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://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1376,Grothman Statement on Hanukkah,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) released the following statement in observance of the final day of Hanukkah: As Hanukkah ends tonight, I want to, one more time, say Chag Sameach! Happy Hanukkah! Said Grothman. Hanukkah is a joyous occasion that celebrates an important part of Jewish history. I am thankful for all of my Jewish friends and hope they have enjoyed a happy and safe holiday season. While many are celebrating and spending time with family, let us not forget that anti-Semitism is still far too prevalent throughout the United States and the world. Earlier this month we saw an anti-Semitic shooting at a grocery store in New Jersey and just this past weekend a man broke into a New York Rabbi's home and stabbed five people. These heinous acts have no place in our society. I will continue to use my position in Congress to promote pro-Jewish policies and sentiments. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his third term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BEE68DD0-9A1B-4A66-AAAC-B269ECB3D2CF,Johnson: House Impeachment Charges Pretty Thin Gruel,2019-12-22,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"OSHKOSH U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) appeared on ABC's This Week to discuss the Democrats' effort to impeach the president. Excerpts of the interview are below. The full interview can be found here. (0:35) The case is pretty thin that the House is sending over to us, if they ever send it over to us pretty thin gruel from my standpoint.So, we'll let both sides have a fair chance of making their case, then we should take a vote. (1:24) I just think it's kind of bizarre. They had to rush to this impeachment vote and then, all of a sudden, [Speaker Pelosi's] sitting on it. I don't think the Senate should be making the case that the House should have made in their presentation. My guess is they weren't able to make the case. (6:55) After 2016 we're doing Putin's work for him. Democrats and the media, carrying the water for this false Russia hoax. Look at the disruption. Look at how distracted we all are based on a completely false narrative of Trump's campaign's collusion with Russia. There are some real serious questions of what happened during the FBI's investigation into that. There are serious questions about some actors with the DNC working with people in Ukraine. There are many unanswered questions. They are legitimate questions. I'm trying to get to the bottom of those things so the American public knows. If there was wrongdoing they need to know that. If there was no wrongdoing we need to know that as well so we can move beyond. We have serious issues facing this nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wfrv-baldwin-gets-the-job-done-for-wisconsin-farmers-in-federal-funding-bill,WFRV: Baldwin Gets the Job Done for Wisconsin Farmers in Federal Funding Bill,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wisn-baldwin-helps-secure-federal-funding-to-conduct-gun-violence-research,WISN: Baldwin Helps Secure Federal Funding to Conduct Gun Violence Research,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-secures-wins-for-wisconsin-in-bipartisan-defense-spending-legislation,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures Wins for Wisconsin in Bipartisan Defense Spending Legislation,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.19 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures Wins for Wisconsin in Bipartisan Defense Spending Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured a number of critical investments for Wisconsin in the final defense spending legislation that passed Congress this week and will be signed into law by the President today. I worked to make sure the final bipartisan defense spending bill includes a number of funding provisions that support our veterans and our economy in Wisconsin, said Senator Baldwin. I'm pleased the President will sign this bipartisan legislation and ensure we are continuing to invest in Wisconsin veterans, workers, manufacturers and our Made in Wisconsin economy. Funding for Opioid Drug Abuse Prevention for Veterans Senator Baldwin was able to secure $56 million in opioid treatment and prevention funding to support service members at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This funding will support the continued opioid safety initiatives and reforms outlined in Senator Baldwin'sJason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act,which was signed into law in 2016. At Baldwin's request, the legislation also directs the VA to report to Congress detailing the actions to address each finding and recommendation included in GAO's May 2018 report on progress made towards improving opioid safety. Great Lakes Ice Breaker The legislation adds $4 million in construction and personnel funding to hire the necessary staff for a new program office charged with building a second Great Lakes Icebreaker. The office is required to be set up within 6 months. An additional Great Lakes Ice Breaker will help ensure that vessels can effectively cross the Great Lakes without delay. Vessel delays caused by the 2018-2019 ice season resulted in the loss of 5,421 jobs that are dependent upon the U.S. fleet's ability to deliver cargo throughout the Great Lakes Region. Businesses that depend upon the region's maritime industry lost over $1 billion in revenues because of delays caused by inadequate icebreaking. Due to the lost business revenue, the federal government lost over $125 million in taxes in addition to the $46 million lost by state and local governments. Oshkosh Defense Wheeled Vehicles Senator Baldwin worked to make sure the final defense spending legislation includes full funding for Medium and Heavy wheeled vehicles produced by Oshkosh Defense.Restoring funding to these cuts proposed by the President is a priority that supports hundreds of jobs in small and medium sized businesses across the Midwest and are crucial to our national and economic security. Buy America Continuing her efforts to make sure America is buying what Wisconsin makes, Senator Baldwin pushed to make sure the final bipartisan legislation includes her Buy America amendment that will require certain American-made U.S. Navy ships to be built using domestically-sourced components, including ensuring that the U.S. Navy uses diesel engines produced by Fairbanks Morse Engine in Beloit. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-house-passage-usmca,Gallagher Statement on House Passage of USMCA,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today issued the following statement after the House passed the USMCA in overwhelming bipartisan fashion by a vote of 385 to 41. In an increasingly global economy, strong trade agreements are vital to Wisconsin farms and businesses. This agreement will be a substantial improvement over the status quo, and stands to support thousands of Wisconsin jobs, expand market access to Canadian and Mexican markets, particularly for our dairy farmers, and provide another jolt to an already strong economy. For more than a year, Speaker Pelosi played political games with this agreement at the expense of hardworking Americans. This vote is long overdue, but I'm glad to see my colleagues come together to bring the USMCA one step closer to a reality. Click here to watch Rep. Gallagher discuss one of the key victories negotiated in the USMCA. Background: In 2017, Wisconsin exported approximately $10.9 billion in goods and services to Canada and Mexico. Trade between the three countries supports over 230,000 jobs in Wisconsin.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/why-i-voted-against-the-trump-impeachment,Why I Voted Against the Trump Impeachment,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By this time, Congress had already established that grand jury perjury was an impeachable offense: In 1989 we had removed a federal judge Walter L. Nixon Jr. for that very crime. When I delivered the opening argument in the Senate trial, I noted that we ought not to hold the president to a lower standard than we do a federal judge. Fast forward to the present day, and things are drastically different. Just moments after President Trump took the oath of office, The Washington Post ran a headline, The Campaign to Impeach President Trump Has Begun. Chairman Nadler latercampaignedfor the Judiciary gavel with the promise that he was best fit to lead an impeachment. Worse, 103 current members of the House Democratic Caucus voted to move forward with impeachment even before President Trump's July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Vitriol and blind hatred aside, President Trump has been robbed of his constitutionally protected due process rights. There was no independent investigation. Instead, Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, conducted a few weeks of closed-door hearings in the basement of the Capitol Visitor Center. This is the same man who infamously stated on cable television that he had overwhelming evidence that President Trump had colluded with the Russians during the 2016 election. The special counsel Robert Mueller found nothing of the sort. The closed-door hearings led to a railroad job in the House Judiciary Committee, where a majority denied those of us in the minority our rights. When we finally considered the articles of impeachment, they were so broad and flimsy that almost any other president could most likely have been accused of them. Article II, the obstruction of Congress charge, is particularly bad, as Democrats failed even to give a court the proper arbiter of these disagreements the chance to weigh in on the matter. Further, none of the articles allege that the president committed a crime a drastic departure from the Nixon and Clinton cases. Nevertheless, Democrats prioritized haste as they jammed through their impeachment vote. Again and again, Democrats told us that Congress could not wait to impeach the president. Yet Speaker Pelosi's decision to withhold the articles from the Senate shows us that we can apparently wait. This whole exercise has been completely bunk. Earlier this year, I wrote inThe Wall Street Journalthat an unfair process cannot lead us to true justice. The House impeachment inquiry and process was unfair, and therefore unjust. Amajority of my constituentsin Wisconsin a key battleground state do not support the impeachment charade against the president. Rather, they ask why we don't wait a few months and let the voters decide whether President Trump should remain in office. One fear, proffered by Al Green, a Democratic representative from Texas, is that if we don't impeach this president, he will get re-elected. Apparently, the voters cannot be trusted. They might just choose President Trump. Again. The real damage done by all of this is the precedent it sets. President Trump if ever tried in the Senate will most likely be acquitted. However, by lowering the bar of what is an impeachable offense and by failing to meet the Pelosi/Nadler criteria, we will all but ensure that all future divided governments will lead to impeachments. Mere policy disagreements will become charges of abuse of power. The founders feared that impeachment might someday be used for solely partisan reasons. For 230 years, Congress had fought off that temptation. Unfortunately, in 2019, some let their disdain for President Trump lead us down this path. I never thought I'd experience another presidential impeachment. As I walked out of the House chamber following my second, I felt saddened, not just for President Trump and the 63 million people who elected him, but also for future generations. If Democrats thought impeaching a president was difficult, just wait until they have to clean up their mess. Jim Sensenbrenner (@JimPressOffice), a Republican, represents Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District. He has served as a House impeachment manager for four Senate trials, more than anyone in history. He also served as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2001 to 2007.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/funding-to-conduct-gun-violence-research,Baldwin Helps Secure Federal Funding to Conduct Gun Violence Research For First Time in More Than 20 Years,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.19 Baldwin Helps Secure Federal Funding to Conduct Gun Violence Research For First Time in More Than 20 Years As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has long supported funding for gun violence prevention research WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure $25 million in the Fiscal Year 2020 government funding agreement for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study gun violence prevention. This is the first time in more than 20 years that Congress has appropriated federal funding for gun violence research. In last year's funding bill, Congress adopted language clarifying that a longstanding measure that bars the use of federal dollars to advocate or promote gun control, known as the Dickey Amendment, does not prevent those funds from supporting research into the causes of gun violence. I believe that Congress has a moral responsibility to confront gun violence like the public health crisis it is, said Senator Baldwin. I'm proud to say Congress finally took action today and is providing $25 million to study the effects of gun violence on our communities, and how to prevent it so we can save lives. Research funding provides us with opportunities to reduce gun violence in the United States. The academic scientific community is excited to learn about the modest allocation of research funding that has been approved for NIH and CDC. As with other complex diseases, we can learn more about the causes and optimal treatments for patients who are injured with a bullet, said Stephen Hargarten, MD, MPH, Professor of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Associate Dean for the Global Health Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Director of the Comprehensive Injury Center. Gun violence is a significant and pervasive public health burden, and many of us have been working together to perform analysis and research on this issue. We collectively are dedicated to make our communities healthy and safe. This government funding agreement includes $12.5 million for CDC and $12.5 million for NIH to conduct gun violence prevention research. Baldwin has long supported funding for gun violence prevention research and has cosponsored legislation to provide funding for the CDC to conduct or support research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1368,Grothman’s Letter to Sec. DeVos,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today, along with Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Ron Wright (R-TX), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and Randy Weber (R-TX), sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos expressing compliance concerns with Title VI-funded Middle East Studies National Resource Centers (NRCs), given that many directors and faculty members of these centers have endorsed academic boycotts of Israel, which defy the purpose of the grant program. The letter also requests the Secretary to continue the Department of Education's oversight efforts to ensure NRCs are compliant with the statutory purposes and requirements of Title VI and for the Secretary to take proactive actions to ensure future NRC grantees make verifiable assurances that they will comply with the purposes of Title VI, including the enhancement of grant application requirements to include that applicants provide assurances that they will not implement an academic boycott of a country within their program or center's purview. To view the letter, please click here. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his third term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1369,Grothman Statement on USMCA and Impeachment,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives was finally given a vote on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) released the following statement after the vote: The USMCA is the 21st century solution we need to promote free trade, economic growth and continued cooperation between the United States, Mexico and Canada. This trade agreement should have been taken up by Congress a year ago, said Grothman. Wisconsin's world-famous dairy industry, and our entire agriculture sector, will benefit from the USMCA trade agreement. Additionally, the 231,000 Wisconsin jobs and nearly $11 billion worth of Wisconsin exports supported by trade with Canada and Mexico will be provided a better playing field. The USMCA also repairs glaring holes in NAFTA that have, for too long, allowed China to penetrate North American markets. While it was disappointing to see 38 Democrats vote against this improved trade deal, I applaud President Trump for his leadership on the USMCA and am glad that we have a President who is willing to tackle issues that his predecessors, of both parties, refused to address. The impeachment inquiry, which had bipartisan opposition, took the lion's share of the focus this week. Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leadership spent far too much time and taxpayer money on an unfair, unfounded investigation. I am glad that Congress was able to quickly move past that distraction and deliver a win for the American economy and our workers. Background In November of 2018, President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau and former President Nieto of Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) at the G20 summit in Argentina. Leaders of each country, along with hundreds of businesses and trade associations, agree that the USMCA updates the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and will be beneficial to workers in all countries, particularly to U.S. agricultural and manufacturing industries. More than a year has passed and the trade agreement has just now been brought to a vote by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This deal represents a huge upgrade from NAFTA and benefits virtually every industry in our economy from agriculture and manufacturing to digital trade and e-commerce. This is great news for Wisconsin, where our local economy is fueled by agriculture and manufacturing. In particular, dairy farmers in Wisconsin will see significant relief from this trade agreement. Under the USMCA, U.S. dairy farmers will be able to export the equivalent of 3.6% of Canada's dairy market, more than tripling the existing level of approximately 1%. Canada and Mexico represent two of our top three trading partners and account for one quarter of all U.S. exports. Nearly $11 billion in goods and services from Wisconsin were exported to Mexico and Canada in 2017. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his third term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-votes-house-passes-usmca,"Rep. Kind Votes, House Passes USMCA",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Rep. Ron Kind and the House of Representatives voted to pass the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The agreement passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in a largely bipartisan manner. For months, my colleagues and I worked to get a trade deal that ensures a level playing field for Wisconsin farmers, workers, and families, keeps jobs in the United States, and makes this deal enforceable. I'm proud of the work we've done. This deal is a great example of what can be accomplished when people work across the aisle to get things done and should serve as the template for all future trade agreement negotiations. USMCA is a renewed commitment between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and I look forward to working with our trade allies to continue advancing a North American economy that creates good-paying jobs and is in line with our values, said Rep. Ron Kind. I now encourage Senate Majority Leader McConnell to not let this be yet another bipartisan bill to die in the Senate. Let's move this deal across the finish line so Wisconsin dairy farmers can finally get access to these new markets. With Mexico being one of our biggest export markets, we are thrilled to see USMCA move a huge step closer to being implemented, said Cindy Brown, President ofChippewa Valley Bean Co., Inc. Specifically, we appreciate Rep. Kind's tireless efforts to obtain robust enforcement language, this gives growers certainty that they will not encounter non-tariff barriers."" Pork producers are happy to see USMCA move across the finish line. Canada and Mexico import 40% of US pork exports. This agreement gives pork producers in Wisconsin the continued certainty that they need to export into these vital markets. We thank Ron Kind for his hard work to ensure that we retained zero-duty access into both markets, said Howard (AV) Roth, President-Elect of National Pork Producers, from Wauzeka, WI. Thanks to the work of the Teamsters, House Democrats, and our labor allies, we finally have a trade deal that protects worker interests and enforces labor standards, said Bill Carroll, Teamsters Joint Council 39 Political & Legislative Coordinator. The revised USMCA is better than the initially signed agreement and a significant improvement over the original NAFTA. This holiday season will be a bit brighter for America's dairy farmers as today's vote brings us one step closer to finalizing USMCA and securing a more certain future for the dairy industry, said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. Wisconsin's dairy industry appreciates the work that Congressman Kind has invested to ensure USMCA will provide expanded market opportunities and a more level playing field for dairy exports, in a manner that will be effectively enforced to help ensure those gains are realized. Now we are counting on the Senate to act quickly and finalize USMCA in order to deliver its improvements to North American trade. Wisconsin Farm Bureau appreciates Ron Kind's work on the USMCA as part of the Ways and Means Committee. Farm Bureau members are optimistic about the future of the USMCA and subsequent trade agreements that will continue to support our farmers and rural communities, said Joe Bragger, President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, from Independence, WI. Congressman Kind is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Trade and the co-chair of the New Democrat Coalitions' Trade Task Force. The Ways and Means Committee is the most powerful - and the oldest - committee in the House of Representatives. In these roles, Congressman Kind worked diligently with Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal and United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to improve the agreement that was negotiated by the Administration last fall. In March of 2017, before negotiations had even commenced, Congressman Kind called on the Administration to renegotiate NAFTA to increase dairy access into Canada for Wisconsin farmers. This win was included agreement allowing our dairy farmers to have expanded access into the Canadian market. Additionally, he also demanded that the revised USMCA be fully enforceable, including stronger labor and environmental protections. These changes were included in USMCA creating a new gold standard for trade enforcement. Rep. Kind also called for the end of misguided metal tariffs against our allies, the 232 tariffs on Mexico and Canada, which were removed before the ratification of the agreement. Lastly, Rep. Kind successfully called for ending the Administration's attempts to take more authority from Congress in the setting of tariffs by unilaterally changing the de minimis threshold for both Canada and Mexico. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-pocan-votes-no-on-usmca,Congressman Pocan Votes ‘No’ on USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement following the House of Representatives vote on the implementing bill for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. ""Today, I voted against the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Though this new deal is a definitive improvement from NAFTA, I cannot be confident that this trade deal would correct its core flaws that led to the outsourcing of hundreds of thousands of American jobs, as well as serious environmental concerns. ""This was not an easy vote. The original USMCA proposed by President Trump was an unacceptable handout to pharmaceutical companies as well as failing to protect workers or our planet. Democrats, unions, and progressive advocates stood up to the President, and made this new deal better—including improving labor standards, removing the big, sloppy kiss to Big Pharma and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. ""Unfortunately, I cannot be confident that this trade deal would heal the wounds inflicted by NAFTA including, rampant outsourcing of American jobs, the closing of factories and manufacturing facilities across the country, and decades of harm to working and middle-class communities. The deal also fails to take a once in a generation opportunity for North America to take bold, collective action to address the climate crisis that threatens the future of our entire planet. ""Assuredly, this trade deal will provide some certainty to Wisconsin farmers and dairy producers, struggling in our current economy. However, this is not a wholesale solution to the issues of dairy or other segments of agriculture in the Midwest. I call on the administration to cease their chaotic tactics and trade war by tweet that have put family farmers in harms way and contributed to the closing of over 1900 dairy farms since the start of Donald Trump's presidency. ""Our goal should be a trade deal that is a model for future deals—not merely a marginal improvement to existing law, with questions about its ultimate effectiveness.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-a-vote-that-sets-the-precedent-for-all-future-presidents,Pocan: ‘A Vote That Sets the Precedent for All Future Presidents’,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following video after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump. See the full text of his video below. On January 3rd, 2013, I was sworn into Congress. On that day, I swore an oath—an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all its enemies. Unfortunately, President Trump has made it clear: he doesn't support our Constitution. In July of 2019, President Trump blocked $400 million in Congressionally-approved aid that Ukraine desperately needed to defend itself against Russia. But he needed Ukraine to do him a favor first though. President Trump asked that the President of Ukraine launch an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, military aid and a meeting with the president would only come after. But this is not about a single call or a single transcript. This is about a perfect storm—months of activity directly ordered by the President to his senior Cabinet and political appointees. Months of activity led by this President to pressure the Ukrainian government to conduct investigations into his political rivals. There is no question about it—this was a clear and orchestrated plan laid out by this President, inviting a foreign power to interfere in our democracy. President Trump betrayed his oath of office. He abused the power of his office—the highest office in the land—for personal and political gain. Since then, he has refused to cooperate with a co-equal branch of the federal government—the United States Congress—by refusing to provide any documents or allowing any government witnesses to testify. This obstruction of Congress coupled with his shameless abuse of power make up the articles of impeachment the House of Representatives passed today. Our vote to impeach the president should not have been a partisan vote. It was a vote for our Constitution and a vote for the future of our country. It was a vote that sets the precedent for all future presidents—Democrat or Republican. In his long life, Donald J. Trump has never been held accountable for his actions. Today, Democrats sent a clear signal to this president and all future presidents: No one is above the law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/ron-kind-votes-to-impeach-donald-trump-fellow-house-members-also-vote-along-party-lines,Ron Kind votes to impeach Donald Trump; fellow House members also vote along party lines,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By; Mitchell Schmidt of the Wisconsin State Journal Wisconsin's House members hewed to party lines Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump, with U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, whose district is the most narrowly divided among the state's congressional districts, finally breaking his silence during the historic vote. Reps. Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth, Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, and Kind voted in favor of the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Reps. Bryan Steil, R-Janesville, Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah, and Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, voted against both articles of impeachment. Kind, D-La Crosse, was the only Wisconsin congressman to not indicate how he intended to vote ahead of Wednesday's impeachment. That also made him the only Democrat representing a district Trump won in 2016 who didn't reveal his position ahead of time, according to a tally by The Washington Post. I've reviewed the evidence and followed the hearings. It's clear the President's actions were a flagrant abuse of constitutional power; it was unlawful, and it jeopardized our national security, Kind said in a statement. Some have argued to let the voters in the next election decide. But how can we trust an election that the President is trying to corrupt? With Trump winning Kind's district in western Wisconsin by four points in 2016, breaking a streak of Democratic presidential candidate victories, the congressman's Wednesday vote could serve to reinforce his strength among Democratic voters, while also alienating some of Trump's supporters in Kind's more rural district. Four of Wisconsin's House members spoke on the floor during the six-hour debate. Kind, Gallagher and Steil did not. Districts represented by Pocan and Moore have strong Democratic majorities. This is a vote for our Constitution, setting the precedent for all future presidents, Democrat or Republican, Pocan said during the House floor debate Wednesday. Donald Trump must be held accountable for his actions. Today we send a clear signal for this president and all future presidents. No one is above the law. Sensenbrenner, who is retiring after this term and serves on the House Judiciary Committee that forwarded the articles of impeachment last week to the House, spoke Wednesday against what he called phony articles of impeachment. We are here because the majority caucus, the Democratic caucus, has been hijacked by the radical left, he said. They have wanted to reverse the course of the 2016 election ever since Donald J. Trump won that election. Grothman accused Democratic lawmakers of embarking on impeachment proceedings the moment Trump was elected. This impeachment is not about anything that happened on a phone call, this impeachment is about what President Trump has done, Grothman said. President Trump is keeping his campaign promises and you hate him for that. Moore challenged the argument that Democratic lawmakers are using the impeachment to overturn the 2016 election. I agree, elections are the appropriate venue for public policy disputes, however we're not talking about a public policy dispute, we're talking about a president who subverted national security by soliciting foreign interference in our election, Moore said. The exact thing our Founding Fathers feared. Northern Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, formerly held by vocal Trump supporter and Republican Sean Duffy until his September resignation due to the birth of his ninth child, will remain vacant until a May special election. Kind district split Kind has won his House seat by comfortable margins. He didn't face a general election opponent in 2016, when Trump won his district. In 2018, he won by nearly 20 points. However, Marquette Law School polls from 2017 to 2019 have found an even partisan split in Kind's district. Respondents over the last three years including those who lean to a party in the district have been 44% Democrat, 44% Republican and 10% independent. Kind's district also included the narrowest divide among respondents on whether or not they felt Trump should be impeached and removed from office. Polls conducted in October, November and December with a sample of 287 total respondents found 45% of respondents approved of impeachment and removal from office, while 50% were against. Kind's is the only one that is sort of in the middle, Marquette poll director Charles Franklin said. The risk that he kind of runs is if there is a super mobilization of Trump voters in 2020 In a close district like Kind's, that might be a risky thing for him. On the other hand, Democrats are awfully riled up about this. Anthony Chergosky, a UW-La Crosse assistant professor of political science, said an impeachment vote forces Kind, who has trended more moderate than other congressional Democrats, to weigh in on what has become an intensely partisan issue. It puts him in a tough spot, Chergosky said. About half the district is going to be mad at him regardless of what he chooses. However, Joe Heim, emeritus professor of political science with UW-La Crosse, said voters in the 3rd Congressional District are not dyed-in-the-wool members of their party. People here are a little more willing to split their tickets than other parts of the state, Heim said. Chergosky added that Kind's status as an incumbent and a lack of a high-profile GOP challenger should benefit him in 2020. If a Republican is going to win an election over Ron Kind, they're going to have to win over voters who have supported him in the past and that is no easy task, Chergosky said. I think Ron Kind is pretty safe. Currently, Republicans Brandon Cook and Shannon Moats are vying for Kind's seat. Republican Party of Wisconsin executive director Mark Jefferson singled out Kind's vote in a statement Wednesday night. Democrats like Rep. Ron Kind have tried to conceal their stance on the issue when they knew how they would vote weeks, if not months, Jefferson said. Today's vote displays the sad state of politics where Rep. Ron Kind and other Democrats want to see President Trump fail at the expense of the American people. Michael Smuksta, chairman of the La Crosse County Democratic Party, still likes Kind's chances of winning a 13th term next November. Even some conservatives, who may not be Trump conservatives, like what he does, Smuksta said. If he's the nominee coming out of the primary facing a Republican, my bet is the voters in this district are not going to replace a Democrat with a Republican.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-criticizes-pelosi-over-impeachment-delay,SENSENBRENNER CRITICIZES PELOSI OVER IMPEACHMENT DELAY,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: James Wigdergson of Right Wisconsin Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI5) sharply criticized Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) over the possibility that she would delay transmittal of the articles of impeachment of President Donald Trump to the U.S. Senate. The Democrats repeatedly said that President Trump had to be impeached now. This can't wait' was the common refrain, Sensenbrenner said in a statement released Thursday. Well, apparently, it can wait. Speaker Pelosi is withholding the articles of impeachment from the Senate because her case cannot win over there. While Democrats were able to railroad the first strictly-partisan impeachment through the House, their power has limits and cannot guarantee their desired verdict in the Senate. The House of Representatives passed two articles of impeachment on Wednesday. Normally this would result in the transmission of the articles to the Senate for a trial. However, some Democrats have seized on an idea by Bulwark Online Editor Charlie Sykes to delay sending the articles of impeachment until Republicans in the Senate agree to rules proposed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), including the calling of new witnesses to testify. Schumer's proposal was rejected by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who responded that it was up to the House of Representatives to do the investigative work of impeachment. The House chose this road, McConnell said. It is their duty to investigate. It is their duty to meet the very high bar for undoing a national election. It is unclear how House Democrats could force the Senate to accept the Democrats' proposal for the trial format when Senate Republicans are already disinclined to consider removing Trump from office. Sensenbrenner, the former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, was one of the House Managers of the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. He criticized Pelosi for attempting to control the format of the Senate trial. The Constitution clearly gives the Senate, not Speaker Pelosi, the sole Power to try all Impeachments.' While the Speaker was able to manage the process meticulously in the House, she does not get to dictate the terms of the Senate trial, Sensenbrenner said. If impeachment really were as urgent as the Democrats said, then let the Senate consider these Articles. Sensenbrenner added that the trial in the Senate will expose the flaws of the impeachment process. The criticism all along has been that this impeachment was weak, hurried, and partisan, Sensenbrenner said. Now it appears that Democrats are worried the flaws of their rush-job will be exposed when they no longer control the process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-democrats-hypocrisy-exposed-as-urgent-impeachment-can-now-wait,Sensenbrenner: Democrats Hypocrisy Exposed as Urgent Impeachment Can Now Wait,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI05) has served as a House manager in more Senate trials than any other member in history, including the 1998-99 impeachment of President Clinton. He offered the following statement in response to Speaker Pelosi's decision to withhold articles of impeachment from the Senate: The Democrats repeatedly said that President Trump had to be impeached now. This can't wait' was the common refrain. Well, apparently, it can wait. Speaker Pelosi is withholding the articles of impeachment from the Senate because her case cannot win over there. While Democrats were able to railroad the first strictly-partisan impeachment through the House, their power has limits and cannot guarantee their desired verdict in the Senate. The Constitution clearly gives the Senate, not Speaker Pelosi, 'the sole Power to try all Impeachments.' While the Speaker was able to manage the process meticulously in the House, she does not get to dictate the terms of the Senate trial. If impeachment really were as urgent as the Democrats said, then let the Senate consider these Articles. The criticism all along has been that this impeachment was weak, hurried, and partisan. Now it appears that Democrats are worried the flaws of their rush-job will be exposed when they no longer control the process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-votes-to-send-usmca-to-senate,Sensenbrenner Votes to Send USMCA to Senate,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) offered the following statement after voting for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):The House passage of the USMCA is a welcome Christmas present for Wisconsin's hard working families, especially our dairy farmers. This vote has been long overdue, and I urge the Senate to approve the trade deal as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/veteran-house-gop-impeachment-manager-warns-democrats-huge-mistake-to-hold-articles-as-leverage,Veteran House GOP impeachment manager warns Democrats: 'Huge mistake' to hold articles as leverage,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Susan Ferrechio of the Washington Examiner A House Republican who has presented several impeachment cases in the Senate is warning Democrats their threat to withhold the articles passed against President Trump to gain political leverage may backfire. If they are trying to use that as leverage to get the Senate to call witnesses, that will be a huge mistake on their part, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, a Wisconsin Republican, told the Washington Examiner. Sensenbrenner, 76, has managed four House impeachments, one of them against President Bill Clinton in 1998 and three involving the removal of federal judges. He is the former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. From my experience with previous impeachments, not just the Clinton one, but also the judicial ones, the Senate really dislikes House members telling the Senate what to do and how to do it,"" Sensenbrenner said. ""They do that at their great peril. Sensenbrenner, along with a dozen other GOP lawmakers, served as a manager in Clinton's 1999 Senate trial. He was appointed in a House vote that took place right after lawmakers voted to impeach Clinton for perjury and obstruction of justice charges. The House voted to impeach Trump late Wednesday on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But Democrats did not bring up a resolution to appoint impeachment managers. Instead, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said she is waiting to see the terms of the trial Senate Democrats and Republicans negotiate. Democrats want the Senate to call current and former Trump administration officials as witnesses and to subpoena documents the Trump administration has refused to turn over by asserting executive privilege. McConnell has rejected the request. McConnell plans to meet Thursday with minority leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, to try to work out an agreement for holding a trial. Until then, the impeachment process remains in limbo. Senate lawmakers had planned to hold a trial in January, but it all hinges on Pelosi delivering the articles. Without the articles, the Senate can't hold the trial, Sensenbrenner told the Washington Examiner. And if the idea is to remove Trump from office, which we all know isn't going to happen, rather than just make a political statement for what we have done here for the past two-and-a-half years, then they have to deliver the articles to the Senate. Sensenbrenner is retiring from the House after the 2020 elections, ending what will be a 42-year House career.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/wisconsin-delegation-follows-partisan-pattern-in-impeachment-vote-ron-kind-votes-yes,Wisconsin delegation follows partisan pattern in impeachment vote; Ron Kind votes yes,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel WASHINGTON -In the end, the members of Congress from Wisconsin mirrored the almost perfect partisan divide in the House of Representatives in the impeachment of President Donald Trump Wednesday. Democrat Ron Kind, the only lawmaker from the state who kept his vote under wraps until the end, voted for both articles of impeachment against Trump abuse of power and obstruction of Congress joining all but threemembers of his party on one count and all but fouron another. Every House Republican voted against impeachment. One independent (and former Republican) supported impeachment. Kind, a centrist Democrat from a western Wisconsin district that Trump narrowly carried in the 2016 presidential race, was one of justa handful of lawmakers who refused to declare their position in the days and hours leading up to the vote. Of the 31 House Democrats in Trump districts, 29voted for impeachment Wednesday, including Kind.The La Crosse Democrat had previously voted to endorse the impeachment inquiry and had sharply criticized the president's conduct in the Ukraine scandal. But the very competitive makeup of his heavily rural district set him apart from his two Democratic colleagues from Wisconsin (Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore) and from most Democrats in the House who holdmore one-sided seats. The voters in Kind'svery purple district voted for Democrat Barack Obama in 2012 by 11 points but for Trump by 4 points in 2016. ""It's clear the President's actions were a flagrant abuse of constitutional power; it was unlawful, and it jeopardized our national security,"" Kind said in a statement.My vote today was not about the President himselfmore importantly, it was about defending the rule of law, our Constitution, and what signal we send future presidents of what is acceptable behavior."" Before and during the House debate Wednesday, Democrats blamed the extremely partisan nature of the Trump impeachment fight on spineless Republicans circling the wagons around Trump while ignoring clear presidential misconduct. Republicans blamed the partisan nature of the debate on Democratic hatershellbenton takingTrump down. Democrats said failing to impeach Trump would dangerously lower the bar for future presidential conduct and green-light gross abuses of executive power. Republicans said impeaching Trump would dangerously lower the bar for impeachment and make impeachment a casualpolitical weapon. Democrats warned of Congress enabling an overbearing, anything-goes presidency. Republicans warned of a brazen congressional coup against the president. Democrats said they approached impeachment reluctantly and solemnly. Republicans accused them of approaching impeachment zealously and happily. It was a debate that crystallized both the GOP's full-throated, whole-hearted embrace of Trump and the Democratic Party's utter dismay,disdain and alarm over his presidency. Wisconsin Republicans Jim Sensenbrenner, Glenn Grothman, Mike Gallagher and Bryan Steil all voted no. Kind, Moore and Pocan voted yes. The statedelegation would normally cast eight votes in the House, but northern Wisconsin's 7th District is one of four across the country that has no representation at the moment, due to the resignation of Republican Sean Duffy. Sensenbrenner was one of the first Republicans to speak during the final House debate. Why are we here? We're here because ... the Democratic caucus has been hijacked by the radical left. They have wanted to reverse the course of the 2016 election ever since Donald Trump won that election, said Sensenbrenner, who was a central figure among House Republicans in the 1998 impeachment of Democrat Bill Clinton. Stop this charade, Sensenbrenner said. Moore said from the floor: We're talking about a president who subverted national security by soliciting foreign interference in our elections the exact thing our founding fathers feared and the exact circumstance for which they fashioned the impeachment clause. Our democracy, our Constitution deserves standing up for. Steil said on Twitter Wednesday: Today, I will be voting against impeachment. There is an election in less than a year. The American people should decide if a president should remain in office, not a handful of partisan politicians in Washington. Grothman told Democrats from the House floor: President Trump is keeping his campaign promises and you hate him for that. Pocan said from the floor: This is not about a single call or a single transcript. This is about a perfect storm, months of activity directly ordered by the president an orchestrated plan demanding a foreign power interfere in our democracy. President Trump betrayed his oath of office Today we send a clear signal to this president and all future presidents no one is above the law. Moore said in an interview before the vote, I keep trying to read and find some exculpatory evidence to support the president. I keep trying to find something that would say, 'Well, maybe, (he's not guilty),' and I just can't. Sensenbrenner said in his floor remarks a key failing of the case for impeachment was that there are no allegations the president has committed a crime. We've had almost threeyears of nonstop investigations at no time is there any evidence that Donald J. Trump violated any criminal statutes of the United States. In an interview before the vote, Sensenbrenner was asked whether he thought Trump did nothing wrong, or whether he believed the president did something inappropriate but his conduct wasn't impeachable. ""Well, I think we're splitting hairs there. I would say probably both,"" Sensenbrenner said. ""If I were in his shoes I would have dealt with the Ukrainians differently thanhe did, (but) I don't think the phone call in question is an impeachable offense."" Gallagher said in a TV interview that ""I worry this opens up a Pandora's box where we're mired in a state of perpetual impeachment."" The party-linepattern in the Trump impeachment vote was considerably starker than the votes in 1998 over Democrat Clinton's impeachment, which were themselves quite partisan. In the Trump impeachment, only threelawmakers broke with their party majorities on one article and only fouron another. All were Democrats opposing impeachment, and one was in the process of switching parties. A fourth Democrat, presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, voted ""present"" on botharticles.One former Republican, now an independent (Justin Amash of Michigan), voted for impeachment. In the Clinton impeachment, five Democrats broke with their party to support impeachment on three articles and one Democrat crossed over on a fourth article. Meanwhile, 81 Republicans broke with their party to oppose one article, 28 voted against another article, 12 voted against a third article and five voted against a fourth article. Two of the four articles against a Democratic president failed in the GOP-controlled House in 1998. Kind was in the House during that impeachment fight as well, breaking with his party to support an impeachment inquiry against Clinton but voting with his party against impeachment. The political consequences of hisvotes this time, if any, remain to be seen. The Trump campaign declared after Wednesday night's vote, ""This evening Ron Kind officially chose his party over his own constituents, securing his place in the most partisan caucus in history."" It's not clear how serious a GOPopponent Kind will draw in 2020. Polling over the course of 2019 shows Trump has a negative approval rating among Kind's constituents (42% approve, 55% disapprove). It also shows his district is almost evenly divided over impeachment, with slightly more people opposing it than supporting it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/wisconsin-lawmakers-weigh-in-on-house-impeachment-vote-of-president-trump,Wisconsin lawmakers weigh-in on House impeachment vote of President Trump,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Suzanne Spencer of FOX6 WASHINGTON -- Official votes are still coming in, but most were expected to vote along party lines -- except for one, who wasn't making his stance known initially -- on a night that will be remembered. Wisconsin lawmakers weighed-in on a historic vote. ""We're talking about a president who subverted national security by soliciting foreign interference in our election,"" said Gwen Moore, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 4th congressional district. ""The exact thing our founding fathers feared, and the exact circumstance for which they drafted the impeachment clause."" ""So why are we here? We're here because the majority caucus, the Democratic caucus, has been hijacked by the radical left,"" said Jim Sensenbrenner, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 5th congressional district. ""They have wanted to reverse the course of the 2016 election ever since Donald J. Trump won that election."" President Donald Trump is the third such leader in U.S. History to be impeached. A process that Mordecai Lee, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee professor emeritus, says shouldn't be taken lightly or turn political. ""What I'm afraid of, is that politics has gotten so bad in America, that this moment on -- every time the U.S. Congress has a majority party that's other than the party of the president -- they're going to impeach him or her,"" Lee says. Democratic Representative Ron Kind, of Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district, garnered a lot of national attention after not declaring which way he'd vote. In the end, he voted along party lines. The Republican Party of Wisconsin was quick to call that out, saying he and other Democrats: ""Tried to conceal their stance on the issue when they knew how they would vote (for) weeks, if not for months."" Wednesday night's hours-long hearing is a night many will remember.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-celebrates-passage-of-usmca,Steil Celebrates Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Bryan Steil released a statement after the House overwhelmingly voted to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). ""USMCA is a win for Wisconsin farmers, workers, and families. USMCA is an improved trade deal with Canada and Mexico. It allows Wisconsin workers to sell our products to our allies. Throughout my first year in office, I have pushed for USMCA to be brought to the floor. I am proud to support Wisconsin's agriculture and manufacturing industries."" On background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-celebrates-passage-usmca,Steil Celebrates Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Bryan Steil released a statement after the House overwhelmingly voted to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). ""USMCA is a win for Wisconsin farmers, workers, and families. USMCA is an improved trade deal with Canada and Mexico. It allows Wisconsin workers to sell our products to our allies. Throughout my first year in office, I have pushed for USMCA to be brought to the floor. I am proud to support Wisconsin's agriculture and manufacturing industries."" On background:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-votes-against-impeaching-president-trump,Steil Votes Against Impeaching President Trump,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Bryan Steil released a statement after voting against the articles of impeachment against President Trump. ""Today, I voted against impeaching President Trump. From the start, I have been opposed to impeachment. Although the Senate is now tied up with the impeachment trial, the House should get to work on issues impacting Americans: tackling the rising costs of health care, securing our border, and addressing our national debt.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=744178AE-F020-4F72-A8EF-656CBA625C07,Johnson Statement on Appropriations Deal,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said the following Thursday regarding his votes on a two-bill appropriations deal: Instead of passing 12 individual appropriations, on time, in an open and transparent legislative process, Congress just passed a massive spending deal 80 days into the new fiscal year. Whenever Congress spends $1.4 trillion, many good and worthy programs are funded, which is why I voted for the spending bill covering defense and homeland security. But the price for funding necessary programs was simply too high to obtain my overall support for both bills. There are virtually no cuts to any significant program and the tax extender package was not paid for, nor did it include a fix to the retail glitch caused by sloppy drafting of the 2017 tax reform bill all in all, a pretty ugly display of Washington, D.C.'s dysfunction. Passing my committee's Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would go a long way toward providing a fiscal discipline that could help prevent this kind of legislative abuse. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E44569C7-01FE-41A1-9BAA-4AD0E0C4EC83,Johnson Highlights IG Testimony of Bias at FBI,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON During an appearance on Fox News' Fox and Friends' Thursday, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) spoke about the testimony Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz gave to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday. Excerpts of the interview are below and video can be found here. When you combine basically the underscoring of the 17 inaccuracies and omissions, how serious that was, combined with the stunning rebuke by the presiding judge of the FISA court Steve, one mistake or omission, that's a mistake. Two, maybe it's a coincidence. Three, you are starting to develop a pattern. Seventeen? It's a legitimate question: is that a plot? And we still don't have the answers to that. [The IG] admitted there was bias. There was political motivation. He just doesn't have evidence where he can conclusively say it caused and influenced their decisions. But, again, it's up to the American public to infer what all that bias, how that could have affected things. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/kbjr-senator-tammy-baldwin-secures-increase-in-funding-for-great-lakes-restoration-initiative,KBJR: Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures Increase in Funding for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-gets-job-done-for-farmers,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Gets the Job Done for Wisconsin Farmers in Government Funding Legislation,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.19 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Gets the Job Done for Wisconsin Farmers in Government Funding Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced two major successes for Wisconsin farmers and agriculture workers in the government funding agreement for Fiscal Year 2020. Baldwin worked to secure $20 million for her Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, as well as $10 million to provide our nation's farmers and agricultural workers with more mental health resources. Both of these investments for Wisconsin farmers are included in the government funding agreement that will be voted on in Congress this week. Senator Baldwin's FARMERS FIRST Act, introduced with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), was included in the 2018 Farm Bill, which passed the Senate last year. This year, Senator Baldwin worked to make sure her reform is fully funded at $10 million for Fiscal Year 2020, an increase of $8 million from Fiscal Year 2019. Baldwin's reform provides competitive grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to state departments of agriculture, state extension services, non-profits and tribes to establish helplines and websites, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). I worked across party lines to include theFARMERS FIRST Actin the Farm Bill and now I've worked across the aisle to fully fund it because we need to help our farmers when they are dealing with stressful times. Our Wisconsin farmers are facing many difficult challenges and we all need to work together to provide them the support they need, including more funding for local mental health resources,said Senator Baldwin. Senator Baldwin also successfully secured full funding of $20 million for her Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, which helps dairy businesses looking to get their start, grow their business, modernize their dairy plants and reach new markets. Baldwin's Dairy Business Innovation Act was included in the 2018 Farm Bill that passed Congress and was signed into law by President Trump. Wisconsin's dairy businesses are a key driver of our state's economy, but recently our dairy farmers have faced very challenging times with an oversupply of milk, low milk prices and tough impacts from tariffs, said Senator Baldwin. It's critical that farmers, cheesemakers and dairy processors have tools to innovate and develop new Made in Wisconsin dairy products to build a brighter future for our dairy farms and drive our rural economy forward. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-articles-impeachment,Gallagher Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) todayissued the following statement after the House voted on two articles of impeachment against the President. Speaker Pelosi has acknowledged that something as divisive as impeachment should be compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan.' Yet from day one, she rushed this process, moved the goal posts, and failed to live up to her own words about the gravity of impeachment. What we are seeing here is unprecedented: it's the first time articles of impeachment have failed to make any criminal accusation, and it's the firsttime a president has been impeached without bipartisan support. The fact that the bipartisan vote was actually against impeachment should come as no surprise given this flawed process and lack of clear evidence. Common sense Wisconsinites justwant their representativesto come together to fix the many problems our country faces, and I hope we can do that in the new year.A state of perpetual impeachment must notbecome the new normal. Click here to watch Rep. Gallagher discuss the first article of impeachment. Click here to watch Rep. Gallagher discuss the second article of impeachment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-articles-impeachment,Rep. Ron Kind Votes for Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Ron Kind released the following statement after voting for the articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump: Until now, I have reserved judgment, waiting for all the facts to come out. I've reviewed the evidence and followed the hearings. It's clear the President's actions were a flagrant abuse of constitutional power; it was unlawful, and it jeopardized our national security. The President had every opportunity to present contrary evidence but didn't. Instead, he chose to obstruct the inquiry, preventing top officials from testifying and withholding relevant information. My vote today was not about the President himselfmore importantly, it was about defending the rule of law, our Constitution, and what signal we send future presidents of what is acceptable behavior. Asking another country to meddle in our election and withholding vital security assistance from an ally is what our founders feared and why they placed impeachment in our Constitution. If any presidentDemocrat or Republicanhad committed these offenses, I would have reached the same conclusion. I took an oath of office, not to any political party or person, but to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States--and it's an oath I take seriously. It's why I've supported impeachment inquiries into both Presidents Clinton and Trumpthe only member of Congress to do so. Because Congress is the only institution in our democracy that can hold a president accountable. The decision of whether or not the President should be removed from office now rests with the Senate. In the meantime, I will continue to work across party lines, tackling issues of importance like lowering health care and prescription drug costs, ending trade wars, and combating the student loan debt crisis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/wisconsin-s-delegation-divided-as-us-house-votes-to-impeach-trump,Wisconsin's Delegation Divided As US House Votes To Impeach Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Shawn Johnson La Crosse Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind joined other Democrats invoting to impeach President Donald Trumpon Wednesday, marking just the third time a president has been impeached in U.S. history. The vote followed a day of debate in the U.S. House of Representatives that saw members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation sharply divided, with Democrats saying Trump had given them no choice and Republicans attacking the process as an effort to undo the 2016 election. All of Wisconsin's Democratic representatives voted for impeachment while all of the state's Republicans voted against it. Most of Wisconsin's delegation had already announced their plans ahead of Wednesday's vote with the exception of Kind, whose western Wisconsin district voted for Trump three years ago. Kindissued a written statementafter his vote, saying it was clear to him he viewed his vote as a signal to future presidents of what is acceptable behavior. ""Until now, I have reserved judgment, waiting for all the facts to come out,"" Kind said. ""I've reviewed the evidence and followed the hearings. It's clear the President's actions were a flagrant abuse of constitutional power; it was unlawful, and it jeopardized our national security."" Other Democrats, like U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan of Dane County,had been sayingfor monthsthat impeachment was the only course left for Congress. Pocan said the evidence was clear Trump had used the power of his office to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rivals. ""This is about a perfect storm,"" Pocan said from the House floor. ""Months of activity directly ordered by the president to his senior cabinet and political appointees. An orchestrated plan demanding a foreign power interfere in our democracy."" Republicans, like southeast Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, said the impeachment articles were ""phony"" because Trump hadn'tcommitted any crimes. ""We're here because the majority caucus the Democratic caucus has been hijacked by the radical left,"" Sensenbrenner said Wednesday. ""They have wanted to reverse the course of the 2016 election ever since Donald J. Trump won that election."" Wisconsin has eight U.S. House districts, with four represented by Republicans, three represented by Democrats and one district vacant. Two Republicans,U.S. Rep. Mike GallagherandU.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, announced their intentions to vote against impeachment on social media. U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, an outspoken Trump supporter, joined Sensenbrenner in speaking out against impeachment Wednesday, saying Democrats were pushing it because they didn't like Trump's policies on issues ranging from immigration to food stamps. ""President Trump is keeping his campaign promises, and you hate him for that,"" Grothman said. But Milwaukee Democratic U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore said the effort to impeach Trump was bigger than a policy dispute. ""We're not talking about a public policy dispute,"" Moore said from the House floor. ""We're talking about a president who subverted national security by soliciting foreign interference in our elections. The exact thing our founding fathers feared."" The House passed two articles of impeachment, one on ""abuse of power"" and another on ""obstruction of Congress."" It's now up to the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate to decide what kind of impeachment trial to conduct. GOP leaders there have made it clear they have no plans to remove Trump from office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-calls-on-purdue-pharma-to-cancel-bonus-for-ceo,"Baldwin, Colleagues Call on Purdue Pharma to Cancel $1.3 Million Bonus for CEO",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.19 Baldwin, Colleagues Call on Purdue Pharma to Cancel $1.3 Million Bonus for CEO By maintaining the aggressive incentive plan for Mr. Landau, the Board is showing that it does not recognize the role the incentive program played in accelerating the opioid crisis into a national tragedy. WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin led 10 of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Purdue Pharma's Board of Directors, calling on them to cancel the reported $1.3 million bonus they are planning to give to Purdue Pharma CEO Craig Landau. Attorneys General from 24 states, including Wisconsin, have argued that Landau should not collect a bonus, and on Thursday, a bankruptcy judge is expected to issue a decision on whether the CEO can collect it. From the letter, the Senators write, We write to you today with concerns about the $1.3 million incentive bonus payment you have proposed to make to Purdue chief executive officer Craig Landau while your company is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Mr. Landau is a named defendant in multiple lawsuits, which allege he personally designed Purdue's intentionally deceptive opioid marketing campaign. Further, the payment is based on aggressive performance incentives similar to those used to encourage opioid sales. As such, we ask that you cancel the incentive payment to Mr. Landau and reevaluate your incentive payment plan to ensure your company puts patient safety ahead of profits. Purdue's opioid marketing campaign accelerated an opioid epidemic that has claimed an estimated 400,000 lives. The campaign generated $35 billion in revenue for Purdue and likely significant incentive bonus compensation for Mr. Landau for achieving ambitious opioid sales targets. The Senators are concerned that Purdue is using profits from selling more prescription opioids to reward high-level employees with massive bonuses, rather than helping states ravished by the opioid crisis that the company made worse. The Senators continue, By maintaining the aggressive incentive plan for Mr. Landau, the Board is showing that it does not recognize the role the incentive program played in accelerating the opioid crisis into a national tragedy. While the filings indicate that Purdue's sales incentive plan will not pay bonuses for opioid sales, it is not clear that the operating profit incentive will exclude opioid sales from its calculation. The company's recently-submitted compensation proposal would incentivize Mr. Landau to meet aggressive sales targets, and could result in the unwarranted prescription and irresponsible distribution of opioids and other addictive drugs. While the proposal indicates that Purdue's sales incentive plan will not pay bonuses for opioid sales, it is not clear that the operating profit incentive will exclude opioid sales from its calculation. In their letter, the Senators highlight that there is no indication the very compensation policies that encouraged its employees to allegedly deceive doctors and patients to sell opioids have been removed from the current compensation plan to sell other drugs. They conclude, In closing, we again urge you to cancel your proposed incentive bonus payment to Mr. Landau, and reevaluate your entire incentive pay program to ensure that your company puts patient safety ahead of profits. The full letter is available here. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-secures-funding-increase-for-great-lakes,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures Increase in Funding for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.19 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures Increase in Funding for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully secured $320 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2020, an increase of $20 million from FY19. The increased investment in GLRI is included in the government funding agreement that will be voted on in Congress this week. Investments in the Great Lakes are an investment in the future of Wisconsin's economy. I am proud to have worked in a bipartisan way to increase funding for our Great Lakes, said Senator Baldwin. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has earned bipartisan support and is critical for the health of our region, our communities, and our clean water resources. It helps us clean up polluted sites, restore water quality and combat invasive species. Preserving the Great Lakes is not just an environmental goal - it is an economic necessity for Wisconsin. Since its inception, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has tripled the successful cleanup and delisting of Areas of Concern, reduced phosphorus runoff and the threat of harmful algal blooms, controlled and stopped the advancement of invasive species, and restored wildlife habitat over thousands of miles of rivers and waterways. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $2.5 billion to fund 4,706 projects throughout the Great Lakes region. Senator Baldwin has long been a champion of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In July, Senator Baldwin, a member of the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019 to reauthorize and expand funding for the Great Lakes. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-working-for-wisconsin-in-ndaa,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Working for Wisconsin in National Defense Authorization,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.19 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Working for Wisconsin in National Defense Authorization Baldwin's legislation to strengthen Buy America requirements, support American workers and manufacturers included in NDAA WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin voted for the final version of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 that includes a number of measures that deliver results for Wisconsin. The final version of this defense funding bill now heads to the President's desk for his signature. I voted in favor of this bipartisan defense authorization legislation because it makes important investments to strengthen our national security and support our service members and their families,said Senator Baldwin.In particular, I am pleased the final bill includes a pay raise for our troops and gets rid of the widow's tax. It makes sure that federal Small Shipyard grants support American workers and businesses, and authorizes funding for a number of projects important to Wisconsin's military personnel and our Made in Wisconsin economy. Supporting Service Members and Military Families The bill includes a 3.1% pay raise for service members and eliminates the military widow's tax. Senator Baldwin is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Widow's Tax Elimination Act that was included in NDAA to repeal the law that prevents as many as 65,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Strengthening Buy America Standards for Small Shipyard Grants Program Senator Baldwin's bipartisan legislation to strengthen Buy America requirements for federal Small Shipyard Grant funding was included in the final NDAA. The measure will support American businesses, manufacturers and workers. While Buy American requirements already apply to the Small Shipyard Grant Program, there is a loophole in the Maritime Administration's rules that allow these federal grants to be used to purchase foreign-made equipment. Baldwin's provision in NDAA will close this loophole to support American businesses and workers like Marine Travelift in Sturgeon Bay, which employs nearly 200 workers and uses Wisconsin-sourced materials to manufacture boat handling equipment that is exported around the world. Reinforcing Navy Shipbuilding in Wisconsin The bill includes more than $1 billion in initial funding for the Navy's Future Frigate. Fincantieri Marinette Marine is competing to build this future ship in Wisconsin, which will continue to support Senator Baldwin's priority of expanding good-paying Made in Wisconsin shipbuilding jobs. The final defense funding bill also included Baldwin's amendment to require certain Navy ships to be built using domestic diesel engines, like those produced by Fairbanks Morse Engine in Beloit. Additionally, the bill includes Baldwin's bipartisan amendment to direct the Navy to examine how it can bring more Navy maintenance work to Great Lakes shipyards. Protecting Workers against China's Attempts to Undermine American Industries Senator Baldwin, along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), secured their amendment in the final NDAA to prevent federal funds from being used by transit agencies to purchase rail cars or buses manufactured by Chinese state-owned, controlled, or subsidized companies. The Chinese government continues to use a range of state subsidies and predatory practices to support its market ascension in certain sectors of the United States' economy, including rail manufacturing and bus manufacturing. This amendment would prevent federal transit funds from being used by transit agencies to procure Chinese rail assets and ensure transit agencies develop and execute a cybersecurity plan to protect American industries and national security. Boosting Wisconsin Manufacturers The final NDAA includes an increase of $130 million for Oshkosh Defense's Tactical Wheeled Vehicles. Investing in Hi-Tech Careers in the Chippewa Valley Senator Baldwin secured an amendment requiring a plan from the Department of Defense to leverage commercial supercomputing for defense, allowing the U.S. and Wisconsin to continue advancing American leadership in supercomputing, provide critical technology to our most difficult research and computational questions, and accelerate the deployment of new computer technology. Cray Computing in Chippewa Falls has been building the world's leading supercomputers for decades and will be competing to develop and build the next generation of supercomputers. To compete with countries like China, the Department of Defense must begin taking advantage of the innovation, science, research and technology presented by the commercial sector. Combatting Water Contamination in Wisconsin Senator Baldwin has been taking action to ensure Wisconsin has clean drinking water, including addressing water contamination from chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The final NDAA bill requires that the military phase out the use of firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), prohibits the uncontrolled release of PFAS at military installations, and provides new tools for states to initiate environmental cleanup of PFAS at military facilities, including sites in Wisconsin like Truax Field. However, provisions she supported in the Senate's NDAA to provide resources for nationwide environmental testing for PFAS and establish enforceable standards for PFAS in drinking water were not included in the final legislation. Communities in Wisconsin are facing concerning levels of PFAS contamination in their drinking water and the federal government needs to take urgent action to protect public health, said Senator Baldwin. I strongly supported provisions in the Senate-passed NDAA this summer that would protect Americans' drinking water from PFAS, and it's just wrong that they are not included in this defense reauthorization bill. I helped introduce legislation to develop better ways to detect PFAS chemicals in our water and environment, and the Senate should bring it up for a vote and pass it. I will keep working to get this done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-no-one-has-read-these-bills,Gallagher: No One Has Read These Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today issued the following statement after the House passed two major appropriations bills that direct more than $1.3 trillion in spending over the course of FY2020. Last night we received 2,313 pages of appropriations bills that not only direct more than $1.3 trillion in spending, but are also filled with a whole host of special interest provisions that have no place in a traditional appropriations package. In less than 24 hours, the House not only amended', but debated' and passed these bills. I hate to break it to you, but no one has read these bills. While there are surely good things included such as increased GLRI funding and the repeal of crippling healthcare taxes it doesn't make up for the fact that last-second omnibus bills like these are exactly what's wrong with Congress. We have to find a way to stop governing from crisis to crisis and fix this mess. Click here to watch a video of Rep. Gallagher discuss the spending bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1363,"2,371 Pages in 20 Hours",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today released the following statement following the rushed passage of the U.S. House of Representatives fiscal year 2020 spending bills: Today, Congress voted on two appropriations bills that, as a practical matter, is the budget for the fiscal year ending in September 2020. A week ago, most felt that a budget deal would not be reached this year and that Congress would pass a two-month continuing resolution that held spending at last year's levels. Five days ago, we were told that a deal was reached on a, roughly, $1.4 trillion discretionary spending package. The actual language was made available at 4:44 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, December 16, when most members of Congress were either boarding flights back to Washington or getting ready to travel in the morning. We were initially told that this 2,371 page package would be brought to a vote in two parts. The first Tuesday afternoon and the second as late as Thursday morning. When I woke up this morning, another 58 pages were added and we were told that all 2,300 pages would be brought to a vote at 1:30 p.m. the same day. Even members of leadership that I spoke with at 10 a.m. weren't certain of key provisions going into the bills. Of course, there were good and bad provisions. President Trump's involvement meant that border wall spending would increase and that we would have increased access to generic drugs and biosimilars, particularly insulin. Going through the budget, I saw line after line of increased spending to both old and new programs. This comes at a time where we are just shy of $24 trillion in debt. It's apparent that this budget was meant to be passed by the type of politician that comes to Washington looking to spend more money everywhere they can. Rather than creating a responsible budget, we spent more on virtually every program, including an expensive bailout for mine workers. The total increase in spending was north of 4 percent at a time where inflation is around 2 percent. This package, however, only addressed discretionary spending, which means that, when including mandatory spending, total spending will increase by much more than 4 percent. This is obviously unsustainable and irresponsible. I think the American public would embrace a responsible budget. Even individuals and organizations benefitting from government spending would understand a responsible, small, across the board cut. I do not wish to cut vital programs like Medicare and Social Security. This means that discretionary spending bills like the ones we saw today, as well as other forms of mandatory spending, must be addressed. It was irresponsible for Congress to call a vote on a bill that no one could have possibly read in time to develop an informed opinion. During my time in politics, I've never been asked to take a vote on something with so little information. I'm sure that that any town board, city council or school board in my district would have revolted if they were put in such a position with their annual budget. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his third term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4439,Congresswoman Moore Supports Committee Passage of United States Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA),2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Moore Supports Committee Passage of United States Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Today, the Ways and Means Committee voted to pass the USMCA. In response, Congresswoman Moore issue the following statement: I am proud to vote in support of the improved United States Mexico-Canada Agreement today. Throughout the negotiating process, I remained concerned that, unless we address the lack of basic labor rights in Mexico, American workers would continue to be at a competitive disadvantage. After the House Democrats secured major revisions to the agreement, I am hopeful that the rapid response labor enforcement mechanism created in this updated agreement can lead to greater equity in international trade. But to make it successful we need to work together. We need to work together to find common grounds with Mexico as they implement their labor reforms and build new labor courts. The labor attachs should be partners with Mexico. Together we can foster a renewed integration of our nations and nurture our mutually beneficial relationships. By ensuring workers throughout our region are protected by the strongest labor rights we can finally level the playing field. Unfortunately, this agreement fell short in addressing the climate crisis. Democrats have taken up climate change as a key issue. Not only does the USMCA not mention climate change once, but it also provides no binding restrictions on production of greenhouse gases in partner countries. Due to these lax restrictions, companies are able to outsource their production of greenhouse gases to other countries simply by purchasing carbon-intensive products from outside of the U.S.We should not be giving corporations a free loophole to pollute our neighboring countries, especially when that pollution will eventually come back in the long term to harm our communities. Notwithstanding the fact that additional improvements could be made to further modernize NAFTA, I believe the USMCA provides laudable modern fixes to a 25 year old agreement that reflect American priorities and values. Mexico and Canada are Wisconsin's top trading partners. Our manufacturing industry, unions, dairy farmers, and Wisconsin workers, industries and businesses need a fair trade agreement to support our regional economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-s-statement-passage-omnibus-appropriations-act,Rep. Ron Kind’s Statement on the Passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Act,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted against the fiscally irresponsible government spending package, which includes a number of policies unrelated to funding the government, including significantly increased spending and around $500 billion in lost revenue for the Government. The 1,773-page bill was released less than 24 hours before the final vote and fails to responsibly address our national debt. Today's spending bill is yet another example of the unwillingness of Republicans and Democrats to make tough decisions surrounding our excessive spending and national debt, said Rep. Ron Kind. This package will skyrocket our national debtjeopardizing the future of Social Security and Medicare, failing to prepare for the 70 million Baby Boomers who are beginning their retirement, and saddling future generations with massive debt because Congress keeps passing bills that aren't paid for. Rep. Kind's interest in finding savings in government programs began as an intern for Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin. While interning, Rep. Kind was tasked with investigating wasteful government spending programs for Sen. Proxmire's Golden Fleece Awards. The spending package does include Rep. Kind's bipartisan Giveback Deficit Reduction Act, which will require that all unused Congressional office funds be returned at the end of every fiscal year to the U.S. Treasury, and be used for deficit or debt reduction. Rep. Kind has returned nearly $2 million to the Treasury over his tenure. Unfortunately, the $500 billion in unpaid for tax cuts, combined with the recent $2.3 trillion partisan tax bill, and the over half-trillion dollars in increased interest payments due to this reckless behavior will leave a legacy of debt that will reach far beyond our children and grandchildren.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-drug-pricing-legislation-advances-in-spending-bill,Sensenbrenner Drug Pricing Legislation Advances in Spending Bill,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today,Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) issued the following statement after Congress passed fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills:Our national debt recently passed $23 trillion, and Washington didn't even blink. These appropriations bills fail to address our spending problem, and I could not in good conscience vote for either. However, one of the few positive provisions included in them is my bipartisan legislation to lower prescription drug prices the CREATES Act. While I'm disappointed that Congress has passed up another opportunity to get our fiscal house in order, I am glad that Americans will have better access to more affordable medications. Background on the Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act: In order for a generic or biosimilar prescription to have FDA approval, the generic manufacturer must be able to compare its product to the brand-name product. Simply put, if the product is as safe and effective as the label, then the FDA can approve the generic. Some generic manufacturers, however, have difficulty obtaining samples of medication from the brand-name company. This is because brand-name companies have an incentive to make it difficult for generic producers to obtain their brand-name products. The CREATES Act gives generic manufacturers the ability to bring actions in federal court against brand-name companies that refuse to provide samples of their products for purchase and use in the generic approval process. In so doing, the CREATES Act helps to increase the likelihood of a generic product coming to the market so consumers have more affordable options. The CREATES Act also gives the FDA more discretion for approving alternative safety protocols that meet the statutory standards already in place. This helps the FDA more efficiently process generic applications. In the end, this helps consumers, who will have more choices when selecting their medications. According to a Congressional Budget Office estimate, the CREATES Act will save the federal government $3.9 billion on prescription spending. More than 90 organizations representing consumers, physicians, pharmacists, hospitals, insurers, antitrust experts, and others support the CREATES Act. Supporters include AARP, Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, Consumer Reports, Public Citizen, American Hospital Association, America's Health Insurance Plans, Patients for Affordable Drugs, and the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-gallego-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-help-disabled-veterans-overcome-mobility-challenges,"Sensenbrenner, Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Overcome Mobility Challenges",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced legislation that would help disable veterans regain their independence. Rep. Sensenbrenner: This is a no-brainer. Veterans who sacrifice so much for our country, especially those who must overcome serious injuries, should not have trouble getting the equipment they need to adjust back to civilian life. This legislation simply clarifies that the VA is permitted to cover these necessary items. I'm grateful for Congressman Gallego for joining me in sponsoring this bipartisan bill. Rep. Gallego: Veterans with serious injuries deserve all of the support we can give them to ensure they are able to live a full and independent life. I'm proud to sponsor this bill with Congressman Sensenbrenner to allow veterans to access the equipment they need to overcome mobility challenges. Background: Currently, the Department of Veterans Administration does not cover trailers for mobility equipment for disabled veterans. Items currently covered, such as mechanical lifts, only fit in large vehicles and leave many veterans without a viable option. H.R. 5447 would clarify that the VA does have the authority to cover non-articulating trailers for veterans who may need to transport their mobility devices.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/this-hartland-native-commands-forces-across-11-time-zones-and-an-astronaut-aboard-the-international-space-station,This Hartland native commands forces across 11 time zones and an astronaut aboard the International Space Station,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Evan Frank of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel As Lt. Gen. Daniel Karblerassumed command of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defenseduring a change of command ceremony on Dec. 6 in Alabama, he was joined by people who made an impact on his life years ago when he lived in Hartland. Karbler said he was touched to see familiar faces likeJim and Sharon Cull, Dave Morris, Curt and Heather Gundrum, Rick and Barb Delsman andTom and Sue Sorenson. ""In Hartland, we don't have a lot of military touch points,"" Karbler said. ""We don't have a base nearby or anything like that. For many of them, it was their first opportunity to see any kind of Army ceremony. (For) themto be a part of that, for me, it was huge. So many of them had so much to do with help bringing me up."" Karbler attendedBark River Elementary School and graduated from Arrowhead High School in 1983. He went on to graduate in1987 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Defense Artillery branch. Looking back at his time at Arrowhead, Karbler remembered the impact of people such as baseball coachTim O'Driscoll, basketball coach Greg Smith and choir teacher Dennis Brooks. ""Part of what all those three gentlemen taught was the value of hard work and practice,"" Karbler said. ""But you still had to execute that. Whether you're up on stage singing or whether you're on the field playing baseball or basketball, you still had to execute, and you had to perform. Putting those two things together, those teachersreally helped me learnhow to do that."" Karbler also took part in musicals, swing choir, marching band, band, student senate and more when he was at Arrowhead. When he applied to West Point, Karbler received anomination from Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner. ""There was no application fee, so that was pretty cool,"" Karbler said. ""I never had a job in high school because I was always playing sports, band, choir, all of those things. I knew I was going to get a good education and guaranteed a job when I graduated. Those were really the motivators up front."" At first,Karbler thought he wouldleave the Army after his five-year commitment, but his mind was changed afterhetraveled to Israel during Desert Storm. ""I got to see how thePatriot missile (defense) system worked,"" Karbler said. ""It was phenomenal. I was like, 'Holy cow, this is great.' I loved what I was doing;it was combat. That had me hooked. I decided to stay in as long as the Army would keep me. My five-year plan now is 32-plus years."" Military service In his current position with Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Karbler oversees a command that provides the Army and joint services with space, missile defense, and high-altitude capabilities and forces. It is a global command with forces in 23 locations across 11 time zones, witheven one soldier/astronautcurrently aboard the International Space Station. Karbler most recently served as the chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command at theOffutt Air Force Base inNebraska. He was the principal adviser to the USSTRATCOM commander and deputy commander, and directed the activities of the command staff by developing and implementing policies and procedures in support of the command's missions. He chaired numerous boards, oversaw the command's corporate process and served as the director of the commander's staff. Karbler also served as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. Before that, he served as the director, Joint and Integration, Army G-8 at the Pentagon. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Israeli Air Force Combat Operations Badge. ""The Army has done wonders for taking care of me and my family,"" Karbler said. ""I love serving the Army.I loveworking with soldiers and the missions that we do. I think Hartland did a big part of putting in a work ethic, putting in humility as part of my foundation that has helped me come as far as I've come from the Army.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/wisconsin-s-house-members-prepare-for-historic-impeachment-vote,Wisconsin's House members prepare for historic impeachment vote,2019-12-15,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"No one is talking about the urgency of this issue, though, because of the impeachment circus, he said at the time, though since then many of those issues appear to have been resolved. Nearly one year removed from replacing former House Speaker Paul Ryan in Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, Steil joined the three other Republican House members to vote against the House resolution that set the ground rules for the investigation. Today's resolution does not provide the president with due process protections that were afforded to both President Clinton and President Nixon, Steil wrote in a tweet immediately before the House voted on the resolution. Later that day, the House passed the resolution 232-196, with all Republicans and two Democrats opposed. Earlier in October, Steil put out an online survey asking constituents if they supported articles of impeachment against Trump. He did not release the results. Steil, a lawyer who spent more than a decade working in the manufacturing sector in southeastern Wisconsin, was one of almost 90 new members sworn into the House in January. There are no political parties on the shop floor, Steil said in an email. You work with your co-workers to complete a job on time, within budget, and to achieve the goal at hand. It is frustrating to see House Democrats' inaction on the real issues facing our communities. Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah, offered similar criticism of impeachment in an interview. The hearings took away from issues like welfare proposals, the president's new trade agreement and immigration that is still at crisis level, Grothman said. People who are focusing on the impeachment are trying to take our eye off of those more important issues, Grothman said. I'm looking to get back on the border in January or February when this is over to further equate myself with that situation. Pocan disputed their characterization. Despite juggling meetings and following the proceedings, he said it has been an especially productive time for the House. So far, the House has passed more than 400 bills, according toGovTrack.us, on pace to pass the 758 bills passed between January 2017 and January 2019. We can walk and chew gum, Pocan said. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, challenged the grounds for impeachment in a recent TV interview. He noted that Wisconsin polls have showed the majority of Wisconsin voters oppose impeachment. I think it's not going anywhere, it's losing support in Wisconsin, Gallagher said. Among common-sense Wisconsinites, I think most people want us to just do our jobs and stop the endless partisan political warfare.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/five-things-you-missed-because-impeachment,Five Things You Missed Because of Impeachment,2019-12-14,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contrary to what you may have seen on the news, impeachment wasn't the only thing happening in DC this week. Here are a few things you may have missed due to the impeachment craziness here in Washington. 1. Booming Jobs Numbers It's been almost two years since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted, and guess what? The economy just keeps booming. The most recent jobs report showed that our economy created 266,000 jobs in November, bringing the unemployment rate to 3.5% -- a 50 year low. Wages are rising and unemployment is falling, which is great news for Northeast Wisconsin. 2.A Deal on USMCA President Trump signed the USMCA more than a year ago. And after months of Speaker Pelosi playing political games, she finally decided it was important and came to an agreement with the Trump Administration. This is big news for Wisconsin and big news for America. And as Rep. Gallagher said, ""It's about damn time."" 3. Action on Cartels In light of recent cartel-related violence in Mexico, Rep. Gallagher introduced two bills that support Mexico's anti-corruption campaign and ensure thugs in Mexican cartels are met with the full force of the law. Criminal organizations like these are tearing our communities and families apart. It's time we get serious about dealing with them. 4. A Win for our Troops Congress' most important role is to provide for the common defense, and the National Defense Authorization Act that passed the House this week takes important steps to do that. It continues bipartisan work to build a 355 ship Navy, gets tough on China, and most importantly, gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise. And it passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. 5. No Budget, No Pay There are four working days left in the year for Congress, yet we still don't have a bill put together to fund the government. As Rep. Gallagher has said time and again, this is insane. That's why he sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to pass a bill that makes sure Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/fox-6-senator-baldwin-working-to-support-affordable-housing-for-volunteer-firefighters,Fox 6: Senator Baldwin Working to Support Affordable Housing for Volunteer Firefighters,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/weau-baldwins-reform-to-create-three-digit-suicide-prevention-hotline-passes-commerce-committee,WEAU: Baldwin’s Reform to Create Three-Digit Suicide Prevention Hotline Passes Commerce Committee,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wkbt-senator-baldwin-leads-climate-crisis-committee-hearing-joined-by-la-crosse-mayor-tim-kabat,"WKBT: Senator Baldwin Leads Climate Crisis Committee Hearing, Joined by La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/wisconsin-senators-provide-recommendations-to-white-house-for-district-court-vacancy,Wisconsin Senators Provide Recommendations to White House for District Court Vacancy,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.19 Wisconsin Senators Provide Recommendations to White House for District Court Vacancy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson announced on Friday their agreement to recommend to the White House four Wisconsinites for consideration to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin created by the retirement of the late Judge Rudolph Randa. The candidates, Joseph Bugni, Samuel Hall, Jr., Brett Ludwig and Daniel Vaccaro, were recommended by a bipartisan federal nominating commission that the Wisconsin senators established in April 2013 to move federal nominations forward, including nominations to vacant federal judgeships in Wisconsin. The full text of the Wisconsin senators' letter of recommendation to the White House is here and below. December 13, 2019 The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We are pleased to recommend the following individuals to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin created by the retirement of Judge Rudolph Randa: Joseph Aragorn Bugni Samuel Craig Hall, Jr. Brett H. Ludwig Daniel Jay Vaccaro These candidates were recommended by our Wisconsin Federal Nominating Commission that we established to screen applicants. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Ron Johnson Tammy Baldwin United States Senator United States Senator Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-colleagues-introduce-bill-impose-sanctions-drug-cartels,"Gallagher, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Impose Sanctions on Drug Cartels",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), alongside Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL), today introduced the Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act. This bill would create a new designation, Significant Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), which has more stringent sanctions than the current transnational criminal organization designation. The penalties for Significant TCOs would mirror many of the penalties for entities designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), including sanctions on organization members and their families, travel restrictions, and increased penalties for US citizens who grant them material assistance. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. Click here for bill text. Recent cartel-related violence in Mexico has demonstrated that whatever we're doing to combat these thugs isn't working, said Rep. Gallagher. Enough is enough. This bill gives the administration the tools it needs to go after significant transnational criminal organizations and ensure they face maximum pressure under the law. The Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act: Enables the federal government to impose sanctions on designated Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), including: Barring organization members and their immediate families from admission into the United States, Freezing assets, and Seeking civil and criminal penalties against individuals providing material assistance or resources to the organization. Requires the President to submit a report to Congress detailing the government's findings from the November 4, 2019 attack on U.S. cities in northern Mexico, including whether the organization responsible should be designated as a Significant TCO Co-sponsors of this bill include: Mark Walker (R-NC) Matt Gaetz (R-FL) Doug Lamborn (R-CO) Lance Gooden (R-TX) Bob Gibbs (R-OH) Randy Webber (R-TX) Michael Cloud (R-TX) Denver Riggleman (R-VA) Ron Wright (R-TX) John Rutherford (R-FL) Rick Crawford (R-AR) French Hill (R-AR) ICYMI: Earlier this week, Rep. Gallagher introduced H.R. 5369, the Supporting Mexico Against Corruption (SMAC) Act, which would combat corruption by requiring the President to impose Magnitsky Sanctions on individuals in the Mexican government that the U.S. Treasury Department has credible evidence engaged in corrupt activities outlined by the Global Magnitsky Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-urges-congressional-leadership-pass-no-budget-no-pay,"Gallagher Urges Congressional Leadership to Pass No Budget, No Pay",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to pass No Budget, No Pay legislation as part of any year-end spending package. This would prevent Members of Congress from getting paid if they fail to do their most basic job: passing a budget. The letter states: Withholding paychecks from Members of Congress who fail to pass appropriations is an important step to prevent government shutdowns, which hurt the economy and millions of everyday AmericansWe are elected to represent the citizens of our states and districts. When they don't do their job, there are consequences, and that same standard should apply to Congress."" Click here to watch a video of Rep. Gallagher discussing the letter. Click here to read the letter. The full text is found below: Dear Congressional Leadership: As we wrap up the year and finalize the negotiations on Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations, we urge you to include No Budget, No Pay as part of any end-of-year spending package. Appropriating funds is the most basic duty of Congress, but for the past 40 years, Congress has cut corners by passing short-term spending bills Continuing Resolutions that just keep government funded at existing levels. When Congress fails to pass appropriations, American people are hurt. Just this year, American families suffered under the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Air traffic controllers, members of the Coast Guard, and fire safety officials worked without pay, while Members of Congress continued to receive their paychecks. That is wrong, and we're urging you to move forward with No Budget, No Pay before the end of the year. The concept is simple: Members of Congress should not be paid if they don't pass appropriations. If Congress can't do its most basic task, then Members of Congress shouldn't get a paycheck. This proposal has bipartisan support and is already moving through Congress. It was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in June, and is included as part of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (S. 1877). Withholding paychecks from Members of Congress who fail to pass appropriations is an important step to prevent government shutdowns, which hurt the economy and millions of everyday Americans. But it's also an important step to promote fiscal responsibility. We are elected to represent the citizens of our states and districts. When they don't do their job, there are consequences, and that same standard should apply to Congress. We look forward to continuing to work with you to make important reforms so Washington works better for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-votes-against-weak-impeachment-articles-after-partisan-committee-markup,Sensenbrenner Votes Against Weak Impeachment Articles after Partisan Committee Markup,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) issued the following statement after voting no on two articles of impeachment against President Trump during today's House Judiciary Committee markup: These articles of impeachment are the weakest in history. The Democrats will stop at nothing to remove a duly-elected President over a policy disagreementnot for bribery, treason, or any high crime and misdemeanor. They have set dangerous precedent today, which undoubtedly weakens the fabric of our government. The Democrats continue to make outlandish charges that the President will steal the 2020 election if he is not impeached, but what they're really doing is trying to steal back the 2016 election from the 63 million people who elected Donald Trump.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-statement-articles-impeachment,Steil Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Bryan Steil released a statement following the House Judiciary Committee's vote to bring articles of impeachment against President Trump to the House floor. After reviewing the articles of impeachment against President Trump, my position remains unchanged. I will be voting against the articles when they come to the House floor. This impeachment inquiry has divided the country and jeopardized Congress' ability to focus on the real issues impacting Americans.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment,Steil Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Bryan Steil released a statement following the House Judiciary Committee's vote to bring articles of impeachment against President Trump to the House floor. ""After reviewing the articles of impeachment against President Trump, my position remains unchanged. I will be voting against the articles when they come to the House floor. This impeachment inquiry has divided the country and jeopardized Congress' ability to focus on the real issues impacting Americans.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8D805315-A59B-4F2E-A830-9DB336A79711,Wisconsin Senators Provide Recommendations to White House for District Court Vacancy,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin announced on Friday their agreement to recommend to the White House four Wisconsinites for consideration to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin created by the retirement of the late Judge Rudolph Randa. The candidates, Joseph Bugni, Samuel Hall, Jr., Brett Ludwig and Daniel Vaccaro, were recommended by a bipartisan federal nominating commission that the Wisconsin senators established in April 2013 to move federal nominations forward, including nominations to vacant federal judgeships in Wisconsin. The full text of the Wisconsin senators' letter of recommendation to the White House is here and below. December 13, 2019 The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We are pleased to recommend the following individuals to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin created by the retirement of Judge Rudolph Randa: Joseph Aragorn Bugni Samuel Craig Hall, Jr. Brett H. Ludwig Daniel Jay Vaccaro These candidates were recommended by our Wisconsin Federal Nominating Commission that we established to screen applicants. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Ron Johnson Tammy Baldwin United States Senator United States Senator ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-tammy-baldwin-continues-working-to-improve-palliative-care-and-hospice-workforce,Senator Tammy Baldwin Continues Working to Improve Palliative Care and Hospice Workforce,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/fair-drug-pricing-act-passes-house,U.S. House of Representatives Approves Senator Baldwin’s Bipartisan Reform To Help Lower Prescription Drug Costs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.19 U.S. House of Representatives Approves Senator Baldwin's Bipartisan Reform To Help Lower Prescription Drug Costs The bipartisan FAIR Drug Pricing Act takes the first step to address skyrocketing prescription drug costs by requiring transparency from drug corporations WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisanFAIR Drug Pricing Actpassed the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan reform takes the first step in addressing skyrocketing prescription drug prices by requiring transparency for pharmaceutical corporations that plan to increase drug prices. Baldwin's legislation was included in H.R.3, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which passed the House by a vote of 230-192. For too long, I've heard story after story from Wisconsinites who are struggling to afford the life-saving medications they need. Drug corporations are making prescription drugs more expensive with no systematic transparency to taxpayers,said Senator Baldwin. Today is a major step forward for my bipartisan reform, and brings us one step closer to holding drug companies accountable for jacking up the prices on medications that Americans need. Now, I am calling on the Senate to take action so we can take on the rising costs of medicine people depend on, and bring relief to American families. In 2019, on average, drug prices have increased at 5 times the rate of inflation. AbbVie has increased the price of the top-selling anti-inflammatory drug, Humira, by almost 250 percent in the past five years to nearly $40,000. Pfizer regularly increases the price of its drugs often twice a year. In 2017, Pfizer raised drug prices twice by an average of 20 percent for more than 90 drugs. Meanwhile, American taxpayers continue to pay more each year because of the rising costs of drugs. Medicare spent nearly $130 billion on prescription drugs in 2016, and Medicare's portion of U.S. national drug spending has increased from 18 percent in 2006 to 30 percent in 2017. TheFair Accountability and Innovative Research (FAIR) Drug Pricing Act, which Baldwin introduced in May with Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Tina Smith (D-MN), would require drug manufacturers to disclose and provide more information about planned drug price increases, including research and development costs. Increased transparency will help provide much-needed context for taxpayers, consumers and policymakers about the costs and value of medications, and may also incentivize companies to reassess the long-standing practice of relentless drug price increases. Specifically, theFAIR Drug Pricing Actwould require drug manufacturers to notify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and submit a transparency and justification report 30 days before they increase the price of certain drugs that cost at least $100 by more than 10 percent in one year or 25 percent over three years. The report will require manufacturers to provide a justification for each price increase, manufacturing, research and development costs for the qualifying drug, net profits attributable to the qualifying drug, marketing and advertising spending on the qualifying drug, and other information as deemed appropriate. The bill will not prohibit manufacturers from increasing prices, but it will, for the first time, give taxpayers notice of price increases and bring basic transparency to the market for prescription drugs. This reform is supported by AARP, Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Patients For Affordable Drugs, American College of Physicians (ACP), American Academy of Neurology, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Kaiser Permanente, 340B Health, The Medicare Rights Center, Families USA, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., Marshfield Clinic Health System, Security Health Plan, Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), Public Citizen, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Alliance for Retired Americans, and Medicare Rights Center. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-speaker-pelosi-wasted-opportunity-lower-prescription-drug-costs,Gallagher: Speaker Pelosi Wasted Opportunity to Lower Prescription Drug Costs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today issued the following statement after Speaker Pelosi's partisan drug pricing proposal, H.R. 3, passed the House on a near party-line vote of 230-192. As House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal and Ranking Member Kevin Brady said yesterday, Health care policy only works when both parties work together. By that standard, Speaker Pelosi's partisan proposal misses the mark. If we truly want to lower the cost of prescription drugs, we need to work together to bring transparency into our complex prescription drug pricing system. Bills I've introduced, such as the Prescription Drug Rebate Reform Act and the Transparency in All Health Care Pricing Act, will hold key players in the industry such as Pharmacy Benefit Managers, drug insurers, and insurance companies -- accountable, ensure consumers have the information they need to pay fair costs, and pull back the curtain on the industry's complex pricing methods. If Speaker Pelosi were serious about addressing the rising costs of prescription drugs, she would have included these critical bipartisan proposals. Instead she chose to play politics and waste an opportunity to actually lower costs for the American people. Background: In Congress, Rep. Gallagher has been a strong advocate for finding bipartisan ways to increase transparency in the health care industry. Earlier this year he introduced H.R. 1409, the bipartisan Transparency in all Healthcare Pricing Act, and H.R. 3805, the Prescription Drug Rebate Reform Act of 2019, both of which would make drug prices more fair and transparent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4415,Congresswoman Moore Votes to Pass Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Moore Votes to Pass Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs f t # e Washington, December 12, 2019 Congresswoman Moore Votes to Pass Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs Today, Congresswoman Moore voted in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 230 192 vote. In response to the House's passage of H.R. 3, Congresswoman Moore issued the following statement: I am thrilled to be tackling an issue that keeps too many Americans up at night: the soaring price of prescription drugs. Prescription drug prices are forcing Americans to make unfathomable choices that can jeopardize their health and their lives. No one should have to choose between paying for life-saving treatment and paying the bills. No one should have to consider rationing their medicine. Big Pharma has reaped profits off the backs of hard working Americans by imposing exorbitant price tags that they cannot justify. Today, we're standing up to Big Pharma to rein in their price-gouging. House Democrats have pledged to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Today, we are delivering on our promise so Americans can access the drugs they need at prices they can afford. Key Components Among other H.R. 3 will reform prescription drug pricing in our nation by giving Medicare the ability to negotiate lower drug prices in line with the prices charged in other countries and making those prices available to private insurance providers, placing an out-of-pocket cap on these costs for people with Medicare Part D. H.R. 3 reinvests the savings of nearly $500 billion from these reforms into medical and pharmaceutical research for new cures and treatments and historic new benefits for vision, for dental and hearing for Medicare beneficiaries. Estimated number of beneficiaries who will gain from H.R. 3's expansion of Medicare coverage: New benefits Number of beneficiaries in WI-04 Dental 103,100 Vision 78,000 Hearing 97,200 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-votes-pass-landmark-legislation-lower-cost-prescription,"Rep. Ron Kind Votes to Pass Landmark Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs, Allow Medicare to Negotiate Prescription Drug Prices",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Rep. Ron Kind voted for and the House passed H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, legislation that would lower prescription drug prices and level the playing field for American patients and taxpayers. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. Limits the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price in countries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Extends Medicare coverage for seniors to include dental, vision, and hearing. Included in this legislation is Rep. Kind's Better Transparency in Information for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2019, which will increase transparency by providing notice to seniors when less expensive Medicare prescription drug plans are available to them and was introduced earlier this year. Today's vote brings us one step closer to relieving the burden of prescription drug prices for thousands of Wisconsinites, and millions of Americans. I am proud to vote for a bill that will help level the playing field so folks can pay fair prices for the prescription drugs they need without sacrificing other necessities, said Rep. Ron Kind. It is now up to the Senate to pass this important legislation so that seniors can find a prescription drug plan they can afford. Drug companies are price-gouging older Americans and taxpayers who pay the highest drug costs in the world, said Lisa Lamkins AARP Wisconsin Associate State Director for Advocacy. AARP is proud to support H.R. 3, which would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and cap out-of-pocket costs for Part D enrollees. The bill also enhances Medicare by improving access and adding needed dental, hearing, and vision coverage. AARP applauds Congressman Kind and his colleagues for passing H.R. 3 and working to provide relief for older Americans struggling to afford needed medications and services. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act will lower prescription drug costs by $492 billion spending over ten years. The legislation passed through the House with bipartisan support, 230-192.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/lawmakers-clash-on-trump-clinton-impeachment-comparisons,"Lawmakers clash on Trump, Clinton impeachment comparisons",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Zack Budryk of the Hill Republicans and Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday clashed over comparisons between the impeachment case againstPresident Trumpand the one decades ago against President Clinton. The disagreement was led by two members of the panel who were both in Congress and on the Judiciary Committee during the Clinton era. Rep.Zoe Lofgren(D-Calif.), who was also a congressional staffer during the Nixon impeachment drama, said most Democrats in the Clinton era did not see sex as an impeachable offense. She contrasted that position with the crimes that Democrats are accusing Trump of having committed: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Republicans in the Clinton era said the president had lied to Congress, but Lofgren argued he had just lied about an affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. I would just like to note that the argument that somehow lying about a sexual affair is an abuse of presidential power, but the misuse of presidential power to get a benefit somehow doesn't matter, Lofgren said. Lying about sex, we could put Stormy Daniels's case in front of us. We don't believe that's a high crime and misdemeanor, she added. And it is not before us, and it should not [be] before us, because it is not an abuse of presidential power. Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) said Lofgren was missing the point of Clinton's impeachment. The important thing is that Bill Clinton lied to a grand jury, responded Sensenbrenner, who was a key figure in the Clinton impeachment fight. That is a crime. The article of impeachment that passed the House accused Bill Clinton of lying to a grand jury, a crime and something that obstructs the ability of the courts to get to the truth. This is not what is happening here. Big difference. The Judiciary panel is expected to vote on articles of impeachment against Trump later on Thursday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-urges-colleagues-take-action-anti-human-trafficking-legislation,Steil Urges Colleagues to Take Action on Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Bryan Steil testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee about his bill, the Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act. Steil urged his colleagues to take action on his legislation as part of the committee's efforts to combat human trafficking. Click here to watch Steil's testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I want to thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. I look forward to working with you on this important issue and doing everything we can to stop [human trafficking], said House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Michael McCaul to Steil during today's hearing. The Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act has 47 cosponsors, both Republicans and Democrats. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) is the lead cosponsor. The U.S. currently uses the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the Department of State to engage foreign governments to combat human trafficking. The TIP report places countries into one of three tiers based on the extent of their government's efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. A country's tier designation is then used to condition aid. The TIP report looks at several criteria, but it does not currently cover efforts to disrupt illicit finance. The Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act requires the existing Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report to evaluate foreign countries' efforts to investigate, prevent, and prosecute financial criminal activities associated with the facilitation of human trafficking. Steil's testimony as prepared: Thank you to Chairman Eliot Engel and Ranking Member Michael McCaul for your commitment to the issue of human trafficking. I am here today to shine a light on an issue that affects every corner of this nation and every country in the worldhuman trafficking. Human trafficking is a horrendous crime that presents a real threat to people in Southeast Wisconsin and around the globe. This isn't just a faraway problemhuman trafficking has been reported in every Wisconsin county. Girls, boys, men, and women of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds are victims of human trafficking. More than 500,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year. More than 14,000 women, children, and men are trafficked into the United States. This is a global epidemic. Criminals have become organized and sophisticated in their ways, making human trafficking a lucrative industry. The International Labor Organization estimates more than $150 billion in illegal profit is made from forced labor each year. If there is a profit to be made, these criminals will take advantage of it. That is where a nonpartisan solution comes into play to deter these crimes from occurring. Currently, the United States uses the Trafficking in Persons Report to engage foreign governments to combat human trafficking. Governments will report their efforts to stop human trafficking within their own country. Foreign aid is then given to these countries based on their action to prevent these crimes. However, while the Trafficking in Persons Report evaluates several criteria, there is no requirement to showcase a country's efforts to disrupt the illicit financing of human trafficking. In April, I introduced my first bill, the Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act. This nonpartisan bill holds countries accountable for their involvement in human trafficking. The Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act requires countries to report their efforts to investigate, prevent, and prosecute financial crimes associated with human trafficking. Right now, countries that receive U.S. aid have no responsibility to report their efforts to prevent money laundering from human trafficking. We must follow the money. And while this bill may be a simple change, it will have a global impact on how countries combat human trafficking. 47 of my colleagues have joined me in this effortmany of whom are members of this committee. Not only does this bill strengthen our efforts to combat human traffickers' use of our domestic financial system, it also encourages other countries to cut off traffickers from the global financial system. This effort is just one piece of the puzzle. Fighting human trafficking requires a multifaceted approach. That's why awareness campaigns, school counselors and teachers, and law enforcement are a vital part of this effort. I'm thankful to Southeast Wisconsin's law enforcement community. Many of our county sheriffs and police officers have brought human trafficking issues to my attention. We have to work togetherall of usRepublicans and Democratslocal, state, federal, and international partnerto take this crisis head-on. I continue working with our community in Southeast Wisconsin to address this problem. And I will continue fighting for this issue here in Congress. Bringing attention to human trafficking is a necessary first step. And passing this legislation and other anti-human trafficking bills is the next step. Our work isn't done. So today, I ask the committee to mark-up the Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act. I am confident this would pass with broad support from both sides of the aisle. Thank you again to Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for the opportunity to speak here today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-urges-colleagues-to-take-action-on-anti-human-trafficking-legislation,Steil Urges Colleagues to Take Action on Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Bryan Steil testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee about his bill, the Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act. Steil urged his colleagues to take action on his legislation as part of the committee's efforts to combat human trafficking. Click here to watch Steil's testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. ""I want to thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. I look forward to working with you on this important issue and doing everything we can to stop [human trafficking],"" said House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Michael McCaul to Steil during today's hearing. The Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act has 47 cosponsors, both Republicans and Democrats. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) is the lead cosponsor. The U.S. currently uses the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the Department of State to engage foreign governments to combat human trafficking. The TIP report places countries into one of three tiers based on the extent of their government's efforts to comply with the ""minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking."" A country's tier designation is then used to condition aid. The TIP report looks at several criteria, but it does not currently cover efforts to disrupt illicit finance. The Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act requires the existing Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report to evaluate foreign countries' efforts to investigate, prevent, and prosecute financial criminal activities associated with the facilitation of human trafficking. Steil's testimony as prepared: Thank you to Chairman Eliot Engel and Ranking Member Michael McCaul for your commitment to the issue of human trafficking. I am here today to shine a light on an issue that affects every corner of this nation and every country in the world—human trafficking. Human trafficking is a horrendous crime that presents a real threat to people in Southeast Wisconsin and around the globe. This isn't just a faraway problem—human trafficking has been reported in every Wisconsin county. Girls, boys, men, and women of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds are victims of human trafficking. More than 500,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year. More than 14,000 women, children, and men are trafficked into the United States. This is a global epidemic. Criminals have become organized and sophisticated in their ways, making human trafficking a lucrative industry. The International Labor Organization estimates more than $150 billion in illegal profit is made from forced labor each year. If there is a profit to be made, these criminals will take advantage of it. That is where a nonpartisan solution comes into play to deter these crimes from occurring. Currently, the United States uses the Trafficking in Persons Report to engage foreign governments to combat human trafficking. Governments will report their efforts to stop human trafficking within their own country. Foreign aid is then given to these countries based on their action to prevent these crimes. However, while the Trafficking in Persons Report evaluates several criteria, there is no requirement to showcase a country's efforts to disrupt the illicit financing of human trafficking. In April, I introduced my first bill, the Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act. This nonpartisan bill holds countries accountable for their involvement in human trafficking. The Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act requires countries to report their efforts to investigate, prevent, and prosecute financial crimes associated with human trafficking. Right now, countries that receive U.S. aid have no responsibility to report their efforts to prevent money laundering from human trafficking. We must follow the money. And while this bill may be a simple change, it will have a global impact on how countries combat human trafficking. 47 of my colleagues have joined me in this effort—many of whom are members of this committee. Not only does this bill strengthen our efforts to combat human traffickers' use of our domestic financial system, it also encourages other countries to cut off traffickers from the global financial system. This effort is just one piece of the puzzle. Fighting human trafficking requires a multifaceted approach. That's why awareness campaigns, school counselors and teachers, and law enforcement are a vital part of this effort. I'm thankful to Southeast Wisconsin's law enforcement community. Many of our county sheriffs and police officers have brought human trafficking issues to my attention. We have to work together—all of us—Republicans and Democrats—local, state, federal, and international partner—to take this crisis head-on. I continue working with our community in Southeast Wisconsin to address this problem. And I will continue fighting for this issue here in Congress. Bringing attention to human trafficking is a necessary first step. And passing this legislation and other anti-human trafficking bills is the next step. Our work isn't done. So today, I ask the committee to mark-up the Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act. I am confident this would pass with broad support from both sides of the aisle. Thank you again to Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for the opportunity to speak here today.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/commitment-to-veteran-support-and-outreach-act,"Baldwin, Sullivan, Tester, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Veteran Suicide Crisis",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.19 Baldwin, Sullivan, Tester, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Veteran Suicide Crisis WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand community-based outreach that will help veterans access services to improve their health and wellness and prevent suicides. The number of veteran suicides nationwide continues to rise, and approximately 14 of the 20 veterans who die by suicide each day are not receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration. County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) are often the first point of contact in the community for veterans and are on the frontlines in this battle against veteran suicides by helping enroll veterans into the VA Health Administration. The Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act will increase resources for CVSOs that will better connect more veterans to the services they need. In 2017 alone, more than 6,100 veterans died by suicide, an amount nearly equal to the number of servicemembers killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. The veteran suicide rate has stayed relatively constant for the past 10 years and we need to do something about it, said Senator Baldwin. County Veteran Service Officers are on the frontlines everyday working to combat this tragic crisis, and this bipartisan legislation will support their efforts to provide needed services and solutions for our veterans that will improve their health and well-being. Alaska is home to more than 75,000 veterans, yet less than half of them are currently enrolled in the VA system, said Senator Sullivan. That means thousands of veterans are not connected to the benefits and health care services that they have earned. Local partners and veteran service officers are crucial resources in states, like Alaska, to reaching these off-the-grid veterans. This bipartisan bill, along with the groundwork already being done at my request by the Veterans Benefits Administration in Alaska, will reinforce the VA's mission to expand its reach and ensure veterans who live in rural, frontier states do not get left behind. Too often our Montana veterans have to drive hundreds of miles one way to get to help with VA claims, said Senator Daines. This bipartisan legislation provides critical resources to expand outreach for Montana veterans to help with their healthcare, benefits and wellness needs. Veterans are not always aware of the benefits available to them and CVSOs are often the first to inform them of their eligibility. CVSOs are local county employees who are nationally accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help veterans process their VA claims. These employees are responsible for successfully processing more than $22 billion in claims annually for direct compensation and pension benefits for veterans. They also provide assistance to veterans on a range of benefits and services, including compensation benefits, VA home loans, education benefits and available job placement assistance. However, there is currently no federal funding support directly available for CVSOs. The CVSO Act authorizes $50 million annually for five years to expand and support CVSOs or similar local entities, who currently assist veterans in obtaining critical benefits and services. The VA will award competitive grants to CVSOs, through the states, to create, expand, or support programs that promote health and wellness, prevent suicide and reach veterans who need help navigating the often-burdensome VA process. By increasing the number of CVSOs, states will be able to better leverage their local and federal resources to serve our veterans. The legislation is supported by the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and many individual CVSOs, local officials and stakeholders in Wisconsin and Alaska. Counties provide much-needed services to millions of veterans and their families, said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. The Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act will help us better connect veterans to key health, housing and career readiness resources. We applaud Senators Baldwin and Sullivan's bipartisan efforts to support county veterans service officers, and we look forward to working with Congress to better serve veterans in our communities. NACVSO applauds introduction of the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act' by Senator Tammy Baldwin. This Act will provide Federal support to County, Tribal, and State Veterans Service Officers that have historically been the first point of contact for veterans seeking to utilize their VA benefits and it will ensure that veterans have continued and expanded access to community advocates, said Herm Brueur, President of National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). We currently have lost more veterans by suicide than those we have lost in executing the current wars. It is imperative to have advocates in the counties and communities where veterans and their families live to connect them with their earned benefits. This legislation provides resources to market VA benefits, create new CVSO offices to reach those who are struggling, or provide training for current CVSO offices. This will enhance the services for our veterans and ensure they have access to well-trained professional advocates at the local level to connect them to their benefits and improve the quality of their lives. They deserve these services for their service to our great country, said Joseph G. Aulik, Director of Veterans Services for the Brown County CVSO in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We support Senator Baldwin's initiative to strengthen our Sheboygan County Veteran Service Office outreach and services to veterans and their families. Sadly, veteran suicides continue to rise, and this funding will bolster our efforts to help people in need and save lives, said Adam Payne, Sheboygan County Administrator. This bill reflects a wonderful partnership between the Senate, the VA, and the states working together on behalf of veterans. It will go a long way to ensure the delivery of health and wellness programs, combat suicide, and increase a state's ability to improve outreach efforts and serve our veterans where they live especially in frontier states, like Alaska. This is a huge step in keeping our nation's promise to our veterans. said Verdie Bowen, State of Alaska Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs and former President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. More information on the legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/national-suicide-hotline-designation-act-passes-committee,Baldwin’s Bipartisan Reform to Create Three-Digit Suicide Prevention Hotline Passes Commerce Committee,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.19 Baldwin's Bipartisan Reform to Create Three-Digit Suicide Prevention Hotline Passes Commerce Committee National Suicide Hotline Designation Act designates 9-8-8 as a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisan reform to designate a three-digit phone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline and ensure states have the flexibility to strengthen local crisis call centers. In America, we lose about 45,000 people every year to suicide, including more than 6,100 veterans, making it one of the leading causes of death in this country, said Senator Baldwin. We need to do everything we can to prevent suicide and that means improving the tools we have to help people who are suffering from depression or other mental health issues. I'm proud my bipartisan legislation is moving forward so we can make it as quick and easy as possible for Americans in crisis to get the help and support they need through the National Suicide Hotline. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line are 10-digits, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support. TheNational Suicide Hotline Designation Actdirects the FCC to designate 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and allows veterans to press 1 after dialing 9-8-8 to be routed automatically to the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. Death by suicide is a severe problem in the veteran community with about 17 veterans committing suicide every day, on average. In 2017, in Wisconsin for example, one out of every five people who died by suicide was a veteran. The bipartisan legislation also recognizes that LGBTQ youth are also uniquely at risk of suicide and requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to report to Congress on its plans to facilitate specific training programs for these communities, as well as how best to implement a process so that LGBTQ Lifeline callers can access specialized services. Baldwin introduced this bipartisan reform with Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jack Reed (D-RI). Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) are cosponsors of the legislation. This legislation is endorsed by the American Legion, National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, NowMattersNow.org, United Suicide Survivors International, Open Minds, National Association for Rural Mental Health, Mental Health America, Tourette Association of America, the Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation, the American Telemedicine Association, the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Illinois Association of Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Association of Providers, Postpartum Support International, Education Development Center, National Board for Certified Counselors, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, Association For Ambulatory Behavioral Health, SMART Recovery, American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, Confederation of Independent Psychoanalytic Societies (CIPS), 2020 Mom, the American Association of Suicidology, the American Counseling Association, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American Psychological Association, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Behavioral Health Link, Centerstone, Depression Association of America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of Social Workers, the National Council for Behavioral Health, RI International, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, Mental Health Colorado, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and The Trevor Project. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-house-passage-ndaa,Gallagher Statement on House Passage of NDAA,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today issued the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 by a vote of 377-48. Rep. Gallagher serves on the House Armed Services Committee, which is responsible for drafting the NDAA. This NDAA marks a key step towards implementing the National Defense Strategy and doing right by our men and women in uniform. It continues our bipartisan work to build a 355 ship Navy, codifies the Trump administration's actions on Huawei, ensures ZTE is complying with its settlement with the U.S. government, provides for critical independent reviews of National Defense Strategy implementation, and gives our troops a well-deserved pay increase. For 58 years, Congress has put aside partisan politics to uphold its most important responsibility to provide for the common defense. While we hit some road bumps along the way, I'm glad we were able to uphold this tradition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4414,Congresswoman Moore Introduces the Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Moore Introduces the Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Moore introduced H.R. 5392 the Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act, which would extend the solvency of Social Security and make key reforms to improve the program benefits so that Social Security works better for vulnerable Americans. Congresswoman Moore released the following statement: I lived in poverty and I am so grateful for the government assistance programs that provided me with the opportunity to improve my financial situation and make a better life for me and my family. I came to Congress and fought hard to join the esteemed Ways and Means Committee so that I could advance policies that promote basic economic fairness. That's why I am excited to sponsor legislation that would preserve and enhance the Social Security program. Social Security is the North Star of public policy. Social Security benefits act as the foundation of workers retirement security, and too often as the sole source of income for retirees. But Social Security is not just a retirement program; it is the most successful antipoverty program in our nation`s history. Without Social Security, around 22 million more Americans would live below the poverty line. Yet, the system's integrity is at risk. Social Security is fully funded until 2035 but faces a financing shortfall after that. Any solution that involve cuts to benefits is unacceptable to me. Additionally, any reform of this critical program should include benefit improvements that help women, people of color, and low-income people. I'm looking out for the elderly and women (because they generally live longer than men) who are more likely to outlive their benefits. I am speaking up for people of color who have suffered as a result of institutional inequities. I am advocating for children of retired, disabled or deceased workers who are full-time students enrolled in college or vocational schools. Reinstating the student benefit recognizes that children who are full-time students after age 18 are often still in fact dependent on their parents for their support and that children of Social Security beneficiaries may be unable to pursue an education without this benefit. I am supporting caregivers because this uncompensated labor is not free. Endorsing organizations: National Women's Law Center, Social Security Works, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, Strengthen Social Security Coalition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/democrats-and-republicans-trade-barbs-and-defend-decisions-in-nighttime-impeachment-hearing,DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS TRADE BARBS AND DEFEND DECISIONS IN NIGHTTIME IMPEACHMENT HEARING,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Jeffrey Martin of Newsweek Impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump continued Wednesday night as the House Judiciary Committee began a debate about the articles of impeachment by allowing every member of the committee, Republicans and Democrats by turn, to make an opening statement. Hoping to push the impeachment articles through to a full House vote before the upcoming Christmas holiday, the debate is expected to continue Thursday evening. Final language is expected to be agreed upon for the articles of impeachment, which are based on charges of abuse of presidential power and obstruction of justice. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler began the meeting by saying Trump's avoidance of the impeachment hearings was unprecedented. ""Other presidents have resisted congressional oversight,"" Nadler said. ""But President Trump's stonewall was complete, absolute and without precedent in American history."" Republicans answered Democrat responses by saying the impeachment proceedings were being rushed because of the upcoming holiday. Republican Representative Doug Collins claimed that the only obstruction apparent in the hearings was perpetrated by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff for his closed-door depositions and alleged hesitancy to release information. Collins also placed doubt on Democrats' claim of abuse of power on the president's part. ""The only abuse of power here is the majority racing the fastest they ever have, the clock and the calendar determining what impeachment looks like,"" Collins said. Representative James Sensenbrenner agreed with Collins concerning the timing of the hearings. ""What we're debating here, in my opinion, is the weakest case in history,"" Sensenbrenner said. ""And yet the Democrats have decided to go full speed ahead, again because of the clock and the calendar, with an incomplete record simply by using hearsay evidence and trashing the rules of the house every time they can in order to speed things up to a preordained conclusion and that is a partisan vote for impeachment."" ""For all the radical left's attacks on the president's honesty,"" said Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, ""it's their lies that continue to fuel this scorched-earth strategy of impeachment."" Gaetz also referred to the impeachment as ""hot garbage."" ""This is nothing more than the sloppy straight-to-DVD Ukranian sequel to the failed Russia hoax,"" he added. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee denied that impeachment had anything to do with personal feelings towards the president, but simply that Trump had committed ""constitutional crimes."" ""Truth matters, and where truth rests, trust builds,"" she said. ""Impeachment cannot be warped by equivocation wrapped in doubt."" Most Democrats stated they were involved in the impeachment process because of their love for the country. ""Tonight, I ask all Americans to put their personal affections and political affiliations aside,"" said Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, ""and consider the long term health of our democracy. The issue we face now as a country as a result of this president is bigger than party, and the Constitution has no partisan allegiance.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/house-panel-debates-impeachment-articles-in-bid-to-complete-charges-against-trump,House Panel Debates Impeachment Articles in Bid to Complete Charges Against Trump,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Seated at the wood-carved dais of the Ways and Means Committee room, the grandest meeting chamber in the House, lawmakers appeared to feel the weight of the occasion, refraining from some of the more raucous tactics that have marked the impeachment process so far in favor of passionate statements of principle. Even as the outcome in the committee appeared clear, Mr. Nadler used his statement to appeal to Republicans to reconsider their position before it was too late. You still have a choice, Mr. Nadler told the Republicans, adding, President Trump will not be president forever. When his time has passed, when his grip on our politics is gone, when our country returns as surely it will to calmer times and stronger leadership, history will look back on our actions here today, he said. How would you be remembered? Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, Republican of Wisconsin and one of the managers of the impeachment case against Mr. Clinton, had an appeal of his own to Democrats: Put aside your partisan politics and don't listen to what Pelosi, Schiff and Nadler are telling you, because the future of our country and the viability of our Constitution as the framers decided it are at stake. Along with the committee chairman, he was referring to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has kept remarkably tight control over the impeachment inquiry, and Representative Adam B. Schiff, Democrat of California and the chairman of the Intelligence Committee, who led the investigation into the president's pressure campaign on Ukraine. Representative Zoe Lofgren, Democrat of California, who wasparticipating in her third impeachment inquiry, offered an explanation about this one. It seems, she said, like we live in an alternate reality. Others warned of the political risks of the moment. Representative Ken Buck of Colorado predicted that voters would punish Democrats, particularly those whose victories in conservative districts in 2016 handed them control of the chamber. Say goodbye to your majority, Mr. Buck said. And please join us in January of 2021 when President Trump is inaugurated again. Democrats drew heavily on their own experiences and backgrounds as they sought to frame their views on impeachment for the history books. Some reached for the words of the founders or the annals of the law. Others quoted from scripture or spoke about loved ones. Many harked back to their unique biographies as immigrants and the legacy of painful periods in American history. I'm a black man representing Georgia, born when Jim Crow was alive and well, said Representative Hank Johnson, Democrat of Georgia. To me, the idea that elections can be undermined is not theoretical. I have constituents who remember what it is like to live in a democracy in name only. Representative Lucy McBath of Georgia, one of the panel's only Democrats representing a swing district, spoke of losing her only son to gun violence the cause that sent her to Congress. This is not why I came to Washington, she said, but she confirmed she would vote to impeach. I must vote my conscience, and I do so with a heavy heart and a grieving soul, she said. Mr. Nadler called a recess after the opening statements late Wednesday. He planned to reconvene the panel on Thursday to begin the protracted process of allowing members to propose edits and amendments tothe two articles. The first article accuses Mr. Trump of ignoring and injuring national security and other vital national interests by carrying out a scheme to corruptly solicit election assistance from Ukraine through investigations to smear his Democratic political rivals. The second article charges that the president obstructed Congress by engaging in unprecedented, categorical and indiscriminate defiance of House subpoenas. No lawmaker is expected to cross party lines, and House Democratic leaders are eyeing a final vote to impeach the president for high crimes and misdemeanors as early as Tuesday. Democrats are confident they have the votes to pass both articles even if a handful of Democrats defect. With the outcome in the Judiciary Committee all but certain, lawmakers have begun privately appealing to the speaker to win appointments as impeachment managers when the charges are put before the Senate for trial. In the Senate, the prospect of hosting an impeachment trial when they return from the year-end break was weighing heavily on their thinking. Some Senate Republicans appeared to be eager for a streamlined trial without testimony by witnesses, ensuring that the spectacle of deciding on Mr. Trump's impeachment would be over quickly so that the chamber could move on to other issues in an election year. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, hinted at that preference in comments to reporters on Tuesday, saying that a majority of senators could decide after hearing arguments for both sides that they've heard enough and end the trial quickly. On Wednesday, Mr. McConnell chastised the House for what he called the least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history. Over lunch on Wednesday, Republican senators invited Representative Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, who has played a leading role in Mr. Trump's defense in the House, and his lawyer, Stephen R. Castor, to privately offer their theory of the case for Mr. Trump's defense. At the White House, Mr. Trump's legal team has been discussing the possibility of hiring Alan Dershowitz, the veteran lawyer who has defended the president, to represent him in the impeachment trial, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Mr. Dershowitz would join the president's outside legal team, withPat A. Cipollone, the White House counsel,taking the lead in arguing the case in the Senate. Representative Mark Meadows, Republican of North Carolina, mentioned Mr. Dershowitz as a possibility on the House Freedom Caucus podcast, adding: I have advocated that there needs to be one other attorney that's added to the mix. The articles of impeachment, which run for nine pages, include two counts against Mr. Trump. Thursday's session will begin with a committee clerk reading the articles aloud. The first article, abuse of power, accused Mr. Trump of withholding $391 million in military aid and a coveted White House meeting for Ukraine's president as leverage for extracting public announcements of investigations into former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son, as well as an unsubstantiated theory that Ukraine conspired with Democrats to swing the 2016 election against Mr. Trump. The second article, obstruction of Congress, charges that Mr. Trump sought to cover up his own wrongdoing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-democrat-impeachment-weakest-case-in-history,Sensenbrenner: Democrat Impeachment Weakest Case in History,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Breitbart Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) delivered a stirring address during the markup of the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday evening, calling the Democrats' case the weakest in American history. His full speech: Mr. Chairman, I agree witheverybody that tonight is a verysolemn night. This is the third time in thelast 40 years, 45 years, thatthis committee has sat to readarticles of impeachment againstthe President of the United States. What we are debating here, in myopinion, is the weakest case inhistory. And yet the Democrats have decided to go full speed ahead, again because ofthe clock and the calendar, withan incomplete record, simply byusing hearsay evidence andtrashing the rules of the Houseevery time they can in order tospeed things up for the preordainedconclusion. And that is: apartisan vote for impeachment, something that both the Speakerand the chairman of thiscommitteete rejected earlier onwhen they thought they couldmake this bipartisan. If they could've made itbipartisan, they blew theiropportunity very early on withtheir trashing of the rules andthe trashing of what is thehistory of what is in the history this committee. Now, let's look at these twoarticles. Unlike the Nixon and Clintonimpeachment, there is no crimethat is alleged to have been committed by the President of the United States. There are policy differences, but I would submit that giventhe definition of treason, andbribery, and other high crimesand misdemeanors, that does notmean that the policy differencesshould be enough to remove apresident from office. There is no allegation ofbribery in these articles. There is no allegation ofextortion. They have defined for themselveswhat a high crime andmisdemeanor will be. This bar is so low that what ishappening is that a futurepresident can be impeached forany disagreement when thepresidency and the House of Representatives are controlledby different parties. And that goes back toestablishing a parliamentarysystem, which the Framersexplicitly rejected at the time of the Constitutional Convention. In the United Kingdom, or Canada, or other parliamentarydemocracies, if the governmentloses the confidence of themajority of the lower house, the government is out, and there is either a newgovernment or a new electionthat happens. The Framers did not want that. We had an independentpresidency. The president was independentlyelected. He did not serve at thesufferance of Congress. No he served for a fixed term andwas only, if he really obstructedthe functions of government orwas treasonous, he could beimpeached. Now let's look at obstruction of Congress. You know, again, in the past, whenever theexecutive and legislativebranches in the United Stateshave had a disagreement, they'vegone to court. And the third branch decides this difference. This committee and this majorityare so hide-bound to their clock and their calendar that they willnot allow the judicialprocess to work out. What brought Richard Nixon down,honestly, was the Supreme Courtsaying that he had to turn overcertain documents. And within two or three weeksafter that, the president knewhis time was up. There were Republicans that convinced him of that, and he resigned, rulingout the impeachment. So, yes the constitution is atstake. The Framers of our Constitution's enlightened decisions are at stake. We are about to go on a road tobecoming a parliamentarydemocracy like England and Canada are. We need an independent presidentwho does not have to suffer toanything a congressional majority might throw at him. That's what the courts are for, to figure it out. And I would to appeal to mychairman, [and] the majority membersof this committee, to listen towhat Madison and Hamilton had tosay during the ratification ofthe Constitution and during thedebates of the convention: put aside your partisan politicsand don't listen to what Pelosi, Schiff, and Nadler are tellingyou because the future of ourcountry and the viability of our Constitution as the Framersdecided are at stake. The committee will vote Thursday, and an impeachment vote is possible by Friday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/wisconsin-leaders-groups-all-say-usmca-trade-deal-is-a-win,"Wisconsin leaders, groups all say USMCA trade deal is a win",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Benjamin Yount of the Center Square The verdict in Wisconsin about the new trade deal with Canada and Mexico is nearly unanimous. Business groups and elected leaders all say the United States/Mexico/Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a win for Wisconsin. Our farmers have been waiting in uncertainty for more than a year for USMCA to get done. So, it's certainly good news to see the deal take this significant step forward. There are more steps to be taken, however, so we are not breathing a full sigh of relief,""Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative PresidentBrody Stapel said Tuesday. The Edge isone of the largest dairy co-ops in the country. USMCA is critical to the long-term success of the U.S. dairy community,"" Stapel said. ""Mexico is our number one dairy foods export market and Canada is third. Combined,"" he said. ""They account for more than $2 billion each year. This agreement would protect those longtime trading relationships and allow for growth in market share. That means economic certainty for businesses, families, employees and rural communities."" Wisconsin's longest serving congressman, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Milwaukee, also said that access to Canadian and Mexican markets is a big win for dairy farmers in Wisconsin. ""It is a boon for our state's dairy farmers who will have more access to Canadian markets,"" Sensenbrenner said. ""After enduring months of needless delay, I am eager to vote for the deal and am grateful to the Trump administration for their tireless work reaching an agreement. The deal is coming together after a few tweaks and some concessions to labor unions. U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-LaCrosse, said those changes are key, not just in moving the deal forward but for making it workable. ""Raising standards in trade agreements to level the playing field for workers, farmers, and businesses is vital so we are not trying to compete in a race to the bottom,"" Kind said in a statement. Both Canada and Mexico must ratify the new trade agreement. There is hope Congress can finalize it by perhaps the end of the year. U.S. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, provided the simpleststatement of the day.Gallaghersummed up the impatiencethat many here in Wisconsin have felt for the past year-plus. It's about damn time,"" Gallagher said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-supports-critical-bill-for-service-members,Steil Supports Critical Bill for Service Members,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Bryan Steil released a statement after voting in favor of the national defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). ""We have the strongest military in the world. It is important we properly prepare for emerging threats facing our country. We must also ensure our men and women in uniform have the training, resources, and equipment needed to protect our nation here at home and abroad. The NDAA enhances our military's capabilities while supporting our service members and their families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-supports-critical-bill-service-members,Steil Supports Critical Bill for Service Members,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Bryan Steil released a statement after voting in favor of the national defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). We have the strongest military in the world. It is important we properly prepare for emerging threats facing our country. We must also ensure our men and women in uniform have the training, resources, and equipment needed to protect our nation here at home and abroad. The NDAA enhances our military's capabilities while supporting our service members and their families. On background: Funding for the military runs out on December 20, 2019. Last month, Steil delivered a floor speech on the consequences of passing short-term funding bills for the military. You can watch the floor speech here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/climate-hearing-on-extreme-weather-from-climate-change,Senator Baldwin Leads Climate Crisis Committee Hearing on Building Community Resilience in the Face of Extreme Weather from Climate Change,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.19 Senator Baldwin Leads Climate Crisis Committee Hearing on Building Community Resilience in the Face of Extreme Weather from Climate Change Senate Democrats heard from experts, local officials on need to take action now to help communities rebuild after severe weather WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a hearing of the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis entitled, Better, Stronger, Smarter: Building Community Resilience in a Future of Extremes. The special committee heard from local officials and national experts on how we can take action now to help communities rebuild after severe weather to be more resilient and better withstand future disasters. Many communities in Wisconsin are focused on building back stronger and more resilient because they know and live the reality of a changing climate every day, and they know the enormous local costs to taxpayers, said Senator Baldwin during the hearing. Climate change is certainly a big, global problem. But it is also, just as importantly, a local reality. We need to partner with our communities, counties and states to do more. Natural disasters associated with climate change are already increasing costs for local governments, particularly for rebuilding infrastructure. Repeated rebuilding is not financially sustainable, so designing and building infrastructure to withstand the next storm is essential as severe weather becomes more frequent and more intense. Communities must have resources and guidance to make proactive investments in their resilience and rebuild more effectively. Among the experts and local officials who provided testimony to the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, Mayor Tim Kabat of La Crosse, Wisconsin spoke to the costs associated with having to rebuild again and again after severe storms. La Crosse is like other river communities as we have learned to live, work and play in the Mississippi River and its watershed. We are also like other communities in that we are experiencing significant challenges because of our changing climate and weather patterns, said Mayor Kabat in his opening remarks. We need stronger partnerships with our federal agencies and greater flexibility in how resources are implemented on the ground. Earlier this year in La Crosse, Senator Baldwin, Mayor Kabat and other local officials met to discuss the need to invest in resilient infrastructure and flood mitigation so that communities are better equipped to withstand extreme weather eventsincluding flooding in La Crosse. Senator Baldwin has introduced bipartisan legislation that would help states rebuild stronger roads, highways and bridges as they recover from natural disasters by incorporating resiliency improvements into their emergency relief projects. The Rebuilding Stronger Infrastructure Act is included in the surface transportation reauthorization bill that passed out of committee in July. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-announces-freedom-high-school-student-winner-2019-congressional-app,Gallagher Announces Freedom High School Student as Winner of 2019 Congressional App Challenge,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today announced that Alex Scheibe from Freedom High School won the 2019 Congressional App Challenge for Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District. Alex created the Automatic Game Helper Artificial Intelligence app, an adventure game where Artificial Intelligence helps the player navigate a fantasy world. He created this app to counter negative connotations surrounding Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence will shape the economy of tomorrow and have a tremendous impact on industries across Northeast Wisconsin, said Rep. Gallagher. This change will be disruptive, but Alex's work is proof that students right here in our community can play a leading role in understanding Artificial Intelligence and the benefits that come with it. I'm proud that such a bright student hails from Northeast Wisconsin, and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for this young innovator. Click here to watch a video of Alex explaining the app. Click here to watch a video of Rep. Gallagher discussing the competition. Background: The annual Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide effort to spur interest in coding, STEM, and computer-science education among middle and high school students. Congressional App Challenge winners will be invited to Washington, D.C. in the Spring of 2020 to showcase their apps at the #HouseofCode event in the U.S. Capitol.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-introduces-bill-support-mexico-s-anti-corruption-campaign,Gallagher Introduces Bill to Support Mexicos Anti-Corruption Campaign,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) yesterday introduced H.R. 5369, the Supporting Mexico Against Corruption (SMAC) Act. This bill would combat corruption by requiring the President to impose Magnitsky Sanctions on individuals in the Mexican government that the U.S. Treasury Department has credible evidence engaged in corrupt activities outlined by the Global Magnitsky Act. Under the SMAC Act, the President would have 120 days to implement these sanctions. Click here for bill text. In light of recent cartel-related violence in Mexico, it is time for a maximum pressure campaign against the corruption that gives these criminal organizations safe harbor, said Rep. Gallagher. We must support those in the Mexican government who are committed to rooting out corruption. Background: Since the enactment of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act of 2017, the U.S. Department of Treasury has sanctioned four Mexican nationals, including a former Mexican government official, under the Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-announcement-usmca-agreement,Gallagher Statement on Announcement of USMCA Agreement,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Mike Gallagher,G000579,gallagher.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today issued the following statement after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced Democrats had reached a deal with the Trump Administration on the USMCA more than a year after President Trump signed the pledge. It's about damn time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1356,Grothman Statement of Partisan Voting Rights Bill,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi brought H.R. 4 to the House floor, which passed with a nearly party-line vote. The so-called Voting Rights Advancement Act is another example of a cleverly-named bill that sounds nice, but whose goal is to strip states of their right to administer their own elections and whose consequences will result in further incentives to commit voter fraud. Wisconsin law currently requires one form of government-issued identification, including a driver's license, student I.D. and six others, to let election administrators know that the person seeking to cast a vote is indeed a resident of the state and voting in the correct election. Congressional, state Senate, state Assembly and Mayoral districts (among others) all have different constituencies depending on where district lines are drawn. Voter I.D. laws not only protect the integrity of our elections, but allow poll workers, who often volunteer for their position, to ensure that when somebody votes, they are voting in the correct election. Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today released the following statement about H.R. 4: It's been well-documented that far too much time and energy have been put toward the phony impeachment hearings, said Grothman. That is why it is so shocking that the little time leftover has been allocated to passing a bill that will strip away states' rights to administer their own elections. Democrats have been very clever this Congress when naming their bills. The name of the bill will often be an idea that everyone agrees with, such as voting rights, but when you dig into the text, you see a very different story. The so-called Voting Rights Advancement Act is nothing more than a federal government takeover of elections, taking power away from citizens and states and instead giving it to politicians and bureaucrats. It was disappointing to see every Democrat vote for this bill. Furthermore, this bill goes against the will of Wisconsinites by overturning state photo I.D. laws. When I speak with poll workers and town clerks around Wisconsin, I get an overwhelmingly positive response on our state's photo I.D. laws. These laws are intended to protect the integrity of our elections by ensuring votes are cast properly and in the correct elections. Photo I.D. laws are not unique to Wisconsin or America. Mexico, Germany, France, Israel, among others, all require identification in order to vote. Why is it that other countries realize this important piece in maintaining election integrity while some of my colleagues do not? -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his third term representing Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4411,Congresswoman Moore on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Moore on Articles of Impeachment f t # e Washington, December 10, 2019 Congresswoman Moore on Articles of Impeachment Today, the House Judiciary Committee unveiled two articles of impeachment that charge Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. In response, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement: Every President takes a sacred oath to protect the country and the interests of the American people. As a Member of Congress, I took a similar oathto support and defend the Constitution.When Trump solicited a foreign government to investigate a political rival for personal and political gain, he violated his oath. The Founding Fathers included mechanisms for presidents who abuse their power.Impeachment is that mechanism. I do not take these actions lightly, but President Trump has left Congress no choice but to move forward with articles of impeachment to uphold the Constitution and protect our democracy. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4412,Congresswoman Moores Amendments in the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act Pass the House,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Moore's Amendments in the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act Pass the House Today, Congresswoman Moore voted for the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, which includes ten bills to ensure that coastal communities are properly prepared to address the climate crisis. The package, as passed, includes two amendments offered by Congresswoman Moore to guarantee low-income and tribal communities are involved in climate change planning. Congresswoman Moore released the following statement: I am proud to support the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, which ensure coastal communities have the resources to properly respond to the effects of climate change. The underlying bill includes the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act which I strongly support that would expand the Coastal Zone Management Act to allow tribal governments to also implement coastal and shoreline measures that support public safety, public access, and cultural and historic preservation. In that spirit, I proposed amendments to ensure that coastal tribal and low-income communities are not left out of critical planning for the future in other programs created in the bill. For too long, low-income communities have lacked the political and economic power to protect their communities from environmental and health hazards, even though they are particularly vulnerable and disproportionately affected. Similarly, our Native brothers and sisters are seeing climate change threaten their water and food sources. These are communities that have contributed to the least amount of greenhouse emissions, but are seeing climate change harm their way of life. Environmental injustice has weakened their voices, but this amendment strengthens their voices by requiring two programs in the bill (the Living Shoreline Grant Program and the Climate Change Adaption Preparedness and Response Program) to consult with these communities in developing plans that will guide funding decisions. We need to engage everyone to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. No one can be left out because nobody can afford to be left behind.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4413,Congresswoman Moore Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Moore Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement Washington, DC Congresswoman Moore released the following statement today on the announcement of a USMCA trade agreement: Today, Speaker Pelosi, Ways and Means Chairman Neal and the USMCA working group announced that they had reached agreement on a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico that modernizes NAFTA. I look forward to seeing the final text of the trade agreement. House Democrats fought hard to improve the agreement the Trump Administration negotiated last year to promote a level the playing field for workers while securing strong environmental and labor protections. We need to deliver the promises of open international trade, policies that will drive a better future for all Mexicans, Canadians and Americans, policies that fuel economic growth and raise living standards across our hemisphere. American workers continue to feel pressure from the loss of so many good-paying jobs as a result of globalization and I believe Congress needs to promote greater equity in international trade and fair-trade policies. Mexico and Canada are the top export markets for Wisconsin and with exports valued at more than $10 billion.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-statement-uscma-agreement-update,Rep. Kind Statement on USCMA Agreement Update,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Rep. Ron Kind released the following statement after Speaker Pelosi announced that a deal has been reached with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Lighthizer: I'm glad that Congress and this Administration have reached an agreement on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). For months, my colleagues and I have worked and advocated for a trade deal that will ensure a level playing field for Wisconsin workers and farmers, keep jobs in the United States, and make this deal enforceable. Without enforceability, the gains achieved for workers and families would not exist and Wisconsin farmers would not have been guaranteed access to the Canadian dairy market. The work that has been done around this deal is a great example of what can be accomplished when people work across the aisle to get things done. The bipartisan efforts, changes to labor standards, increases in enforceability measures, and the solidifying of agricultural access should all serve as a baseline for how future trade agreements will be drafted. Raising standards in trade agreements to level the playing field for workers, farmers, and businesses is vital so we are not trying to compete in a race to the bottom that will jeopardize jobs in America. Trade relationships are never finishedespecially with our closest neighbors and alliesand I look to this as a renewed commitment between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and will continue to work on these vital matters to advance a North American economy that creates good-paying jobs and is in line with our values. I look forward to closely reviewing the revised textand as long as the new version of USMCA meets the standards we've fought forI look forward to working with my colleagues to getting this agreement across the finish line. Rep. Ron Kind worked tirelessly for years to push for the following to be included in the new USMCA trade agreement: Eliminated Canada's class 7 dairy program, creating guaranteed access to the Canadian dairy market for Wisconsin farmers. Improved Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards for farmers Increased labor and environmental standards Created a digital chapter for the 21st Century Faster and more enforceable dispute settlement process",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-compares-impeachment-to-mccarthyism,Sensenbrenner compares impeachment to McCarthyism,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: WSAU WASHINGTON, DC (Wisconsin Radio Network) -- As Democrats continue to make their case for an impeachment of the President, Republicans say the process is corrupt. Speaking at the House Judiciary Hearing on Monday, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, along with other Republicans, took exception to California Congressman Devin Nunes being named in a report as having made phone calls to suspected co-conspirators in the investigation. He said, ""Folks, you have made Joe McCarthy look like a piker, with what you've done with the electronic surveillance involved."" Sensenbrenner added that releasing phone records of members of congress and their staff members was inappropriate. ""It is something that has to be put a stop to now. It is something that has to be fessed up to now, whether it's you Mr. Goldman that authorized the matching and the publication, or whether it was Chairman Schiff."" Democrats laid out their claims that the President willfully broke the law, that others knew about it, and that he continues to attempt to subvert the elections.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment,Sensenbrenner Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) issued the following statement after Speaker Pelosi today annouced articles of impeachment against President Trump: Democrats have wanted to impeach President Trump since January 20, 2017 and realized their dream would come true last November. Despite the fact that they could find no bipartisan supporta criterion once set by both Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Nadlerthey are pushing forward with this exercise that will further tear the country apart. Just as the Founders feared, divided governments will now almost certainly lead to partisan impeachments. The Democrats' obsession with ousting the President made today an inevitability, but it is nevertheless a sad day for the Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-usmca-is-a-huge-win-for-wisconsin,Sensenbrenner: USMCA is a Huge Win for Wisconsin,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today,Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) issued the following statement after negotiators announced they reached a final deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):This is a huge win for America and for Wisconsin. It is a boon for our state's dairy farmers who will have more access to Canadian markets. After enduring months of needless delay, I am eager to vote for the deal and am grateful to the Trump administration for their tireless work reaching an agreement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/wisconsin-dairy-business-interests-weigh-in-on-new-north-american-trade-agreement,"Wisconsin dairy, business interests weigh in on new North American trade agreement",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Briana Reilly of the Cap Times Wisconsin congressional Republicans are pushing for quick passage of a new trade deal announced Tuesday that dairy and business interests say would help bring certainty to the state. But Wisconsin Democrats said they're keen to review the measure before publicizing whether it would get their support. House Democrats Tuesday morning announced they had come to a deal with President Donald Trump's administration over the renegotiated trade pact, withnational media outlets reportingthe party was able to secure changes to provisions on prescription drug pricing, the environment, labor and more. Overall, Wisconsin congressional lawmakers lauded the news, with U.S. Rep. Ron Kind touting his efforts to ""ensure a level playing field for Wisconsin workers and farmers,"" maintain U.S. jobs and more. ""The bipartisan efforts, changes to labor standards, increases in enforceability measures, and the solidifying of agricultural access should all serve as a baseline for how future trade agreements will be drafted,"" the La Crosse Democrat said in astatement, though he didn't guarantee he'd support it on the floor as he first wants to review the language. U.S. Reps. Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan, both Democrats, hadn't yet weighed in on the deal Tuesday afternoon, with a Pocan spokesman saying the Madison rep hadn't seen the bill text and therefore declined to comment. It's about damn time,"" U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Green Bay Republican, wrote in atweet. ""USMCA is a win for Wisconsin and a win for America. It should have been brought up for a vote months ago."" State Republicans,including U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, have called on Congress to sign off on the update to the North American Free Trade Agreement for months, though Democrats have expressed reservations about the plan. Trump andVice President Mike Pencein visits to the state have also urgedpassage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The agreement to update NAFTA, which first took effect in 1994, has received approval from the three countries' leaders after negotiations were finalized last year, but it has stalled in Congress where it needs members' approval. Trumphas slammed House Democratsfor failing to act on the deal. In Wisconsin,Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative whose president, BrodyStapel, is a dairy farmer in the eastern part of the state -- praised Tuesday's announcement as ""a significant step forward"" and demanded House leaders pass it swiftly. USMCA is critical to the long-term success of the U.S. dairy community,""Stapel said, adding: ""This agreement would protect those longtime trading relationships and allow for growth in market share. That means economic certainty for businesses, families, employees and rural communities."" Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce head Kurt Bauer said in a statement the group is ""confident this renegotiated trade deal will benefit the state's economy."" Wisconsin manufacturers, farmers and other employers need certainty when it comes to trade, and it is encouraging to see Congress finally moving the USMCA forward,"" he said. ""We make and grow things in Wisconsin, but we need to be able to sell those product to our top trading partners in Canada and Mexico."" A spokeswoman for the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO didn't immediately return a request for comment Tuesday afternoon. The deal has won the endorsement of the national group,according to media reports, which helped secure the support of House Democrats.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-statement-on-usmca-progress,Steil Statement on USMCA Progress,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Bryan Steil released a statement following the announcement of an official agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). ""USMCA is a win for Wisconsin, for our dairy and manufacturing industries, and for middle class families. After months of delay, we are finally moving ahead with USMCA. This is an improved trade deal with two of Wisconsin's top trading partners, Mexico and Canada. USMCA gives Wisconsin farmers critical access to Canada's dairy market. It also creates jobs in the USA. From day one, I've supported this agreement and I am happy to see we are nearing the finish line. Wisconsin farmers and workers depend on strong trade agreements with our allies."" On background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-statement-usmca-progress,Steil Statement on USMCA Progress,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Bryan Steil released a statement following the announcement of an official agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). USMCA is a win for Wisconsin, for our dairy and manufacturing industries, and for middle class families. After months of delay, we are finally moving ahead with USMCA. This is an improved trade deal with two of Wisconsin's top trading partners, Mexico and Canada. USMCA gives Wisconsin farmers critical access to Canada's dairy market. It also creates jobs in the USA. From day one, I've supported this agreement and I am happy to see we are nearing the finish line. Wisconsin farmers and workers depend on strong trade agreements with our allies. On background: Throughout Steil's first term in office, Steil has been an outspoken supporter of USMCA. In April, Steil held an Agriculture and Trade Roundtable in Burlington, Wisconsin to discuss impacts of USMCA on our dairy and agriculture industry. In October, Steil joined Vice President Mike Pence in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin to highlight the importance of USMCA for Wisconsin manufacturing and workers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/statement-on-national-guard-bureau-report-on-wisconsin-national-guard,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on National Guard Bureau Report on Wisconsin National Guard,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.09.19 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on National Guard Bureau Report on Wisconsin National Guard WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement todayon the National Guard Bureau's Office of Complex Investigations (OCI) assessment of the Wisconsin National Guard's sexual assault protocols, reporting mechanisms, investigations and accountability measures: I have a tremendous amount of respect for the service and sacrifice of our Wisconsin National Guard service members and I have worked for over a year to do right by courageous whistleblowers and brave survivors of sexual assault who came forward and contacted my office. I want to thank Governor Evers for joining me in calling for the National Guard Bureau's Office of Complex Investigations to conduct this independent and comprehensive assessment of the Wisconsin National Guard's handling of sexual assault and harassment. Our Wisconsin National Guard service members deserve leadership of unmatched integrity and a work environment free of sexual assault, harassment and the fear of retaliation. This National Guard Bureau report makes clear they have received neither. The failure of leadership, wrongdoing, and lack of accountability that has been uncovered demands change at the Wisconsin National Guard, including new leadership and implementing all of the report's recommendations on how best to prevent sexual assault and harassment, and confront it with accountability when it occurs. Now that the first steps of change are being taken, I support Governor Evers' executive order to work towards true justice for the survivors of sexual assault and accountability for those that committed crimes against them. Print Email Tweet Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/sensenbrenner-statement-on-doj-ig-report,Sensenbrenner Statement on DOJ IG Report,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) offered the following statement today after Inspector General Michael Horowitz released his report:The Intelligence Community is given powerful tools to protect the security of the American people, including conducting surveillance operations. These tools require vigorous oversight to make sure the rights of Americans are protected. The OIG Report released today highlights multiple missteps, errors, and omissions by the FBI in conducting FISA Surveillance of an American citizen. Congress must fully examine these findings and take corrective actions to prevent similar issues in the future. Sensenbrenner Statement on DOJ IG Report Washington, D.C.Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) offered the following statement today after Inspector General Michael Horowitz released his report: The Intelligence Community is given powerful tools to protect the security of the American people, including conducting surveillance operations. These tools require vigorous oversight to make sure the rights of Americans are protected. The OIG Report released today highlights multiple missteps, errors, and omissions by the FBI in conducting FISA Surveillance of an American citizen. Congress must fully examine these findings and take corrective actions to prevent similar issues in the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-delivers-weekly-democratic-address,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Delivers Weekly Democratic Address,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/waow-baldwin-pushing-legislation-to-stop-veterans-from-being-punished-for-va-miscalculations,WAOW: Baldwin Pushing Legislation to Stop Veterans from Being Punished for VA Miscalculations,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wjfw-baldwin-introduces-reform-to-provide-affordable-housing-for-volunteer-firefighters,WJFW: Baldwin Introduces Reform to Provide Affordable Housing for Volunteer Firefighters,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wkbt-baldwin-working-to-provide-affordable-housing-for-volunteer-firefighters,WKBT: Baldwin Working to Provide Affordable Housing for Volunteer Firefighters,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wkow-house-approves-baldwins-reform-to-protect-health-care-workers-from-workplace-violence,WKOW: House Approves Baldwin’s Reform to Protect Health Care Workers from Workplace Violence,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/wsaw-senator-baldwin-working-to-prevent-overmedication-among-veterans,WSAW: Senator Baldwin Working to Prevent Overmedication Among Veterans,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-delivers-dem-address,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Delivers Weekly Democratic Address,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.19 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Delivers Weekly Democratic Address In May, the ENROLL Act passed the House of Representatives, said Senator Baldwin. But since then, it's been sitting in Majority Leader McConnell's legislative graveyard because Senate Republicans have refused to give it a vote, pass it and get it done. They've made it clear they support Trump's efforts to make it harder for people to sign up for quality, affordable coverage. WASHINGTON, D.C. As the open enrollment deadline for health insurance quickly approaches on December 15, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) delivers this week's Weekly Democratic Address. In the address, Senator Baldwin outlines how Congressional Democrats are fighting to provide quality, affordable health care for all Americans while Congressional Republicans and President Trump are sabotaging our health care system by backing a lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act and expanding junk insurance plans that don't have to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Senator Baldwin highlights that she is focused on passing the ENROLL Act to help more people find comprehensive health care plans that meet their needs at a price they can afford. Sadly, this is yet another bill sitting in Majority Leader McConnell's legislative graveyard. Senator Baldwin closes by arguing that we cannot let the GOP health care sabotage continue, calling on Americans to continue signing up for quality, affordable health care coverage before open enrollment ends and pushing Leader McConnell to pass the ENROLL Act. The Weekly Democratic Address is available in bothAUDIO AND VIDEO FORMAT. You may download the audio of the addressHERE and the video of the addressHERE. Senator Baldwin's remarks as delivered follow: Hi, I'm Tammy Baldwin and I have the honor of working for Wisconsin in the United States Senate. When it comes to health care, the difference between Democrats and Republicans today couldn't be more clear. Congressional Republicans and President Trump tried to pass repeal plans that would take away people's health care and allow insurance companies to charge more or deny care for people with pre-existing health conditions. When that effort failed because the American people spoke out, the Trump administration went to work sabotaging our health care system instead of working on bipartisan solutions that will lower health care costs and expand coverage for hardworking families across this country. President Trump is in court right now trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act entirely, including guaranteed protections for 133 million Americans who have pre-existing health conditions. His administration is trying to make it harder for people to enroll in quality, affordable health care coverage by slashing federal funding for the Affordable Care Act navigator program by 84 percent. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expanding junk health insurance plans that don't have to cover pre-existing conditions or provide essential benefits that families need, like prescription drug coverage, emergency room services or maternity care. President Trump is even using American taxpayer dollars to promote these junk insurance plans that could leave you stuck paying thousands out of pocket if you get sick. The people of Wisconsin did not send me to Washington to take people's health care away, so I'm working to help more Americans get access to quality health care, especially during open enrollment, which ends on December 15th. I introduced my ENROLL Act to restore funding for the navigator program that President Trump slashed, and help more people find comprehensive health care plans that meets their needs, at a price they can afford. Navigator programs are so important to helping millions of people find the right health care plan, whether its private insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, or coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. In May, the ENROLL Act passed the House of Representatives. But since then, it's been sitting in Majority Leader McConnell's legislative graveyard because Senate Republicans have refused to give it a vote, pass it and get it done. They've made it clear they support Trump's efforts to make it harder for people to sign up for quality, affordable coverage. After three years of sabotage, more Americans are uninsured today than when President Trump took office. And this year, enrollment numbers are down again. As the open enrollment period comes to a close, we cannot let that trend continue. So sign up for health care coverage, shop around, make sure that the insurance you have works for you and your family. We will continue to say no the sabotage and no to the junk plans. And we will continue to fight against health care repeal because no family should be forced to choose between helping a loved one get better or going bankrupt. Let's work to make things better, not worse. Tell Mitch McConnell to say yes to providing more access to quality, affordable health care coverage by passing the ENROLL Act today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4410,Congresswoman Moore Supports Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Improve Housing Conditions in Indian Country,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Moore Supports Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Improve Housing Conditions in Indian Country WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) joined Reps. Denny Heck (D-WA), Scott Tipton (R-CO), Deb Haaland (D-NM), Tom Cole (R-OK), Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), Don Young (R-AK) and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), in introducing a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) through 2024. NAHASDA provides federal funding and assistance to tribes to ensure that their members can access safe, affordable housing. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that respects Tribal sovereignty and meets our trust obligation to Native Americans by providing funding for low-income housing,"" said Moore. ""Native people experience some of the highest levels of poverty and, too often, this means that they experience some of the most severe shortages of quality housing. NAHASDA is a proven poverty alleviating program that uplifts Native tribes. I look forward to working with my bipartisan allies in Congress to pass this legislation. The data is disturbingly clear: Indian Country is facing a severe housing crisis, said Heck. NAHASDA is one of the best tools Congress wields to respond to this crisis, yet, NAHASDA programs have stood expired for years. If Congress wants to get serious about fulfilling its federal trust responsibility when it comes to housing, we must dust off our #1 policy toolNAHASDAand pass a bill to reauthorize these critical programs. ""NAHASDA plays an important role in providing Native American tribes with affordable housing options,"" said Tipton. ""With the block grants and loan opportunities available to them in this reauthorization, tribal communities can continue to make strides to create good and affordable housing a reality on their own terms."" ""Housing is a necessity for families to grow and thrive, but the federal government continues to fail to uphold the trust responsibility to Native Nations creating severe housing shortages in Indian Country, which was even further exacerbated when the Native Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act expired. The Native House Assistance and Self Determination Act is a critical measure to ensure Tribes can exercise self-governance. We're working to improve housing assistance programs for Tribes, so folks can raise their families in safe and affordable homes,"" said Haaland. Providing housing for Native Americans is a trust obligation of the United States Government, said Cole. For those living in Indian Country, particularly on reservations and without adequate housing, the federal government has a responsibility to undertake this issue. As an original cosponsor of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act, I am proud to be one of many introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for tribal housing across the country. It is my privilege to support reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act and to support Congress' efforts to provide culturally responsive housing assistance for Native peoples, said Lujn. We cannot forget the role that safe and secure homes have in sustaining community health, especially for our service members. That is why I am proud to have my Tribal HUD-VASH bill authorizing housing assistance for Native veterans included in this legislation. Assuring domestic nations have the resources they require to tailor housing solutions to their citizenry is a crucial part of our trust obligation and our promise to safeguard Tribal sovereignty. I look forward to working with Rep. Heck, my colleagues in Congress, and Native Nations in moving this bold piece of legislation forward in the 116th Congress. ""NAHASDA is a fundamental component of upholding the federal trust responsibility to our nation's Indigenous Peoples and Alaska Natives. The housing programs it supports have a proven track record of success, although tremendous needs still exist in Native communities across the country, said Young. This introduction reflects years of work with tribes and Native organizations to develop and advance the best approach for reauthorizing NAHASDA and combating some of the tragically inadequate housing conditions in the nation. The policy improvements within this legislation are long overdue, and I am grateful to Congressman Denny Heck and my fellow cosponsors for their leadership on this critical issue. I look forward to working with my friends on both sides of the aisle to once again move this legislation towards final passage."" ""I'm excited to see Congress reintroduce a new NAHASDA reauthorization bill,"" said Gary Cooper, Chairman of the NAIHC Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation. ""The NAHASDA programs hasn't been updated since 2008, and tribes deserve the needed certainty that reauthorization would provide. While the bill would authorize and update NAHASDA, I applaud Congressman Heck and all the cosponsors on including language in the bill that would make a number of other federal housing programs work better for Indian Country. While the bill may not include everything on tribes' wishlists for housing, it is a strong start, and I look forward to working with Congressman Heck, the Financial Services Committee and all of Congress to get this bill passed."" The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2019 would reauthorize NAHASDA programs, including the Native American Housing Block Grant, the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, and loan guarantee programs. The bill also includes provisions to update NAHASDA and improve the federal response to the housing crisis in Indian Country more generally. The bill authorizes critical programs like the tribal HUD-VASH program and the Native American Housing Block Grant Competitive Grant Program. Native Americans living in tribal areas experience some of the poorest housing conditions in the U.S., and are several times more likely to live in housing that is physically substandard or overcrowded than the U.S. population as a whole. They are also more likely to live in poverty than the general population, further contributing to housing problems. In light of these conditions and the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, Congress has provided funding for Native American housing programs for several decades. In 1996, Congress passed the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) to respond to the housing crisis in Indian Country. NAHASDA authorizes the Native American Housing Block Grant (NAHBG) and the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG), which tribes and tribally-designated housing authorities can use to fund a range of affordable housing activities to benefit low-income tribal households. NAHASDA also authorizes loan guarantee programs to encourage mortgage lending on tribal lands and to help tribes obtain private financing for housing activities. In 2015, HUD estimated that over 100,000 housing units have been built, acquired, or rehabilitated since the NAHBG began. The NHHBG has been used to build, acquire, or rehabilitate nearly 600 homes since the program began, and to provide services or training to another 1,500 households. The authorization for most NAHASDA programs expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2013. The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program has not been reauthorized since its initial authorization expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2005.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kind-and-schweikert-lead-bipartisan-resolution-reaffirming-united,Reps. Kind and Schweikert Lead Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming United States’ Commitment to the World Trade Organization,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), along with a bipartisan group of members from the House Committee on Ways and Means introduced a House resolution encouraging the Administration to participate with other World Trade Organization (WTO) members in reforming the Appellate Body to address longstanding concerns and get the Appellate Body in working order. Specifically, the resolution reaffirms the United States commitment as a member of the WTO and work with other WTO members to achieve reforms that will: Improve the speed and predictability of dispute settlement Address longstanding concerns with the WTO's Appellate Body Increase transparency at the WTO Ensure that WTO members invoke special and differential treatment reserved for developing countries only in fair and appropriate circumstances Update the WTO rules to address the needs of the United States and other free and open economies in the 21st century The WTO is the institute that enforces the world's rules-based trading system, without it we would be in a race to the bottom. However, it's clear there are appellate body issues that need to be addressed and rules that need to be modernized for the 21st century. These changes are going to be written with or without our country's involvementit's up to us to decide who is holding the pen, said Rep. Ron Kind. This resolution demonstrates that the House of Representatives supports the WTO as an institution and instructs the Administration to work with our allies to give the body the reforms it needs so desperately. I am proud to be joined by so many of my Ways and Means colleagues to push this forward. For decades, the United States, through the World Trade Organization (WTO), has helped shape the rules for global commerce and knocked down trade barriers, allowing American businesses and its workers to grow and prosper. I support USTR's efforts to work with our friends to make the WTO more efficient and more transparent, and I recognize and appreciate the WTO is and continues to be a crucial linchpin in global trade. I am pleased to be a co-sponsor of this resolution and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen the WTO, said Rep. David Schweikert. So much of Northern Virginia's economy depends on trade, and sustaining American leadership on trade in part rests on our continued role in the World Trade Organization, said Rep. Don Beyer. A reformed WTO remains our best hope for sustaining a rules based trading system where Americans can thrive, and needed reforms will only be achieved with American engagement and leadership."" Innovators across North Texas rely on the WTO to institute and enforce trade rules. America having a seat at the table is vital to ensuring that our interests are protected and that the international marketplace is free and fair, said Rep. Kenny Marchant. Our resolution calls on the administration to remain engaged with our WTO allies and to work towards reforms that further these goals. While there is no doubt that the WTO requires significant reforms to deal with countries like China, I believe that a functioning WTO still offers the United States the best chance to ensure that trade liberalization is achieved in a manner that is consistent with our values. If we abandon the WTO, it will be harder for us to engage globally and drive the agenda on key issues shaping our future like e-commerce and privacy, said Rep. Suzan Delbene. As global trade is vital for Kansas and our country, we need free and fair trade and an efficient and modernized World Trade Organization (WTO). I am proud to cosponsor this resolution highlighting the need to reform the WTO and appreciate Congressman Kind's leadership on this bipartisan issue, said Rep. Ron Estes. At this time of crisis for the World Trade Organization, Congress must reaffirm its support for a strong rules-based global trading system, said Rep. Terri Sewell. American workers, farmers, and manufacturers depend on an equitable and transparent WTO, and America must take a leading role in proposing thoughtful and equitable reforms. In October, Rep. Kind led a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Geneva, Switzerland where they met with official and discussed the modernization of the WTO, including ways to address the looming appellate body issue. The Ways and Means Committee is the most powerful - and the oldest - committee in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over tax measures, the management of public debt, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, pensions, and many other economic growth measures. Read the resolution text here -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-votes-to-affirm-two-state-solution-for-palestine-and-israel,"Pocan Votes to Affirm Two-State Solution for Palestine and Israel, Opposition to Settlement Expansion",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), today released the following statement after the passage of H.Res.326, Affirming Support for a Two-State Solution and opposition to settlement expansion in the West Bank. ""Today's vote is a clear and necessary message to Palestinians and Israelis that Congress supports a two-state solution for peace in the region—including opposing the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Also, this is the first time we have necessarily expressed that a viable two-state solution must include explicit support for humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent pledge to annex the West Bank eliminates any possibility of a future Palestinian state and the reality of long-lasting peace in the region. Moving forward, if Israel continues with this expansion, Congressional assistance could change.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2019/12/democrats-voting-rights-legislation-doomed-after-partisan-house-vote,Democrats voting rights legislation doomed after partisan House vote,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,WI,F. Sensenbrenner,S000244,sensenbrenner.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Emma Dumain of McClatchy The Democrats' campaign to regain control of the House in 2018 includeda pledgeto restore a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. But a vote on Friday signals their legislation is headed nowhere. Their bill passed along party lines, 228-187, with only one Republican, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, voting yes. It was the first time that a rewrite or reauthorization of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 has had a partisan vote. The White House issued a veto threat of the Democrats' Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would restore a provision requiring certain states to get federal government permission before changing local election laws. House Republicans rebranded the bill as The Federal Control of Elections Act. And even without strong opposition from the White House, there was little appetite to take up the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate. Republicans said Democrats were to blame for crafting a bill that could not get GOP or White House support. If Democrats want an issue, they can continue down this path. If they want a law, they know my number. My record speaks for itself, said Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. Sensenbrenner was the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee in 2006, the last time Congress passed a reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, 390-33. The Senate passed the same bill 98-0 and Republican President George W. Bush signed it into law. Democrats resented the characterization that they had not worked with Republicans in good faith, blaming political polarization for the lack of GOP support. If it were just a messaging bill, I will have wasted ten months' worth of time, said Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, the chairwoman of a House subcommittee on elections, who held nine hearings around the country on voter access that culminated in a 144-page report to justify an updated Voting Rights Act. When the original Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965, it required certain states with histories of voter discrimination and disenfranchisement to be precleared before changing voting laws. A formula was established to determine which states would be subject to this requirement. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court determined the formula was out of date for determining which states ought to be penalized and threw it out, challenging Congress to come up with a new one Sensenbrenner worked with Democrats in the Republican-controlled House to come up with bipartisan compromises in the years following that court ruling, but GOP leaders never allowed a vote. Many congressional Republicans didn't want to restore the preclearance formula, satisfied their states would no longer be punished for Jim Crow-era offenses. On Friday, Republicans accused the Voting Rights Advancement Act of doing more than just reinstating the preclearance formula, contending the bill constituted broad federal overreach of states' rights. GOP lawmakers also complained the bill prohibited states from implementing voter ID laws and would require states to get permission before putting in place very specific election procedures that have a history of being used for discriminatory practices even if the procedures weren't intended to be discriminatory. Democrats said the need for reforms on top of a new preclearance formula were critical, arguing that many of the 14 states and jurisdictions previously subject to preclearance have taken advantage of their freedom from federal oversight to pass new laws that suppress voter access at the polls. Fudge said her review also found that voter disenfranchisement was now rampant in states that weren't originally under the preclearance formula, for instance Ohio and North Dakota. Though the Voting Rights Advancement Act is unlikely to move in the current Congress, Democrats will still seek to score political points off House passage. Supporters held a press conference in the Capitol on Friday, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling it a happy day. Seeking to draw on the emotions of the issue, Democrats had Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a civil rights icon, preside over the bill's final passage. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., also left open a possibility that Democrats could use Fudge's report as the basis of a formal legal challenge at some future date to force the Supreme Court to reinstate the formula. But on the floor on Friday, the debate laid bare deep political differences in starkly personal terms. Today, a partisan bill comes to the floor to prevent states from running their own state and local elections when we are dealing with this very issue of impeachment and discussing elections at the same time, said Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, which also held hearings on the state of voting rights in preparation for the drafting of the Voting Rights Advancement Act. The Republican Party used to support the unfettered right to vote, countered House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. The party of Lincoln is gone. The party of Reagan is gone. The party of McCain is gone.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-reform-to-provide-affordable-housing-for-volunteer-first-responders,"Baldwin, Rounds, Tester, Capito and Roberts Introduce Reform to Provide Affordable Housing for Volunteer Firefighters and First Responders",2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.19 Baldwin, Rounds, Tester, Capito and Roberts Introduce Reform to Provide Affordable Housing for Volunteer Firefighters and First Responders WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jon Tester (D-MT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) today introduced bipartisan legislation to provide affordable housing opportunities for volunteer firefighters and first responders in order to help recruit and retain more volunteers, particularly in rural and under-served communities. According to the National Fire Protection Association's 2017 U.S. Fire Department Profile, 65 percent of firefighters nationwide are volunteers, and fire departments rely on these volunteers to help respond to a wide array of local emergencies. Recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters is critical for thousands of communities, yet local volunteer fire departments, especially those serving small and rural communities, find it difficult to meet staffing needs and attract younger volunteers. The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act would expand eligibility for qualified volunteer first responders to participate in certain federal housing assistance programs and provide a greater incentive for more volunteers to stay and continue to serve their communities. Fire departments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation rely heavily on volunteer firefighters and EMS first responders. We need to make sure that those who volunteer their time to serve have affordable housing in their community, said Senator Baldwin. For someone who wants to be a volunteer firefighter, or for someone who is currently is, this bipartisan legislation would make owning a home more affordable and help with volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. Expanding the eligibility for qualified volunteer emergency responders to participate in federal housing assistance programs has a number of benefits, said Senator Rounds. It encourages volunteering, provides agencies with a recruitment and retention tool, makes it easier for volunteer responders to remain living in their communities, and is a great way to say thank you' for their service. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation to support our volunteer emergency responders. Volunteer first responders risk their lives to keep our families safe and our communities secure with no compensation for their efforts, said Senator Tester. This bill will make recruiting volunteers easier, and will help the men and women who respond to trouble afford to live in the communities they so bravely serve. Hundreds of rural communities across West Virginia rely on volunteer firefighters and EMS professionals, Senator Capito said. This bill works to address the staffing and retention issues many stations face by providing housing incentives. The goal is to encourage these local heroes to continue their brave work in their communities, and this bill will help accomplish that. The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act will help incentivize people in rural areas to volunteer for this critical service, said Senator Roberts. Many communities in Kansas are exclusively protected by volunteer first responders and it's critical we provide incentives like this to help recruit and retain these volunteers. This legislation makes it possible for more volunteer emergency responders to participate in the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. This existing program assists approved lenders in providing loans to low- and moderate- income households to build, rehabilitate or improve a home in eligible rural areas. The bill will allow volunteers to participate in the loan program even if their income exceeds the maximum allowable income level by up to $18,000. It also makes volunteer emergency responders eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. This existing program gives law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians a 50 percent discount from the list price of a home located in a revitalization area. The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act is supported by National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Housing Assistance Council, National Rural Housing Coalition, National Association of Towns and Townships, National Association of Counties, Wisconsin State Firefighters Association, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, Wisconsin Counties Association and Wisconsin Towns Association. Senator Baldwin's collaborative and bipartisan effort to develop the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act is a critical step toward incentivizing and rewarding the fire and EMS volunteers that quietly protect and serve millions of Wisconsinites, stated Mike Koles, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Towns Association. In addition to putting out fires and saving lives during accidents and medical emergencies, increasingly Wisconsin's volunteers have provided exemplary leadership in responding to natural disasters. Yet, these heroes are retiring and not adequately being replaced with new volunteers. Affordable housing opportunities, such as created in this Act, are an essential tool in providing safe and vibrant communities throughout the Badger state. I'd like to thank Senator Baldwin and all of the bipartisan cosponsors of the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act for their leadership on this important issue, said National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Steve Hirsch. Many fire, EMS, and rescue departments are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain volunteer personnel. Helping volunteer emergency responders buy, renovate, or refinance their home is a fantastic retention incentive that also makes it easier for volunteers to continue living in the community where they serve. Local governments and first responders are on the front lines of protecting public health, safety and well-being, said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. Many counties, especially in rural areas, enlist volunteers to provide critical emergency services. We applaud this bipartisan effort to expand affordable housing opportunities for volunteer first responders and their families. More information on the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/veterans-overmedication-and-suicide-prevention-act-2019,U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Dan Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Overmedication Among Veterans,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.19 U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Dan Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Overmedication Among Veterans WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced theVeterans Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an independent expert study on the deaths of all veterans being treated at the VA who died by suicide or from a drug overdose in the last five years. I have worked across party lines to hold the VA accountable because too often our veterans have been prescribed drugs as a first resort before exploring other safer ways of getting the care they need. I'm proud to continue that work by leading this bipartisan effort with Senator Sullivan to confront the overmedication of veterans and prevent suicide deaths,said Senator Baldwin. Our veterans and their families deserve solutions to the challenges they face and this bipartisan legislation can help improve and save the lives of those that have served and sacrificed for our country. Throughout my service as an officer in the Marine Corps Reserve, I witnessed the struggles our servicemen and women experience in their search for proper care,said Senator Sullivan.It is our collective obligation as members of Congress and as American citizens to better understand the factors that contribute to veteran suicide, bolster preventative measures, and prevent these tragedies from occurring. Making sure that the VA has a holistic understanding of the information needed to stem veteran suicide is a critical step in this effort, and one that this bill makes great strides in addressing. This review would ensure that the VA has accurate information about the relationship between veteran suicides and prescription medication. Additionally, this legislation would direct the VA to perform a more comprehensive review of its behavioral health workforce with a focus on mental health counselors in an effort to address workforce shortages. These professionals will increase access to services and help reduce the incidence of suicide. In a September 2019 report released by the VA, the department confirmed that at least 60,000 veterans had died by suicide between 2008 and 2017. Among U.S. adults, the average number of suicides per day rose from 86.6 in 2005 to 124.4 in 2017. These numbers included 15.9 veteran suicides per day in 2005 and 16.8 in 2017. In 2017, the suicide rate forveterans was 1.5 times the rate for non-veteran adults, after adjusting for population differences in age and sex. The legislation would require a National Academies of Science study to review: The total number of veterans who died by suicide in the last five years; The total number of veterans who were involved in a violent, suicidal or accidental death; The prevalence of medications or illegal substances in the system of each veteran who died; The number of instances in which the veteran was concurrently on multiple medications prescribed by VA physicians or non-VA physicians; The percentage of veterans who are receiving non-medication first-line treatment (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) as treatment and its effectiveness compared with other treatments; An analysis, by state, of programs of the VA that collaborate with state Medicaid agencies, including an analysis of the sharing of prescription and behavioral health data for veterans; and Other aspects of care and recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of veterans. 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