one-size-fits-all. Individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity to choose employment pathways that match their unique abilities, support needs, and goals while experiencing the dignity, confidence, and sense of purpose that meaningful work provides.” — Linda Diedrich, Marketing Director, KANDU Industries “My name is Christopher Wilson and I work at Kandu. I know friends from Special Olympics that cannot work at Kandu because they are not old enough. This makes me sad. I like it there.” - Christopher Wilson, KANDU Industries ""When there is a pause in the use of skill sets, those abilities can decline significantly over time or even be lost entirely. When we invest in the individual momentum of the people we love, serve, and support, we advocate for their continued success. I believe that by amending this bill’s age qualifier, we can meet the needs of today’s consumer market at a pivotal moment and further support the highest long-term potential of each individual."" - Madison Vander Loop, New Hope Inc. “Every person deserves the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and meaningful work skills at their own pace. Lowering the age from 24 to 18 for sheltered workshop and pre vocational services in Wisconsin would allow young adults with disabilities to access the support they need during an important transition into adulthood. While community employment is a great goal, not everyone is immediately ready for a competitive job setting after high school. Some individuals benefit from pre-vocational environments where they can safely learn communication, task completion, time management, social interaction, and coping skills before entering the community workforce. Waiting until age 24 can leave individuals without the structured support they need to grow, succeed, and work toward meaningful employment opportunities that match their abilities, strengths, and personal goals.” - Amber Svoboda, Guardian at Meraki Guardianship Services Inc “I enjoy making money at CRI, mowing lawns, and helping with the summer rest area program. CRI has helped me become a better worker and learn new skills.” - Anthony Sobieski “CRI helps me get into the workforce and builds confidence. CRI makes me look forward to the future.” - Ryan McCulley “I like everything about CRI and all the different people I get to work with. I enjoy coming and being part of the team.” - William Goodwillie Background Information In 2014, Congress passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to place additional restrictions on employment arrangements authorized under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. While these changes were intended to encourage competitive integrated employment opportunities, the law has created significant barriers for many individuals with disabilities seeking employment options that align with their personal needs and capabilities. Under current law, individuals under the age of 24 must complete a series of federally mandated requirements before they are permitted to work in a Section 14(c) employment setting. These requirements can delay or prevent access to meaningful work opportunities and force individuals into employment situations that may not be appropriate for them before they are allowed to pursue alternatives that better support their success and well-being. Many Section 14(c) providers also offer additional services and support beyond wages, including job training, transportation assistance, social engagement opportunities, supervision, and continuity of care that families rely upon. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would: Lower the applicable age threshold in Section 511 of the Rehabilitation Act from 24 to 18, ensuring adult individuals with disabilities are not subjected to unnecessary federal barriers when making employment decisions. Update counseling requirements to ensure employers can continue compensating employees under a Section 14(c) certificate even if a state fails to provide required counseling services. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgeralds-keeping-violent-offenders-our-streets-act-passes-house-0,Rep. Fitzgerald’s Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act Passes House of Representatives,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald’s (WI-05) Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, legislation aimed at combating radical bail policies by subjecting bail bonds to insurance fraud laws, passed the House of Representatives today. Specifically, the bill defines bail bonds as insurance products, which subjects them to federal insurance fraud laws and allows states to enact licensing requirements for corporate, for-profit, and non-profit entities that post bail on behalf of defendants. “Communities across the country have suffered the consequences of reckless soft-on-crime policies that put dangerous offenders back on the streets,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act restores accountability to the bail process by ensuring left-wing organizations that post bail for violent criminals are subject to federal insurance laws and criminal fraud statutes. Public safety should always come first, and this legislation is key in protecting Americans and restoring common sense to our bail system. I thank my colleagues for their support of this bill, and I’ll continue fighting to ensure tragedies like the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade attack are never repeated.” BACKGROUND: This week the House is recognizing Police Week as it considers a series of measures aimed at strengthening support for law enforcement and improving public safety. The Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act was among the legislation considered as part of this important effort. This bill addresses concerns surrounding charitable bail funds, which are organizations that use money from donations to help pay cash bail for defendants. These charitable funds are a small part of the larger movement to significantly reform or eliminate the cash bail system. Charitable bail funds regularly post bail for individuals charged with violent felonies and previous convictions. For example, a CNN investigation in 2023 into charitable bail funds found that in Indiana from 2019 to 2021, “24 percent of the roughly 1,000 defendants cut loose by The Bail Project – among the largest charitable bail groups in the United States – had been charged with a crime of violence; 35 percent were facing felony charges and had a previous charge of at least one crime of violence.” Adding even more cause for concern, according to CNN, at least nine individuals who were released by a bail charity were subsequently arrested for murder. ###",1,2026-06-27T06:16:17Z,2026-06-27T06:17:30Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-introduces-resolution-to-recognize-survivors-of-scams-and-prevent-future-scams,Steil Introduces Resolution to Recognize Survivors of Scams and Prevent Future Scams,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Josh Harder (CA-09), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), and Gabe Amo (RI-01) this week introduced a resolution to designate May 14th as National Scam Survivor Day. “Each year, scammers exploit millions of Americans and defraud them of their hard-earned savings,"" said Steil. ""I commend every American who speaks out to raise awareness after being victimized by scammers. By sharing their experiences, scam survivors help break the stigma scam victims can face while ensuring our communities have the tools to identify, disarm, and report emerging scams. I will continue working to prevent families and seniors from falling victim to scams."" The National Scam Survivor Day resolution encourages scam survivors to tell their stories combat the stigma that may prevent individuals from seeking the guidance and assistance they deserve. Additionally, the legislation urges a collaborative approach to support scam survivors and prevent future scams among government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations. “Scams are more than just an annoying robocall – these organized attacks rob working families of their hard-earned savings and financial stability,” said Harder. “Cracking down on these criminals starts with raising awareness of the nationwide scam crisis, and I'm proud to support designating May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day. Bringing our community together around prevention will lead to more arrests, fewer robocalls, and less financial theft, and I look forward to working across the aisle to get this bill signed into law.” ""As Subcommittee Chairman on Oversight and Investigations, I am working with the Trump Administration, law enforcement, and the private sector to stop financial fraud and scams before they start,"" said Meuser. ""Scammers stole more than $21 billion from hardworking Americans in 2025, targeting seniors, veterans, small business owners, and young adults. National Scam Survivor Day is about supporting victims, raising awareness, and educating consumers as scammers and fraudsters become increasingly sophisticated. Thank you to Rep. Steil for once again leading this important resolution."" “Millions of Americans have lost hundreds of billions of dollars at the hands of hucksters, fraudsters and rip-off artists,” said Raskin. “By designating May 14, 2026, as National Scam Survivor Day, we remind our neighbors that there’s no shame in reporting these terrible crimes, and we put scammers everywhere on notice that we’ll never stop pursuing justice and accountability. I want to thank my constituent—Judith Boivin of Rockville—for bravely sharing her story with me and for working to help others avoid what she has endured at the hands of criminal scammers.” “A central Iowa man spent months building what he believed was a genuine online relationship, only to lose $164,000 to fraud. A woman from Des Moines fell victim to a romance scam and lost $15,000. These are just two of the stories behind the $96 million Iowans lost to financial fraud in 2025,” said Nunn. “Iowans shouldn’t have to worry about scammers robbing them of their life savings through fake investment schemes and online fraud. On National Scam Survivor’s Day, I’m proud my bipartisan GUARD Act is moving forward to give law enforcement stronger tools to track down criminals, crack down on fraud, and protect Iowans’ hard-earned money.” “Scams devastate families, drain savings, and leave survivors feeling like they did something wrong,” said Shreve. “As Chair of the Stop Scams Caucus, I’m pleased to cosponsor this resolution designating May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day. When survivors come forward, they help break the stigma surrounding these crimes and remind other victims that they are not to blame. I’ll keep working across the aisle to ensure these bad actors face real consequences.” “Scammers don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican — they just want to steal your money and exploit your trust. That’s why I’m proud to support designating May 14th as National Scam Survivor Day, to stand with the millions of Americans targeted by scams, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma that can discourage people from reporting these crimes,” said Amo. “Together, we can stop fraudsters from scamming Americans out of their hard-earned dollars.” This resolution is supported by the International Better Business Bureau. Original cosponsors of this resolution include Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), and Gabe Amo (RI-01) CLICK HERE to read the resolution. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-announces-winners-2026-congressional-art-competition,Tiffany Announces Winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WAUSAU, WI – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced the winners of Wisconsin's Seventh District 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has created a unique opportunity for young artists to have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. This year’s theme was: A day in the life of Wisconsin. “It is my pleasure to congratulate the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, and thank all those who participated. The young artistic talent in Wisconsin’s Seventh District never ceases to amaze me. I want to extend a special shoutout to this year’s first-place winner for depicting one of Wisconsin’s great wonders, the Apostle Islands,” said Congressman Tiffany. First Place Winner Name: Ayasha Bowman School: Wausau East High School Title: Apostle Islands Medium: Charcoal on Paper Second Place Winner Name: Brooklyn Weiler School: Auburndale High School Title: Green Pastures, Little Footsteps Medium: Oil Paint Third Place Winner Name: Nevaeh Utyro School: Superior High School Title: Sitting Bear Medium: Watercolor Honorable Mention Name: Alison Iaffaldano School: Wausau West High School Title: Patchwork Medium: Acrylic Paint Honorable Mention Name: Sophia Garcia Carranza School: Wausau East High School Title: Wyalusing Overlook Medium: Charcoal The first-place winner's artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The Cannon Tunnel is the most highly traveled walkway between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. The second-place winner's artwork will be displayed in my Washington, DC office, and the third-place winner's artwork will be displayed in my Wausau office.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-introduces-comprehensive-campaign-finance-reforms,Steil Introduces Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reforms,2026-05-11,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01) introduced the Campaign Finance Transparency Act and the Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act. Together, these comprehensive campaign finance reforms will increase transparency and ensure fraudulent and foreign donations cannot influence political campaigns, individual candidates, or electoral outcomes. Both bills will be marked up by the Committee on House Administration later this week. “My investigation into ActBlue has demonstrated that the current campaign finance laws weren’t drafted for the modern era we live in. The major gaps we’ve uncovered are being exploited by fraudsters and foreign nationals to make illegal political donations. For example, right now an individual could make a fraudulent donation online in someone else’s name and avoid getting caught. That’s an unacceptable vulnerability that bad actors are taking advantage of,” said Chairman Steil. “We must increase transparency and update the rules to reflect the technological advances of the 21st century.” The Campaign Finance Transparency Act will: Require the name on a credit or debit card to match the name of the donor Remove the de minimis reporting threshold for donors Require political contributions via credit or debit card to include CVV/CVC number and billing ZIP code Require document verification for donors without U.S. mailing addresses Prohibit contributions via gift cards Prohibit knowingly directing, helping, or assisting any person in making a contribution in the name of another person Require suspected straw donations schemes to be reported to the Federal Election Commission The Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act will: Prohibit foreign nationals from donating for specified election-related activities, including: Voter registration drives; Ballot harvesting; Voter research and polling; Get Out the Vote initiatives; Administration of elections by state or local officials (i.e. Zuckerbucks); Prohibit aiding or facilitating assistance to foreign nationals in making campaign contributions; Prevent federal agencies from collecting or disclosing tax-exempt donor information, subject to specified exceptions (e.g. IRS, House/Senate lobbying disclosures, in certain situations). To read the Campaign Finance Transparency Act click here.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner-isabella-rotizza-from-westosha-central-high-school,Steil Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner: Isabella Rotizza from Westosha Central High School,2026-05-04,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Racine, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced Isabella Rotizza as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Wisconsin's First Congressional District. WINNER: Beauty Doesn't Have to Have Color by Isabella Rotizza Isabella Rotizza and her piece, Beauty Doesn't Have to Have Color, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Isabella is a 10th grade student at Westosha Central High School in Salem Lakes, where she is taught by Ms. Carina Rook. “Congratulations, Isabella, on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition! The First Congressional District is home to so many talented young artists and each year I am impressed by the creativity and skill demonstrated in our community. Beauty Doesn't Have to Have Color captures the talent of Wisconsin’s next generation and the impact art teachers have on students across our state,” said Steil. “I look forward to seeing Isabella's work displayed in the U.S. Capitol.”",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-leads-letter-fema-urging-swift-action-coordination-state,Rep. Wied Leads Letter to FEMA Urging Swift Action in Coordination with the State,2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08) led Reps. Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Tom Tiffany (WI-07) in sending a letter to Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Karen Evans thanking the agency for its swift response to the State’s request for a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment and urging the agency to act swiftly and in coordination with Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM). “We write to express our thanks for your agency's prompt response to the State of Wisconsin’s request for FEMA to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA) with WEM in order to determine whether the damage meets the thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration,” said the Congressmen. “We value FEMA's ongoing collaboration with Wisconsin and look forward to working with your agency as relief efforts progress. We remain committed to partnering with you at every stage of this effort to guarantee that Wisconsin's residents and communities get the assistance they need.” Last month, communities across Wisconsin, particularly in the Northeast, experienced historic flooding that caused severe damage to public and private property. On Wednesday, April 29th, Governor Evers requested FEMA’s assistance with a JDPA, and on Thursday, April 30th, FEMA quickly responded. Completing this assessment is the next step to secure federal assistance for families and communities impacted by the recent storms and flooding across the state, which have overwhelmed local emergency management agencies. FEMA has announced that these assessments will begin on Monday, May 4th, in collaboration with state officials.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5170,Grothman’s Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act Advances Through Committee,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, legislation to strengthen oversight and combat fraud across federal programs, advanced through the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, marking a key step toward protecting taxpayer dollars. “We should remember this day because fraud continues to be a problem, but we are working to implement stronger oversight at every level. This bill is a common sense and bipartisan effort to strengthen oversight and protect taxpayer dollars. We are ensuring employees have the tools and resources they need to identify fraud. The bill requires Treasury to establish a government wide anti-fraud training program so staff can see the danger before it makes the newspaper,” said Rep. Grothman. “Billions of taxpayer dollars are lost every year to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Unfortunately, federal agencies working to safeguard these funds are often outmatched by the increasing sophistication of fraudsters and criminals. The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act recognizes this growing challenge and helps fortify the financial defenses of our federal programs against bad actors. It requires a government-wide anti-fraud training program for agency officials, like grant managers and auditors, so they are adequately trained on best practices for preventing and addressing fraud in agency programs. I thank my colleague, Mr. Grothman for introducing this important legislation,” said Chairman Comer. -30-",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-house-passage-farm-bill,Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on House Passage of the Farm Bill,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. “This legislation delivers the certainty Wisconsin farmers have been asking for. For too long, our producers have been expected to feed America while operating under outdated, short-term program extensions. A five-year farm bill gives rural communities the stability needed to plan, invest, and keep their operations strong for generations to come. “In America’s Dairyland, this bill makes meaningful improvements by promoting transparency in milk pricing and updating critical safety nets. These reforms will ensure farmers are paid fairly and can better navigate swings in the market. This stability does not just support farmers. It protects the entire dairy supply chain and the rural communities who depend on it. “This bill also supports Wisconsin’s broader agricultural economy by expanding access to credit, investing in conservation for working lands, and promoting American products in global markets. It includes commonsense provisions I have supported, like strengthening training opportunities for veterans entering agriculture and improving pricing systems for dairy producers. “At its core, this bill is about supporting America’s farmers who are the backbone of this country. It prioritizes our economic security, food security, and national security.” ###",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/racine-vietnam-war-veteran-sister-linda-mcclenahan-awarded-veteran-of-the-year,Racine Vietnam War Veteran Sister Linda McClenahan Awarded Veteran of the Year,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"RACINE, WI – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced Racine veteran Sister Linda “Sister Sarge” McClenahan as the recipient of the First Congressional District’s 2025 Veteran of the Year Award. First Congressional District 2026 Veteran of the Year Award Winner: Linda McClenahan Sgt. McClenahan, nicknamed “Sister Sarge,” grew up in California, and planned to join a convent upon graduating high school in 1967. After her brother was drafted into the Marines she felt called to serve in a different way: by enlisting in the Army. Sgt. McClenahan joined the Women’s Army Corp and after basic training, shipped out to Vietnam as a communications operator. She quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the 1st Signal Brigade in Long Binh. She returned from Vietnam in 1970 and served another 6 years in the Army Reserves before she would join the Racine Dominican Sisters in 1992. Sgt. McClenahan later began treatment for her own PTSD and saw the need for help that a new generation of veterans needed. She would go on to obtain a master's degree in counseling from UW-Whitewater & has been organizing and leading retreats focused on PTSD for veterans for nearly two decades. “We are grateful to the brave men and women who have served our country and protected our liberties and freedoms. It is my honor to present Sergeant McClenahan with the Veteran of the Year Award. Her dedication to her country and community truly exemplifies what it means to serve,"" said Steil. Background: The recipient of this award was nominated by Wisconsin residents and selected by Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s Veterans Advisory Board by reviewing the following criteria: SERVICE: Demonstrate a commitment to service in their community. This could be through advocacy, community projects, an act of heroism, or other actions. EXCELLENCE: Provide an example of how this veteran exudes a spirit of excellence. DEDICATION: Have a dedication to supporting their fellow veterans and building bridges between veterans and our greater Southeast Wisconsin community. Nominees had to be a veteran of one of the five Armed Forces of the United States, including Reserve or National Guard, or United States Merchant Marines. All nominees had to supply a DD-214 and live within Wisconsin's First Congressional District. More Photos from the event are featured below:",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-farm-bill-rep-wieds-amendments-included,House Passes Farm Bill with Rep. Wied's Amendments Included,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier today, Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) voted to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, better known as the Farm Bill. “For years, our farmers have asked Congress to pass a new Farm Bill, and I was proud to join my colleagues in the House to do just that,” said Congressman Wied. “This bill is the result of extensive bipartisan work and stakeholder input and will invest in rural communities, prioritize American commodities, restore regulatory certainty, and finally put the 'farm' back in Farm Bill. We are providing Wisconsin farmers with the tools they need to thrive for years to come. Now it is time for the Senate to finish the job and get this to President Trump’s desk.” Background: Since the first farm bill was passed in 1933, it has been an essential driver of American agriculture. Much has changed since the first bill was passed, with science, technology, and innovation allowing our country to produce the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world. The new challenges and opportunities our producers face require new policy, and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 rises to meet the occasion. This bill builds on the historic ag investments made last summer in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The last Farm Bill was passed in 2018. Although it was intended to cover only a 5-year period, Congress failed to bring the new bill to the floor in 2024, leaving American farmers with uncertainty and subject to outdated policies. Today, the House approved the bill and sent it to the Senate for final passage. Congressman Wied is proud to have introduced three bipartisan Amendments that were included in the final bill.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-house-passage-fy26-senate-budget-resolution-kicking,Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on House Passage of FY26 Senate Budget Resolution Kicking off Reconciliation 2.0 to Fund DHS,2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the House passage of the FY26 Senate Budget Resolution. “House Republicans are taking action to fully fund ICE and Border Patrol, despite Democrats holding these critical border security agencies hostage,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “By passing the FY26 Senate Budget Resolution, we are advancing the reconciliation process once again to restore fiscal discipline, secure our homeland, and bring greater accountability to how Washington spends taxpayer dollars.” ###",1,2026-06-11T06:38:38Z,2026-06-11T06:41:07Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-passage-three-year-fisa-reauthorization,Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of Three-Year FISA Reauthorization,2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass S. 1318, legislation reauthorizing FISA Section 702 for three years. “FISA Section 702 is a critical intelligence tool that gives our national security professionals the information they need to make real-time decisions to keep Americans safe. “After serious abuses of this authority, Congress took action to restore accountability through the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA). Those reforms put stronger guardrails in place, increased oversight, and have already led to a significant drop in improper queries. “The bill we passed today also includes new, critical reforms to build on the reforms in RISAA, including enhanced criminal penalties for knowingly and willingly violating query procedures, a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit of targeting procedures under Section 702, and more. I’m also pleased this bill includes a ban on a central bank digital currency. A government-controlled digital dollar is a direct threat to privacy, financial freedom, and the American way of life. “With those safeguards now in place and working as intended, along with these additional added reforms, this three-year reauthorization ensures our intelligence community can continue to protect Americans while maintaining the guardrails already in place to prevent future misuse of this authority.” ###",1,2026-06-10T06:36:00Z,2026-06-10T06:37:32Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5169,Grothman Introduces the Ending Discrimination in Government Contracts Act,2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act to stop federal agencies from violating the Constitution by awarding contracts based on recipients’ race or sex. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Senate companion of the bill. “Companies in my district have lost out on contracts despite offering higher quality products at a lower cost to the taxpayer. That’s not just unfair, it’s wasteful,” said Congressman Glenn Grothman. “I was proud to introduce the Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act because preferences in government contracting based on race or sex are fundamentally unfair, costly, and out of step with what most Americans believe. Contracts should be awarded based on merit, not race or gender, as the Constitution guarantees equal protection for all. For too long, federal contracting has relied on race- and sex-based mandates that drive up costs and undermine confidence in the system. Our bill restores accountability, reduces waste, and ensures contracts are awarded based on merit.” “Unconstitutional discrimination disguised as ‘DEI’ has infected our federal government,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Awarding government contracts based on race and sex is, simply put, racist and sexist. These policies defy our founding values and waste taxpayer dollars on subpar projects. My bill will end discrimination in government contracting to restore merit-based partnerships, ensuring contractors, businesses, and workers are evaluated not by the color of their skin or gender, but their ability to serve the American people.” ""For decades, Pacific Legal Foundation has fought to ensure that government treats every American equally under the law. Pacific Legal Foundation applauds Senator Mike Lee and Representative Glenn Grothman for introducing The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act which would end the consideration of race, ethnicity, or sex in federal contracting decisions. After the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, the legal foundation for these unjust preferences has crumbled. Congress should finish the job.” — Glenn Roper, Senior Attorney in Equality & Opportunity, Pacific Legal Foundation ""Race- and sex-based contracting costs taxpayers billions of dollars, endangers the security of our troops, and inhibits the construction and repair of our nation's infrastructure. Senator Lee and Congressman Grothman's bill takes the important step of ending these unconstitutional practices and returning federal contracting to more merit-based principles, in which Americans, regardless of race or sex, are treated equally."" – Judge Glock, Director of Research and Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute ""Since the Supreme Court found racial preferences in college admissions to be unconstitutional, there has been a swirling debate in legal and policy circles about what this means outside the educational space. The equal-protection logic of Harvard v. SFFA inextricably applies to the employment space, which is why we’ve seen a spate of lawsuits and corporations reevaluating their DEI policies. One of the least headline-grabbing areas where identity-based preferences make their pernicious presence felt is in government contracting, which requires federal legislation to fix. The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act is exactly what’s needed to reform this often byzantine space and ensure that taxpayers aren’t funding contracts based on identity-based spoils."" – Ilya Shapiro, Director of Constitutional Studies and Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute ""It's time to end race- and gender-based preferences in government contracting. This bill from Senator Lee and Congressman Grothman will help dismantle the ideology of left-wing identity politics and replace it with the principle of colorblind, equal treatment under the law."" – Chris Rufo, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute Background Information Since the 1970s, the federal government has expanded an ever-growing web of DEI requirements, mandates, and quotas for government contracts. Federal agencies are currently obligated to grant a certain number of government contracts to companies based on the race, ethnicity, or sex of company owners or employees. This system intentionally awards work based on immutable characteristics rather than ability to execute a job effectively. These practices are incompatible with the Constitution and frequently result in incomplete projects that exceed projected budgets, wasting taxpayer dollars. On March 26, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14398 to address DEI discrimination by federal contractors. This move was part of a larger effort by the Administration and congressional Republicans to end DEI practices throughout the country. Legislation is necessary to codify this initiative. Senator Lee’s Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act underscores a shift away from unjust DEI hiring and contracting practices and towards a system that prioritizes fairness, efficiency and equal treatment under the law. As America begins to celebrate its 250th anniversary, this legislation is a timely emphasis on our founding principle that “all men are created equal.” The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act: Eliminates existing quotas, mandates, and programs that provide government contracting opportunities to companies based on the race and/or sex of the company’s owner; Eliminates certain federal DEI programs like the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and the Minority Business Development Act of 2021; Repeals DEI preferences for Department of Transportation grants; Eliminates discriminatory federal reporting requirements on small businesses; Requires federal agencies to rescind any rules or regulations requiring agencies to provide preference to contractors based on their race or sex, and; Prevents federal agencies from reissuing similar rules and regulations in the future. Retains support for small businesses generally and does not prohibit federal agencies from prioritizing rural or veteran-owned businesses when issuing government contracts. Read exclusive coverage by Breitbart News here. -30-",1,2026-04-28T06:05:12Z,2026-04-28T06:07:17Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-and-wisconsin-congressmen-introduce-fair-air-standards-act-addressing-ozone-nonattainment-vehicle-emissions-testing,"Steil and Wisconsin Congressmen Introduce Fair Air Standards Act, Addressing Ozone Nonattainment, Vehicle Emissions Testing",2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HALES CORNERS, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Tom Tiffany (WI-07), introduced the Fair Air Standards Act addressing Southeastern Wisconsin’s classification as an Ozone Nonattainment Area. Reps. Steil, Grothman, Tiffany at today’s press conference “Families in Wisconsin shouldn’t be paying for pollution originating from outside the state, in places like Chicago,” said Congressman Steil. “The Fair Air Standards Act ensures that Wisconsin’s non-attainment status is tied to activity originating in our state not those in other areas. Our bill reduces burdens for families, employers, and workers across Southeast Wisconsin while holding out-of-state polluters responsible for their actions.” Reps. Steil and Tiffany discussing emissions testing in Hales Corners with shop manager “Wisconsin communities should not be financially punished for pollution they did not create,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The Fair Air Standards Act gives states a fair chance to prove when air quality problems are caused by emissions from outside their borders and ensures EPA bases its decisions on facts. This legislation will restore fairness for our region and help us move forward without unnecessary federal barriers.”",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/wisconsin-congressmen-introduce-fair-air-standards-act-addressing-ozone,"Wisconsin Congressmen Introduce Fair Air Standards Act, Addressing Ozone Nonattainment, Vehicle Emissions Testing",2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Fair Air Standards Act addressing Southeastern Wisconsin’s classification as an Ozone Nonattainment Area. “Because of outdated federal rules, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin drivers in seven counties are forced to complete emissions tests every two years just to renew their registration. Wisconsin families should not be punished with costly and time-consuming mandates because of pollution drifting in from Illinois and Indiana. Four decades later and with cleaner vehicles on the road, it is time to end this non-attainment zone mandate and stop burdening drivers with a system that cannot prove it works,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany. “Families in Wisconsin shouldn’t be paying for pollution originating from outside the state, in places like Chicago,” said Congressman Steil. “The Fair Air Standards Act ensures that Wisconsin’s non-attainment status is tied to activity originating in our state not those in other areas. Our bill reduces burdens for families, employers, and workers across Southeast Wisconsin while holding out-of-state polluters responsible for their actions.” “Wisconsin communities should not be financially punished for pollution they did not create,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The Fair Air Standards Act gives states a fair chance to prove when air quality problems are caused by emissions from outside their borders and ensures EPA bases its decisions on facts. This legislation will restore fairness for our region and help us move forward without unnecessary federal barriers.” “This is a topic we’ve been working on for 25 years, as the poorly drafted Clean Air Act has punished industries in Wisconsin, making them less competitive, especially compared to other states and factories around the world,” said Congressman Grothman. “I’m proud to be championing this bill alongside Congressman Steil to restore the ozone attainment designation that Wisconsin rightfully deserves.” Background: Portions of Wisconsin are currently designated as an Ozone Nonattainment Area due to pollution originating outside of Wisconsin, including cities like Chicago. The SE WI Regional Planning Commission and Wisconsin DNR have reported that Wisconsin sources contribute to no more than 10% of the ozone emissions monitored in the current nonattainment area. Under current federal law, when an ozone attainment area misses its deadline, its status automatically bumped up to a higher non-attainment classification. This occurs regardless of whether that status is driven by pollution originating outside of this area. That designation triggers stricter permitting requirements and additional regulatory burdens on families, employers, and workers through higher regulatory standards and emissions testing mandates, including vehicle emissions testing requirements. Nine of out ten vehicles in Wisconsin pass the current emissions testing requirements, however inspections continue to cost Wisconsin families time and money. The Fair Air Standards Act creates a process for states to petition to the EPA that any non-attainment status is driven by pollution originating outside its boundaries. If proven, the EPA would then be required to redesignate that area as an ozone attainment area. This process would help end Southeast Wisconsin’s nonattainment status, ending ongoing federally mandated compliance burdens including vehicle emissions testing. The Fair Air Standards Act would not otherwise affect Wisconsin’s compliance with air quality or environmental standards. You can read the bill here.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-support-american-energy-dominance-and-lower-energy-costs,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Support American Energy Dominance and Lower Energy Costs,2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of three critical pieces of legislation this week: the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, and the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act. On the HEATS Act: “America needs more dependable energy sources, and geothermal is an important part of that mix,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation eliminates unnecessary delays, respects state permitting work already being done, and helps bring new energy online faster so Americans and businesses can benefit from lower costs.” Background: This bill would exempt certain geothermal activities on state and private land from federal drilling permits to encourage energy production. This legislation supports American energy independence and helps lower costs for families by expediting the development of geothermal energy involving federal minerals on non-federal lands. On the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act: “Federal buildings should be designed around efficiency, reliability, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This bill ends the one-size-fits-all ‘green’ energy mandate that unnecessarily drives up costs and delays the construction of federal infrastructure projects. This is a major step toward prioritizing taxpayer savings and protecting national security assets.” Background: This bill repeals Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), which requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to revise federal building energy efficiency performance standards for new buildings and those undergoing major renovations. This legislation would improve grid reliability and save taxpayer dollars by repealing burdensome federal building mandates that require projects to meet arbitrary energy efficiency standards. On the FIRE Act: “States should have the ability to act early to reduce wildfire threats without being stopped by far-left climate policies,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation supports practical prevention efforts, cuts dangerous red tape, and gives states the power to protect lives, property, and our natural resources.” Background: This bill would amend the Clean Air Act (CAA) to clarify how emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other exceptional events are used in federal air quality reviews. This would ensure that states are not punished for proactively working to reduce risks from wildfires. ###",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5160,Grothman and Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act to Strengthen Accountability and Protect Taxpayer Dollars,2026-04-22,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI), alongside Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, legislation to establish a government-wide training program to better equip federal employees to identify fraud risks, implement proven anti-fraud practices, and safeguard taxpayer-funded programs. The bill directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to develop standardized training across agencies and make these resources available to state and local governments that administer federal funds. “Americans work hard for their money, and they expect their government to treat every tax dollar with respect,” said Congressman Grothman. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen time and again that fraud in federal programs is far too common, and often preventable. The problem isn’t just bad actors; it’s a system that hasn’t kept up with the scale of the challenge. “The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act makes sure federal employees receive clear, consistent training on how to spot fraud before it happens and how to use the best tools available to stop it. It also extends that knowledge to state and local partners who administer federal programs on the front lines. This is about restoring accountability, protecting taxpayer dollars, and making government work in the best interest of the American people.” “Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken away from the American people,”said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Our bipartisan legislation will give federal, state, and local officials the tools they need to detect risks early, strengthen safeguards, and protect taxpayer funds—while ensuring that eligible Americans can access the services and support they’ve earned without unnecessary barriers. I’m proud to partner on this effort to deliver stronger accountability and smarter oversight across government.” Background Information The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with OMB and OPM, to establish a standardized, government-wide training program focused on fraud risk identification, implementation of leading anti-fraud practices, and proper use of existing tools such as the Do Not Pay system. Currently, federal workforce policies lack a consistent, government-wide framework to train program administrators on fraud prevention, creating vulnerabilities in federal assistance and procurement programs. By institutionalizing modern fraud prevention training practices across the federal government, and extending those resources to state and local governments that administer federal funds, the legislation aims to strengthen oversight, reduce waste, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended. -30-",1,2026-04-23T05:48:52Z,2026-04-23T05:50:10Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-scott-fitzgerald-announces-wi-05s-2026-congressional-art-show,Congressman Scott Fitzgerald Announces WI-05’s 2026 Congressional Art Show,2026-04-20,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OCONOMOWOC, WI — Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald announced the date and location of WI-05’s 2026 Congressional Art Show. Each spring, the Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, recognizes and encourages the artistic talent of high school students throughout Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District. The Grand Prize-winning piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and the student artist will receive paid airfare for two courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to travel to Washington, D.C., for the national winners' reception. The second- and third-place pieces will be displayed for one year in Congressman Fitzgerald’s D.C. and district offices. “The talent of local high school student artists in Wisconsin continues to impress me,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Thank you to all who participated in WI-05's 2026 Congressional Art Competition. I am looking forward to the winners being announced at our art show this week in Oconomowoc.” Location: Avenue Square Mall 175 E Wisconsin Ave (2nd Floor) Oconomowoc, WI 53066 Dates & Hours: April 23rd – April 26th ·Thursday-Saturday: 6:00AM - 8:00PM ·Sunday: 6:00AM - 5:00PM ###",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-highlights-wins-wisconsinites-working-families-tax-cuts,Rep. Fitzgerald Highlights Wins for Wisconsinites in the Working Families Tax Cuts Following Tax Season,2026-04-17,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement highlighting major wins for hardworking Americans in the Working Families Tax Cuts following tax season: “As a result of the Working Families Tax Cuts, Wisconsinites are seeing the benefits of lower taxes. This year, the average taxpayer in Wisconsin will see a tax cut of $3,177. In addition, a family of four with two children earning up to $73,000 will owe $0 in federal income taxes. “I was proud to support this legislation, which resulted in the largest tax cut in U.S. history. We also secured: No tax on tips: $25,000 deduction for tipped income. No tax on overtime: $12,500 deduction on overtime premium pay. No tax on Social Security: $6,000 bonus deduction for millions of seniors. Protects family farms from the death tax: permanently doubles the death tax exemption to ensure family farms can be passed to the next generation. Permanently increases the child tax credit: locks in the doubled credit and permanently raises it to $2,200 per child. No tax on auto loan interest: $10,000 deduction for interest on new cars made in the United States. Increases affordable lending for farmers and ranchers: creates a new tax benefit to reduce the borrowing costs for family farms. Trump Accounts: $1,000 deposit for all newborns into new savings accounts to support their future. Supports small businesses: makes the 20% small business deduction permanent. “These reforms put more money back in the pockets of working families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses across Wisconsin. I will continue fighting for policies that lower costs and grow our economy.” ###",1,2026-06-03T06:40:39Z,2026-06-03T06:42:22Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-push-back-green-new-deal-overreach,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Push Back on Green New Deal Overreach,2026-04-17,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of two critical pieces of legislation this week: the Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations (RED Tape) Act and the Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act. On the RED Tape Act: “Federal environmental reviews should be efficient, not redundant,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This bill removes unnecessary layers of bureaucracy so projects can move forward faster while still protecting the environment through the existing review process. It’s a commonsense step to cut waste, reduce delays, and support job creation.” On the FENCES Act: “American workers and manufacturers shouldn’t be punished by far-left climate activists for pollution they didn’t create,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation ensures states aren’t unfairly held back by emissions coming from foreign factories in countries like China and Mexico or from foreign natural disasters like wildfires. This change provides states with more flexibility and certainty in the permitting process and, importantly, cuts compliance costs for manufacturers while maintaining the Clean Air Act’s key environmental protections.” ###",1,2026-06-05T06:35:23Z,2026-06-05T06:36:42Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-wied-appointed-chairman-subcommittee-contracting-and,Congressman Wied Appointed Chairman of Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure,2026-04-17,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — The House Committee on Small Business announced that Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) has been appointed Chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. “I am extremely proud to have been selected to serve as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure,” said Congressman Wied. “As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges that these businesses face, and I look forward to working closely with them to ensure we increase their participation and provide them with opportunities to share their expertise with our federal government.” House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) released the following statement after appointing Congressman Wied: “I’d like to congratulate Rep. Tony Wied on his selection as House Committee on Small Business Chairman of the Contracting and Infrastructure Subcommittee,” said Chairman Roger Williams. “Tony brings firsthand experience as a small-business owner, having built and grown companies across Northeast Wisconsin from the ground up. I look forward to working with him to advance President Trump’s America First Agenda and deliver real results for Main Street.”",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-introduces-legislation-to-rein-in-the-proxy-advisor-duopoly,Steil Introduces Legislation to Rein in the Proxy Advisor Duopoly,2026-04-15,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. - Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), introduced the Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings from Politics Act. This legislation will impose new rules on the proxy advisor duopoly that require strong transparency disclosures and prevent conflicts of interest that have tarnished proxy advice and corrupted corporate governance. Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) is an original cosponsor of this bill. “Too often, proxy advisors have encouraged votes that run counter to the economic interests of retirees and seniors. Investment advisors and pension funds should be focused on securing your retirement, not advancing their political agenda,” said Steil. “My bill will bring accountability and transparency to the proxy advisor duopoly and help end the politicization of Americans’ retirement funds. I’d like to thank Congresswoman Wagner in joining me on this important legislation."" The Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings from Politics Act will: Provide transparency and accountability to the proxy advisory industry, prohibit robo-voting, prohibit the inherent conflict of interest associated with consulting services, and require proxy advisory firm clients to issue annual public reports on their proxy voting. Require large asset managers to explain how they use proxy advisor recommendations and put their customers’ economic interests first.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tiffany-introduces-safer-act-crack-down-asylum-fraudsters,Rep. Tiffany Introduces SAFER Act to Crack Down on Asylum Fraudsters,2026-04-10,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced the Stopping Asylum Fraudsters Enforcement and Removal Act, also known as the SAFER Act. This legislation restores integrity to the asylum system by reserving it for those with legitimate claims of persecution. Under this legislation, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General are prohibited from granting asylum to any individual who has returned to the country they claim to be fleeing. In addition, any individual granted asylum who voluntarily returns to that country will face termination of status, denaturalization, and be subject to inadmissibility or removal. “If someone claims they are fleeing danger and seeking asylum in the U.S., they should not be turning around and vacationing in the very country they said they had to escape. Those who are truly fleeing danger don’t book round-trip tickets back to it. The SAFER Act stops asylum fraudsters from exploiting the system and ensures they are removed from the United States,” said Congressman Tiffany. BACKGROUND: The SAFER Act addresses growing concerns that the asylum system is being exploited by individuals making fraudulent claims to gain entry into the United States. This legislation follows reports that Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, was granted asylum in 2019 and later received a green card under the Biden administration, despite returning to Iran at least four times. Under the SAFER Act, individuals who claim asylum in the U.S. cannot return to the country they said they were fleeing without facing serious immigration consequences. The bill includes limited, case-by-case exceptions. The President may authorize travel for national security purposes, or the Secretary of State may certify that a legitimate transfer of power has occurred in the applicant’s home country, eliminating the original threat and permitting lawful return. You can read the full text of the SAFER Acthere, and the Fox News exclusive here.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-announces-loan-funding-for-janesville-based-shine,Steil Announces Loan Funding for Janesville-Based SHINE,2026-04-09,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Janesville, WI - Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), announced that the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Dominance Financing will award SHINE Chrysalis, LLC in Janesville, WI a $263 million loan to support the construction of a new medical manufacturing facility in Janesville. The facility will use fusion and fission technology to provide a secure domestic supply of Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), a medical isotope used in life-saving diagnostic imaging. Once completed, this will be the largest such facility in the world. In May and September of 2025, Steil wrote to DOE Secretary Chris Wright regarding SHINE’s innovative work on Mo-99 and the importance of the Chrysalis project. He emphasized the need for strong public-private partnerships in building domestic manufacturing. Following the announcement, Steil released the following statement: “American supply chains ensure healthcare workers and patients have access to the lifesaving tools they need to identify and fight diseases like cancer and heart disease. This critical work to save lives will now be done right here in Janesville,"" said Steil. ""Thank you, Secretary Wright and the Department of Energy for investing in Wisconsin and congratulations to SHINE on receiving this loan.""",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-president-trumps-national-address-operation-epic-fury,Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on President Trump’s National Address on Operation Epic Fury,2026-04-02,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OCONOMOWOC, WI — Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after President Trump addressed the nation on the status of Operation Epic Fury in Iran. “President Trump made clear that Operation Epic Fury is achieving its goals in decimating the Iranian regime’s military capabilities and ensuring Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon. He also stated that we are on track to complete America’s mission in the near term. “As our forces press forward with increased intensity over the next two to three weeks, this effort reflects the strength and effectiveness of American leadership and military power. “We honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this mission and recognize the continued courage and commitment of the servicemembers still carrying it forward.” ###",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-fully-fund-dhs-back-ice-and-cbp-and-reject-democrats-open,"Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Fully Fund DHS, Back ICE and CBP, and Reject Democrats’ Open Borders Demands",2026-03-28,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7147 - Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, legislation to end the Democrats’ reckless Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown and ensure all DHS security operations are funded. “I want to make something abundantly clear: by passing this bill, my House Republican colleagues and I are reaffirming our unwavering commitment to border security and immigration enforcement. We are not the party of open borders. We do not prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. That’s the Democrats. “Late last night, the Senate passed a bill that does NOT include a single dollar of funding for ICE and Border Patrol. The Senate did not consult the House before doing so. I wonder why? “It is utterly irresponsible to vote for legislation that would undermine our national security. DHS must be fully funded, and that is exactly what the House bill delivers. “This legislation provides funding to pay all DHS employees, including the hardworking TSA officers whose paychecks have been held hostage by the Democrats. TSA employees have now been forced to work without pay three times in six months due to these reckless shutdowns. It also provides funding for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which Democrats allowed to run nearly dry despite the agency’s responsibility to respond to winter storms across the country. “Let us all remember that this shutdown occurred because Democrats have made demonizing ICE and opposing the enforcement of our immigration laws their top priority. They will do anything to try and halt the successful border security operations and deportation efforts we have seen since President Trump returned to office. “ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to protect this country. We will not fold to the Democrats on immigration enforcement. We were elected with a mandate to secure our borders, and we will continue fulfilling that promise.” ###",1,2026-05-16T06:05:00Z,2026-05-16T06:06:37Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5123,Grothman Introduces House Companion to Cruz’s COMPETE Act to Expand Affordable Health Coverage Options,2026-03-26,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the House companion to Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) Competition and Openness in Markets to Promote Efficiency, Transparency, and Enhanced Affordability (COMPETE) Act, legislation to expand access to affordable health insurance options for families and small businesses. The legislation would restore and expand access to Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans, allowing them to be offered for up to 12 months with guaranteed renewal options. These reforms aim to provide Americans with more flexibility and lower-cost alternatives to plans created under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). “For years, families and small businesses have faced rising health insurance costs driven by federal mandates under Obamacare,” Grothman said. “The COMPETE Act restores commonsense flexibility by allowing Americans and employers to choose coverage that fits their needs and their budgets. By expanding access to short-term plans with guaranteed renewals, we can lower premiums, increase competition, and create more health care options for small businesses that are struggling to keep up with rising costs.” “Obamacare reduced health insurance options and caused premiums to skyrocket. This legislation will promote more competition, provide consumers with more choices, and allow Americans to choose the healthcare coverage that fits their needs and budgets. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation expeditiously.” – Senator Ted Cruz Background Information Rising health insurance costs have placed a growing burden on families and small business owners, with many Americans struggling to afford coverage that meets their needs. Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans exist outside the Affordable Care Act marketplace and provide more flexible, lower-cost options with faster access to coverage. The COMPETE Act maintains the 2018 Trump Administration definition of STLDI plans and builds on it by allowing insurance companies to offer plans with renewal guarantees without requiring additional underwriting. Under the legislation, insurers would be permitted to: Offer Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance plans for up to 12 months Provide plans with guaranteed renewal options without additional underwriting Supporting organizations for the legislation include The National Federation of Independent Business and The Foundation for Government Accountability. -30-",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T21:05:58Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-neguse-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-mental-health-access-farmers,"Van Orden, Neguse Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Access for Farmers",2026-03-25,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 25, 2026 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Ag Day, Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO) to introduce the bipartisan Agriculture Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act, legislation aimed at improving access to mental health and addiction services for farmers and ranchers in rural communities. “Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our nation, working tirelessly to feed and fuel America. This legislation takes an important step toward understanding the gaps in access to mental health and addiction care for our agriculture communities. I’m committed to ensuring our farmers and rural families have access to the support services they deserve, and I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort with my friend Congressman Joe Neguse,” said Congressman Van Orden. “Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of America and are essential to the vitality of our state’s economy and our nation's food security. We must make sure we are supporting access to health care for them and their families,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Agriculture Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act takes an important first step towards bridging access and care gaps and ensuring that rural America has access to essential health care services.” Van Orden is proud to work across the aisle to advance practical solutions and ensure America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural families have access to the care they deserve. Read bill text HERE. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-protect-hunters-and-anglers-and-deport-criminal-illegal,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Protect Hunters and Anglers and Deport Criminal Illegal Aliens Who Commit Fraud or Harm Working Animals,2026-03-23,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the recent passage of three critical pieces of legislation: the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, the Deporting Fraudsters Act, and the Federal Working Animal Protection Act. On the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act: “Hunting is a long-standing Wisconsin tradition, and as an avid hunter myself, I am committed to protecting the outdoor traditions that have long made Wisconsin a destination for hunters and anglers,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This bill ensures that the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture cannot prohibit or regulate the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters available for hunting or fishing. It's an important step in preserving the rights of hunters and anglers across Wisconsin.” On the Deporting Fraudsters Act: “Committing fraud against American taxpayers should have real consequences,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation ensures that illegal aliens who commit fraud can no longer exploit loopholes to stay in the United States or receive immigration benefits. It also gives authorities the tools they need to hold these criminals accountable and protect hardworking Americans.” On the Federal Working Animal Protection Act: “Working animals are essential partners in law enforcement, and harming them should not be taken lightly,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “After seeing what happened to Freddie, a dedicated CBP detector dog injured in the line of duty, it’s clear we need stronger accountability. This bill ensures that aliens who harm working animals can be deported and reinforces our commitment to protecting those who serve on two legs and four.” ###",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-statement-markwayne-mullin-dhs-secretary-confirmation,Van Orden Statement on Markwayne Mullin DHS Secretary Confirmation,2026-03-23,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 23, 2026 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement on the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security: “The mission of the Department of Homeland Security has never been more important. Securing our borders and protecting the American people remain the top priority. With my friend Markwayne Mullin now confirmed, we’re continuing the work already underway to strengthen DHS and advance President Trump’s America First policies. Now is the time to fully fund DHS and give Secretary Mullin the tools to carry out the American people’s mandate. I thank President Trump for his continued focus on keeping our nation safe and secure. I’m proud to call Markwayne a friend and confident he will lead with strength to ensure our homeland remains safe and secure.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-announces-march-telephone-town-hall,Steil Announces March Telephone Town Hall,2026-03-18,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Janesville, WI – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced he will be holding his monthly telephone town hall on Thursday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m. CT. Congressman Steil has held numerous in-person listening sessions this Congress across the 1st District, including in Beloit, Bristol, Burlington, Elkhorn, Janesville, and Mount Pleasant. “One of my top priorities is to be available and accessible to Wisconsin families,” said Steil. “I look forward to hearing from residents about the challenges they are facing, discussing recent events in Washington, and having a productive conversation about how we can move our nation forward.”",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-statement-trump-administration-delivering-over-105-billion-rebuild,Tiffany Statement on Trump Administration Delivering Over $1.05 Billion to Rebuild Blatnik Bridge Connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota,2026-03-18,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced over $1.05 billion for the replacement of the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge on I-535, which connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. The project has received bipartisan support from both the Wisconsin and Minnesota congressional delegations. ""More than 33,000 vehicles rely on the Blatnik Bridge each day, making it a vital link for workers, families, and businesses across the Twin Ports. After decades of use, replacing this bridge is critical to ensuring safe and dependable travel across the St. Louis Bay. With federal funding now secured, this project can move forward to deliver modern, reliable infrastructure that supports good-paying union jobs, strengthens supply chains, and provides safer commutes,"" said Congressman Tiffany.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5101,"Grothman, Pocan Introduce SAFE Pathways Act to Protect Aquatic Fisheries and Local Economies",2026-03-16,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, legislation designed to protect Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes from the spread of invasive species, like Asian Carp. Fishways are a key tool for supporting native fish populations, but when poorly planned, they can inadvertently allow harmful species to move into new waterways, disrupting ecosystems and costing taxpayers billions. The SAFE Pathways Act ensures federal agencies assess these risks and incorporate proven safeguards before constructing new fishways, protecting both our environment and local economies. The legislation is supported by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. “Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes are some of our state’s greatest resources, and we have a responsibility to protect them,” said Rep. Grothman. “Fishways are an important tool to help native species thrive, but if they’re poorly designed or located, they can unintentionally create highways for invasive species that devastate our waters, harm wildlife, and cost taxpayers billions in damage and cleanup. “The SAFE Pathways Act makes sure federal agencies take a hard look at these risks, plan responsibly, and use proven tools to prevent problems before they start. This is smart, proactive policy that keeps our fisheries healthy, safeguards local economies, and protects our nation’s natural resources for generations to come.” “Invasive species pose a tremendous threat to the $5.1 billion Great Lakes fishery,” said Dr. Marc Gaden, Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. “This legislation will help stop the spread of these harmful species, many of which have caused billions of dollars of damage to our highly valued lakes and tributaries.” “The SAFE Pathways Act is a smart, forward‑looking investment in protecting our native fisheries and the communities that depend on them,” said Christie Trifone Millhouse, Executive Director of NAISMA. “By requiring agencies to assess invasive species risks before new fishways are built, this legislation strengthens ecological resilience, safeguards local economies, and helps prevent the costly impacts of invasive species before they take hold.” Background Information Fishways allow native fish to navigate around dams and other barriers, supporting population growth and preserving species. However, improperly planned fishways can create pathways for invasive species, which disrupt aquatic ecosystems through predation, habitat destruction, and competition for resources. In 2021, invasive species caused an estimated $26 billion in lost economic activity across North America. The SAFE Pathways Act requires federal agencies to evaluate the risk of invasive species before constructing new fishways and incorporate mitigation strategies like biological controls, physical barriers, and targeted design standards. By addressing these risks early, the legislation helps safeguard Wisconsin’s fisheries, protect local economies, and reduce costly environmental damage before it happens. -30-",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T21:05:58Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-steil-call-investigation-newcaps-misuse-taxpayer-dollars,"Wied, Steil Call for Investigation into Newcap's Misuse of Taxpayer Dollars",2026-03-16,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressmen Tony Wied (R-WI-08) and Bryan Steil (R-WI-01) wrote a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, calling for an investigation into the allegations of egregious mismanagement of taxpayer dollars by Newcap Inc. in Green Bay, WI. “Northeast Wisconsin families work hard for their money, and it is our duty to ensure that every single one of their taxpayer dollars is used efficiently,"" said Wied. ""The allegations of misuse of funds at Newcap for the personal gain of executives and employees are unacceptable. I urge HUD to conduct a full investigation so taxpayers across Wisconsin’s 8th District can see how every penny was spent.” ""Wisconsin families deserve to know grants funded by their tax dollars are used responsibly and efficiently,"" said Steil. ""The allegations of excessive spending raise serious concerns about wasteful and abusive behavior with taxpayer funds. I urge HUD to investigate the allegations of misuse and restore good governance and responsible management of critical housing programs.” Background: Newcap is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to move people from poverty to opportunities and economic security, while enhancing community development.” However, in both 2023 and 2024, Newcap reported a $2 million deficit, despite receiving nearly $11 million from the federal government and nearly $3 million from the state. This deficit appears to be driven by abnormally high salaries for executives (including nearly $240,000 in annual compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, more than double her salary in 2018) and the misuse of grant funds to purchase first-class plane tickets and “team building activities” that included high-end dinners and cooking classes, among other items. Executive compensation at Newcap exceeded all 14 other peer agencies in the State. Further, Newcap’s executive compensation also included a $50,000 bonus for their CEO drawing off a Bezos Family Grant in a practice one charity watchdog criticized as “frowned upon in the nonprofit sector” for its potential to create “inappropriate incentives.” According to Newcap’s most recently published audit, $3 million of Newcap’s annual receipts came from various HUD programs, including Permanent Supportive Housing, the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Grant, and the HOME Homebuyer and Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. Money that should have gone towards helping Wisconsinites find safe and stable housing may have instead padded executive salaries and funded staff outings. This presents a clear case of wasteful and abusive behavior with taxpayer funds.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-announces-2026-service-academy-day,Tiffany Announces 2026 Service Academy Day,2026-03-06,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WAUSAU, WI – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced that his 2026 Service Academy Day will be on Saturday, April 4th, in Merrill. The event will be held at the Northwoods Veterans Post from 10 AM to 12 PM, followed by individual questions, and will end by 1 PM. “It is my honor to invite all students in the Seventh District to attend my Service Academy Day. I hope that all those with an interest in serving in our nation’s military will take advantage of this opportunity to get firsthand insight into the Service Academy application and nomination processes,” said Congressman Tiffany. Service Academy Days are designed to familiarize students and parents who reside within Wisconsin's Seventh Congressional District with the application and nomination processes for each of the U.S. service academies. The deadline to apply for a service academy nomination from Congressman Tiffany is Friday, September 25th at 5 PM. Details for Merrill Service Academy Day: Saturday, April 4th, 2026 Location: Northwoods Veterans Post 601 Johnson Street Merrill, WI 54452 Time: 10 AM – 1 PM (Registration begins at 9:30 AM) Students will have the opportunity to learn best practices when seeking a nomination to a service academy from members of Congressman Tiffany’s staff, as well as representatives from the U.S Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Admission is free, and parents, teachers, and students of all grade levels are welcome to attend. All high school students admitted to our nation's military service academies must first receive a nomination from at least one member of their state's Congressional Delegation, the Vice President, or the President of the United States. Accepted students receive a fully funded, four-year university education and a commission as a U.S. military officer upon graduation. High school students seeking Congressman Tiffany's service academy nomination should visit his website to access the application and learn more about the nomination process.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5077,Grothman’s CRACKDOWN Act Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee,2026-03-05,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) today announced that his Combating Regulatory Abuse, Closing Known Deficiencies, and Overseeing Waste Nationwide (CRACKDOWN) Act (H.R. 7721) advanced through the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce. The proposal reflects lessons learned from successful reforms in Wisconsin and encourages states to address improper government payments before problems escalate, as recently seen in Minnesota. Grothman’s bill establishes a 5% improper payment threshold for states participating in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program, If the state goes above the 5% CCDBG improper payment threshold, then the state is required to take corrective action. This bill strengthens oversight and ensures taxpayer dollars are protected from waste, fraud, and abuse. “When improper payment rates rise above the level of honest mistakes, it’s a clear sign that something needs to be addressed,” said Rep. Grothman. “The CRACKDOWN Act sets a 5 percent threshold so states take action before small problems spiral into major fraud or abuse of taxpayer dollars. “Wisconsin understands the importance of strong oversight. In 2010, our state faced widespread fraud within its child care program and responded with meaningful reforms, expanding background checks, creating a dedicated fraud unit, and strengthening audits. Because of those reforms, Wisconsin now has an improper payment rate below 1 percent. “Unfortunately, not every state has taken those steps. Minnesota, for example, currently has an improper payment rate of 9.18 percent, nearly double the national average. With the national improper payment rate around 4.9 percent, the current 10 percent threshold is simply too high. Lowering it to 5 percent creates a fair and responsible benchmark for accountability while keeping in place the corrective action tools states need to get back on track. Thirty-eight states already meet this standard today, proving this is a common-sense step to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure these programs operate the way they should.” Background Information H.R. 7721, the CRACKDOWN Act, lowers the improper payment threshold in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program from 10 percent to 5 percent. States exceeding the threshold must implement a corrective action plan to improve program integrity and reduce improper payments. The current national improper payment rate is approximately 4.9 percent. Thirty-eight states already meet the proposed 5 percent benchmark. Wisconsin implemented major reforms in 2010 to combat fraud in its child care system, including stronger background checks, the creation of a fraud unit, and expanded auditing. The state now maintains an improper payment rate below 1 percent. -30-",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T21:05:58Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-applauds-farm-bill-advancing-out-committee,Van Orden Applauds Farm Bill Advancing Out of Committee,2026-03-05,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | MARCH 5, 2025 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Agriculture advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, sending the legislation to the House floor for consideration. Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement regarding the advancement of the bill: “Agriculture is the cornerstone of Wisconsin and the backbone of our nation. From dairy farms to family operations that have been passed down for generations, our farmers help feed the nation and keep rural communities strong. Wisconsin isn’t just a dairy state — it’s the Dairy State, and our producers set the standard for hard work and quality. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 builds on the progress we made supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities and delivers the tools our producers need to stay competitive and our Nation fed. Wisconsin farmers work tirelessly to provide food for families across this country, and they deserve certainty and support from Washington. I’m proud to work across the aisle to deliver for our farmers and rural communities and look forward to advancing this legislation on the House floor.” The legislation now heads to the House floor for consideration. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-statement-potus-dhs-announcement,Van Orden Statement on POTUS’ DHS Announcement,2026-03-05,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | MARCH 5, 2026 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement on President Trump’s announcement regarding DHS: “The mission of the Department of Homeland Security has never been more important. Securing our borders and protecting the American people must remain the top priority. We must fully fund DHS so President Trump can carry out the American people’s mandate, including mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens that the Biden administration allowed to flood in. I thank President Trump for staying focused on the mission to keep our national security at the forefront. I look forward to Senator Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation and know that he will ensure our homeland remains safe and secure.”",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-agriculture-committee-passes-farm-bill-rep-wieds-amendments-included,House Agriculture Committee Passes Farm Bill with Rep. Wied's Amendments Included,2026-03-05,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier today, Congressman Tony Wied joined his colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture to pass the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 out of committee. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to pass this long overdue Farm Bill out of Committee,” said Congressman Wied. “This bill is the result of extensive bipartisan work and stakeholder input and will invest in rural communities, prioritize American commodities, restore regulatory certainty, and finally put the 'farm' back in Farm Bill. We are providing Wisconsin farmers with the tools they need to thrive for years to come.” Background: Since the first farm bill was passed in 1933, it has been an essential driver of American agriculture. Much has changed since the first bill was passed, with science, technology, and innovation allowing our country to produce the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world. The new challenges and opportunities our producers face require new policy, and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 rises to meet the occasion. This bill builds on the historic ag investments made last summer in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The last Farm Bill was passed in 2018. Although it was intended to cover only a 5-year period, Congress failed to bring the new bill to the floor in 2024, leaving American farmers with uncertainty and subject to outdated policies. This year, the House Committee on Agriculture is determined to bring the bill to the floor for a full House vote. Congressman Wied is proud to have introduced three bipartisan Amendments that were included in the final bill.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:18:47Z